Eighty-nine seniors from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) graduated during the school’s 42nd Commencement Ceremony on May 16, 2026, in Prather Coliseum on the campus of Northwestern State University.

 

After acknowledging school administrators, board members, faculty, and staff, Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton reflected on the school’s history, noting that commencement began in the same coliseum in 1985 with 172 graduates. He emphasized that the traditions established by that first class—including the keynote address and the conferring of diplomas—continue to shape the school’s identity and family spirit today.

 

The senior address, presented by Faith Grahmann, highlighted the unique bond of the Class of 2026, noting that many students chose LSMSA to find a community where they felt they belonged after feeling they did not fit in at previous schools. Grahmann reflected on the class’s resilience through unusual challenges, including a worldwide pandemic in middle school and, more recently, a “bat invasion of apocalyptic proportions” around spring break at LSMSA.

 

“We created a community that unites over each other’s differences… a community that could take kids who felt like they were alone and showed them that they were, in fact, in the best of company,” Grahmann said.

 

Keynote speakers for the ceremony included close friends, who are also two distinguished members of LSMSA’s charter class of 1985: George H. Knost III and retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Lenny Richoux.

 

Knost, President and Owner of Arkel International, focused on the transition from innate talent to character-driven success. Addressing the graduates’ status as “gifted” students, he noted that success will be defined by more than intelligence:

 

“Your success going forward from this day will be defined by more than hard work and intelligence. It will be defined by that plus integrity. Lead with ethics and integrity.”

 

He further urged graduates to find their driving force, stating, “One common theme behind success is passion. It’s the driver behind success. Find and tune your passion, and you will never be unsuccessful.”

 

Richoux, drawing from his 32-year military career and current role at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, challenged the class to lead lives of “servant leadership.”

 

“Take these talents, mature them, develop them, chase your dreams… take those gifts and give them back to the world. Open the door, put your hand out, elevate someone, and bring someone along. Never forget what the Louisiana School did for you—it took a chance on you, just like you took a chance on it.”

 

Of the 89 graduating seniors heading to university this fall, 57 percent will attend 12 colleges and universities in Louisiana, while 43 percent are headed to 32 different institutions throughout the U.S. and three institutions abroad. Collectively, the class was awarded a staggering $26,189,257 in merit-based scholarships. Additionally, over 75 percent of the graduates earned more than 1,500 hours of college credit through dual enrollment at Northwestern State University.

 

“You will continue to bring esteem and distinction to your alma mater, as generations of LSMSA graduates have done for more than four decades,” said Dr. Horton. “I challenge this class to continue excelling. To keep learning. To keep serving. And to remember that LSMSA will always, always be here for you”.

 

The ceremony concluded with a traditional Gaelic blessing performed by the LSMSA Choir and Orchestra, a tradition dating back to the school’s first commencement.

 

ABOUT LSMSA 

LSMSA is a tuition-free, public high school for high-achieving sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities. The LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families so that no eligible student is denied the school’s legacy of a college-level living/learning experience.

 

For more information about LSMSA, or to apply for admission, visit www.LSMSA.edu.