Ashton Proctor of Vacherie was recently awarded acceptance into Louisiana State University’s Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professors Program.

Proctor distinguished himself among an outstanding group of candidates through his qualifications, essays and interview.

The acceptance of participation as an HHMI undergraduate scholar allows him to receive a stipend of $1,200 for the spring 2013 semester as well as have the opportunity to conduct research during the academic year and have increased opportunities for paid summer research.

Proctor is a 2012 graduate of St. James High School and the Science and Math Academy. He is currently a sophomore at LSU.

Proctor is the son of Joann Proctor and the grandson of Elouise and Joseph Fiffie Sr.