On May 11, 2019, the Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) held graduation ceremonies for four of its seven high schools at the Cajundome in Lafayette. Also, ceremonies for the Early College Academy were held on May 9th, and for David Thibodeaux STEM Magnet Academy and Northside High on May 10th. This year a total of 1,877 students graduated from LPSS. 1,330 of those were TOPS University graduates, one was a Core 4 graduate, two were Basic Core graduates, 24 graduated with a LAA 1 Career Diploma, and 520 earned Jump Start diplomas. LPSS students were offered over $40,200,000 in scholarships. We wish to celebrate the accomplishments of all Lafayette Parish School System graduates as they enter the work force, join the armed forces, or begin post-secondary academic careers. We also wish to commend the faculty, staff, and administration of our high schools for providing such a rich variety of academic experiences and opportunities for Lafayette Parish students.
When asked, David LeJeune, principal of Acadiana High School said, “Graduation day is a very special day for the seniors and their families. The graduates are excited to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments with faculty, staff, friends and families. Since the inception of the Jump Start diploma pathway and virtual courses more graduates have been able to realize their dream of high school graduation.”
Jeff Debetaz, principal of David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy similarly observed, “The staff at David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy strives hard to give personal attention to each of our students, including graduates. I feel this is one reason ... We have had only four students who have not completed graduation (on stage) since we had our first ceremony in 2014.”
Lafayette High School Principal Dr. Donald Thornton, reflecting on his time as principal said, “When I look back at the last four years as principal of LHS, I am proud of our academic accomplishments. Getting back to an A school, excelling in AP and other exams, and the list can go on. LHS has a proud academic tradition. The staff is a dedicated group of professionals that push students to perform at high levels.”
Acadiana High School
Acadiana High’s 374 graduates were offered $4,002,404 in scholarships. 220 students graduated with a TOPS University diploma, 148 graduated with the Jump Start diploma, five earned a LAA 1Career Diploma, and one earned a Basic Core.
Carencro High School
Carencro High School students were offered $2,429,604 in scholarships. 121of Carencro’s 222 graduates earned a TOPS University diploma. 89 earned a Jump Start diploma, and 12 earned a LAA 1Career Diploma.
Early College Academy
ECA’s 57 graduates were offered $9,817,865 in scholarships. All ECA graduates earned TOPS University diplomas. 52 of the 57 graduates also earned an Associate’s degree.
Lafayette High School
Lafayette High’s 443 graduates were offered $17,863,514 in scholarships. 443 students earned a TOPS University diploma, 102 earned a Jump Start diploma, and three earned LAA 1 Career diplomas.
Northside High School
Northside’s 100 graduates earned $512,571 in scholarships. 51 students graduated with a TOPS University diploma, 46 earned a Jump Start diploma, and two earned a LAA 1 Career Diploma, and one earned a Core 4 diploma.
Comeaux High School
Comeaux High’s 443 graduates earned $1,392,672 in scholarships. 325 graduated with TOPS University diplomas, 2 with LAA 1 Career Diplomas, two earned a Tops University diploma, and 116 earned Jump Start diplomas.
David Thibodeaux STEM Magnet Academy
103 of the 111 David Thibodeaux STEM Magnet Academy graduates earned TOPS University diplomas. Eight earned Jump Start diplomas. David Thibodaux graduates were offered $4,216,794 in scholarships.