Louisiana names 2026 Students of the Year; elementary, middle and high school winners honored
June 20, 2026 | Department of Education, Boards & Commissions, Organizations, Executive, Louisiana
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Louisiana Department of Education honored 24 regional finalists and named Sania Siddiqui Forrest, Keziah Maryanne Christine Stewart and Melissa Ann Lee as the 2026 Louisiana Students of the Year at a statewide recognition ceremony.
The awards recognized one top student from each of eight regions in three grade bands — fifth, eighth and 12th grades — and highlighted academic achievement, extracurricular leadership and community service. The elementary winner, Sania Siddiqui Forrest, was praised for straight A grades, athletic and arts involvement, service activities and participation in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The middle school winner, Keziah Maryanne Christine Stewart, was noted for leadership roles and performances at venues including Carnegie Hall. The high school winner, Melissa Ann Lee, was recognized for statewide STEM advocacy, including TEDx speaking and founding the STEM to Bloom video series.
"Thank you to everyone who has helped me reach this goal," Sania Siddiqui Forrest said after being named the elementary Student of the Year, thanking teachers, her principal, parents and the superintendent. Keziah Maryanne Christine Stewart told attendees she believes "we are all in charge of our stories. We're all able to influence each other's story, and even the smallest voices can leave a big mark," and thanked family and mentors. Melissa Ann Lee, the high school honoree, said she is "very passionate about STEM education" and expressed gratitude to Ruston High School staff and family.
The ceremony proceeded by region for each grade band. Moderators named regional finalists from parishes across the state and asked guests and local dignitaries to stand in recognition. Several finalists'schools and local principals and superintendents were identified during the roll call; in one instance a Region 4 senior finalist was unable to attend and was represented by family and school staff.
The Board and the Department extended congratulations to all finalists and invited winners, honorees and officials to take photographs at an LDOE backdrop and to a post-ceremony reception. The event concluded with closing remarks and an invitation to network and enjoy refreshments in the lobby.
The program highlighted student achievement across academics, arts and community service and emphasized statewide efforts to showcase K-12 leadership and STEM engagement. No policy actions, votes or formal decisions were taken during the ceremony. Future follow-up items were limited to reception logistics and photo opportunities arranged by the Department.
The awards recognized one top student from each of eight regions in three grade bands — fifth, eighth and 12th grades — and highlighted academic achievement, extracurricular leadership and community service. The elementary winner, Sania Siddiqui Forrest, was praised for straight A grades, athletic and arts involvement, service activities and participation in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee. The middle school winner, Keziah Maryanne Christine Stewart, was noted for leadership roles and performances at venues including Carnegie Hall. The high school winner, Melissa Ann Lee, was recognized for statewide STEM advocacy, including TEDx speaking and founding the STEM to Bloom video series.
"Thank you to everyone who has helped me reach this goal," Sania Siddiqui Forrest said after being named the elementary Student of the Year, thanking teachers, her principal, parents and the superintendent. Keziah Maryanne Christine Stewart told attendees she believes "we are all in charge of our stories. We're all able to influence each other's story, and even the smallest voices can leave a big mark," and thanked family and mentors. Melissa Ann Lee, the high school honoree, said she is "very passionate about STEM education" and expressed gratitude to Ruston High School staff and family.
The ceremony proceeded by region for each grade band. Moderators named regional finalists from parishes across the state and asked guests and local dignitaries to stand in recognition. Several finalists'schools and local principals and superintendents were identified during the roll call; in one instance a Region 4 senior finalist was unable to attend and was represented by family and school staff.
The Board and the Department extended congratulations to all finalists and invited winners, honorees and officials to take photographs at an LDOE backdrop and to a post-ceremony reception. The event concluded with closing remarks and an invitation to network and enjoy refreshments in the lobby.
The program highlighted student achievement across academics, arts and community service and emphasized statewide efforts to showcase K-12 leadership and STEM engagement. No policy actions, votes or formal decisions were taken during the ceremony. Future follow-up items were limited to reception logistics and photo opportunities arranged by the Department.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
