LSMSA Today_Summer04.pmd - Louisiana School for Math ...

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR MATH, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS
LSMSA Today
Non-Profit Org.
U. S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT No. 282
NATCHITOCHES, LA 71457
www.LSMSA.edu
Summer 2004 Page 1
Graduation: Class of 2004
By Slater Rhea, class of 2005
On May 15, 2004, the twentieth class of the Louisiana School for Math,
Science, and the Arts walked across the stage, and into LSMSA history.
Students joined the ranks of proud alumni in the ceremony which took place
in Northwestern State University’s Prather Coliseum. They recalled memories
of their time spent at LSMSA while thinking of their future.
Featured in the ceremony was speaker Sue Rosenthal. A member of
the first class and 1985 graduate of the Louisiana School, Rosenthal has had a
distinguished career in academic and professional life since her time at
LSMSA. Rosenthal came to LSMSA from Wettermark High in Boyce, La.
After her LSMSA graduation, where she was one of three student
speakers, Rosenthal went on to Howard University in Washington, D.C.,
where she majored in Microbiology and graduated Magna Cum Laude in
1989. In 1991, she earned a Master’s Degree in Immunology from Stanford
University in Palo Alto, California, and went on to work for two years as a
research assistant at LSU Medical Center.
In 1993, Rosenthal went back to school, studying law at the University
of Texas at Austin. She graduated from law school in 1996 and subsequently
became licensed to practice law in the State of Texas. She worked until 2000
as a commercial litigator at the Houston firm of Winstead, Secrest and Minick
P.C.
In February of 2000, she joined Abrams, Scott and Brickley, L.L.P.,
where she practices Toxic Tort defense litigation. Her firm represents the
Exxon-Mobil Corporation, Shell Oil Company, and Chevron-Texaco among
other leaders in chemical manufacturing and distribution.
Also featured in the ceremony were student speakers Jamaal Fortner
(Assumption), Laurie Hayes (Lafayette), and Raeanna Poplus (St. Charles).
Members of the graduating class were honored the night before at the Senior
Recognition Ceremony, where students received lauds for accomplishments
made over their two years at the Louisiana School. At the night ceremony,
outgoing senior Khya D’Aquilla (Livingston) spoke about “truth” and time
spent at LSMSA.
Music for the Saturday program was supplied by a special combination
of the Natchitoches Central High School Orchestra and LSMSA’s own
acclaimed Chamber Ensemble. Students participating were Amanda Cassidy
(Livingston), Allison Cormier (Iberia), Lindsey Hotaling (Acadia), Rebecca
Krimmel (East Baton Rouge), Slater Rhea (Rapides), Walker Shurlds (St.
Tammany), and Chase Zieman (Livingston).
The Louisiana School for
Math, Science, and the Arts
is an opportunity that
should not be overlooked.
If you are a high-achieving sophomore
student, now is the time to explore the
opportunities and challenges available
at LSMSA. The unique environment of
living on campus while in high school,
and receiving college-level instruction
in the classroom, makes the Louisiana
School the best educational opportunity
in Louisiana.
What can LSMSA do for
you?
Much of what you accomplish, of course,
depends on you: your desire, your determination,
your motivation, and your curosity. The
Louisiana School is an environment where you
can be amazed with you own accomplishments.
How to Prepare for LSMSA
Whether you are currently a high school
sophomore applying to LSMSA this year or your
plans are more long range, the following
guidelines will prepare you for a successful
application.
1. Maintain a high grade point average; there is
no downside to always doing your best.
2. Take the ACT or SAT; study and prepare to
score well.
3. Talk to your parents about LSMSA and
encourage them to visit our website and call to
speak with an admissions counselor at 1-800-
259-3173.
4. Form a working relationship with your school
counselors and teachers because they will
complete your letters of recommendation.
5. Visit our website at www.lsmsa.edu and
become familiar with our school and admissions
requirements. Take the virtual tour of our campus
and examine the student handbook. If you find
an interesting class, e-mail the instructor and
ask a question!
