Two students from Bossier Schools will represent this region of the state in the 2024-25 Student of the Year competition following an announcement today by the Louisiana Department of Education that Lily Kees and Kylie Small are advancing as finalists. 

Every year, honorees are narrowed to one 5th, 8th and 12th grader from each of the state’s eight Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) regions. Kees and Small were selected as the finalists for Region 4, which is comprised of 11 parishes.

Lily Kees is an 8th grader at Greenacres Middle School. Her interests include reading, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, acting, and powerlifting. She also enjoys the poetry of Edgar Allan Poe, film production, pop music and art. As a female who participates in several male-dominated sports, Kees hopes to prove that girls are capable of doing anything. She is the captain of the Mustang Prancers Danceline, a member of the Bossier Schools Talented Arts Program in art and theater, and Kees performs with the Shreveport Little Theater. Additionally, she volunteers within the community and assists in teaching others self-defense at the Louisiana Black Belt Academy. Kees looks forward to possibly pursuing a career in biology, veterinary science or geology. 

Kylie Small is a senior at Haughton High School and a leader on her campus and in her community.  She is the Vice President of the HHS Student Council, a member of the varsity softball team, HHS Red Jackets, and the Bossier Parish Talented Arts Program for Music. Small is passionate about both vocal and instrumental music. Her performances have ranged from leading her church’s worship to leading worship in other countries. After creating a TikTok account to share her music, she was contacted by a Nashville talent scouting agency within just two months and signed to a recording contract, and now works with professionals across the music industry. After graduating from high school, Small’s love for the music industry will land her at Belmont University in Nashville, where she will continue to chase her dreams. 

“We are elated that these two young ladies will advance and represent not only Bossier Schools, but 11 parishes at the state level of the Student of the Year competition,” said Jason Rowland, Superintendent of Bossier Schools. “Lily and Kylie are exemplary students, role models and community leaders and we cannot wait to celebrate and cheer them on in Baton Rouge.” 

Finalists will be honored May 16 at an awards ceremony in the state capital at which time the overall Louisiana Student of the Year winners will be announced from each grade.