[StBernard] Miss Chalmette High 2013 is headed to LSU to become a veterinarian: Around Arabi

[Westley Annis]

Miss Chalmette High 2013 is headed to LSU to become a veterinarian: Around
Arabi
Print Barry Lemoine By Barry Lemoine 
on August 08, 2013 at 7:04 AM, updated August 08, 2013 at 7:10 AM

There is a "Storm" headed from Arabi to Baton Rouge this fall. But, it has
nothing to do with the weather. Miss Chalmette 2013 Storm Aschebrock of
Arabi, who was an honor student in Chalmette High School's class of 2013, is
among several local high school graduates who will be freshmen at Louisiana
State University in Baton Rouge.

Aschebrock is headed to Tiger Town this fall to pursue a degree in animal
science after spending her summer interning with Dr. Don Duplantier, a
veterinarian in St. Bernard.

Aschebrock said her time with him as been invaluable.

"It was a great experience for me," she said. "Being able to shadow the vets
and watch them with patients was fun and exciting. Even watching the
surgeries with all of the blood and guts, I was glad to be there because it
confirmed that this is the kind of work really want to do."

She said she spent a lot of time, cleaning and bathing the animals and
observing the other doctors. Next year, she will be trained as a vet tech as
part of her journey.

"It's all part of working my way to the top," Aschebrock said.

The top is what Aschebrock is used to. In addition to being in the top five
in CHS's class of 2013, she was co-captain of the Charmers dance team, a
Golden Owl, and named Miss Chalmette High 2013.

She said these leadership skills will help her in the future.

"I have a real passion for animals," Aschebrock said. "I want to help people
and save the lives of animals. But I know that it's going to be challenging.
I'm looking at 8 to 10 years of school, but it will be worth it."

She said her dream is to work with all types of animals. "I would love be a
zoo's head vet and get to do surgery on a giraffe or a whale," Aschebrock
said. "Something big that gives you so much to work with."

And while her dreams are big, her commitment to St. Bernard is even bigger,
she said.

Aschebrock said she hopes to return to her hometown to open a 24-hour animal
hospital.

"I don't want to leave this area," Aschebrock said. "This is home and I
can't see leaving everything and everyone behind. I got so much from this
community; I just want to give back. I want to have my kids grow up here too
and have all the opportunities I had."

Ascehbrock credits her high teachers and coaches for her success and
encourages incoming students to get involved in school.

"I always tell younger kids to join clubs and teams. Getting involved is how
you will find yourself and find out what you were meant to be and do."