Livingston library to host Ballet Soirée performance
The Livingston Parish Library is hosting a Ballet Soirée performance at 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 5, at the Denham Springs-Walker Branch, 8101 U.S. 190, in Denham Springs.
The Ballet Soirée is part of Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s Youth Ballet’s annual summer tour, a popular community outreach program that brings classical and contemporary dance to audiences across the greater Baton Rouge area. The program fosters the advancement of dance while showcasing the talents of the company’s younger performers in a series of public performance, a news release said.
Open to all ages, the upcoming Ballet Soirée production will feature excerpts from “Swan Lake,” “Cinderella,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “Beach Club” and is part of the Livingston Parish Library’s 2026 Summer Reading Program. This year’s reading challenge theme is “Unearth A Story,” and participants are rewarded for reading books and attending library events. To register for the Summer Reading Program or to view the library’s calendar of events, visit mylpl.info/events/summerreading.
Garage sale set at St. Francis Episcopal Church St. Francis Episcopal Church, 726 Maple St., in Denham Springs is holding a garage sale June 19-20.
Shoppers will find a variety clothes, toys, home decor, tools, housewares and more. Proceeds support the mission and ministry of St. Francis Episcopal, which holds worship services at 10 a.m. Sundays. For information, call the church office at (225) 225-6652707 or visit stfrand.org
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Live Oak High cheerleaders and spirit group members sign to college level
Two weeks ago, Live Oak high school had a signing ceremony as it sent off another large group of cheerleaders and spirit group members to the collegiate ranks. With a string of 10 consecutive national championships, the Eagles cheerleading program operates at an elite level. Earlier this year it won the Division I title at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida, so it comes as no surprise that four Live Oak seniors opted to continue that tradition while pursuing a college degree One of the more interesting
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PAGEANT CIRCUIT TRAINING
Miss SLU finds lots of prep needed for Miss Louisiana competition
BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer
Miranda Sensat’s calm demeanor belies the excitement building inside, the anticipation that can only come before what could be a life-changing event. Sensat, a native of Denham
Springs who was selected Miss Southeastern Louisiana University on Jan. 31, is putting the final touches on her preparation for the Miss Louisiana Pageant, scheduled for June 14-20. A victory in Monroe would send her to the Miss America pageant later this year
“I’m excited for the pageant and have been putting a lot into it,” said Sensat, who was a contestant in the Miss Louisiana Pageant a year ago as Miss Cottonport.
Sensat’s daily schedule
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“Whenever I went last year, I did not know what to expect and did not put as much into as I should have; I was going into it blind,” she said. “It was hard to figure out but because I have done everything and have met all of the people, I know what to expect this year so it is not as intimidating.”
Denham Springs student appointed to national leadership council
Community news report
Denham Springs High School rising senior Noah Fontenot is a new member of the 2026-2027
SADD National Student Leadership Council. He and other council members will work with youth leaders across the nation to develop campaigns and opportunities that help youth make safe, healthy decisions.
Fontenot is a member of the DSHS SADD chapter, Jackets Against Destructive Decisions. He serves as captain of the bowling
team and is involved in community initiatives through Livingston Parish SADD, where he helps develop service projects and activities focused on promoting mental health awareness and supporting the local community a news release said.
“I am excited to be part of something that empowers students across the nation to stand against destructive decisions,” Fontenot said.
The SADD National Student Leadership Council empowers students to
impacting youth, including traffic safety, mental health, substance misuse prevention, positive peer influence, and personal responsibility, the release said. Throughout the year, SLC members work with SADD staff, national partners, and fellow student leaders to help shape campaigns, elevate youth voices, and promote safer choices through peer-to-peer engagement, advocacy, and digital outreach on topics such as speeding prevention, impaired driving, distracted driving, passenger safety and overall mobility safety
“Student leadership is at the heart of everything we do at
SADD,” said Cara Schrack, executive director of SADD National.
“These young leaders are helping shape safer communities nationwide by using their voices, experiences, and influence to inspire positive decision-making among their peers.”
The 2026–2027 council will officially begin its work this summer during the 100 Safest Days of Summer campaign, a nationwide initiative focused on promoting safe driving behaviors during the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, historically one of the most dangerous times of year for teen drivers.
Charles Salzer SPORTS ROUNDUP
PROVIDED PHOTO
Miss Southeastern Louisiana University Miranda Sensat
Fontenot
Healthy Aging Fair set for June 5
Community news report
North Oaks Health System’s Healthy Aging Fair is from 9 a.m. to noon Friday June 5.
