The St. Tammany Farmer 05-07-2025 by The Advocate

BY JESSICA SAGGIO

Contributing writer

The annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off, one of the state’s preeminent culinary competitions, is headed to the northshore for the ﬁrst time

Voters OK school, hospital bond issues

BY BOB WARREN AND WILLIE SWETT Staff writers

St. Tammany Parish voters gave a thumbs-up on May 3 to separate bond issues for the school district and Slidell Memorial Hospital that ofﬁcials say will fuel a multitude of building projects.

Voting returns showed the public school district’s $325 million bond proposition passed with 56% of the vote. A $51.5 million bond issue for Slidell Memorial, meanwhile, got 52% of the vote in the east St.

new health care/STEM campus near the technical college in Lacombe, among other items. In its pitch to voters, the school district pledged to divide the bond proceeds this way: n $251 million for school improvements. n $32 million for technology and security purchases and upgrades, including $10.5 million to swap out old Chromebooks.

n $30 million for the new science and health care learning center n $12 million for new school buses and transportation infrastructure.

Going into the election, school district ofﬁcials expressed conﬁdence that the measure would receive the blessing of voters. They noted the importance of maintaining school facilities for the more than

this summer The action will quite literally — heat up on June 27 when renowned chefs from across the state head to the Harbor Center near Slidell to face off. The fast-paced cooking competition, which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., mimics the intensity of the popular television cooking shows, as chefs battle to be named the King or Queen of Louisiana Seafood

The winner will advance to compete in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off and will be an ambassador representing the state’s culinary expertise at a number of other notable events. Patrons at the state cookoff can sample food, beer and wine during the competition. Ticket information will be announced at the end of May

The event is in its 18th year and originated in New

Orleans. Since its inception, it has been held at a number of cities across the state, including Lafayette and Lake Charles. This year however it ventures to St. Tammany Parish at the recommendation of Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser, who now lives in Madisonville.

“It is a big deal for it to come to this area after having been in so many other parts of the State Seafood Cook-Off headed to St. Tammany in June Harbor Center will host prestigious culinary contest Scan

PHOTO BY GRANT THERKILDSEN

team Dufrene Dirt Work

the air at times and cries have been heard at others.

St. Tammany Parish Recreation District 12, better known as Magnolia Park, is composed of a gymnasium, a multipurpose football and soccer ﬁeld, three baseball/ softball diamonds and what might be the cleanest bathrooms in St. Tammany Parish.

It’s a park that does a lot with a little, at least less than the funding most other recreation districts in southeast Louisiana receive And the place is celebrating its silver anniversary this year, remembering all the hard work, but the many good times, that thousands of Folsom-area residents have had here during the past quarter century And it’s not just gaggles of youth sports teams running amok at Magnolia Park. It’s a place for older residents to enjoy regular activities. It’s car shows, archery camps, dance recitals and family reunions.

The primary objective of park leaders always has been to serve the community in any way they can.

“(We’re always thinking) What else can we do?” said Executive Director Jennifer Goings, indicating the mindset of everyone at Magnolia Park. “What else can we offer the public that we don’t have or that is not available up here?”

Magnolia Park opened its anniversary celebration on April 5, which happened to be opening day of the 2025 baseball and softball seasons. And the place, not surprisingly, was packed. Among the guests were family of the late Evelyn Pittman, who threw out the very ﬁrst pitch in 2000. Her children and grandchildren threw out this year’s first pitch to get the new season underway The park also invited the woman who, as a young girl, scored the ﬁrst run at the park 25 years ago.

An original member of the recreation district’s board of directors was on hand to say the opening prayer, and a current coach sang the national anthem.

More memories will be made throughout the year,

with the park planning an anniversary picnic this summer and a get-together in the park gym sometime later in 2025. The goal for the anniversary is no different than the longtime goal of the park: Bring the community together in one place. After all, community always has been Magnolia Park’s secret to success. Close relationships with police and fire departments help provide additional services when needed. Contractor Dennis Glass helped build or improve much of the park, which currently boasts 34 local sponsors Even the park’s board is composed entirely of locals who either

have children participating in sports programs or did at some point “A lot of people are like, ‘How do you have all this here in such a small town?’” Goings said. “And we’re lucky. The people in this area are very supportive of the park.”

Magnolia Park officially opened on Feb 14, 2000, and it grew right along with the population in and around Folsom over the past 25 years. Early upgrades included things such as better sidewalks, as well as backstops for its baseball diamonds. Eventually, improvements were made to the park’s irrigation and drainage system. A splash pad and a walk-

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state,” said Donna O’Daniels, president and CEO of Visit The Northshore O’Daniels said recent expansions at the Harbor Center helped seal the deal. Hundreds of spectators are expected to attend.

An open call for chefs interested in applying to the competition is underway Rules indicate that competitors must be the executive chef at an “an acclaimed” free-standing Louisiana restaurant, hotel, country club or resort, and they must also be part of the Louisiana Restaurant Association, among a few other requirements.

A dish is plated during the 2022 Louisiana

Off at the Cajundome Convention

Chefs will be given a $300 stipend to plate ﬁve entrees

ing path also are among the more signiﬁcant upgrades.

A community garden (done in partnership with St. Tammany Parish Hospital and the Samaritan Center,) opened earlier this year, too, and provides a special spot where locals can grow and harvest fresh produce. Plans also are underway for the ﬁrst major renovations to the gymnasium’s court When Magnolia Park ﬁrst opened, sports were just about the only thing happening there on a regular basis. Since then, competitive dance teams have been started and a full gamut of adult activities, such as yoga and art classes, are on the schedule.

Goings said hiring Dennis Bourgeois as a full-time park maintenance supervisor some two years ago has been monumental in helping build the park’s reputation for well-maintained and clean facilities. Goings and Bourgeois are the district’s only full-time employees. Because Folsom-area property taxes fund the park, Goings and the district’s board of directors know it’s important to offer programming that attracts as many of those taxpayers as they can.

“We want to attract everyone that we can,” said board chairman James Rogers, who started serving on the board about 15 years ago when his children were playing youth sports at Magnolia.

“That’s the main thing we wanted to do. Not everyone plays sports. I grew up with people who played sports when they were younger but grew out of it. So, we’ve tried

to bring (all kind of different things) into it.”

Goings noted that board members are not paid for their time making decisions for a park that provides recreation for all. That’s a point of pride for the director who has been with the park since its beginning. Goings has watched the park grow during the past 25 years, though she isn’t sure what the next 25 years look like. She’d like to one day add public tennis and pickleball courts, and Rogers said many people have suggested a disc golf course would be put to good use. One thing at Magnolia Park won’t change, however, and that’s its mission to serve the people of Folsom and St. Tammany Parish Recreation District 12.

“The more people who come to our park and see our park, the better off we are,” Rogers said.

for judges that feature Louisiana seafood as the main protein. Those who wish to apply must do so by May 30. Past winners include chef Cory Bahr (who was a contestant on the Food Network show “Chopped”) and former Commander’s Palace chef Tory McPhail, who was on Top Chef Masters.

“Some of these chefs are pretty heavy hitters currently in the restaurant industry,” said Samantha Carroll, executive director for Louisiana Seafood. “And for a whole year, they (winners) act as an ambassador to Louisiana seafood and cuisine.”

St. Tammany has had its share of winners, including Keith and Nealy Frentz

from Covington’s LOLA Restaurant and Robert Vasquez, the former chef at the now-closed Pepe’s in Covington.

And perhaps that’s part of why the event’s appearance on the northshore is also signiﬁcant, said O’Daniels.

“It really just shows St. Tammany has become a destination of choice for folks looking for incredible culinary offerings,” she said.

With that in mind, the event will also kick off the annual Tammany Taste of Summer that runs Aug 1-31. Tastings at the cook-off will be provided by 15 participating Tammany Taste of Summer restaurants, offering attendees a preview

of the monthlong culinary celebration. The Tammany Taste of Summer will feature a number of restaurants across the parish that will curate special menus. Details on participating restaurants are still forthcoming and will be available at TammanyTaste.com.

“Tammany Taste of Summer is our way of celebrating the incredible culinary talent here in St. Tammany Parish while inviting locals and visitors alike to explore, indulge and support our restaurant community,” said O’Daniels. For more information on the Louisiana Seafood CookOff or for chefs interested in applying, visit louisianaseafood.com.

The children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Evelyn Pittman gathered for the ceremonial first pitch of the 2025 season at Magnolia Park. Pittman threw out the first pitch when the park first opened 25 years ago.

Robert MIzell sings the national anthem.

Jennifer Goings welcomes the crowd at Magnolia Park.

From left, Jim Bartholomew, Darrell Magee, Mary Jane Allen, Jennifer Goings, James Rogers, Brad Graham, Antoine Brumfield and Lacey Sharp celebrate Magnolia Park’s anniversary.

Zane Parr of the Folsom Hurricanes reaches for the ball at first base.

PHOTOS BY GRANT THERKILDSEN Players and coaches sing the national anthem on April 5 when Folsom’s Magnolia Park celebrated its 25th anniversary.

FILE PHOTO BY BRAD BOWIE

Seafood Cook-

Center in Lafayette.

Northshore residents protest Trump, federal policies in May Day gathering

BY BOB WARREN Staff writer

Waving signs and asking passing drivers to honk, 100 or so people gathered May 1 at a busy Covington intersection to protest the policies of President Donald Trump. Numerous motorists honked. Some clapped in support and others jutted their arms from their windows, turning a thumbs-down. One passing driver of a pickup ﬂipped the bird. “It’s about what’s going on with the federal government,” said Kristen Luchsing-

er of Covington, as people waving signs saying “Hands off our Social Security,” “Resist,” and “Honk for Peace” cheered around her “Everybody has something that’s important to them.

