The LHSAA recognizes all-state caliber performance by its student-athletes, and not just on the playing field. We proudly uphold the LHSAA Academic All-State Program for excellence achieved in the classroom.

Our program recognizes senior student-athletes who have maintained the necessary GPA requirements, which are included in the online registration process for LHSAA eligibility. Seniors must register having kept a four-year, cumulative 3.5 GPA or higher to be eligible for the program.

The academic recognition program has undergone some changes beginning with the 2010-11 school year. Previously, the GPA benchmark for All-State recognition was set at 3.0, and principals of LHSAA member schools were responsible for nominating their student-athletes for the distinction. Because not all principals submitted nominations, some very deserving student-athletes were left off the Academic All-State teams.

Now, qualifying seniors are automatically distinguished as members of the Academic All-State Team upon registration and are listed on the LHSAA website as such. The highest academically-achieving student-athletes in their respective sports are named to the All-State Composite Team, and the next tier of qualifying student-athletes is named to the All-State Class/Division Team.

School principals must submit to the LHSAA an official six semester transcript for each student qualifying for the Composite Team. This is not required for Class/Division Team members. Principals may access the LHSAA website to create recognition certificates for all Class/Division Team student-athletes. Those seniors achieving Composite Team recognition will be honored at their respective sports’ State Championships and presented with their award.

Previously, the All-State Program only recognized student-athletes in football, volleyball, girls’ and boys’ basketball, baseball and softball. However, beginning with the current school year, student-athletes participating in wrestling and boys’ and girls’ swimming, soccer, gymnastics and track and field are also eligible for the program. Joining the program in the 2011-12 school year will be boys’ and girls’ cross-country, tennis, bowling and golf.

We wholeheartedly encourage participation by our student-athletes and the principals of our member institutions in the Academic All-State Program. The intense dedication our young performers exhibit in the classroom and on the field deserves recognition

Kenny Henderson is executive director of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA).