Cajun Country Jam set for North Park
The Cajun Country Jam Memorial Day Festival is set for May 23-25 at North Park in Denham Springs
The event, hosted by Chase Tyler, will feature performances by Frank Foster, Craig Moran, Dylan Scott, Wayne Toups, Parish County Line and others. Several ticket packages are offered, including a general admission three-day pass for $75 and $300 All-Star Experience tickets.
For details, visit www.thecajuncountryjam.com.
Amite art, drams camps set
The Amite Arts Council is hosting summer visual art and drama camps this summer for students in fourth through eighth grades. The drama camp, June 16-20, is presented by the children’s theater troupe The New Octavians in Hammond. The students will learn acting and stage movement skills, which will be displayed in a short play staged on the last day of the camp. The camp will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Center
The visual art camp is June 23-27. The camp will be taught by nationally recognized artist and book illustrator Marita Gentry
Campers will explore the styles of famous painters throughout history It will also be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Amite Community Center. The last afternoon of the camp there will be an art show to display what the students have created Registration for each camp is $20. There will be a $10 refund if the student completes the camp. Registration begins Thursday, May 14. To register, visit Amite City Hall to register and pay the registration fee. Class size for both camps is limited to 15. Mammography coach
Woman’s Hospital mammography coach is providing breast imaging to Livingston Parish. A physician’s order is required, and appointments are encouraged. The coach is stopping at Mandy’s Primary Healthcare, 35701 La. 16, in Denham Springs on May 19. Call (225) 791-2400 to schedule. For more information including the full mammography coach schedule, visit Womans. org. Food truck roundup
Denham Springs Food Truck Round Up has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 17 The event was planned for May 3 but post-
ä See AROUND, page 2G
Doyle celebrates state championship
Softball team receives key to Livingston
You know you’ve done something pretty big when the town mayor issues a proclamation in your honor That was the case last week when, on the heels of Doyle softball’s Division III nonselect state championship, Livingston Mayor JT Taylor proclaimed May 4, 2025, as Doyle Lady Tiger day The recognition was part of a team luncheon and ceremony on May 8, when Taylor presented school representa-
Community news report
Students Against Destructive Decisions’ summer camp has received financial support from Livingston Parish President Randy Delatte, the Livingston Parish Council and a fund set up to tackle the opioid crisis.
The council recently agreed to allocate $15,000 to support the camp The funds, made available through a national opioid settlement with pharmaceutical companies, are designated for use in prevention, treatment and emergency response related to the ongoing opioid crisis.
Doyle catcher Kylee Savant
fifth inning of the Division III
4 at Frasch Park in Sulphur
tives with a key to the city
The softball team’s celebration began after the Tigers defeated Jena 4-3 on the final day of the LHSAA’s raindelayed state tournament in Sulphur The state title was
the second for Doyle, which finished the season 26-9. It didn’t take long for others to join in the fun. The Livingston Parish
See DOYLE, page 2G
Local officials reflect on new U.S. attorney
BY PATRICK SLOAN-TURNER Staff writer
President Donald Trump has nominated veteran prosecutor Kurt Wall to serve as U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, elevating a longtime local and state prosecutor to one of the region’s top federal law enforcement posts. Wall, who has spent decades working on violent crime, drug and white-collar cases in Baton Rouge, Livingston Parish and at the Louisiana Attorney General’s office, will bring those skills to the federal level if his nomination confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Wall would be prosecuting cases inside the Russell B. Long Federal Building in downtown Baton Rouge Legal peers and former colleagues say the nomination is a strong one, describing Wall as a steady experienced prosecutor well-suited to lead in a major district still grappling with persistent violent crime.
“He brings a wealth of experience as a prosecutor and as an administrator,” said 21st Judicial District Attorney Scott Perrilloux. “And as good of a lawyer and prosecutor that he is, he may even be a better person.”
If confirmed, Wall will take over for Ronald Gathe, an appointee by President Joe Biden’s administration who left in February after four years in the role. Gathe’s first assistant U.S. attorney, April Leon, has served as acting U.S. attorney since Trump ordered the removal of all Biden appointees.
See U.S. ATTORNEY, page 2G
Gathering to announce that the Livingston Parish Council is providing $15,000 to the Livingston Parish SADD’s summer camp, from left, are Dylan Ivy, Daisy Baio, Skylar Newton, Jude Cummings, David
Livingston Parish President Randy Delatte, Laura Dunlap and Joe Shumate.
“Serving Livingston Parish isn’t just about roads and drainage,” said Delatte. “It’s about defending the next generation before they ever end up in an ambulance or a courtroom. Every overdose victim we lose started somewhere — with one bad decision, one bad influence, one bad moment no one caught early.”
Registration is underway for the free camp scheduled for June 9-13 at Seventh Ward Elementary in Denham Springs. The camp focus on peer-led safety and pre-
vention education for children and youth across the parish. Funds will be used for staff,
See OPIOID, page 2G
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
drives the ball against Jena in the
non-select championship on May
PROVIDED PHOTO
Livingston Mayor JT Taylor presented the Doyle softball team with a key to the town on May 8.
Dunlap,
Charles Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP
Historical society learns about Camp-Win-A-Friend
Community news report
Retired Louisiana State troopers Carl Barnum, Robert Ricks and Charles Sullivan shared their memories of Camp-Win-A-Friend, the closed State Police camp north of Holden, May 3 at the Edward Livingston Historical Society meeting. The camp was established in 1974 Louisiana patterned its camp after Kentucky’s after Louisiana officials toured it. Girls were later included as campers when female troopers were added to the force. Each of Louisiana’s State Police troops selected 40 participants ages 11-13 for a one-week stay at the camp. The participants were primarily from families in need, and the objective was to show them that the police were not their enemy, hence the origin of the name Camp-Win-A-Friend Activities included swimming fishing and canoeing on the Tickfaw River and playing pool in the recreation room.
U.S.ATTORNEY
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Since 2016, Wall has served as an assistant district attorney in Perrilloux’s office, which has a jurisdiction covering Livingston, St. Helena and Tangipahoa parishes Baton Rouge’s neighboring district attorney called Wall “the full package,” and said he is practically “in charge of that office in my eyes” about the 21st JDC.
“He has tried homicides, sex offenses, drug cases. He has done it all. He recently prosecuted one of the bigger opioid distributors and federal distributors we had in Livingston Parish,” Perrilloux said. Wall served as the line prosecutor in the second case against Michael Wearry, a major case in Livingston in 2018. Wearry was originally sent to death row in 2002 after being accused of killing 16-year-old Eric Walber in 1998 but had that conviction overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court Wall and others in the DA’s Office ultimately secured a guilty plea to manslaughter, for which Wearry was given a 25-year sentence.
“He does a great job of evaluating cases on the front-end and establishing relationships with his victims,” Perrilloux said about Wall. “He can quickly see where a case is probably going and is very wellversed at getting a result.”
Before trying cases in Livingston, Wall was an assistant district attorney in East Baton Rouge Parish under Doug Moreau, who preceded current District Attorney Hillar Moore. It was there that Wall served
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poned due to inclement weather Food trucks will serve up their favorites from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mattie Street in the city’s Antique District.
Blue Ducky 5K
The Blue Ducky 5K Waddle, held in remembrance of Stephany Nicolosi, is returning for a second year Saturday in Springfield.
The Blue Ducky comes from Stephany’s love of the color blue and her love of rubber duckies. After her death, Nicolosi’s organ, eye and tissue donations helped eight lives. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Chris Klug Foundation, a nonprofit organization that educates on the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.
The event will be held at Tickfaw State Park.
Check-in is from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday
There was also a chapel where area ministers were invited to hold services. The Gideons often brought refreshments such as ice cream. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries taught gun safety classes.
