FERRIDAY — Nicholaus Pryor uses his kindness throughout Ferriday High School to lend a helping hand where it’s needed.

Excelling in leadership and scholarship, Pryor, 15, is a freshman who recently put his hands to work by helping decorate the school’s prom and putting on a suit and hat to portray billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks in Ferriday High School’s first musical production of “Annie Jr.”

“He’s an awesome student who turns in all of his homework,” said Ferriday High School teacher and play director Erica Condon. “Essentially, every single week he is the highest scorer in your class. He’s really good at participation, really respectful and is willing to help other students, which is awesome. He’s just all around a great student.”

The straight-A student said he doesn’t volunteer for recognition, but because he appreciates doing it.

“I can volunteer for anything,” Pryor said. “Anything someone asks me, I’ll do it.”

Pryor said portraying Warbucks in “Annie Jr.” was a joint effort.

“Ms. Condon inspired me to play the part,” he said. “So I just took that into my own hands and decided to do it.”

“Annie Jr.,” which took place in the beginning of April at the Arcade Theater in Ferriday, left Pryor relieved and thankful.

“It was a first time thing,” Pryor said. “But the overall feeling was great and it was a success.”

Many of Pryor’s tasks derive from not wanting to let down his peers.

“I’m the person that doesn’t like to say ‘no’ to anybody,” he said. “I feel it wouldn’t be right for me to do that. I just help anyone who’s in need.”

Pryor is a member of the Ferriday High School marching band and participates in the school’s 4-H Club and Beta Club.

Pryor expects to one day attend Southern University, where he will pursue his dreams of becoming a lawyer.

From time to time, Pryor works closely with his classmates to ensure everyone is on the right path.

“We all need to make it,” Pryor said.