Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) officially welcomed 136 new students during its 43rd annual Matriculation Ceremony held on Aug. 29. First-year LSMSA students from Ouachita Parish include: Hayley Jacobs, Vaishnavi Sri Morampudi, Alexis Morris, and T’Meriunna Ross.
After gaining acceptance through a selective application process, these students were invited to attend the tuition-free, state-funded residential school for high-achieving, academically motivated students. Classes began Aug. 20.
The group of new students comprises 74 new sophomores, 56 new juniors, and 6 new seniors, representing 66% of the state’s parishes. Matriculants joined LSMSA leadership onstage to sign the school’s enrollment roster, an annual tradition that officially registers them as members of LSMSA. Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton formally welcomed students and their families to LSMSA.
"I hope you’re discovering what it means to be part of a community where excellence is the norm, where curiosity is contagious, and where your peers challenge and inspire you to be your best self,” said Dr. Horton.
The keynote address, delivered by LSMSA Associate Lecturer of English Dr. Kristi Pope Key, used the examples of American writers Walt Whitman and Ralph Waldo Emerson to urge students to be open to inspiration and community.
“Go forward, seek, work, achieve, and persist. Be aware of your influence on others. Be aware of those who influence you,” said Dr. Key. “And be thankful in each case.”
Processional music was performed by the LSMSA Mixed Ensemble, conducted by Instructor of Instrumentals, Composition, and Ensemble Michael Young. The National Anthem was sung by Sophie Lee (’26), of Bossier Parish, and Graci Noel (’26), of Vermilion Parish. The LSMSA alma mater was sung by Sofia Anello (’26), of St. Tammany Parish. The senior class reflection was delivered by Senior Class President Anna Weaver (’26) of Natchitoches Parish. Following the ceremony, students returned home to enjoy the first Extended Weekend of the academic year.
LSMSA is Louisiana’s preeminent state-supported residential high school with competitive admissions for high-achieving, highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition to attend, and assistance from the LSMSA Foundation ensures that the program is accessible to all qualifying students regardless of financial circumstances. For more information, or to apply for admission to LSMSA, visit http://www.LSMSA.edu.