Darlene Denstorff
Cocktail Trail opens
The Louisiana Sweet Spot Cocktail Trail is open through July 31 at participating bars and restaurants.
Order a Sweet Spot Cocktail, receive a stamp on your trail passport, collect eight stamps and turn your passport in for a chance to win prizes
Passports are available at the Ascension Tourism office in Sorrento, at participating businesses or visit visitlasweetspot com/cocktailtrail.
Community Sisterhood STEM camp set
Community Sisterhood’s Summer 2025 STEM Camp registration is underway
The camp is set for June 9-13 at First Pilgrim Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Geismar The cost is $85. To register, visit www.paypal.com/ncp/ payment/5DEEYZASL7XDG.
State treasurer to speak at May GOP Roundtable
Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming will speak May 15 at the May Ascension GOP Roundtable, sponsored by Ascension Republican Women. The Roundtable starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Clarion Inn, 1500 W. La. 30 in Gonzales. Fleming was sworn in on Jan. 8, 2024. A physician, businessman and military veteran, he is a former congressman from Louisiana’s fourth district
The lunch is $30 and a $5 room fee is charged for guests not eating. To pay in advance, visit paypal.me/ARW225 or at Venmo. To RSVP, call (225) 921-5187 or email ARWrUS@ aol.com Dutchtown High Cheer mini camp
Pajama Party is the theme of Dutchtown High’s Cheer Mini Camp set for May 27-30 at the school gym.
Children ages 4 and older are invited to register by May 23 for the camp, which costs $80. To register, visit tinyurl.com/ dthscheerminicamp2025.
A portion of all proceeds from the camp will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For more information, emailmichelle.bogan@ apsb.org.
Farmers market Saturday Pick up fresh produce, crafts and other goods at the Highway 621 Outdoor Market from 8 a.m to noon Saturday at 39275 La. 621 in Gonzales. For information, visit www facebook.com/Hwy621Out-
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GRADUATION TIME
Ascension Parish was well represented on the all-district softball and baseball teams.
Softball
District 5-5A
First team: Abby Froelich, senior Dutchtown High, pitcher; Brooke Rabalais, junior, St. Amant High, catcher; Cayden Tullier, junior, East Ascension High, infield; Kinley Meche, junior, St. Amant, infield; Bailey Ducote, junior, St. Amant, infield; Caroline Johnson, sophomore, Dutchtown High, infield; Maddie Keller senior Dutch-
town, outfield; Jenna Blanchard, junior, Dutchtown, outfield; Braylee Decoteau, junior, St. Amant, utility and Mac Creel, junior, East Ascension, utility Abby Froelich, Dutchtown, was named MVP
Co-coaches of the Year were Nancy Ensminger, Dutchtown and Amy Pitre, St. Amant. Second team: Mckenzie Smith, senior, Prairieville High, pitcher; Olivia Johnson, sophomore, St. Amant, infield; Mya Lanoux, senior East Ascension, infield; Ryleigh Moran, senior, St. Amant, outfield.
Honorable Mention
St. Amant: Kenley Triche Dutchtown: Ava Gardner, Kailey Wilson, Ella Pontiff, Katie VanHaverbeke, Sophia English, Anna White, Jenna Humphrey and Kate-
The celebrations were all over Ascension Parish last week as graduates from area high schools received their diplomas in front of family and friends.
INSIDE: Prairieville High, 5G
Ascension Catholic, 3G
Ascension Christian, 5G St.Amant High, 4G
Donaldsonville High, 3G
lin Hauge East Ascension: Savannah Baker, Avery Stevens and Emma Blachard Prairieville: Isabella Piper and Jourdyne Blanchard District 8-1A First team Ascension Catholic: Ava Gauthe, sophomore, pitcher; Sydney Viallon, senior, outfield; Aubrey Delatte, senior, catcher; Emma Delatte, freshman, utility; Abigail Jennings, senior, infield
ä See LEBOEUF, page 2G
STAFF PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK
Graduates toss their caps upon dismissal by principal Randy Loving as the Hurricanes celebrate the inaugural graduation at Prairieville High School on May 8 in Prairieville.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY CHUCK MONTERO
Ascension Catholic Diocesan Regional School Class of 2025 toss caps into the air May 10 after a graduation Mass in Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church.
Ascension grant expands multicultural collection at school
Community news report
Reading is for Everyone is the motto of the Spanish Lake Primary School Library this year and the name of the grant financed by the Ascension Fund. Students were treated to an expansion of multicultural books in the school’s library collection, in keeping with the Ascension Parish School System’s focus on embracing diversity, a news release said.
