It’s been a big week for the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in Natchitoches (LSMSA). The school just held its 40th commencement exercises on Saturday, May 18. And during the ceremony, school leaders announced the dedication and renaming of their art gallery in honor of longtime board member Sharon T. Gahagan. She earned an honorary Louisiana School diploma and becomes the first-ever Board Chair Emeritus in LSMSA history.

"Mrs. Gahagan has served under six Louisiana governors and has guided six executive directors—including me—through their terms," explained LSMSA Executive Director Dr. Steven Horton, who led the presentation. Horton concluded, "As part of our 40th Anniversary celebration, LSMSA honors the contributions of a respected, loving, dedicated, and authentic leader, educator, mentor, and friend."
The Sharon Turcan Gahagan Art Gallery is located on the first floor of the CPT, a two-story building located between the LSMSA High School Building and the MAB. The Sharon Turcan Gahagan Art Gallery opens to the public several times each semester during public receptions for student artists and visiting arts educators.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, LSMSA is “often ranked by the Washington Post as one of the top public elite high schools in the nation.” LSMSA describes itself as a tuition-free, public high school for high-achieving rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities.

In a statement released to the media it states, “The LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families in need to ensure that no eligible student is denied the school’s 40-year legacy of a premium college-level living/learning experience.” For more information about the Louisiana School or to apply for the 2024-25 academic school year, visit www.LSMSA.edu.