The Natchitoches Parish School Board is proud to announce that Khloe Kaufman, an eighth-grade student at NSU Middle Lab School, has been named a 2026 Louisiana Student of the Year semifinalist for eighth grade—one of only eight students!

 

District Superintendent Dr. Grant Eloi, NSU Middle Lab Principal Natalie Ducote and NPSB Student Services staff surprised Khloe with the exciting news on campus this morning, with members of her family present to share in the celebration.

 

The Students of the Year program, led by the Louisiana Department of Education in partnership with the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, recognizes outstanding fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade students who demonstrate excellence in leadership, academic performance, achievements, citizenship, and service to their school and community.

 

Following a rigorous regional review process, only one student per grade level is selected from each of the state’s eight BESE regions. This distinction places Khloe among just eight eighth-grade students statewide to earn semifinalist recognition.

 

Seeing Khloe’s reaction and celebrating this moment with her family made the announcement especially meaningful for everyone involved. Natchitoches Parish Schools is overwhelmed with pride and honored to recognize a student who represents the excellence, character, and leadership found across the district.

 

An awards ceremony will be held later this school year to announce the overall 2026 Louisiana Students of the Year.