Flyer Profile: Julia Braud

Busy, but fulfilling. That’s how Julia Braud would describe her freshman year at Loyola. It seemed like everything Julia touched this year turned to gold. From her art, to French, to Science Fair, to her spoken poetry skills, Julia excelled at it all. Her proudest achievement this year was winning the Congressional Art Competition.

“I am honored to represent our district and have my painting hung in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for the next year,” she said. “My painting titled 'Louisiana’s Finest Ingredients' was chosen for Louisiana’s fourth district first place winner for the art competition.”

This summer Julia and her family traveled to Washington D.C. to celebrate this accomplishment

with the other national winners. Julia’s art is remarkable. Her stunning painting of an angel was the winner of the student Christmas card contest.

“The subject for my Christmas card art painting was purposefully a religious subject because I believe that it is in alignment with the Christian environment of our school,” she said. “The painting is inspired by a small statue of an angel holding a dove in my grandmother’s house. The Bible verse (Luke 2:14) is also fitting in today’s times where I believe we are all wanting peace in the world.” 

Julia is also passionate about French because she said it connects her to her past and learning it further connects her to a culture she loves. This year she placed first in Regional Literary Rally for French I; first in Division 3 on the French I test at State Literary Rally; first in Interpretive Reading for French I at State Rally. She also received the Gold Medal for the Le Grand Concours National French Exam.

“I am impressed with not only how bright Julia is but also with her dedication, determination, and hard work in learning the French language.” said Allison Nolen, French teacher.

As a freshman, Julia participated in the annual Science Fair and placed third in the individual competition on her project titled “Does the Degree of Abrasive Preparation of Copper Improve Artificial Patination?” She went on to place second in the regional competition and qualified for state. 

She also received an award from the American Chemical Society. This year, Ms. Hallie Franks encouraged students to participate in Poetry Out Loud, a national spoken word competition where students memorize and perform a poem. Julia was one of the school’s finalists and placed third overall in the regional competition.

“Poetry Out Loud was an overall fun experience,” she said. “Coming up with how to perform the poems I chose in a way that expressed their meaning was in some ways challenging because trying to be expressive but natural at the same time is difficult. Ms. Franks' enthusiasm and skill in poetry definitely helped to improve and perfect my performance.” 

Outside of her major accomplishments her freshman year, Julia was also involved in Key Club and Garden Park as well as tennis and golf. She and her golf partner Kathryn Jackson took second place at the regional golf tournament and fifth place at the state tournament.

At the end of the year awards ceremony Julia was recognized as student of the year for French, Art, and Biology. She was also one of the recipients for the St. Ignatius Award. 

What does Julia hope to accomplish her sophomore year?

“I would like to participate in leadership positions in clubs to make more of a difference at Loyola,” Julia said. “I also anticipate trying out for All-State orchestra, and taking another shot at Poetry Out Loud, as well as taking advantage of any other opportunities and doing the best job I can.”

We can’t wait to see what Julia archives during her career at Loyola.