Locals among LSMSA’s 35th graduating class
Bossier Parish – Esther Seo of Bossier City, Shivam Shah of Bossier City, Casey Tonnies* of Bossier City, Christopher Tonnies of Bossier City
Caddo Parish – Caroline Adkins of Shreveport, Donavan Dowden of Shreveport, Joshua Lewis of Shreveport, Oluwatobi “Tobi” Ojemakinde of Shreveport, Ryleigh “Mei” Scott of Shreveport, Annie Tyler of Vivian
DeSoto Parish – Calissa Miller of Keatchie, Garrett Pattison of Grand Cane
Webster Parish – Victoria “Arden” Miller of Shongaloo
Natchitoches—The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts (LSMSA) honored 113 graduating seniors at the school’s 35th Commencement Ceremony, which took place in Northwestern State University’s (NSU) Prather Coliseum on Saturday, May 18.
The ceremony was led by Executive Director Dr. Steven G. Horton, who expressed great pride in the Class of 2019.
“Every one of you are heading to college,” said Horton. “Fifty-six percent of you are staying in Louisiana and will attend 24 colleges and universities throughout the state. Forty-four percent of you are headed to 36 different universities throughout the United States. One of you is headed to Quebec, Canada, one of you is participating in a youth exchange program in Germany, and another is enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. You have been awarded $36,062,909 in merit-based scholarships. This award is the highest award in the school’s history.”
Joining Horton were featured speakers and vocalists from the senior class. Brynlee Daigle performed the National Anthem, Cydnie Andrepont delivered the Pledge of Allegiance and Daniel Metzger gave the Senior Address to the Class of 2019.
“And now, we scatter across the country, ready to do great things and start new adventures” said Metzger. “Graduating seniors: the dance we do at LSMSA is over, but the friends and the memories we made are timeless. Moving into the rest of your lives, never forget to enjoy the present.”
The ceremony incorporated several time-honored traditions. At the beginning of the event, LSMSA faculty and staff entered the auditorium in full graduate regalia and were joined by Gonfalonieres, or “flag bearers,” who carried Gonfalons that represented each of the school’s major disciplines. The Creative and Performing Arts Department gonfalon was held by Christopher Comeaux, the Humanities Department was represented by Lily Orgeron, the Languages Department gonfalon was held by Senior Class President Rachel Judson, the Math and Computer Science gonfalon was brought in by Jordan Byrd, and Colt Crain represented the Sciences Department. Following, the rest of the graduating class filed into the auditorium to excited applause.
The school was honored to have First Lady Donna Edwards serve as the ceremony’s Commencement Speaker.
“To the 35th graduating class of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, congratulations,” said Edwards. “I am so honored that you have asked me to share this special day with you. You have worked incredibly hard to get to this moment, and I hope you feel a true sense of accomplishment.”
Edwards expressed how proud she was of her former student and graduating senior Jada Bezue, who recently received an award from the Educational Talent Search program. In conclusion, Edwards quoted a passage from the renowned children’s book “Oh, the Places You Will Go” by Dr. Seuss.
“‘Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!’ Graduates, I am confident that each of you will move mountains and help to make the world, our state and the community, a better place.”
After her speech, Sharon Gahagan, chair of LSMSA’s Board of Directors, gifted Edwards with an architectural rendering of the school’s future residence hall, of which Gov. John Bel Edwards helped secure funding for last September.
Director of Academic Services Dr. Kristi Pope Key and Director of Enrollment and Student Services Emily Shumate recited the names of each graduate as they received diplomas from Dr. Horton.
After the last student crossed the stage and returned to their seat, Horton conferred their diplomas as graduates moved their ceremonial tassels from right to left. He then gave one final address to graduates.
“We’re proud of you individually and collectively as the Class of 2019,” said Horton. “You’ve earned your place in the LSMSA tradition. Eagles, it is time for you to leave the nest. Soar, and make us proud.”
At the end of the program, senior Juan Cecchini led the auditorium in the school’s Alma Mater, followed by the time-honored tradition of the cap toss. As the last graduating class member exited the auditorium, the junior and sophomore classes took the seats of their predecessors, honoring them as the new official seniors and juniors of LSMSA.