Longtime state senator dies at 84
Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Free cancer screenings planned
Free cancer screenings, including breast, colorectal, prostate and skin, will be provided from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday by Mary Bird Perkins in Jambalaya Park, 1015 E. Cornerview Road, in Gonzales.
Appointments are required and can be made by calling (225) 425-8034 or visiting pogo. marybird.com.
Festival of Friends
Stop by St. Theresa Middle School on Saturday and Sunday for the annual Festival of Friends. The festival includes games, bingo, music and food. For information, visit https:// visitlasweetspot.com/events/ festival-of-friends-oct-4-5/.
Farmers market
Visit the Donaldsonville Farmers Market from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Louisiana Square. For information, call Janice White at (225) 717-0031 or Juanita Pearley at (225) 4734814.
Touch a Truck, Chili Cook-off
Leadership Ascension’s Trailblazers team is raising money for Ascension Parish Fire District 1 on Sunday with its Touch a Truck and Chili Cook-off event at 219 S. Irma Blvd. in Gonzales. Tour firefighting equipment and eat some chili from 11 a.m to 2 p.m.
Cancer awareness program
Community Sisterhood is planning a Cancer Awareness Month event from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at Progressive Baptist Church, 36093 La. 73, in Geismar Trunk or Treat planned
Small-business owners of Ascension Parish are hosting Nightmare on Highway 30
Trunk-or-Treat from 4 p.m to 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at Tanger Outlets in Gonzales.
The event will include candy, prizes, haunted bus and costume contest.
Arc plans Halloween event
Arc of East Ascension is holding its Truck-or-Treat drive-thru Halloween event
Oct. 15 at its Gonzales Center
The group is looking for trucks to take part in the fifth annual event. To volunteer or sign up your vehicle, call (225) 621-2000 or email info@ thearcea.org.
Louis Lambert helped draft state constitution
BY TYLER BRIDGES Staff writer
Louis Lambert, who had a long and productive career in the state Senate and the Public Service Commission during the heyday of populist Democrats in Louisiana but who fell achingly short in the 1979 governor’s race, losing by only a handful of votes, died Saturday, according to the Rev Rodney Wood, a family friend.
Lambert died in Sorrento of liver cancer at age 84 after surviving
three previous bouts of cancer
“I’m a fighter,” he said weeks earlier “I’m a strong Roman Catholic. I put my faith in Christ.”
From 1972 to 2004, except for two years, Lambert served in either the Senate or on the Public Service Commission, and he served as one of the delegates who in 1973 drafted the current state constitution.
Lambert became a household figure in Louisiana during the 1979 governor’s race, coming up short in a race won by David Treen, a Republican. Years later, Lambert described the narrow defeat as “traumatic.”
“I owned a Ford tractor,” he said. “For a couple of months, I bush hogged to get it out of my head. I had a big pasture in Prairieville.”
St. Amant High
Baton Rouge Home Show brings inspiration to Gonzales
BY WENDY LOUP Contributing
Homeowners
prevent problems with air conditioning units and heaters with two tuneups per year,” Anders said. Archie, a 3-year-old dog, named after former New Orleans Saints
STAFF FILE PHOTO
Louis Lambert, running for Louisiana governor in 1979, speaks to constituents in Lafayette. The longtime political figure in the state died Saturday at age 84.
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
Jack Anders, of Doggone Good Heating & Cooling, with 3-year-old mascot Archie, promotes services during the Baton Rouge Home Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
More than two dozen home improvement and landscaping vendors were featured during this weekend’s Baton Rouge Home Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center
St. Amant High’s Homecoming
Vinnett and King Rashaad Williams reign.
St. Amant High Homecoming Queen Jade Vinnett is crowned Friday during the football game.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
The St Amant Homecoming Court surrounds King Rashaad Williams during Thursday’s pep rally. ä See LAMBERT, page 2G ä See AROUND, page 2G
Ascension Fire District holds 9/11 memorial
Community news report
Ascension Parish Fire District 1 held its annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Sept. 11 marking the 24th anniversary of the attacks on the U.S.
