RESERVE — Through hard work, determination and hours of schoolwork one young student recently walked away with her second District Student of the Year title.

East St. John High School senior Lori Chen won the title in eighth grade and just recently took home the title for twelfth.

“I was very grateful for winning,” Chen said. “When they told me I was District Student of the Year, I was just so happy because I actually didn’t think I was going to win. The morning that I came in for the interview was a bit of a battle.”

She admitted she was a little late. Chen was lost, as well, and, unbeknownst to her, ran into one of the interviewers in the hall who was also lost.

“I was able to open up and be myself,” she said. “I just said what was on my mind. I was nervous I may have made some mistakes. It was very surprising and also gratifying when I won.”

Chen credited much of her success to her teachers.

“I couldn’t have done this without them,” she said. “They helped me so much and encouraged me. Without their support I probably wouldn’t have been as determined, had the confidence or put in the effort needed to succeed at that level.”

Chen said eleventh grade English teacher Julie Jackson routinely lifts her spirit. Jackson, who also teaches English III Pre-AP/Honors and English IV AP/Dual Enrollment, has worked with Chen for two years.

Jackson said Chen’s inherent intelligence and drive to learn set her apart.

“Many students her age do not have the academic drive that she has,” Jackson said. “I think it comes with maturity and upbringing.”

Jackson describes Chen as a hard-working, inspirational young woman, and she was pleased her hard work won her the District title.

“It solidifies all the hard work that we, as a school, have put into education,” Jackson said. “It is one of those moments that all teachers hope for their students. We have gone through many obstacles and changes in the past few years at East St John High, but we have never let those things deter us from our ultimate goal: Educating our kids. Lori is a person I will never forget. She has been a joy to watch grow both academically and personally.”

Chen said education is important, adding she is enrolled in three dual enrollment classes and two AP classes for college credit. Chen’s favorite subject, which is English, falls under a college credit class.

“Writing is a wonderful thing,” she said. “Through my pencil I can say what I feel. You use adjectives and adverbs; I just think that English is so poetic. It’s a way for me to express myself. That’s why I like it so much.”

Principal Cory Butler said it is definitely an honor to have Chen represent the school.

“She is dedicated, a hard worker and also a very humble person,” Butler said. “She is always polite and always giving. She is goal oriented. I just think that with her sheer determination and hard work, she is going to be a successful person.”

Following high school graduation, Chen said she plans to attend New York University to study studio art.