In addition to state troopers, the camp was staffed by five Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola inmates who cooked and provided
alongside Brandon Fremin, one of many former Baton Rouge assistant district attorneys who have moved up the ranks to become a U.S. attorney “Even in his earliest years as a prosecutor, the office entrusted him with some of the most serious cases, so it was obvious that Kurt was a star on the rise,” Fremin said about Wall’s time in Baton Rouge. Fremin was appointed as U.S. attorney in the Middle District during Trump’s first term, taking over in February 2018 and then stepping down in February 2021. He said his former colleague is uniquely suited for the role.
“He has the perfect combination of experience as a courtroom litigator, as a high-level manager and the natural leadership to make a real impact immediately,” Fremin said. “A big component of being effective in the job is forging partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. This is where Kurt will shine. He already has great relationships with all the major players in the law enforcement community so he can get right down to the business of making cases.”
In a statement Wednesday, Wall called the nomination an honor, and said he is looking forward to making an impact on violent crime in the region. Until he’s confirmed, Wall said he is going to continue to prosecute his caseload Livingston, St. Helena and Tangipahoa parishes to “make sure that those victims receive the attention they deserve.”
Email Patrick SloanTurner at patrick.sloanturner@theadvocate.com.
housekeeping and maintenance. Sullivan recalled that one inmate was so eager to become an electrician that he became Sullivan’s assistant and followed him to all Sullivan’s camp jobs. Sullivan gave him a 2x4 and told him that if the high voltage ever “grabbed” Sullivan to use the 2x4 to knock him off the line with it. Because most of the cooks
OPIOID
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curriculum development, materials and supplies to ensure the program’s success.
“It’s a full week where kids
learned their trade working on oil rigs, the food was always good. This brought utility workers to the camp if they were in the area, and they in turn would reciprocate with prompt service if there was a problem at the camp, the troopers said. In addition to the troopers and inmates, there was one family who received the use of a house and free lodging to provide security by manning the gate when the troopers were not there.
Each trooper shared a personal memory from his work at the camp. Barnum related that after some construction lumber had been “borrowed,” he was detailed one summer to be the night guard on the only road into the camp. He decided one night to take a nap but was awakened by a herd of cows, one of which had stuck its head through the open window of his car, frightening him awake. Elvis Presley donated to replace the stolen lumber Sullivan was once summoned to
learn — not just through lectures — but through peer-topeer leadership,” Delatte added. “We’re building a culture where kids look out for each other before it’s too late. Livingston Parish doesn’t react. We lead.” Dylan Ivy, executive di-
the State Capitol for questioning about what happened to the federal government’s NASA domes that had been used to roof the cabins. The domes had been miscoded as being donated for private use. He was relieved that he wasn’t going to federal prison when the feds accepted his explanation that they were being used by the state for a public purpose.
Ricks said he thought he was a teenager again when he was made camp director because he could dress in leisure clothes, even wearing shorts and tennis shoes in the summer He never regretted going to work a single day while stationed at the camp. After 18 years, the camp closed in summer 1992 Recruiting state police volunteers was also difficult because they had
rector of Livingston Parish SADD, expressed gratitude for the parish’s commitment to prevention.
“We are incredibly appreciative of the financial support from the Parish President’s Office and the Livingston Parish Council,” Ivy said.
“We’re looking forward to all the fun and powerful prevention lessons that will take place this summer This contribution will make a lasting impact on our community.” To register, visit www.lpsadd.org/programs/summercamp.
Race entry is $45 and covers the cost of entry to the race and swag items. A virtual 5K has been added for May 24-31. For information, visit, ultrasignup.com/register aspx?did=117645.
Cruisin’ Da Bayou Tickfaw River Village Campground is hosting its second Cruisin’ Da Bayou Car Show Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25. The weekend will include car truck and bike show with a $25 per vehicle entry Call the Campground for to book a camping spot
A Cruise Fun Run is set for May 23 by Bayhi’s Landing. Sign-up is $50 per team at 9 a.m. with stops at Black Lake Club, Manny’s, Boondocks Bar & Grill, Moonlight Inn, Daiquiri Shack and Bayhi’s Landing.
Teams may return to the pavilion from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to complete the fun run. winners announced immediately after There will be food, live music and drinks available. The car show starts at 8 a.m. May 24 when the gates open. For information, visit livingstontourism.com/ Events/Details/182.
Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@theadvocate. com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 388-0731.
DOYLE
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Sheriff’s Office was waiting at the I-10 parish line to escort the team bus on the final leg of its return from Sulphur Once they reached the Doyle campus, there was a fireworks display along with a throng of fans that were on hand to show their appreciation. After the players returned to school for a few days, Doyle found time to host its athletic banquet where the seniors were honored including catcher Kylee Savant, whose threerun double was the difference in the championship game win.
“Its been a crazy week, but I’m still smiling ear to ear just knowing what these young ladies were able to do,” Doyle coach Kyle Wieck said. What Doyle did was show it could take care of business that went unfinished last season. Doyle lost 1-0 to Sterlington in the 2024 title game and came back this season with a 4-0 playoff run. That number included a 13-3 win over top-seeded Kaplan in the semifinals, but a 5-3 quarterfinal win at Sterlington was the biggest. “Going to Sterlington, obviously, was a make or break game for us just because of the history we have with them,” Wieck said. “Once we got past them, that was the moment
I said to myself, ‘We really can do this.’ We had confidence we could compete, but once we got past Sterlington and the heartache from last year, I felt like the girls weren’t going to be denied.”
Technically, Doyle is an unincorporated community just east of the town of Livingston, but everyone wanted to be a Tiger after the school’s run to the state championship.
Charles Salzer covers Livingston sports for the Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate. To reach Salzer, email livingston@ theadvocate.com.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Former state troopers Robert Ricks, Carl Barnum and Charles Sullivan speak May 3 at the Edward Livingston Historical Society meeting
STAFF PHOTOS BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Doyle catcher Kylee Savant (00) is mobbed by her teammates after being named the most valuable player following the win over Jena in the Division III nonselect championship on May 4 at Frasch Park in Sulphur Doyle pitcher Isabella Collins delivers a pitch against Jena in the first inning of the Division III nonselect championship on May 4 at Frasch Park in Sulphur
Volunteers for Family, Community donates tree to Amite arena
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Community news report
On April 24, 12 members from Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community attended an Earth Day tree planting ceremony at the Florida Parish Arena in Amite.
The event was sponsored by the LSU Hammond Research Station.
TVFC planted a Nuttall Oak tree sapling on the grounds at the arena As a show of appreciation for the tree donation, 4-H Junior leader Graysen Wallace presented TVFC with a commentative plaque. Environmental chair Jean Hebert accepted the award on the club’s behalf.
Other members who attended the event were President Glo-
ria Messenger, Vice President Marie Heck, Treasurer Sharon Miano, Reporter Pam Villagran, Parliamentarian Sue Nelson and members Maureen Felder, Donna Bouterie, Anita Murray, Ginny Shartle, Jamie McDonald and Lucie Hanewinkel.
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community is an all-volunteer arm of LSU Agriculture Extension Service. It consists of two clubs: Wednesday Volunteers for Family and Community and Sunshine Ladies.
For information about TVFC local groups, email Messenger, at ggmessenger1@gmail.com or Nelson at suenelson41@yahoo.com.
Cane’s donates over $4,500 to animal shelters
Community news report
On National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, April 30, Raising Cane’s presented funds raised from restaurants across Baton Rouge to Denham Springs Animal Shelter; Mercy Search and Rescue, of St. Amant; Must Luv Dogs, of Zachary and East Feliciana; and Baton Rouge’s Friends of the Animals.
Ex-Doyle coach taking over Class 5A program
BY ROBIN FAMBROUGH Staff writer
After spending two years as an assistant coach at Live Oak High School, former Doyle coach Amanda Decell was hired as the new softball coach at District 5-5A rival Denham Springs.
“They approached me and gauged my interest in the job and told me we would talk after our season ended,” Decell said. “I met with (Denham Springs administrators on Tuesday) and everything went great.
