Melissa Le, an eighth grader at A.E. Phillips, has been named the Middle School Student of the Year for the entire state of Louisiana.
The daughter of Son and Van Le, Melissa Le was told of the honor last week by the Louisiana Department of Education.
“I feel so incredible and humbled to have been named Eighth Grade Student of the Year,” Le said. “I really did not expect it, so I’m still getting used to it.”
Le is highly involved at her school and in the community. At AEP, she participates in school, honor, and all-state choir; Student Council; National Junior Honor Society; MathCounts; Science Olympiad; Robotics; and Gifted and Talented programs. In the community, she is involved in Ruston Community Theater, Bulldog Aquatics Club, Girl Scouts, voice lessons and competitive piano. Le also volunteers at Temple Baptist Church, Lincoln Parish School Board STEM Center, Region 8 LaTech STEM Center, Louisiana Tech International Events and various other events.
She is the owner of Made by Melissa Macarons, which gives a portion of the proceeds to the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, and this January she was crowned Miss Louisiana Teen Volunteer, where she promotes her platform of “Promoting STEM Programs for Girls” through appearances and various volunteer work. She will compete for the national title of Miss Teen America Volunteer later this month in Jackson, Tenn.
“I wholeheartedly believe that I have come this far because of the support and love from my family and the Ruston community,” Le said. “I want to especially recognize A.E.Phillips, where I have been since kindergarten for selecting me for the Eighth Grade Student of the Year and helping me grow as a person. A.E.P is such a great place that has provided me with so many opportunities.”
While this is her last year at AEP, Le said she has plans for achieving in high school as well.
“I hope to stay actively involved in my community by volunteering and participating in various activities,” she said. “I was recently admitted to the Ruston High School Speech and Debate Team, where I hope to make great memories. I also hope to spread my platform ‘Promoting STEM Programs for Girls’ throughout Ruston, Lincoln Parish and the state of Louisiana, whether or not I hold a pageant title. Lastly, I want to make great memories and enjoy being a Ruston High Bearcat with my fellow classmates.”
After high school, Le hopes to continue to helping in her community, wherever life takes her.
“After high school, I want to go to a university in a fairly warm state where I will study in the medical field,” she said. “Ideally, I would love to be accepted in a seven-year BS/MD school to become a dermatologist. Aside from career aspirations, I want to be able to stay in close contact with my family and friends and continue to be involved in my community.”
