Mansfield High School is celebrating the accomplishments of five students who were selected to attend the prestigious Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy at Nicholls State University, with one participant earning a statewide leadership honor.
The academy, which brings together young women from across Louisiana, focuses on developing leadership skills, fostering civic engagement, and building connections among future leaders. Throughout the weeklong program, participants engage in leadership training, networking opportunities, and collaborative activities designed to prepare them for leadership roles in their schools and communities.
Representing Mansfield High School at this year’s academy were:
Kamille Bumcon
N’Yriah Hensley
Lindsey Peoples
Hollie Yarbrough
Yuxi Zheng
School officials praised the students for their commitment to leadership and the positive manner in which they represented Mansfield High School and DeSoto Parish during the program.
“These young leaders spent the week sharpening their leadership skills, building connections, and representing MHS with excellence,” the school said in a statement.
The celebration became even more significant when Yuxi Zheng was elected the 2026 Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy Ambassador, one of the program’s highest honors.
According to Mansfield High School, Zheng earned the position through a competitive mock election process in which academy participants voted for a representative to serve as the face of the program and help shape future academy activities.
As ambassador, Zheng will work alongside academy organizers and student leaders to assist with planning and promoting next year’s program while serving as a representative of the academy across the state.
School officials said the achievement reflects Zheng’s leadership abilities and the respect she earned from fellow participants during the academy.
The accomplishments of all five students highlight the growing leadership opportunities available to young women throughout Louisiana and underscore Mansfield High School’s commitment to developing future community leaders.
Mansfield High School congratulated each of the participants for their achievements and thanked them for representing the school with pride.
“We are proud of each of you,” school officials said.
The Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy continues to provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and prepare for future success in education, careers, and public service.