St. Edmund Catholic School honored its 2016-2017 Students of the Year, fifth-grader, eighth-grader, and twelfth-grader student were chosen.
Each year, St. Edmund Catholic School participates in the Louisiana Department of Education’s Student of the Year Program. This program is designed to recognize outstanding elementary, middle/junior high, and high school students.
This program is an excellent opportunity to recognize from each school system those students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement.
The criteria are set by the Louisiana Department of Education for all schools to follow. Students in the fifth, eighth, and twelfth-grades with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or above are eligible to participate in the program.
Chosen as Fifth-grade Student of the Year is Eli Thomas, Henry Brown was selected Eighth-grade Student of the Year; and Ashton Eckholdt is Twelfth-grade Student of the Year at St. Edmund Catholic High School.
Eli Thomas is the son of Dallas and Sarah Thomas of Eunice.
Thomas’ activities, from third to fifth-grade include: 4-H Club (2015-2016); Football player (2016); Baseball player (2014-2016); Basketball player (2014-2016); Acadiana Youth Rodeo Association member (2014-2016); “Keep Evangeline Beautiful” volunteer, 2016; Food drive volunteer (2014-2015); Christian Youth theater actor (2014-2016); Holy Spirit Chapel altar server (2014-2016); Holy Spirit Chapel altar server trainer (2015-2016); Holy Spirit Chapel usher (2014-2016); Cops for a Cure runner (2016).
Thomas’ honors and awards, from third-to fifth grade include: St. Edmund Young Christian Award (2016); First place in 4-H Individual Demonstration at Parish Achievement Day (2016); First place in 4-H Forestry Identification at Parish Achievement Day (2016); Third place in 4-H Machinery Identification at Parish Achievement day (2016); Fourth place in 4-H Meat Identification at Parish Achievement Day (2016); Fifth place in 4-H Entymology Identification at Parish Achievement Day (2016); First place in 4-H Sheep Showmanship at Parish Livestock Show (2016); Second place in 4-H Sheep Showmanship at State Livestock Show (2016); Blue Ribbon Award in 4-H Beef Cookery Contest at Parish Contest (2015).
Eighth-grade Student of the Year is Henry Brown. He is the son of Paul and Lisa Brown of Eunice.
Brown’s leadership positions include Junior National Beta tresurer (2014; Seventh-grade class Vice President (2015-2016); Eighth grade class vice president (2016-2017).
Brown’s activities include: St. Edmund baseball player (2014-2016); Pelican baseball player (2015-2016); Bengal baseball player (2010-2014); St. Edmund football player (2014-2016); St. Edmund basketball player (2014-2016); St. Edmund golf team (2015-2016); St. Edmund track team (2015); Piano (2012-2013); Cub Scout Pack 430 member (2009-2011).
Brown’s honors and awards include: Acadiana Christian School Athletic Association Highest GPA Award (2016); St. Edmund Top two earning AR Points (2016); St. Edmund Blue Book Award (All A’s)-2014-2016); T-Jay runner-up in ACSAA Crawfish Bowl (2014 and 2016); Pelican Baseball Championship in USSSA Tournament (2016); Bengal Baseball Championship in USSSA Tournament (2013); St. Edmund Young Christian of the Month (2015); Third place in Eunice Recreational department basketball (2012); St. Edmund Blue Jay of the Week (2012).
Twelfth Grade Student of the Year is Ashton Eckholdt, the daughter of Scott and Deborah Eckholdt of Eunice.
Eckholdt’s leadership positions include: Co-captain of the St. Edmund Quiz Bowl team (2016-2017); Captain of the varsity drumline (2016-2017); St. Edmund Yearbook Editor (2016-2017); Student Council class representative (2015-2016); FBLA treasurer (2014-2015).
Eckholdt’s activities include: St. Edmund drummer (2013-2017); Literary Rally (2016); National Honor Society (2015-2017); National Junior Honor Society (2012-2015); ACT 22+ Club member, 2016; Quiz Bowl member (2015-2017); St. Edmund tennis (2015-2017); St. Edmund softball (2013-2015); St. Edmund senior retreat team (2016-2017); FBLA (2013-2017); St. Anthony altar server (2009-2017); Community Theatre hair and makeup artist (2014); Community Theatre set designer (2015-2016); Activities director (2016-2017).
Eckholdt’s honors and award include: First place in Spanish II at District Literary Rally (2016); ACT 22+ Club certificate (2016); St. Edmund Quiz Bowl champions (2016); St. Edmund Freshman Class Favorite (2013-2014); St. Edmund Senior Class Most Spirited (2016); Eunice Players Theatre’s Outstanding set design, 2015.
Teachers of the Year at St. Edmund High School were honored.
Mary Joubert is Elementary Teacher of the Year. Joubert has been employed at St. Edmund for the past eight years and has 41 years of background education under her belt. She is a second grade teacher and loves what she does. She added, “I love when I see that look on a student’s face when they “get” the skill I’m teaching! Teaching at St. Edmund has been a blessing.”
Dana Landry was named Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Landry has 14 years of educational experience and has taught 14 years at St. Edmund. She teaches reading and English. She said, “I teach because I love children and I relate well to them. My students make every day new and different. They make me smile everyday.”
Mike Yachera is High School Teacher of the Year.
Yachera has 26 years of educational experience with 18 years at St. Edmund High. He is a high school history teacher and is in charge of safety and serves as maintenance coordinator for the school. Yachera says that teaching is a rewarding experience.
Kal Landry was named Supporter of the Year.
Landry is employed as a superintendent at Slick Construction. Landry volunteers at the new St. Ed softball field in whatever aspect and compacity needed. He also volunteers at the football field and baseball fields during St. Ed’s regular season.
Laurie Doucet, principal at St. Edmund, said, “He gives up his spare time to help out, and with this we appreciate him. Landry is recognized as our Supporter of the Year.”