ASH/Centric February 2021

FEBRUARY 2021

ASH CENTRIC MAGAZINE

Louisiana Life in 2021 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS BONIOL

THE SWEET LIFE: A BAKER'S JOURNEY

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: PERSPECTIVE FROM STUDENTS

MARDI GRAS TALK WITH MAYOR JEFF HALL

ASH/CENTRIC MAGAZINE STAFF AND CONTRIBUTORS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: MRS. DOWNEY A S S I S TA N T M A N A G I N G E D I T O R : A S H LY N N B .

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: AMELIA M. KARLEE K. E M I LY H .

ELIZABETH D. LAUREN R. D A LT O N M .

ATA LYA J .

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: A S H LY N N B .

D A LT O N M .

Q U E E N B E E M A R K E T I N G , K E L LY P E Y T I N

BLACK HISTORY MONTH GRAPHIC I M A G E AT T R I B U T I O N : B I O G R A P H Y. C O M POLITICO.COM FORBES.COM WM.EDU

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CONTENTS

Crawfish Season is Here!

The Sweet Life: A Baker's Journey

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Outtakes Improv Troupe Assembles

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Perspectives: Black History Month

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Alumni Spotlight: Chris Boniol

On The New Normal: Mayor Jeff Hall

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Classroom Spotlight: Science with Mrs. Guillory

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Outtakes: Assemble!

By: Dalton M. On January 24, the Advanced Improv Troupe, Outtakes, was assembled for the school year. The team consists of two captains: Matthew King and Dalton Michiels; manager Vincent Vo; and the members of the troupe: Clark Jones, Claire Guillory, Caylin Alexander, Owen Morrow, Kaydence Jeffers, Tobin Hennessey, Annie Nguyen, and Eric Richie.

Mr. Price, ASH theatre director, is leading this team. The group’s first performance will be the “Night to Shine”, where the group will act as paparazzi on the Red Carpet for students with special needs. The group also plans on hosting improv shows. Watch out for this funny troupe during the ASH Theatre Showcase on Feb. 26 and during intermission at the spring musical: Footloose.

Pushing Through POWERLIFTERS BEGIN THEIR SEASON W I T H H I G H H O P E S TO F I N I S H S T R O N G .

By: Lauren R. The Alexandria Senior High powerlifting team is off to a great start as their season begins.

Despite this year being different in many aspects compared to other years, the team is still prepared to persevere through the season.

This team is made up of many versatile personalities who are trustworthy and empower each other in everything they do.

While the beginning of the season is extremely fun and challenging for the majority of athletes, it is also very different from other years considering the pandemic. Many team members are excited but also curious to see how long this season will last.

Competing together as a team and having individuality while competing is what makes powerlifting so important to many members. It makes them feel like they are “a part of a family that is truly there for you.” As a family, there are many goals involved that lead them to success. “I want to remain within my weight class, get stronger physically and mentally, and to have as much fun as possible”, Franjone says.

“We are going to keep lifting and working hard at practice”, said Coach Jackie Skipper. Coach Skipper is eager to improve with the team throughout the next few meets, especially since the regionals meet is coming up.

With the whole team working hard and improving together, they are optimistic about what is to come and what will be accomplished in the future.

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Crawfish & Covid

T H E PA N D E M I C H I G H LY A F F E C T E D T H E S E A S O N I N 2 0 2 0 .

W H AT ' S D I F F E R E N T I N 2 0 2 1 ?

By: Dalton M. Last year the 2020 crawfish season was cut short due to the Phase 1 order from Governor John Bel Edwards to help slow the spread of COVID-19. This affected how Louisianians were able to celebrate crawfish season.

This year businesses are making an effort to serve guests in a more traditional way.

Wes Hilborn, owner of Buckets Crawfish and Seafood, is just one example of a business that suffered from loss of revenue during the 2020 Crawfish Season. “The revenue that we have made so far is showing that our customers were very ready for the season,” Hillborn says.