Luchsinger noted St. Tammany’s reputation as a conservative stronghold but said there were conservatives among the protesters. Another protester, longtime Covington attorney Buddy Spell, said it’s become easier, even in conservative places such as St. Tammany, to ﬁnd people willing to protest. “People are that upset,” he said. “There

PHOTO

Babies can be surrendered anonymously and legally at Save Haven Baby boxes and other Safe Haven locations. Locations can be found by calling the hotline at 1-866-99BABY1 or the directory at https://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/safehaven/directory/.

Haven baby boxes placed in both Covington and

BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer

The state of Louisiana went from zero Safe Haven baby boxes to two, both on the northshore, in a matter of hours on April 30 A new baby box was blessed and dedicated in Olde Towne Slidell, at Fire Station 11 of the St. Tammany Fire Protection District No. 1, while Covington’s baby box is at the city’s ﬁre station on North Jefferson Street. The hope is that none of the boxes are ever used, but reality is different

“I hope that if parents are in a crisis and they are faced with this choice, they can choose a safe and anonymous way for life for their baby,” said Amy Barkering, a Covington mother of four who worked with Safe Haven to get a box placed in town.

“It’s a blessing for our city and the outlying communities. These are the ﬁrst two boxes in the state of Louisiana. We know people will travel for hours to make sure their babies are taken care of. If you give parents a choice, they will do the right thing.”

When the door to the baby box is open, it triggers an alarm in the respective ﬁre

station to alert authorities to respond. The box is climate-controlled. There are no video cameras watching the box. Any baby dropped off can be done so anonymously

“No questions asked,” said Slidell Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention Brian Macaluso. “This is a safe and secure location people can go. We don’t have pictures or video, none of that.”

There are currently 339 working baby boxes in 20 different states across the U.S

The Safe Haven Baby Boxes organization was founded by Monica Kelsey The organization also has a conﬁdential hotline (1866-99BABY1) where parents can be given guidance on their nearest baby box location.

Since 2017, 58 infants have been safely and legally surrendered in a baby box and the Safe Haven Crisis Line has assisted with 150 surrenders. “We have seen time and time again that preparation can save and change lives,” said Kelsey in a news release. “We never know when or where we will be needed, so it is crucial to have options for mothers in crisis. I am grateful for local advocates who take our mission to their community.”

are a whole bunch of taxpayers here. We’re trying to create safe space. These are 100% strictly peaceful events.”

The May 1 protest outside the old parish courthouse at the intersection of East Boston and North New Hampshire streets follows a protest in March during which more than 100 people gathered on a Saturday afternoon outside the ofﬁces of U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise and U.S. Sen. John Kennedy at the St. Tammany Parish government complex near Mandeville.

The Covington protest also comes as May Day protests took place in other parts of the U.S.

VOTERS

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36,000 students and 6,000 employees and said voters had approved several previous bond issues for a host of construction work.

But realizing that no proposition is a sure thing, school leaders led by Superintendent Frank Jabbia — made the rounds, pitching the plan to various civic groups and government agencies.

School ofﬁcials also stressed that paying off the bond issue would not require new taxes. The bonds will be backed by revenue from an existing 13.7-mill property tax that doesn’t expire for another 15 years. The school district has gone to voters several times to issue bonds backed by this

outpatient center, upgrades and expansions to the women and infants center cancer care clinic and emergency room, as well as additional parking.

Hospital ofﬁcials argued the proposition would signiﬁcantly expand services available in the Slidell area They also said it would reduce the property tax rate from 6.75 mills to 5.99 mills because the tax’s expiration date would be pushed from 2041 to 2045. Voters last approved a bond issue for a capital project for Slidell Memorial Hospital in April 2021 for the hospital’s three-story surgical tower Five other items were on the May 3 ballot in St. Tammany Results included: n Voters in the Abita Springs area approved a trio of separate property taxes for the parish’s 8th Fire Protection District, including 9.75-mill,

million bond issue for Recreation District 6 (Lee Road Recreation) was favored by 64% of voters. The bonds will be paid via property taxes collected in the district with an interest rate not to exceed 7%.

n Residents of the Meadowbrook subdivision near Mandeville overwhelmingly favored a proposal to impose a $490 annual parcel fee for 20 years to ﬁnance drainage improvements for the neighborhood. The fee would replace a $250 fee authorized by voters in 2007.

The measure passed with 83% of the vote. Andrew Canulette contributed to this report.

STAFF PHOTO BY BOB WARREN

Protesters gather May 1 at the corner of Boston and New Hampshire streets in Covington.

St. Tammany Assessor’s Offi

Staff reports

The St. Tammany Par-

ish Assessor’s Office announced last week it had rolled back its millage rate for 2025, from 2.31 mills in 2024 to 2.25 mills this year

In a release, the Assessor’s Ofﬁce noted that 2024 was a reassessment year, when millage rates are often adjusted. Though public agencies are not required to lower their millage rates, they can elect to do so, which results in taxpayer savings.

Assessor Louis Fitzmorris said strong investment earnings on the ofﬁce’s reserve funds contributed to financial stability that allowed the 2025 millage rollback.

The Assessor’s Ofﬁce has reduced its millage some 17% since 2013, when the rate was 2.73 mills. The reductions have led to cumulative taxpayer savings of more than $3 million, the release said, with this year’s 0.06 mill reduction alone saving approximately

$180,000.

“Our responsibility is not only to fairly assess property, but also to be careful stewards of the resources taxpayers entrust to us,” said Assessor Louis Fitzmorris. “Whenever conditions allow, we believe it is our duty to return savings to the public. This rollback is part of that ongoing commitment to good governance and ﬁscal discipline.”

For more information about the St. Tammany Parish Assessor’s Ofﬁce and its services, go online to www stpao.org.

SMH board elects new officers

The Slidell Memorial Hospital Board of Commissioners has welcomed new ofﬁcers and appointments to its membership for 2025.

leadership roles in several local organizations, including serving as president of the 22nd Judicial District Court Bar Association in 2024.

Tommy C. Morris Jr representing Ward 8, holds the position of vice chair, and Walter J “Dub” Lane Jr., Ph.D., representing Ward 8, remains as the board’s secretary/treasurer

Kristen R. StanleyWallace, representing Ward 8, is the board’s newly elected chair StanleyWallace, a Slidell resident since 1992, is a Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law School graduate. She has practiced law since 2005, founding Stanley-Wallace Law in 2014. She’s held

Dr Francis J. Petitto will serve a oneyear term as SMH medical staff president/chief of staff. Other board members include Larry Englande Sr. and Georgia Johnson of Ward 8; Bill Newton and Joe DiGiovanni Jr of Ward 9; and Dr Robert C. Mercadel, SMH medical staff representative.

St. Tammany Parish Hospital Service District No. 2 (doing business as Slidell Memorial Hospital) is governed by a nine-member Board of

By Amanda McElfresh| amcelfresh@theadvocate.com

An innovative non-invasive technology at Our LadyoftheAngelsishelpingdoctorsbetterdetect liverproblems, leadingtoearlier treatment and thechancefor people to make lifestylechanges that canleadtobetteroverall health

Fibroscanbecame availablelastyearat OurLadyofthe Angels,meaningpatients in Bogalusa andsurrounding communitiescan experience thebeneﬁts whilestaying closeto home.Fibroscan uses ultrasound technology to allowdoctors to examinethe liverand look for indicationsoffatty liverdisease andother problems

“Thisisrelativelynew technology that is amodiﬁcation of traditional ultrasounds, said Dr.Hamid Hussain, agastroenterologist at OurLadyofthe Angels.“When theliver is functioningnormally, it is alittlespongyand elastic. As certaindiseasescause scarring or fattobuild up in theliver,itcan get stiffer.The Fibroscantechnologycan give us an idea of how much stiffness andfat is presentinthe liver.”

Dr.Hussain said earlydetection of such liver abnormalitiesisimportant becausetheycan leadtofurtherproblems,includinginﬂammation andcirrhosis,ifleftuntreated

“The Fibroscangives us abaselineabout theperson’sliver condition, andthen we make aplantoaddress anyproblems that we see,” he said.“If someonehas fattyliver,theycan change theirlifestyle anddiet, andwecan use theFibroscanagain down theroadtocompare theresults andsee if thedisease is progressing or regressing.”

Dr.Hussain said theFibroscanexamisa simple procedure. Patients must fast fora few hoursbeforehand, so OurLadyofthe Angels

triestoschedulethe examsfor themorning hours. Theexamissimilar to atraditional ultrasound,whereby adoctorusesaprobe to scan theright upperabdomen wherethe liver is located. Theexamgenerally takes20to30 minutes, andthe patient’sresults areready within onetotwo days

“It’sverybeneﬁcial because theonlyalternative to get this kind of exam of theliver is a biopsy,which is an invasive procedureusing a needle,” Dr.Hussain said.“TheFibroscan allows us to avoid thosebiopsiesand also diagnose patients earlierinthe diseaseprocessand make aplanfor treatment.”

Dr.Hussain said having theFibroscan at OurLadyofthe Angels is especially important giventhe prevalence of fattyliver diseaseinthe region.The diseasecan be caused by various factors, includingheavy alcoholuse,obesity, insulinresistance, high cholesteroland Type 2diabetes.

“Wesee liverdisease alot in Louisiana because, unfortunately, we have many residents whoare overweight andobese,aswellaswho drinkalcohol heavily,”Dr. Hussainsaid. “We have higher incidencesofdiabetesand high bloodpressureaswell. However, thegoodthing aboutFibroscanisthatoncewesee aproblem wecan direct patientstoresources to help.We have ongoingclasses to teachthemabout diet modiﬁcations,how to getmoreexerciseand howtoleadahealthier lifestyle. Ourwhole goal forthe patientistoimprovethe health of the liver.