Spanish Lake Primary School’s fifth grade students assisted the librarian, Alicia Turner, in choosing books related to the various cultures of the students enrolled at the school.
Funds were used to purchase books at the various reading and interest levels for each grade. The titles included books related to African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, Indigenous People and Middle Eastern cultures. Since the arrival of these new titles, they have been flying out the door, particularly the new graphic novels, the release said.
The addition of the new books, the grant opportunity helped the children to celebrate their own and other cultures. At the same time, the books benefitted the students academically by increasing vocabulary, improving reading and
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Ascension Christian: Grace Aucoin, eighth grade, infield; Marie Brignac, junior, pitcher
Second team
Ascension Catholic: Hayden Theriot, sophomore, infield
Ascension Christian: Hollyn Bowier, seventh grade; Lila Cate Leblanc, seventh grade; Emory Walter eighth grade; Aubri Shaffett, sophomore; Avery Rome, sophomore
Honorable Mention: Ascension Catholic: Katie Marroy
Baseball District 5-5A First team Dutchtown: Cayden Hill, pitcher; Casey McCoy infield; Dawson LeBlanc, outfield; Kason Johnson, utility East Ascension: Hudson Browning, catcher Prairieville: Jacob Easley, infield; Colton Morris, utility; Grant Gautreau, desig-
writing skills, building background knowledge and helping them to empathize with others.
“It was such an amazing gift for all of the students now and in the future,” the release added.
Funds for the grant were provided by Williams Olefins in Geismar through the Ascension Fund. The Ascension Fund is a nonprofit organization established in 1991 by the Gonzales Rotary Club as an instrument for private sector leaders to invest directly in the work of individual teachers and schools through grants for innovative ideas and programs in Ascension Parish public schools.
nated hitter St. Amant: Easton Humphrey, outfield Second team Dutchtown: Danny Sears, pitcher; Cooper Pickett, utility East Ascension: Darrin Magee, pitcher Prairieville: Maxwell Sanchez, pitcher St. Amant: Cooper Templet, infield; Jace Moody infield; Nick Frederick, utility; Parker Guidry, designated hitter
Honorable Mention Dutchtown: Tucker Suire, Dillyn Wilson, Ian Young, Eli Freeman, Caleb Wall, Cade Delaune, Coby Mitchell and Oakley Rutzen Prairieville: Ethan Pugh East Ascension: Cort Romero, Reed Truax and Caden Gautreaux St. Amant: Tucker Miller District 8-1A First team Ascension Catholic: Mace Melancon, senior, pitcher; Luke Husers, senior, outfield
Ascension Christian: Wyatt Buratt, senior, pitcher and catcher; Mason LeBlanc, senior, first base; Wy-
att Stafford, senior, second base; Peyton Dunn, senior, third base; Carson Sulfstead, senior outfield: Jacob Brignac, senior, outfield; Keegan Bourgeois, senior, designated hitter; David Flynn, senior, utility MVP: Wyatt Buratt, Ascension Christian Coach of the Year: Gee Cassard, Ascension Catholic Second team
Ascension Catholic: John Rob Daigle, sophomore, pitcher and catcher; Luke Husers, senior, pitcher; Vaughn Blanchard, junior, designated hitter; Austin Paine, senior, first base; Evan Casso, junior second base; Cy Landry, sopho-
more, short stop; Gavin Gregoire, senior, outfield; Rhett Boeckman, senior, outfield
Ascension Christian: Cade Dowden, senior, outfield; Jacob Brignac, senior, pitcher Honorable Mention
Ascension Christian: Baylor Guidry, Luke Brignac and Preston LeBlanc
Ascension Catholic: Pete Harris and Christopher Anthens
Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@ hotmail.com or ascension@theadvocate. com.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Ascension Public Schools nurse Dena Pinnell has been named the 2025 Louisiana School Nurse of the Year by the Louisiana School Nurse Organization. She is with Ascension Superintendent Edith Walker
Ascension nurse named La. School Nurse of the Year
Community news report
Ascension Public Schools
nurse Dena Pinnell has been named the 2025 Louisiana School Nurse of the Year by the Louisiana School Nurse Organization.
The honor recognizes her contributions to school nursing and her commitment to the health and well-being of students, a news release said.
Throughout her career, Pinnell has delivered highquality nursing care across all levels of school nursing, the release said. In 2009, she played a key role in the development of Ascension Parish’s comprehensive school health program.
Today she supports Dutchtown Middle School and continues to serve the district by teaching CPR and basic life support to faculty and staff, ensuring that campuses are equipped to handle medical emergencies.