6. Attend an informational night meeting in your
area with your parents and friends.
7. Register and attend one of the two Exploration
Weekends: November 7th & 8th or January 16th
& 17th. You must have begun the application
process to be eligible for this overnight visit.
8. Begin the application process. You can not
finish what you haven’t begun.
9. Talk to people who are familiar with LSMSA,
such as your school counselor, a LSMSA
admissions counselor, LSMSA alumni, or current
LSMSA students from your school or your area.
Visit LSMSA and see what we have to offer!
From the left, 2004 Hall of Fame inductiees are Nicholas Parchim, Natchitoches; Phillip Alday,
Luling; Wei Wei Hsing, Hammond; Raenna Poplus, Destrehan; Grant Belgard, Baton Rouge. Photo
by Slater Rhea.
Five graduating seniors enter LSMSA Hall of Fame
By Dr. Arthur Williams
Five graduating seniors received the Robert A. Alost Hall of Fame Award, LSMSA’s
highest honor, at ceremonies held the evening before graduation. Recipients of the award,
named for the school’s founding director, will have their group picture hung in the high school
building with those honorees from years past. Cited for both academic excellence and a broad
range of contributions to the school, this year’s honorees was chosen by an anonymous
committee of faculty and staff from a large group of nominees.
Phillip Alday, from Luling, is the son of LTC and Mrs. Clint Alday. He previously
attended Sacred Heart School, Moreauville.
Grant Belgard, from Baton Rouge, is the son of Ellen and Kurt Belgard. He previously
attended Baton Rouge Magnet High School.
Wei Wei Hsing, from Hammond, is the daughter of Shirley and Yu Hsing. She
previously attended Hammond High School.
Raenna Poplus, from Destrehan, is the daughter of Elise and Ray Poplus. She attended
Destrehan High School.
Nicholas Parchim, from Natchitoches, is the son of Elizabeth and Nyle Parchim. He
previously attended Natchitoches Central High.
Among other students recognized were Hamilton D’Aquilla and Bre’Genna Buckhanan
who were recipients of the Spirit of the Louisiana School Award.
“Chemistry (at MIT) was a
piece of cake after LSMSA.
And I’m blowing them away in
math, getting the highest grade
on almost every exam. Before,
I actually got to MIT, I was kind
of scared that everyone would
be better prepared in a lot of
subjects. Some people are, of
course, but I’m a lot better off
than many people here.
LSMSA will prepare students
for the most competitive
environments in the country,
but only if they choose to take
the competitive, fun courses.”
--Margaret Shyr, class of ‘99

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR MATH, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS
LSMSA Today
Summer 2004 www.LSMSA.edu
Page 2
Louisiana School Graduate
Looks Back
John Schnake, from Lake Charles, reflects on
his experiences at LSMSA. After graduation,
John has chosen to attend Louisiana State
University. John was offered scholarships to
several other universities, including those out of
state, but believes in LSU and the quality of
education he will receive there.
When I came to LSMSA I
acknowledged that I had to trade one house for
another. I had to put my nose to the grindstone
and work for the next two years, because that’s
the only reason I was coming here. My parents
reminded me of that constantly last year. The
pressure was on.
When I got
comfortable here
though, things
changed for me. I
wasn’t only here to
learn, it was naïve of
me to think that’s all
I would do here.
Instead, I became
responsible for
beginning life on my
own and learning first
hand the ways to get where I wanted, when I
wanted, with as few of problems as possible. I
was in control of my own success.
Education never left my list of important
issues; it has become a more realistic goal. While
at LSMSA I have had the opportunity to study
with some truly amazing teachers. They are
experts in their fields as well as still being filled
with a thirst for knowledge like my own. They
have inspired me to truly chase my limits, but at
the same time they’ve shown me that those limits
are farther away than before. I thought someone
was crazy to want to get graduate degrees, but
now I’m one of them. “Dr. Schnake” is what
they will say one day. However, no one can be
here for only the learning, and if they are, they
are probably miserable.