TolearnmoreaboutFibroscanortoschedule an appointment, call (985)730-6970.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Recipients of the 2025 Northlake-Mandeville Rotary Club scholarships are, front row from left, Miriam

Liam Baird of Northlake Christian.

Northlake-Mandeville Rotarians award scholarships

BY KADEE KRIEGER

Contributing writer

The Northlake Mandeville Rotary club has awarded a group of St. Tammany high school seniors scholarships that provide both a ﬁnancial boost and ongoing support and encouragement throughout their college careers. In addition to four $12,000 scholarships given last month, something the club does annually, they also awarded three $1,000 memorial scholarships Rotarians honored the students and distributed the scholarships during the Sunday with a banquet April 27 at the Beau Chene Country Club in Mandeville.

Rotarian Doug Place said that what makes the Rotary scholarship stand out is that club members forge relationships with the recipients, who return to the banquet each year to report academic progress, personal milestones or special activities and accomplishments.

“Thus, we get to know these students quite well, and we have the joy of watching them progress through college and begin their professional lives,” he said. “Our scholarship winners know that they have an entire group of Rotarians and sponsors who are their cheerleaders while they are in school,” Place said.

This year, the organization is adding a mentor program that pairs each recipient with a Rotary member throughout their four years

Previous scholarship recipients who returned to the 2025 banquet to share their collegiate progress with Rotarians are front row from left, Natalie Lovell, Kylie Michot, Celeste Guidry and Morgan Evans; second row, Raina Generose, Trevor Fortier, Lauren LaCoste and Sophia Coglaiti.

of college. Place said the Rotary members love hearing the plans and future accomplishments of the collegians: “It’s impressive to hear about what these kids are up to.”

But he said it’s also touching to hear their gratitude for the scholarship. Many return with heartfelt thanks for the opportunities that the scholarship provides, he said.

“It’s impacting the lives of those students for at least four years We are providing the support ﬁnancially but also mentoring and cheerleading for them as well. We feel that it is important for them to get the afﬁrmation and encouragement,” Place said. “To hear their gratitude is heartwarming. It gets emotional this means a lot to them.”

Place said the scholarship committee considers students’ academic success, community service and ﬁnancial need while narrowing the applicant ﬁeld to a group of eight students,

who participate in personal interviews before the ﬁnal selections.

Winners receive $1,500 each semester for a total of eight semesters.

The scholarship winners are Leah Sanchez, of Fontainebleau High; Mailee Jones, of Mandeville High; Katherine Fortier, of Archbishop Hannan High; and Laura Boullion, of Lakeshore High.

In addition, Nicholas Dos Santos, of Mandeville High; Miriam Lovell, of Archbishop Hannan High; and Liam Baird, of Northlake Christian High School, each received $1,000 each for the Anthony and Hope Martin Memorial Scholarship, the Rudy Veiner Memorial Scholarship and the Sgt. Grant Candies Memorial Scholarship, respectively Candies, a St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Ofﬁce sergeant, died in the line of duty March 23. “This memorial scholarship honors him, his family and shows our support for our law enforcement ofﬁcers,” Place

One step at a time, NAMI raises mental illness awareness

BY DARREN COOPER

Contributing writer

Each small step has added up in a big way

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southeast Louisiana is closing in on over $1 million raised through its yearly walk to help raise awareness and fund programs for individuals and families dealing with mental illness

This year’s walk is scheduled for May 17 at the Safe Haven Campus near Mandeville. Registration on site opens at 8 a.m., and the walk begins at 9 a.m. The event is free and open to individuals and teams who want to unite in support of mental health awareness. Registration is available online, but can also be done in person at the event.

“That’s a huge number,” said NAMI outreach coordinator Monique Gregoire about reaching the $1 million plateau. “What that means, with over a million dollars raised is that there are more individuals that can reach out for help without worrying about the cost, without worrying about the stigma and take advantage of our free support programs and educational programs.”

The walk started in 2017 and more than 4,700 people and 470 teams made up of local community groups, church groups or families who want to show support have participated since then.

Gregoire’s family is one of those committed to support NAMI. Her son, Tuck-

Purohit named a state champion for her continuing service to others

BY SUZIE HUNT Contributing writer

Ayushi Purohit has a servant’s heart. The St Scholastica senior, and soon-to-be graduate, has shown this not only in her community but across the state, as reﬂected by the 2025 Champions of Service Award she received on April 28 from Volunteer Louisiana and Lt Gov Billy Nungesser

“Volunteerism shows the strength of Louisiana’s character and the resilience of our spirit. We are extraordinarily proud to honor these individuals who have shown initiative to lift up their neighbors,” said Nungesser

Purohit was one of nine award recipients and represents Southeast Louisiana and the northshore.

they will go back to their home communities to serve and meet the need there,” said Purohit.

During her tenure with HOSA, she also organized workshops and shadowing opportunities for the benefit of her fellow members across the state. Purohit recognizes the benefits of the firsthand knowledge that shadowing provides for students contemplating a health care career She was able to shadow a pediatrician and neonatal specialist in the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, as well as spend time with her during a regular day of well-baby checks and office visits.

Purohit’s passion for her work involving Hope House, a child advocacy center for abused children, and her leadership through her school’s chapter of HOSA, Health Occupations Students of America, is a credit to the young woman, say those who know her Thanks to skills taught by her mother and grandmother — coupled with Purohit’s creativity and drive — she sells handmade doll clothes at the Mandeville Farmers Market as part of her business, Sewn with Love, and uses the proceeds from her sales to buy teddy bears and snacks for the children visiting Hope House.

Because of her longtime support for them, she was named a 2025 Champions for Children Award winner by Hope House earlier this year

“I like buying the teddy bears and knowing they will make a child happy,” Purohit said.

Snacks and teddy bears are not simple things to the children who are seen at Hope House, Thomas Mitchell Hope House executive director, said of the award Hope House gave Purohit earlier this year

“When a child arrives for their interview, having a snack or drink can help make them more comfortable. And when they leave, each child is invited to pick out their own teddy bear from our teddy bear wall display These things may not seem like much, but to the child, they are very calming,” Mitchell said.

Through her membership in HOSA, Purohit has taken her interest in a career in health care and shared that drive to promote health care education for other high school students.

As HOSA’s state president this year, she worked with students and faculty in seven rural Louisiana schools to form new chapters of the organization as a way to address the shortage of health care in areas the schools serve.

“The goal is to get students interested in health care education. After high school and once they receive their training, the hope is

“I got to see firsthand the work done in the NICU and the importance of all health professions. Seeing how the doctors and nursing staff worked together both in the hospital and in the clinic was interesting,” said Purohit. Her work with HOSA is not her only interest in high school. She’s an all-around active student, according to Brenda Ehrhardt, director of communication for St. Scholastica Academy

“Ayushi’s impact at St. Scholastica Academy is profound She represents our four pillars to the fullest. Involved in sports, student council executive board, many clubs, and honor societies, Ayushi is considered a true leader at the Academy The students are drawn to her because of her kindness, generosity and the joy she brings to this campus,” said Ehrhardt.

Looking ahead, Purohit’s leadership skills and volunteerism led to her receiving the prestigious Morehead-Cain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The merit-based scholarship not only provides academic ﬁnancial support for four years, but also involves participation in summer internships focusing on physical vigor, community character and leadership, civil service, and global leadership. After graduation and her ballet recitals this month, Purohit will spend July in the Rocky Mountains at an outdoor hiking and leadership experience. “I’m not quite the outdoorsy type, so this will be new to me. I’m excited about being with other Morehead-Cain scholars, and I think it will be a great opportunity to make some new friends before we even get to campus,” said Purohit. Her message to others is to be aware of the issues out in the community and to look where you can help.

“I don’t think people recognize a problem unless they are personally affected by it. I didn’t know about Hope House until my mother’s friend told us about what they do. It’s up to us to look around and see where we can make a difference,” said Purohit.

NAMIWALKS SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA — NORTHSHORE

WHAT: A 5K walk to raise money and awareness for mental health initiatives by National Alliance on Mental Illness-Southeast Louisiana Chapter.

WHEN: Sat., May 17. Registration opens at 8 a.m., walk at 9 a.m.

WHERE: NAMI Southeast Louisiana-Northshore, 23577 Martin Way, near Mandeville On the Safe Haven campus. HOW MUCH: Registration is free. Donations of any amount accepted.

MORE: Email Walks@ NamiSela.org call (985) 626-6538 or go online to namisela.org

er, is part of the Mandeville High School drum corps that will be performing for the walkers, and her husband, Rusty, serves as a DJ.

The walk has grown over the years to include more entertainment options.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office will have its sno-ball machine ready, and Pelican Park is bringing outdoor games equipment. There will also be food available for purchase and an area for pets.

“People should sign up because it’s a great day on the northshore to learn about the options for people dealing with mental health

programs; you can stand together with your neighbor,” said Gregoire. “Show up, stand together and walk for mental health It’s free.

We have lots of great food, activities; you can bring your whole family.”

Over the years, supporting family members, and not just the individual struggling with mental health issues, have become a key part of the NAMI mission.

“One of the examples I always give is if you have a four-person family and one of the children is dealing with depression issues, that’s going to impact the relationship she has with her parents, and the parents in turn are trying to help their child, but the other sibling can be left out,” Gregoire said “We always say 1 in 5 individuals will experience mental health conditions, but 5 in 5 are actually impacted.”

NAMI accepts donations at the registration table, and Gregoire said the T-shirts commemorating the walk are extremely popular and sell out quickly All the money raised by NAMI stays in the community

“The main goal of the walk is to create awareness,” Gregoire said. “We know that when someone is dealing with a mental health issue, they often don’t know where to turn or they feel like there is a stigma to getting help, so we bring community members together to let people know that no one has to walk alone. There’s a community to support you in your journey.”

