Northwest Louisiana high school students honored on public broadcasting special

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – High school “Young Heroes” are being recognized for their community work, including two students from northwest Louisiana.

Gabrielle “Gabby” Essex and Mateo Guerrero are among the six high school students chosen to be honored as the 2025 Louisiana Young Heroes.

Essex was nominated for her extensive work in the Natchitoches community. This includes volunteering in the emergency room and wound care departments at the nearby hospital, working as a liaison in the Natchitoches Parish Schools’ Future Nurses Program, and volunteering in childcare at her church. She also has had multiple leadership roles at Natchitoches Central High School. Essex will begin college in the fall at Northwestern State University as the next step in her nursing career.

LATEST NEWS FROM KSLA

Guerrero was nominated for his dedication to Bossier High School, such as his work as a mentor to his teammates in the five varsity sports he plays, a leader in his youth group as they went on an international mission trip, and an example in the classroom as the 2024-2025 Bossier High School Student of the Year. Following graduation, he continues his work supporting his community as a part of the Louisiana Army National Guard.

Since 1996, Louisiana Public Broadcasting’s (LPB) Young Heroes award has showcased groups of young people who excel in academics and have displayed extraordinary heroism. In the past, this has included dedication to public service, overcoming significant adversity, and more.

Over 200 Louisianans have received this honor since the program started in 1996. Nominations come from friends, family, teachers, or other mentors who recognize the outstanding work and commitment to their community of each Young Hero.

This year’s other recipients of the Young Heroes awards include Jessica Anderson of Youngsville, Jared Lane of St. Francisville, William Matthews of Baton Rouge, and Ja’Nika Stanley of Baton Rouge.

The Louisiana House of Representatives has designated April 28 as “Young Heroes Day” to honor them. Honorees and their families spent the day in Baton Rouge, where they toured the State Capitol with recognition on the House Floor, received official statements from Governor Jeff Landry, were taken on tours of LPB and LSU, and then were gifted with new laptops to further their education.

Louisiana Public Broadcasting aired a special on June 13 at 8 p.m. telling their stories.

Copyright 2025 KSLA. All rights reserved.