Youth News for May 18, 2012

Alexandra Gautreaux

The Louisiana team placed 23rd nationally in the team division of the Raytheon National MATHCOUNTS Competition in Orlando, Fla., on May 11. The team included three students from Glasgow Middle School: eighth-graders Elvin Gu and Louie Kam and seventh-grader Mason Guillot. Anthony Tran, the fourth Louisiana state team member, is from New Orleans. The … Continue reading →

A Teen's Take for May 17, 2012

Fidel Dodson

“Once I found out I had interviews with the Department of Public Works and Southern Earth Sciences, I got prepared. I dressed in slacks, dress shoes and a button-down dress shirt. It’s not every day that nearly a dozen engineering companies show up at your high school to interview students about paid summer internships. … Continue reading →

Youth News column for Friday, May 4, 2012

Advocate staff photo by PATRICK DENNIS  Members of the McKinley High Fashion Club model some of the fashions they've created for a fashion show Friday name. From left, are Mecca Cortez, 17; Kendell Cannon, 16; and Terreze Williams, 18.

Members of the McKinley High School Fashion Club are hosting a Charity Fashion Show at 7 p.m. Friday at the school, 800 East McKinley St. Proceeds will be divided among several charities and help to replace the school’s old and worn out Panther mascot suit. Student-created designs will transport the audience through an “Evolution … Continue reading →

A Teen's Take for May 3, 2012

Ebony Deloch

“I have an older sister who was born 2 pounds, 5 ounces and a nephew born 2 pounds and 14 ounces. I have seen pictures of my older sister, but I’ve have the opportunity to see firsthand my nephew and other babies in the Woman’s Hospital Neonatal ICU fighting every day for their lives. I wanted … Continue reading →

Youth News column for Friday, April 27, 2012

Emily Harvey, a senior at Dutchtown High School, is the Louisiana Good Citizen recipient winner.

Students in grades four through 12 are eligible to audition for the East Baton Rouge Parish Children’s Choir. Auditions are scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Broadmoor High School, 10100 Goodwood Blvd. Those auditioning should come prepared to sing one musical selection of choice plus … Continue reading →

Teen Take for April 26, 2012

Catherine Zhou

“I’m interested in space because no matter how much we learn about it, there’s always more that we don’t know. It’s something that is infinitely shrouded in mystery but is so beautiful and amazing at the same time. The ending of the Space Shuttle program was a surprise; I can’t believe that they actually did it. … Continue reading →

The race is on for students of the year

Advocate staff photo by RICHARD ALAN HANNON  Alise Alexander, a senior at St. Joseph's Academy and a finalist for Louisiana Student of the Year for high schools, waits her turn to answer her teacher's question during an advanced placement English class at the Baton Rouge school Thursday.

The three state Students of the Year chosen from fifth-, eighth- and 12th-graders will be announced during a Louisiana Department of Education awards ceremony Wednesday night at the Louisiana State Museum, 600 N. 4th St. The process begins each year when public, charter and approved nonpublic schools are asked … Continue reading →

Youth News for Friday, April 13, 2012

Nathan Babb

Capitol High School students are presenting “A Raisin in the Sun” at 6 p.m. Friday and at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and, if there is enough demand, at those same times on Sunday. Admission is $3 or make a donation to the Capitol High School Arts Department. For ticket information, email the … Continue reading →

A Teen’s Take for April 12, 2012 

Photo provided by Boys & Girls Club of Greater Baton RougeBoys & Girls Clubs of America Louisiana Youth of the Year Antonia Collins, right, receives the award from Secretary of State Tom Schedler.

“My club in Baton Rouge has taught me to do the best that I can in everything I do. As a way of giving back to my club, I peer tutor and mentor younger members. I also volunteer with different community service projects. The Boys & Girls Club has taught me that I matter. I’ve learned … Continue reading →

Youth News for Friday, April 6, 2012

Connor L. Juban

Three more Scouts have achieved the rank of Eagle, Scouting’s highest honor. About 5 percent of all Boy Scouts achieve the Eagle rank. To earn it, a scout must progress through six ranks, serve in a leadership position within his troop, provide service to his community and earn a minimum of 21 merit badges, of which 12 … Continue reading →

A Teen’s Take column for April 5, 2012

Photo provided by Sonya T. GordonLaHeaven James, a McKinley Middle Academic Magnet School Theater Program student, left, sings 'Summertime' from the musical 'Aida' while her teacher Alan Morton accompanies her on guitar at the Red Stick Farmers Market. The theater students performed for market goers and raised more than $500 for their school with a trash to treasure sale on March 10.