Lovell, of Archbishop Hannan High; Leah Sanchez, of Fountainebleu High and Mailee Jones of Mandeville High; second row, Katherine Fortier, of Archbishop Hannan High; Laura Boullion of Lakeshore High; Nicholas Dos Santos of Mandeville High; and

Purohit

FILE PHOTO BY MATTHEW DOBBINS

The Northshore Community Orchestra, previously known as the Slidell Youth Orchestra, will perform a Bayou Jam concert on May 18.

ORCHESTRA:

GROOVE: The TerraBella Village community in Covington hosts a free public concert in their square on May 23 featuring the party band Groovy 7. The 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. event will also include food trucks, beverage vendors, and lots of green space at 111 Terra Bella Blvd. No outside food, drinks or ice chests permitted. For more, see terrabellavillage.com/events

ELVIS: Adults 55 and up are invited to join the Young at Heart group at First Baptist Church in Covington for a performance by Elvis impersonator Brandon Bennett on May 20. The program begins at 10:30 a.m., lunch at noon. Cost is $15 by cash or check at the door for those who register online at fbccov. org/adults-55 by noon on May 15

FREE JAMS: A free nonproﬁt Northshore Traditional Music Society event Beginner’s Bluegrass Slow Jam, takes place from 3 p.m.5 p.m. on May 12 at the Abita Springs Trailhead, 22049 Main St. Review or download the music or get more info at nstms.org.

EVERYTHING IRISH: Northshore Traditional Music Society holds its second annual Shamrock Soiree in the Abita Town Hall on May 31. A night of Irish culture: Irish music by local players and international artists; a traditional Irish community celebration with jamming and dancing; Irish food and drink. Starts at 5 p.m. Visit NSTMS.org for ticket information and event details.

FIDDLERS: The Northshore Strings Fiddle Camp takes place May 16-30 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Covington, and registration closes May 16. Open to beginning or advanced students ages 8-18, with a half-day option for ages 6-8 and a separate camp for adults. Enjoy music, art, dance and live performances with daily concerts by world-class instructors. Includes hands-on workshops in Celtic, Cajun, bluegrass and jazz ﬁddle styles. Get details and registration at nsstrings.org.

CHORAL CONCERTS: The Northlake Performing Arts Society is celebrating its 30th anniversary with two concerts, one on May 23 at 7:30 p.m. and a May 25 matinee at 3 p.m. After the Sunday concert, the chorus will hold a 30th party from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.(requires buying party tickets no later than May 11). Get concert tickets ($15) or a party ticket ($35) online at https://npassingers.org or in person at Downtown Drugs in Covington or C&C Drugs in Mandeville. Concert tickets will also be sold at the door in Abita Springs at the Town Hall venue, 72077 Live Oak St., where all the events will take place

wig, a swamp shack, some space aliens and plenty of laughs. Shows Thursday-Sunday, May 8-11. Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.; all others at 7:30 p.m. Get tickets online at Evangelinetheater.ludus.com/index.php. (Previously purchased tickets and season tickets for the now canceled “Corpse!” will be honored for The Sugar Bean Sisters.”)

JUDAS: The 30 by Ninety Theatre is presenting the R-rated production “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” for mature audiences only The play by Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist Stephen Adley Guirgis reexamines the plight and fate of Judas; it explores deep themes of faith, justice and the human condition; it contains explicit language and questions religious perspectives that may provoke or unsettle some. Directed by DeJuan “DJ” James. Shows May 9-11 at 880 Lafayette St. in Mandeville; evenings and matinees. Visit 30byninety.com for more show details or to get tickets

LAUGHS: See Comedy Night 14 on May 11 for an evening of laughs that are promised to be raw and real — and for mature audiences only — at 30 by Ninety Theater, 880 Lafayette St., in Mandeville. The 8 p.m. show will be headlined by Tee Ray Bergeron, who brings a dose of Southern charm and his razorsharp wit to the stage, and featuring Rhonda Estelle Bordelon, known for her howling humor, and the high energy comic, the sweet ‘n spicy Gina G (Gomez). Tickets to the 8 p.m show for those 18 years and older are $25. Get them at 30byninety.com.

COMMUNITY GUMBO

HOMES: The 2025 Mother’s Day Home Tour from creole to contemporary, takes place May 11 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. For ticket information, see the www.oldmandevillehistoricassociation.org website.

UNITED: Enjoy A United Day of Hope for family and friends (even the furry ones) with snacks, activities and bounce house for the kids on May 17 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the Safe Haven campus near Mandeville at 23515

U.S. 190. Precedes the NAMI Walk starting at 9 a.m. For more information, call (985)6266538 or email walks@namisela.org

FISH: Registration is open for beginning or experienced fishers ages 4 to 15 to sign up for the Youth Fishing Rodeo at Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge on June 7. A morning of fishing at the Jim Schmidt Boardwalk Trailhead/fishing access site at Exit 11 on I-59 North near Pearl River — as well as lunch for the angler’s family — is only $10 per child, but registration is required no later than May 31 or earlier if all spots are filled. Register early and pay online at www.flwr org; phone registrations not accepted, but to request that a registration form be mailed; to ask about financial aide; or get more general info, reach rode sponsor U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, call (985) 882-2025 or email lwrfriends@gmail.com or call (985) 882-2025.

RUN: The West St. Tammany YMCA in Covington hosts Healthy Kids Day 5K and 1-mile Fun Run at 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on May 10, respectively. Immediately after, Healthy Kids Day activities begin, to include pool and waterslide (so bring swimwear), games, crafts and more. Register at RunSignUp (search YMCA HKD5K). Events start and end at YMCA, 71256 Francis Road. Proceeds help the Y give ﬁnancial help to those who cannot otherwise afford services. Go online to get more information or sign up for Kids Day activities at https://runsignup.com/Race/ LA/Covington/YMCAHKD5K.

PEOPLE WHO MEET

Maritime festival features music, art in Madisonville

BY DARREN COOPER Contributing writer

The Maritime Music and Arts Festival brings a Jazz Fest vibe to the northshore with six different bands of all genres playing all day long.

This year’s festival rocks out on May 10 in Madisonville Pine Street Park starting at noon, with the first band, Rhythm Brothers, beginning at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20.

“We want to grow this all the way to the riverfront,” said Lori Marcus, festival coordinator “This is a fun event that supports a good cause, and you can bring the whole family and listen to live music and shop local artists.”

Attendees can bring chairs and small pop-up tents, but no coolers or ice chests.

Food trucks will be on site. A local favorite, Supercharger, closes the day on stage with a set starting at 8:30 p.m.

“We have a mixture of music,” said Marcus. “We have zydeco country, a cover band, Dwayne Dopsie is from New Orleans and we have a light jazz trio There’s something for everyone.” Proceeds go toward the Maritime Museum’s efforts to restore the Tchefuncte River Lighthouse, constructed in 1837 Marcus said there has been cooperation at the state and parish level on the project and the goal is to recreate it as a tourist attraction. “The Lighthouse is a lit-

eral beacon for St Tammany Parish that reminds us that no matter what storms we weather, no matter the troubles we face, if we come together as a community and support each other we can survive anything,” said Brittany Robert, Lighthouse Restoration chairperson, in a news release announcing the event. “Especially if there’s good music, good food and good people there to help.”

Tickets $20; kids 12 and under are free. For more information, see the complete music lineup and buy tickets or event sponsorships, visit the event page at www maritimemuseumlouisiana. org. The event, originally scheduled March 29, was rescheduled due to weather

comedy with lots of big hair and big laughs. Based on the book by Lou Clyde; Fridays and Saturdays from May 9-24; 8 p.m. shows only Tickets $30 to $35 at Eventbrite or save internet fees by texting (985) 288-2933.

Theater Co. Written by Nathan Sanders and directed by Gordon Carmadelle, see how the Nettle Sisters try to escape spinsterhood in unusual ways. Get ready for some sugar cane, an Eva Gabor

CIRCLES: The Abita Springs Songwriters’ Circle is scheduled to meet May 15 at the Abita Springs Opry/Town Hall, 22161 Level St., from 7 p.m.-10 p.m. for some creative collaboration, sharing and encouragement. A free, performer-friendly gathering for all styles of songwriters, musicians, singers, and poets in the region. No charge or signup, but participants must bring their own acoustic instruments (keyboard, equipment and cords.) For more, contact Todd Lemoine at forkarmabooking@gmail.com. On May 20, join the Slidell Songwriter Circle in the City Hall Meeting Room, First Floor, 2055 Second St. from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. FEDS: The Slidell Chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association next meets May 9 at 1 p.m. at the Cornelius Community Center (the second white house past First Christian Church) 102 Christian Lanea. St. Tammany Clerk of Court Jessica Brewster will update members on keeping property safe from electronic theft. Before the meeting, the Lunch Bunch will meet and eat at El Paso Mexican Grill, 1100 Robert Blvd. For additional info, contact the chapter president, Elroy Noel at (985) 290-0757 or email elroynoel@bellsouth.net. All active and retired federal employees and spouses are welcome.

QUILTERS: Anyone interested in learning to quilt, or experienced quilters looking for a group, are invited to The Camellia Quilters Guild of Slidell, which meets the third Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. in Genesis Hall, Aldersgate United Methodist Church. This group, meeting next on May 15, provides information, education and inspiration in all things quilting and related ﬁber arts. Make new friends or see old ones there. For more information, contact guild coordinator Mollie Lusty at mlusty63@gmail.com.

Staff report

Foster children and youth the subject of breakfast Rau

The ﬁfth annual State of Our Children breakfast will be held June 19 at the First Baptist Church of Covington as community leaders and volunteers come together to raise money and talk about programs to help children and youth in foster care transition into better lives. Individual tickets to the 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. event are $30, and sponsorships are available at multiple levels. This year’s proceeds will beneﬁt the Royal Family Kids Camp and Mentoring Club. The breakfast will include personal tes-

timonies, inspirational stories of overcoming adversity and an exchange of information with others who work to benefit foster care youths and families. Guest speakers will include state Department of Children and Family Services Deputy Secretary Aly Rau, who oversees the Child Welfare and Family Support divisions, emergency preparedness governmental affairs, communications and licensing, and exercise administrative and operational oversight of all other areas within the agency Get tickets and sponsorship information at jamessamaritan.org/state-of-our-children.

FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD

Known far and wide for hosting the annual Wooden Boat Festival, the maritime museum behind it all now hosts a yearly art and music festival in Madisonville that takes place this year on May 10.

Northshore falls in 3 games

to top-seeded Live Oak

Walk-off home run ends series

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Northshore was three outs away from advancing to the state baseball semiﬁnals but top-seeded Live Oak had other ideas.

Eagles’ catcher Cooper Smith hit a walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh to secure a dramatic 3-2 win in Game 3 of the Division I nonselect quarterﬁnal series on May 3.

“They left it all on the ﬁeld, and that’s all we can ask them to do,” Northshore coach Jay Hodges said. “It’s a tough way to lose, but we told them after the game that they had nothing to be ashamed of. They took the No. 1 seed in the state to the brink. It’s unfortunate that we couldn’t close it out, but we gained a lot of respect for sure.”

Tied at 1-1 through six innings, Northshore took the lead in the top of the seventh thanks to a two-out rally. Aviel Johnson walked with two outs, moved to second on an error and scored on Brody Dukes’ RBI single to left to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead.

It was short-lived as Live Oak’s Issac Ott singled to open the seventh and set up the dramatic ﬁnish.

Northshore junior pitcher Connor Smith took the loss as he allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks in 6-plus innings. He struck out

ﬁve and totaled 109 pitches.

The Eagles knocked off Northshore 8-0 in an early afternoon game on May 2 to force the third and deciding game. The Panthers committed ﬁve errors, which led to six unearned runs.

The Panthers (32-8) opened the series with a bang as senior Carson Malasovich tossed a complete-game ﬁve-hitter en route to a 5-0 seriesopening victory on May 1.

“Carson didn’t walk anyone, and we played good defense behind him,” Hodges said.

Malasovich (12-0) struck out four in 93 pitches as he faced just 25 batters.

It was another standout performance from the Panthers’ ace as Northshore took the lead by scoring four runs with two outs in the ﬁfth.

Johnson walked to open the inning, stole second and third after David Cantrelle was intentionally walked with one out. With runners on second and third, Ayden Strecker blasted a tworun, two-out double to right.

“Strecker came up and mashed a double over the right ﬁelder’s head off the wall and kind of ignited that inning,” Hodges said. “(Kole) Brackman and (Derek) Weilbaecher kept it going with a couple of singles, and we were able to tack on two more. It was a big inning.”

Northshore ﬁnished with seven stolen bases and tacked on an insurance run in the seventh on Brackman’s RBI-ﬁelder’s choice.

Hodges said he was proud of how the District 7-5A champion Panthers, who were making their ﬁrst quarterﬁnal appearance since 2019, fought

until the end.

“As a staff, we’re extremely proud of everything that the kids did,” Hodges said. “They bought into everything that we were teaching, and they worked their tails off The result is a 32-8 season, which is the second-best in school history as far as records go. They have a lot to be proud of.”

Peters set to take over Hannan girls soccer

Staff report

Continued from page 1B

we practice all the time. I saw a fastball, and I threw my bat at it. It went back up the middle, and I saw black I don’t even remember what happened next. All I remember is touching ﬁrst base and all the guys coming to tackle me.”

The Hawks (23-14) will host seventh-seeded E.D. White in the semiﬁnals.

What made Loeb’s heroics even more impressive is that the University of Rochester signee is playing with a torn meniscus. Loeb suffered the injury about 10 days ago when he was long tossing to prepare for a bullpen session.

“The doctor told me that I can’t do any more damage, so I just take some ibuprofen, nurse it up and play through it,” Loeb said. “There was no way that I was going to miss the playoffs with my brothers my senior year.” Hannan coach Chris Garrett, who held Loeb just a pinch-hit appearance in the second round, said there was no doubt he would play in the quarterﬁnals.

“He’s been starting since he was a freshman, so when it came down to it, he wasn’t missing the playoffs,” Garrett said. “His saying is ‘When you’re in a jam, call Sam,’ and that’s what happened. He got it done in his last at-bat.” In a game delayed a day due to rain on Friday, the Hawks fell behind 2-0 in the top of the ﬁrst Hannan answered in the bottom of the inning as Brody Smith scored on an error, and Patrick Kennedy tied the game on Jay Lachney’s RBI groundout.

The rest was a pitchers’ duel as Kennedy settled in to earn a com-

plete-game victory He allowed two runs on ﬁve hits and one walk with eight strikeouts in 88 pitches.

“It’s uncharted waters,” Garrett said. “Ever since the school has been on the north shore, it has never happened I know Doug Faust took them to the ﬁnals in the late 90s.

We’ve been in that second-round slump for three years, so we kicked the door in on that. Now, we’re just trying to ride this thing out.”

With 11 seniors on the squad, Loeb said the Hawks are ready to host a semiﬁnal series for the ﬁrst time at Coquille.

“I like our chances against anybody in the country,” Loeb said. “I think we’re extremely well-rounded. Our guys are throwing well.

We’re swinging well. We’re playing small ball the right way The job’s not ﬁnished. We’re ready to lock in and keep going.”

The Hawks showed off their pitching depth in the series opener on May 1. Three pitchers combined to throw a one-hitter as Hannan overcame a 90-minute lightning delay to earn an 8-0 victory

“We have six dudes, possibly seven, that I feel comfortable running out at any time,” Garrett said. “We went into the delay because of lightning. It was still sunny out, so the guys were a little frustrated that it happened, but it was the right call. It was about an hour and a half long. Owen (Stempel) understood why we pulled him. It’s unbeliev-

able how locked in this team is. It was just next man up.”

Stempel tossed three no-hit innings with one walk and ﬁve strikeouts before the delay in the fourth Long came in and allowed just one hit and one walk in 1.2 innings, while Nate Tardo threw a hitless 2.1 innings with four strikeouts to end the game. The last time either Reed or Tardo had thrown was during the bye week against Northshore.

“All three guys did their job. It’s very nice to have options that you know are going to do the job every time,” Garrett said.

Offensively, the Hawks scored in four separate innings, but the big blow was a three-run third inning that gave them an insurmountable 5-0 lead that only grew from there. Long had two RBIs and a double. Lachney also had a double, and ﬁve different Hawks stole a base.

“Selective hitting has been huge,” Garrett said. “We’ve really focused the last few weeks on hitting the ball back where it is coming from instead of trying to pull everything out into the parking lot The pitch selection has gotten a lot better and when we get on base, we’re putting pressure on people.”

Archbishop Hannan announced on May 1 that Nathaniel Peters will become the new head coach of the girls soccer program. Peters replaces John Dempsey, who steps away after four seasons that included two state runner-up ﬁnishes and two semiﬁnal appearances.

“Over the past ﬁve years, our program has grown tremendously — not only in numbers but in our ability to compete for state titles year after year,” Dempsey said.

“Coach Peters has played an integral role in that growth, and I have full conﬁdence in his ability to continue building on the foundation we’ve established together over the last four seasons.” Peters has previously served as the head coach for Hannan’s eighth-grade and junior varsity girls soccer teams while also assisting the varsity squad.

“I want to acknowledge the foundation and standard that Coach Dempsey has built for the Hannan girls soccer program. He has set up this program for success for years to come, and I am honored to continue that tradition,” Peters said.

“My expectation for the program is to compete for state championships year in and year out by putting our girls in the best possible positions to succeed I will continue to emphasize the importance of the team as a family, of excellence inside and outside the classroom, and striving for perfection.”

Peters, a former All-State player at Brother Martin, is a Hannan faculty member in the Religious Studies Department, a member of the Campus Ministry Team, and a leader within the school’s mentorship and leadership cohorts. Peters has also coached with the Baton Rouge Soccer Club, Mandeville Soccer Club, and Brother Martin, where he coached both eighth/ ninth grade and varsity levels. Hannan athletic director Michael Perniciaro said he expects the transition to be a smooth one.

“We’re incredibly grateful for everything Coach Dempsey has done for our girls soccer program,” said Perniciaro. “His leadership helped build a culture of excellence and resilience, and he has been a mentor to so many of our studentathletes. At the same time, we are excited about the future of the program under (Peters). He brings a commitment to faith and education, and a clear passion for developing young women on and off the ﬁeld.” Peters is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Notre Dame as part of the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Pro-

Hannan girls soccer coach Nathaniel Peters

Hannan senior Patrick Kennedy tossed a complete game against Loyola Prep

PHOTOS BY SHANNA BAUGH

Hannan players celebrate clinching a semifinals berth after a 3-2 win at Loyola Prep on May 3

RUSHING

“I got a call when the Covington job came open,” Rushing said. “I talked to my wife, and we made a deal because Covington is closer to home, and I’ll only be coaching one sport. It was just too good of an opportunity to pass up. It’s probably the only job that I would have considered. It just worked out, and I’m excited about it.”

Rushing, who spent the last two seasons at Salmen, replaces Monty Fontenot, who stepped down on April 10 to become the head coach at St. Paul’s.

The 2008 Fontainebleau graduate amassed a 26-36 record during his ﬁrst two seasons as a high school coach after serving as an assistant for one season before taking the head position.

Rushing said he is familiar with Covington as several family members have graduated from there. His first teaching position was at Pitcher Junior High, so he said he is familiar with a lot of the players and parents.

“When the opportunity presented itself, it was something that I couldn’t pass up,” Rushing said.

