Woodlawn High School senior Brennen LaMotte is no stranger to hard work. Ranked 7th in his class with a 4.5 GPA, LaMotte has spent the past four years balancing a rigorous academic schedule—filled with Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses—while consistently earning a spot on the Principal’s List. His dedication and achievements earned him recognition as a finalist for Woodlawn High’s Senior of the Year.
Beyond the classroom, LaMotte has made a name for himself as a dedicated leader. As an executive officer of the JROTC, he has demonstrated excellence in leadership and discipline, earning the Superior Cadet Award and finishing first in the JCLC Army Leadership Camp Physical Training competition in 2022. He is also an Ambassador for the Great Scholars Program, a Big Future/College Board Ambassador and an active member of the National Honor Society, Woodlawn High Advisory Council, and LSU Upward Bound.
His commitment extends to athletics, where he played safety and linebacker for Woodlawn’s football team, placed in the top 50 in the 5A region for the 800-meter race in track, and is currently ranked #2 in powerlifting for the state of Louisiana. Brennen was also named as the EBR Scholar Athlete of the Week.
Yet, despite a packed schedule, Brennen has still found time to give back. With over 100 hours of volunteer service, he has contributed to organizations like the Special Olympics, Greater Baton Rouge Area Food Bank, and local blood drives, just to name a few.
Following his graduation this May, LaMotte will be attending Louisiana State University in the fall, where he plans to major in Construction Management with a minor in Business. As he prepares for this next chapter, his remarkable record of academic excellence, leadership, and service continues to inspire both his peers, his teachers, and the community. Whether in academics, athletics, or service, Brennen has set a standard of excellence that will no doubt carry him far beyond the halls of Woodlawn High.
On November 21, 2024, Woodlawn High School’s JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) class hosted an inspiring and educational session on financial literacy. Pama Barber, a representative from Edward Jones Financial Group, joined the class as a guest speaker, bringing her expertise in money management to the forefront of the discussion.
This session marked Part 1 of a two-part series designed to equip students with essential financial skills. Pama covered key topics such as budgeting, saving for the future, and managing money effectively. Students actively engaged in the presentation and took full advantage of the opportunity to ask questions during an interactive Q&A session.
“Financial literacy is not just about managing money—it’s about building the foundation for a future of opportunity, security, and freedom,” said JAG Coordinator Ray Riley, emphasizing the importance of this critical life skill.
The session proved to be an invaluable experience for students, providing them with practical tools and insights to better prepare for their financial futures. We eagerly anticipate Pama’s return for Part 2 of this series, where students will delve even deeper into the world of financial planning.
At Woodlawn High School, we are proud to offer learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom, ensuring our students are prepared for success in all areas of life.
On November 18, 2024, Woodlawn High School’s JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) students embarked on an exciting and educational journey to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. This comprehensive campus visit provided students with valuable insights into college life and future career possibilities.
During the tour, the group explored the university’s sprawling campus, delved into various academic programs, and experienced a glimpse of student life firsthand. A highlight of the visit was enjoying a meal at the campus cafeteria, giving students a taste of the day-to-day life of a college student.
“Visiting college campuses is an amazing opportunity for students to explore and visualize next steps for their academic future,” said Ray Riley, highlighting the importance of this experience.
The trip aimed to inspire and empower our JAG scholars as they begin mapping out their paths toward higher education and career success.
At Woodlawn High, we are committed to providing meaningful experiences that prepare our students for a bright future. Keep an eye out for more updates on the exciting opportunities our students are exploring!
Students in Ms. Samantha Lee’s AP Environmental Science class are taking sustainability to a whole new level!
Through hands-on projects and cutting-edge tools, these young environmentalists have been busy designing sustainable community gardens to address modern gardening challenges.
The students’ designs incorporate creative solutions to combat non-sustainable gardening practices. Their ideas were brought to life through various mediums, including animations, detailed dioramas, and the ever-popular Minecraft. Using this interactive platform, students explored innovative ways to make gardening more eco-friendly while making their presentations both engaging and educational.
As part of their assignment, students presented their findings and designs to their classmates, demonstrating how sustainable practices could revolutionize traditional gardening. But this is just the beginning! These garden designs are stepping stones to an even larger project – the creation of a fully renewable city and country, which the class will dive into during the Spring semester.
Interested in joining this exciting and transformative course? AP Environmental Science is open to Juniors and Seniors at Woodlawn High School. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the solution for a greener future! For more information, contact Ms. Samantha Lee at [email protected]
Ms. Lee’s AP Environmental Science class takes notes as Holiday explains atmospheric science.
It’s evident that Trey Holiday’s dedication to learning and sharing knowledge has left a lasting impression. As a former student of Woodlawn High School and the valedictorian of the Class of 2023, his return to Ms. Lee’s AP Environmental Science class to impart insights from his studies at University of Louisiana Monroe is a testament to his character and commitment to education. Trey’s ability to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, particularly within the field of atmospheric sciences, undoubtedly enriched the educational experience for Ms. Lee’s current students. It’s heartening to see alumni like Trey giving back to their alma mater and inspiring the next generation. Our pride in Trey’s accomplishments and his contributions to the school community are well deserved.
As a teacher, it is always gratifying to see your former students thriving and making meaningful contributions to their community. Trey’s efforts to give back by sharing his insights and experiences will undoubtedly inspire and benefit the students he interacts with.
“Trey was an incredible student of mine,” stated Ms. Lee, “and I am so proud of all that he has done within ULM and his commitment to sharing that information with my current students.”
Beyond the classroom, LaMotte has made a name for himself as a dedicated leader. As an executive officer of the JROTC, he has demonstrated excellence in leadership and discipline, earning the Superior Cadet Award and finishing first in the JCLC Army Leadership Camp Physical Training competition in 2022. He is also an Ambassador for the Great Scholars Program, a Big Future/College Board Ambassador and an active member of the National Honor Society, Woodlawn High Advisory Council, and LSU Upward Bound.
