Victoria Martin, 18, was recently announced as the 2024-25 University View Academy (UVA) Student of the Year. In addition to being selected as the district representative, Martin was recently named a regional honoree. One honoree per BESE region will be named a finalist. Finalists will be announced later in the school year and celebrated at an awards ceremony where the overall honorees will be named.
Martin is a resident of Bogalusa and will graduate in May. She has been a student at UVA since eighth grade and has thrived both academically and socially. She enjoys the flexibility in her UVA schedule that allows her to focus on her health and the opportunity to form deep connections with her teachers. Thanks to her dual enrollment courses, she will have a head start in her college studies.
When speaking to Martin, it is abundantly clear that she strives to live each day to the fullest. “My goal every day is just to make the most of it. Not every day is going to be a good day, but the most important thing is to look at it as ‘glass half full’ and do what you can,” Martin shared.
Her philosophy is not just idle words; Martin is aware of the importance of intentionality. Since second grade, she has navigated living with Type 1 diabetes. An extended hospitalization followed the diagnosis, and Martin’s entire life changed. She learned how to count carbohydrates in her meals, how to monitor glucose levels in her blood, and where and when to receive insulin injections. Despite the challenges, Martin and her family were determined to remain hopeful and full of gratitude.
“My parents are my biggest inspiration. I couldn’t have made it this far without them,” Martin said. “They’ve always been there for me. They changed their diet and lifestyle and everything for me.”
Encouraged by her family, Martin lives to serve others and give back to her community. Inspired by her own experience with diabetes along with her father and grandmother who are cancer survivors, she actively participates in service projects benefiting research into the illnesses. She is a member of UVA’s chapter of National Beta Club, a service-oriented organization.
“Service and giving back is really important to me,” Martin said. “I want to be a role model. No matter what you’re going through, you can always help others.”
Martin plans to spend her career doing just that – helping others diagnosed with diabetes. One day, Martin’s endocrinologist asked her to speak to a family who had a seven-year-old girl diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This experience, and others like it, inspired Martin to one day become a diabetes educator, a certified professional that helps guide and support individuals diagnosed with diabetes. After graduation, Martin will begin her studies at Southeastern Louisiana University to become a registered nurse with the diabetes educator certification.
“I’ve had Victoria in my advisory course since she was in ninth grade, and then she was in my first DE biology class,” shared Lynn Wesley, UVA’s dual enrollment biology teacher. “She’s such a sweet girl and has overcome so many challenges.”
UVA high school leadership is in agreement with Wesley’s assessment. 12th grade counselor Kim Martinez has worked with Victoria to schedule classes and helped her explore options after graduation.
“Victoria is an exemplary student with a kind and compassionate heart,” Martinez said. “She has faced a lot of health issues but has kept a positive outlook and looks for ways to help others. She is a bright light and I love how active she is in helping her community. She has challenged herself during her high school career by taking advanced and rigorous courses that will aid her on her path to becoming a nurse, where she will continue to help others.”
Each fall 12th grade students are asked to submit applications for the Student of the Year award program which recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic rigor, citizenship, and service. UVA is proud to recognize this year’s award winner for her resilience, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence.