EDUCATION

EATEL recognizes 2013 Top Scholars

Staff Writer
Gonzales Weekly Citizen
Pictured (L to R): Ascension Superintendent of Schools Patrice Pujol, French Settlement High School Top Scholar Jonathan Gordon, Donaldsonville High School Top Scholar Carly Harris, Maurepas High School Top Scholar Kaitlyn Carroll, Miss Jun (filling in for college-visiting big sister, Dutchtown High School Top Scholar Yennie Jun), East Ascension High School Top Scholar Rebecca Austin, St. Amant High School Top Scholar Blake Gautreaux, and Livingston Parish Superintendent of Schools John Watson.

EATEL recently partnered with the Ascension and Livingston Parish School systems to host the 2013 Top Scholar's Banquet. The seventh annual event recognized the academic success of six high school students, as well as the teachers they selected as having been most influential in their lives. In addition, EATEL presented each student with a $250 gift card to use towards future academic supplies. The students' chosen teachers received a $50 gift card for classroom purchases.

The recognized Top Scholars and their chosen teachers included:

• Carly Harris, Donaldsonville High School

- 4.29 GPA.

- Plans to attend Southern University A & M College & major in Nursing

- Honored her teacher: Tarwarnisha Thompson , Lowery Elementary School

• Rebecca Austin, East Ascension High School

- 4.79 GPA

- Plans to attend Louisiana State University & major in Chemical Engineering

- Honored her teacher Jamie Andrews, East Ascension High School

• Blake Gautreaux, St. Amant High School

- 4.77 GPA

- Plans to attend Louisiana Tech University & major in Chemical Engineering

- Honored his teacher: Daniel Hidalgo, St. Amant High School

• Yennie Jun, Dutchtown High School

- 4.69 GPA

- Plans to attend Tufts University in Massachusetts & major in History

- Honored her teacher: Jennifer Sciortino, Dutchtown High School

• Kaitlyn Carroll, Maurepas High School

- 3.96 GPA

- Plans to attend Southeastern Louisiana University & major in Chemical Engineering

- Honored her teacher: Lori Hess, Maurepas High School

• Jonathan Gordon, French Settlement High School

- 4.0 GPA

- Plans to attend Southeastern Louisiana University & major in Biology

- Aspires to be a pharmacist

- Honored his teacher: Daniel Martin, French Settlement High School

"This year's EATEL Top Scholars have shown that they are successful both in and out of the classroom," said Ashley Phillips, EATEL Chief Operating Officer. "They have excellent grades yet also manage to give back to their communities. I have no doubt that they will change our world and make it a better place."

Held at Sno's Restaurant in Gonzales, the evening included dinner and a video presentation featuring the top scholars. Jenny Heroman, EATEL Community Coordinator, emceed the event. Ascension Parish School System Superintendent Patrice Pujol, Livingston Parish School System Superintendent John Watson, and EATEL Chief Operating Officer Ashley Phillips each addressed the audience, giving the scholars some words of wisdom as well as messages of encouragement and best wishes.