Lafayette teen recognized as a 2024 Louisiana Young Hero for efforts to 'change the world'

Jakori Madison, Lafayette Daily Advertiser

Sixteen-year-old Donald “Tré” Bishop lives by the motto, "Go out every day and change the world."

That motto helped earn him the honor of being a 2024 Louisiana Young Hero, a program celebrating young people who have excelled in academics and public service.

Born and raised in Lafayette, Bishop has contributed to his community by doing small things that have made significant impacts, a news release said. He once saved his allowance to buy socks for the homeless. At 11 years old, he created a political sign recycling program. And in 2023, he raised $49,500 in three days to help St. Bernadette Clinic and the Lourdes Foundation.

Growing up with parents who were heavily involved in the community inspired him from a young age.

"I grew up around parents who help the community a lot," he said. "My mom would volunteer for St. Jude and is a part of a lot of nonprofit boards, and my dad is in politics and fights for what is right. That one Christmas, I spent my allowance to buy socks for the homeless, I remember the faces of those I helped, and saw the impact of helping someone, from there knew I wanted to help others."

2024 Louisiana Young Hero, Donald “Tré” Bishop III of Lafayette
2024 Louisiana Young Hero, Donald “Tré” Bishop III of Lafayette

Determined to keep Louisiana beautiful, Bishop worked with his peers, school, political candidates, local mayors, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and former Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin to create a program to recycle political signs and formed a sustainable collaborative to keep them out of landfills, according to Bishop's LPB bio.

He partnered with Wreaths Across America to recycle the stakes for veterans' graves. In 2021, he contributed to the passage of Bill HCR70 in the Louisiana Legislature, which encourages and assists with local collection and recycling of campaign signs.

"I am currently working on my recycling project which is a long-term project, and I am looking to run another bill to expand it further, but aside from that I am still working and volunteering for any good cause," Bishop said.

He is a member of the Beta Club and English Honors Society as a sophomore at Ascension Episcopal School. Bishop said his spare time is dedicated to his community work.

"Balancing work and school is easy because school is my first priority and right after I focus on any free time I have with investing in my work," he said. "My dad and my mom helped me become the person I am today. When I go to bed at night, I think, 'Did I do something today that helps the world?'"

LPB website defines a Young Hero as an exceptional high school student who has excelled in academics, given significantly of themselves through public service, overcome personal adversity, exhibited extraordinary heroism, or inspired others through their deeds and strength of character to become better students, persons, and citizen.

Bishop said he hopes to study environmental law.

"Having my own firm is what I'd love, and later in life go into politics, because I love the environment, and come back to do Louisiana politics like my dad used to do," he said.

"Seeing a young man do so remarkable, both his father and I are very proud of him," his mother, Kimberly Bishop, said. "It's so amazing to see that when you give your children a little bit of what you do in life, how that impacts them. My husband serves in the Legislature, and I've always been involved in volunteering and nonprofits. So to see how he utilizes and navigate the world is amazing, and I am so proud of him, and he is such a good son."

"I can't wait to see what the future holds for a child like this, and I can only imagine what the future holds for Louisiana and what he may bring and come back to do for his community."

Louisiana Young Heroes recognize role models within the local communities with over 200 past honorees who have received this award, according to the program.

"It's such an honor, and I am so happy to be represented as someone who has made an impact," Bishop said. "For everyone who sees this I want them to feel like I want to go out and make a change like he did"

"LPB is excited to present the stories of this year's Young Heroes. The resilience, tenacity, and bravery demonstrated by each serve as inspiration for all of us." LPB President and CEO Clarence "C.C" Copeland said.

Other Young Heroes for the 2024 year are:

These inspiring students will be celebrated during Louisiana Young Heroes Day with a special luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion, recognized on the legislative floor of the State Capitol, and have their remarkable journeys told at 8 p.m. June 14 on LPB.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Lafayette teen recognized by LPB as a 2024 Louisiana Young Hero

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