Last year, Hilborn’s business suffered tremendously because of the shutdown that occurred during the peak of crawfish season.

Now with firm Covid precautions in place, restaurants ready themselves for a busy season serving up one of Louisiana’s signature dishes.

Bowling Gets Rolling THE ASH BOWLING TEAM BEGINS ITS SEASON.

By: Lauren R. Alexandria Senior High’s bowling team is racking up strikes as the season gets rolling.

The girls’ team has won both of their matches, while the boys’ team successfully won their first match.

Having fun together is what is important to them, and what makes the team so engaging as a whole. They love to be supportive and celebrate each other, to help lead one another to success.

Many team members have improved throughout the past seasons and are focusing on making the team better as the season progresses. Doing the best they possibly can is the best characteristic a team can have.

Ms. Mathews is very supportive as a coach and loves to see her team succeed. “Honestly why I do it is because I like the kids, they are good kids”, said Melissa Mathews.

This team is goal-oriented and excited for what they can accomplish this season.

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By: Atalya J. Black History Month is a celebration honoring the legacy of Black people and recognizing their contributions throughout history. The month-long celebration occurs every February and is practiced mostly throughout African diaspora communities in North America and Europe.

The origins of BHM date back to 1926, when the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASNLH) sponsored the first national Negro History Week, according to the site, africanamericanhistorymonth.gov.

Beginning Feb. 7 and ending on Feb. 14, the dates were chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two events which were celebrated by African American communities since the 19th century.

However, instead of simply celebrating the two men, the tradition extended toward studying the rich history of African-Americans and promoting their achievements.

This eventually evolved into Black History Month, which was first held in 1970, but the events became officially recognized in 1976 when President Gerald Ford called upon America to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Many other countries with large black communities have adopted BHM, but it has only been officially recognized in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

The most notable figures commemorated during BHM today are civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and Sojourner Truth, who paved the way for future black leaders to thrive in white-dominated spaces.

Amongst African-Americans, Black History Month has many different meanings.

Two black Alexandria Senior High students weigh in on the significance this month has to them.

Nya P., 16, speaks of her gratitude to her predecessors.

“To me, Black History month represents a celebration of prominent black figures who came before me. It means paying tribute and giving respect to those who fought diligently for me to have a better life among my peers of other races. Throughout black history month, I feel it is especially important to recognize people who made significant impacts on the lives of black people like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, and many more. Black history month is a time to remember all the progressive changes notable black figures have made. People like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, risked their lives to fight for freedom and equality; they can be credited to some of the major changes in the civil rights movement.

Political figures such as Barack Obama and Kamala Harris have made recent history and a huge impact on the black community by becoming the first black president and black female vice president of the United States. I look up to black figures who have paved the way and opened up doors for so many African American people like me. I show my appreciation for outstanding black figures who sacrificed everything they had by working industriously every day in hopes to live up to the potential that they saw for the future of black Americans.”

Alexis O., 16, pays tribute to activists old and new.

"Black History Month, to me, means paying tribute and honoring the heroes that have fought and struggled for equality in a world built against them. During this month we recognize some of the greatest legends in history. One being, activist and spokesman, Malcolm X, who fought and died fighting against oppression and urging other Black Americans to take a stance against racial injustice. Another being, activist and abolitionist, Harriet Tubman, who had escaped and rescued slaves to help them to a better life. Malcom and Tubman did what not many would and were able to overcome the impossible.

Whether it be so little as speaking out against discrimination, or going so far as to ecape slaves through underground networks, these black heroes put their lives on the line to give Black Americans the justice and liberty they were deprived of for centuries. And though these brave heroes faced and overcame great challenges throughout history in order to give us the world we know today, there is still so much work left to be done. This is why we continue to celebrate and uplift black voices during Black History Month."

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The Sweet Life

H O W A N AT I V E B R A Z I L I A N M A K E S H E R WAY TO A L E X A N D R I A A N D S H A R E S H E R TA L E N T F O R B A K I N G W I T H T H E C O M M U N I T Y S H E N O W C A L L S H O M E .

