EPSB recognizes its student of the year winners

The students of the year from the fifth, eighth, and 12th grades were recognized at the meeting of the Evangeline Parish School Board held Wednesday, May 5. These winners are normally awarded their honors at a banquet at the Ville Platte Civic Center, but, because of COVID-19, the awards were given out in a way similar to Publisher’s Clearing House, explained Interim Supervisor Cheri Fontenot.
The fifth grade student of the year is Landon Papillion from Chataignier Elementary. He is the son of Nick and Shamika Papillion. His favorite subject is math, and he plans to go to college and get his doctor’s degree or go to the NBA or NFL. His role model is Martin Luther King Jr. because he fought against racism.
Jackson Courville, from Basile High School, is the eighth grade student of the year. He is the son of Matt and Jenny Courville and plans on attending college and seeing where it takes him because he knows there are a lot of options out there. His favorite subject is math, and his role model is his grandfather because his work ethics are unmatched and he doesn’t take no for an answer.
Pine Prairie High School produced the 12th grade student of the year in Kamryn West, the daughter of Kevin and Anita West. After graduation, she plans on attending Louisiana College in Pineville where she will major in biology with a focus in pre-medicine. After she receives her undergraduate degree, she plans on attending medical school and becoming a doctor in neurology or specializing in infectious diseases. Her favorite subject is science, more specifically biology and chemistry. Her role models are her parents because of their values and work ethic.
The JAG (Jobs for America Graduates) students of the year were also recognized.
The eighth grade JAG student of the year is Gage Ardoin from Bayou Chicot Elementary. He is the son of Kevin and Susan Ardoin and plans to go to college for computer science/ engineering and try to get a doctorate degree as well. His favorite subject is math, and his role model is Steve Jobs because of all the technological advancements he has been responsible for throughout the years.
Branson Fontenot, from Ville Platte High, was awarded the 12th grade JAG student of the year plaque. He is the son of Rachel Robert and plans to ship out for basic training and push until he falls and then keep going. He wants to push himself to qualify for Special Forces and become a tier 1 or 2 operator. He also has FBI and USMS as backup plans. His favorite subject is music/ fitness, and his role model is every veteran or person who gives him the will to fight harder for his goals.
Also recognized was Work-Based Student of the Year Justin Gulley, an 11th student at Mamou High School. He is the son of Lana Gulley and, after graduation, plans to have a job like he had with the work-based program as a janitor. His favorite subject is world geography and the work-based learning program, and his role model is his mom because he looks up to her, she takes care of him, and she always makes sure he’s doing the right thing.
For more from the school board meeting, pick up a copy of the Thursday, May 13, edition of the Ville Platte Gazette.