'I thought I was going to attend his funeral': E.D. White's Schouest given Courage Award

E.D. White Catholic High School's John Schouest was honored as the Courage Award recipient during the 2023 Bayou Region High School Sports Awards, presented by Thibodaux Regional Health System, Barker Honda and Barker Buick GMC. The show was held June 1 at Bonvillain Civic Center.

The Courage Award was sponsored by Terrebonne General Health System. This award honors greatness and strength that goes above and beyond the fields and courts.

In November, John Schouest was wrapping up a successful cross country season. He won the regional meet and finished in the top twenty-five in the state. However, just a few weeks later, he found himself at Children's Hospital of New Orleans fighting for his life. Schouest was diagnosed with Guillain Barre syndrome, a rare disorder where the body's immune system attacks the nervous system. After months in the hospital, John was able to be released, but his fight still continues.

See his full story in this video:

In all, more than 250 student athletes were honored during the show, which celebrates athletes from the Houma and Thibodaux areas. Twenty-five athletes were honored as the best in their individual sports, as well as eight premiere awards, including Boys Athlete of the Year, Girls Athlete of the Year, Boys Team of the Year, Girls Team of the Year, Boys Coach Team of the Year, Girls Coach Team of the Year, the Courage Award, and the School Spirit Award.

The Bayou Region High School Sports Awards show is part of the USA Today High School Sports Awards, the largest high school sports recognition program in the country.