By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Juan Watkins Jr., a 2014 graduate of St. Charles Catholic High School, was honored at this month’s St. John the Baptist Parish Council meeting for his selection to participate in the Gates Millennium Scholars Program.

The Gates Program commends 1,000 high school graduates nationally each year based on their strong leadership, community service and academic achievements. Recognized as leaders of America’s future, funds are available to each Gates Millennium Scholar to attend any accredited college or university located in the United States through a scholarship funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

In order to be eligible for the program, students must have attained a cumulative high school GPA of 3.3 and demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities.

Watkins, who will be attending Morehouse College in the fall, went above and beyond the requirements with an outstanding cumulative GPA of 3.78.

He also attended numerous community service events such as March for Life and Thanksgiving food drives, as well as participated as a volunteer at a nursing home. He was a member of the National Honors Society, Beta Club, Drama Club, Science Club, Ambassadors Club and a Student Council officer at SCC.  

Parish President Natalie Robottom, in conjunction with St. John Parish Council members, extended their best wishes and congratulations to Watkins at the June 10 meeting and presented him with a framed proclamation of recognition.