Members of the local fire, EMS, law enforcement, government officials and residents gathered for an event at the fire district headquarters on Airline Highway in Gonzales. Those gathered at the ceremony heard from St. Amant and Fifth Ward Fire Chief James E LeBlanc, Parish President Clint Cointment, Gonzales Mayor Tim Riley, Parish Assessor Mert Smiley Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre and Chaplain Ken Spivey Outside the headquarters emergency equipment was on display
The service concluded with a moment of silence to remember all lives lost that day in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania as well as the heroes of our Armed Forces who continue to stand for freedom around the world, LeBlanc
said.
Following the ceremony, Ascension Funeral Home, Ralph’s Supermarket and Atmos Energy hosted a reception.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended today’s re-
22
CEO
of the expanded facility
Mary Bird Perkins completes Gonzales renovation, expansion
Community news report
The renovation and expansion of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Gonzales location was celebrated Sept 22 with a ribboncutting and tours of the facility.
The 6,000-square-foot facility expansion features a 2,500-squarefoot infusion suite with 14 semi-private infusion bays and one private room, a lab, retail pharmacy, new exam rooms and more. Patients will also gain access to enhanced programs and resources, including a patient navigator, a dietitian, palliative care specialists and clinical trials.
This expansion more than triples the Gonzales Cancer Center’s capacity, allowing it to serve over 300 patients each month.
“We are excited to unveil this beautiful new space for our community here in Gonzales,” said Jonas Fontenot, president and CEO, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center “With the area’s growing population, along with an increasing demand for cancer care and treatment, this expansion comes from many years of collaborating with Ascension Parish residents and providing for their needs We know this space will offer the proximity and clinical quality that patients have wanted, and in most cases, they will be able to access cancer services in a comfortable setting, close to home, where they have the support of nearby family members and friends.”
Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center team members showcase some of the facility’s technology during a tour of the expanded Gonzales center
Mary Bird Perkins has served Ascension Parish for over 15 years thanks to donors who have made it possible to provide local residents with the latest technology, early detection and screening programs, and prevention, survivorship and other key services, a news release said.
“With our community continuing to grow, high-quality cancer services are needed more than ever,” said DeEtte DeArmond, founding member of the Gonzales Area Foundation. “The expanded resources provided by Mary Bird Perkins will make a huge difference to many in the Ascension Parish area. It gives us great joy to contribute to the Invest in Ascension initiative and position our community for a healthy future.”
The Cancer Center is at 1104 W. La 30 in Gonzales. To learn about Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Gonzales, visit marybird.org or call (225) 644-1205.
membrance and to our community partners who continue to honor and support our local first responders,” LeBlanc said.
Other elected officials who attended the event were School Board members Willie Robinson
LAMBERT
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Lambert wanted to run for governor again, but his path was blocked in the three succeeding elections by the presence of the preeminent populist Democrat of his era: four-term Gov Edwin Edwards.
“(Lambert) was a man of conviction,” said Marty Chabert, Lambert’s seatmate in the state Senate who also served with him on the LSU Board of Supervisors. He worried about every bill, and he worried about his people.”
Starting out as a page
Lambert grew up in Sorrento in Ascension Parish. His father ran a five-and-dime corner store, allowing customers who couldn’t pay the full amount at the time of purchase to settle up at the end of the month when they received their paychecks or welfare checks.
Lambert had the best grades in his high school civics class and was rewarded by becoming a page at the State Capitol for three weeks. He rode a Greyhound bus to and from Baton Rouge each day
Lambert enjoyed the work and political atmosphere so much that he wrote his congressman to ask for an appointment as a page in Congress. When the call came, Lambert was told he had to be in Washington, D.C., the next day
His parents hurriedly bought him a suit or two in Geismar and took him to the airport for his first plane ride
In Washington, Lambert lived in a dormlike setting with the other pages while they completed their high school studies. Then-Sen. John F. Kennedy was the commencement speaker at his 1958 graduation Then-Vice President Richard Nixon handed out the diplomas.
Lambert remained for a time in Washington with a job provided by then-Sen. Allen Ellender, of Louisiana. He operated a senators-only elevator at the Capitol On his first day, though, still getting the hang of the old-fashioned equipment, he accidentally closed the door on Ellender.
