Texas Academy recognizes 34 Spring 2024 graduates
The Texas Academy at Lamar University is proud to commemorate the remarkable achievements of its Class of 2024 graduates, highlighting the institution's steadfast commitment to academic excellence and outstanding leadership. 
All Texas Academy students graduate on the Distinguished Achievement Plan, as per the Texas Education Agency. They must also graduate core complete with 60 college credit hours, qualify fortwo to three high school endorsements, and volunteer or participate in at least 48 hours of service leadership opportunities.
“In the Texas Academy, we are very selective with our program and accept only the most highly qualified students. This past academic year has been a pivotal moment for the Academy,” Texas Academy Coordinator and Student Success Coach Ariel Burgess said. “To name a few highlights, we have grown from 50 to 80 students, on the PSAT, two of our students, Evelyn Hardy and Eunice Yi, scored commended out of 34,000 and one of our students, Joanne Yi, scored semi-finalist out of 16,000 nationally – all are considered National Merit Scholars.”
In addition to academic excellence, the Class of 2024 demonstrated exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. The establishment of the Texas Academy Honor Society and successful fundraising endeavors such as the inaugural Fish 'n Fest underscored the students' proactive engagement and community impact.
Furthermore, the Texas Academy Class of 2024 also dedicated over 5,300 hours to community service, contributing to organizations such as Christus St. Elizabeth and Stable Spirit. Their commitment to service reflects the Academy's emphasis on cultivating servant leaders who make meaningful contributions to society.
“This year at Lamar University, six of our students were offered a Presidential Scholarship or Legends Scholarship, and eight were offered a full ride at other institutions across the United States,” Burgess said. “Still yet, 28 were offered a significant amount of scholarship money with over $5,500,000 in total scholarship funding. To top it off, out of 34 graduates, 17 of them will be attending Lamar University.”
The Texas Academy at Lamar University celebrates the Class of 2024 for their exceptional achievements, unwavering dedication, and boundless potential. Through their academic prowess, leadership, and commitment to service, these graduates embody the spirit of excellence that defines the Texas Academy and its enduring legacy of success.
Texas Academy Class of 2024
Aayan Anwar
College: Lamar University
Major: Biology
Taylor Ardoin
College: Lamar University
Major: Pre-Veterinary
University Scholar
Natalie Bean
College: Lamar University
Major: Nursing
Presidential Scholar
Kenidy Bennett
College: Lamar University
Major: Psychology
Cardinal Elite Scholar
Phillipine Brossard
College: Purdue University
Major: Ecology, Evolution, and Enviornmental Biology
Early Vet Program
Aston Broussard
College: Texas A&M University
Major: Public Health
Matthew Chin
College: University of Houston
Major: Accounting and Finance
Academic Excellence Scholar
Aiden Conlin
College: Lamar University
Major: Computer Science
Sylvia Dao
College: University of Houston
Major: Accounting
Olivia Dennis
College: Stephen F. Austin University
Major: Studiox Arts
Academic Excellence Scholar
Kiran Edwards
College: Lamar University
Major: Industrial Engineering
Cardinal Elite Scholar
Joshua Florence
College: Lamar University
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Presidential Scholar
Gina Flores
College: Lamar University
Major: Nursing
Jennifer Gonzalez
College: Lamar University
Major: Chemical Engineering
Cardinal Elite Scholar
Alli Gross
College: Louisiana State University
Major: Biochemistry and Cognitive Neuroscience
Presidential Alumni Scholar
Evelyn Hardy
College: Rice University
Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Trustee Distinguished Scholar
Samantha Hatcher
College: Lamar University
Major: English
Cardinal Elite Scholar
Maryah Javed
College: Lamar University
Major: Pre-Dental
Cardinal Elite Scholar
Caden Knox
College: Lamar University
Major: Biology
Academic Excellence Scholar
Carter Kuykendall
College: Lamar University
Major: Electrical Engineering
Cardinal Elite Scholar
Lily LeBlanc
College: Texas Tech University
Major: Architectural Engineering
Amber Nguyen
College: University of Houston
Major: Management Information Systems
Academic Excellence Scholar
Emily Oldbury -- Salutatorian
College: Texas A&M University
Major: Computer Engineering
Macy Ostten
College: Lamar University
Major: Chemical Engineering
SETX Legends Scholar
Olivia Owens
College: Texas A&M University
Major: Honors Business
Nikhil Patel
College: Sam Houston State University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Elliot T. Bowers Scholar
Rubin Rao
College: Texas A&M University
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Josten Rock
College: Lamar University
Major: Biology
Distinguished Scholar
Sarah Schrek
College: Lamar University
Major: Healthcare Administration
Premier Scholar
Rachel Silva
College: Lamar University
Major: Nursing
Academic Excellence Scholar
Braxton Siti
College: Lamar University
Major: Electrical Engineering
Sophie Tarver
College: University of Texas at Austin
Major: History
Eunice Yi
College: University of Houston
Major: Honors Biomedical Science
Joanne Yi -- Valedictorian
College: University of Texas at Austin
Major: International Relations and Global Studies