by Hanna Singh
When people think of what makes Lincoln Parish so exemplary, the students are one thing that come to mind. Each year, three hardworking students are selected as the elementary, junior high and high school students of the year.
This year, these outstanding individuals are Ruston High School’s Abby Seney, Ruston Jr. High’s Avery Dixon, and A.E. Phillip’s Collins Reigelman. These students competed against many others from across the parish to earn the title of the 2024-25 students of the year.
As the High School Student of the Year, Abby Seney has worked meticulously over the last four years, creating an impressive portfolio of academic and athletic accomplishments, as well as community service projects. Not only does Seney put forth the work to succeed in her education, but also the young student has demonstrated incredible leadership and dedication to making her fellow students feel understood. Her father, Caleb Seney highlighted some of the commendable growth he has witnessed in his daughter over the years.
“It has been so fun watching Abby grow both as a student and as a person over the years. To see that little awkward middle schooler, who was just beginning to figure out who she was, blossom into the confident leader that she is today has been a source of joy and pride for both me and her mother,” Caleb Seney said. “Abby has always been studious, and she’s always been kind. She does not meet a stranger, and she tries her best to include everyone.”
Likewise, Seney’s mother, Adrian, agrees that her success can be attributed to her drive to succeed not only as a student, but also a person as a whole.
“Abby has grown tremendously over the years both academically and as a person. Over the past few years, she has become more confident, more outgoing, and more driven in the classroom,” Adrian Seney said. “She puts tremendous effort into her classes and her extracurricular activities. She loves to learn and has an internal drive to do her best, not only in the classroom, but in everyday life.”
With so many opportunities available at Ruston High School, Seney is proud to take advantage of the many activities she finds interest in. Some of the most notable include being a longtime member of the student council, a catbox leader, a member of the golf team, a talented art qualifier and many more involvements. Seney credits the staff of RHS for supporting her through so many opportunities to grow and pursue different passions.
“I’m honored and excited to represent Lincoln Parish as Student of the Year,” Seney said. “I truly am so thankful to call Ruston High my home. Not only are the academics exceptional, but also the student body and faculty. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
As the parish student of the year, Seney will soon be competing in the regional section of the competition. RHS principal Dan Gressett expressed his appreciation for Seney’s dedication to the school and his support for her representing the school at the regional level.
“Abby is a wonderful student and a great representative of not only Ruston High School, but now the district. I’m not surprised at all that she won,” Gressett said. “We are very proud of her, and we wish her the best as she moves on”.
In the Junior High competition, a just as exceptional young student was named the parish student of the year. Calling Ruston Jr. High her home. Avery Dixon excels inside and out of the classroom, managing to maintain a 4.0 grade point average alongside a full-time schedule.
Outside of her schoolwork, Dixon devoted her time to many extra-curricular activities and service opportunities. Dixon participates in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club, where she has taken an interest in working with special needs students at her school. She recently volunteered to work at the Special Olympics program. Principal of Ruston Jr. High, Keisha Douglas, describes the qualities that she believes make Dixon a worthy ambassador of the school.
“Avery Dixon demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, strong leadership qualities, active participation in extracurricular activities, a positive attitude, and a commitment to our community,” Douglas said. “She excels in multiple areas beyond just high grades.”
At the elementary level, 5th grade student Collins Reigelman was named the student of the year for parish and at A.E. Phillips school. As far as academics go, Reigelman continuously earns straight A’s and advanced test scores. The young performer and leader has shown promise for a bright future going forward in her schooling.
In her free time, Reigelman participates in various activities and sports including extra-curricular basketball, cross country, 4-H and choir. She also displays a variety of artistic talent, playing piano and performing in many productions at the Ruston Community Theatre. Reigelman displays a strong heart for service, volunteering for many community service projects including Habitat for Humanity and Rolling Hills Bookstore.
A.E. Phillips principal, Jenny Blalock, described the impressive attitude and abilities that made Reigelman a perfect candidate for student of the year.
“I have had the pleasure of watching sweet Collins grow up, and I currently serve as her principal. Every interaction with Collins is a pleasure. She always has a beautiful smile. Collins is a student of impeccable character and kindness,” Blalock said. “She is kind to all of her classmates. When I ask how her day is going, she always takes a moment to ask about my day as well. She is also a very well-rounded student, excelling in and out of the classroom.”
These three exceptional individuals have truly shown what it means to be a student in Lincoln Parish. Their dedication to their academics, community and extra-curricular activities shows how willing they are to be involved and make a difference. The Lincoln Parish community is proud to show their support for these hardworking students as they work toward competing at the regional level. They will do an excellent job of representing the parish and their schools.
