Evangeline Marie Hilton, a fifth-grade student from Rapides Parish, was recognized as a nominee in the Louisiana Department of Education’s 2026 Students of the Year program, which honors students who exemplify excellence in academics, leadership, and service.

The Louisiana Department of Education, in partnership with the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), announced nominees for the 2026 Students of the Year program on Jan. 6. The statewide initiative recognizes outstanding fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade students for their leadership, academic performance, achievements, citizenship, and service to their schools and communities.

Students are selected through a competitive review process that includes public, charter, and nonpublic schools within each BESE region. From this group of nominees and regional honorees, finalists will be named later in the school year. Finalists will be recognized at a statewide awards ceremony, where one overall honoree per grade level will be selected.