Superintendent Alison Strong and the Red River Parish School Board recognized the Red River Parish Students of the Year for 2023-2024 during their monthly meeting Monday night. Students are selected based on academic achievement, leadership skills, career and technical achievements, character, and service to their school and community.

Red River Parish Elementary School Student of the Year is Zechariah Smith. He is a fifth grader at Red River Elementary School and the son of LaQueshia Barfield and Pierre Smith.

Michael Beck, Principal, shared, “Zach is an outstanding student who leads by example and works hard to achieve his goals. He sets high expectations for himself and is attentive and eager to participate in any activity. He chooses kindness and respect daily, making him an awesome friend/classmate.”

Beck added, “We are extremely proud of Zach. His future is bright, and there is no doubt that he will continue to excel for years to come.”

Red River Parish Middle School Student of the Year is Gabriel Bounds. She is in the eighth grade at Red River Junior High and is the daughter of Jana and Randall Bounds.

Assistant Principal Lillie McDonald stated, “We could not have named a more deserving student than Gabi. She is passionate about learning and building positive relationships with her peers and teacher.”

Her current teacher, Rachel LeGrande, said, “I have had the pleasure of teaching Gabi in a fantastic new arena: 8th Grade Advanced Program. I have taught her all subjects and have seen her in all circumstances and conditions. She has taken this year on as a challenge, has already conquered this agenda, and is preparing for next year.

Her dedication is above approach, and she has a work ethic that will produce. For these reasons, and understandably so, Gabi was selected and is one of the most deserving students of the year I have taught in my numerous years.”

“I have had the privilege and pleasure of teaching Gabi in fourth and seventh grade and coaching her in volleyball. In the classroom and on the court, Gabi demonstrates a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and the qualities of a leader. She actively looks for opportunities to improve in whatever she is doing while motivating others to do the same. She values teamwork and realizes the importance of collaborating to achieve a common goal. I could not think of a person who is more deserving of this honor than her,” added former teacher Ellie Drew.

Lillie McDonald, Assistant Principal at RRJH, shared, “When I read the quote, The capacity to learn is a gift. To learn is a skill. The willingness to learn is a choice, by Brian Herbert, I thought of Gabi. She possesses the capacity and skills, but most of all, she makes the choice daily to learn and give everything she has to be the best student she can be.”

Red River Parish High School Student of the Year is senior Chris Carper. Chris is the son of Christal and Marcus Carper.

Known to friends and family as CC, he has maintained a high GPA while also successfully competing in several sports and actively being involved in numerous school activities and service projects.

Debbie Guidry shared, “Chris is a perfect example of a young man who loves family,
friends, school, sports, and life. His smile lights up a room. He is well-liked by his peers, faculty, and staff. When Chris recently won the Student of the Year for Red River High School, no one was surprised.”

Guidry added, “Chris is good-natured and always willing to help others. Putting his
priorities in order, this student-athlete will soon embark on his college adventure.”