Like John Donne said, “No man is an
island.” You cannot, and should not, hoard
yourself from the rest of the school while staying
here. There is absolutely too much to learn from
your peers in terms of knowledge, experience,
and maturity. In my time here I have made what
I hope to be some life long friends and it truly
was the best two years of my life. My parents
chime in again, “Just remember, you are there to
study,” and I assure them that I never forgot. I
just remembered that I’m also here to live.
The balancing act between my education
and the rest of my life has had some bumps along
the way. What person would say that their life
was not full of hills just like mine? They belong
there; one hill providing us with the momentum
to get over the next. Success at LSMSA requires
that you know there will be hills. That you will
have to climb, that you will have to fall. It also
requires that you want to get up the next morning
and learn more about physics, Shakespeare,
drama, or whatever it is that “you came here
for.” When you do that, it is called dedication.
That’s a lesson worth learning:
dedication. I would be hard pressed to find
someone who I feel is wholly dedicated to their
success at this school that fails. Everyone comes
to this school with the skills, but that dedication
is what separates those who succeed from those
who fail. Some students get distracted and never
study, some get disappointed that first 9 weeks
at their performance and stop trying, some are
too distracted by other problems to pay much
attention to their performance here. Whatever
the reason, I would
call dedication the
number one thing that
will make or break a
student. That is my
recipe for success at
LSMSA, the
dedication to get
back up in the
morning and do it all
over again with all of
the passion one has.
LSMSA senior Agnes Hall represents Louisiana
Agnes Hall, rising LSMSA senior from Natchitoches, has recently been elected Louisiana’s
delegate to the Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) of the National Rural Electric Cooperative
Association (NRECA). Chosen by her peers at the annual Rural Electric Youth Tour in Washington,
D.C.—attended by 1500 students from 42 states—Agnes will take part in two more all-expensepaid
trips: one back to Washington in July for YLC training, and another to San Diego in February
for NRECA’s Annual
Meeting.
Youth Leadership
Council members
participate in educational
seminars and are provided
opportunities to meet with
many influential people,
including elected officials
and business leaders. In
June, Agnes and her peers
were granted audiences
with each member of
Louisiana’s congressional
delegation, including
Senators John Breaux and
Mary Landrieu.
Agnes’ original interest in rural electrification came out of a research paper she wrote for
National History Day, in which she interviewed several older Natchitoches Parish residents, each
of whom had grown up without the benefits of electricity. That particular paper was the state
winner in its division.
Not only does Agnes have keen interests in politics and governmental public policy, but
also in music. An avid pianist and enthusiastic harpist, Agnes is thinking about pursuing a career in
music.
Yes, LSMSA has dances...
The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts celebrated prom on April 17, 2004. The
theme for this year’s prom was “Red Carpet Affair.” The prom committee decorated the
Northwestern State University Ballroom. The students’ wore formal attire. Whether it was a romantic
picnic on Cane River; the drive through at McDonald’s; or a candlelight dinner at the Mariner’s;
students enjoyed the night eating out and dancing until midnight. Following prom was the “after
party” which was held in the LSMSA gym. Students danced until 2:00 a.m. with their friends.
From the left, juniors Joey Layton, Leesville;
Emmanuela Mujica, Baton Rouge; Anne
Longman, Franklin; and Chase Zieman,
Denham Springs, pause for pictures at Joey’s
host parent’s house prior to prom.
Milissa Davis, Gonzales; Amanda Pittman,
Hammond; and Gina Michelle Porter, New
Orleans. The Junior Class is the Prom sponsor.
LSMSA Mathematics
Prom Royalty consent to a photograph: King G.
K. Zhang, Natchitoches; Queen Laurel Stewart,
Duncan, OK.; Princess Jenny Zhang,
Natchitoches; and Prince Andrew Dodd,
Lafayette.
Madeline Brown, Gloster; Katherine Champagne,
Houma; Melissa Davis, Gonzales; Emily Perkins,
Pineville, smile for the camera between dances.
