Louisiana School Honors 4 Childhood Cancer Survivors

Four children walked through cheering hallways at Vermilion Charter Academy in Maurice, Louisiana, as bells rang in celebration of their greatest victory: surviving childhood cancer.

The school closed out Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September with a Golden Grit Walk of Honor. Every student and staff member wore gold and lined the halls to celebrate the four survivors, reminding everyone that some of the bravest battles happen before kids even learn to tie their shoes.

Second grader Ahnalyse Choplin endured 1,031 days of chemotherapy, hospital rooms, and needles. Her mother now treasures watching her do flips and simply play like any other kid.

Kason Roman, now a third grader, was diagnosed with leukemia at just 10 months old. He spent a year and a half in Memphis for treatment while his mother stayed by his side, even welcoming his baby brother there. Five years in remission, his mom still calls him her "Real-Life Superman."

The celebration also honored family members who survived. First grader Colton Lightfoot's big brother, Trey Benoit, began chemotherapy at three weeks old and lost part of his leg to cancer before reaching remission at 15 months. Today at 30, he's proof that childhood cancer survivors can go on to do karate, play football, and be amazing big brothers.

Dylan Deason survived leukemia diagnosed at 23 months old after three and a half years of treatment. Now he's the father of student Levi Deason, treasuring fishing trips and quiet Sunday afternoons he fought to experience.

Sunny's Take

Principal Jacy Ashby reminded the school community that childhood cancer doesn't just impact the child receiving treatment. Parents, siblings, grandparents, and entire families fight right alongside them. These stories of resilience will leave a lasting impact on every student who witnessed courage walking through their halls.

The Golden Grit Walk proved that sometimes the best education happens when kids see that heroes don't always wear capes—sometimes they wear backpacks.