Sponsored by East Baton Rouge Parish School System
A fifth grader raises more than $35,000 for cystic fibrosis research. A high school student creates a mathematics program that helps middle schoolers compete in academic competitions. A national yo-yo champion starts a club to teach others his craft.
These are just a few examples of the initiative, creativity and compassion demonstrated by the inaugural Eighteen Under 18 honorees in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.
The districtwide recognition program celebrates 18 students ages 18 and younger who are making an impact through academics, athletics, the arts, entrepreneurship, leadership and community service.
The goal is to look beyond grades and awards to recognize students for their character, perseverance and the ways they use their talents to benefit others.
For some honorees, making a difference means turning a personal experience into an opportunity to help others. Analise Funchess, a fifth grader at Westdale Heights Academic Magnet who lives with cystic fibrosis, has helped raise more than $35,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation while undergoing demanding medical treatments and numerous surgeries. She also uses her artistic talents to support the cause.
At Parkview Elementary School, fifth grader Lincoln Lee created a little free library with his grandfather and supports childhood cancer awareness and Down syndrome advocacy in honor of his younger brother. Meanwhile, fourth grader Nabeeha Hossain of Wildwood Elementary School has combined her interests in art and science with community service, earning a perfect score on the 2026 LEAP English Language Arts test despite English being her second language.
Entrepreneurial spirit is another common thread among the honorees. First grader Jenna Thomas of Westdale Heights Academic Magnet has written and illustrated a children’s book called Squishyland while operating a specialty drink business at sporting events. Middle school honoree Safoora Jafri, an eighth grader at Mayfair Lab, sells her artwork through her business, InksbyTooroo, and volunteers with Najma Food Care to help provide groceries to families in need.
The honorees’ accomplishments also demonstrate how leadership can extend beyond individual success. Sophomore Jason Zhou of Baton Rouge Magnet High School founded a mathematics program at Jefferson Terrace Academy, coaching 14 middle school students and helping nine compete in MATHCOUNTS for the first time in the school’s history.
Fellow Baton Rouge Magnet sophomore Harrison Breaux is the reigning U.S. National YoYo Champion in the Sport X division. He co-founded the Louisiana YoYo Club to share his passion and help others develop their skills. At Glen Oaks High School, sophomore Gabrielle Bennett established the school’s esports program, growing it into a community of more than 70 interested students.
Other honorees are making their mark in athletics and civic leadership. Kaleah Williams, a fifth grader at Forest Heights Academy of Excellence, won first place in the 400-meter and 800-meter races at the Junior Olympics. Senior Eric Vaughn of Liberty Magnet High School holds his school’s indoor and outdoor long jump records and helped reactivate and serves as president of the NAACP Baton Rouge Youth Council.
From elementary students exploring their talents to high school seniors preparing for the future, the 18 honorees represent the many ways young people can lead, serve and inspire. To learn more, visit ebrschools.org/eighteen.
Meet the Eighteen Under 18 honorees
Elementary school
- Nabeeha Hossain – Fourth grade, Wildwood Elementary School
- Kaleah Williams – Fifth grade, Forest Heights Academy of Excellence
- Lincoln Lee – Fifth grade, Parkview Elementary School
- Jenna Thomas – First grade, Westdale Heights Academic Magnet
- Analise Funchess – Fifth grade, Westdale Heights Academic Magnet
- Kali Clark – First grade, Baton Rouge Foreign Language Immersion Magnet
Middle school
- Naqeeb Hossain – Eighth grade, Glasgow Middle School
- Safoora Jafri – Eighth grade, Mayfair Lab
- Leighton Stage – Sixth grade, Westdale Middle
- Cannon Hollins – Seventh grade, McKinley Middle
- Jace Diaz – Eighth grade, Scotlandville Middle (SPEMA)
- Maya Luter – Eighth grade, Woodlawn Middle
High school
- Harrison Breaux – 10th grade, Baton Rouge Magnet High School
- Doruk Sayal – 12th grade, Baton Rouge Magnet High School
- Jason Zhou – 10th grade, Baton Rouge Magnet High School
- Camryn Cole – 11th grade, Broadmoor High School
- Gabrielle Bennett – 10th grade, Glen Oaks High School
- Eric Vaughn – 12th grade, Liberty Magnet High School