“It scared him, but it scared me more than him,” Lambert remembered.
Back home, Lambert attended LSU and was accepted into the university’s law school. But he couldn’t afford to go. Instead, he taught school and drove a bus while he attended Loyola Law School in New Orleans at night.
HOME SHOW
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and Ole Miss quarterback Archie Manning, greeted potential customers while wearing an LSU cap. Lancaster said Doggone Good is based in Baton Rouge, but he hopes to reach customers in Ascension Parish during the expo. The show also featured Ascension Parish small businesses such as One Bath & Closets. David DeVall, owner of One Bath & Closets, discussed bathroom and closet remodels during the expo. DeVall first began home renovations in 1992. Over the years, he found a
and John De Francis, Justice of the Peace Christie Mayeux, Jody Picou from State Rep. Jeff Wiley’s Office, Ascension CAO Ricky Compton, Ascension Chief of Staff Lucy Cason, members from the Gonzales, Prairieville, St. Amant, 5th Ward,
Sorrento, Geismar, 7th District and Galvez-Lake fire departments and members of the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office. Ascension Funeral Home presented the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office with a memorial folded flag
A wild election
While working as an attorney in Ascension Parish, Lambert was elected to the state Senate in 1972, as a delegate to the constitutional convention a year later and to the Public Service Commission in 1974. Over the next several years, Lambert made a name opposing rate increases proposed by electricity companies and by raising concerns about the safety of nuclear power In 1979, Lambert ran for governor, attempting to achieve the same feat as Huey Long, Jimmie Davis and John McKeithen, who had used the PSC as a launching pad for the Governor’s Mansion. Lambert joined a competitive field seeking to replace the popular Edwards, who was completing his second term as governor and couldn’t run for reelection. Besides Lambert, the major Democrats were: Lt Gov Jimmy Fitzmorris, Secretary of State Paul Hardy, Speaker of the House Bubba Henry and state Sen. Edgar Mouton of Lafayette. Treen, a member of Congress, was leading a Republican Party effort trying to reverse decades of Democratic control.
Lambert, 38, was an energetic candidate, flying around the state on a small plane owned by a friend, shaking hands and giving stump speeches at every stop.
On election night, complete but unofficial returns showed that Treen led with 21.6% of the vote followed by Fitzmorris with 20.6% and Lambert 20.5%. Only 1,149 votes separated the latter two men out of 1.36 million votes cast.
Three days later, after the voting machines had been opened for a more exact tally, the official returns showed that Lambert had edged past Fitzmorris by 2,500 votes and was slated to face Treen in the runoff six weeks later Fitzmorris sued to overturn the result, saying voting irregularities had put Lambert in second place But a three-day trial affirmed the vote.
Lambert returned to the campaign trail, but Treen won a squeaker by 8,500 votes and became the first Republican governor since the post-Civil War Reconstruction Era. Later, Lambert blamed his defeat on two factors. One was that Fitzmorris, Hardy, Henry and Mouton all endorsed Treen — and went on to get high-profile jobs in the Treen administration, Lambert noted.
He also noted that Edwards said his wife, Elaine, planned to vote for Treen, and while the outgoing governor gave an endorsement for Lambert, it was so tepid that
niche in bathroom and closet renovations.
One Bath & Closets provides renovations such as tub-to-shower conversions and closet expansions featuring various hanging capacity
As a Prairieville resident who started One Bath & Closets in 2015, DeVall was a highly sought-after renovator in the years following the 2016 flood.
“It was a crazy time, and we didn’t have a day off in two years,” DeVall added. “I hope and pray we never see anything like that again.”
Some of the businesses featured at the event are located outside of the greater Baton Rouge area, but hope to expand across the state. Lafayette-based Peli-
can Roofing Company consultants Rob Noe and Dion Adams answered questions regarding residential and commercial roofing, storm damage inspections and repair Pelican Roofing Company services both Lafayette and the greater Baton Rouge area.