Dedicated to helping adults plan wisely to live fully, the free fair will take place in the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center, at the North Oaks Diagnostic Center, Building 1, 15837 Paul Vega, MD, Drive, on the North Oaks Medical Center campus in Hammond. To register, visit northoaks.org/
healthyaging. “Healthy aging is about more than living longer — it’s about living fully,” said Rami Nelson, North Oaks Health’s chief quality and health equity officer This fair will give members of our community the opportunity to learn how to prevent, delay or minimize the typical impacts of aging by connecting with resources that support a vibrant and fulfilling life.”
North Oaks Health professionals will share practical tips and strategies to maintain health and independence
and safeguard physical, mental and emotional well-being. Presenters will include nurse practitioner Michelle Civello, pharmacist Jamie Covington, cardiologist Jherie Ducombs, case management director Jason Lindsey and physical therapists Brad Michelli and Ana Penton. Free health screenings will be available, including assessments for blood pressure, diabetes, hearing, fall risk and stroke risk.
To learn about the Healthy Aging Fair, call (985) 230-6647.
MISS SLU
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reads a like a teenage girl’s dream, filled with hair appointments, dress and gown
fittings, personal workouts and lessons in applying makeup, which is a bit of a challenge.
“I do not wear a lot of makeup so I have watched a bunch of YouTube videos,” she sheepishly admitted, her perfectly coiffed red hair framing an infectious bright smile.
Sensat also is spending time with her sponsors, a lineup that includes dress shops, hair salons, a gym and makeup up specialist
She said many of the sponsors have been supporting Miss SLU winners for several years.
“I’m very luck with all of my sponsors and grateful for the community support and have an awesome university behind me,” she said.
But not all is glitzy dresses and creative hairdos. Sensat is also focused on professional development,
specifically learning how to maintain poise under the pressure of direct and difficult questions from judges. With the guidance of SLU’s Office of Career Services, she is engaging in mock interviews to hone her skills because part of the pageant includes a 10-minute private interview with the judges who will ask a series of questions, such as what qualities she possesses that qualify her to be Miss Louisiana.
Judges will ask her to describe her service mission, which is raising awareness of ovarian cancer a disease that claimed the life of her mother
“I am getting used to talking, which I enjoy anyway,” she said. “But it is helping because I have a habit that whenever I get in a serious interview like that I get a little robotic. So we are working on my personality.”
Sensat, whose is a longtime musician, is taking a quantum leap and will sing as part of the talent competition, selecting “Gimme, Gimme” from the Broadway play “Thoroughly Mod-
ern Millie.”
She has been practicing in her car, at home and with others at the Columbia Theatre in downtown Hammond, which is allowing her to use the stage and mic. Sensat also has been training with a SLU music professor to become comfortable in hitting the high notes.
“That is what I am most nervous for,” she said. “I have performed my entire life in front of people playing the bassoon but singing is so new to me.
“It’s more personal.”
Sensat, who has selected a fringed dress, pearls and period shoes to reflect the 1967 play that was set in 1922, said that also fueling her nervousness is by her own admission she is a perfectionist.
“That is why I am trying to work on that it does not have to be perfect,” she said. “It has to be fun. As long as I’m having fun it will automatically be better.”
The final event of the preliminary judging is modeling an evening gown.
“It’s all about confidence,
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Mammography coach offers breast imaging
Woman’s Hospital mobile mammography coach is stopping at Sage Rehabilitation Hospital, 8375 Florida Blvd., ub Denham Springs on Wednesday, June 3.
The coach making its way across the state uses advanced 3D mammogram technology A physician’s order is required, and appointments are encouraged. Call (225) 924-8268 to schedule.
The coach also is providing breast imaging Thursday, June 4, at 6216 La. 10 in Greensburg. Call (225) 222-6111 to schedule.
Pet memorial service
St. Francis Episcopal Church, 726 Maple St., Denham Springs is having a pet memorial service of prayer and remembrance at 6:30 p.m. June 9
The church’s patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, knew the value God places on all of creation.
During International Pet Memorial Day, the church will remember beloved pets and animal helpmates and honor the contributions they made to our lives. Email a photo to saintfrands@gmail.com for display or bring a photo with you.
