West St. John High School students continue to set themselves apart when in comes to academic achievement.

The students’ Edgard school is one of five schools in Louisiana named State Finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest.

The competition encourages teachers and students to solve issues in their community using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for a chance to win a share of $2 million in technology.

West St. John High moved to this round of the competition for its interest in using STEM to address air quality in the infamous “Cancer Alley.”

As one of 255 State Finalists nationwide, the West St. John team must now create a lesson plan that puts their ideas into action.

Eventually, 51 State Winners (Washington, D.C. included) will be selected and receive $20,000 in technology for their school. State Winners will be revealed this month.

From the pool State Winners, 15 National Finalists will be selected. Finalists will pitch their idea live in New York to a panel of judges, and America will be able to vote on their favorite ideas.

Five National Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

School officials said this is West St. John’s first time as a state finalist in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest.

School District leaders WSJH science teacher Courtni Becnel has been working on the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest with the students.