Born To Help

Anna Hebert of Kaplan High School was somewhat surprised when she heard she named Vermilion Parish High School Student of the Year.
“I was ecstatic when I found out I got the honor,” said Hebert after receiving her award at last week’s Celebration of Excellence Award. “I knew I was up against stiff competition. Ross Granger (Erath High) and Simone Pilette (North Vermilion High) are two amazing students. I am honored and very humble that I received the award. I appreciate their consideration.”
One person who was not surprised she won the award was Kaplan High Principal Dr. Janet Guerrini.
Guerrini nominated her for Kaplan High Student of the Year and then Vermilion Parish High School Student of The Year. She said naming Hebert was not an easy task. The senior class at Kaplan has top notch students, she added.
“When you meet Anna, it’s her personality and her demeanor that standout, ” said Guerrini. “Not only does she want to be successful, but she wants others around her to be successful.”
Guerrini said Hebert will be the type of person who is going to volunteer her time for civic duties and try to help as many people as she can.
“Anna is going to be the one who is going to help the weaker individual, said Guerrini. “She is going to lift them up when a lot of people are just going to walk by and not even notice. She will be the one to say, “Do you need some help, I am here.”
The first-year Kaplan principal said she experienced Hebert’s generosity was weeks after she was named the new principal. Hebert walked into her office and asked if there was anything she could do to help.
“I barley new the kid,” said Guerrini. After she asked, I just went, ‘Wow!’” I did not even ask.”
Now that she has graduated, Hebert begins her new chapter in life. She is going to UL-L this spring and living home in Kaplan.
She will major in speech pathology and audiology. She was also successful in making the UL dance team, “Ragin Jazz.”
“I am really excited about the next step in my life,” Hebert said.
Hebert said her mother, Regina Hebert has always been a big influence in her life. Regina worked with special ed students for the parish school district. Today, she is a special education coordinator for the school district.
“Being around her and the students she teaches, I feel I should help children who are less fortunate than me,” Hebert continued. “I found that in speech pathology.”
Helping people is what Hebert said she was put on this Earth to do.
Guerrini would agree.