Natchitoches – The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts recently honored 148 new students during the school’s Matriculation Ceremony held at Northwestern State University’s A.A. Fredericks Auditorium in Natchitoches.

The ceremony recognized students’ accomplishments, reinforced their commitment to LSMSA and encouraged them to apply the necessary diligence to persevere until reaching commencement.

“We recognize and celebrate the achievements that prepare students for LSMSA,” said Executive Director Patrick Widhalm. “We hope from this day forward our students will expand their capacity to work and to learn with able peers of high ability.”

Widhalm said the Matriculation Ceremony is second in importance only to the Graduation Ceremony.

“We honor the accomplishments that bring each new student through the admissions process and into LSMSA, and we underscore our commitment to helping each student achieve his or her potential as an LSMSA Eagle.”

Senator Ben Nevers, who represents District 12 in Bogalusa and served as keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of a solid education.

“I know the future of this state and this nation lies in the hands of a good education,” said Nevers. “You are going to make the USA greater with the knowledge you gain at the Louisiana School.”

LSMSA’s new students represent 38 of the 64 parishes in Louisiana. The new seniors have an entering ACT average of 28. The new juniors enter LSMSA with a 26 average ACT score while the sophomore class ACT average is 25. The state average at the time of high school graduation is 20.

The local students that were honored are:

St. John parish

Cheyenne Ortiz, LaPlace

St. Charles parish

Katelyn Fitzpatrick, Destrehan

Elizabeth Weinell, Destrehan

St. James parish

Ethan Guerra, Lutcher

Whitley Mendoza, Lutcher

Alexander Adams, Vacherie