North Vermilion’s Nguyen is Kiwanis Student of the Month

In all that North Vermilion High School’s Linh Nguyen does, her focus remains clear.
Nguyen, a 17-year-old senior, has maintained a 4.0 grade-point average throughout her school life. She also serves as president of the NV Beta Club, secretary of the student council and vice president of the science club.
“Education is very important to me,” Nguyen said. “I put a lot into academics.”
Nguyen received some recognition Tuesday for her efforts. The Abbeville Kiwanis Club honored Nguyen as its Student of the Month. Along with a sign to display in her front yard, Nguyen will receive a gift card to Sonic in Abbeville.
“I am thankful for this,” Nguyen said of being recognized by the Kiwanians.
North Vermilion Principal Joan Romero said Nguyen is well deserving of any positive attention.
“She is one of our top seniors and leaders,” Romero told the Kiwanis members. “She is just such a positive role model.
“You couldn’t ask for a better student.”
While she is a leader on campus, Nguyen is focusing on doing the same away from campus. More precisely, Nguyen, the daughter of Viet Nguyen and Giang Tran, is focused on something close to her heart, her heritage.
“Outside of school I am a part of our Vietnamese community,” Nguyen said. “Every Sunday we have Vietnamese classes where we teach and learn the Vietnamese language to young students.
“We try to keep our culture alive.”
Nguyen said that mission is of the utmost importance.
“We are surrounded by American culture and I love that culture,” Nguyen said. “At the same time I don’t want to lose the roots of where my parents grew up.”
Nguyen said she feels some do lose that.
“I find some people do and that is why our Vietnamese classes are so important,” Nguyen said. “Those classes have helped connect us with our parents and grandparents.”
While she is has a sharp focus on her past and present, Nguyen also has a keen eye on her future. After graduating in May, Nguyen plans to attend LSU and major biology.
“I want to be a pediatrician,” Nguyen said. “I enjoy helping people and this is a great way to do that.”