Pinnell is also a member of Ascension Parish’s AED transition team, helping to research and implement a new line of automated external defibrillators across schools, enhancing campus emergency preparedness.
In addition to her leadership in training and program development, Pinnell
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Continued from page 1G
mentors new school nurses, assisting them with organization and providing guidance to ensure a smooth transition into their roles, the release said.
Drawing upon her experience and training, Pinnell led efforts “to deliver highquality CPR, demonstrating remarkable calm, skill and leadership,” the release added.
“Dena Pinnell is the epitome of what a school nurse should be,” said Jennifer Keller, school nurse coordinator “She always puts the needs of students first, works tirelessly to ensure they receive necessary healthcare services, and supports our school community with grace and professionalism.”
Each year, LSNO presents the School Nurse of the Year award to an active or retired member who exemplifies excellence in school nursing. Nominees must be members in good standing, have served at least two years in the field, and demonstrate exceptional service.
Pinnell’s recognition also marks a milestone for Ascension Parish, as she becomes the fifth school nurse from the district to earn this distinguished honor
scores, credit reports, and strategies for improving your financial standing. To register, call (225) 673-8699. Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate. com or ddenstorff@theadvocate.com. Deadline: 5 p.m.
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON Dutchtown pitcher Abby Froelich
PROVIDED PHOTO
Reading is for Everyone is the motto of the Spanish Lake Primary School Library this year and the name of the grant financed by the Ascension Fund.
PROVIDED PHOTO BY ASCENSION CHRISTIAN BASEBALL Wyatt Buratt with Ascension Christian High baseball
FILE PHOTO BY PATRICK DENNIS Ascension Catholic’s head coach Gee Cassard.
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON St. Amant head coach Amy Pitre
A May 7 photo of the Bluff Middle School boys soccer team incorrectly deleted two coaches from the photo. We regret the error
PROVIDED PHOTO BY ANANT VYAS
The Bluff Middle School Parish Championship team includes, from left, coach Anant Vyas, Adrian Ramirez, Preston Foster Tyson Wells, Lynkn Kepple, Samuel Coots, Taj Cooper, Phillip Baracco, Stephen Wells, Layton Hale, Bubasha Mkyombwe, Parker Johnson, Rowan Hutchison, Ian Espinal, Peyton Rentz Graham Foster Jacory Miles, coach Reuben ‘Boo’ Ruiz Colton Robinson, Carter Marherne, Sam Hayes, Omar Limon, Henry Elgiar and coach Jeff Poulin.
Community news report
Donaldsonville High School’s Class of 2025 graduates May 16 during a ceremony Floyd Boutte Memorial Stadium.
Alyssa Williams is the school’s valedictorian who plans to attend Southern University and A&M College to study nursing.
During her high school career, she served as president of the Jobs for America’s Graduates program, was an active member of the Beta Club, and received nominations for both Teenager of the Year and Student of the Year Williams lives with her mother, Ashley Williams, who she credits with providing encouragement and support.
Gavin Kristopher Mitchell, the class salutatorian was enrolled in the early college dual enrollment program at River Parishes Community College, where he has earned an Associate of Arts degree in Humani-
Community news report
Ascension Catholic Diocesan Regional School’s Class of 2025 graduated Saturday, May 10, at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church in Donaldsonville The class Baccalaureate was Friday at the church Valedictorians were Ava Bright, Aiden Crochet, Ava Gordon, Elise Lemann, Ava Kate Ourso, Bailee Simoneaux and Sydney Viallon. Salutatorian was Peyton Dunn. Bright was a member of the National Honor Society, Academic Lamp and Bar Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Senior Beta Club, Homecoming Court and Student Council She earned the Taylor Scholar Award, was a Student of the Year nominee and served as school Mass minister As an athlete, she was a two-year softball and volleyball letterman. She was on the All-District first team for two years in softball and defensive district MVP for two years. She was part of the school’s volleyball district championship teams for four years. She earned 30 hours of college credit during her high school career and plans to major in education at LSU.
Aiden James Crochet was a member of the National Honor Society, Senior Beta Club, and Academic Lamp and Bar Crochet was a school Mass minister, third place winner in English III at State Literary Rally, Ascension Catholic Student of the Year nominee and WAFB Best of the Class honoree. Crochet was a letterman in golf, cross-country and track and field. Crochet was a 2024 district champion in 4x400-meter, 3,200-meter, 1,600-meter and district track MVP during high school.
Crochet earned the LSU Academic Scholars Resident Award, Louisiana Tiger
ties and Arts.
