West St. John students announce college & career plans
Published 7:00 am Wednesday, May 3, 2023
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EDGARD — The future is bright for graduating seniors at West St. John High School who announced their college and career plans during an academic signing ceremony on Monday, May 1 inside the school gymnasium.
The Class of 2023 was joined by representatives from academic institutions, in addition to St. John Parish Superintendent Rebecca Johnson and Parish President Jaclyn Hotard.
“Making the right decision about where to attend college is critical,” West St. John Principal Rayven Calloway said. “It can affect future career prospects and their overall life trajectory.”
Tyler Wesley, Christian Bailey, Tion Riley, Jaymon Jasmine and A’Lon Julien shared their Jaguar pride as they committed to attend Southern University this fall.
Wesley looks forward to a career in computer science, and he is excited for the new people he will meet and connections he will make along the way. Bailey said West St. John has prepared him to take the next step toward a career in mechanical engineering. He will most miss clowning with his friends and listening to Ms. Bailey fussing with people on the phone.
Riley plans to study nursing and hopes to pursue a career as a travel nurse. While she looks forward to meeting new people and gaining knowledge, she will miss the classmates and teachers who helped her along the way.
Jasmine will major in sports medicine at Southern and plans to one day work as a sports agent. He has enjoyed the family atmosphere at West St. John, evident from way the community rallies to support students.
Julien is a future business owner who will learn the ins and outs of business management while at Southern. He is excited to graduate and looks forward to having a real college experience.
Two West St. John students will become Nicholls State University Colonels this fall. Payton Haley will major in chemistry, and he believes Ms. Claiborne has laid a solid foundation for him to pursue a career in science. Jaylon Franklin also plans to pursue a career in science by majoring in environmental biology.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette was present to welcome two Rams signees. Kharma Creecy plans to become a travel nurse. She’s excited to learn how to properly care for others with her nursing degree and yearns to make her family and friends proud. Ty’Onna Johnson is also majoring in nursing and plans to become a neonatal nurse practitioner. She looks forward to helping families bring healthy babies home.
Several West St. John students will continue their journey to excellence within the community at River Parishes Community College. Keenan Williams is ready to make his family proud with a career in welding. Meanwhile, Leo Baker, Jordan Johnson and Jaylen Johnson are pursuing a career as a plant operator with process technician courses.
Skylar Edwards announced that she will attend Xavier University and major in psychology. After college, she intends to open a mental health clinic to provide resources to River Parishes youth.
Eyeing a career in technology, Jaci Donald signed to Belhaven University to major in computer science. She is ready to be on her own and meet people who will either become a blessing or a lesson in her life.
At Aveda Arts & Science Institute, Ni’Lynn Isaac will learn about the science of hair in her cosmetology courses. She plans to work as a hair stylist. Darrian Patterson will study esthology to bring joy to others as an esthetician. As she leaves West St. John, she will miss being at the same school as her dad every day.
Paris Williams is attending Blue Cliff College to major in cosmetology and prepare for a career as a makeup artist. In the future, she plans to launch her own skin care line. She will miss West St. John’s athletic programs and the coaches who have guided her through high school.
After graduation, a few Rams will take on the awesome responsibility of serving their country. Eric Ducote is joining the National Guard, while Mikhail Burrell will enlist with the U.S. Navy.
Kailee Edwards and Jamikalyn Riley will continue their studies at Delgado Community College. Edwards will major in nursing and minor in business, and she plans to transfer to a four-year university upon receiving her associate’s degree. Riley is majoring in pre-med to become a veterinarian. While she will miss the family atmosphere at West St. John, she’s eager to see what the world has to offer.
Devrin Harper announced that he will continue his fishing career at Louisiana State University – Shreveport, where he will reunite with some of his former teammates. He will major in business management in hopes of owning his own business after college.
Raynaldo Taylor will experience life outside of Louisiana and make his family proud as he majors in engineering at Lone Star Community College. Also journeying to Texas is Dekalen Stipe, who will chase his basketball dreams at Strength N’ Motion International Academy in San Antonio so he may one day reach the professional level.
Timothy Bartholomew wasn’t ready to announce his next steps during Monday’s signing day ceremony. However, with collegiate offers to further his football and academic career, he will soon decide on the best choice for himself and his family.
Also celebrated on signing day were West St. John’s career ready students. Andrew Jasmin will begin working as a long shoreman after graduation.
Haston Lewis, who also announced plans to attend River Parishes Community College Monday, is a budding entrepreneur ready to learn and expand his family’s business. Ly’Kem Thomas is also beginning his career as an entrepreneur. He will miss West St. John athletics and the friends he’s made along the way as he begins working in the real world.
Isaiah Harvey will soon experience the world through the eyes of a truck driver. His next step after graduation is to obtain his CDL.
