Local Catholic Students Recognized on the State Stage

Outstanding students from dioceses across the state were honored at the Louisiana Catholic Student of the Year Awards Ceremony on March 27, hosted by the Diocese of Shreveport and Bishop Francis Malone with two students from the Archdiocese of New Orleans receiving top honors.

Kinleigh Jean Deogracias, fifth grader from Our Lady of Prompt Succor (OLPS) in Chalmette, and Layla LeBoeuf, eighth grader from Ursuline Academy, were recognized among a total of 21 students from all seven dioceses (seven finalists in each of the three categories) in the state of Louisiana for their academic excellence, leadership and commitment to their faith. The Louisiana Catholic Student of the Year program is a is a statewide competition recognizing one fifth, eighth and twelfth grade student who demonstrates excellence in discipleship, leadership, service, citizenship and academic achievement.

“These two young women truly embody what we hope to form in our students,” said Dr. RaeNell Houston, superintendent and executive director of the department of Catholic education and faith formation archdiocese of New Orleans. “What stood out most was not just their achievement, but their depth of character – the way they lead with humility, serve with intention and remain grounded in their faith. They are articulate, reflective and deeply aware that their gifts are meant to be used for others. The combination of excellence and purpose is what set them apart.”

The competition features a rigorous process that evaluates candidates first at the school level, then at the archdiocese level with winners advancing to the state level. Students are judged based on a comprehensive portfolio of accomplishments, a writing sample and an interview with a panel of unbiased judges. Students are assessed not only for their academic achievements, but also for their leadership roles in school, co-curricular activities, church parish and the wider community. Additional criteria include service, discipleship, citizenship and other awards, honors and accolades.

Judges from the Archdiocese of New Orleans Office of Catholic School and Faith Formation and members of the archdiocese staff select one Student of the Year representing fifth, eighth and twelfth grade students from amongst the 22 archdiocese schools.

Students advancing to the archdiocesan level submit materials that highlight their accomplishments, involvement and personal growth and have maintained a 3.2 cumulative grade point average during the past three years and first grading period of the current school year. A panel of judges reviews each submission using a common rubric, and top candidates are invited to participate in an interview with a second panel. Following the interviews, one Archdiocesan Student of the Year is selected at each grade level. These students then go on to represent the Archdiocese in the Louisiana Catholic School Student of the Year competition in March.

“This is a significant honor not only for these students, but for our entire Archdiocese. It reflects the strength of our schools and the mission that guides them,” Dr. Houston said.

“To have two students recognized at the state level speaks to a culture where students are formed academically, spiritually and as leaders of service. It’s a moment of pride for their schools, their families and our entire Catholic school community.” 

According to Our Lady of Prompt Succor, “Kinleigh continues to shine as a leader, a servant and a true example of what it means to live out our faith each and every day. We are beyond proud to celebrate this incredible accomplishment and the way she represents our OLPS family with grace and excellence.”

“Kinleigh is the fifth OLPS student in just the last seven years to earn an Archdiocesan title. That speaks volumes about the exceptional students we are blessed to have at our school – students who rise to the challenge, lead with heart and make us proud every single day,” they added.

Similarly, Ursuline Academy was also beaming with pride over LeBeouf’s accomplishment and shared the following, “We are beyond thrilled to see Layla's hard work and dedication recognized at the state level. Thank you for representing Ursuline Academy.”

LeBoeuf is in all honors classes at school, and her favorite subject is math. She is on the Student Council, eighth grade class president and enjoys performing in the school musical, the Academy choir and on the dance team. She is also part of the Quiz Bowl team, sustainability club, peer ministry, Queen’s Player’s theater group and Key Club.

“My advice to future applicants would be to be authentic in the opportunities you pursue and choose what truly matters to you,” Dr. Houston said. “Invest in all aspects of your growth, including academics, leadership, citizenship and discipleship. When students are engaged, serve others with purpose and lead with integrity, that comes through clearly.”

Students interested in participating in the 2027 Catholic Student of the Year Program must meet all of the required criteria and be nominated at the school level by a teacher or faculty member before January 2027.