DANIEL TYLER GOODEN

VACHERIE – All the achievements, all the honors, all the drive burning in that small athletic student who is Eileen Becnel goes back to one simple thing, family. Becnel’s “Mamere” always believed in her granddaughters. “She always said go for it. Go for everything and don’t let anything hold you back,” said Becnel. Though Mamere passed away in 1994, the memory of her grandmother has proven to be an equally strong force in her desire to succeed. “In my mind I can hear her words, You can do it baby,'” said Becnel. Becnel is the Student of the Year at St. James High School, and the honor is well deserved. Becnel has a 4.0 grade point average and is active in all forms of extra-curricular activities. This year Becnel is the president of the FFA chapter, senior representative on the student council and member of the 4-H Club, Beta Club, Science Club, varsity tennis team and Library Club. She is also senior lifeguard and swim team member of the Vacherie swim club. The effort she’s put in to this year has landed her such honors as the first-place seller for the FFA magazine sale, St. James High honor roll and United States Achievement Academy’s All American Scholar, and she has completed three hours of credit at Nicholls State University. Becnel is also listed in the Who’s Who Among American High School Students, the United States National Mathematics Awards, the United States Student Council Awards and the United States Achievement Academy’s National Honor Roll. As if that is not enough, Becnel also raised hogs for 4-H competitions and donates her spare time to the Vacherie Lion’s Club. “There I do whatever they need, normally working in the concession stand,” said Becnel. Becnel loves tennis and swimming, two events she plans to continue when she goes to college. Planning to attend Louisiana State University, Becnel is looking at two paths in life to take. Both physical therapy and bio-technology, the study of developing plants into medicines, have grabbed her attention. Her own sister’s arthritis has motivated her interest in physical therapy, while the idea of finding ways to cure diseases is the drive behind bio-technology, said Becnel. Either path she takes, Becnel is certain she’ll reach her goal. “I am the beholder of my dreams, and I possess the courage and perseverance to reach any goal I set for myself,” said Becnel. Additional courage and inspiration also is gleaned from the voice of her grandmother and her words, “You can do it, baby.”