By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

EDGARD — In Tyson Jackson’s days at West St. John, many looked at him and saw a stellar football player, a future college star and a professional athlete to be.

Dr. Monica Sylvain saw a leader.

Jackson was one of Sylvain’s students when she taught chemistry at WSJ High School from 1999-2003. Jackson went on to star at LSU before being drafted with the third overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2009 NFL Draft.

But to Sylvain, he was a breath of fresh air — a student who knew his vast potential as an athlete, but nonetheless took his education very seriously.

“He used to sit right in the front everyday,” said Sylvain. “He was so attentive and worked so hard in class. He always wanted to excel in what he did.”

Her experience working with Jackson in those days is a big reason why she wasn’t surprised when he approached her to help with one of his latest projects.

Jackson is establishing the “Tyson Jackson Leadership Scholarship,” which will be awarded to a West St. John senior by Jackson himself at the school’s 2013 graduation.

The NFL star spoke to Ram seniors in August about the $10,000 scholarship. Applicants must be from a single-parent upbringing, and a winner will be chosen based on the student’s efforts in the classroom, extracurriculars and their work in the community, among other factors.

Jackson designated the single-parent home criteria because he wanted to create something that would mirror his own upbringing; Jackson was raised by his mother, and said that he’s seen the sacrifices that a single-parent must make for their children.

“I wanted it to reflect how I grew up,” said Jackson. “I wanted to give someone an opportunity to go to college and further their education.

“We’re looking for someone trying to better himself or herself in school, and that maybe has been going through some troubles. Someone who is involved in school activities, be it athletics, the 4-H club … someone trying to help in the community, who wants to lead. That’s someone who would be a good candidate.”

Added Sylvain, “He wanted to pay tribute to his mother, and the wonderful job she’s done.”

Jackson said that his tenure at LSU was an experience he wouldn’t trade.

“It opens so many new doors and opportunities,” said Jackson. “Just because I went to college, I was able to meet so many new people and experience so many new things.

“I learned that the world is so much bigger than I realized, and felt that I needed to go out and explore.’”

Jackson approached Sylvain because she had experience working with such ventures. Sylvain is the founding director of the Posse Foundation’s New Orleans branch — Posse is an well-known and successful national scholarship program. Sylvain also worked in a similar capacity with LSU.

“Tyson wanted (students) to understand that the chances of making it into the NFL are slim to none,” she said.

“But a great education gives you a chance to be very successful in life.”

Said Jackson, “It’s a chance to lead young people in the right direction. I’ve always wanted to do as much as possible to help the people from my home.”

The deadline for students to apply is in the second week of January.

Jackson helped lead West St. John to the Class 2A state championship in 2003 and 2004 along with fellow NFL star Quinn Johnson.

He and Johnson struck again in 2007, combining to help the LSU Tigers capture the BCS Championship with a victory over Ohio State.

Last month, Jackson moved his record in the Superdome to 4-0, as the Chiefs’ starting defensive end helped Kansas City defeat the New Orleans Saints in overtime, 27-24.

“It was a different feeling. A bigger stage (than in high school),” said Jackson. “On one hand, it’s ultimately just another win. But on the other, playing in the Superdome is an awesome experience. I grew up as a Saints fan. So all of that made it a great thing for me to come back and help us get that win.”

Jackson now enjoys a bye week; his Chiefs are 1-5, and like last season, have suffered numerous key injuries which haven’t helped matters. Jackson said that the key going forward will be to get back to basics, but also to get healthy.

He’s continued to try to improve the overall health of his hometown. In addition to the scholarship, Jackson has bought school supplies for West St. John Elementary; co-sponsored the Rudolph Dinvaut golf tournament with Johnson, which benefits Rams’ athletics; and established an etiquette class for the area’s youth.

“He’s always looking back to lend a helping hand,” said Sylvain. “Tyson has a heart for people.”