Nine Woodlawn Panthers took away awards at the 2020 Academic Honors Day Celebration held on Thursday, March 5 at the Raising Cane’s River Center. The celebration recognizes EBR High School Juniors and Seniors who earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above for the 2019-2020 school year. Students who are invited to attend the celebration have the opportunity to walk away with scholarships and other prizes to assist them in their academic careers.

In total, five seniors and four juniors were recognized from Woodlawn High.

Woodlawn junior Liniah Slater was the big winner of the entire celebration. Liniah was awarded with the largest prize of the day, a 2020 Chevrolet Spark. Liniah carries a 3.0 GPA at Woodlawn High, and is a member of DECA and SGA. Upon graduation, Liniah plans to attend Southeastern Louisiana University and eventually pursue her master’s degree in Secondary Education.

Yolani Dickens was the first senior recognized. She was awarded with a $4,000 scholarship from LSU. Yolani has a 3.0 cumulative GPA throughout her high school career. Her plans are to study biology and complete some study abroad programs as she works to become a Marine Biologist. She has narrowed down her school choices to the University of Alaska and Louisiana State University. While at Woodlawn, Yolani has participated in Talented Theater, Upward Bound, Panther Pride GSA, and she is on the Yearbook staff.

Jirah Jackson was the second senior recognized. Jirah was awarded with a one-time $250 book scholarship and a Chromebook. She currently has a 3.7 cumulative GPA. Jirah plans to purse nursing at Prairie View A&M University. Jirah is on the newspaper staff at Woodlawn High, and she also attends the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition, which helps prepare high-achieving high school students to enter, excel in, and graduate from college.

Senior Troineicia Leake was also awarded with a $4,000 scholarship to LSU. She plans on attending LSU and majoring in Mass Communications while focusing on Journalism. Troineicia has a cumulative 3.1 GPA at Woodlawn High, and has been active in Beta, Bowling, and Cross Country during her time on campus.

Olivia Maday was the third Panther awarded with a $4,000 scholarship to LSU. Olivia plans on attending either LSU or Southeastern. She wants to major in biology and plans to attend medical school and become a radiologist. Olivia currently has a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the soccer team, cross-country team, and track and field team. Olivia is also a member of the STEAM Club and the vice president of NHS.

The final senior recognized was Raven Square. Raven was awarded with a $1,000 scholarship by Southern University. Raven plans to attend Dillard University and major in Chemistry. Raven would like to become a pharmacologist after finishing her education. While at Woodlawn, Raven has carried a 3.1 GPA and participated as a Cheerleader and a Senior Class Representative.

Jalyn Recasner was the first junior recognized at the ceremony. Jalyn was chosen as the recipient of a Chromebook.  Jalyn currently carries a 4.0 GPA. While Jalyn has not made a decision on her choice of college, she does plan on majoring in Psychology. Jalyn is a member of DECA, the powerlifting team, and the volleyball team.

Junior Breanna Russell was awarded a $250 book scholarship. Breanna plans to attend LSU and major in veterinary medicine. Breanna has a cumulative GPA of 3.4. She is a member of the Woodlawn powerlifting team, the softball team, and is also a member of NHS.

Our final junior recognized was Britney Umanzor. Britney was awarded with a Chromebook. Britney intends on pursuing a career as a dentist once she completes her education at LSU. She has a 3.2 cumulative GPA, and is a member of the Art Club and Beta Club.

The nine young women from Woodlawn High who were recognized represent the best that the East Baton Rouge Parish School System has to offer, and we are extremely proud to call them Panthers!