In addition, the church is collecting pet food to donate to the Denham Springs Food Pantry, which supplies food for people in Livingston Parish but often has requests for pet food.
Class of ’76 plans
50th reunion
It’s almost time to celebrate for the Denham Springs Class of 1976 — my class. We were called the Spirit of ’76 class and everything was red, white in blue in addition to our high school colors. Adults tried to make us understand the importance of celebrating the country’s 200th birthday, but I’m not sure that clicked with a bunch of 17- and 18-year-olds. Now, the Spirit of ’76 is celebrating
SALZER
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how you express your confidence in the gown that you wear,” said Sensat, who will keep all of the outfits, dresses and the gown she wears.
Sensat finds comfort that accompanying her, at least in spirit, will be her mother, who she has called her best friend and confidant. Her mother’s dream was to have her daughter participate in a beauty pageant earlier life in life, something Sensat resisted until after her mother had passed away
“I only (entered the Miss SLU Pageant in 2024) because she always wanted me to do this,” Sensat said.
“If she was still alive, I don’t know what would have happened.”
“But no matter what happens, this whole pageant is for her, to honor her legacy,” she said.
After the first two nights, the top 10 contestants will be selected for the final show
“If I win, I will be so happy about it; if I don’t win I will be happy for whoever wins,” she said. “I am content with who I am and what I am doing.”
as the nation celebrates 250 years. The event is planned for June 13 at Forrest Grove in Denham Springs. Reunion organizers are asking classmates to send photos from 1976 and now for a booklet To volunteer or share your information with the organizers, email daleh76ds@gmail.com.
Congratulations to all the ’76 graduates celebrating their 50th reunion this year
Vacation Bible school set St. Francis Episcopal Church’s vacation Bible School theme is “Road Trip — On the Go with God.”
The Bible school journey is based on Joshua 1:9 — “The LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
The program is June 15-19 for kids entering kindergarten through sixth grade. Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m.; the program is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 726 Maple St., in Denham Springs.
Registration and more about Road Trip VBS is online at stfrands.org, or call the church at (225) 665-2707.
Disc Golf Park open daily in Walker
The Walker Disc Golf Park, 13620 Aydell Lane, next to City Hall is open daily Stop by for a game of disc golf, or set up a game by using the disc gold app. Get information at walker la.us/sites/default/files// Disc%20Golf%20app.jpg. Heritage Camp for kids Register your child for Heritage Kids’ Camp on July 20-22 at the Albany Hungarian Presbyterian Church. Children ages 4-12 can take part in arts and crafts, kifli making, and learn Hungarian words, dances and traditions. The camp is hosted by the Arpadhon Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association. For information, call Connie Olah at (225) 5731400.
Send news and events for Livingston and Tangipahoa parishes to livingston@theadvocate. com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 603-1998.
debates that can be had these days involves whether or not cheerleading should be considered a sport. While there are pros and cons, the tide seems to be moving toward its acceptance as a sport.
Cheerleading requires training and athleticism, it has regional and national competitions, and the American Medical Association considers it a sport. Although it does not have Title IX standing or recognition from the NCAA, it has many similarities with other sports.
One of those similarities is signing a collegiate letter of intent, and that became a reality for Live Oak athletes Lilah Melton, Carlei Alexander, Ally O’Neal and Jaidyn Lewis. Melton, Alexander and O’Neal will all attend Southeastern Louisiana University while Lewis’ new cheering grounds will be at McNeese State.
Also part of the signing ceremony was Rainey Price, a 4.0 student, who will join the color guard at Northwestern State.
Regardless of the label assigned to these activities, cheerleading is an
athletic endeavor that requires skill, planning and preparation. As the departing group of seniors moves on to the next level of their education, they will have more chances to make their community proud.
Coaching moves at Live Oak and Doyle Doyle high named its new boys basketball coach last week. The Tigers have hired former Central assistant Greg Morris to lead a program that went 26-7 last season, and reached the quarterfinals of the Division III nonselect playoffs. Doyle was undefeated in District 8-3A, and won 16 of its last 18 games. While at Central, Morris helped the Wildcats reach the Division I non select championship game in 2025, and the semifinals in 2026. Morris succeeds Daniel Kennedy, who won six district titles and more than 400 games in 14 years as the Tigers head coach. There was also a coaching addition at Live Oak, where Carl Griffin was named as the Eagles wrestling coach. Griffin’s ties to the school include a son who previously wrestled for Live Oak, and a daughter who is on the current team.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Miss Southeastern Louisiana University Miranda Sensat poses with SLU President William Wainwright in front of the lion in Friendship Circle on the Hammond campus. Sensat is preparing to participate in the Miss Louisiana Pageant scheduled June 14-20 in Monroe.
