Three STPPS Students Named State Student of the Year Finalists

Little Oak Middle fifth grader Brix LaFontaine, Fontainebleau Junior High eighth grader Robert Ryals IV, and Mandeville High senior Beija Lopes-Morgan have all been selected as finalists in the state’s 2025-2026 Student of the Year Competition!

One fifth, eighth, and twelfth grade student is selected from each of the state's eight regions to move on to compete in the state level competition.

“We are incredibly proud of these outstanding students for being named finalists in the rigorous statewide Student of the Year competition,” said Superintendent Frank Jabbia. “Their achievement at the highest level reflects not only their academic excellence, but also their extensive leadership, dedication and service to others. They make our entire School System proud.”

Brix LaFontaine, Little Oak Middle (5th Grade)

Brix is a fifth-grade student at Little Oak Middle, where he serves as the ambassador for his class and is an active member of both the 4-H Club and Sunshine Committee. He loves sports and participates in football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and swim. He has served as the captain of his football team the past four years. Outside of school, Brix is involved in various ministries and charitable efforts with a focus on helping others. Earlier this year, he created his own organization, Kicks with Brix, which collects shoes for kids in need. Brix aspires to become an engineer or a doctor when he grows up.

Robert Ryals IV, Fontainebleau Junior High (8th Grade)

Robert is an eighth-grade student at Fontainebleau Junior High with many talents and diverse interests. He plays tuba in the school’s concert band, bass in the Fontainebleau Junior High Jazz Ensemble, and participates in both the Talented Art and Talented Theatre programs. He is also an avid reader, averaging about two hours of reading a day, and even more on the weekend, allowing him to finish at least one book each week. Outside of school, he trains in Karate and has earned a black belt. He also volunteers in several capacities with Redemption Student Ministry. Robert plans to pursue a career in music education.

Beija Lopes-Morgan, Mandeville High (12th Grade)

Beija is a senior at Mandeville High School who is focused on creating a better world for those around her. She serves as Student Body President and is an active member of Skipper Buddies Club, Waymaker Mentor Club, and the Lighthouse Leadership Team. Statewide, Beija is the K-12 Student Representative to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, where she represents the voices of students in public, private, and charter schools across Louisiana. She also serves as the State Vice President of the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council and is a member of the Executive Board of Louisiana Association of Student Councils. In these roles, she advocates for equitable educational access and increased civic engagement. Beija also volunteers at a camp for students with special needs and gives her time to Special Olympics Louisiana. After graduation, she plans to pursue studies in Public Policy with a concentration in Educational Policy, with the goal of a career in civil service.