LASA Raptor's News

LASA Teacher of Promise 2022-2023

The Teacher of Promise award is given each year to a first-year teacher that amazes us with their ability to dive right in with getting to know students and be part of the planning team in their preps. This year the LASA Teacher of Promise is Ms. Sophie Pressler. Ms. Pressler teaches Advanced Magnet English 1 and 2.

LASA Debate Team is the BEST in SCHOOL HISTORY!

LASA CH (Seniors Sam Church and Alex Huang) are ranked NUMBER 1 on the National Coaches Poll, solidifying their place as the best team in the country. They’ve held the position for the last 4 MONTHS and are the first LASA team to EVER hold the title.

Coca-Cola Semifinalists Announced

Out of over 91,000 applicants, 1,557 semifinalists were chosen to continue to compete for the Coca-Cola Foundation’s prestigious Scholars Program. One of the semi-finalists is from LASA! Best of luck to Sahana Sudarsan as she continues in the competition. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program recognizes seniors from across the country for their leadership, academic achievements, and dedication to community. More information about this program can be found here.

LASA Sophomore, Astrid Gothard, 2022 Texas Book Festival Fresh Ink Fiction Contest Winner

Astrid Gothard was chosen as the 10th grade winner in the state of Texas for the 2022 Texas Book Festival Fresh Ink Fiction Contest. She will take part in a panel of young writers in a session at the Texas Book Festival titled, "Becoming a Writer! Meet the 2022 Fresh Ink Award Winners."

Latin Club Attends Longhorn Certamen

On October 15, the LASA Latin Club sent 3 teams to Longhorn Certamen, where they all played valiantly.

Austin Youth Poet Laureate

Congratulations to LASA senior, Zachary Suri, who was recently named the 2022 Austin Youth Poet Laureate. The judges had many wonderful things to say about Zachary’s poetry as well as his dedication to so many activities here at LASA.

AISD Talent Show Winner

Congratulations to LASA junior, Yadira Ramos, whose artwork “Día de Muertos” won in the visual arts category. Terrific job Yadira!

LASA Junior, Vibha Addala, presents at The Global Health Leaders Conference at Johns Hopkins University

LASA Junior, Vibha Addala, recently presented at The Global Health Leaders Conference at Johns Hopkins University. Vibha presented how artificial intelligence can make healthcare more accessible. She explained how COVID ML, an app she built that can diagnose diseases like COVID-19 within a few seconds, works. She also addresses the ethical concerns that come with implementing AI into healthcare.

LASA Orchestra Audition for Region Orchestra

This Saturday, the Raptor Orchestra had over 40 students audition for Region Orchestra. We are so proud of their preparation and commitment, and particularly the courage it takes to complete a technically demanding audition in front of your peers. Many of our students will continue to prepare professional level orchestra excerpts in preparation for taping for All-State in late October. Join me in congratulating the following students!

LASA Choir - TMEA Region

LASA Choir students auditioned for the TMEA Region Choir on Saturday, October 8th at Bowie High School. Congratulations to the following students for making Region Choir.  

28 LASA HS Seniors Named 2023 National Merit Semifinalists

The Liberal Arts and Science is proud to announce the names of its 28 semifinalists in the 2022-23 National Merit Scholarship Program. Nationally, approximately 16,000 students were chosen to continue in the 68th annual competition for 7,250 Merit Scholarships worth about $28 million that will be offered next spring. To become finalists, a student must have an outstanding high school academic record, be endorsed and recommended by the school principal, and submit SAT scores that confirm his/her earlier qualifying test performance. Finalists will be announced in February 2023. Congratulations, Seniors!

National Merit Commended Students 2023

Congratulations to the 81 members of the LASA Class of 2023 who were recognized as Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program!