Carl Frederick Gauss, the Prince of Mathematics, said “Mathematics is the queen of science.” The
Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts mathematics faculty’s philosophy is that a solid
foundation in mathematics is essential for success in any area, and in particular any area that involves
the sciences. Our goal is to meet students where they are and to advance them as far as possible in
mathematics.
The LSMSA mathematics faculty recognizes the diversity of our student population. Students
come from a variety of backgrounds and interests. To meet the needs of our students, a variety of
classes is offered. Teachers challenge students to think, to ask “why,” and to excel in mathematics.
We want all students to be successful, and our teachers are committed to helping students achieve.
Instruction is both theoretical and application oriented, emphasizing the “why” as well as the “how
to.” Proof is an important part of mathematics at LSMSA, especially in the upper level courses.
LSMSA prepares students for college and beyond. We believe students should learn mathematics
both with technology (graphing calculators, computers, etc.) and without technology as we strive
to develop the total student who is well prepared for anything he or she might encounter after their
experience at LSMSA.
College Admissions
Louisiana School graduates have
matriculated to more than 200
postsecondary institutions throughout the
United States and the world. Ninety-nine
percent of Louisiana School graduates
attend a four-year college or university, and
each year’s graduating class has averaged
at least $7 million in merit scholarships, and
$1.5 million from the Louisiana Tuition
Opportunity Program. Many LSMSA
students are admitted to their first choice
college.
Why is LSMSA the
school of choice?
One reason that LSMSA is a school
of choice is that every 10th grade student
in our state is eligible to apply for
admission. From north to south, east to west,
small community to city, if you are entering
your sophomore year, now is the time to
apply. The Louisiana School for Math,
Science, and the Arts is a public, residential
high school for academically advanced
juniors and seniors. Established in 1983,
LSMSA is designed to challenge the best
and brightest young minds in Louisiana.
Why should I attend
LSMSA?
Two reasons: you will learn more
than you ever thought you could, and two,
you will have fun at the same time. Students
who graduate from LSMSA are better
prepared for college because they already
know what college classes are like. More
than 60% of our faculty hold Ph.D. degrees,
and every professor must have at least a
master’s degree in the area in which they
teach. Students at the Louisiana School
have the opportunity to develop the selfdiscipline
to handle being away from home
in an unfamiliar environment. Colleges and
universities know that Louisiana School
graduates aren’t afraid of challenges, and
these colleges respond by providing
scholarships and grants. No other high
school in the state can better prepare a
student for college—both in the classroom
and out—than the Louisiana School.
FLASHBACK to 2002 for a
Hall of Fame Student
Wei Wei Hsing,
LSMSA Junior from
Tangipahoa Parish
Choosing to come to
LSMSA was one of the
easiest decisions of my
life. The classes here are
wonderful, and the
teachers are even more
incredible. Where else can you find a high school
that offers everything from Comparative
Anatomy to Film Studies? The wide variety of
classes and people definitely drew me in. So
when the time came, I sent in my application,
and waited anxiously for a response. I can still
remember interview day here in Natchitoches.
The timed essay and icebreakers all gave me a
feeling of what LSMSA would be like in the Fall.
The first day I arrived, enthusiastic
ambassadors helped me move all of my
belongings into my dorm room and get acquainted
with dorm life. We had what seemed like an
endless number of assemblies and orientation
meetings until finally, the first day of class arrived.
My first class of the day is at 8:00, so I wake up
early, take a shower, and head off to math.
Although the first day was hectic because of
schedule changes, I realized the entire
environment was completely different from my
former school. Having classes every other day
definitely helps me control homework loads and
tests. I know I’m going to relish the challenges,
and I’m thrilled that I decided to come.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR MATH, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS
LSMSA Today
www.LSMSA.edu
Summer 2004 Page 3
Jessica prepares for the LSMSA Graudation.
“My parents forced me to throw the application away.”
