2024-2025 ArcGIS Online Competition Winners
Louisiana Cuisine Origins
JaNya Woods, 12th Grade, Baton Rouge Magnet High School
Louisiana's High School Winner
This StoryMap explores the origins and cultural influences of Cajun cuisine in Louisiana. It explains how French, Spanish, and African traditions shaped Cajun seasoning and cooking, while highlighting the importance of seafood and locally available ingredients. The project shows how food that began as simple, rural cooking became an important part of Louisiana’s culture and identity
Smoothie Kings in Louisiana
Vallor Kelly, 8th Grade, Fellowship Christian Academy
Louisiana's Middle School Winner
This StoryMap explores Smoothie King’s Louisiana roots and locations across the state. It highlights the company’s founding in Kenner in 1973 and uses maps to show how the Louisiana-based brand has expanded throughout the state.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PLACED
Life of Litter
Nayeli Alvarez
4th Grade, Park Forest Creative Arts and Science Magnet
This StoryMap examines litter around the student’s school and community, identifies common types of waste, and promotes awareness of proper disposal and environmental responsibility.
Life of Litter
Anthony Guardado
8th Grade, Eva Legard Learning Center
This StoryMap/project encourages people to stop littering, clean their surroundings, and work together to create a cleaner and healthier community.
Lauren Daigle
Addie Tannehill
6th Grade, Fellowship Christian Academy
This StoryMap follows places where Christian artist Lauren Daigle has toured and includes photographs and personal connections shared by the creator and friends.
Football in Louisiana
Jaylyn Starks
6th Grade, Westdale Middle School, Gardere Initiative
This celebrates LSU football and highlights the team’s 2025 season, including its games and accomplishments.
HIGH SCHOOL PLACED
Neighborhood Crime Rater (70802)
Christian McMillian
9th Grade, Port Allen High School
This StoryMap analyzes reported crime in Baton Rouge’s 70802 ZIP code during 2024. It maps incidents as physical-harm and nonphysical-harm crimes, with theft and battery appearing prominently. The project connects crime patterns to poverty, limited resources, unemployment, housing conditions, and inadequate access to education and healthcare. It also recommends youth programs, employment opportunities, mental-health services, and neighborhood improvements as possible solutions.
Alligator Farms
Ella Kate Ortegas
9th Grade, Fellowship Christian Academy
This StoryMap explores Louisiana’s alligator-farming industry and highlights attractions such as Insta-Gator Ranch, Gator Country Louisiana, and Gator Chateau. It notes that Louisiana had more than 35 alligator farms as of 2019, each offering different educational or visitor experiences. The project also explains how alligators support wetland ecosystems by creating freshwater holes, controlling fish populations, and preventing vegetation overgrowth. Overall, it presents alligator farms as important for education, conservation, tourism, and Louisiana culture.
Casino In Louisiana
Samuel Parker
11th Grade, Glen Oaks High School
This StoryMap introduces three well-known Baton Rouge entertainment destinations: The Queen Baton Rouge, Belle of Baton Rouge, and L’Auberge Casino & Hotel. It maps their locations and briefly describes their gaming, dining, hotel, and entertainment offerings. The project highlights the differences between the properties, from downtown gaming facilities to a modern casino resort. It concludes that visitors’ experiences may vary depending on their expectations and preferences.
Most Expensive Houses in Louisiana
Marlaija Milton
11th Grade, Glen Oaks High School
This StoryMap presents three of Louisiana’s most expensive residential properties, priced from approximately $12.5 million to $16.9 million. The featured homes include a French Provincial mansion near New Orleans and two luxury properties in Baton Rouge. It highlights their large spaces, landscaping, gardens, pools, desirable locations, and distinctive architectural styles. The project demonstrates how exclusivity, design, and location contribute to the value of Louisiana’s luxury real-estate market.