Natchitoches Central High School has announced six candidates for its Student of the Year recognition. The recipient will be announced during the school’s upcoming pep rally.
The candidates are Jazmine Boswell, Skylar Campa, Derek Davis, Kylee Hickman, Kaden Kuykendall and Braxton Lambert.
Jazmine Boswell is an active member of Chief Council, PBIS, JROTC and the Lady Chiefs soccer team, where she serves as a team captain. She was recently selected to join the National Honor Society. Boswell has also participated in the Walk for Autism and the NCHS Veterans Day Program and assisted with the Lady Chiefs soccer camp during the summer. She plans to pursue cosmetology after graduation.
Skylar Campa is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club and Chief Council. Her volunteer activities include participating in the Calico Belles, tutoring students in mathematics and serving in the church kitchen at United Baptist Church of Campti.
“Throughout high school, I have learned that true success means not only achieving my goals, but also making a positive impact on others. I strive to lead with integrity and compassion as I pursue my dream of becoming a pediatrician and advocating for children,” Campa stated.
Derek Davis participates in the National Honor Society, Pride of the Tribe, Mayor’s Youth Council, NCHS men’s basketball team, African-American History Club and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence program.
Davis also participated in the Literary Rally and advanced to the State Literary Rally in 2026. He plans to attend Louisiana State University in the fall, majoring in kinesiology with the goal of becoming a physical therapist.
Kylee Hickman is a member of the National Honor Society, president of the Book Club and a section leader for the Pride of the Tribe. She serves as the FFA chapter reporter, coordinator for FFA outreach meetings and coordinator for FFA Leadership Development Event and Career Development Event practices.
Her community involvement includes serving as a church youth ministry leader, coordinating civic engagement and outreach activities for local community programs and volunteering as a dog washer at a local animal shelter.
Hickman plans to become an anesthesiologist while also pursuing biotechnology and clinical research. Her long-term goal is to own and manage a women’s health clinic.
Kaden Kuykendall serves as captain of the NCHS football team and is a member of the varsity baseball team, Chief Council, National Honor Society, Key Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He also provides tours of NCHS for returning alumni, has represented the school at the district Literary Rally and was selected as Mr. NCHS Sweetheart by faculty and staff.
Kuykendall attends First Baptist Church in Natchitoches, where he participates in youth services and volunteer activities. He plans to major in pre-physical therapy and hopes to continue playing baseball at the university he attends.
Braxton Lambert is a member of the NCHS men’s soccer and cross-country teams. He also serves as co-editor of the school’s yearbook, Chinquapin, and participates in NCHS Ed-Rising and the National Honor Society.
Lambert has been involved with Camp Ozark and plans to serve as a junior camp counselor this year. Following graduation in the spring, he plans to attend Louisiana Tech University to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.