NEWS
Tech, national IT center honor outstanding high school students
Louisiana Tech University and the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) joined forces last week to host the first ever Louisiana Affiliate Aspirations in Computing Awards, which recognizes young women at the high-school level in Louisiana for their computing-related achievements and interests.
Sponsored by CenturyLink, the Cyber Innovation Center, Amdocs, and the Fenway Group, awards were presented to seven female students from high schools around Louisiana and one high school educator. The honorees were selected for their computing and IT aptitude, leadership ability, academic history, and plans for post-secondary education.
From left to right – Front row: Samanthan Fadrigalan, Brianna Lawson, Alexis McGee. Back row: Dr. Lucy Sanders, Sanjeetha Peters, Jasmin Chriss, Ashley Schoonmaker, Candice Richardson, Dr. Jenna Carpenter.
The student awardees were Jasmin Chriss, a senior at Baton Rouge High School; Sam Fadrigalan and Brianna Lawson, seniors at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in Natchitoches; Alexis McGee and Karisha Olson, seniors at Baton Rouge Magnet High School; Candice Richardson, a senior at Florien High School; and Ashley Schoonmaker, a senior at Saint Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge.
Sanjeetha Peters from the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts received this year’s educator award in recognition of her efforts to promote gender equity in computing. As part of her award, Peters is eligible to receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement for participation in a computing-related professional development opportunity.
“Louisiana Tech is delighted to be able to honor these high school girls and educator for their achievements in computing and information technology,” said Dr. Jenna Carpenter, associate dean for strategic initiatives for Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science and the emcee for the program. “They serve as role models for girls interested in pursuing technical careers and their achievements highlight the many ways that engineering and science can be used to benefit our society.”
NCWIT CEO and co-founder Dr. Lucy Sanders was also on hand for the ceremony. NCWIT focuses on improving diversity across the entire spectrum from K-12 through college education, and on to academic, corporate and entrepreneurial careers. In addition to her role with NCWIT, Sanders serves as Executive-in-Residence for the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
“We particularly appreciate the strong support and participation of our corporate partners and NCWIT’s CEO Lucy Sanders,” Carpenter said. Written by Catherine Fraser – cfraser@latech.edu