Grant, LA (KPLC) – Each year, schools across the state honor the Student of the Year, recognizing those who go above and beyond inside and outside of the classroom.
One of this year’s state finalists from Southwest Louisiana.
“I learned lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life,” said Carlee Pitre, an eighth grader at Fairview High.
Pitre is one of eight eighth grade finalists for Louisiana Student of the Year.
“It’s an incredible honor, especially coming from a small school like Fairview, it’s just humbling to know that I’m competing against some of the best eighth graders in the state,” Pitre said.
Pitre said she could not have reached this point alone.
“I think I wouldn’t be here today without the teachers I had, and they really helped shape me into what I have become,” Pitre said.
One person who has played an important role in this transformation is Carlee’s mother, Courtney, who is a librarian at Fairview High.
Carlee’s mother encouraged her from an early age to pick up a book and start reading.
“I’ve always had a higher standard than most of the students in my class when it comes to reading,” Pitre said.
Aside from reading, Pitre says she enjoys writing, hunting, fishing and working on four wheelers with her father.
She is committed to her education but tries to lead a balanced lifestyle.
“I’ve been focused on school, grades and clubs my whole life and it’s always been so important to me, but I think it’s also important to have a life outside of school,” Pitre said.
But as with all things, it wasn’t without its challenges.
“I’ve had knee surgeries on both my knees while going through all the rehab physical and to be able to happily try today today is like I’ve grown so much from it, but it’s definitely been a struggle .”
Pitre made her cheering team. Your last interview will be on March 27th, the winner of the class will be announced on April 19th.
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