South Highlands 5th grader recognized as LA Student of the Year | Schools

BATON ROUGE, LA (KSLA) - Louisiana education leaders announced the state's 2012 Student of the Year winners and honored 18 regional finalists. Among those honored, South Highlands Elementary fifth grader, Georgia Hilburn.

Hilburn is a straight A student and a participant in the Duke Talent Identification Program, according to the State Department of Education. She is also an avide reader and aspiring poet, receiving an Award of Merit in the Caddo Parish Teacher Association's Intermediate Reflections of Literature competition. Hilburn also won her school's 2011 D.A.R.E. Essay contest.

Hilburn has also reportedly served as a student council representative and a Volunteer Peer Helper at South Highlands Elementary. Outside of school, the department noted she is active in the community. She has in the past, held a rummage sale for flood victims and raised money for St. Jude.

Each year, the state of Louisiana recognizes extraordinary students through the Student of the Year awards program. 

The 18 regional finalists include one student from grades 5, 8, and 12. The eighth grade Student of the Year is Samhita Rao of Glasgow Middle School in East Baton Rouge Parish. The twelfth grade Student of the Year is Jennifer Tu of Benjamin Franklin High School in Orleans Parish.

For a complete list of the 2012 Regional Finalists, please click here

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