By: Karlee K. Neila Craig knows a thing or two about baking and hard work. The Brazilian native, who met her American husband as an interpreter, now calls Alexandria, La. her home.

She recalls always loving to bake and gather with friends and family around food.

“When I was nine years old, I was making meals for my family. Then, at 15, I planned and baked for my parent’s anniversary celebration,” Craig says.

The self-taught chef warmly chats about how her passion for baking evolves into a business at a corner table in the interior of her black, white and pink bakery on Texas Avenue.

Following the birth of one of her four children, Craig decided to stay home to become a full-time mom. As a way to supplement her income, she started baking out of her home for friends. While driving down Jackson Street, she noticed the Farmer's Market at First United Methodist Church.

The next week, Craig prepared and sold 20 items.

Five years later, she sold over 300 items a week at the market.

That prompted her to explore opening a brick and mortar store.

Gary Perkins, owner of Wildwood Pizza, offered his support. According to Craig, “I blinked and here we are.”

Doce Vida is the product of her toil and effort to continue doing what she loves and reaching more people in the community.

Craig’s Brazilian heritage is evidenced in her products,especially her dulce de leche King Cake.

She comfortably adapts recipes from her grandmother and puts a twist on more traditional American recipes.

Craig relishes in her accomplishments, but remembers where her journey began. Visitors to her bakery can sense the pride of her Brazilian heritage blended with Louisiana’s distinct culture.

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Celebrating in 2021

M A R D I G R A S F E S T I V I T I E S TA K E A B AC K S E AT T H I S Y E A R .

M AYO R J E F F H A L L S P E A K S O N A DJ U S T I N G TO T H E N E W N O R M A L .

By: Ashlynn B. When most people think of Mardi Gras, visions of beads, crawfish, and celebration with friends come to mind--not hand sanitizer and social distancing. Across Louisiana, millions gather every year with friends and family to celebrate Mardi Gras. Yet, in the midst of a pandemic, the celebration this year has come to a halt.

Not only does Mardi Gras provide entertainment; it is also critical to many businesses in the state. Many may wonder how the absence of their beloved Mardi Gras celebration will disrupt the income of businesses in their area.

Throughout the state, Mardi Gras not only brings people out and together but also attracts tourists to the area,which creates revenue for the state.

When asked what the most challenging aspect of Covid19 has been, Mayor Jeff Hall responded by saying “the unpredictability of it.” For the last 10 months this has been the new normal: unpredictability, for business owners, restaurants owners, and for their employees.

With this newfound unpredictability, it is critical for restaurants and other businesses to stay afloat, stay operational, and for the public to “work with businesses as to where they are compared to as where they used to be,” Hall says.

It is important that not only businesses, but the general public get out of a “pre-covid mindset” and accept this new normal to help everything stay afloat and operational while still doing what is best to keep everyone safe.

“Projects we had planned have been postponed” Hall says.

Parades and other festivities will simply not happen this year due to Covid precautions in efforts to minimize the spread of the virus.

The frustration following this ongoing pandemic is widespread and understood, but “we do not control anything we’re just part of the process” and “all we can do is keep vital services alive” Hall states.

Focusing on keeping restaurants and businesses afloat despite their decrease in business this year is a priority. Although “the revenue they once had will not be there,” Hall encourages everyone to be understanding and supportive during these unprecedented times.

The way of life residents were once comfortable with is no longer there, so collectively they have to move forward and find new ways to adapt to the new normal. So although Cenla residents cannot celebrate Mardi Gras as they have in the past, finding new ways to celebrate and support businesses in the process is what the new normal is looking like this year.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS BONIOL By: Elizabeth D. Chris Boniol stands on the ASH football field every Sunday afternoon with Daniel Tomlin and Rick Ducote, where they helped Boniol begin his kicking career. His teammates would invest their time to contribute to Boniol’s success at a young age, which led him to many opportunities in the future.

