Frick ‘didn’t hesitate’ to return to Abbeville High

When offered the opportunity to become the next principal at Abbeville High School, Jenni Frick did not hesitate to accept the role.
Frick’s passion for the school runs deep. It’s a love that dates back to her time as an AHS student.
“It’s very important to me,” said Frick, a 1993 graduate. “It’s why I wanted to have this position. I am a graduate of Abbeville High. I graduated with some great people.
“I know what Abbeville High can be.”
Frick is not a stranger to AHS professionally. She served as an assistant principal a few years ago. During her career in education, one that began at Catholic High of New Iberia, Frick has spent time in various roles at schools and for the district in the Lafayette Parish School System. In Vermilion Parish, along with her previous time at AHS, Frick worked at North Vermilion and held the position of assistant principal at Mount Carmel Elementary for two years. Most recently, Frick served in a role focused on academic content for the Louisiana Department of Education.
“That allows me to have some different perspectives,” Frick said. 
Through everything that she has learned, Frick said her goal is to use that knowledge to help return Abbeville High to a “tradition of excellence.” 
That effort is already underway, even before students are set to return in early August.
“You set the tone on day one,” Frick said. “We have been working hard. I have a great administrative team. We have already started working with our faculty and staff to begin prepping for the 2025-’26 school year.”
That administrative team includes new assistant principals Elizabeth Buatt and Jabian August, himself an AHS alum. Vermilion Parish School System Superintendent Tommy Byler said he is confident in the heights Abbeville High can reach under this group and Frick’s leadership.
“Jenni Frick is an AHS alumna who is going to bring a work ethic to AHS that will be necessary to make the school successful,” Byler said. “She will be leading a new administrative team that I am excited to see where they take AHS. 
“I know this, no one will work harder to make AHS a successful school.”
Frick has been doing so every day since she took the job.
“I stepped back in on June 16,” Frick said of her return to AHS. “The comment from everyone has been, ‘You’re always here.’ Yes, I’m here every day. I will be. We have students who are doing summer workouts and other activities. I think it’s important for them to see that we are committed. They need to see that we are willing to go that extra mile to ensure that they get what they truly deserve.”
Providing the students with the best educational opportunities is at the core of Frick’s mission.
“We just want our students to have the opportunities that education can bring to them,” Frick said. “We are working on some projects. We are going to be student-centered. We want to make sure that they feel the love of school. Nothing builds my heart more than being on campus with our students, and them being involved.”
It’s not limited to current students that Frick wants to see involved.
“I’ve already talked to several alums,” Frick said. “I told them that I want all alumni to return home. Abbeville High is our home. I want them to know that we welcome them and that we value them.
“They’re what make Abbeville High what it is.”
Frick is more than happy to be back home.
“People have asked me why I returned,” Frick said. “I am a very proud product of Abbeville High. When Mr. Byler called me, there was no hesitation.  Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. I want to lead us forward.
“I am committed and look forward to the great things that we are going to do.”