Grand Lake High Teacher of Year

Grand Lake High School Teacher of the Year is Scotty Poole. He is in his 20th year of teaching, with 18 of those years at GLHS. He is certified in Vocational Agriculture and Business Education.

He is currently teaching all of the vocational classes at GLHS … welding, carpentry, small engines, and electricity. He is also one of the Grand Lake FFA Advisors.

Poole is a 1989 graduate of Grand Lake High School and a graduate of MSU in 1993 with a degree in Agribusiness.

Before his career in education, he was an AVP of Cameron State Bank as an Internal Auditor.

Poole had this to say about teaching: “What I enjoy the most about teaching is building relationships with my students. Many of them stay in contact with me for many years after their graduation. With the majority of my classes being “hands-on” classes, I’m able to witness my students grow in confidence and in their abilities, all while earning an industry certification, which puts them on the path to a successful job in one of the many construction trades in our area.”

He has been married to his college sweetheart, Missy, for nearly 33 years. They have two children Stephen and Emily. They are the proud grandparents of, Becklei and Coastyn.

Grand Lake Middle Teacher of Year

Grand Lake Middle School Teacher of the Year is Catherine Richard. She is from Welsh and graduated from McNeese State University. This is her third year teaching and all three have been at GLHS teaching middle school math. This year she is on the Leadership Team and is the Jr. Beta sponsor.

Richard said, “I am so grateful for the love and support that I have received from my coworkers and the Grand Lake community. Go Hornets!”

Grand Lake High Student of Year

Samuel Bellard, son of Brett and Michelle Bellard, was selected as Grand Lake High School’s 12th grade Student of the Year.

He has attended Grand Lake since kindergarten. He is currently secretary of the Senior class, parliamentarian of FBLA, vice-president of the Art Club, and a participating member of National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, and the E-sports team.

During the 2022-23 Football season, Bellard was head film manager. During the 2022 track & field season, he ran the 300m hurdles. He was born and raised in the Catholic faith and is a participating member of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church. After twelve years of Catholic Catechism, he confirmed earlier this year.

Bellard’s current interests include philosophy, business and finance, art, skateboarding and comedy. After graduating at Grand Lake, he plans to take his business ambitions to the LSU School of Business where he will pursue accounting and finance, all the while continuing his journey in the Catholic faith.

Grand Lake Middle Student of Year

Ava Evelyn Chaission, daughter of Chad and Tricia Chaisson, was selected as the Grand Lake High School 8th grade Student of the Year.

She enrolled at Grand Lake High School in seventh grade and immediately became involved in many clubs and sports. She is currently an active member of the junior high basketball team, cheer team, and track team.

Chaisson is also secretary for the 4-H club, a member of Junior Beta, and a participant in shooting sports for 4-H. She is a children’s church volunteer at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. She is also part of the talented art program and has maintained a 4.0 GPA.

In her spare time, Chaisson loves to fish, hunt, and study human anatomy. Her educational goals include receiving an academic scholarship to McNeese State University and pursuing a medical degree specializing in trauma surgery.

Grand Lake Elementary Student of Year

Grand Lake Elementary Student of the Year is Fuller Dupre.

He is the 10 year old son of Lakeyn and Daniel Dupre and big brother to Bexley and Ledger. He is a 5th grader at GLES. In his spare time he enjoys playing baseball and basketball.

When Dupre grows up, he wants to be an engineer like his dad. He feels that will provide him with the opportunity to problem solve and make things like plastic and electronics.

Hackberry High Student of Year

Avery Duhon is Hackberry High’s 12th Grade Student of the Year.

She is the daughter of Benji and Brady Duhon. She is a senior at HHS and very involved in all things Mustang! She’s captain of the Cheer Squad, very active in Student Council and our Gifted Talented Program.

Duhon has taken dual-enrollment classes at McNeese for the past two years and is a 3rd time Student of the Year for HHS! She’s currently sorting through acceptance letters from universities, trying to decide on the right fit for her.

Hackberry Middle Student of Year

Blair Walker is Hackberry High’s 8th Grade Student of the Year.

She is the daughter of Ashlye and Thomas Walker. She is an 8th grader at HHS and is very involved with our sports programs. She’s currently playing basketball and running cross country. The spring will find her running track & field and on the softball field.

Walker is very active in our Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter all while maintaining stellar grades.

Hackberry Elementary Student of Year

Oakley Stansel is Hackberry High’s 5th Grade Student of the Year.

He is the son Ashley and Hunter Stansel. He is very well rounded. He stays very busy with basketball and baseball all while fishing and hunting with his family. His passion is golf! He plays as often as he can.

Stansel maintains great grades in spite of his busy schedule.