“I like how people talk to their neighbors here and tell someone about our work and then those people tell someone else,” Noe, an Ascension Parish resident, said. ‘It’s a builtin value and you hear about it when people see you’ve done a good job.”
American Consumer Shows, located in New York, produces 230 shows annually, including both home improvement and wedding expos.
Lambert’s media consultant, Roy Fletcher, said they had to patch together Edwards’ comments to produce a campaign ad.
Lambert later said Edwards also worked quietly behind the scenes to boost Treen.
“Everyone in politics knew he was trying to get Treen in so he could run against him four years later,” Lambert said.
Edwards crushed Treen in 1983, quipping during the race that the only way he could lose was if he was caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy
Decades in La. government
Lambert returned to practicing law and serving on the PSC. Completing 18 years in office, he didn’t run for reelection in 1992.
“He was a pioneer on oversight of utility companies,” Fletcher said. “Truly he made a difference on the PSC with this fight.” Diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1992, Lambert ironically turned to Edwards to give him a state job with health benefits. Edwards gave him a job in the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs. In 1994, Lambert was elected again to the state Senate and served until 2004, when he resigned to be appointed by thenGov Mike Foster to the LSU Board of Supervisors, a plum perk.
“Louis was a team player for the Foster administration,” said Jay Dardenne, then a Republican senator from Baton Rouge. Lambert served as the Senate pro tem — a prestigious but ceremonial position — during Foster’s second term.
Lambert would later say his proudest accomplishment as a senator was sponsoring legislation to create the River Parishes Community College.
He ran a final campaign in 2008 when he lost a race to be district attorney of Ascension, Assumption and St. James parishes. Lambert was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame with six others in 2024.
State Sen. Eddie Lambert, RPrairieville, and Lambert were first cousins; their fathers were brothers.
Lambert leaves behind his wife, Mary, and three children, Jessica, Michael and John. Funeral plans are incomplete. Looking back, Lambert said he relished his political career despite the bumps and bruises he received along the way
“Politics is a rough business,” he said. “You have to be able to take punches and land a few.”
Email Tyler Bridges at tbridges@theadvocate.com.
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Music in the Park date
Mark your calendars for an afternoon of live music and family fun Nov 16 at Jambalaya Park in Gonzales for the fall Music in the Park fall session. Food truck and other vendors can email logan@ gonzalesla.com for registration information. All vendors must be licensed with the city
Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 3880215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@ theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@theadvocate. com. Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday
PROVIDED PHOTOS
Mary Bird Perkins
Jonas Fontenot addresses the crowd during a Sept.
ribbon-cutting
PROVIDED PHOTO
Sheriff Bobby Webre is surrounded by members of his department as they accept a flag from representatives from Ascension Funeral Home during a Sept. 11 memorial ceremony.
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
David DeVall, right, owner of One Bath & Closets, answers questions during Saturday’s Baton Rouge Home Show at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.
PROVIDED PHOTOS
The East Ascension High Homecoming Court includes, seated from left, Taylor Smith, Kendelle Hebert and Molly Kilgore; and standing, Makenna Fourreaux, Anna Blanchard and Camryn Bennett.
East Ascension High’s Homecoming Court includes, seated from left, Kellie Roberts, Maci Johnson and Kionshae Prestley; and standing Haileigh Torres, Heidi Berthelot and Donyia Christy
Named to the East Ascension High Homecoming Court,
from left, are Rylee Bourque, Jamya Herbert and Chyna Batiste; and standing, Cayden Tullier, Mia ZarazuaDover and Jireh Cedillo Delcid.
East Ascension High homecoming celebrates 60 years
Community news report
East Ascension High School is celebrating its 60th anniversary in grand style with a week of homecoming events, uniting alumni, students and the local community.
This year’s homecoming theme, “Peace, Love, and 60 Years of East Ascension,” highlights the milestone anniversary and celebrates the school’s tradition of excellence and community spirit.
Immediately following Thurs-
day’s parade, the homecoming pep rally will be in the school’s gym. Students, faculty, alumni, and community members are invited to pack the stands as cheerleaders, the dance team, and the marching band turn up the energy
to get Spartan Nation fired up for Friday’s big game. The Homecoming king will be crowned during the pep rally
The celebration continues Friday night as the Spartans take on district opponent Live Oak at the
tation of the Homecoming Court and the crowning of the Homecoming Queen.
