Cheers were plentiful and loud as 17 “heroes” were recognized during the 2026–27 EBR Schools Student of the Year celebration on Nov. 4 at McKinley Middle Academic Magnet School.
Hosted by WBRZ’s John Pastorek, the celebration honored the district’s top elementary, middle and high school students, who advanced through a rigorous selection process recognizing academic achievement, leadership and service.
The evening concluded with the announcement of the district’s top Student of the Year winners, as well as the charter school winners.
EBR Schools Winners
- Elementary School: Lincoln Lee
- Middle School: Brennan Smith, Sherwood
- High School: Mackenzie Jones, Liberty Magnet
Charter School Winners
- Elementary School: Judah Paynes, Inspire Charter Academy
- Middle School: Cameron Yarbrough, BASIS Baton Rouge Charter
- High School: Lamson Khoi Bui, BASIS Baton Rouge Charter
The winners will advance to the regional Student of the Year competition.
The celebration recognized all the school-level finalists for their outstanding accomplishments:
Elementary School
- Lillian Anding – BR FLAIM
- Terrez Jackson – Claiborne
- Darrell Campbell II – Forest Heights Academy of Excellence
- Jadon Hall – Glen Oaks Park
- Ivan Mateo Tomas – LaBelle Aire
- Lanxi Wei – McKinley
- Lincoln Lee – Parkview
- Grace Zhu – Wildwood
Middle School
- Antian Alice He – Glasgow
- Brennan Smith – Sherwood
- Shadia Okasha – Southeast
High School
- Mackenzie Jones – Liberty Magnet
- Larissa Boldor – Baton Rouge Magnet
- Ja’Zoria Green – Belaire
- Emmalyn Lynch – Scotlandville
