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SHREVEPORT – Huien Cheng was inspired.

The middle schooler and first-year LaPrep program participant stood on the LSUS Theatre stage and admitted that she could be a little lazy.

But through this LSUS seven-week summer enrichment camp focused on topics in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, Cheng said she wants to pursue a career in math during a speech Thursday at the LaPrep graduation ceremony.

“LaPrep is an awesome experience where you can meet new people, learn new concepts and go on fun field trips,” Cheng said. “I’ve been inspired to pursue a mathematical career and to push through when things get hard.

“At first I was lazy and not hardworking, but this program made me work harder and encouraged me to chase my dreams.”

That’s music to LSUS Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith’s ears, a career math professor who welcomed the 49 students and their families to campus.

Smith encouraged the LaPrep participants to continue their academic curiosity, particularly in the STEM field.

“You and your parents should be incredibly proud of what you’ve done in this program,” Smith said of a LaPrep program that’s nearing 1,000 graduates since its inception in 1992. “Ninety-nine percent of the students who have graduated from this program have graduated from college, and 80 percent of those have been in a STEM field.

“I want as many of you as possible to go into STEM because we desperately need young people in those fields. As you think about your future, don’t ever let anybody tell you that you can’t do something.”

Smith credited a weekend program at a local Pennsylvania college in which he learned to program a computer that spurred him to study math, which led to authoring 10 calculus textbooks and ultimately becoming a college administrator and chancellor.

“I wouldn’t be standing in front of you today as the chancellor of a university if it weren’t for that program, and maybe I don’t even go to college at all,” Smith said.

The program -- which is free to students thanks to generous sponsors like SWEPCO, The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ÖÆƬ³§ Foundation of North Louisiana, and the Grayson Foundation – consists of classes not typically offered in a school setting.

Engineering, logic, problem solving, leadership skills and Python coding are a sampling of LaPrep offerings.

“The courses offered at LaPrep were instrumental in deepening my knowledge and skills,” said LaPrep graduate Sophie Abro. “The engineering program was engaging and interactive, teaching me the importance of creativity and innovation in taking on complex challenges.

“The Python programming course was fascinating and introduced me to the world of coding. What struck me most about LaPrep is how it connected me to the real world with its guest speakers from various industries showing me new career fields and how STEM concepts are applied.”

While 80 percent of LaPrep graduates go on to earn a degree in a STEM field, keynote speaker Angela White found her calling in the social sciences.

Starting her career as a nuclear electrician in the U.S. Navy, White navigated her way through a career in community and outpatient mental health centers to work in adoption.

White runs Open Arms Adoption Services, Inc., and Beauty for Ashes Therapeutic Services, LLC.

As part of the first LaPrep class in 1992, White said she’s seen program graduates excel in a number of fields.

“The real challenge comes when you step outside of these walls and no longer have the shared connections of the bright young minds surrounding you and cheering you on,” White said. “Maybe you’ll find that your peers at your school don’t value math and science, and priorities shift from academic excellence to achieving social norms and fitting in.

“Don’t be afraid to be different. Don’t be afraid to stand out in the rooms that you enter. Instead of fading into the background, be bold, be unique, be the standard.”

Dr. Carlos Spaht set that standard when he launched the program in 1992, and he happily watched the continuation of his program after stepping away following the 2021 summer.

Dr. Irina Ilioaea filled that void as the program is back at its full strength of two cohorts for the past two years.

Ilioaea recognized individual students who set the standard this year among a group of standard setters.

Anush Kohli took top honors in the second-year cohort with Haswell Okuampa, Sophie Abro and Geshna Charugundla placing second and a tie for third, respectively.

Okuampa captured the Spirit of LaPrep award, which recognized empathy and teamwork.

Among the first-year cohort, Iriana Cheng claimed the top spot with Omar El Chehabi, and Jack Wu finished second and third, respectively.

Other program graduates include Katherine Barahona Ramirez, Mason Brooks, Lucas Chu, Rayna Gamble, Bernadette Garcia, Oswin Gazmer, Sophia Griffin, Kasen Hamilton, Jaiden Harris, Kaitlyn Larson, Andrew Martinez, Chance Newton, Alexandra Pirraglia, Ian Shen, Paul Truong, Peter Truong, Delaney Uzzle, Ayaan Virk, and Baylie Webb.

First-year participants include Shree Atluri, Cassidi Beard, Caleah Cummings, Anya Darsi, Aiden English, Charles Han, Siya Harish, Ny’Zariah Johnson, Aaryav Joshi, Avika Khandelwal, A’niylah Moore, Lawson Norris, Zamirah Ogundeji, Zaneta Ogundeji, Monife Ogungbenro, Joel Okoh, Chahana Panchal-Alwani, Owen Podgorny, Shining Qiao, Sohani Shah, Brayden Smitha, and Chandan Suresh.

First-year participants are invited to attend the program in year two with new applications for first-year members starting in February or March.

To learn more about LaPrep, visit the program website.