LAPLACE — While not in school presently, no one can accuse seventh grader Kamryn Scales of taking a day off.

The St. Joan of Arc Catholic School star pupil was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in November and has been unable to return to school due to her compromised immune system.

That didn’t stop Kamryn from earning a straight A average for the second quarter after school officials said she completed her course work from home and remotely from MD Anderson in Houston.

Principal Jeffrey Montz said Kamryn is a quiet, hard-working girl who is a wonderful example to others of Christian character and academic excellence.

Hope Snowdy, Kamryn’s science teacher, said Kamryn embodies the school’s Christian attitude.

“She is a well-rounded, conscientious student who is respected by both her teachers and peers,” Snowdy said. “We all miss her dearly.”

Kamryn keeps active in school activities through the use of FaceTime and a donated wireless router and Internet connection to the school, courtesy of RTC.

School officials have matched Kamryn’s hard work with continuous love and support, as well as   many fundraisers.

That part comes naturally to the faculty, according to Angelle DeLaneuville, Kamryn’s English language arts and math teacher, who described Kamryn as the kind of student that makes you remember why you became a teacher.

“She is hardworking, respectful and is a joy to teach,” DeLaneuville said. “I’ve been blessed to have had the privilege of watching her grow from a timid fifth grader to a self-confident young woman who will, no doubt, be a success in whatever endeavor she pursues.”

The school’s various fundraising efforts are dubbed “Kare for Kamryn.”

New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Co. sponsored a “Celebrity Waiter” night recently with teachers, classmates and parents serving as waiters.

Donations that evening totaled approximately $2,300 and were aided by a $1,000 donation from the “Oldies but Goodies” social and dance club.

The donation was set up by Janet Sullivan, grandmother of Kamryn’s classmate, Lauren Weber.

Jeanne Loisel, Kamryn’s computer teacher and basketball coach, described Kamryn as a hard worker on and off the basketball court.

“She is kind-hearted and always positive,” Loisel said.

“She never lets the little things get her down. She is a great student.”

That attitude inspired the St. Joan of Arc Mission Club to make and sell bracelets, netting $338.69 to Kare for Kamryn.

Third grade student Jacques Vicknair painted clothespins his father sold at his office.

The $130 collected was donated to Kamryn, as well.

Other events included a blood drive and “superhero” dress day on campus. The efforts of DeLaneuville, parents and students allowed 137 people to give blood out of the 150 people who showed up.

In addition, school officials said, $1,700 was raised to assist the family through the sale of hot pink — Kamryn’s favorite color — silicone bracelets that read “Kare for Kamryn.”

Band teacher and director J.R. Miller said the entire band misses Kamryn dearly.

“She is a godsend,” Miller said.

School officials offered a “special thanks” to all local businesses that donated prizes for students who were able to get parents, relatives and friends to participate in the recent blood drive, including Raising Cane’s, La Caretta’s, Bailey’s Andouille, Quick Stop Car Wash, Winn Dixie, and Matherne’s.

— SJA’s Mona Roussel supplied information for this report.