Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts Introduces New Awards During its 40th Commencement Ceremony

The Excelsior Award and the Iris Award are both annual awards established by gifts from LSMSA alumni. Both awards were presented to graduating seniors for the first time on May 18. The Excelsior Award was established by Peter and Thao Marzullo, both members of the Class of ‘94, in order to recognize LSMSA seniors who demonstrate excellence in student and community leadership.

 

To be considered as a candidate for the Excelsior Award, students must prove to be role models who inspire others to work collaboratively and creatively, demonstrate initiative, promote a living/learning environment that is respectful, collegial, and supportive, and foster pride in LSMSA. A $2,000 cash prize comes with this recognition. The inaugural recipient of the Excelsior Award is Bella Farleigh, of Destrehan. The award was presented to Farleigh by Dean of Students Christie Price.

 

The Iris Award was established in 2022 by Clayton Trosclair, a member of the Class of ’96, and his husband, Denis Nudel. The purpose of the Iris Award, which includes a $1,000 cash prize, is to recognize a graduating senior whose path of leadership and service cannot be replicated. LSMSA's first recipient of the Iris Award is Gavin Taylor, of Baker. The award was presented to Taylor by Director of the Living Community Randi Washington.

 

One hundred one graduates joined the ranks of LSMSA alumni during the 40th Commencement Ceremony, bringing the total number of LSMSA alumni across Louisiana to 5,705. The Class of ‘24 earned a total of $31,032,100 in merit-based scholarships. More than eighty-six percent of the class took advantage of dual enrollment at Northwestern State University, and they collectively earned 3,200 hours of college credit.

 

LSMSA is a top-ranked public high school for Louisiana's best and brightest sophomores, juniors, and seniors. For more information, or to apply for admission to LSMSA, visit www.lsmsa.edu.