Erath's Rylann Viator named Regional Honoree for Louisiana Student of the Year

Later this school year, the Louisiana Department of Education will announce the finalists for Student of the Year.
Erath Middle School’s Rylann Viator has a chance to see her name among those finalists.
Viator, the Vermilion Parish 8th-grade Student of the Year, has been named as a 2025 Student of the Year Regional Honoree.
“It’s such an incredible honor to be given this opportunity!,” Viator exclaimed. “I feel truly blessed to represent Vermilion Parish as I move forward. It’s a reminder of how much I’ve grown, and I’m excited to continue this journey, knowing that I’m part of something so much bigger than myself. I’m ready to learn and challenge myself alongside some of the brightest students in Louisiana!”
According to the state, Viator is among the students who have “demonstrated excellence in leadership, academic performance, achievements,
citizenship, and service to the school and community.” Viator, the daughter of Jake and Amber, is a member of the student council and serves as vice president of the Jr. Beta Club and treasurer of the 4-H Coub. Viator is also part of the EMS Jr. Extreme Dance Team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the track team.
“Rylann is definitely a true ambassador of Erath Middle,” Erath Middle Principal Dana Primeaux said. “Rylann has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, a strong work ethic, and a passion for learning. Beyond the classroom, she is a role model of kindness, integrity, and leadership and is always eager to support her peers and contribute to the community. 
“Her perseverance, positive attitude and dedication to both personal and academic growth make her an inspiration to all.”
For Viator, a key to going through this process has been remaining true to herself.
“I showed our school, our parish and our region the true me,” Viator said. “This, along with prayer, has played a huge role in helping me stay focused and grounded throughout the process. But beyond that, I’ve really embraced this process filled with volunteering, interviews, and essay writing, and I grasped every opportunity to learn and incorporate it in the classroom, in my community, and even in my extracurricular activities. I’ve always strived to be someone who gives back, and I truly believe that’s what has kept me moving forward. 
“Every step has been a chance to grow and learn, and I’ve put my heart and soul into it all.”
While doing so, Viator said she was “incredibly proud” to represent her school, her community, and Vermilion Parish as a whole.
“It’s not just about this award for me,” Viator said, “it’s about showing others all the wonderful things happening here in our schools. There’s so much to be proud of, from the teachers, coaches, and administrators who pour their hearts into our education to my classmates who work hard daily. I am, and always will be, a true Bobcat at heart–I bleed Bobcat blue, but Vermilion Red is also an honor to represent, and it’s a responsibility I take seriously. The colors of our parish—blue, red, navy, gold, and black —may be different, but when they come together, they form something truly great. It represents the beauty of how, no matter where we come from, we’re united in our pursuit of excellence and in making our community stronger. 
“I’m proud to be part of our school system,  a place that strives for excellence every day, and it’s an honor to represent Vermilion Parish on this level.”
Vermilion Parish Superintendent Tommy Byler posted that feeling of pride is mutual.
“Congratulations to Rylann Viator of Erath Middle School on being named a Louisiana Regional Honoree for 8th Grade Student of the Year!,” Byler posted on behalf of the Vermilion Parish School System. “What a wonderful representation of Vermilion Parish!”
After the finalists are named, one student from each of the  5th, 8th and 12th grades will be named  Student of the Year for Louisiana. Whatever the outcome, Viator is ready to continue the journey.
“My goal is to approach this next chapter with an open mind and a heart, ready to learn and give back,” Viator said. “I’m determined to challenge myself and promote the amazing things happening in Vermilion Parish Schools. There’s so much greatness in our community, and I want to share that with others, inspiring them just as I’ve been inspired. This journey isn’t just about me—it’s about representing the values we hold close in Vermilion Parish and continuing to build a future that gives back to the community; we are Vermilion Strong!”