Vandebilt student named Teenager of the Year

A Vandebilt Catholic High student has been named as the American Legion Lenox Hotard post’s Teenager of the Year, continuing a tradition that has been followed for 62 years.

At a special banquet held Saturday night the Vandebilt student, Cassidy Nguyen, learned of her selection for the top honor from a pool of 31 candidates from eight Terrebonne Parish public and parochial schools, as well as home-schooled students.

A Bourg Elementary School teacher, Kristi Dardar, also drew honors Saturday as the post’s Educator of the Year. Another high school student, Allison Picou, was honored for the winning essay she submitted for this year’s program.

During the event, educators read summaries of the students’ academic endeavors, community involvement, and faith engagement. The keynote speaker was Nicholls State University President Jay Clune. He encouraged the community’s young adults to pursue their dreams, wherever those dreams might lead. But he also challenged them to eventually bring what they have learned home, to make the communities they grew up in better places for people to live and work.

Community leaders who attended and took the opportunity to praise all of those nominated for Saturday’s awards included Parish President Gordan Dove, along with former Parish President Michel Claudet. Members of the Terrebonne Parish School Board and Terrebonne Parish Council were present as well as officials of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce.

Selection of the outstanding Teenager and Educator are made through a blind review process by a committee of veterans, past American Legion commanders and educators from Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence, said Lee Shaffer, the program’s chairman.

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Here is the complete list of Teenager of the Year nominees grouped by their respective schools.

H.L. Bourgeois High School

Jenna Rae’ Pitri

Hayden Kidder

Reaonna Monae Cage

Carlie Youngblood

South Terrebonne High School

Bailey Marie Dupre

Samuel Joseph Robert

Cody Paul Arceneaux

Brianna Angel Simon

Terrebonne High School

Allison Picou

Allyson Cobb

Carlie Kay Christ

Armani Pink

Home School Student:

Sarah Massey

Covenant Christian Academy

Meghan Renee Belanger

Branae Matherne

Kyle Anthony Dupre

Collin Roger Davis

Vandebilt Catholic High School 

Amelia Ruth Viator

Cassidy Nguyen

Annemarie James

Kylie Domangue

Ellender Memorial High 

Sarah Clement

Emily Comeaux

Zyae Zamaria Nelson

Lindsey Nicole Ugas

Houma Christian Academy

Madeline Marbrough

Victoria Shirley

Frankie Matherne

Christopher T. Hoob

Messiah Montessori School

Jillian Voisin

Maella Valarezo

Cassidy Nguyen – VCHS

COURTESY