An award-winning 4-H member, school broadcaster and student mentor; an academic all-star, dancer and karate enthusiast; and an exceptional scholar, athlete and Youth Legislature Governor with a heart for serving others. These are mere glimpses into the busy and accomplished lives of the 2025-26 Bossier Parish Students of the Year, who were named today to represent the district at the next level of the Louisiana Student of the Year competition. Chosen for their academic excellence, community service and leadership skills, let’s meet the 2025-26 Bossier Parish Students of the Year:
Emlyn Soto is a fifth grader at W.T. Lewis and the Bossier Parish Elementary Student of the Year. Soto shines as the 4-H Club President at her school and is ranked Top 10 in the state for her portfolio. A cheer group leader, Student-to-Student Mentor and member of the Bulldog Broadcast and Poco Voci Honor choir, Soto has earned numerous school awards and participates in a host of other activities, including the Kindness Crew, Art Club, swim team, tumbling and Junior Naturalists. Most importantly, the Bossier Parish Elementary Student of the Year demonstrates a love for service, donating to Operation Christmas Child and local food pantries, and volunteering at church and Bossier Schools’ Day of Service.
Hadleigh Fulghum, an eighth grader at Cope, is the Bossier Parish Middle School Student of the Year. Deeply involved on campus, Fulghum serves as an FCA officer, cheerleader and Yearbook Staff member. She is also active in Junior Beta Club, volleyball, and Junior Musical Theatre. Her love for the performing arts is expansive, from starring as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, participating in youth karate and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Dance Camp, or teaching at Vicki’s School of Dance. A member of the A/B Honor Roll and the Gifted program, Fulghum enjoys being a faith-based leader and Night to Shine volunteer.
Kang Noh is in his senior year at Airline High School, where he excels in academics and is active in athletics and service organizations. A QuestBridge Scholar, Noh serves as Team Captain of Airline Vikings Football and was elected Governor of Youth Legislature and School Board President at Louisiana Boys State. He is also a member of Louisiana Football Academic All-State, scoring a 33 on the ACT and perfect LEAP scores in English and Algebra I. He is also active as a worship leader, drummer and dedicated community volunteer.
The Louisiana Department of Education will name the 2025-26 State Students of the Year in each category at an awards ceremony in the spring.