“Because of travel ball with my three children, I need to be close to home. Denham is five minutes closer than Live Oak. I feel like this is the best thing for us as a family I want my kids with me to watch them graduate from Denham Springs.” Decell, a former LSU Eunice and LSU Alexandria player, spent 11 years as Doyle’s coach, leading the Tigers to one state title and one runner-up finish in five LHSAA tourney berths. She was voted state coach of the year once and won five district titles at Doyle. Decell said the two years she spent as an assistant coach to Katie Prescott at Live Oak were insightful. The Eagles’ season ended with a Division I quarterfinal loss to top-seeded Sam Houston last week.
“At Live Oak, I got to take a step back and see how Katie did things and operated her program,” she said. “I learned a lot and I think that experience has better prepared me for this job.”
Email Robin Fambrough at rfambrough@ theadvocate.com
Over $4,500 was raised through sales from Raising Cane’s Golden Plush Puppy campaign in honor of its 28th Golden Birthday
From March 19 through April 29, Raising Cane’s sold limited-edition Golden Plush Puppies inspired by its oncein-a-lifetime milestone, with 100% of net proceeds ben-
efiting local pet welfare organizations.
Designed to commemorate Cane’s 28th year, the campaign raised funds nationwide, including right here in Baton Rouge, continuing Cane’s long-standing commitment to supporting animal welfare and communities from coast to coast, a news release said.
Todd Graves, owner and founder of Raising Cane’s, infused his passion for animals into the brand he founded in 1996, naming it after his beloved dog. The Plush Puppy initiative is an annual tradition and has raised over $2 million to date for community dog parks, no-kill rescues and animal shelters across the U.S.
Thomas the Tortoise visits St. Francisville Rotary, school
Community news report
Thomas, the 200-pound tortoise recently visited the Rotary Club of St. Francisville and Bains Lower Elementary School, guided by handlers Cecil and Lauren Garaudy of Denham Springs.
The father and daughter duo, both of whom work for DEMCO, took a moment away from work recently to deliver a presentation for the local Rotary Club and school to share their personal 20-year journey with Thomas.
Thomas, a Sulcata tortoise, also known as an African spurred tortoise began as a small, palm-sized gift for Garaudy’s son over two decades ago, and Thomas has grown to 200 pounds and 3 feet long
Originating from the semiarid desert regions of Africa, the Sulcata tortoise is renowned for its friendly and engaging nature as a pet. This has resulted in extensive breeding programs across the southern United States, particularly in states such as Arizona.
Sulcatas, however, are not for everyone, Garaudy stated.
“They love to burrow large holes in the ground to avoid the extreme daytime heat, and their destructive behavior can wreak havoc on your yard’s landscaping,” he said.
Sulcatas also require a large and strong enclosure, otherwise they will wander off in search of food and adventure.
Owning a Sulcata, Garaudy added, can be a lifelong commitment as their life expectancy averages more than 70 years. While they belong to the same biological order as turtles, tortoises are distinctly different from turtles in that tortoises are exclusively land creatures whereas turtles are aquatic or amphibious.
Thomas’ diet is fiber-rich with fresh vegetables and low protein, namely lettuce, bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, etc.
Given Thomas’ healthy appetite, Garaudy said that planting his own vegetable garden might make sense
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Thomas, a 20-year-old Sulcata tortoise, recently visited Bains Lower Elementary. With the tortoise, first row, from left, are, students Dorian Reed, Michael Netherland, Jaleigh Boyance, Tre’ Lenn Davis and McKinley Weathers; and second row, Thomas’ handlers Cecil Garaudy and Lauren Garaudy and West Feliciana schools Superintendent Hollis Milton.
The Rev. Brandon Sikes, a Rotarian, pauses in front of the West Feliciana Library with Thomas the tortoise.
to most people, but Thomas would inevitably penetrate any garden fencing only to gorge himself silly
To put Thomas’s strength in perspective, he has been observed casually pushing Garaudy’s large riding lawn mower across the yard under his own power
Many Rotarians and schoolchildren took turns posing for photos and petting his shell.
Despite Thomas’s thick and hard shell, it is sensitive
enough to sense even a gentle human touch
The Garaudys are supporters of St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and often bring Thomas to events whenever there’s a local St. Jude fundraiser or recognition program.
