EDGARD — Re’Sean Baker of Edgard, an eighth grader at West St. John High School, is a self-declared class clown with a serious side for academics.

She’s a spontaneous, live-in-the-moment type of person who enjoys having fun with friends while exploring her passion for math.

Though high school graduation is more than four years away, Re’Sean has already decided on pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and elementary education at either Xavier University of Louisiana or Nicholls State University.

She’s drawn to math because of the challenge it presents and is looking forward to becoming a fourth grade teacher.

“I think fourth grade is the right grade to start doing real math,” Re’Sean said. “Without math, how are you going to survive? How are you going to get through life?”

Re’Sean has worked with robotics at family STEM nights at West St. John High and Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet. Her STEM experience extends to class, where she’s learning the basics of coding using Lego Mindstorms software.

Algebra I teacher Bianka Isom said Re’Sean is a great student who comes to class eager to learn.

“She’s outspoken, well-rounded and respectful,” Isom said. “Whenever you need her to do anything, she’s open to help.”

Re’Sean’s true strength lies in her leadership, according to Isom.

“She’s very impactful on other students because she is a peer leader in the class,” Isom said.

“She doesn’t realize it, but a lot of students go on her lead. When we have problems to do, she’s ready and willing to work and that’s what brings the other students to do the same.”

Before Re’Sean started eighth grade, master math teacher Belinda Bailey heard other teachers talk about a good math student coming into the school.

That news has turned into a good impression over the last few months.

“I tell her, if you can read and figure out math, you’ll do well in school,” Bailey said, before going on to describe Re’Sean as goal-oriented and more dedicated to school than the average student.

Re’Sean doesn’t enjoy ELA and studying as much as she enjoys solving problems, but she works hard to maintain her grades and stay on honor roll.

She’s in the process of joining Beta Club and regularly helps other students with music during band practices. Her favorite extracurricular activity is flag team because she enjoys learning new routines to perform during football games.

Outside of school, Re’Sean goes to the mall with friends, takes care of her younger siblings and helps her mother with cooking.

She said her mother, Rita Baker, inspires her to work hard.

“She never gives up on me, even when I give up on myself,” Re’Sean said. “She makes a way for me to be able to do everything that I want to do.