Even with a full schedule already given her commitments as a student and dance team member at Destrehan High School, Hannah Burst finds the time to uplift her community wherever she can.
That means something – and for Burst, it also means a special honor, as her efforts were noticed by her peers resulting in her being named one of two recipients of its St. Charles Parish Rotary Club’s Young Person of the Year award. (The second honoree, Corban Burrell of Hahnville High School will be spotlighted in next week’s edition).
Burst said she’s very grateful for the honor and that it made her feel her efforts are making a positive difference for others.
“A lot of the service I do is a bit behind the scenes, so I’m so very appreciative to be recognized and for my family and my peers who have supported me so much,” Burst said.
She also gave a “shout out” to her friend Fatima Arif, who nominated Burst for the honor.
At DHS, Burst is a member of the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. She’s also a member of the Desty Darlings and helped the dance squad win a World Championship at the International Cheerleading Competition in Orlando earlier this year.
She has volunteered at the Alligator Festival and Special Olympics, and has assisted with holiday events at the school district’s Head Start centers. Burst has also assisted teachers at Allemands Elementary School, helping to alleviate some of their workload, and also has worked with a speech pathologist to help make adapted books for special education students who have communication difficulties.
Burst said that she’s always felt a desire to help and gave a nod of appreciation to her parents.
“I think it’s just how I was raised. My mom’s a teacher,” Burst said, a nod to her mother Gina who serves as assistant principal at Allemands Elementary School. “Valuing others and helping out in their lives is very important to me, so I always work to serve even though time can be hard to come by … not just at community events, but also my peers through dance and through school – I’m always looking to give any assistance I can to hopefully make someone’s day better.”
Burst was also named the school district’s Middle School Student of the Year in 2022, when she attended Harry Hurst.
Burst said Arif’s gesture meant a lot to her. Part of that was that it prompted Burst to reflect on what she does.
“Some of the (volunteering) I do, it might just be a small thing, but that conversation kind of made me realize how big an impact it does have for people,” Burst said.
That she was selected by her peers for the Rotary honor meant plenty to Burst as well.
“That really matters to me, just realizing they see my commitment to them and to my community. I’m very appreciative of that,” Burst said.
