Macy Babin, who soon begins her senior year at St. Joseph’s Academy, said attending the inaugural Excellence in Leadership Academy this summer, helped her grow as a person and as a leader.

She was one of 50 of Louisiana’s top high school students who participated in the academy in Baton Rouge earlier this summer.

Those attending have an average GPA of 3.67 and are actively involved in student leadership at their respective schools, said Martin Lemelle, founder and CEO of the organization.

Its format encouraged networking, self-awareness, and the creation of plans of action, Babin said.

“We got to meet new people and form relationships,” she said of the two-day leadership think tank founded by former collegiate student government presidents.

Lemelle is a Grambling State University graduate and former student government president.

The most valuable skill Babin said she learned was to talk without her voice shaking.

“By the end of the conference, I was able to get up in front of everybody. There was no shaking in my voice,” she said.

The conference stressed being a leader “without being bossy,” she said, adding that leaders also need to be followers sometimes.
“I became more aware of how you need to listen to others’ ideas,” she said.

“Friendly competition” during assignments added to the fun, and learning parliamentary procedure was good preparation for Girls State, which she also attended, Babin said.

“I got a lot of fun, useful things to take and use,” she said, adding the “best part was the people in charge were great — high spirited and excited.”

At St Joseph’s Academy, Babin is a cheerleader, member of Beta Club, National Honor Society, French Club and Amnesty International.

She is also on the Liturgy Committee and is a Student Ambassador.

Her parents are Ainslie and Brad Babin.

Relma Hargus- rhargus@theadvocate.com 225-388-0217.