Math and music are Niles Babin’s two main focuses. Niles, 16, began participating in math competitions in fourth grade and has been playing music for nearly a decade, starting with piano then tuba and guitar.

A sophomore at University Laboratory School, Niles earned second place at the National Beta Club Convention’s math competition last summer. “It was a lot of recall for me,” Niles says of the test that featured a lot of algebra and geometry.

Niles was a member of his school band and has acted and served as assistant music director for many Theatre Baton Rouge productions. Those experiences helped shape his Eagle Scout project creating a musical garden at Belfair Montessori Magnet School. “I wanted to spark interest for those who are not as privileged, allowing them to play as much music as possible without having to learn to read music first,” says Niles, a Boy Scout in Troop 14 at St. Luke’s.

Niles has already amassed nearly 50 college credits. “I decided over the summer I wanted to pursue college after my sophomore year,” Niles says. He has been accepted to LSU and is waiting to hear back from others.

Parents Terri and Dreaux Babin, brother Remy, and grandparents Billy and Phyllis Babin and Pal Autrey, are his biggest fans. “His dad and I are just amazed at how much he can take on,” Terri says. “He’s an amazing kid because of all his diverse interests. And I like the fact that he stays humble.”