Larissa Cerant, of Delray Beach, plans to study at the University of Florida. Her work at Atlantic High has earned her special recognition from the Rotary Club of Delray Beach. Photo provided
By Faran Fagen
When Larissa Cerant imagines the foster kids staring at their reflections in the mirror and spraying perfume onto their necks as they face the day, she smiles.
“One volunteer experience that shaped my life was when I donated items like perfume and lotion to foster kids,” said Cerant, a senior at Atlantic High School in Delray Beach. “It taught me the importance of giving and how small gestures can bring happiness to others. Volunteering is important to me because it allows me to help others in my community and make a positive impact.”
Cerant, 17, has been an honors student at Atlantic since the start of her high school career.
She has devoted 600 hours of volunteering through club and outreach programs and was recently named Student of the Month by the Rotary Club of Delray Beach for the fall of 2024.
She plans to attend the University of Florida to study nutrition science and/or business management, aiming to have her own business.
“I want to inspire others to pursue their dreams and lead healthier lives by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed,” Cerant said.
Her most impactful volunteering experience came on Halloween. She set up games for little kids during the spooky holiday and assisted with cleanup afterward.
“Seeing the children enjoy themselves and knowing I contributed to a memorable event for them made it a meaningful experience,” Cerant said. “Helping those in need brings me a sense of purpose and fulfillment.”
Cerant, who boasts a high school grade point average of 3.75 (3.96 weighted), encountered her own share of obstacles on her journey to achieving her goals.
They included bullying, the loss of her grandpa this past year, navigating an individualized education plan, and struggling with self-confidence.
“To overcome these challenges, I sought therapy at my school and practiced daily affirmations to build my self-esteem,” Cerant said. “These steps helped me grow stronger and more resilient.”
Cerant also received accolades outside of Atlantic High.
At McDonald’s, where she has worked since the summer of 2023, she was awarded Employee of the Month for exceptional drive-thru cashier service, and processing orders efficiently and accurately.
She was recognized for academic excellence by the National Achievers Society, was named senior point recording secretary for the National Honor Society, and has been a multiyear runner for the Eagles’ cross-country and track teams.
As a Safe Schools ambassador, Cerant intervened in incidents of bullying and cyberbullying, and in promoting a safe and respectful school environment.
She also educated peers on the importance of kindness and inclusivity, reducing instances of mistreatment.
In addition to her 600 volunteer hours — the equivalent of 25 full days — she’s proud of being named Student of the Month, earning No Tardy of the Month, and achieving perfect attendance.
“These accomplishments reflect my dedication and consistency throughout my high school journey,” Cerant said. “I believe I earned Student of the Month because I made an effort to get along with my teachers, stay consistent with my work, and always be open to trying new things.”
As far as advice for underclassmen, Cerant said to “be yourself and don’t be afraid to try new things. Stepping out of your comfort zone will help you discover your strengths and passions.”
Cerant lives near downtown Delray Beach with her family, which includes mom Lifaite Boulin, dad Michelet Cerant, and brothers Rony Jean and Michael Cerant.
On her résumé, she lists these skills: leadership, collaboration, customer service, time management, problem solver, communication, Google C-Suite, Canva, Instagram Reels and Video Editing.
Above all, if you look at all she’s accomplished as a student, Cerant is a volunteer who wants to help others.
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