[CharterSchools] The Willow School’s Jayden Michael Gardere Named 2025 Louisiana Student of the Year Finalist

[charterschools at LACharter.org]

The Willow School’s Jayden Michael Gardere Named 2025 Louisiana Student of the Year Finalist


(New Orleans – March 21, 2025) — The Willow School is proud to announce that 8th grader Jayden Michael Gardere has been named a  2025 Louisiana Student of the Year Finalist for Region 1 by the Louisiana Department of Education and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). 

"We couldn’t be prouder of Jayden and all he has achieved,” said The Willow School CEO Nicolette London. “His dedication, leadership, and passion for learning make him truly deserving of this honor. Jayden is not only an outstanding student but also a role model, inspiring those around him. Congratulations to Jayden, his family, and the amazing educators who have supported him on this journey!"

The Louisiana Student of the Year program recognizes exceptional fifth, eighth, and twelfth-grade students for their achievements in academics, leadership, and service to the school and community. Jayden was selected through a competitive regional review process spanning the state’s eight BESE regions. One student per grade level will be named Louisiana Student of the Year at an awards ceremony later this school year.

A well-rounded student, Jayden excels academically, socially, and athletically. Inspired by his family’s strong work ethic and commitment to service, he strives to uplift those around him. A second-degree black belt, he enjoys playing basketball, video games, and spending time with family and friends.

Jayden is actively involved with New Hope Baptist Church, where he helps lead community outreach initiatives, including the “Baskets of Hope” program, which raises approximately $10,000 annually to provide meals for 500 families in need. He has also dedicated around 500 volunteer hours teaching karate and assisting in the church’s media ministry.

An engaged student and musician, Jayden maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA while taking multiple Carnegie unit courses, including Advanced Honors Geometry. A talented musician, he plays the clarinet and has served as first chair for guitar at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music since 2022. He is also an active member of Key Club, Young Life Club, and The Willow School’s basketball teams.
Recognized for his excellence early on, Jayden was previously a state finalist for Louisiana Student of the Year in fifth grade. Looking ahead, he aspires to become a sports anchor while continuing to uplift his community and make a meaningful impact.
The Willow School 8th grader Jayden Michael Gardere, a  2025 Louisiana Student of the Year Finalist 
For more information, visit willowschoolnola.org.

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The Willow School (formerly Lusher Charter School), an “A” rated public school located in Uptown New Orleans, engages students and challenges them to think critically, analytically and creatively. A National Blue Ribbon School in partnership with Tulane University, The Willow School has mastered the art of balancing a rigorous academic program with accompanying higher expectations and student well-being.  Willow’s unique curriculum is founded on the concept of arts integration. The school believes strongly in the power of combining critical thinking skills and creativity to prepare its students for a successful academic future and to help them develop and grow into adulthood.  With the recent addition of a new, separate middle school campus, Willow is now able to offer more students the benefit of a Willow education. An Orleans Parish public school, serving more than 2,000 students on three campuses, The Willow School is the highest-rated K-12 public school in the state. 


  
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