(KLFY) — The finalists for the 2025 Louisiana Students of the Year competition have been named, and Acadiana is well represented on the list.

The honorees include one 5th, 8th and 12th grader from Acadiana. Finalists will convene May 16 in Baton Rouge for an awards ceremony and the announcement of the Louisiana Students of the Year winners from each grade.

Finalists for 2025 Louisiana Students of the Year from Acadiana are:

• Grade 5: Anniston Elizabeth Guidry, Teche Elementary School, St. Martin Parish
• Grade 8: Rylann Renee Viator, Erath Middle School, Vermilion Parish
• Grade 12: Walker John Prejean, Lafayette High School, Lafayette Parish

Students are selected based on criteria that measure academic achievement, leadership skills, character, and service to their schools and communities, officials said. Regional selection committees also use electronic portfolios of accomplishments, along with student writing samples and interviews to assess the communications and critical thinking skills of each candidate.

Finalists were selected among student of the year winners from schools across the state. All Louisiana schools were eligible to submit one candidate. Students compete with their peers at the school system level and may advance to the zone and regional competitions.

Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley expressed his congratulations to all of the finalists.

“They represent the very best of Louisiana’s young scholars and leaders,” Brumley said. “We are proud to recognize academic excellence and look forward to celebrating with these students, their families, and educators in May.”

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