At Porch & Parish, we don't typically cover courtroom proceedings. But some stories—especially those rooted in compassion, courage, and community—deserve acknowledgment.

Yesterday, a man was sentenced to more than 300 years in prison after being found guilty of sex crimes against several minors, including a former Zachary High School student with special needs. The verdict came after an emotional trial in which that student—supported every step of the way by his teachers—bravely testified against his abuser.

It’s a case that perhaps never would have made it to court without the attentive care and steadfast advocacy of two Zachary High educators: Exceptional Student Services teacher Jamie Byrd and school social worker Melanie Thierry.

Long before this young man took the witness stand, he had already found something life-changing inside the walls of ZHS—safety, acceptance, and love. Jamie Byrd has spent her career building those kinds of spaces for students with special needs. She created the Bronco Buddies program, helped plan inclusive events like the Special Needs Prom, and connected students who might otherwise be overlooked to genuine friendships with their peers. When one of her students disappeared from class for several days in 2022 and came back saying troubling things, Byrd listened. And she didn’t stop there.

Her fierce protection, along with the support of Thierry, helped move the wheels of justice in motion. More importantly, their presence helped a vulnerable teen feel strong enough to speak.

“He wasn’t just my student,” Byrd said recently. “He lived in my home for a year. My family is now his family. And he was brave enough to testify in court. Now we get to be brave enough to survive.”

The journey ahead won’t be easy. But because two educators chose to see, hear, and stand up for a child in need, he gets to move forward with truth, dignity, and the kind of unconditional support every young person deserves.

To Jamie Byrd and Melanie Thierry: thank you. You embody the heart of Zachary. You remind us all what it means to be a Bronco.