HR 361

ENROLLED
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 361
BY REPRESENTATIVES PHELPS AND TURNER
  A RESOLUTION
To commend Louisiana Department of Education 2026 Students of the Year Sanil Savita
       Thorat, Kaejha Mary-Anne Christine Stewart, and Melissa An Le.
       WHEREAS, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) honored twenty-four
regional finalists and named three Louisiana Students of the Year during a ceremony at The
Cook Hotel and Conference Center in Baton Rouge; and
       WHEREAS, each year, the LDOE and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and
Secondary Education (BESE) recognize students who exemplify academic excellence,
leadership, and service; finalists include one fifth, eighth, and twelfth grader from each of
the state's eight BESE regions; and
       WHEREAS, the 2026 overall honorees are Sanil Savita Thorat, Kaejha Mary-Anne
Christine Stewart, and Melissa An Le; and
       WHEREAS, Sanil Savita Thorat is the Louisiana Elementary School Student of the
Year; he attends Fairfield Magnet School in Caddo Parish Public Schools and is an
accomplished speller who earned a place at the Scripps National Spelling Bee and received
top honors at the regional level; he also completed the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
challenge, has earned recognition in music competitions, competes as a runner, and performs
piano in recitals at nursing homes, churches, and other venues; he aspires to become a doctor
and volunteers with organizations focused on community wellness; and
       WHEREAS, Kaejha Mary-Anne Christine Stewart is the Louisiana Middle School
Student of the Year; she attends A.E. Phillips Laboratory School in Lincoln Parish Schools,
served as student council president for the 2025-2026 school year, and represented her
school as an eighth-grade student ambassador during its back to school night; she is a leader
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HR NO. 361  ENROLLED
in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a member of the National Junior Honor Society, and
participates on the Science Olympiad and MathCounts teams; she is also active in choir,
music, and theater and performs as a national anthem soloist, Patriots Day Program soloist
and speaker, and pianist for her eighth-grade graduation; and
       WHEREAS, Melissa An Le is the Louisiana High School Student of the Year; she
attends Ruston High School in Lincoln Parish Schools and was previously named Louisiana
Middle School Student of the Year; she is an AP Scholar with Distinction and a National
Merit Commended Scholar; she served as student body president, was elected state secretary
of Future Business Leaders of America, and earned all-state recognition in speech and
debate; she advocates for expanded access to science, technology, engineering, and math
education through speaking engagements and national initiatives and has reached thousands
through her "STEM to Bloom" video series; she also serves on the National Girls
Collaborative Project board; and
       WHEREAS, the 2026 Louisiana Students of the Year are most deserving of
recognition for bringing great pride to the state of Louisiana through their outstanding
achievements.
       THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Louisiana Department of Education 2026
Students of the Year Sanil Savita Thorat, Kaejha Mary-Anne Christine Stewart, and Melissa
An Le; does hereby recognize these students for building a strong foundation for the future
success of the state; and does hereby encourage them to continue their excellent work and
always strive for greatness.
  SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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