My name is Jessica Lee, and I am a recent graduate of the Louisiana School. Before attending LSMSA, I attended Zachary High School,
located in Zachary, Louisiana. I had spent all my school years before LSMSA in Zachary, and it wasn’t the best experience for me. While at home,
I was constantly taunted and teased for being different. I was the smartest one in my classes, and it made me a huge sore thumb.
The first time I heard about LSMSA, I was in seventh grade. I was able to visit the school while in Natchitoches for the Duke University
Talent Idenification Program recognition service. I was very intrigued by the idea of going to school away from home before ever attending college.
Another thing that interested me was the idea of being able to take challenging and interesting
classes. Because I had asked for more information from the Louisiana School, during my sophomore
year an LSMSA application arrived in the mail. While I was excited, my parents forced me to
throw it away because they weren’t going to let me go away from home yet. After a lot of begging
and telling my parents how miserable I was, they decided to let me apply, and if accepted they
would consider allowing me to attend. I visited the school during a prospective student weekend
and attended classes, and I then knew that I definitely wanted to attend LSMSA. I was accepted,
and I was so excited when it came to moving in day.
It is expected that parents would be concerned about their children leaving home two years
earlier than most students do. My parents were especially worried about me, as I am the baby of
my family, and I wasn’t really accustomed to doing things on my own. To get them to realize that I
would be all right at LSMSA, I started doing more things at home to show that I was responsible
and could handle the challenge of living on my own in a dorm room. Also, parents of current
LSMSA students related their experiences to my parents. This was very helpful in easing my
parent’s concern and putting their minds at ease. I made sure to include my parents in all parts of the application process, and after a very persistent
effort, they were all right with my decision to attend LSMSA. Now they couldn’t be happier with my success, as I’m getting ready to go to college,
and I am attending my first choice school, Princeton University.
Since move in day my junior year, I have had a lot of ups and downs at LSMSA, but I wouldn’t trade any of my experiences for anything
because every experience has changed me, and that change is for the better. I would recommend the school to anyone with some talent and a lot of
motivation.
LSMSA prepared me for college like no other high school in the state could. I have been able to live away from home, take challenging
courses, and realize that I’m not always the smartest person, and that isn’t a bad thing. I also believe that LSMSA gave me a decided edge in the
college admissions process. I applied to seven schools: Tulane, Duke, Caltech, Princeton, Harvard, Howard, and Rice. I was accepted at four of
those: Howard, Princeton, Rice, and Tulane. After some college visits and a lot of thought, I decided to attend Princeton University. I believe that
attending LSMSA helped me stand out in the admissions process due to the rigor and diversity of my classes. I know LSMSA gave me enough of
an edge, in conjunction with my grades and test scores, to get accepted at schools of such high caliber and great reputation.
If you are given the opportunity to attend the Louisiana School, do it! As I said earlier, my parents couldn’t be happier with our decision.
Stephanie Abascal, Macalester College
Phillip Alday, Notre Dame University
Corey Anderson, LSU - Baton Rouge
Justin Bailey, Centenary College
Daniel Bailey, University of Denver
Shoib Bajaj, LSU or Tulane
Grant Belgard, Rice University
Sara Benavides, Pepperdine University
Danielle Billings , LSU - Baton Rouge
Linzie Blanchard, LSU - Baton Rouge
Becca Bourgeois, LSU - Baton Rouge
Kristin Brassett, LSU - Baton Rouge
Caroline Brazeel, University of Mississippi
Denise Broussard, LSU - Baton Rouge
April Broussard, LSU - Baton Rouge
Christine Broussard, Centenary College
Steven Brown, Centenary College
Madeline Brown, LSU - Baton Rouge
William Buchwald, Rutgers University
Bre’Genna Buckhanan, Xavier University
Joey Burchick, Tulane University
Tom Butler, La. Tech
Jason Calhoun, Morehouse College
Chela Canler, University of Alabama
Katie Champagne, LSU - Baton Rouge
Drew Cothern, LSU - Baton Rouge
Brandon Creekbaum, LSU - Baton Rouge
Khya D’Aquila , LSU - Baton Rouge
Maanasa Davaluri, LSU - Baton Rouge
Daria Dean, Loyola University (N.O.)