Dollar General Literacy Foundation awards area groups
Community news report
On May 8, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation announced the awarding of more than $200,000 in literacy grants to Louisiana nonprofit organizations, libraries and schools.
The funds are a part of a donation of more than $13.2 million to support adult, family and summer literacy programs in the 48 states in which Dollar General operates.
Area recipients include:
Geismar: New Consecrated Community Outreach, $3,000
Gonzales: River Parishes Community College, $10,000
Hammond: Southeastern Louisiana University
$10,000
Zachary: My Kid Plate Foundation, $10,000
“For over 30 years, the foundation has been investing in literacy and basic education programs in our hometown communities,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation “Today’s grant announcement is a celebration of our
unwavering commitment to student and teacher success. We are grateful to all the grant recipients for their commitment to advancing education and helping students thrive.” The grants awarded to Louisiana organizations are expected to impact the lives of more than 6,500 individuals, a news release said.
The grants aim to support schools, public libraries and nonprofit organizations within a 15-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center in implementing new literacy initiatives or expanding existing ones. Funding may be used to purchase new technology, books, materials, or software to enhance literacy programs. Learn about the Foundation’s literacy grant programs online at www dgliteracy.org.
The foundation plans to launch its sixth annual The Yellow Glasses Project campaign July 21. Customers can purchase yellow sunglasses at Dollar General stores for $2 each to benefit the DGLF
Jean Hebert and Grayson Wallace with a tree donated to Florida Parish Arena in Amite by Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community
Tangipahoa Volunteers for Family and Community members donating a tree on Earth Day are members, from left, Jamie McDonald, Sue Nelson, Gloria Messenger, Jean Hebert, Lucie Haneswinkel, Donna Bouterie, Anita Murray, Sharon Miano, Marie Heck and Ginny Shartle.
Decell
Southeastern Louisiana University students Jaione Critney, left, and Brayden Guitreau, both of Gonzales, were honored at the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences’ honors convocation. Critney was recognized as Outstanding Student in Painting while Guitreau received the James Wilcox Outstanding Graduating Music Major Award.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Southeastern Louisiana University students from Tangipahoa Parish who were honored recently at the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences’ honors convocation are, from left, Jacob Bankston of Hammond, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance Award; Mara Montecino of Loranger, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance Award; Christian Marks, Amite, Harold Leu Award in Political Science; Justin Wiggins, Hammond, D Vickers Award for Creative Writing; and Ekaterina Oborina of Hammond Outstanding Senior Award in Communication.
Southeastern Louisiana University students from Livingston Parish who were honored at the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences’ honors convocation are, from left, Sara Cavalier, of Livingston, who received the Director’s Award in General Studies; and Madison Davis, of Denham Springs, who received the Outstanding Student in Sculpture Award.
SLU honors students in arts, humanities, social sciences
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences honored top graduates at its annual honors convocation April 30.
Departmental awards were presented to the following area students:
Amite: Christian Marks, Harold Leu Award in Political Science.
Baton Rouge: Jordan Mckenzie, Outstanding Student in New Media & Animation.
Covington: Erin Martin, Theatre Design Award; Connor Smith, Outstanding Graduating Senior Award in General Studies.
Denham Springs: Madison Davis, Outstanding Student in Sculpture.
Gonzales: Peyton Conyers, Outstanding Student in Ceramics;
LSU to hold 319th commencement
Friday, Saturday
Community news report
More than 5,000 LSU students are expected to graduate during LSU’s 319th commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17. There is no main ceremony for the May commencement; instead, there are separate diploma ceremonies for each college beginning at 8 a.m. At this time, here is what you can expect:
n There will be no restrictions on the number of attending guests.
n Graduates will be invited to walk across the stage while their names are called.
n Doors will open for each event approximately one hour prior to the start of the ceremony
n At the culmination of the ceremony, graduates and their guests should plan to meet outside the venue.
n LSU’s clear bag policy is in effect for all athletic venues to prioritize public safety while streamlining the screening and entry process. Only clear tote bags smaller than 12” x 6” x 12” will be allowed into LSU Athletics venues. One-gallon clear plastic bags and/ or small handheld clutch purses, not larger than 4.5” X 6.5”, will also be allowed to enter All backpacks, regardless of size, are prohibited. Exceptions will only be made for those with approved medical needs. All bags are subject to search and inspection. Reminder, diaper bags that do not meet the clear bag policy guidelines will not be admitted. For more information, visit LSUsports.net/geauxsafe.
