ENROLLED
2015 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 65
BY REPRESENTATIVES SEABAUGH, BURFORD, BURRELL, AND CARMODY
A RESOLUTION
To commend Vijay Letchuman, a senior at Caddo Parish Magnet High School, for excelling
in scientific research, being named the school's Student of the Year for 2014-2015,
and upon his selection as a regional finalist in the state's annual Student of the Year
Competition.
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that the Louisiana House of Representatives
recognizes the energy, intelligence, and self-motivation of Vijay Letchuman, a true leader
and role model among his peers; and
WHEREAS, his dedication to academic achievement and drive to do his best at all
times are evident as he excels in advanced placement calculus, biology, and English; he
serves as the president of Caddo Parish Magnet High School's mock trial team and is
enrolled in the Science and Medicine Academic Research Training Program; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Letchuman will graduate high school having already published a
short abstract in a research journal; and
WHEREAS, in addition to academic success, Mr. Letchuman enjoys reading and
playing golf; he excelled on the tennis court before encountering knee problems and since
then, he has redirected his energy to scientific research; he has a passion for science and
aspires to obtain a M.D.-Ph.D. so he can directly help patients while indirectly contributing
to the biomedical science field; and
WHEREAS, for several months, Vijay worked in a LSUS chemistry lab on a
potential anti-cancer drug; his dedication to scientific research has led to the publication of
his abstract and has afforded him the opportunity to present his research on "The Use of
Ultra Filtration to Study Kynurenine Binding to Bovine Serum Albumin" at the 2014
Biomedical Research Network Annual Meeting in New Orleans; and
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WHEREAS, Vijay is a member of numerous clubs and organizations at Caddo Parish
Magnet High School, such as the National Honor Society, the Key Club, the Spanish Honor
Society, the Asian Students Association, Mock Trial, Quiz Bowl, and Red Cross; he also
volunteers his time at various elementary school fall carnivals and field days, tutoring
middle school students at the Volunteers of America, and helping with residents of the
Azalea Estates Retirement Home; and
WHEREAS, Vijay received first place at the 2015 State Mock Trial Competition,
second place at the Louisiana Junior Science Humanities Symposium, and second place in
chemistry at the State Science Fair Competition; he was also an International Science and
Engineering Fair Finalist; and
WHEREAS, Vijay will be attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where
he will begin medical school simultaneously with his undergraduate degree in August; in the
future, he hopes to come back to Louisiana to practice as a physician; and
WHEREAS, Vijay Letchuman is a talented Louisiana student who demonstrates
impeccable leadership and a commitment to excellence that is truly commendable, and he
is most deserving of the Student of the Year award for 2014-2015 at Caddo Parish Magnet
High School and his selection as a regional finalist in the state's annual Student of the Year
competition.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Vijay Letchuman for excelling at scientific
research, upon being named the 2014-2015 Student of the Year for Caddo Parish Magnet
High School, and upon his selection as a regional finalist in the state's annual Student of the
Year competition; does hereby recognize his remarkable academic accomplishments; and
does hereby wish Vijay full measures of success and happiness in his years to come.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to Vijay Letchuman.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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