Louisiana Public Broadcasting will present a broadcast specialfeaturing the stories of the six high school students from around the state honored as the 2025 Louisiana Young Heroes. Young Heroes 2025 will air Friday, June 13 at 8PM statewide on LPB and WLAE-TV in New Orleans.
The Young Heroes are role models within their local communities and join over 230 past honorees who have received this award since 1996.
“I had the privilege of meeting each of this year’s Young Heroes and sharing their stories on Louisiana: The State We’re In this spring, and now Louisiana gets to meet all of LPB’s Young Heroes in this 30-minute special. Their resilience and optimism are sure to inspire viewers as much as meeting them inspired me.” – Dorothea Wilson, Louisiana: The State We’re In Anchor.
Young Heroes 2025 will also include a look at Louisiana Young Heroes Day which took place on April 28, when the honorees and their families were treated to a full day of activities in Baton Rouge. The day began with a tour of LPB where they were introduced to an “out of this world” celebrity, Ziggy, from the LPB children’s digital series, Ziggy’s Arts Adventure. Next, it was off to LSU where the honorees were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of LSU Football Operations. After a tour of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol that included viewing the film, The Ghost of the Castle, the Young Heroes walked to the River Center Branch of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, where they received Official Statements from Governor Jeff Landry, recognizing their achievements. Thanks to our generous program sponsors, each honoree also received a weekender bag full of gifts, including a MacBook Air to help them further their education. The final stop of the day was the State Capitol with recognition on the House Floor led by Representative Barbara Freiberg with the State Representatives from the Young Heroes home districts who read House Resolution 74, proclaiming April 28 as Louisiana Young Heroes Day at the State Capitol. The day concluded with a trip to the top of the Capitol for photographs on the observation deck.
The 2025 Louisiana Young Heroes are:
Jessica Anderson of Youngsville (Junior at Southside High School)
Jessica Anderson was born in Haiti and, at only two years old, her mother passed away. Her father entrusted her to the care of a missionary, and she thrived in the environment. She visited the United States for the first time at the age of nine with her new family. During a later visit, a travel ban was enacted, and Jessica and her family were required to remain in the U.S. Far from her familiar culture, Jessica faced challenges not experienced by many her age, but despite this, she has excelled in academics and is dedicated to service.
Gabrielle “Gabby” Essex of Natchitoches (Senior at Natchitoches Central High School)
Gabby Essex was raised by her mother and is an inspiration to her teachers and fellow students. Her community service includes volunteering in the Emergency Room and Wound Care departments at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and serving as a camp liaison in Natchitoches Parish Schools’ Future Nurses Program and a pre-K teacher at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Her leadership roles include presently serving as Natchitoches Central High School Tribal Leader and Vice President of the school’s Health Occupations Student Association.
Mateo Guerrero of Bossier City (Senior at Bossier High School)
Mateo Guerrero leads in all areas of his life including school, church, and athletics. He is a five-sport varsity athlete and maintains a 4.23 GPA. Mateo is the 2024-2025 Bossier High School Student of the Year and is a mentor to his classmates and teammates. He is a dedicated member of his church and a leader in his youth group and participated in an international mission trip to El Salvador mentoring children. Mateo is also enlisted in the Louisiana Army National Guard.
Jared Lane of St. Francisville (Junior at West Feliciana High School)
Jared Lane overcame homelessness caused by the 2016 Louisiana floods and a devastating house fire. As a Student Advocate for Education Trust Louisiana, he champions education equity. Jared is the youngest-ever Junior Board Member of the Saint Francisville Area Foundation, where he developed the Local Attractive Neighborhood Entrances Plan. He won the State Literary Rally for World Geography and earned a Certificate of Entrepreneurship through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge.
William Matthews of Baton Rouge (Senior at Belaire Magnet High School)
William Matthews was diagnosed with level three autism, ADHD, and ADD, but his journey is a testament to perseverance. He has a passion for service, volunteering with The Power Coalition, Living World Church, and BREC Conservation. Whether advocating for his community, assisting with events, or caring for animals, he continually seeks ways to make a positive impact. Through his school, he is Captain of the archery, rifle, and soccer teams, and Head Manager for football, volleyball, and girls and boys basketball. William serves as JROTC Executive Officer and mentors younger cadets.
Ja’Nika Stanley of Baton Rouge (Senior at Liberty Magnet High School)
Ja’Nika Stanley entered foster care at 10 years old. Despite uncertainty, Ja’Nika discovered an inner strength and found stability with a foster parent she calls her “guardian angel.” She embraced leadership roles, becoming company commander in JROTC and Vice President of the National Honor Society. In Health Occupation Students of America, she pursues her passion for medicine, which began when caring for her mother. She creates care packages for the elderly, assists at food banks, reads to elementary students, and volunteers at church and events.
LPB defines a Young Hero as an exceptional young person who has excelled in academics, given significantly of themselves through public service, overcome personal adversity, exhibited extraordinary heroism, or inspired others through their deeds and strength of character to become better students, persons, and citizens.