Every year, Phoumy Keonine stands proud at two graduation ceremonies. A chemistry H-TECH teacher at Emmett J. Conrad High School, he witnesses his students earn both their high school and college diplomas. When he was recruited ten years ago, Keonine was excited at the prospect of preparing students for their future beyond the typical high school experience. “At that time, we called it the collegiate program, where the kids can graduate with up to 60 college credit hours and an associate’s degree,” he said. “We help more students graduate every year compared to other schools because of the system we…

Gold medals hang around Landon F.’s neck after the Woodrow Wilson High School senior added another chapter to the school’s swimming legacy. Recently at the UIL State Swimming & Diving Championships, Landon came out on top for the 50 free and 100 fly, and was named 5A Male Athlete of the Meet. Yet his coach, Shelly Thibodaux and his fellow competitors will say the same thing: records matter, but so does the person behind them. “Standing at the regional meet, I had all these kids behind me that were competitors of his, and I didn’t hear one negative thing,” Thibodaux…