EA inducting outstanding alumni into Hall and Wall of Fame
Community news report
East Ascension High School will induct a new class into its Hall and Wall of Fame during Homecoming festivities Friday Wall of Fame inductees are those individuals who contribute a substantial amount of time and/or financial contributions to East Ascension High School.
This year’s class includes Kent Schexnaydre, whose affiliation with East Ascension High School began when his father Vernon “Coon” Schexnaydre was named the first athletic director and head football coach of EA in 1966 He and his eight siblings practically grew up on the EA campus, according to a news release.
After graduating from EA in 1971, Schexnaydre returned in 1978 to teach and coach until 1987 when he decided to enter into private industry He owns Schexnaydre Restoration and has donated a great deal of labor skill and materials to upgrading the school’s grounds and was an integral part of creating the area outside of the cafeteria by painstakingly preserving and moving the letters that had adorned the front of our campus since 1972 during the recent rebuild of our campus.
Levan Jackson, a 1987 East Ascens ion High graduate, claims that being a Spartan helped to shape him as a man.
“Whether through mentoring students, preparing and serving meals to the football and basketball team, or simply showing up to support the next generation he
PROVIDED PHOTOS Robbie Latuso, a 1984 graduate of East Ascension, starred in both football and baseball and lettered all four years of high school in both sports.
Thaddaeus Pinell was a key contributor to the Spartans’ offensive success in the mid-1990s. Following his collegiate career Pinell returned to his roots, serving as a volunteer assistant coach for the Spartans in 2005 and 2006.
claims that it feels incredibly rewarding to give back,” the release states
Jackson claims that schools like EA thrive when alumni stay connected, offer guidance and help open doors for those walking the same halls we once did and encourages others to do the same.
Hall of Fame recipients
Individuals who earned All State or All American honors in high school and/or played their respective sports on the collegiate or profes-
sional level are named to the school’s Hall of Fame.
Valencia LeBlanc, a member of the class of 2002, was a four-year letterman and three-year starter for the Lady Spartans basketball team She led her teams to numerous district, bi-district, and regional championships while earning All District honors. In 2000, she represented Team Louisiana at the USA Junior Nationals. Coach Dennis Chandler’s called her the “hardest working kid I have had the pleasure of working with.”
key contributor to the Spartans’ offensive success in the mid-1990s. He was known for his speed, versatility and leadership on and off the field. His skills earned him a spot on the 1994 Class 5A All State team as a wide receiver
“A testament to his incredible versatility is that he once delivered a leg-
endary single-game performance with 447 rushing/receiving yards and six touchdowns,” the release states.
After graduating from EA in 1995, he took his talents to Southern University where he became a part of a historic era for Jaguar football as the Jaguars secured two Black College National Championships (1995, 1997), a SWAC title (1997), and three consecutive Bayou
Classic victories over Grambling.
Following his collegiate career, Pinell returned to his roots, demonstrating his passion for giving back to the community that shaped him. From 2005 to 2006, he served as a volunteer assistant coach for the EAHS Spartans, mentoring the next generation of athletes.
On Sept. 10, 2006, Pinell died in a car accident.
LeBlanc also excelled in track and field, making school history as part of the 2000 Track and field state championship team which happened to be the first state title in any sport in EA history, according to the release.
Her athletic career continued at McNeese State University for the Cowgirl basketball team. A four-year starter she played in 103 games.
Robbie Latuso, a 1984 graduate of East Ascension, starred in both football and baseball and lettered all four years of high school in both sports.
One of his fondest high school memories was being a part of the 1982 football district championship team. His exploits on the baseball team helped to lead the 1984 team to a district championship and to the state semifinals.
His success on the diamond for EA segued into a college scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University, where he played in the Lions’ outfield for four years.
After college, his athleticism allowed him to be accepted to fish on the Bassmasters Elite pro fishing circuit for five years. While competitively fishing, he finished in the top 30 rankings a professional fishing tournaments at least 15 times.
