The accomplishments of Zachary’s 2024 students of the year as well as an essay contest winner and school nutrition professionals took center stage at the Zachary Community School Board’s April 16 meeting.

Each of Zachary’s seven campuses named a student of the year.

“The work that they do to be recognized as students of the year goes far beyond them,” said Superintendent Ben Necaise. “They put in so much time and effort, but it’s also family support and the whole family support structure that really allows a student to be this successful.”

Necaise presented the winners trophies and cookie cakes, and the students’ principals were on hand to speak about their achievements.

The students of the year are Ida Becker, Zachary Early Learning Center; Karah Baker, Northwestern Elementary School; Mai Pentney, Rollins Place Elementary School; Paiton Gould, Zachary Elementary School; Eryn Jenkins, Copper Mill Elementary School; Ila Best, Northwestern Middle School; and Nyla Doiron, Zachary High School.

Also honored at the meeting was Zachary High School student Madelyn Snyder, who won a trip to Washington, D.C., this summer as a finalist in the DEMCO Youth Tour essay contest. Necaise awarded Snyder a medal bearing the school district’s logo.

Snyder’s essay topic was inspired by her mother, who is a teacher.

“I decided to write my essay on teacher pay and how that’s relevant right now with teacher shortages,” Snyder told the board. “She just really inspired me, and I think all my teachers, really, at Zachary schools have been so great. I think they deserve so much recognition.”

Later in the meeting, board president Elecia Lathon read a proclamation setting May 3 as School Lunch Hero Day.

Bianca Coats, supervisor of child nutrition, said the cafeteria employees who serve meals to hundreds of students every day are invaluable assets.

“If you stop by any cafeteria to watch a school nutrition professional prepare healthy meals for students, all the while adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies and offering serving with a smile, you’ll see your true heroes,” Coats said.