Louisiana names Catholic students of the year

By Kim Roberts 
Clarion Herald

Two Archdiocese of New Orleans students – Jesuit eighth-grader Anthony Amadeo III and Archbishop Chapelle senior Morgan Gaudet – earned the title of 2024 Louisiana Catholic Student of the Year. 

Amadeo and Gaudet were named the best of the best among their peers, edging out students from the dioceses of Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Houma-Thibodaux, Lafayette, Lake Charles and Shreveport.

Competition guidelines

The Louisiana Catholic Student of the Year program, started in 2022, is an arduous process open to students attending Catholic schools across the state in grades 5, 8 and 12. Students qualify for the honor by demonstrating excellence in discipleship, leadership, service, citizenship and academic achievement.

Competition starts at the school level prior to advancing to the Diocesan Student of the Year regionals. A total of 21 finalists – one elementary, middle and high school student from each of the seven Louisiana dioceses – advance to the state competition. 

Prior to selecting the three state winners, students participate in a writing assessment and an interview conducted by a panel of judges chosen by diocesan superintendents.

Martha Mundine, deputy superintendent of the archdiocesan Department of Catholic Education and Faith Formation, said she was excited to have two state winners from the archdiocese.

“All of the students from every diocese are so well-rounded and use the gifts that God has given them to shine,” Mundine said. “This is a very difficult competition to determine a winner. Ultimately, the three students who won demonstrated those gifts to the fullest through their interviews, writing and portfolios.”

Eighth-grade honoree

Amadeo, who earned the eighth-grade state title, maintains a 4.0 GPA while actively participating in both his school and community. He is an altar server, a member of Jesuit’s pre-freshman football team and state championship wrestling team, Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and serves on the student council.

“I am humbled to be recognized as the state of Louisiana’s eighth-grade student of the year for Catholic schools,” Amadeo said. “It is through this recognition and countless efforts that others are served, others are called to serve and a continued positivity is delivered daily.”

This is not the first time Amadeo has garnered an award at the state level in this competition; he was also recognized as the fifth-grade student of the year while attending Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Chalmette.

“After I earned the award in middle school, I couldn’t wait to come to Jesuit and earn it again in eighth grade,” Amadeo said. “I came to Jesuit and started the process and won.”

Amadeo said his plans won’t stop as a pre-freshman. He is hoping for the “threepeat” – earning the state award in his senior year. Between now and his senior year in 2027-28, Amadeo will work to keep his GPA up and stay involved in school and service activities.

“Right now, I’m feeling the surface of Jesuit and looking for new clubs and things that interest me,” he said. “I might even try another sport. As far as community involvement, I’ve always been involved in the Make-A-Wish program and plan to keep working with them.”

To date, Amadeo has raised more than $100,000 for the Make-A-Wish program by collecting Santa letters.

His advice to aspiring students: “Find the balance between your grades and activities, stay involved, learn how to manage your time and do what you love.”

12th-grade honoree

Gaudet, who earned the senior state title, maintains a 4.7 GPA and plans to attend either the University of Alabama or Mississippi State.

She is a National Merit Finalist, Our Lady of Prompt Succor scholarship recipient, AP scholar with honors, member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Tri-M (music honor society) and a Keep Christ in Christmas poem winner.

Gaudet is also a member of the following organizations: student council, class representative; ambassadors; quiz bowl; Raider band, drum major; jazz and concert band; indoor percussion ensemble; LMEA district VI honor jazz band; Rummel Genesian players, vice president; Catholic Charismatic Renewal of New Orleans work crew member; St. Benilde CYO board member; St. Benilde lector, retreat leader and chorus and Teen CROSS member; spirit rally committee; junior classical league; STEM club; Belize missionary; March for Life participant; Chips for Life; Women of Christ, Impressions (liturgical music); Showstoppers; altar server; and extraordinary minister of holy Communion.

“It is such a great honor to be chosen as the 2024 Louisiana Catholic Student of the Year,” she said. “When I heard the news, I was so surprised but excited that all of my hard work had paid off.”

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