Thaddaeus Pinell was a
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Ascension school system elevates new leadership
Community news report
Ascension Public Schools has announced four new leadership appointments.
Kristin Irvin Hollins was named principal of APPLe Digital Academy, Dineska McZeal was hired as associate principal of Prairieville High School, and Cormanda Grace and Caroline LeBlanc were named new assistant principals at East Ascension High School.
Kristin Hollins
A graduate of East Ascension High School, Hollins brings 15 years of experience in education to her new role as principal of APPLe Digital Academy She began her teaching career outside of Louisiana before joining Ascension Parish in 2013.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from LSU, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in
curriculum and instruction at LSU.
Hollins has served as a teacher at Central Middle School, instructional coach, master teacher, and administrative intern. Most recently she served as the assistant principal of APPLe for two years.
“I am truly honored and humbled to serve all the programs and students at APPLe, and I am committed to doing so with passion and integrity I look forward to continuing to grow, and it feels incredibly meaningful to step into this new chapter of leadership,” said Hollins.
Dineska McZeal
McZeal has a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Southern University and A&M College, a Master of Science degree in telecommunications, and a Master of Education degree in educational leadership.
She began her teaching career in St. James Parish before moving to Ascension Public Schools in 2009.
Over the years, she has served as a teacher and basketball coach, mentor teacher, master teacher and assistant principal.
“I am truly honored to serve as associate principal at Prairieville High School. It is a blessing to work alongside our principal and administrative team as we support students, teachers, families, and the Prairieville community This is exactly where I am meant to be, and I am excited to help shape the culture of our growing school with passion, dedication, and compassion,” McZeal said.
Cormanda Grace
Grace is a graduate of Southern University A&M College, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in educational leadership.
Grace began her career in Iberville Parish, teaching health and physical education, study skills, and coaching girls’ basketball, volleyball, track and softball.
Spartans among Ascension winning teams in week 4
Week 4 in Ascension Parish football was highlighted by victories for Dutchtown, Donaldsonville, St. Amant, East Ascension and Ascension Christian.
The most impressive victory of the week came from the East Ascension Spartans
The Spartans started district 5-5A play with a 26-20 win over Denham Springs at Spartan Stadium.
East Ascension (3-1) has reeled off three consecutive wins and were led by quarterback Zaylen Smith. The junior signal caller accounted for three touchdowns on the night. Smith had two rushing touchdowns and added a touchdown pass to Mason Coto. Coach Brock Matherne was impressed with his quarterback’s performance.
“Zaylen is doing really well for us this season,” Matherne said “His dual threat ability adds another dimension to our offense, he stays levelheaded, never getting too high or too low We are proud of his progress.”
The Spartan defense has scored the last two weeks, and it continues to show up each week.
“Our defense is playing well and that’s a testament to coaches and players on that side of the ball. The players have accepted their roles and accepted the game plan each week. Players win games each week and their execution has been strong,” Matherne said.
Running back Jason Blackburn complemented an offense that ran for nearly 240 yards. Blackburn had a rushing touchdown on the night. The Spartans continue district play with a good Live Oak team, who is coming off of a district victory over Walker
“Live Oak is explosive on offense; we will have to be at our best in all three phases to keep this thing rolling. We are excited for the opportunity to compete against another quality program,” Matherne said. Dutchtown wins rival game over Prairieville 42-7
These two schools played a close game won by the Griffins in the jamboree and the regular season game started off with the Hurricanes taking a 7-0 lead. Dutchtown never flinched and led by junior quarterback Owen Fletcher, they scored the next 42 points for a convincing victory Fletcher accounted for four touchdowns, including two touchdown passes to wideout Martell Rogers. The Griffins (3-1) used Clay Walker Vice in several spots on offense he caught a touchdown pass from Fletcher and tossed
a touchdown pass to tight end Zach Dotter Tahj Wallace scored the lone touchdown for the Hurricanes. Ascension Christian 21-12 over Westminster-Lafayette
QB Luke Davis tossed two touchdown passes, one to Luke Denton and the other to Gage Mixon. Denton added a rushing touchdown The Lion defense recovered two fumbles on the night.