His mother, Tanya Mitchell, is an educator at Donaldsonville Primary School and serves on the West Ascension Parish Hospital Board. His late father, Kurt Mitchell Sr., was employed at the BASF plant and was a dedicated member of the Sunrise Community group in Donaldsonville, an organization committed to improving the quality of life in the community Mitchell plans to attend
DONALDSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Southeastern Louisiana University to major in computer science and aspires to establish a professional career in the field. The class also includes:
Cylan Brooks Kaden Brooks
ASCENSION CATHOLIC DIOCESAN REGIONAL SCHOOL
in English II, world geography, Algebra II and Spanish II and was a Donaldsonville Chamber of Commerce Teenager of the Year nominee and Ascension Catholic Student of the Year nominee.
Lemann won the Shawn E. Guillot Memorial Scholarship She was freshman class vice president, sophomore class president and junior class secretary She was a letterman in volleyball and a member of the school’s 2024 state semifinals team
She was a cheerleader, earning four-year letterman honors. She plans to study kinesiology at LSU and work as a physician assistant.
Rally participant and recipient of the Sen. Ed Price ACT Excellence Acknowledgement-ACT 30. She earned the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and subject awards in Algebra I, Religion I, geometry, U.S history, physical science and chemistry Simoneaux was an Ascension Catholic Student of the Year nominee.
Her athletic accomplishments include volleyball, softball and basketball letterman honors.
She earned 27 college credit hours and plans to attend Nicholls State University, where she will pursue a degree to one day become a physician assistant.
Legacy Excellence Award, Louisiana Tech Outstanding Student Award, AARP Donaldsonville Chapter Scholarship and CF Industries Valedictorian Scholarship. Crochet earned 33 college credits and plans to study chemical engineering at Louisiana Tech.
Gordon was a member of the National Honor Society, Academic Lamp and Bar Fellowship of Christian Athletes, March for Life, Senior Beta Club, Homecoming Court, Girls State and yearbook staff. She was a letterman in volleyball and a member of the school’s 2002, 2023 and 2024 district cham-
pionship team and 2024 state semifinals team. She was a letterman in basketball.
She won subject awards in civics and advanced math and was a school Mass minister
Gordon earned 21 college hours and will study architecture at LSU.
Lemann was a member of National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Senior Beta Club, Homecoming Court, and Academic Lamp and Bar She attended district and state rally for two years and served as a school Mass minister
She won subject awards
Ourso was a member of National Honor Society, Academic Lamp and Bar, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Homecoming Court. She was a school Mass minister, Ascension Catholic Student of the Year nominee and Student Council junior class vice president.
She was a volleyball and cheerleading letterman. She earned 24 college hours and plans to study education at LSU.
Bailee Grace Simoneaux was a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Academic Lamp and Bar and Senior Beta Club. She was a district and state Literary
Viallon was a member of National Honor Society Fellowship of Christian Athletes, March for Life, Student Council, Homecoming Court, Senior Beta Club and Ascension Catholic Student of the Year She served as a school Mass minister and junior and senior class vice president.
She was a volleyball, track and field, cheerleading and softball letterman and a member of the 2024 state semifinal volleyball team.
Dunn was a member of the National Honor Society, Academic Lamp and Bar, state and district rally participant, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, March for Life, Senior Beta Club and
Gavin Kristopher Mitchell Alyssa Williams
Homecoming Court. Dunn was a school Mass minister and Ascension Catholic Student of the Year nominee.
athletic accomplishments include letterman
PROVIDED PHOTOS BY CHUCK MONTERO Ascension Catholic Diocesan Regional School top graduates include, first row from left, Sydney Viallon and Ava Bright, middle row, Ava Kate Ourso, Elise Lemann and Ava Gordon; and top row Aiden Crochet, Bailee Simoneaux and Peyton Dunn.
The Ascension Catholic Diocesan Regional School’s Class of 2025 graduated Saturday.
Community news report
The first class of the new Prairieville High School graduated May 8 in the school’s gym.
The class was led by valedictorians Quintin Chigos and Rori Pinell and salutatorian Landry Caballero.
Chigos, grew up in Ascension Parish, where he attended school and developed a love for animals and problem solving. Known for his caring nature and curiosity, he plans to attend LSU to pursue a degree in nursing Pinell, who has a driven and curious personality plans to study engineering LSU, where he will pursue a degree in engineering. Outside of academics, he has a passion for music and enjoys playing the bass guitar
He also has a strong interest in mechanics and spends his free time working on cars.
