Fostering Community: Iroquois Academy Coach Carmen Bellefant

At Iroquois High Sool, building community isn’t just a mission statement—it’s the daily work of people like Academy Coach Carmen Bellefant.

“What makes me proudest to be at Iroquois is our school community,” she says in a new video spotlighting her role. “I think we have adults who are invested in our students, and who want what's best for our students.”

That sense of care and connection runs deep across the building, and Carmen is often right at the center of it—linking teachers, business partners, and students in meaningful ways that help young people find their path.

A Diverse and Thriving Student Body

Carmen’s admiration for Iroquois students is evident. “They are some of the most amazing students I've ever had the opportunity to encounter. Some of them have overcome so many adversities to even be here. And they don't just exist. They thrive.”

Iroquois is one of the most diverse schools in Jefferson County Public Schools, with students from over 40 different countries. Many are new to the United States, new to speaking English, or both.

“That brings a lot of challenges for us as a school,” Carmen says, “but it also brings a lot of depth for us as a school, because just as much as they are learning from us, we are also able to learn from them.”

Career Pathways as Confidence Builders

The Academies of Louisville model plays a key role in helping students succeed, especially those still finding their footing in traditional academic classes.

“One of the great things about the Academies is they give the opportunity to participate in our career and technical classes, and for a lot of them, it's a chance for them to really be a star,” she explains. “Where they may not have confidence in, say, their English class or their math class because they're not sure how to articulate what they know, they can definitely show you what they know—and they get lots of those opportunities in their career and technical classes.”

These hands-on classes often become places where students build not only skills, but also confidence, pride, and a sense of belonging.

Opening Doors to the Future

Carmen also points to student achievement outside the classroom as something that may surprise people. “We have students who are in one particular program called Aspire Higher, where they learn about the college admission process. They get to go on college visits and work on scholarships and they get support from a team to help them through that process.”

The results speak for themselves. “Every year, they earn more and more scholarships. Last year they earned over $4 million in scholarships, and it's just amazing to see that and to be part of their story.”

A Story Still Being Written

Carmen’s work as an Academy Coach is all about making connections: between people, between opportunities, and between dreams and reality. Her story, like the story of Iroquois itself, is one of persistence, passion, and partnership.

“And so, I think that's the best part about being here at Iroquois.”