Emery Claire Edwards, a fifth-grade student from Claiborne Parish, was recognized as a nominee in the Louisiana Department of Education’s 2026 Students of the Year program, honoring students who demonstrate excellence both in and beyond the classroom.

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, which highlights outstanding fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade students across the state. The program recognizes students for leadership, academic performance, achievements, citizenship, and service to their schools and communities.

Nominees are selected through a review process involving public, charter, and nonpublic schools within each BESE region. From the pool of regional nominees and honorees, select students will advance to the finalist stage later in the school year. Finalists will be announced and celebrated at a statewide awards ceremony, where one overall honoree per grade level will be named.