University of Louisiana at Lafayette President Joseph Savoie prepares to award 14 NISH students with academic scholarships on Tuesday morning.

High school seniors throughout the Teche Area are being rewarded for their hard work these past four years with scholarships to help them on their way through college.

On Tuesday morning parents looked on as 14 New Iberia Senior High students were presented with financial awards from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

In the fall the students will enter ULL as members of a freshman class of almost 3,000.

The university is holding signing ceremonies throughout the region, which are meant to mirror athletic signing days.

“It is time that we as a community, and as a state and as a nation give academic excellence the same level of attention and recognition that we give athletic excellence. That is what today is all about,” ULL President Joseph Savoie said inside NISH’s cafeteria.

David and Priscilla Gary’s son Blake was awarded a $4,000 Academic Excellence Scholarship. Gary said he is looking forward to beginning college where he plans to study computer science.

He is the last child to leave the Gary family nest, his mother said, making Tuesday a proud moment with a little touch of heartfelt sadness for her and her husband.

Several other Teche students also will receive scholarships in the coming weeks as they prepare to walk across the stage with memories and anticipation for new beginnings.

Students receiving scholarships are:

• Tiffany Dugas, $ 1,000.

• Alexis Holmes, $ 1,000.

• Johannah Metzel, $ 1,000.

• Alex Kaye-Richard, $1,000.

• Victoria Baudoin, $4,000.

• Andrea Chatargmen, $4,000.

• Blake Gary, $ 4,000.

• Chaz Lourere, $ 4,000.

• Travis Derouen, $ 6,000.

• Megan Martin, $6,000.

• Melissa Bernard, $8,000.

• Katie Boudreaux $8,000.

• Demi Doumet $ 4,000.

• Alexander Frederick $ 8,000.