Covington athletic director Kenny Schenck said the school received heathly interest in the position. Still, Rushing stood out because during his interview, the discussion focused on preparing the players to be successful in life and basketball

“Ryan made us believe that he’ll be here long-term; he’s family-oriented,” Schenck said. “He was all about family, and that is exactly the type of guy that we want in our school. We believe that he’ll be able to continue to grow the program with that family focus. He wants the kids to be successful in life and on the court. That was a big selling point.”

Rushing, who will be a P.E. teacher at Lake Harbor Middle School and Lancaster Elementary next school year, said he plans to coach at Covington for a long time

SSA

Continued from page 1B

The state title match was a rematch of the regional ﬁnal that the SSA duo won 6-2 7-6

“It was deﬁnitely interesting to play them twice,” Fitzmorris said. “I know for regionals that it was our third match on the second day, which was a challenge. As nervous as Lauren and I normally get, we were oddly calm for both matches. We felt like we were prepared for both matches. We cried after both matches that we won.”

The emotion was warranted as Fitzmorris struggled with injuries during her high school career During her sophomore year, she went through nine months of physical therapy to try to avoid shoulder surgery, but in December 2023, she had surgery to repair a small labrum tear After another nine months of physical therapy, she returned to the court in August 2024.

A two-time singles state quarterfinalist who started playing tennis when she was 7, Fitzmorris became a doubles player for the ﬁrst time this season, and it paid off.

“I think the decision to play doubles was about how we could work together to become a stronger team. We wanted to do whatever would beneﬁt the team the most and allow everyone to get involved. It worked out perfectly,” said Boudreau, a doubles state semiﬁnalist last season.

“I was there with Riley throughout her whole injury, and I think it was really cool how she was always there supporting the team even as she went through her struggles To watch her come back at full strength was awesome.”

The duo didn’t drop a set at the state tournament and only lost 10 games in ﬁve matches during their title run.

St. Scholastica tennis coach Jeff Roth said he never doubted that his team could knock off the defending state champions a second time

“We knew it would be a challenge to beat them again,” Roth said “We beat them in the regional final, so the girls were confident they could do it again. They just played exceptionally well from start to finish. They had a great match like they did the whole tournament. Every match they played, they were in control from start to finish. They played very aggressively and never had any letdowns.”

In Division I, Mandeville freshman Ciara Sergi reached the girls’ singles ﬁnal before losing 6-4, 7-5 to St. Joseph’s senior Ella Mancuso, the defending state champion Sergi didn’t drop a set before the ﬁnal and had only lost six games in her previous four matches at state.

In Division IV Christ Episcopal’s Claire Luig reached the semiﬁnals before falling to St Frederick’s Paras Odudu, 6-3 and 7-5

On the boys’ side, Mandeville sophomore Lucas Montero reached the Division I semiﬁnals before falling to Jesuit’s Alton Swam in straight sets.

In Division I boys’ doubles action, the team of St Paul’s juniors Jeffrey Roth Jr. and William Bather made the semiﬁnals before falling 6-3, 6-4 to the Jesuit team of seniors Leo Congeni and Scott Harper

SIGNING DAY

Pair of Covington baseball standouts heading to Nunez Community College

BY MIKE PERVEL Contributing writer

Covington baseball players Joel Heck and Aidan Ryan ﬁrst played together on their Fifth Ward Junior High team.

Then, they were teammates as four-year starters for the Lions, and they don’t plan to stop playing together any time soon.

The duo committed to play at Nunez Community College on April 30, just hours before their high school graduation.

“This is a special day for my family and me,” Heck said. “Signing shows that all the hard work pays off when you chase your dreams, reaching the ﬁrst of many milestones still to come. My childhood dream of playing college baseball has been fulﬁlled.

“Nunez is a great location for my family, being so close. I made a visit in the middle of the season, and I loved their baseball complex and the newer hitting facility The school is very invested in its baseball program.”

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Heck, who plays inﬁeld and pitches in relief, hit .315 with 21 runs scored, 18 RBIs and a home run en route to ﬁrst-team All-District 6-5A honors.

Ryan, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound lefty, was named the District 6-5A Pitcher of the Year, posting an overall 8-1 record with a 0.829 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 50.2 innings.

“My parents have been so supportive, sacriﬁcing so much every day, traveling with me so I could be successful. I can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done I’m grateful to coach Dragg, along with Stephen and Mike Babin and my youth coach Conrad Wiegand. Coach Dragg trusted me as an inexperienced freshman, giving me the ball in the bottom of the sixth inning against East Ascension I never wanted to let my coaches or teammates down,” Ryan said.

“I liked pitching in big district games and in the playoffs, ﬁghting to get a win. It was all about doing whatever the team needed.”

Joel Heck

The Lions claimed the undefeated District 6-5A title before falling in the ﬁrst round of the playoffs this season.

Covington coach Jeff Dragg said the future college roommates have left their mark on the Lions’ program.

“Aidan (Ryan) and Joel (Heck) have been tremendous contributors to our program since their productive freshman year They’ve always been able to handle

being on the varsity stage, and I’m looking forward to following their careers. We’ve been blessed to have them both, and I’m thankful they played for us,” Dragg said.

“They ﬁght like brothers, and I mean that in a great way They have wonderful memories and not just baseball. They’ll be rooming together, so their dynamic will continue, and that will be interesting.”

Northshore’s Scully picks Southeastern

Northshore senior Talia Scully committed to dance with the Southeastern Louisiana University Dance Team on April 24. Scully danced with the Northshore Silver Belles for the past four seasons and served as captain as a senior Front row from left are Philip Scully, Rhett Scully, Talia Scully, Jill Scully, Gay Fielding; back row, Northshore principal Bill Gallagher, Abigayle Scully, Ty Scully, Jennings Scully, Cora Scully and Northshore athletic director Danny Davis.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Hannan’s Finley Lightell set to dance at Southern Miss Hannan dancer Finley Lightell, second from left, signed with the University of Southern Mississippi Dance Team on April 28. With Finley are her parents, Steve and Dana and her sister, Farrah Lightell.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Mandeville boys claim second at regional golf tourney

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Catholic-Baton Rouge senior Kevin Zheng had never carded an ofﬁcial sub-70 round during his high school career

That changed on April 28.

He posted a four-under-par 68 as the Bears held off Mandeville to win the Division I, Region 2 team title at Beau Chene Country Club.

“I just kept it in play and below the hole,” Zheng said.

“I made putts when I had to.

I just tried to keep it simple, and it worked. I think my irons and putting were the key I was close to my number on every hole. I made some long putts, so it just worked out today.” Zheng’s day could have been

even better if not for a double bogey on the long 18th hole, but it was still the only sub-70 score of the day The Bears took the team title with a combined score of 295 to best second-place Mandeville by nine strokes.

“Regional titles aren’t easy, especially when you have to come over here and play Mandeville and St. Paul’s on courses that they are used to playing,” Catholic coach Christopher Davis said. “We put a lot of value on winning these regional championships because they are not easy to do. It’s a goal that we have.”

Catholic’s David Marsh (73), Andres Prieto (74) and Nyles Williams (80) filled out the Bears’ qualifying scores. Mandeville freshman Parker

Green and sophomore Bradley Wall both carded one-over 73s for the Skippers. Juniors Ben Hendricks and Matthew Yeung rounded out the other qualifying scores with a 77 and an 81, respectively Mandeville coach first-year coach Allison Radtke said her team is full of good recovery players who made smart decisions and battled to ﬁnish second.

“Our team is very young, so some people who didn’t score very well at district last week stepped it up, and then some people who excelled at district struggled a little bit today,” Radtke said. “Overall, everyone competed really well. All of them had a tough front 9 and then picked it back up on the

back 9. They just kept battling.” Jesuit finished third with a team total of 313, led by Brooks Blanchard’s 71. Brother Martin was fourth with a 317 team total, one stroke less than ﬁfthplace St. Paul’s. Gavin McDermott had the lowest score for the Crusaders, with a 76, while Hunter McDermott and Sawyer Bernard carded 78s. The top four teams and individuals on non-qualifying teams will compete in the Division I state tournament set for The Wetlands in Lafayette on May 5-6. The four lowest-scoring individuals included St. Paul’s Rylan Hess (73), St. Paul’s Bennett LaNasa (74), Northshore’s Justin Lotz (74) and Live Oak’s Cole Carlos (79).

PROVIDED PHOTOS BY COVINGTON HIGH

Covington’s Aidan Ryan committed to play baseball at Nunez Community College on April 30. With Ryan are his parents, Kira and Scott Ryan.

Covington’s

committed

play baseball at Nunez Community College on April

30. With Heck are his parents, Stephen and Connie Heck.

Ryan Rushing

BY JOSEPH HALM Staff writer

Slidell baseball’s season came to an end on May 3 as 11th-seeded Sam Houston swept the 19th-seeded Tigers in a Division I nonselect quarterﬁnal series on May 3.

But the Tigers didn’t go down without a ﬁght. Trailing 4-0 in the seventh inning, Slidell cut the lead in half on Cory Rushing’s two-run double and had the tying run at ﬁrst base before a gameending fielder’s choice gave the Broncos a series-clinching 4-2 victory.

Slidell first-year coach Cameron Lewis said his team, which advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2007, left it all on the field.

“I’ve said this all season, but when we get punched in the mouth, we don’t ﬂinch,” Lewis said. “We just keep grinding it out and keep competing and playing ball. It would have been easy to fold in the seventh and take three bad at-bats But our guys don’t do that, so I was proud of them for competing until the last out.”

