St. Tammany Parish Public School Students of the Year

The three Students of the Year representing the St. Tammany Parish Public School System for the 2008-2009 School Year were honored at the annual May Reception held recently at the C. J. Schoen Administrative Complex.

The outstanding students were chosen from the fifth, eighth, and twelfth grades based on criteria including writing ability, community involvement, academic success, and interview skills. They were chosen Students of the Year at the school level first, then at the district level.

Shalin Bhatt, a fifth grade student from Tchefuncte Middle School, was named Student of the Year for St. Tammany Parish public schools and was also named a finalist at the regional level. When being introduced at the May reception, his interest in science and community service was acknowledged. His activities at school include student government, 4-H, and the French Club, and his career goal is to become a neurologist. He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Suresh Bhatt.

The eighth grade district winner is Raya Islam from Boyet Junior High. At the May reception, she was congratulated for her outstanding academic record, her community service, and involvement in community sports programs. She won first place in her school’s science fair when she was in kindergarten, has been active for years in local Girl Scout programs, and has also taken part in school robotics challenges. She hopes to attend Duke University and major in international affairs in medicine so she can help less fortunate people across the globe. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Quazi T. Islam.

Samantha Lee Parker won the Student of the Year honors for the 12th grade level. While a student at Fontainebleau High School, she was active in honor societies, student government, and the quiz bowl. The daughter of Gordon and Dr. Janine Parker, who are both first responders, she has assisted in many blood drives and other community service projects. In addition to gathering an excellent academic record, she has been involved in volleyball, softball, ballet, gymnastics, figure skating, and piano. Her experiences during Hurricane Katrina taught her lessons that will last a lifetime, she said, and her mother’s career has inspired her to explore a career in the medical field.

During the School Board meeting following the May reception, Superintendent Gayle Sloan congratulated each Student of the Year and presented them with an award recognizing their achievement.

— St. Tammany Parish School Board