A complete list of times, locations, graduates who authorized the release of their names, and livestream information will be available online at www lsu edu/commencement
LOUISIANA TECH WINTER HONOR ROLL
Community news report
Louisiana Tech University has announced its 2025 Winter Quarter honor lists. Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.
To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher). Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible.
Livingston
Albany: Gracie Harvey*, Walker Poe, Mackenzie Richardson, Macy Thibodeaux Denham Springs: Emma Allerheiligen, Zakery Barbier Logan Burge, Tyler Chapman, Tony Cour-
ville*, Taylor Czarnecki, Mackenzie Dear, Mandolyn Donohue*, Nathan Duke, Karissa Englert, Sophia Esposito*, Alayna Felder-Fields*, Isabella Ferguson Delaney Ferris*, Brinton Harmon*, Anne Hebert, Benjamin Haley*, Brandon Jones*, Kyle Kieronski*, William Langley*, Luke Martin Jason Mitchell, Logan Pertuis, Ella Price*, Nicholas Russell*, Sara Schneller, Mia Schoen, Hanna Stout*, Laney Vige, Dylan Watson Livingston: Emily Armand*, Cohen Lawless, Mason Smith* Maurepas: Pierce Emery Springfield: Peyton Ellis* Walker: John Bergeron*, Catherine Douglas, Garrett Patrick, Sydni Seighman*, Ilea Watson* Tangipahoa
Amite: Kaleigh Powell*, Benjamin Williams Hammond: Kohl Garner*, Drew Mckee, Conor Montalbano, Micah Moskau*, Anthony Odak, Olivia Richardson, Maxwell Turner* Independence: Devin Powell, Bryce Trapen Kentwood: Audrey Conn
Ponchatoula: Hanna Bankston, Nickolas Guarneri, William Machen, Kaydence Myers* Robert: Shawn Mccray
Jaione Critney, Outstanding Student in Painting; Brayden Guitreau, James Wilcox Outstanding Graduating Music Major Greensburg: Brianna Ballard, Outstanding Senior in English (Language and Literature).
Hammond: Jacob Bankston, Martina Buck Award in History; Katie Chenier, Outstanding Student in 2D Design; Ekaterina Oborina, Outstanding Senior Award in
Communication; Justin Wiggins, D Vickers Award for Creative Writing; and Ashton Williams, Outstanding Student in Printmaking.
Jackson: Julia Blanchard, Ralph R. Pottle Outstanding Freshman.
Livingston: Sara Cavalier, Director’s Award in General Studies.
Loranger: Mara Montecino, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance Award.
Ponchatoula: Maxon Stroud, Outstanding Student in Photography Also at the convocation, the college honored four faculty members with awards. Recognized were Samantha Cavell, Excellence in Teaching; Keith Finley, Excellence in Research; Marc Settembrino, Excellence in Service; and Cristina Molina, Excellence in Creative Activity
Southeastern nursing, health sciences students honored
Community news report
Five students received the Southeastern Louisiana University College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ highest honor, the Dean’s Award, at the college’s recent annual honors convocation.
The Dean’s Award in the Department of Health and Human Sciences was presented to Mychal Bennett, of Shreveport; Sophia Foto, of Covington; and Hannah Harris, of Holden.
The Dean’s Award in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies went to Karalyn Moragne, of Mandeville, while the School of Nursing Dean’s Award went to Jordan Roberts, of Ethel.
The Significant Partnership Award was presented by each department in recognition of contributions to the educational programs in the college. Vice President and Nursing Administration/ Associate Chief Nursing Officer Wendy Singleton at Woman’s Hospital accepted the award from the School of Nursing.
