Kaplan High’s Reagan Smith named Vermilion Parish Student of the Year

KAPLAN — Kaplan High’s Reagan Smith already felt overwhelmingly honored after being named her school’s Student of the Year.
“There were so many students who were more than qualified to get it,” Smith said of her classmates.
That feeling is now multiplied after the Vermilion Parish School System announced that Smith is the Vermilion Parish High School Student of the Year.
“It’s already a large enough honor as it is to have my name next to the top students in the parish,” Smith said of the award. “I couldn’t be more grateful to be able to represent Vermilion Parish at the next level.”
Smith is involved at almost every level at Kaplan High. A 4.0 student, Smith has been class president for four years. She is a member of the Beta Club and plays three sports, including basketball, softball and track and field.
“She’s an excellent choice,” Kaplan High Principal Shay Herpin said. “She’s a leader. I think that’s what sets her apart. She does a lot in the community and represents Kaplan High School well.
“We’re proud of her.”
While her time at Kaplan High is not yet over, Smith has thought about plans for after graduation. That includes the possibility of majoring in biology, with a minor in kinesiology, at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond.
“I want to be an orthopedic surgeon,” Smith said. “It’s always been about the medical field, since I was a kid.”
Some personal experiences have only driven Smith closer to that goal.
“I had some injuries with softball,” Smith said. “Having gone through that made me really want to help others.”
Her family, including parents, Ashley and Wendy, and her brother, Gannon, have also greatly impacted Smith.
“They are tremendous inspirations,” Smith said.
Smith is certainly an inspiration to others, not only at her school, but around the parish. She is proud to represent both as she goes on to the state level.
“I’m looking forward to spreading a message of perseverance and succeeding through adversity as I continue,” Smith said. “I’m so thankful for everyone who helped me through the process!”