“Boniol worked so hard each and every day, and Daniel and I both knew that he could do whatever he set his mind to,” Rick Ducote, Rapides Parish Assessor, said. “Not only his determination and work ethic, but also believing himself and then proving it to other people has gotten him where he is today.”

“My opportunity had to start somewhere and my teammates were people who devoted their time to my development,” Boniol said as he looked back on all the Sunday afternoons spent on the football field with Tomlin and Ducote.

Boniol’s mother, Linda, taught Biology and his father, Don, coached the baseball team, all at Alexandria Senior High School. Mr. Boniol’s contribution to the baseball team was such an impact that the baseball field is set to be named in his honor this March.

While attending ASH, Boniol started off as a receiver on the football team. He then shifted gears and began working to become a kicker instead.

Boniol would kick for ASH on Friday nights, and during the spring, he would catch for the baseball team.

After graduating from ASH, he played for Louisiana Tech. Following his time as a collegiate player, he joined the Dallas Cowboys.

“It was only my second year on the team, and we went to the Superbowl,” Boniol says.

Following his time as a kicker for the Cowboys, Boniol played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and the Chicago Bears.

He has coached for the Dallas Cowboys, Oakland Raiders, Louisiana College, Mississippi State, and currently for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

On top of coaching, Boniol had a business for roughly fifteen years where he coached kickers and punters in Texas.

All of this experience informs his coaching strategies.

“I think I have intuition for what a player is going through or what he might need at a particular moment,” Boniol says.

As a coach, Boniol knows what his players need at that moment because of his years of teaching, coaching, and kicking as a player himself.

“My players have the potential to be perfect in what they do,” Boniol says as he describes his mindset as a coach.

“My expectations are: complete focus, complete dedication, complete professionalism, complete investment in every single day in trying to be prepared in playing a game on the weekend.”

As Boniol will coach in the Super Bowl February 7, he is approaching it as any other game he has this year because “the Super Bowl is no more important than any other game this season,” he says.

“There is a peace knowing that we have worked extremely hard and have done the best that we can do to get where we are at now.”

“His hardwork and dedication has paid off,” Daniel Tomlin, ASH teacher and coach, says as he reminisces about his lifelong friendship with Boniol.

After playing in and winning a Super Bowl in 1996, then coaching one 25 years later, this “full circle” moment for Boniol is one that is earned.

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[Image 2] Image credit: Epic Yearbook '90 Chris Boniol kicks for the ASH Trojans.

[Image 1] Image credit: League Lineup Chris Boniol kicks for the Dallas Cowboys. He is on the winning Super Bowl team in 1996.

[Image 3] Image credit: Fox Sports Chris Boniol in action as he coaches kickers in the NFL.

[Image 5] Image credit: Epic Yearbook '90 Both of Boniol's parents taught at ASH. His mother, Linda, taught Biology. His father, Don, taught Physical Education and coached the Baseball Team.

[Image 4] Image credit: Epic Yearbook '90 Chris Boniol during his time at ASH.

[Image 6] Image credit: Epic Yearbook Teammate and friend Daniel Tomlin.

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[Image 7] Image credit: Epic Yearbook Teammate and friend Rick Ducote.

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CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT: MRS. GUILLORY

S T U D E N T S E X P LO R E I M P E D I M E N T S TO S E E D G E R M I N AT I O N .

M R S . G U I L LO RY ' S E N V I R O N M E N TA L S C I E N C E C L A S S R E C E N T LY E X P LO R E D T H E E F F E C T S O F D I F F E R E N T VA R I A B L E S O N S E E D G E R M I N AT I O N .

S T U D E N T S U S E D S U B S TA N E S F R O M D I S H S O A P TO S O D A A N D R E C O R D E D H O W I T A F F E C T E D G R O W T H . B E LO W A R E P H OTO S O F T H E E X P E R I M E N T I N A C T I O N . T H E S E E D S R E M A I N D E D U N D E R L I G H T S TO A L LO W T H E M TO GROW OVER TIME.

MRS. VERONICA G U I L LO RY

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