Caring for Generations
RISING STARS
This special section celebrates 12 young athletes from the Greater Baton Rouge area who are “Rising Stars” in their respective sports . Each one was selected by their school’s athletic leaders for demonstrating not just physical talent , but personal character as well . Scan the QR codes for stories about these outstanding young men and women .
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SPONSORED BY
A public awareness campaign for the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Louisiana was made possible due to the support of the local businesses featured in this section. Sponsors have no association with the students in this section except in a congratulatory role.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Student athletes who rise to the top of their sport are in a special category of their own . While talent is certainly important , student athletes exhibit unique personality traits that help them succeed .
These include a competitive spirit , self- discipline , focus , confidence , and a commitment to their goals . These qualities will serve them well as they transition to adulthood and become leaders in their chosen fields someday.
The Baton Rouge Clinic congratulates the 12 students featured in 225 Magazine’s 2023 RISING STARS section . These elite athletes dazzle us with their incredible “star power” and the bright futures that lay ahead of them .
Ethan Aguilera
Cooper Coates
Rhaia Davey
Jayce Depron
Emma Loupe
Dashawn McBryde
Elizabeth Meisner
Henry Mensman
George Perkins
Drew Silman
Brennon Thompson
Josie Viator
44 [225] June 2023 | 225batonrouge.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SPONSOR LETTER
Caring for Generations
KILLING
IT
As a state champion in volleyball with a 4.0 GPA, Rhaia Davey is shining both on and off the court.
SPONSORED BY:
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RHAIA
The Dunham School
DAVEY
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DASHAWN MCBRYDE
Denham Springs High School
PASSIONPURPLE & GOLD
Despite dozens of offers from across the country, this young man is taking his talents just down the road to LSU.
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SPONSORED BY:
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NOTHING NET BUT SPONSORED BY:
DEPRON Madison Preparatory Academy SCAN TO READ MORE Jayce Depron is shooting his way up the recruiting rankings. SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
JAYCE
DREW SILMAN
Zachary High School
FULL SWING
After a prep career that culminated in a state championship, he is ready to take the next step.
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SAVE DAY THE
Dutchtown’s Elizabeth Meisner is coming up big both on and off the pitch
ELIZABETH MEISNER
Dutchtown High School
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East Ascension High School
FAMILYTIES
This East Ascension athlete is following in the family footsteps to become the next football star.
SPONSORED BY: OF
BRENNON THOMPSON
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GONZALES
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High School
FRESHMANPHENOM
As a first-year, dual-sport athlete, she’s making the most of her academic and athletic career.
SCAN TO READ MORE PIPE AND STEEL CO. BRECHEEN
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EMMA LOUPE Brusly
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COOPER COATES U-High (University Lab School)
he’s in the studio or in the starting five, Cooper Coates has already begun making a name for himself. SMART SAVVY & SPONSORED BY: SCAN TO READ MORE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Whether
IMPACT INSTANT
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BY:
HENRY MENSMAN Catholic High School SCAN
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It hasn’t taken long into his high school career to prove he’s a star in the making.
ETHAN AGUILERA Thrive Academy Ethan Aguilera is quickly becoming a multi-sport star for Thrive Academy. SCAN TO READ MORE THRIVING SPONSORED BY: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
LOUDPROUD &
St. Joseph’s Academy
JOSIE VIATOR
BY:
Viator is helping to set the gold standard as an SJA cheerleader. SCAN TO READ MORE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SPONSORED
Josie
UP KICK IT
At Baton Rouge Magnet High, George Perkins has steadily become a local soccer star. GEORGE PERKINS Baton Rouge Magnet High School SCAN TO READ MORE SPONSORED BY: SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
What is Youth of the Year?
Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier recognition program, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Club teens. Club members who earn the Youth of the Year title embody the values of leadership service, academic excellence and healthy lifestyles. They exemplify the crucial impact that Boys & Girls Clubs have on the lives of young people.
Meet Our Youth of the Year
Our Youth of the Year, presented by Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, is Reniyah Jackson. Reniyah is a sophomore at Salmen High School in Slidell where she is captain of the varsity cheer squad and is on the softball team. She is an honor student and hopes to become a pediatrician one day. She has been a Club member at our Slidell Club for seven years, and she is currently part of the junior staff at the Club.
How has Your Club Served You?
“My Club has provided not only me, but many other kids in our city with a safe place to hang out when schools are closed. I appreciate having supportive mentors who care about me and encourage me to be the best I can be in all things. My Club has impacted my life by providing opportunities to be a leader in the Club and community,” said Reniyah.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Louisiana serves those 6-18 who need us most in our nine Clubs located across Baton Rouge, Covington, Gretna, New Orleans and Slidell through after-school and summer programs. To learn how to get involved, visit bgcmetrolouisiana.org.
225batonrouge.com | [225] June 2023 57 Youth of the Year
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Louisiana Administrative Office 8281 Goodwood Blvd., Suite A Baton Rouge, LA 70806 225.383.3928
2023 Reniyah Jackson
Baton Rouge | Covington | Gretna | New Orleans | Slidell