MONTEREY — No one is harder on Kennedy Poole than herself.

“I’ve always been my biggest critic,” Poole said. “I’ve always been hard on myself because I always wanted to do the best I could on everything.”

Poole, a senior at Monterey High School, was first selected student of the year at Monterey before moving on to compete with other seniors from the parish for the district-wide competition.

The school-wide competition pitted her against 10 of her friends who all decided to compete for the honor together.

“We all said we would turn in (an application) just to see if we would get it,” Poole said. “It didn’t get too competitive between us.”

Along with turning in an application and ACT scores, Poole had to write an essay describing her accomplishments, interests, family and future goals.

The school selected Poole as the winner at the beginning of January, and she was selected Concordia Parish Student of the Year at the February school board meeting.

Poole accepted the award with her mother, Lindsey, eagerly watching in the audience. Her mother and her entire family have always played a significant role in her accomplishments, Poole said.

“My family has always been my backbone and been there to encourage and support me every step of the way,” she said. “I’ve always pushed myself, but they’ve always been there to tell me I did good or just be there when I needed them.”

After winning the school and district awards, Poole then moved on to compete on the regional level last week as she went to Bastrop to write an essay and be interviewed.

The essay required Poole to write about three things she would do to improve the schools in her district.

Poole’s essay suggested improving and expanding special education, improving school safety and changing the way teachers teach in the classroom.

After writing her essay, Poole completed what she called an interview to finish off the day.

“They just asked me about my hobbies, family and where I planned on going to school,” Poole said. “It was really laid back and easy.”

Poole will attend Louisiana Tech University this fall on a full academic scholarship. She plans to major in biology.

Poole has received several accolades during her time playing softball for Monterey, but she said she won’t be stepping on the diamond anymore after this season.

“I love softball and grew up playing softball, but it’s not something I want to continue doing in college,” she said. “I love singing and playing piano, so I figured joining the choir at Louisiana Tech will be a great way to continue doing that.”

Poole is also senior class president, Beta Club vice president, Lady Wolves softball captain and has been in the Concordia Parish Talented Music Program for five years.

Kennedy is the daughter of Lindsey and Ron Poole.