LAPLACE — Ascension of Our Lord School recently held an Eighth Grade Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2015.

Eighth grade students and their families participated in a Mass, followed by an awards ceremony.

Maggie Morton was named valedictorian. She is the daughter of Patrick and Tammy Morton of LaPlace.

Rachel Nguyen was named salutatorian. She is the daughter of Lam and Hong Nguyen of LaPlace.

Maggie and Rachel also received high school placement test awards to St. Charles Catholic High School. Rachel received first rank ($500) and Maggie received third rank ($400).

Students must score at or above the 85th national percentile on the High School Placement Test to be eligible.

Maggie was presented the Seelos 8th Grade Scholarship Fund ($2,500,) which supports students who attend a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of New Orleans in order to offer them the same inspiration from Father Seelos that the students of his day received.

Ascension of Our Lord Knights of Columbus Council #9623 awarded Maggie the Father Benjamin Piovan Scholarship, a $1,000 scholarship for students attending St. Charles Catholic High School. She received the scholarships for her outstanding service, academic achievements and strong Catholic faith.

The Knights of Columbus also awarded the Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest Winner to Maggie Morton. Maggie won first at the archdiocese level and second at the state level and received a $100 stipend.

Lauren Trichell received a plaque for placing first at the archdiocese level in the Keep Christ in Christmas poster contest.

Father Walter presented the Pastor’s Award to Arielle Tillery. This year’s recipient exhibited great strides in personal growth, most improved in Christian attitude about self and others, growth in utilizing his potential and exhibited a deep awareness of his own personality.

Ruiz presented the Principal’s Award to Maggie for exhibiting the principles of citizenship, honesty in all relationships, lives a lifestyle which exemplifies integrity, participates in school and many extra-curricular activities and assumes responsibility without being asked.

Other notable awards were: Altar Server of the Year was Destiny Ciecierski, Student of the Year was Maggie Morton, Christian Athlete was awarded to Peyton Broussard and Destiny Romious, Academic Athlete was awarded to Robert Mays and Maggie Morton.