Dr Mark Crosby, of Live Oak Church Counseling Center, was honored by the Department of Health and Human Sciences, while the Department of Kinesiology and Health Studies honored Brandon Miller, of Miller’s Mart.
Area students honored at the ceremony include: Ascension Parish: Reed Davis, Prairieville, CNHS Ambassador; Caterina
Byars, Prairieville and Pyburn Award for Outstanding Senior in Human Sciences. East Baton Rouge” Taj Baldwin, Baton Rouge, Title-IV Child Welfare Recipient; Ashley Freese, Baton Rouge, Population Health Management Outstanding Graduate; Kirsten Ross, Baker, Title-IV Child Welfare Recipient; and Lesley Tilley, Baton Rouge, Doctor of Nursing Practice Distinguished Scholar Award East Feliciana Parish: Jordan Roberts, Ethel, School of Nursing Dean’s Award Livingston Parish: Hannah Harris, Livingston, Health and Human Sciences Dean’s Award; Devin Kimbrell, Denham Springs, Title-IV Child Welfare Recipi-
ent, Megan Rodgers, Denham Springs, Opal Carl Award; Gabrielle Sharp, Holden, Title-IV Child Welfare Recipient; Madeline Watson, Walker, Outstanding Graduate in Health Sciences and CNHS Ambassador; Kayla Werner, Walker, Title-IV Child Welfare Recipient; and Treveon Williams Walker CNHS Ambassador Tangipahoa Parish: Halle Bouffard, Hammond, SON Leadership and Service Award; Rebekah Doty, Independence, CNHS Ambassador; Nicole O’Neil, Hammond, Outstanding Graduate in Exercise Science; Madison Ourso, Amite, Outstanding Graduate in Fitness and Human Performance; Kirsten Saint, Hammond, Counseling Outstanding Graduate; and Terrell Webb, Hammond, Graduate Scholar Award in Kinesiology
annual
Teacher
Lions Connected, a Southeastern Louisiana University program that provides personalized, post-secondary educational experiences for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
SLU honors education students
of Regents Future Educator
From left are Natalie Ioannou of Hammond, Outstanding Teacher Candidate Award in Early Childhood Education, PK-3 and Resident Student Teacher of the Year finalist; Abby Edwards of Kentwood, Resident Student Teacher of the Year finalist; and Grace Perilloux of Ponchatoula, Resident Student Teacher of the Year finalist.
SPRINGFIELD: Claire
Outstanding Teacher Candidate Award
Resident Student Teacher of the Year finalist. HAMMOND: Natalie Ioannou, Outstanding Teacher Candidate Award in Early Childhood Education, PK-3 and Resident Student Teacher of the Year finalist. KENTWOOD: Abby Edwards, Resident Student Teacher of the Year finalist; Sydney Lee, Board of Regents Future Educator Honor Roll and Resident Student Teacher of the Year finalist. PONCHATOULA: Chad Boh, Roman Heleniak Award for Social Studies Education; Grace Perilloux, Resident Student Teacher of the Year finalist; and Briana Riley, Lions Connected completer
Halle Bouffard, left, of Hammond. Congratulating her is dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Ann Carruth.
Madeline Watson, left, of Walker, and Hannah Harris, of Livingston
Folks,
in Middle School Education, 4-8. WALKER: Lauren Efferson, Lions Connected completer
First row, from left, Lauren Efferson of Walker and Brianna Riley, of Ponchatoula; and second rowt, Kumar Patel, of Mandeville, Kyron Thomas of Amite, and Micheal Lucio of Mandeville, completed
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Southeastern Louisiana University recognized students from Livingston Parish at the
honors convocation From left are Claire Folks of Springfield, Outstanding
Candidate Award in Middle School Education, 4-8; Grace Reynerson of Denham Springs, Outstanding Teacher Candidate Award in English Education; Sydney Lee, Board
Honor Roll; Presley Pourciau of Denham Springs, Resident Student Teacher of the Year finalist; Madelyn Courville of Denham Springs, Resident Student Teacher of the Year finalist.