Rene Rost's Isabella Hargrave named Vermilion Parish Middle School Student of the Year

KAPLAN — There is a pride in Kaplan schools that stems from what students there accomplish.
Isabella Hargrave is a perfect example.
Hargrave, an 8th-grader at Rene Rost Middle School, is an excellent student in the classroom and active across many levels of the school. That’s part of why Hargrave has been named the Vermilion Parish Middle School Student of the Year.
“Becoming Vermillion Parish Student of the Year is such an honor!” Hargrave exclaimed. “My initial reaction was definitely surprising. It is a crazy concept to think that I am one of the top students in the entire parish. It wasn’t until after that I started to understand how significant of an honor this position is.
“I couldn’t be more grateful to represent my parish, school, and community.”
While there was some pleasant shock with the announcement, Hargrave prepared for the process and allowed her personality to shine through.
“My creativity and bubbly personality have definitely helped me a lot throughout this process,” Hargrave said. “Being able to think outside the box and think of new fun ideas has really put me in the lead when it comes to portfolios and interviews. I have learned to use the skills that I have to set me ahead, allowing me to succeed so far.”
Hargrave has found tremendous success and enjoyment in her activities, both inside and outside of school.
“One of the main activities I do out of school is dance,” Hargrave said. “Dance is one 100% my favorite thing to do. Expressing myself through music and challenging my body with different dance styles brings me much joy. I also love cheer because it allows me to connect with others in my school and shows my true personality. Both cheer and dance have allowed me to form friendships with different girls around my community who are so strong I truly consider them family. I also take part in some school clubs. These include things like student council, 4-H, Beta, Vermilion gifted program, band, theater, and I have recently joined a future city team that I will compete in an engineering contest around mid-January.”
Hargrave has hobbies, too.
“A couple of my favorite hobbies include art and baking,” Hargrave said. “These two activities show a different side of my personality that is fun but calm and more introverted. I love that rewarding feeling after I have baked a delicious cake or painted an outstanding image. Camping and being outdoors are also things I enjoy. My family and I camp with other families with kids around the same age. This little camping community started in 2010, the year I was born, so I have indeed grown up with all of these friends and they have become more of a family. I also have many great memories while camping, such as learning to ride a bike or exploring new trails. These are a few of my favorite hobbies that bring me joy.”
Regarding the classroom, Hargrave said her favorite subject would be English Language Arts (ELA).
“I am a big reader, and my favorite type of books are adventure books with supernatural characters,” Hargrave said. “ELA also includes lots of writing tasks, which is another way for me to think outside the box and come up with fun and exciting stories.”
Her current ELA teacher, Caroline Guidry, has also contributed to Hargave’s love for the subject.
“I love her teaching style because of all the fun art projects that she includes in our lessons,” Hargrave said. “This keeps the class fun and helps me to stay engaged and learn more.”
Hargrave doesn’t have to look far for her biggest influence. That would be her mother, Tracy Hargrave.
“My mom has been the biggest influence on my life and personality,” Hargrave said. “She constantly pushes me to be the best person I can be and is my number one supporter. She is always proud of my accomplishments but also tells me how to improve. While some parents just comfort their kids when they make a mistake, my mom comforts me but at the same time teaches me how to learn from it and work through the problem. She sets a wonderful example of how to treat others, succeed at a job, and work hard.
“I strive to be as successful as her every day in every action I take.”
Tracy Hargrave, who is the principal at Kaplan Elementary School, said she is proud of everything Isabella has accomplished.
“Izzy is determined, smart, and selfless,” Tracy Hargrave said of what she sees in her daughter. “When she puts her mind to something, nothing can get in her way. She is hard-working and doesn’t settle for less than her best. She often puts others before herself. She is kind and thinks of others when making decisions. We are so proud of these qualities!”
Isabella Hargrave isn’t the only student generating pride in the Kaplan community. Kaplan High’s Reagan Smith is the Vermilion Parish High School Student of the Year. Isabella Hargrave said it is gratifying to be a part of something special.
“The student of the Year is such a great representation of their town and this applies to Kaplan as well,” Hargrave said. “The past students of the year have gotten the chance to compete at a state level, and even though some of them were younger than me, I still look up to those individuals as a great role models. They really showed the amazing kids and people who grew up in Kaplan. Regardless of the outcome, I want to continue that legacy and make my community proud.
“I am so proud to have the opportunity to represent Kaplan positively and I will try my very best to fill the big shoes left by the students before me!”