Students Support Torch Run

​Pictured: First Row:  Jasmine Brown, Andrew Clark, Rebekah Phillips;  Second Row:  Kaetlyn Finn, Trinity Turner, Haley Bourgeois, Laura Bouquet, Jasmine Bell, Cesar Silva;  Third Row: Dawson Richardson, Olivia Verde, Lynzlee Milliken, Claire Fontenot, Tallie Fresina, Coach Matt;  Fourth Row: Corp. Terry Carter,  Natarsha Paul, Scott Hester, Dep. John Simoneaux, Renee Fauver, Dep. Sonya Hardin, Dep. Robert Woodward, Capt. Bobby Dale Callender

By Mia Freneaux
    Sheriff’s Deputy John Simoneaux just has an affinity for working with high school students.  As School Resource Officer, his job is not just to ensure security on the campus, but to form mentoring relationships with the students, creating a trust in law enforcement personnel and an opportunity to help students steer around the pitfalls in life.  It is not just a job for him, but a vocation.  He speaks about the high quality of students at Central High, and none more so than those students who participate in “the Helping Hands Club”.  
    The “Helping Hands” Club was formed by Central students to “encourage friendship between students with and without disabilities.” The club was originally formed in 2005 as “Best Buddies,” but it took the name “Helping Hands” in 2012.  The club had about 30 members this year.  Members of the club hang out with students with disabilities, eating lunch with them, bowling with them, throwing parties for them, and offering that so important element of high school: community.  Member Dawson Richardson joined because he had seen kids being teased at school and wanted to do something to change that.  Members Olivia Verde and Lynzlee Milliken enjoy helping people out.  Kaetlynn Finn commented, “Central’s really good about including everyone,” and that is the reason the Helping Hands club was formed.  “It unifies our student body,” Dawson stated, and everyone else agreed, “They’re really good kids!” 
    Helping Hands President Jenna Pryor said of the club, “I feel that the most significant contribution it has made so far is the friendships between students with and without disabilities. It has allowed students at Central High with disabilities to grow out of their comfort zone because of the friends they make through this club. It also teaches students without disabilities to open their hearts for those who are different and to always try to help others.”
    Three of the club members are graduating this year, and they wanted to leave a legacy.  Dep. Simoneaux offered them an opportunity to support the Louisiana Special Olympics.  Law enforcement officers participate in the 5K “Torch Run” all across the state, raising money to cover Special Olympics costs.  The Torch Run carries the “Flame of Hope” across the state, culminating in the Annual State Special Olympics held at Southeastern University in Hammond.  When the students heard about the opportunity, they jumped at it.  
    Dep. Simoneaux approached the LA Special Olympics organization about having the students participate.  While civilians had done so in the past, this was the first time ever high school students had asked to do so.  They were approved, and the LA Special Olympics is now considering encouraging high school students to participate in every Torch Run.  As a result, 5 Central High Students, Dawson, Olivia, Lynzlee, Kaetlynn, and Claire Fontenot, will be helping to carry the torch this Friday, as the Capitol Area Torch Run takes off at 7:30 at the State Capitol.  They are doing this even though school is out for the summer and they could just sleep in!  It’s that important to them to support the Special Olympics.  “I can’t say enough about these kids,” Dep Simoneaux emphasized, “I’ve never seen any other high school with so much character.  I’m glad I’m able to experience it.”
    Do you want to help the “Helping Hands”?  Go to http://laso.org/start-here/donor/ to make a donation, then come out this Friday and cheer the kids on!