Valor Kelly, Middle School

 Addie Tannehill, Middle School

 Ella Kate Ortegas, High School

Local Talent, Statewide Recognition

Among the top scorers was Valor Kelly, an eighth-grade student at Fellowship Christian Academy in Zachary. His project earned one of the highest scores across all middle school entries in the state. Valor’s work, along with impressive entries from two other Fellowship Christian students Addie Tannehill and Ella Kate Ortegas, shows how Zachary students are stepping up as leaders in geospatial learning.

“We’re incredibly proud of the students and the educators who guide them,” said Fran Harvey, Director of the Global Geospatial Institute (GGI). “Learning GIS opens doors to real-world applications in science, technology, engineering, and math and our students are proving just how much they can do when given the right tools.”

More Than Maps: Becoming Citizen Scientists

This competition is about more than just winning — it’s about preparing the next generation of Citizen Scientists. Through hands-on GIS experience, students learn to analyze information spatially, think critically, and tell data-driven stories with real impact.

In the words of Harvey: “GIS is a growing field with endless career opportunities. This competition is a chance for students to step into that world early. And we’re challenging even more Louisiana educators to get involved, let’s show the nation what our students can do.”

Want to Get Involved?

Educators can register for free to participate in the next ArcGIS Online Competition. To learn how to bring GIS into your classroom or school:

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: (225) 939-1091
🌐 Learn more: www.gginstitute.org | www.lagisk12.org