Covington High Student John Parker Named 2026 Louisiana Young Hero by LPB

Despite facing significant hearing loss as a toddler, John Wesley “JW” Parker Jr. never let obstacles define him. After surgery and years of speech therapy, the Covington High School junior worked tirelessly to strengthen his communication skills and has since grown into a confident speaker, leader, and advocate for others.

Alongside his sister, he co-founded The Parker Storylight Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy. Through their efforts, they have collected and distributed more than 800 books to Title I schools and provided more than 300 blankets to families during the Christmas season.

His leadership extends far beyond the classroom. He served on the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council, where he was elected Parliamentarian, currently serves as President of National Honor Society, and was selected as one of only two students from his school to attend American Legion Boys State.

Watch his story below produced by Louisiana Public Broadcasting.