Madison LaFargue is the Grand Lake Elementary Teacher of the Year.

LaFargue, affectionately known as Ms. L, teaches first grade and is in her fifth year at GLE. Her constant smile and positive energy help create a classroom that is both joyful and engaging.

She is deeply committed to making learning meaningful, supporting her students’ academic growth while also nurturing their confidence and personal development.

Kayleigh Hayden is Grand Lake High School’s 12th grade student of the year.

Hayden is a current senior at GLHS. She plans to attend Louisiana Tech University in the fall of 2026 and to take part in their respective honors college program while majoring in mechanical engineering.

She is currently involved in 4-H, Student Council, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Cameron Parish Junior Leaders while being a Captain of the Varsity Cheer team. She is most proud of her position as Vice President of the local Junior Leaders club because of their contributions to the community and commitment to service that they proudly display.

While Hayden looks forward to what the future holds for her, she is honored to call Cameron Parish home and hopes to always make her community proud.

Carson Blake Benoit is Grand Lake High School’s 8th grade student of the year.

Benoit is the son of Chad and Ashley Benoit. He was also student of the year in 5th grade. He is a member of GLHS middle school cross country and football teams. He is the 4-H President and an active member in BETA and Cameron Parish Junior Leaders. He is the Vice President for the National American Junior Red Brangus Association, Parliamentarian for the Louisiana Junior Braford Association, and Board of Directors for the National Braford Association. He shows Braford, Red Brangus, and Miniature Hereford cattle, where he has won many awards and buckles. He was named Outstanding 4-H Member of the Year in both elementary and middle school divisions.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends and family. He loves to go camping and take the boat out on the lake. He takes pride in being a good role model for his younger siblings, Cohen who is 9, and twins Colton and Carrigan who are five months old.

Beniot plans to attend a four year university to pursue a degree in chemical engineering. He looks forward to representing Cameron Parish in the next level of Student of the Year competition.

Ryder Pugh is the Grand Lake Elementary Student of the Year.

Ten-year-old Pugh, a student at GLE in Cameron Parish, is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys annual family trips to Destin, as well as hunting, fishing, and wake surfing. A dedicated football and basketball player, he values leadership, hard work, and teamwork. He credits his parents and teachers for teaching him the importance of education, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. After seeing his community come together following Hurricane Laura, he gained an even deeper appreciation for family and neighbors.

Pugh hopes to become a hunting and fishing guide one day so he can share his love for the outdoors and conservation with others.