by Hanna Singh
Graduating senior Richard Canterbury was named the Simsboro Student of the Year in recognition of his academic success, leadership and dedication to his community.
The young student participated in many programs, volunteer service work and dual enrollment all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA during his time in high school.
Canterbury has dedicated his time in school to serving his community and participating in numerous educational programs. At Simsboro, he has been a member of the National Honors Society, Beta Club, the AHEC Program, 4-H and FBLA, where he served as vice president. He also held positions as president and vice president of FFA.
Canterbury has been a member of Simsboro First Baptist Church since birth, participating in annual summer mission trips to South Louisiana. He volunteers every year for vacation bible school and serves as a counselor for the children’s summer camp. Canterbury has participated in the Bayou North Area Health Education Center’s A-Hec of a Summer program, gaining over 100 hours in community service and earning his CPR and BLS certifications. He also participated in the Day with Doctors program and served as the AHEC Anchor for Simsboro High.
Through his dedicated involvement, Canterbury has received several notable awards including the Honesty and Integrity Award, the Rotary Club Student of the Month, State Farm’s Good Neighbor of the Month Award and the A-HEC of a Summer Volunteer of the Year. He has placed in numerous competitions throughout regional and state FBLA, FFA and the District Literary Rally.
School counselor, LaTisha Vernon acknowledged how deserving Canterbury is of being picked as the student of the year.
“As a close-knit family at Simsboro, we are incredibly proud of Richard’s accomplishments,” Vernon said. “We have watched him grow into the young man he is today, and it has been an honor to be a part of his academic career. He has always set high expectations for himself, and we are so excited to see what the future holds for him.”
After graduation, Canterbury has plans to continue his education at Louisiana Tech University by pursuing a bachelor’s in biology pre-med. With future plans to attend med school, he views obtaining his bachelor’s as an essential step toward his goal of becoming a doctor.
“I am passionate about serving others through medicine,” Canterbury said. “I believe becoming a doctor will allow me to serve others to the best of my ability.”
Canterbury’s journey has displayed his dedication, hard work, and commitment to both his community and academic pursuits. As he prepares to take the next step at Louisiana Tech University, the Simsboro High community supports his endeavors as a tiger alumnus. With a bright future ahead, Canterbury represents the best of Simbsboro High School and who they aim to grow as a student.
