Helen Stone

On October 26, 2024, at age 83, Helen Stone represented the United States at the karate world champion tournament in Takasaki, Japan.  

Helen has been studying the art of karate for half a century, initially drawn to its guiding philosophy of balance built through continual self-improvement. She has participated in countless competitions. This one, though – this one was a dream come true. She always wanted to visit Japan. 

As a child and teenager, Helen studied and danced ballet. Like ballet, karate takes fierce dedication and uncompromising discipline. And it takes constant learning. 

She’s been a probation and parole officer. She’s worked in child protective services. She’s a part-time school teacher in Livingston Parish. She’s a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother. She’s a 5th degree black belt.  

After all this, she says: “I’m still a beginner.” 

Over the course of her life and her training, Helen has come to understand – deeply – that her sport is about more than the physical activity.  It is about mental growth. 

“You never stop learning,” she says. “You never stop learning.” 

Helen Stone embodies the Peoples Health Champions motto of “Excellence Through Experience.” She is an inspiration to all of us. Helen Stone: Your Peoples Health Champion.