Kristin DeDeaux, Rutgers University
Stephanie Dobbins, La. Tech
Barron Eskind, UL Lafayette
Marystasia Evans, Loyola University (N.O.)
Jennifer Fairfield, LSU - Baton Rouge
Andrew Farrier, Tulane University
Josh Fields, Cornell University
Matriculations
Barbara Fitzsimmons, New York University
Jamaal Fortner, Morehouse College
Gabriel Franks, LSU - Baton Rouge
Meagan Freeman, LSU - Baton Rouge
Lauren Frelich, UL Lafayette
Monique Gauthier, LSU - Baton Rouge
Delbert Green II, M.I.T.
David Guidry, LSU - Baton Rouge
Daniel Guillot, LSU - Baton Rouge
Logan Hainley, La. Tech
Lucas Haley, LSU - Baton Rouge
Jasmine Harris, Xavier University
Laurie Hayes, Roanoke College
Ruth Hextall, Illinois Institute of Technology
Jamie Hipp, Louisiana Scholar’s College
Phi Ho, M.I.T.
Shawn Hoover, La. Tech
Anthoney Hotaling, University of Tennessee
Wei Wei Hsing, Columbia University
Christine Hughes, LSU or McNeese
Jessica Hunter, University of Cincinnati
Elizabeth Jackson, LSU - Baton Rouge
Ifrah Jamil, NSU
Racheal Joe, Millsaps College
Rachel Johnson , Centenary College
Brandon Keown, University of Texas at Dallas
Connie LaLonde, McNeese State University
April Landry, Xavier or Howard
Thanh Le, UL Lafayette
Heather LeBlanc, LSU - Baton Rouge
Alexis LeDay, Tulane University
Jeff Lee, Oxford-Emory or UCLA
Jessica Lee, Princeton University
Haiqiao Lin, Texas A & M
Christopher Lin , Illinois Institute of Technology
Eric Lin, Johns Hopkins University
Henry Lin, Oxford-Emory or Tulane
Laura Locantro, La. Tech
Shyue Lu, LSU - Baton Rouge
Rosa Mathai, Tulane University
Jacob Mayeux, UL Lafayette
Neil Mayon, Nicholls State University
Josh McCoy, La. Tech
Katherine McCroary, Agnes Scott College
Shane McCulley, UL Lafayette
Mark McKelvy, La. Tech
Christine Meche, LSU - Baton Rouge
Heather Miller, UL Lafayette
Keith Miller, LSU - Baton Rouge
Megan Mincey, LSU - Baton Rouge
Blaine Mire, La. Tech
Conan Moody, UL Lafayette
Leila Mullooly, LSU - Baton Rouge
Mary Nahmens, LSU - Baton Rouge
Josephine Ngo, Hollins University
Mong Nguyen, LSU - Baton Rouge
Nelson Nguyen , University of New Orleans
Tom Nguyen, UL Lafayette
Vijay Nijar, Rhodes or Washington U.
Lena Ning, University of California at Berkeley
Rachel Ohlmeyer, LSU - Baton Rouge
Arrielle Opotowsky, University of Wisconsin
Adam Osborne, Tulane University
Jess Ott, LSU - Baton Rouge
Nick Parchim, Loyola University (N.O.)
Dipal Patel, University of Michigan
Amanda Pooler, Hamilton College
Raeanna Poplus, Tulane University
Rachel Powell, Centenary College
Anne Price, University of Maryland
Jenny Prudhomme, University of South
Carolina
Jessica Ready, La. Tech
Julia Reed, Agnes Scott College
Preparing For College: Now is
the time to begin!
What will colleges look for in your application?
While the specifics of test scores, grade point
averages, and curriculum will vary slightly, they
are the basics that colleges require. In
Louisiana, the TOPS program requirements
of English, math, history and social science,
science, and foreign languages match the
minimum courses that most colleges require.
