DANIEL TYLER GOODEN

LULING – Some of the River Parishes’ best and brightest students were honored during Wednesday’s 31st annual River Parishes Chemical Industry Council awards luncheon. The companies honored those who have excelled in their science studies and represented their schools through science fairs and other contests across the country. St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation Director Larry Matson spoke before the students, reminding them of the importance of education and the need to do what you love. Matson graduated with a science degree in aeronautic engineering, but soon realized that all he wanted to do was his childhood dream of coaching baseball. “One day I just decided, I’m going to put out resumes and find a new job.” His then-current employment had driven a rift between him and his family through constant travel and working away from his family. Matson decided it was time to build a better foundation and follow his soul. Matson’s soul-searching took him to St. Charles Parish, where he now directs the Parks and Recreation Department, a place full of baseball. After Matson’s talk, awards were presented to the students. State essay contest winners were: seventh and eighth grade: first place Kevin Welsh, St. Peter Chanel. Runners-up: Amy Ortiz, Harry M. Hurst Middle School; Kuan Mitchell, Leon Godchaux Junior High. Ninth and 10th grade: first place: Cody Hoover, Lutcher High School. Runners-up; Ryan Berni, Destrehan High School; Alicia Diebold, Riverside Academy. Eleventh and 12th grade: first place, Sean McCloskey, Destrehan High School. Runners-up; Rebecca Sylvest, Lutcher High School; and Heidi Schaff, St. Charles High School. State science fair winners: junior division: first place; Kevin Welsh, St. Peter Chanel. Third place: Darryl Marse, J.B. Martin Middle School; Larry Cross and Chelsea Troxler, Lakewood Elementary and Benjamin Nobile, Riverside Academy. Fourth place: Brennen Poplus and Kayla Becnel, Ethel Schoeffner Elementary. Senior Division: second place: Raeanna Poplus, Destrehan High School. Third place: Geoffrey Rodriguez, John Ehret High School; Mallory Cortez and Megan Bell, St. James High School; Lacy Millet, Lutcher High School; Ryan Goitia and Ronald Schumann, Destrehan High School. Fourth place: Boyd Laurent, St. James High School; Nichole Maher, Hahnville High School; Casey Wagner, Destrehan High School. International science fair outstanding winners: Lacy Millet, Lutcher High School; Boyd Laurent, Lee Granier, Janie Reulet and Christie Duet, St. James High School. Chemistry contest winners: second place: Daniel Nelson, St. Charles Catholic. Runners-up: Wesley Cognevich, Destrehan High School and Tyler Teague, Lutcher High School. The Anthony Monica scholarship winner was Guille Devega of Hahnville High School.