“In my talented music class, I learn music theory, vocal training, piano skills and how to read musical notes. Talented theater covers topics such as theater history, how to make a character believable and theater production.… I am thankful for the gifted and talented program because I have a better understanding on how to use my … Continue reading →

A Teen's Take for March 29,. 2012

Lauren Hebert

“I was diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy when I was in the eighth-grade. While everybody was starting to party, I was starting to have seizures. I was a little depressed for a while, even though my seizures are easily controlled by medicine. As I got older, I just accepted the fact that I have it and … Continue reading →

Families: Come have fun with a Blue Dog

A free painting workshop for families, including people of all ages, will be held from 10 a.m. to noon March 31 at West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen. “Paint Like a Blue Dog” is part of the Select George Rodrigue Paintings exhibit on display at the museum through late June. Continue reading →

A Teen’s Take: Yuehui Ji on playing violin

Photo provided by East Baton Rouge Parish School SystemYuehui Ji, a freshman at McKinley High School, was one of the winners of the Gulf Coast Real Estate Louisiana Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition held earlier this month.

“I started playing violin at age 7 while living in Montreal. You can express yourself with it and you can play classical, jazz or pop. In the competition (Louisiana Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition) I won, I played classical. I was surprised to win because a lot of talented musicians participated and I felt really honored to … Continue reading →

Parkview performers to present musical ‘Funny Girl’

The Parkview Baptist School Fine Arts Department is presenting “Funny Girl” at 7 p.m. March 29, 30 and 31. The musical features the music of Jule Styne and tells the true story of Fanny Brice, one of the most celebrated entertainers of her time. Cast members include students from Parkview elementary, middle and high school. The … Continue reading →

A TEEN’S TAKE: Rachel Shirley on art

Photo provided by Broadmoor High SchoolBroadmoor High School student Rachel Shirley, left, gives this artwork to author Paula Morris, of New Zealand. Shirley based the art on Morris' book, 'Ruined.'

“My passion is art. Ever since I was old enough to pick up a pencil, I’ve been drawing. I take two different art classes in school and my main influence is anime (Japanese animation). I started selling my art in February and I’ve made at least $100. My AP English III class read author Paula Morris’ … Continue reading →

Jazz ensemble concert features EBR school combos

Outstanding jazz ensembles and jazz combos from East Baton Rouge Parish high schools will participate in the 46th annual Fortier Gerbrecht Invitational Jazz Ensemble Concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the McKinley Middle Magnet School Auditorium, 1550 Eddie Robinson Drive. The concert is sponsored by Baton Rouge Magnet High School. Lee Fortier and John Gerbrecht, both … Continue reading →

A Teen's Take for March 1, 2012

Cadet Staff Sgt. Sharron Dupleche of Tara High School won the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Leadership and Education and Training (LET) 2 Cadet of the Year Board Award this month. Dupleche (pictured at right with Tara Highís JROTC senior Army instructor Col. Fulton Johnson), demonstrates the true essence of cadet leadership and character both in and outDupleche is ranked second in a class of 235 students with a grade point average of 4.2. She has accomplished this while also participating in choir, track and JROTC.

“Before JROTC, I was never the most responsible person, nor did I have the courage to do the right things while everyone around me was doing wrong. JROTC has taught me self discipline, personal courage, leadership and citizenship skills. These techniques and more have helped mold me into a role model and a person of character … Continue reading →

La. teen competes on ‘American Idol’

Fox photo by MICHAEL BECKER --

What a difference a season makes. Joshua Ledet was eliminated by “American Idol” judges during auditions last season. Now, in the Fox reality singing competition series’ 11th season, the Louisiana teen finds himself in the top 24. “They (the judges) told me I needed another year, and I’m glad they did,” Ledet, of Westlake near … Continue reading →

EBR school system honors three 2012 Students of Year

William Cassidy

The East Baton Rouge Parish school system has recognized its 2012 Students of the Year: High school winner — William Cassidy, a senior in the gifted program at McKinley High, is president of the National Honor Society, team captain of the Quiz Bowl Team and Beta Club’s Quiz Bowl Team. He is president and … Continue reading →

BR High student honored for advanced placement

Yue Sha, a senior at Baton Rouge Magnet High School, was named one of two Louisiana state winners in the 2011 Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, a signature program of the Siemens Foundation administered by the College Board. Joshua Kubiak, of Natchitoches, was the male winner. The awards recognize America’s top achievers in Advanced Placement Program … Continue reading →

A Teen's Take: Sophie Seba

Sophie Seba

“Drinking is a very big issue among teens because everyone is pressured to do it and a lot of them are not able to say ‘no.’ When a teen gives me information that we have not yet discussed at one of our meetings, I contact our sponsor and have it put on our agenda so … Continue reading →