Colleges are interested in your grades, but
more importantly, they want to see that you
are challenging yourself. Earning a B in an
honors or GT class is preferable to an A in a
regular class. Research has demonstrated that
the best predictor of college success is success
in a rigorous high school curriculum. Even if
your GPA ranks in the top of your class,
colleges will take note if you did not take
challenging courses. The admission process
also takes note of qualitative factors such as
motivation, persistence, and determination.
Among colleges and universities across
the nation, the Louisiana School for Math,
Science, and the Arts has earned its
reputation for preparing students both
academically and socially for a successful
college experience.
Cory Rice, Hendrix College
Lindsey Richardson, Millsaps College
Laura Joy Rider, Nicholls State University
Kathryn Roussel, LSU - Baton Rouge
John Schnake, LSU - Baton Rouge
Erin Schrepfer, Our Lady of Holy Cross
College
Brittany Schroder, LSU - Baton Rouge
Candice Scott, LSU - Baton Rouge
Adam Smith, University of Chicago
Stephanie Smith, Loyola University (N.O.)
Jessica Soileau, UL Lafayette
Randy St. Romain, LSU - Baton Rouge
Brent Stamey, Baylor University
Jared Stevens, LSU - Baton Rouge
Courtney Stevenson, Tulane University
Laurel Stewart, Oklahoma Christian University
Lauren Stuart, LSU - Baton Rouge
Nick Swindle, St. Mary’s University
Matthew Caleb Thomas , Undecided
Jennifer Thompson, Rhodes College
Adam Tidwell, La. Tech
Jordan Trottier, Centenary College
Hollin Vicedomini, Centenary College
Hannah Vincent, Pennsylvania College of Art
and Design
Priscilla Wagoner, LSU - Baton Rouge
Addie Wiggins, University of New Orleans
Lauren Williams, LSU - Baton Rouge
Andrea Willis, LSU - Baton Rouge
Brian Winter, La. Tech
Alicia Wise, LSU - Baton Rouge
Chun Yang, Centenary College
Kyoko Yoshida, Notre Dame University
Chen Zhang, Tulane University
William Zhang, La. Tech

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR MATH, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS
LSMSA Today
Summer 2004
www.LSMSA.edu
The mission of the Louisiana School is to foster in its young
scholars lifelong growth toward reaching individual
potentials and toward finding places of work and service
in a global society through the examination and exchange
of ideas in a community of learners.
Page 4
The Louisiana School for
Math, Science, and the Arts
A two-year public, residential high
school for Louisiana’s high
achieving students:
the school of choice.
“A large part of the Louisiana
School experience is the people.
Friends become so much more
than just friends, they become
brothers and sisters. We are all
connected by our drive to succeed
academically. To be near people
with such high goals and
ambitions caused me to want more
for myself.”
--Jamaal Fortner, Plaincourtville, class of
2004
Who is a potential LSMSA
student?
The Louisiana School is a selective institution and
reviews each applicant thoroughly. We are
looking for the best students in the State of
Louisiana--students who are not afraid to be
leaders both in and out of the classroom. The
Louisiana School offers a wide variety of
opportunities for students ready to meet a
challenge. Students who attend the Louisiana
School are dedicated and ambitious. Good
character, curiosity, and proven academic
experiences are the keys to a successful
application.
Can I play sports at LSMSA?
Positively! Sports and other
extracurricular activities are highly encouraged
at LSMSA. They are a great way to meet
people and form new friendships. Playing a sport
after class is a great way to keep healthy and
relieve the stresses of school. Students can join
an intramural team with no experience required.
The Intramural Sports program provides every
student the opportunity for competition and fun
with friends in a wide variety of individual and
team activites. Tournaments and leagues are
scheduled for a variety of events. Intramural
activites range from the traditional sports such
as flag football, volley ball, and basketball to
activites such as table tennis, putt-putt golf,
bowling, and billiards.
