RESERVE — Aubrey Stewart, a senior at East St. John High School, prepares himself for the future by endeavoring in as much independent study as he possibly can.

While Stewart may enjoy the perks of in-class lectures, he allows himself to gain further knowledge of the topics bestowed upon him. Presenting information will never be enough; Stewart likes to ask the question “why” and is prepared to find out the reasons for what is supposed to be understood.

When asked what has made his high school career successful, Stewart was quick to respond that entering Yong Suk Lowery’s class in his junior year was probably the most influential and valuable decision Stewart made in his high school career.

Lowery, a dual-enrollment and advanced placement teacher, is credited for broadening Stewart’s view and thirst for education. Stewart believes Lowery brought about a sense of ignorance within him, and he wanted to replace it with wisdom.

Lowery constantly presents Stewart with information and facts he did not realize were out there.

Stewart also claims his love for classical music has allowed him to become successful in his high school career. The organization of the masterpieces has assisted Stewart, keeping him focused on his studies.

Stewart participates in school activities to further complete his efforts to become the well-rounded student.

In his freshman year, Stewart exhibited his leadership skills by being elected class president. With a passion for chess, Stewart established the first chess club in years at East St. John and was an active tutor of the game.

Stewart displayed his athleticism in his choice to run cross country and competed in various races. He also participated in the statewide college preparation summer program, La Gear Up, attending the science, technology, engineering and math camp at LSU.

Outside of school, Stewart does one-on-one ACT tutoring and tutoring in the core subjects at the local library; tutoring subjects are based on the needs of who he is tutoring.

During his freshman year, Stewart received a perfect score on his Geometry End of Course test.  Continuing his flawless streak, he also obtained perfect EOC scores in English II and English III. His desire to extend knowledge pushed Aubrey to challenge himself to take Advanced Placement courses.

After semesters of hard work and diligent studying, Stewart managed to reach a 5, the highest possible score, on the U.S. Government and U.S. History AP exams. For all four years, Stewart has been selected to participate in the Literary Rally’s math division.

As it is famously known, hard work does pay off, and Stewart’s ACT score of 31 reflects all of his meticulous study habits. Stewart participated in the math competition at the district Senior Beta convention and came out on top, earning first place.

Wowing the judges with his oration, writing and professionalism, Stewart was selected the East St. John’s Student of the Year, as well as the St. John the Baptist Parish Student of the Year.

After graduation, Stewart is looking forward to having the independence of studying on a basis broader than a statewide curriculum on a scholastic campus. He would like to study and major in physics and philosophy.

Philosophy interests Stewart because it is the study of objective and tangible truths. This belief of objectivity and tangibility also piques Stewart’s curiosity in physics, which represents the experimental values that lead to a concrete and certain answer.