BATON ROUGE — Eighteen standout students across the East Baton Rouge Parish School System are receiving surprise honors this week as district leaders celebrate the inaugural "Eighteen Under 18" campaign.

District representatives, joined by Superintendent LaMont Cole, are visiting campuses across the parish through Wednesday to surprise recipients in front of their peers, teachers and families.

The initiative recognizes young people 18 and younger who demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, leadership and community service. Nominations opened in September, allowing friends, educators, family members and the community—as well as students themselves—to submit nominees.

For recipients, the surprise visits proved emotional.

"Winning such an award, it's amazing, I had no idea this was even gonna happen at all, "said award recipient Lincoln Lee

"I never expected it, and like, I thought I wasn't going to win, but I was surprised that I won," fellow honoree Nabeeha Hossain added.

The surprise celebrations kicked off Monday at Westdale Heights Academic Magnet and BR FLAIM, continuing with campus visits scheduled through Wednesday. District officials noted that the 18 honorees will be showcased throughout the year on parish billboards, promotional videos, social media, and official district publications.