Congratulations to Ursuline eighth-grade class president and Merry Mac of 2030, Layla LeBoeuf, this year’s Archdiocesan 8th Grade Student of the Year finalist! With this distinction, Layla becomes a front-runner for the Louisiana Catholic Student of the Year. 

An Ursuline girl since she was three years old, Layla has upheld the Ursuline values of Courtesy, Loyalty, Courage, and Serviam in her life here in school and out in the community. Layla currently serves as the 8th Grade Class President, and had the opportunity to lead her classmates in their first Rally in October, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA for the last four years. At Ursuline, Layla is also an active member of the Queen’s Players, starred as Sebastian in the 2025 Spring Musical performance of “The Little Mermaid, Jr.,” the Academy Choir, Quiz Bowl, Key Club, Peer Ministry, and the Sustainability Club, where she helped organize an Academy-wide glass drive for a local recycling organization. Layla was also the recipient of the 2025 Principal’s Merit Scholarship, due to having earned a High School Placement Test score of 96 or above and a non-weighted 3.6 GPA or above.

Layla holds her faith and commitment to being a Catholic close to her heart as a member of Holy Name of Jesus parish, and loves participating in Mass as an altar server, usher, lector, and hymn cantor. While only being in 8th grade, Layla is already starting her track to college and hopes to attend Vanderbilt University, majoring in political science and minoring in psychology.  

“Whether it be at Ursuline or in my community, I always get the best feeling after fulfilling something I put dedication into. This indescribable feeling gives me a deeper sense of purpose, which helps shape my growth into the selfless young woman I want to become,” said Layla in her impressive nomination application.

Annually, the Archdiocese of New Orleans selects students in 5th, 8th, and 12th grades who exemplify excellence in discipleship, leadership, service, citizenship, and academic achievement. We are proud of Layla for representing Ursuline Academy of New Orleans and achieving this milestone! 

Read more from NOLA.com and The Clarion Herald about Layla's amazing achievement!