The Lions (2-2) passed for 158 yards and only punted one time on the night. A strong performance on both sides of the ball for coach Conrad Gayle’s crew
Tigers, Gators stay unbeaten…
Donaldsonville recorded a 36-0 win over East Iberville to move to 4-0 on the season.
St. Amant beat Scotlandville 28-14 to stay
undefeated
Other Scores:
Dunham 42, Ascension Catholic 7
Week 5 schedule:
St. Amant hosts Dutchtown
East Ascension hosts Live Oak
Prairieville hosts Walker Donaldsonville at White Castle
Ascension Christian hosts Houma Christian
Ascension Catholic travels to Episcopal
Middle school football scores, standings
Bluff 14, St. Amant 12
Galvez 22, Lowery 0
Gonzales 28, Dutchtown 7
Central 32, Lake 26 (2 OT’s)
Central 4-0
Gonzales 3-0
Galvez 3-1
Dutchtown 2-2
Lake 1-2
Bluff 1-2
Prairieville 1-2
St Amant 1-3
Lowery 0-4
Parish volleyball records, power rankings
Division 1
Dutchtown: 12-5, 8th place
St. Amant: 13-8, 14th
Prairieville: 7-7, 25th
East Ascension 8-9, 28th
Division 4
Donaldsonville: 1-2, 31st
Division 5
Ascension Catholic: 13-8, 7th
Ascension Christian: 12-5, 8th
Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@hotmail.com or ascension@ theadvocate.com.
She joined Ascension Public Schools in 2016, serving as a special-education teacher, lead teacher, and mentor teacher In 2018, she transitioned to LeBlanc Special Services as a special education coordinator
“Education is more than academics; it is about creating a safe, supportive, and challenging environment where every student can thrive. At East Ascension, I look forward to working with our dedicated staff, families, and community to inspire students to reach their fullest potential. My experiences as both a teacher and coach have taught me the value of leadership, adaptability and building meaningful relationships, which I will carry into this role I am grateful for the support of my family, mentors, and colleagues, and I am committed to serving our school community with passion, purpose, and dedication,” Grace said.
Caroline LeBlanc
Originally from Brazil, LeBlanc moved to Louisiana in 1999 without knowing English. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Hispanic studies from LSU and a Master
of Education degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University LeBlanc began her teaching career in East Baton Rouge Parish before joining Ascension Public Schools in 2010 During her time with the district, she has served as a teacher, PLC leader, team observer and instructional coach.
“I am honored to serve as Assistant Principal of East Ascension High School, a place that has shaped me both as an educator and as a person,” LeBlanc said. “My journey has been guided by supporting teachers, embracing innovation, and championing the power of language. As a proud Latina and former ESL student, I feel a deep responsibility to advocate for and support our multilingual learners, who make up a growing part of our school community East Ascension’s diversity, tradition, and school spirit are unmatched, and I am excited to continue serving our students, families, and teachers with gratitude and dedication.”
Livingston, Ascension students named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists
BY PATRICK WALL Staff writer
An elite group of area high school seniors are in the running for National Merit Scholarships, a prestigious award for the country’s top-achieving students.
The students, who hail from a mix of public and private schools in Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes, are among roughly 16,000 National Merit semifinalists from across the country They now will compete for just over 6,900 college scholarships worth about $26 million, which will be awarded next spring. The semifinalists were
selected due to their high scores on last year’s PSAT, the preliminary test to the SAT college-readiness exam, which students typically take their junior year The top-scoring students in their respective states, the semifinalists represent less than 1% of the nation’s high school seniors.
To become finalists, the students must complete an application that asks about their academic achievement, extracurricular activities and leadership record; write an essay; and earn SAT or ACT scores that are in line with their earlier PSAT scores. Only about half of finalists will win scholarships and
PHOTO BY CHRIS PARENT
East Ascension quarterback Zaylen Smith jumps into the end zone for a touchdown against Denham Springs on Friday at East Ascension Spartan Stadium in Gonzales.
Hollins
McZeal
Grace