Sports are also offered as informal
recreation, where anyone is welcome to join a
team on the spot. They provide a marvelous
opportunity to play an invigorating sport with
your classmates. The Informal Recreation
program offers all students, faculty, and staff
opportunites in self-directed recreational
pursuits. Informal Recreation is the ideal
alternative for those interested in a nonstructured
program. The program offers a wide
variety of activities from which to choose
including basketball, volleyball, table tennis,
foosball, and billiards. The Students Activites
Center and the Gym are open on a regular basis
for those who are interested in playing at their
own leisure.
LSMSA fields its own teams in
basketball (boys and girls) and volleyball. In
addition to this, for those students searching for
more intensity, Natchitoches Central (NCHS)
and St. Mary’s, local high schools, provide
LSMSA students the opprotunity to tryout for
participation on their sports teams.
The sport unique to the Louisiana
School’s campus is crew (rowing). Louisiana
School Crew is the only high school team in all
of Louisiana.
You can also get class credit by playing
sports. Louisiana School offers classes in
volleyball, swimming, tennis, weight training,
basketball, yoga, fencing, and team sports as an
alternative to regular physical education.
Keeping a balanced lifestyle between classes,
study, and sports can be hectic at times, but is
essential to a healthy life at LSMSA.
Want more information?
Contact us at:
www.LSMSA.edu,
phone 800-259-3173,
fax 318-357-3189,
715 College Avenue,
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Why choose LSMSA?
- LSMSA is well known by universities and colleges throughout the
United States.
- LSMSA’s graduating classes rank in the top 1% in the nation for
the highest average ACT scores.
- LSMSA’s graduates earn millions of dollars in grant and
scholarship offers.
- Students are taught by professors that have a Master’s degree or
higher in the area they teach.
- Learning is not confined just to the classroom but continues
around the clock through events and activities held on LSMSA’s
campus throughout the week and even on the weekends.
- In addition to a comprehensive curriculum in math, science, and
humanities, students can receive professional training in the arts
(i.e., music, dance, visual arts, and theatre.)
- LSMSA students can participate in Academic, Arts, and
extracurricular competitions (i.e., Math, Physics, Foreign
Languages, etc.)
- LSMSA courses taught at a college level.
- Friendships are developed that last a lifetime.
Regional Night Meetings
Informational receptions are conducted across the state
including New Orleans, Slidell, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Ruston,
Baton Rouge, Monroe, Houma, Alexandria, Hammond, and
Shreveport. Please consult the LSMSA website at
www.LSMSA.edu or call the Admissions Office at 1-800-259-3173
for the location and date in your area.
Graduation Requirements:
•Four units of English, and students must
complete an English each semester at
LSMSA
•Four units of Math, including
Trigonometry, and one unit must be
completed at LSMSA
•Three units of Science, including Biology
and two units of laboratory sciences
•Three units of social studies
•Two units of the same foreign language
•One-half unit of computer science
completed at LSMSA
•One-half unit of health
•One and one-half units of physical
education
•One unit of arts
•One-half unit of Special Topics
•One-half unit of Special Projects
•Five and one-half units of electives, two
units must be completed at LSMSA
•Satisfactory completion of Community
Service
Students meeting all Louisiana School
graduation requirements are awarded a state
diploma and a special Louisiana School
Diploma.
Graduation with Distinction
is a recognition of student accomplishments that
require planning and achievement beyond the
Louisiana School classroom. Students who apply
for and pursue their individual
contract for Distinction in a
particular area must complete
selected advanced courses and
maintain a 3.6 grade point
average in the courses specific
to the discipline with no grade
below a B. These Distinction
students must also successfully
complete either a research
project, performance/
exhibition, portfolio, or a
comprehensive examination.
These independent efforts
culminate in a public presentation and defense
of their work, with an opportunity for answering
questions from attending faculty, students, and
guests.
Five Years of ACT Results
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
LSMSA 27.0 27.8 27.2 27.8 28.2
National 21.0 21.0 21.0 20.8 20.8
LA. 19.6 19.6 19.6 19.6 19.6
State and national scores include public and
non-public schools.