Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) officially welcomed 134 new students during its 44th annual Matriculation Ceremony on Sept. 4. First-year LSMSA students from Natchitoches Parish include: Lilly Boyd, Sydney Culotta, Grace Day, Jada Drake, Kenzie Drury, Tano Eleyae, Piper Foshee, Anthony Giannone Flores, Eli Hypes, Callie Mangum, Patrick Martinez, Nokue Mazhandu, Amelia Picou, and Joshua Walsworth.
After a competitive application process, these students were invited to attend the tuition-free, state-funded residential school for high-achieving, academically motivated students.
The group of new students comprises 65 new sophomores, 68 new juniors, and 1 new senior, representing 56% of the state’s parishes. During the ceremony, new students were invited on-stage to cement their place in LSMSA’s ever-growing history by signing the matriculation book. This act publicly demonstrates their commitment to the school’s traditions, curriculum, and legacy to family, faculty, staff, alumni, and peers in attendance.
Executive Director Dr. Jason Anderson formally welcomed the new students and their families to LSMSA at the ceremony’s opening.
“My hope is that even in these first few weeks you are starting to notice something changing in you. It may be quiet, it may be subtle, and it is still taking shape,” said Dr. Anderson. “I hope you are beginning to understand that your gifts are not fixed in place: they can grow, and so can you. You can learn more, you can lead more, and become more than you may have imagined when you first arrived here three weeks ago.”
LSMSA Athletics Director Dale Clingerman delivered the keynote address, giving advice to the newest eagles on what to expect during their time at the school. Clingerman encouraged students to take full advantage of their new opportunities, embrace their newfound family, and engage with life at LSMSA to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Processional music was performed by the LSMSA Mixed Ensemble, conducted by Instructor of Instrumentals, Composition, and Ensemble Michael Young. The National Anthem was sung by Ana Reynolds-Perez (‘27), of Natchitoches Parish. The LSMSA alma mater was sung by Deputy Executive Director Josh Finch. The senior class reflection was delivered by Senior Class President Kylie Pierce (‘26) of Lafourche Parish. Following the ceremony, students returned home to enjoy the first Extended Weekend of the academic year.
An archived recording of the 2026 Matriculation livestream is available for viewing on the school’s profile at vimeo.com/LSMSA.
LSMSA is Louisiana’s preeminent state-supported residential high school with competitive admissions for high-achieving, highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition to attend, and assistance from the LSMSA Foundation ensures that the program is accessible to all qualifying students regardless of financial circumstances. For more information about LSMSA, or to apply for the fall 2027 academic year, visit lsmsa.edu.
Pictured from left, first row: Jada Drake, Callie Mangum, Grace Day, Piper Foshee, Kenzie Drury, Patrick Martinez, Sydney Culotta, and Nokue Mazhandu; second row: Amelia Picou, Eli Hypes, Anthony Giannone Flores, Tano Eleyae, Joshua Walsworth, and LSMSA Executive Director Dr. Jason Anderson