Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

LAPLACE — Ascension of Our Lord star students Daniyah Winding and Drew Arceneaux stand out in their academic success, school spirit, and ability to dream big.

Drew, AOL’s fifth grade Student of the Year, proves that the brainiest students can double as talented athletes. He’s played baseball and soccer for several years through LARAYO, and he joined the Crusaders sports teams this year as the school reintroduced athletics for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drew is building a future for himself as a hardworking, attentive student who consistently earns honor roll recognitions. As he plays second base and center field for AOL, he dreams of one day joining a Major League Baseball team.

Drew is always willing to lend a helping hand around campus. Despite being displaced from his home by Hurricane Ida this year, he has maintained membership in the AOL Student Council, and he also serves as an announcer for WAOL morning news. Drew is also involved in the AOL Parish as an altar server.

Another star student at AOL, Daniyah Winding, is preparing to start a new journey at St. Charles Catholic High School. She recently earned a scholarship after achieving the highest score on the high school placement test.

Daniyah is also a member of WAOL and Student Council. In the weeks that followed Hurricane Ida, Daniyah helped fold school uniforms for distribution to families who lost everything in the storm. Student Council has also been an avenue for Daniyah to help organize school fundraisers and spirit week events.

Through WAOL, Daniyah enjoys announcing special events and leading prayers for the school. She’s a cheerleader for the Crusaders and also an avid reader who consistently reaches her goals in AOL’s robust student reading program.

Her motivation to work hard is not only to make her family proud, but also to one day be able to attend her dream school, Xavier University.

In the future, Daniyah plans to become a cardiologist.

“When I was younger, Doc McStuffins was my favorite show. From then, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. A cardiologist wasn’t my first choice because I didn’t know anything about it. I wanted to be a pediatrician, but I realized I want to be a cardiologist because I want to help as many people as possible,” she said.

AOL Principal Doug Triche said he has been impressed by both students’ commitment to the school in academics and beyond.

“They are always on task, motivated to learn. We’re very happy that we’ve made it through the COVID times and through the hurricane,” Triche said. “Though these students came to a school that had cardboard on the floors, it didn’t dampen their spirits. They are still enthusiastic about school activities. They’ve had a lot of adversity, but they’ve had very good spirit with all the activities they have been able to do.”