The East Baton Rouge Parish School System has thousands of outstanding students who are involved in everything from the arts to philanthropy and who have gone above and beyond on test scores and their grade point averages.  Seventy-four school sites’ Students of the Year were nominated for the district-wide awards, and the three who walked away winners are representative of the best and brightest in our School System.
 
The three district winners, one for each level, received plaques plus a $50 cash prize from the event’s co-sponsor, Neighbors Federal Credit Union.  They next go to the regional competition.  The state contest follows.  The district’s winners are:

ELEMENTARY STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Rosemary Johnson, Fifth Grade, Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School

Johnson is a fifth-grade student at Westdale Heights Academic Magnet (WHAM) School and is involved in a multitude of things in and outside of school.  She is a  Science Club member and loves working in the WHAM garden and with the animals in the science lab.  Johnson also is a member of the Yearbook Committee and loves to write and capture pictures.  Outside school, she plays soccer and enjoys spending time with her family. 

With her sights set on becoming a marine biologist, Johnson plans to study the coral reefs of Australia.  Her parents are Kim Kennedy and Scott Johnson.
 
“WHAM is very proud of Rose for being named the district’s Elementary Student of the Year.  She is a bubbly, personable excellent student who will represent our school and our district well,” said WHAM Principal Norma Church.

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Anjana Nair, Eighth Grade, Woodlawn Middle School

Nair is an eighth-grade student participating in the Gifted Program at Woodlawn Middle School.  Her current grade point average is a 4.0   She has served as a school ambassador for the Gifted & Talented Program for the past two years and is a member of the Beta Club, the National Honor Society, the Disney Y.E.S. Club, Panther Safety Patrol and the Advanced School Choir.

Currently, Nair is one of the best library helpers around, according to Cindy Phillips, the schools Gifted & Talented coordinator.  Last year, she participated in the Social Studies Fair at the state level with her entry. She also received state recognition as a Duke Talent Search participant and scored a 20 on the ACT.  Along with several other students, Nair is a spokesperson for ICARE’sViolence Prevention Campaign.   She wants to become a psychiatrist and work as a drug counselor.   She is the daughter of Suresh and Deepthi Nair.

Woodlawn Middle School Principal Shelly Colvin has always been impressed by Nair.  “Anjana is one of the students that you come in contact with and remember forever,” she said.  “After 31 years as an educator and many, many students, I can say that about only a few students.”

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE YEAR
David Holmes, 12th Grade, Baton Rouge Magnet High School

Holmes attended several East Baton Rouge Parish School System schools, including the Baton Rouge Center for Visual & Performing Arts, Glasgow Middle School and now Baton Rouge Magnet High School.  His hobbies include playing basketball, playing the viola and collecting books and coins. 

“Being named Student of the Year was a surreal moment,” Holmes said.  “Never had I dreamed of receiving such an honor, and I am humbled by the administration’s belief in me and the appreciation for what I do.  I am just so thankful to God and see this as simply one indicator of even better things to come!”  His parents are Carolyn and Herman Holmes, who also attended Baton Rouge High. 

Nanette McCann, principal of Baton Rouge Magnet High School, said, “David serves as the Student Government president and does so as my right hand.  Through his leadership as a student, he is motivated and driven to make a difference in the lives of others.  I am very proud that he will represent East Baton Rouge Parish and Baton Rouge Magnet High School as the 2011 Student of the Year.”