Youth News for Jan. 27, 2012

Dancers can begin signing up for an opportunity to perform classical dance in area libraries, youth camps, community centers and other locations. Youth Ballet auditions for dancers ages 10 through 14 will be held at 1 p.m. March 25 at Dancers’ Workshop, 10745 Linkwood Court. Youth Ballet will also host about 30 free performances … Continue reading →

A Teen's Take for Jan. 19, 2012

Daisha Badon

“Singing the national anthem at LSU felt like the second biggest achievement I’ve had next to performing at Carnegie Hall. I was actually more excited than nervous. I think the crowd really liked it and several Tiger fans walked up to me with the same compliment, saying it was the best national anthem they’ve heard all … Continue reading →

2012 Merit, Achievement semifinalists recognized

Advocate staff report The Advocate recognizes on these pages the 2012 area semifinalists for National Merit and National Achievement awards. Photos along with college and major choices and family information are included where provided during the last several weeks by the schools and students. Students were chosen based on their scores on the … Continue reading →

Youth News for Dec. 23, 2011

The holiday break is a good time to begin preparing entries for this year’s Law Day program and festivities on April 27. The Baton Rouge Bar Foundation’s nationally recognized program features a 9 a.m. naturalization ceremony. Students will also be assigned to participate in interactive sessions with judges, lawyers and law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge … Continue reading →

A Teen’s Take: Emily Tassin

Photo provided by EMILY TASSINEmily Tassin, of Baton Rouge, holds on her back a Nicaraguan child during a mission trip this summer.

“Beginning after Thanksgiving Day, our tree is up and my countdown begins. What Christmas means to me is helping our community, celebrating our faith, and bringing a sense of holiday joy to family and friends. This holiday season, I helped to organize a book drive at our school sponsored by Kiwanis to promote literacy in our … Continue reading →

Poetry contest taking entries from kids, SU students

The Pinkie Gordon Lane Poetry Contest is accepting entries from students in grades nine through 12 and from Southern University students. Each entrant may submit no more than three poems of no more than 35 lines for each poem. The poems can be on any subject matter and in any format, provided the content is not … Continue reading →

Students film local sitcom

Photo provided by MPD Kids Club TVLeanne Phillips, a camera operator and editor with Digital Media Production House, films local youngsters, front row from left, Carter Hunt and Casey Alfultis, and, back row from left, Logan Guilbeau, Carol Wells and Ashleigh Mart, for a scene in the local show 'The Informer.'

Take talented children and teens, many with their own agents and private acting classes, give them a script — or not — and put them in front of the camera. They’ll put on a show: in this case a locally aired sitcom called “The Informer” that tells the adventures of the students who staff the newspaper … Continue reading →

Youth News for Dec. 9, 2011

Amite River group gets Youth Leadership Award The Amite River Preservation Association and its young founders were selected to receive the 2011 Youth Leadership Award, which comes with a $500 check, by Keep Louisiana Beautiful, a statewide litter reduction and community improvement nonprofit organization. The Youth Leadership Award is given to a school, … Continue reading →

EBR libraries offering free holiday activities to teens

Kaitlyn Barbier

East Baton Rouge Parish public libraries will supply area teens with a wealth of free activities, crafts, book giveaways and musical performances to keep them busy and entertained both before and during the long holiday break. To find out more teen listings not available here, go online to http://www.ebrpl.com. Cozy up to holiday … Continue reading →

TEEN TAKE: Cole Wilson on playing baseball

Cole Wilson

“Playing baseball has been a part of my life since I can remember. I started playing when I was 3 years old. My first time up to bat I ran the wrong way. Although baseball is a lot of hard work that demands commitment, it is very rewarding. There’s nothing like the feeling of … Continue reading →

YOUTH NEWS

Pictured are Tyrone Dubroc, Blake Meyers, Tim Travis, Stephanie Weber, and Gene Dawson.

The recruitment process for the 2012-2013 class of the LSU AgCenter’s Louisiana Young Ag Producers Program has begun, according to Program Coordinator Bradley Leger. LaYAPP is a one-year, intensive classroom and hands-on, mentor-based experience that introduces junior and senior high school students to the options available to them in the areas of food and fiber production … Continue reading →

A Teen's Take for Nov. 17, 2011 

Russell Reynolds

“I have grown up loving the game of baseball, and LSU has always been my favorite team, so playing for LSU is a dream come true!” Age: 17 School: Parkview Baptist Parents: David Reynolds and Marsha Baker Continue reading →