The Broncos used a Charlie Donaldson RBI triple and a Cole Flanagan sac bunt to take a 2-0 lead in the third. Sam Houston added single runs in the fourth and fifth to build a 4-0 advantage. Slidell rallied in the seventh as senior Brayden Calamari was hit by a pitch with one out. Elijah Strahan followed with a single before Rushing’s two-run double cut the lead in half. After Xavier Paul was hit by a pitch to put two on, the Broncos got the final out to end the game. Calamari took the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits and two walks in five innings with two strikeouts. Carter Bucholz threw two scoreless innings of relief. In the first game of the series, the Tigers were held to just three hits as Sam Houston used a three-run third inning to earn a 4-0 victory Troy Green took the loss, allowing four runs on two hits and four walks in 5.2 innings He struck out nine. All three Sam Houston runs in the third came with two outs as a walk and a hit-by-pitch set up Carson Christ’s RBI double. Haden Peshoff followed with a two-run triple to give the Broncos an insurmountable 3-0 lead.

For Slidell (27-11), Rushing had a double while Junior Burnett and Calamari both singled.

“Offensively, Sam Houston just got the hits when they were supposed to,” Lewis said. “When they got guys on, they just seemed to always get the big hit. Their starters kept us in check for most of the series. We got some guys in scoring position but could never get a big inning. They got the hits when they needed to, and we could never come up with them.”

CliftonGraybillCooper, age67,ofCovington, Louisiana,wenttobewith theLordonThursday,April 17,2025.Hewasbornon September21957,in Roanoke,Virginia.Heis survivedbyhislovingwife of16years,HelenMoore Muffet”Cooper;children BethanyMader(Corben), SamanthaBeavers(Corey) andAlexCooper(Heather); stepchildren,Marvin Heebe(Ellen)andClark Heebe(Jill);grandchildren, ColtonCooperEvander Cooper,LeelandBeavers, RileyBeaversMaverick Beavers,OliverBeavers, AmyMaderCarterMader HaleyCrasto(William), JackHeebe,HelenHeebe BeckHeebe,DavisHeebe, LibbyHeebe,andone grandchildontheway;and great-grandson,Dyar Crasto.Heisalsosurvived byhissiblings,Tony Cooper(Diane)andChris Cooper(Barbara);niece, RachelCooper(Jonathan Duffy);cousins,Caroline CecilandLois(Dave); uncle,PaulGraybill(Rose); andmanyextendedfamily membersandfriends.He wasprecededindeathby hisparents,Eugene LawrenceCooperandMar‐ianLucilleGraybillCooper ClifflivedbrieﬂyinBirm‐inghamAlabamaandAt‐lanta,Georgia,before growingupprimarilyin Harahan,Louisiana,andat‐tendingEastJeffersonHigh SchoolHelaterlivedinIn‐dianaandcompletedan associate’sdegreeinthe‐ologyfromBoyceBibleCol‐legeatSouthernBaptist TheologicalSeminaryin Louisville,Kentuckybefore ultimatelyrelocatingto CovingtonLouisiana wherehemetandmarried Helen“Muffet”CooperHe pastoredmultiple churchesthroughout LouisianaKentucky,and Indianaduringhiscareer Hewasanactivemember ofBogueFalayaBaptist Churchandmorerecently attendedLiveOakMission‐aryBaptistChurchHehad alsopreachedatCreekside BaptistChurchinLoranger inrecentyears.Hewasa lovinghusband,father, grandfatherandfriend andhewillbedearly missedbyhisfamilyand communityMemorialdo‐nationsmaybemadeto LiveOakBaptistChurchor totheStTammanyOut‐reachforthePreventionof SuicideE.JFieldingFu‐neralHomeofCovington, Louisiana,washonoredto beentrustedwithMr Cooper’sfuneralarrange‐ments.

SandraNelsonDubroca residentofBeauChene subdivisioninMandeville, Louisianapassedaway peacefullyonApril26, 2025.Sheissurvivedbyher lovinghusband,Paul Dubroc,andhersons ChristopherSmailandJef‐ferySmail.Inadditionshe leavesbehindherstepsonDavidDubrocand step-daughter,Lisa Selmer,alongwithten adoringgrandchildren Sandracherishedhersib‐lingsJudyNelsonConnie Potter,andJanNelson, whowilldeeplymissher Priortoherretirement, Sandradedicatedherca‐reerasanattorneyforthe StateofLouisiana,pas‐sionatelyrepresenting childreninStTammany Parish.Hercommitmentto herworkandthepeople sheservedwasatruetes‐tamenttohercharacter Sandrafoundjoyinmany pursuitsoutsideofherpro‐fession.Shewasanavid golferandenjoyedplaying bridge,activitiesthat broughtherhappinessand allowedhertoconnect withfriendsandfamily SandraNelsonDubrocwas lovedbyallwhoknewher andherabsencewillbe feltprofoundlyHerlegacy ofkindnessanddedication tochildrenwillcontinueto inspirethoseshetouched throughoutherlife.Bagnell &SonFuneralHomeen‐trustedwitharrange‐ments.Toviewandsign theguestbookpleasevisit Bagnellfuneralhome.com

e throughoutherlifeBagnell &SonFuneralHomeen‐trustedwitharrange‐ments.Toviewandsign theguestbookpleasevisit Bagnellfuneralhome.com

MaribethJamesGuer‐rera,80,ofMandeville, passedawayApril27,2025, ofAlzheimer’seffectsA nativeofNewOrleansand Chalmetteresidentforher teenandearlyadultyears, shewasagraduateofOur LadyofPromptSuccor CatholicSchoolattended oneyearofhighschoolat St.MaryofthePinesin Chatawa,MSandcom‐pletedhereducationat ChalmetteHighSchool Classof1962.Maribeth wasavoraciousreader,es‐peciallyAgathaChristie mysterynovels,andshe welcomedthechallengeof wordandletterpuzzles Shefullyenjoyedaccom‐panyingherfamilyonDis‐neyWorldtrips,catching night-after-nightofCarni‐valparadesoutsideSt StephenCatholicSchool, exploringnewplacesin EuropeorplayingKeno withtheneighborhood groupShenevermissed anopportunitytocreate timefor,overspendonand eagerlyparticipatewithall theyoungergenerationsof herfamilyMaribethissur‐vivedbyherspouseofal‐most58years,CyrilGuer‐rera,Jr.;childrenDarren Guerrera(Mary-Alice)and JenniferGuerreraHilder‐brandt(Jim);grandchil‐drenLindseyGaric(Brent) Sam,Ben,BrotherMatthew Lalemant(formerlyClay) andJohnGuerrera,Jacob Hilderbrandt(Maria)and step-granddaughterAli Hilderbrandt;great-grand‐childrenDaytonWashing‐ton,CarterBuchananand WaylonHilderbrandt; brothersWilliamJamesIII (Barbara)andRonald James(Barbara),andnu‐merouscousinsShewas predeceasedbyherpar‐ents,WilliamJamesJr andRosemaryHentze JamesGraceFuneral Homewereentrustedwith thearrangements.

“Sameasiteverwas JosephEarlIrbyJr.,of Slidell,Louisianapassed awayonApril17,2025,at theageof73.Hewasborn onJuly9,1951,inMeridian, Mississippi,andwasana‐tiveofVancleave,Missis‐sippiJoeygrewupinVan‐cleave,MississippiBythe timehewasfouryearsold, hisbrotherDonnieandhis babysister,Carolewere born.JoeyacceptedJesus ashissaviorasayoung boyandwasbaptizedin Vancleave.Joeywasan avidall-aroundsportsman, enjoyingmostsports hunting,andﬁshingJoey wenttoVancleaveschools throughtheeleventh gradewhereheplayed basketball,baseball,track, andfootball.Uponmoving toHahnville,La,in1967,he concentratedmostlyon baseballandbasketball JoeyattendedNicholls StateUniversityfortwo yearsFromplayingtennis atthecommunitycenterin Vancleaveasayoungster, Joeycontinuedplaying hereandtherethroughthe yearshoninghistennis skills,teachingtennisand becameverygoodByhis earlytwenties,hiscareer movedveryrapidlyashe becamethetennisproand thenthedirectoroftennis attheHiltonHotelinKen‐ner,Louisiana.Throughthe yearshebecameatennis pro,coach,ordirector amongstotherfacilities suchas:ColonialCountry Club,EdenIsles,and Chamale’CoveTennisClub Joeytransitionedinto salestionalsales repwiolSkiCom‐panymeanavid snowingatmost USSwhilebeing anAdorforall thingsRosingnol:skigear clothing,skis,racks,etc. Withadesiretoreturnto tennis,hebecameana‐tionalsalesrepresentative withHeadTennisandSki CompanyHetraveledex‐tensivelypromotingHead atPro-Amvenuesandten‐niseventsshowcasing Headracquets,clothing, andallgearandmerchan‐dise,aswellas,NewBal‐anceandTailsportswear, ‐

