2025-26 Ouachita Parish School District Students of the Year Announced

Ouachita Parish Schools celebrated its 34 Student of the Year winners on the school level during a luncheon on Thursday, November 5, at Bayou Pointe on the campus of ULM.

During the luncheon, the district winners were announced. 

Jake Creel from Drew Elementary was named the Ouachita Parish Elementary Student of the Year. 

In the middle school competition, Andy Powell from West Ridge Middle was named the district's Middle School Student of the Year, and Esther Gulde from West Monroe High School won the title on the high school level.

JAKE CREEL, DREW ELEMENTARY

Jake has attended Drew Elementary School since he was in kindergarten. He wants to be an engineer when he grows up because he enjoys math and solving problems. He also loves astronomy and is curious about the universe. More importantly, though, he wants to help others and make a difference someday.

Drew Elementary Principal Jenea Freeman describes Jake as “an exceptional young man whose character, leadership, and academic excellence make him a model student and a blessing to our school. Academically, Jake performs at the highest level of achievement. Jake’s character is more impressive than his academic record. Jake is consistently kind, inclusive, and compassionate to every student he meets. These qualities and his servant heart truly set him apart. His actions, achievements, and attitude reflect the qualities we hope to see in every student who walks through our halls.”

In his free time, Jake plays football for Drew and is a team captain for his soccer team, North Louisiana United. He also started a small business, L&J Lawn Services, with his cousin. He attends Christ Church and traveled to Guatemala on a mission trip. Jake is the son of Chad and Jennifer Creel. He has one brother, Chandler, a dog named Holly and a cat named Tiger.

ANDY POWELL, WEST RIDGE MIDDLE

Andy attended Claiborne Elementary School and has maintained his 4.0 GPA throughout his time at West Ridge Middle. Andy is the Student Council Vice President and was voted as Who’s Who, an award given to 10 students in each grade based on character. He is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, the Robotics Team and FCA, where he serves as a Morning Leader.

West Ridge Middle School Principal Brent May said, “While I am extremely proud of his academic achievements, which are top of his class, I am even more proud of the integrity Andy carries himself with every day on campus. He shows respect and kindness to all he meets and West Ridge is a better place with him walking the halls!”

Andy is a member of the West Ridge soccer, basketball and football team. However, his favorite hobbies are baseball and fishing with his dad. Andy aspires to be a doctor one day and plans to treat each patient with a smile. As his mom puts it, he plans to “never lose his happy”.

Andy is the son of Eric and Joann Powell. He has one brother, Tate, and a13-year old German-Shepard mix dog named Daisy.

ESTHER GULDE, WEST MONROE HIGH

Esther is a Ouachita Parish product, starting her education career at Swartz Lower Elementary, followed by Claiborne Elementary, West Ridge Middle and now West Monroe High School.

Esther serves as an officer for several school organizations, including Secretary of the National Honor Society, President of the Literary Rally, Executive Officer for the Mock Trial Team, Senior Officer for Interact, and Librarian for the Rebel Choir.

She is also senior lieutenant of the Rebel Raiders, President of the St. Jude Legacy League, and a member of the West Monroe City Mayor’s Youth Council.

Esther enjoys music and dancing and has a passion for helping children gain access to artistic fundamentals at an early age.

West Monroe High School Principal Dan Lane describes Esther as “outstanding because of her work ethic in the classroom and on the dance floor, her kindness everywhere and her leadership initiative to start a St Judes High School Chapter at West Monroe High School. Esther is going to leave West Monroe High School better than when she arrived! I believe she will do this everywhere she goes after graduation throughout life. Esther is an impact player!”

Esther plans to attend LSU to pursue a biochemistry degree through a premed track.

Her goal is to work in a genetics research lab specializing in pediatric cancer research to honor the legacy of her late brother, Corbin.  

Esther is the daughter of Clint and Heather Gulde and sister to Nathan and Corbin.