Raegan Nation, a senior at Grambling State University Laboratory High School, was selected as Ruston Rotary Club’s September Student of the Month.
At a Rotary Club-sponsored luncheon, she was awarded a plaque on Thursday, Sept. 17.
Courtesy photo
Raegan Nation, senior, stands with Dr. Pamela Payne, the Grambling High principal.
“It was an honor to be chosen as the September Rotary Club Student of the Month. It is important to recognize academic achievements. It gives students something to look forward to outside of athletics and lets them know they can be a good student and athlete at the same time,” Nation said.
In order to qualify as a Rotary Student of the Month, a student must be a senior with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5 and be an officer or member of at least one high school club or organization.
The award ceremony took place at the Historic Ruston Fire Station. Nation was accompanied by GHS principal, Dr. Pamela Payne; GHS counselor, Melanie C. Thomas; and her aunt, LaToya Caster.
Nation and her guests were served lunch, and Nation was allowed to speak about her biographical background, her academic achievements and her future plans.
“I credit my parents with my academic success, and I look forward to attending a four-year university and majoring in biology so that I can attend Meharry Medical School in Memphis, Tenn.”
Also, Nation was selected at Student of the Year in the fifth and eighth grades, Miss Grambling Middle School, and valedictorian for the 5th and 8th grades.
Last summer she attended Grambling State University’s High Ability Program. Currently, she is Miss Senior and a Cinderella Debutante with the Zeta Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. in Monroe.
Payne, who has been a member of the Rotary Club for over a decade said, “I am proud to have such an outstanding student to represent our school. Raegan demonstrates leadership and intelligence. She represents what is fostered at Grambling High School. In addition, she understands the importance of giving back to her community.”
Nation said, “I possess over 1,000 hours of community service in Union and Ouachita Parishes. In August 2014, I started my very own dance company, Royal Bum Dance, in my community. I teach girls ages 5-17 the fundamentals of dance. Royal Bum Dance is my way of giving back to the community via the power of dance and mentorship of young girls. Being a mentor and someone who they can be proud of has been my greatest accomplishment, thus far.”