Central Catholic students among H-T Diocese award-winners

Annually celebrated during Catholic Schools Week, the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux’s Student of the Year program honored its winners Wednesday. Three Central Catholic students were among the winners and nominees.
Student of the Year Awards honor outstanding fifth-, eighth- and 12th-grade students for academic excellence, leadership, service, and strong citizenship. Honorees maintain a 3.2+ GPA and make a difference in their school and community.
The winners for 2026 are:
12th: Shaylynn Dufrene (Vandebilt Catholic High School)
Eighth: Madison Naquin (Vandebilt Catholic High School)
Fifth: Aiden Boquet (St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School)
They will be representing the diocese at the regional level of competition.
Congratulations to the winners and all the nominees, including:
12th: Gabriella Morice (Central Catholic)
12th: Lucy Pearce (E. D. White Catholic High School)
Eighth: Mason Wisdom (Central Catholic)
Eighth: Iyron Cheramie (Holy Rosary Catholic School)
Eighth: Olivia Torres (St. Mary’s Nativity School)
Eighth: Eleanor Straney (E. D. White Catholic High School)
Fifth: Mary Margaret Montgomery (Central Catholic)
Fifth: Reid Dufrene (St. Bernadette Catholic School)
Fifth: Cecilia Hartman (St. Mary’s Nativity School)
Fifth: Brycsen Friel (Holy Rosary Catholic School)
Fifth: Taya Babin (St. Gregory Barbarigo Catholic School)
Fifth: Amelia Boudreaux (St. Joseph Catholic Elementary Thibodaux)
Fifth: Charlie Reynolds (St. Genevieve Catholic Elementary School)
“We had 16 of the best students in our diocese with us this morning to be recognized,” said Dr. Mark Williams, sSuperintendent for the Office of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. “Bishop Simon Peter reminded the students of the importance of not being complacent. It’s the enemy of continued success. We want them to keep striving and to be role models for the other kids in the school.”
Williams added his thanks and congratulations to the parents as well.
“We give these parents a pat on the back because kids do not get this achievement without support from their parents at home.”
To learn more about the Student of the Year Program, visit www.htdiocese.org.