Caballero participated in the Early College Options program, which played a major role in shaping his academic path. He credits the program for much of his success and direction.
Caballero has developed a strong work ethic and a passion for engineering He plans to study mechanical engineering with the goal of designing motorcycles
The class includes:
Aniel Able + Raishon Allen
Joree Anderson + Bryson Armstrong Emily Arnone + Parker Bankston Bentley Bateman + Talan Behrnes Alaina Bodi Aureana Bolden ++ Arial Boudreaux
Community news report
Ascension Christian High School’s Class of 2025 graduated Saturday, May 10, at Household of Faith Church in Gonzales. The class was led by valedictorians Jacob David Brignac, Davie Whittaker Flynn Jr., Charlotte Esther Henagan and Ryan David Trauernicht. Each earned Summa Cum Laude honors. Brignac, the son of Timothy and Brittney Brignac of St. Amant, earned a 4.60 GPA, Academic All-State honors, and a spot on the principal’s list every year
An active member of the National Honor Society and the Athletic Leadership Council, Brignac also played on the school’s baseball team.
After graduation, he plans to attend LSU Alexandria to continue playing baseball while pursuing a degree in computer science. His favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Flynn, a native of Geismar, is the son of David and Kelly Flynn who maintained a 4.60 GPA and earned Academic All-State honors, as well as a place on the Principal’s List
James Bourgeois Geraldin Briceno ++ Isabelle Brown ++ Kelsey Brown + Zuri Bujol Ella Bullock ++ Audrie Bumgarden + Agustina Bustos ++ Corbin Caballero Landry Caballero S++ Katherine Casey + Amelia (Wyatt) Causey ++ Jacob Champagne + Quintin Chigos V++ Aiden Clark + Gabriel Colmenares-Quero + Brayden Cowzer ++ Amiya Davis ++
every year of high school. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Athletic Leadership Council and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also served as President of the National Beta Club, showing leadership and a commitment to service and academics.
In addition to his academic achievements, he was a varsity baseball player for five years, balancing athletics with his academic and extracurricular responsibilities. His time on the team reflects his discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
He will attend Louisiana Tech University to pursue a degree in chemical engineering.
His favorite Bible verse is “‘For I know the plans I
Logan Davis ++ Octaviya Davis
Maddock D’avy
Andrew Degregorio
Kaylea Deville ++
Tyeli Domangue
Clavius Drake
Allan Dubon Moran
Joshua Dunaway
Dejouris Duplessis
Brody Dupuy + Ayden Fatherree
Luis Fernandez Mendoza ++
Camden Furlong
Corynn Gabilondo
Austin Gaines +
Princess Samantha Garcia ++ Alanna Gernon +
have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
– Jeremiah 29:11 Trauernicht, the son of Teran and Brian Trauernicht, earned a 4.60 GPA. He earned Academic All State honors and a place on the Principal’s List every year of high school. An active member of his school community, he has been involved in BETA Club, National Honor Society, the Athletic Leadership Council, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He played basketball and football. He was president of the Athletic Leadership Council and leader of FCA.
After graduation, Trauernicht plans to study and law at LSU. He hopes to
Kathryn Gonce + Katherine Gonzales Molina Abigail Goodson
Kiersten Green Ashlynn Henderson + Chase Henry Ty Howard + Abbie Hughes ++ Jadyn Hughes Adham Hussein Amiyah Irons
Liccy Iscoa Moran
become a sports agent. His favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Henagan, from St Amant, is the daughter of Barry and Stephanie Henagan. She graduated with a 4.60 GPA. She is a National Merit Finalist, a member of the chapel worship team, one of the four senior representatives, and a small group leader She is also a member of National Honor Society and National Beta Club Outside of school, she serves her church through the youth worship band, youth and adult choir, and extended teaching care on Sunday mornings. She also does mu-
sical theater with CYT Baton Rouge and was elected secretary of their HYPE team — High School Youth Pursuing Excellence.
After graduation, she will attend Mississippi College to pursue a degree in business administration with a minor in Christian studies.
Eventually, she would like to serve the Lord somewhere in ministry Her favorite Bible verse is John 13:7: “Jesus answered him, ‘What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.’”
The class of 43 includes: Sofia Elizabeth Albores Brodee Albert All Keegan Lee Bourgeois Jackson Robert Bready Chloe’ Kathryn Bumgardner Wyatt Tate Buratt
Jacob Brignac David Flynn
Charlotte Henagan Ryan Trauernicht
Quintin Chigos Rori Pinell Landry Caballero
STAFF PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK