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.
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.
