Local pair earn scholarships

Pelican State Credit Union has announced that graduating seniors Jordan Himel and Hannah Givens are two of the winners of Pelican State Credit Union’s 2024 Team Pelican Scholarship Program.

The Team Pelican Scholarship Program is an exclusive benefit for Team Pelican Youth Savings Account members. Pelican selected 13 finalists for academic achievements, acts of service, and inspirational goals.

Himel is one of the $1,000 scholarship winners. She is a member of Senior Beta and played on the softball team at South Beauregard High School. In addition to maintaining a 3.9 GPA, Himel is passionate about volunteering to help those with disabilities and often spent her summers volunteering with programs across the country. She was also nominated for Student of the Year in recognition of her academic achievements.

Givens is one of the $2,000 scholarship winners, winning for both her academic achievements and commitment to overcoming adversity. She is a heavily involved athlete at Welsh High School, competing on the softball, powerlifting, basketball, track, cheerleading, and volleyball teams throughout her four years. Givens is also an Interact Club and Beta Club member, and she volunteered with Kiwanis in her community. She is also honored to represent her community as Miss Welsh in 2023.

Himel was accepted into McNeese University and plans to major in early childhood education. Givens was accepted into Louisiana Tech University and plans to major in accounting.

Educators of Year honors

BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Education has announced the 67 educators advancing one step closer to being named the state’s best. The LDOE named its 2025 Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year Semifinalists, 2025 Louisiana Early Childhood Teacher and Leader of the Year Finalists, and the 2024 Louisiana New Teacher of the Year Finalists.

“It is an honor to celebrate the significance of the education profession and those who choose to serve the next generation,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “These remarkable teachers and leaders are making a profound impact on the lives of students and the future of Louisiana.”

Louisiana Teacher of the Year Semifinalists:

Allen Parish — Christian Harrington

Calcasieu Parish — Dr. Suresh Chiruguru.

Louisiana Principal of the Year Semifinalists:

Beauregard Parish — S. Chad Schulz

Calcasieu Parish — Dr. Shonna Anderson

Vernon Parish — Jennifer Wilbanks.

Louisiana New Teacher of the Year Finalist for high schools:

Calcasieu Parish — Tiffany Pfeifer.

All semifinalists and finalists will be honored at the 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on July 27

Two named to honor society

BATON ROUGE — Two Southwest Louisiana students were recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

They are Zachary LeBlanc of Lake Charles, a student at Louisiana State University; and Jazlyn Vallot of Lake Charles, a student at University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.