Theriot wins state Student of the Year

Kristina Theriot of Berwick Elementary is now Louisiana’s 2011 Elementary School Student of the Year.

“I would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support, especially my parents, and everyone at Berwick Elementary,” Kristina said. “I would also like to thank everyone in St. Mary Parish who do such a great job in educating their students.”

Kristina is the daughter of Troy and Elizabeth Theriot. Elizabeth Theriot is a curriculum facilitator at M.D. Shannon Elementary School in Morgan City.

In February, 10-year-old Kristina was named a regional finalist in the competition. She beat every fifth grade student in the regional competition, including those in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes.

The state Department of Education named her its 2011 winner for the elementary school division during the annual Student of the Year awards ceremony earlier this month at the Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge.

Kristina is an avid reader and a skilled writer. She has earned “Million Word Reader” status at her school. She is also enrolled in the gifted and talented program.

Kristina is also an artist and a past winner of the St. Mary Parish Hometown Spirit Poster Contest.

Overcoming the difficulties of living with asthma, Kristina is an active swimmer and has won a physical fitness award. She is also an aspiring veterinarian.

St Mary Parish School officials said Kristina’s selection was based on criteria that measured academic achievement, leadership skills, character and service to their school and community. She was selected from a group of 18 regional finalists, representing six state regions.

In the final round, each student had to submit a portfolio and complete a written composition. The selection committee also interviewed the finalists to evaluate their communication skills.

Berwick Elementary School Principal Stephen Russo said part of the written competition required Kristina to comment on Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “By failing to prepare, you prepare to fail.”

“You must prepare for whatever occurs in life,” Kristina wrote. “And if you do not prepare, you will most likely be unsuccessful. For instance, you must prepare for a hurricane by collecting food, water and other essential items. But if you do not prepare and have it planned, you could possibly get hurt.

“Preparing for success involves studying for tests, so that you will know the answers to the questions on the test,” she continued. “If you do not study, you may not pass the test.”

In the oral interview portion of the contest, students were asked to tell whether or not they should listen to the opinions of famous people such as actors, athletes and rock stars.

“I think we should listen to the opinions of famous people because we are all equal,” she told the judges. “Everyone should have the right to state their opinions. We do not necessarily have to follow their opinions, but we should at least listen to what they think.”

The process for identifying the state’s Students of the Year begins at the school level. All public elementary, middle and high schools in the state, as well as approved non-public schools, were asked to submit one candidate from 5th, 8th or 12th grade – depending on whether the school is an elementary, middle or high school. These students then compete with their peers at the district level and may advance to the regional competitions, where the regional finalists are chosen.

Kristina will receive a savings bond donated by the Entergy Corporation.

“I say it all the time – Kristina has the total package: desire, the ability to focus, a personality and a love of academics,” Russo said.

La. Student of the Year Kristina Theriot is pictured with her parents, Troy and Elizabeth Theriot. HOWARD J. CASTAY JR.