pro,coach,ordirector amongstotherfacilities suchas:ColonialCountry ClubEdenIslesand Chamale’CoveTennisClub Joeytransitionedinto salesasanationalsales repwithRosignolSkiCom‐panyandbecameanavid snowskier,skiingatmost USSkiresorts,whilebeing anAmbassadorforall thingsRosingnol:skigear clothing,skis,racks,etc Withadesiretoreturnto tennis,hebecameana‐tionalsalesrepresentative withHeadTennisandSki Company.Hetraveledex‐tensivelypromotingHead atPro-Amvenuesandten‐nisevents,showcasing Headracquets,clothing, andallgearandmerchan‐dise,aswellas,NewBal‐anceandTailsportswear settingupclinics,andes‐tablishingnationalac‐counts.Thisincludedmany prestigioustennisvenues, suchastheUSOpenUpon movingtoEdenIsles,Joey becametheregionalsales repforcustomsvansand taughttennisat NorthshoreHighSchool andstartedtocompetein localtennisagainJoey andDonnieNatelwere bestfriendsforover45 years,winningmanyten‐nistournamentsincluding BeachClubfortwoconsec‐utiveyears,thenSlidell CityChampions,andnu‐merousothertourna‐ments,alsocompetingin USTAevents,winninglocal state,andsectional events.Thesloganor greeting,“Sameasitever was”tookholdduringthis awesomefriendship.Per‐hapsatJoey’sLifeCelebra‐tionwithallofhismany friendswewillbetoldthis storyDonnieIrbyJoeys brothermadetheremark, Joeywasthebestbig brotherthatanyonecould everhave.”Theyenjoyed manyyearsofhunting, fishingsnowskiingand MardiGrasparadesDon‐niesaidtheyhad8-10 huntingcampsoverthe yearsandtheywereall namedWhiteTailMotel Ourhomeinhighschool wasalwaysoverflowing withallofourfriends, hangingout,listeningto music,laughing,shooting poolandlivingthelife Joey’sbestfriend,HenryP Calamari,gotJoeyback intotennisafterasixyear absenceoftennisJoey andHenryteamedupand playedmostlyUSTAtennis leagueswinningstateand sectionals.Joeywasteach‐ingtenniswithHenry’ssis‐ter,Julie,atPopeJohnPaul (2019-2024)inSlidellwhen hewasdiagnosedwith cancerHenryandJoey werediagnosedwithcan‐cerwithinamonthofeach otherandtheywouldtext ortalkdailytokeepeach otherpositive.Joeysaid thatGodandhisfriend, Henrykepthimbeingposi‐tivetilltheendCharlie Primm,Tracy’sstepdad andJoeybecamefast friendsafterJoeyasked Charlietohelphimmove intohisnewhomein Slidell.Forthenext25 years,theyenjoyedfishing, huntingswimmingpool volleyball,andfeastingon Joey’sblackenedcatfish andredfishcookedtoper‐fection,alongwithbacon wrappedshrimpand jalapenocheesepoppers Joeywasprecededin deathbyhisparents, JosephEarlIrbySr.and NeldaJeanGamblinIrby; aunts,JudyInabinetteLois Irby,MildredIrbyandIrene Creel;hisunclesBenton Gamblin,GroverAllen, BobbyNell,RoyIrby,Glen Irby,HarveyIrby,andJim Creel;brother-in-lawC.B Smith;cousins,MonaGam‐blin,RickyAllen,Stephen IrbyDebbieCreelEstes CathyCreelHagan,and JoanneIrbySagerstrom Joeyleavesbehind,to cherishhismemory,his longtimesignificantother of25years,TracyErickson whowasinstrumentalin beingwithhimthrough ninemonthsofchemoand allhisappointments;one sisterCaroleIrby(Virgil) ofBatonRouge,Louisiana; onebrotherG.DonIrby (Linda)ofAlexandria, Louisiana;nephewJustin Irby(Gina)ofNewOrleans, Louisiana;hisonlyniece ChelseaLanglois(Charlie) ofWalkerLouisiana; grandniece,London (Aaron)ofWalker, Louisiana;grandnephews, ZacharyofHammond, LouisianaandLukeof Walker,Louisiana;greatgrandnieces,Selahand Tinsley;great-grand‐nephew,AdenofWalker Louisiana;aunts,Francis AllenofHurleyMissis‐sippiandMaeGamblin,of Vancleave,Mississippi;un‐cles,MarshallInabinette andGlennGamblin,ofVan‐cleave,Mississippi; cousins,DougAllen,Chip GamblinGinaGamblin BoydInabinette(Vanessa), RayInabinette(Cathy) AnnCreel,RoyceRobinson, LindaandFrankBeseke JimmyandLindaCreel, JerryCreelBarbaraDavis andCathyJoinesand KarenIrbyCarolesays, “YES!Tothebestbig brotherever!Reflecting uponalifetimeofloving JoeyIrby,myoldest brother,I’vecometoreal‐izewearealikeinsomany waysWenevermeeta strangerWesmileaswe talkJoeywasmysports mentor,shootingback yardgoalsandplaying horseuntildark-thirtyWe bothlovedridingbikes, walkingandworkingout lifestylebychoice.Weboth

andGlennGamblinofVan‐cleave,Mississippi; cousinsDougAllenChip Gamblin,GinaGamblin, BoydInabinette(Vanessa), RayInabinette(Cathy), AnnCreelRoyceRobinson LindaandFrankBeseke, JimmyandLindaCreel JerryCreel,BarbaraDavis, andCathyJoinesand KarenIrby.Carolesays “YES!Tothebestbig brotherever!Reﬂecting uponalifetimeofloving JoeyIrbymyoldest brother,I’vecometoreal‐izewearealikeinsomany ways.Wenevermeeta stranger.Wesmileaswe talk.Joeywasmysports mentor,shootingback yardgoalsandplaying horseuntildark-thirtyWe bothlovedridingbikes walking,andworkingout, lifestylebychoiceWeboth eatsimilar,stayveryac‐tive,liketoshop,and watchnewsshows.Don’t calleitherofuswhenthe newsison!You’vegotto dressthepartofthesport youareplaying!Showup prepared,dressedforthe sportinyourlatestThis willraiseyourgamelevel! HA!Andmakeyoumore successful!Joeywasso sweetkindgenerousand helpful.Everyonewho knewhimlovedhim.” Joey’slifetimefriendsfrom childhoodwhowillmiss himdearly:The Jones/FlurryFamily,Tippy, TrudiandCandyKing DougieVaughn,George McRaneyJimFlurryand VirgilBartonThanksto Joey’sgoodfriendsDan andSharonDeblanc,own‐ersofSouthsideCaféin Slidell,LA,andDonnie Natelforthefuturehosting ofJoey’sCelebrationof Lifeatalaterdatean‐nouncedthroughsocial mediaAudubonFuneral Homewereentrustedwith thearrangements.

MarySueCairnsLanaux, age84,ofAbitaSprings andformerlyofMandev‐ille,passedawayonApril 24,2025.ShewasbornDe‐cember17,1940inAlexan‐dria,LA.Belovedwife& bestfriendof63yearsto, MichelEmileLanauxSr HerparentswereDr AdrianBennettSr&Mary AdelineCairnsMotherof SusanElizabethSnyderof DesMoines,Iowa,Michel EmileLanauxJrofAbita Springs,LA,andThomas BaldwinLanauxofAustin TexasShewasthesister ofthelateDr.AdrianBen‐nettCairnsJrThomasE CairnsandthelateRobert FCairnsShewasGrand‐motherof8-Elizabeth FretzChristopherSnyder& FinnSnyder(Charles& SusanESnyder)Michael andNathanaelLanaux (MichelEJr&Brenda Lanaux)andMadelynn, Adrian,andAidenLanaux (ThomasB&Monica Lanaux)ShewasGreat Grandmotherof3-Jack Fretz,DeanFretzandJune SnyderMarySuewasa graduateofSt.Martin’s EpiscopalSchoolandat‐tendedOleMissUniversity Whilethereshewasa memberofKappaKappa GammasororitySheloved gardeningBridgebiking playingScrabbleandgood movies.E.JFieldingFu‐neralHomewasentrusted withfuneralarrangements.

BettyGunnellsTownsend,age89,ofMandev‐illeLApassedaway peacefullyonApril24th, 2025.ShewasbornonSep‐tember16,1935inMem‐phisTNtoBillandDicie GunnelsShegraduated fromMartinBehrmanHigh SchoolinAlgiersLAin 1952.Bettystartedacareer withthefederalgovern‐mentattheFederalRe‐serveBankandretired afteralmost40yearsof serviceasChiefLoanGuar‐antyOfﬁcerfortheNew OrleansVeteransAdminis‐trationShewasaparish‐ioneratMaryQueenof PeaceinMandeville,and memberofCatholicDaugh‐tersofAmericaandthe KnightsofColumbus LadiesAuxiliaryatseveral churchesoverherlifetime. Sheissurvivedbyher belovedchildren:Laura (David)Siebert,Don (Denise)BernardII,Han (Kim)Adams,andJoe (RacdamsShewas prouandmothertos dirandchildrenand threeat-grandchildren, anmorewhowere lovinglyacquiredintoher familythroughmarriage andherlovingheart.Betty wasprecededindeathby herhusbands:Milton

BettyGunnellsTownsendage89,ofMandev‐ille,LApassedaway peacefullyonApril24th 2025.ShewasbornonSep‐tember16,1935inMem‐phis,TNtoBillandDicie GunnelsShegraduated fromMartinBehrmanHigh SchoolinAlgiers,LAin 1952.Bettystartedacareer withthefederalgovern‐mentattheFederalRe‐serveBankandretired afteralmost40yearsof serviceasChiefLoanGuar‐antyOfﬁcerfortheNew OrleansVeteransAdminis‐tration.Shewasaparish‐ioneratMaryQueenof PeaceinMandeville,and memberofCatholicDaugh‐tersofAmericaandthe KnightsofColumbus LadiesAuxiliaryatseveral churchesoverherlifetime Sheissurvivedbyher belovedchildren:Laura (David)Siebert,Don (Denise)BernardII,Hank (Kim)AdamsandJoe (Rachel)Adams.Shewasa proudgrandmothertosix directgrandchildrenand threegreat-grandchildren andmanymorewhowere lovinglyacquiredintoher familythroughmarriage andherlovingheartBetty wasprecededindeathby herhusbands:Milton Townsend,HenryAdams Sr.,andDonaldBernard, hergrandsonBrandon Bernard,andbyhersib‐lingsBillyLRayandBobbie JeanSeals.Bettyenjoyed bakingandconsideredher‐selfa"junkfoodjunkie Wherevershelived,neigh‐borhoodchildrenknew thatherhousealwayshad cookiesicecream,and Englishandmathtutoring Bettywasalovingperson whoalwayslookedforthe bestinpeopleGraceFu‐neralHomewereentrusted withthearrangements

Cooper, Clifton Graybill

Guerrera, Maribeth

Lanaux, Mary Sue Cairns

Irby Jr., Joseph

Dubroc, Sandra

Townsend, Betty