Photo by Kacie Fuselier

Senior Honored as Diocesan Student of Year

St. Joseph’s Academy senior Bonnie McLindon has been named the Diocesan Student of the Year in the Students of the Year Awards Program, sponsored by the Louisiana State Superintendent through the state Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. As a regional finalist, McLindon will now move onto the state level and compete for the title of High School Student of the Year.

“I was so honored to be chosen for this award...” Bonnie McLindon 10

“Bonnie is an outstanding representative of St. Joseph’s Academy,” said Principal Linda Fryoux Harvison. “She is a well-rounded young woman who embodies all three elements of our mission statement: faith development, academic excellence and personal growth. Time and time again, she has demonstrated her commitment to excellence in all that she does.”

Student of the Year honorees are recognized for academic achievement, leadership, activities, recognitions and service/citizenship. In addition to submitting a biographical narrative, regional candidates were asked to write a short composition and were interviewed by the Regional Achievement Committee.

“I was so honored to be chosen for this award, and the application process was a great way to look back at my high school career in its entirety,” McLindon said. “To apply, I made a profile outlining my high school activities, academics and writing samples. As I gathered the materials and looked at old pictures, certificates and memorabilia, I really recognized how much my school, teachers and family contributed to everything I’ve done in high school.”

McLindon said she hopes to do well at the state-level competition, “but achieving this honor would be no less wonderful if I do not,” she said. “I know that I could not have done everything that has gotten me to this point without all of the support of my family, school, friends and teachers.”

Mary Beth Elfert, senior-level counselor, had high praise for McLindon’s accomplishments. “To be chosen as Student of the Year in our diocese is such a great honor for Bonnie and SJA,” she said. “I certainly understand why she was selected because she is truly a remarkable student with many talents and achievements. I really don’t know how she does it all.” 


Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director