Eighth-grader Aaron Zachary Reed of Mandeville Junior High School was selected as state student of the year for sixth through eighth grades, middle school and junior high, on Wednesday night in Baton Rouge.

Besides his 4.0 grade point average, Reed is involved in several activities including playing baseball and golf, and participating in his school’s jazz and marching bands. He is a member of several clubs, including the National Junior Honor Society, Student Council and the Builder’s Club. He is also drum major of his school’s band and participates in the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra.

A gifted student, he is an accomplished musician as well as a straight A and Duke Talent recognized student for getting a perfect score on the Explore test. He attends the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts two hours a week, is the drum major at MJH and has been named to the District IX Junior High Jazz Band, playing the piano. In addition to jazz, he also plays classical music, studying at NOCCA during the summer and with the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra.

AARON REED

The son of Susan Ferrara Reed and Brent Gerard Reed of Mandeville, he is also active in several honor societies at school and serves his church and community.

And he played outfield, infield and second base for the first-place 13-year old baseball division at Pelican Park.

An only child, Reed said, “While much of my education has taken place inside the classroom, I feel that I have also learned just as much outside of the classroom due to my own curiosities and interests.”

These interests range from science to math and music. Reed said he has not yet decided on a future career path.

“I’m staying open-minded about my career choices,” Reed said.

He said that his congenital heart defect has instilled an interest in medicine, but he is also interested in physics. Music will also play a role in the future, either as a hobby or a part-time profession.

“I think the most important thing about my future career is that I enjoy what I do and that I get gratification and a sense of pride from my work,” Reed said.