On Campus: SW La. Students Recognized for Achievement – American Press

Stillwell Inducted Into Honor Society

BATON ROUGE — Abigail Stillwell of Lake Charles was recently initiated into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the oldest and most selective collegiate honor society in the country, encompassing all disciplines.

Stillwell received his initiation at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by the chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors qualify for membership.

Three university graduates

UNIVERSITY, Miss. — Three students from southwest Louisiana were among more than 3,100 honorees at the University of Mississippi’s May 2024 graduation ceremony.

Annabel Keers of Sulfur received his bachelor’s degree from the College of Liberal Arts.

Jenna Lewis of Lake Charles earned a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies from the College of Liberal Arts and General Studies.

Olivia Reeves of Sulfur earned a bachelor’s degree in science from the Faculty of Journalism and New Media.

Seven scholarships awarded

WESTLAKE — Seven students from southwest Louisiana are among 56 high school seniors across the U.S. who will receive $16,000 in scholarships through the Phillips 66 Dependent Scholarship Program.

The competition program is open to outstanding college students whose parents work for Phillips 66.

The local winners are:

Cale Davis from Sam Houston High School is attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, majoring in mechanical engineering. Cale is the son of Phillips 66 employee Ben Davis.

Sophie Smith Catholic Secondary School in St. Louis is a student at Louisiana Tech University majoring in political science. Sophie is the daughter of Lisa Smith, an employee of Phillips 66.

ANDI like Himel Lacassine High School is attending McNeese State University, majoring in Mathematical Science. Allie is the daughter of Reggie Himel, a Phillips 66 employee.

Jeri E’Lise Vige DeQuincy High School is attending Louisiana Christian University, majoring in Biology/Pre-Med. Jeri is the daughter of Brandon Vige, a Phillips 66 employee.

Isaac Dupree from South Beauregard High School is attending McNeese State University majoring in mechanical engineering. Isaac is the son of Phillips 66 employee Shane Dupree.

Abby Ortego from Jennings High School is attending Louisiana Tech University majoring in agribusiness with a concentration in plant sciences. Abby is the daughter of Phillips 66 employee Michael Orte.

Tate Wainwright from Grand Lake High School attends Louisiana Tech University, where he majors in biomedical engineering. Tate is the son of Nichole Wainwright, an employee of Phillips 66.

Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, community service and financial need. The award reflects the company’s vision of improving lives and supporting communities.

McMillin on the President’s List

MISSISSIPPI STATE, Mrs. — Emily McMillin from Lake Charles has been named to the Mississippi State University chancellor’s list for spring 2024.

McMillin is one of 4,137 students to receive this distinction. Students on the list have achieved a grade point average of 3.80 or higher on a 4.0 scale and have completed at least 12 semester hours of coursework with no grades below C or incomplete.

Dupree is pursuing a master’s degree

MISSISSIPPI STATE, Miss. — Alisha Dupree of Sulphur will be one of nearly 3,500 Mississippi State University graduates in spring 2024.

Dupree received his Master of Physician Assistant degree from MSU’s Department of Academic Affairs.

Pollock earns master’s degree

MACON/ATLANTA, GA — Samantha Pollock from Leesville was among the graduates recognized during commencement exercises at Mercer University.

Pollock earned a Master of Science in Medical Sciences from the College of Health Professions.

Two people on the dean’s list

LONGVIEW, Texas — Two southwest Louisiana students have been named to LeTourneau University’s spring dean’s list. They are Gavin Williams from Lake Charles, majoring in electrical and computer engineering, Ryan Miller Pitkin, aviation systems specialist.

Students who obtained an average grade for the semester between 3.50 and 3.99 are placed on the Dean’s List.

Jones appointed delegate

SULFUR – Michael Jonesa ninth-grade student at Hamilton Christian High School, was named a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders.

The Congress is an honors program for high school students who want to become doctors or engage in medical research. The purpose of this event is to honor, inspire, motivate and guide the nation’s top students interested in this career to stay true to their dreams, and after the event to provide a path, plan and resources to help them achieve their goals.

Jones’ nomination was based on his academic achievements, leadership potential and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.

Among other honors, he was Student of the Year (2022-2023) and won first place in Spanish in the regional division of the Literary Rally (2023-2024). He won first place in the school science fair and then won first place in the National Energy Education Development, earning a scholarship to science camp. He is also a member of Union Mission Baptist Church, Senior BETA and the student council class representative. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, reading, gaming, studying Spanish and playing on the local soccer team.