RESERVE — The St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District 2017 District Students of the Year are Norshelys Lopez, Christopher Taylor and Paige Edler.

12th Grade

The St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District’s 12th Grade Student of the Year is Paige Edler of East St. John High School.

“Paige is an amazingly talented and bright young lady representing the students of East St. John High,” Principal Tabari Simon said. “She is pleasant, well-spoken and shows the ability to meet any challenge she may incur.

“We are always im-pressed when meeting students exceeding our expectations, and Paige Edler continues to impress us on a daily basis.”

Edler is a member of the Beta Club, the yearbook staff and is a junior youth leader at Iglesia Bautista Marantha.

She has maintained honor roll status for her entire academic career and has been the recipient of the Wildcat Top 10 Award multiple times.

She is a past Junior Beta Club president and is currently recognized as a Distinguished Leader in the Senior Beta Club.

She is also the recipient of the Outstanding Honesty and Integrity Award from Progressive Lodge No. 262.

Edler will attend Louisiana State University in the fall and pursue a major in business marketing and management.

She is the daughter of Michelle Orgeron.

Eighth Grade

The St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District’s Eighth Grade Student of the Year is Christopher Taylor of John L. Ory Communication Arts Magnet School.

“Christopher Taylor is by far one of the best all-around students I have ever met,” Principal Christal Sylvain said. “He is highly motivated to learn and has a deep desire to be successful in life. He is always willing to help those in need and serves as an excellent role model for younger students. Other students often look to Christopher to provide ideas or leadership, which he is always able to provide.

“All of these traits have made him stand out as a leader on our campus and across St. John the Baptist Parish.”

Taylor is the eighth grade Student Council representative, a journalist for the JLO Journal, a member of the Beta Club and the school basketball team. He was previously the Fifth Grade District Student of the Year.

Outside of school, he participates in church activities including the King’s Kids, plays basketball with the Louisiana Ambassadors and participates in volunteer activities that included spending time at the New Orleans Mission.

Over the summer, Taylor participated in the National Society of Black Engineers Summer Engineering Experience for Kids and he hopes to one day combine his love of math, science and sports to become a sports engineer.

Taylor is the son of Enoch and Terri Frazier.

Fifth Grade

The St. John the Baptist Parish Public School District’s Fifth Grade Student of the Year is Norshelys Lopez of East St. John Elementary School.

“Norshelys Lopez demonstrates a positive attitude in working with teachers and her fellow classmates throughout the school day at East St. John Elementary School,” Principal Stacy Bradford said. “She possesses strong leadership skills, a winning attitude and believes in setting high standards for herself and others. Because of her drive to succeed, proven abilities and impressive academic achievements, Norshelys was chosen for Student of the Year for St. John the Baptist Parish. This young lady is simply amazing.”

Lopez is a member of the Junior Beta, Homework and Advanced clubs and is a peer tutor. Her honors include principal’s list, star performer and highest achievement in reading.

Lopez enjoys helping others and teaching them about her Puerto Rican culture and heritage.

Her project on Puerto Rico earned her third place in the geography division in this year’s District Social Studies Fair. She is currently learning about the culinary industry and hopes to go to college to pursue a business degree so she can open her own restaurant.

Lopez is the daughter of Yaitza DeLeon and Jose Lopez.