STA student forms club to fight human trafficking

From research to action, 17-year-old Abry Layrisson is using her knowledge and faith to try to make a difference in ending human trafficking.

“I began my research on human trafficking last year after writing a paper on the topic for my AP English III class,” said Layrisson, a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Hammond. “Since then, I have become a student advisor for Anti-Trafficking International and have been focused on instituting a local club to educate high school students on the dangers of human trafficking.”

Through researching anti-human trafficker and author Tim Ballard, who founded Operation Underground Railroad, Layrisson learned about resources to found a Students Against Trafficking club at STA. There are currently 20 students involved and there’s been a groundswell of support from family and community members. 

STA senior Mackenzie Bergeron is also aware that human trafficking has become a major problem in today’s society.
 

“I believe we all have the responsibility to protect those lives that are being violated and degraded for everyone is a child of God.” 

Abry Layrisson

 St. Thomas Aquinas High School

“To be honest, anywhere you go now is unsafe,” she said. “With us being located in Hammond and right by two major interstates, it is especially important to be aware of the dangers of human trafficking. 

“I find it terrible that humans are being sold as property and we never know about it.”

She ruefully acknowledged that some people are what she called “extremely oblivious” to the dangers of trafficking. She said having grown up in a family that is heavily involved in law enforcement, she has always been taught to be aware of her surroundings and to trust no one.

“As scary as it sounds, that is what the world is,” she said, perhaps provocative words coming from a senior in high school. “If I could play one small role in educating others about how prominent human trafficking is in our society, I will be there every step of the way. 

“I pray for those who are recovering victims that they will one day be comforted and have some sense of normalcy.”

Her hope is that in the next few years human trafficking will no longer be an issue, perhaps squelching a need for the club.  

“I pray that day comes soon, but for now it is important to take action as an involved student and senior at St. Thomas,” Bergeron said. 

STA teacher and club sponsor Paul Levy immediately recognized Layrisson’s passion when she first approached him about moderating the club. His answer needed little thought.

“It was an automatic ‘Yes!’ I enjoy helping people and giving back to my students and I thought that this organization would be a great way to do both,” he said. 

Layrisson credits STA principal Will Johnson with providing not only support but contacts with others who are involved in the fight, including Louisiana First Lady Donna Edwards. Layrisson met with Edwards during a Zoom call in October.

“In our meeting, (Edwards) provided me with numerous resources and insight into the new programs that have been established within Louisiana,” said Layrisson. “She also offered me words of encouragement and assistance as I continue my mission to fight human trafficking.”

Johnson said there is nothing that makes him more proud than seeing a student take initiative to create change. He said when a student wants to start a club with its intended mission to stand up for human rights, there is little else to say but “yes.” 

“(Layrisson) is never one to sit by and say, ‘Hopefully someone else handles this,’ ” Johnson said. “We are so lucky to have students like Abry at St. Thomas Aquinas who are eager to be part of the solution instead of hoping the next person figures it out. As Catholics we are called to be of service and Abry has certainly answered that call.”

Layrisson, who attends St. Margaret Queen of Scotland Church in Albany, said her Catholic faith has provided the courage to speak out against the dangers of human trafficking.  She said St. Margaret pastor Father Jamin David has provided opportunities to develop new relationships and opportunities for fundraising to support her efforts.

Father David said that one of the most vulnerable populations in society today are victims of human trafficking. He said trafficking is often hidden, that public perception will often dismiss the magnitude of the issue because it happens in every community, “right before our eyes.”

“Awareness of the complexity of the issue and its presence even in the territory of the Diocese of Baton Rouge is essential to combat and eliminate this modern day slavery,” said Father David.  “Initiatives like the one spearheaded by (Layrisson) are essential to promote human dignity but also to make young people and society aware of the real dangers that surround them. 

“Abry, through her initiative and those like hers, are following the admonitions of church leaders like Pope Francis to urgently work for the elimination of trafficking in all forms, and really begins with education and awareness.”

Layrisson said her goals for Students Against Trafficking Club are to spread awareness of the dangers among her peers and to raise money for victims both locally and nationally. She also hopes to expand the club to other high schools throughout the state.

“I believe we all have the responsibility to protect those lives that are being violated and degraded for everyone is a child of God,” she said.