EATEL awards six local students with laptop computers

Six outstanding scholars from our local high schools were honored on April 22, at EATEL’s annual Technology Awards Ceremony, now in its 29th year. Focusing on the importance of both technology and academic success, EATEL presented one outstanding graduating senior from each high school in its serving area, Donaldsonville, Dutchtown, East Ascension, French Settlement, Maurepas and St. Amant, with a touch-screen, ultra-portable laptop computer. The ceremony was held in the lobby of EATEL’s Administration Building (406 E. Worthey Road, Gonzales, LA).

EATEL Technology Award applicants must have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher, actively participate in school and community activities, and plan to pursue their studies at a Louisiana-accredited college or university. These students must also plan to pursue a major in one of the STEM categories: science, technology, engineering, or math. The 2015 recipients were chosen from a pool of applicants by a counselor from each school.

“My hope for these students is that they’ll continue to persevere in their academic success as they seek their undergraduate degrees,” said Ashley Phillips, EATEL Executive Vice President, Infrastructure. “I hope that when they graduate, our Louisiana economy will provide them with great jobs, so that they can raise their families here and continue to be an integral part of our thriving community.”

“It’s such an affirmation of our community, of the work that we do in our school system, when we see these top-notch students who have profited so much from their opportunities and have accomplished so many things, at such a young age, and who are so well-poised and launched for the next phase of their lives,” said Dr. Patrice Pujol, Ed.D., Superintendent of Ascension Parish Public Schools. “I have no doubt that these will be amazing leaders in our community one day. I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to EATEL for recognizing these students and giving them these laptops so that they can further prosper in our ever-changing world.”

The following students are the 2015 EATEL Technology Award recipients:

Dominique Thomas of Donaldsonville High School

Dominique is quite active in her school career. She’s plays in the band and she’s a member of the Senior Beta Club, Navy J.R.O.T.C., River Road African American Museum Sign Language Ensemble, and National Society of Black Engineers – Jr. Pre-College Initiative. Dominique was nominated as the Donaldsonville Chamber’s Teenager of the Year. She was named the 12th grade Student of the Year at Donaldsonville High School.

She won 1st place at the Donaldsonville High School Chemistry Fair, and she’s been recognized on the Donaldsonville High School Distinguished Student and Principal’s lists, along with many other honors. Dominique plans to attend Grambling State University where she plans to study Computer Science. She hopes to become a Computer Software Engineer.

Christian Logarbo of Dutchtown High School

Christian is an Eagle Scout with perfect attendance for all his years of schooling. In addition to that, he has taken all honors and AP classes throughout high school. He’s a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Allied Health Program, and Interact. He is a tutor for athletes at Dutchtown and he has won the Gallant Griffin Award and Super Senior Award. Christian is also active in athletics having been a 4-year member of the football and track and field teams. Moreover, he is a proud member of the 2011 5A State Championship Track Team. Christian is also an active member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where he is an usher. He also volunteers for the church fair, food bank, and other projects for the youth group. Christian plans to attend Tulane University where he will pursue a doctorate degree in Biomedical Engineering. He hopes to work in the medical industry one day.

Anastasia Britton of East Ascension High School

For the last four years, Ana has played soccer at East Ascension where this year, she has served as team captain. She also coaches at Central Middle School. She has also served as the president the Beta Club and treasurer of the National Honor Society. Ana has also participated in DECA, FCS, EA's Senior Mentor Program, and Girl Scouts. In the fall, Ana will be attending Louisiana Tech University to major in Chemical Engineering. She would also like to obtain a master’s in business administration. She hopes to one day work in an executive position at a chemical company.

Joseph Baker of St. Amant High School

Joseph has earned 11 “top 10” placements at Mu Alpha Theta Competitions, 11 “top 3” placements at Science Club competitions and various other outstanding placements. He’s been a member of the Science Club, where he served as reporter twice and Vice President twice. He’s also been a committee member for Mu Alpha Theta and has been a part of the French Club and National Academic Quiz Tournament Team. Joseph is also an active member of the community as a boy scout and now a venturing scout. He also serves at his church’s children’s and high school ministries. Joseph plans to attend Northwestern State University where he will major in Physical Sciences/Pre-Engineering. He hopes to become a chemical engineer.

Tyler McMorris of French Settlement High School

Tyler has won many Academic Excellence Awards including the subjects of English, IBCA, Desktop Publishing, World Geography, World History, Algebra 2, Chemistry and Education for Careers. He has been on the honor roll every year while in high school. He placed Superior in Business Math at FBLA District 6 Leadership Conference in both 2012 and 2013. Tyler is the President of French Settlement High School’s Beta Club where he’s been a member since 9th grade and an officer every year after that. He is also Vice President of the FBLA Club and a member of the Science Club. Tyler is serving as Vice President of the Senior Class of 2015. He regularly volunteers at local ballparks, community events like the “Kids Korner” at the Creole Festival, church events, and events at school like French Settlement’s school-wide cleaning day. Tyler plans to study Information Systems and Decision Sciences and hopes to one day be a Computer Systems Analyst.

Sarah Hess of Maurepas High School

Sarah was named a Student of the Year nominee, Outstanding Sophomore, Outstanding Freshman, and where she was recognized for Outstanding Personal Character. She is a member of the Beta Club in which she has won membership and National Beta Participation awards. She’s President this year for the FFA Club in which she previously served as Parliamentarian, Reporter, and Secretary. She’s also the President for the 4-H Club in which she previously has served as Vice President and Secretary. She was even a camp counselor for the Louisiana State 4-H Camp. She is the Library Club Vice President and was a member of the Louisiana Teen Librarians Association. Sarah is a member of the St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Maurepas and in her spare time, is passionate about the Krewe of Erin, a philanthropic group in Ponchatoula whose goal is to promote the Irish Celtic Heritage and encourage the self-motivated empowerment of young ladies. In fact, after 13 years on the royal court, Sarah has been named the 2015 Queen of the Krewe of Erin and has been promoting the organization throughout the state. Sarah plans to attend Southeastern Louisiana University where she will major in Multi-Media Management. She hopes to establish a career in web and graphic design and communications.