LOUISIANA TECH CLASS OF 2026
Holden honor graduates named
Aidan Hutchinson
Leslie Jasso
Parker Posey
Restaurant Challenge highlights local culinary talent
Community news report
The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce hosted its Restaurant Challenge as part of the Livingston Parish Expo, where local restaurants showcased their best dishes in front of both culinary profession-
als and the community Thirteen restaurants participated in the segment, and dishes were evaluated by chefs from the Louisiana Culinary Institute during a blind taste test held onstage. Four chefs from the school sampled and scored each dish before collectively selecting the
top overall winners.
The Judge’s Choice Award was presented to Mami’s Mexican, with Geisha earning second place and Off The Hook taking third place. In addition to the judged competition attendees vote online for the People’s Choice
Award, which went to Geisha, followed closely by Off The Hook in second place and Chef Beaux 2 Geaux.
The Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce has announced the date for next year’s Livingston Parish Expo, which will be Tuesday, May 11, 2027.
CAREER BOOTCAMPS
SLU’s STEM, business leadership program brings together 98 high school students
Community news report
Southeastern Louisiana University’s Latin American Business Development Initiative recently concluded its Future Makers STEM and Business Leadership Program, which brought together 98 high school seniors and juniors from Tangipahoa and Washington parishes.
Future Makers is a college and careerreadiness program within Southeastern’s College of Business and led by the Latin American Business Development Initiative It engages high-potential, minority and lowincome students from Tangipahoa and Washington parishes through one-day immersive bootcamps that integrate STEM innovation, business design thinking, leadership development, admissions guidance, and careerreadiness workshops, preparing them for higher education and leadership roles in their communities, a news release said.
SNHU announces spring president’s list
Community news report
Southern New Hampshire University has named the students making its spring 2026 president’s list. The spring term runs from January to May
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the president’s list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer Local honorees included: Walker: Mekeila Morris and Ashlyn Ellis
Hammond: Veale Mcclendon, Lacy Weedman, Tiffany Morris, Bliss Flanagan, Syncere Dykes, Ferin Peoples and Kevin Stimage
SNHU names spring 2026 dean’s list
Community news report
Southern New Hampshire University named its spring 2026 dean’s list. The spring term runs from January to May
Director of the Latin American Business Development Initiative Aristides Baraya said the program matters because up to 70% of students in these regions qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, many students have limited access to enrichment and career exploration opportunities, and Louisiana’s demand for skilled workers in science, technology, and business is growing.
“This impactful program was made possible through partnerships with Southeastern Northshore STEM Center The program exemplifies Southeastern’s dedication to supporting underserved communities and fostering a sense of belonging,” said Baraya. “For more than 24 years, LABDI has strengthened leadership and educational opportunities for the community, both locally and internationally.” For more information, contact Baraya at abaraya@southeastern.edu or (985) 5492171.
LPPS Early Childhood Program receives donation to buy laptops
Community news report
The H. Allen and Jeannette Guillory Thomason Foundation recently awarded $218,370 to the Livingston Parish Public School Early Childhood program to purchase teacher laptops and iPads for 600 prekindergarten students in the parish.
Those children enrolled in the LA-4 prekindergarten program qualify based on their low socioeconomic status, according to a news release. These children are considered at risk for being prepared to enter kindergarten.
Megan Roberts, director of the H. Allen and Jeannette Guillory Thomason Foundation, pictured second from right, presents a check for $218,370 to, from left, Livingston Parish Public Schools Superintendent Jody Purvis, Early Childhood Supervisor Stacey Milton and Early Childhood Coordinator Julie Norris.
Walker: Jamar Johnson Livingston: Tricia Simeon
Denham Springs: Hayden Stanley, Lyndrisha Harris, Donquaeja Green, Kenya Lewis and Thenica Walker
Robert: Holly Hammac Ponchatoula: Lachandra
Mack
Independence: Autume
Thomas
Amite: Brittany Francis Hammond: Danielle Newman, Colby Thompson and Josette Ponds.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the dean’s list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall winter/spring and summer.
Local students named to Belhaven dean’s list
Community news report
Several local Belhaven University students were named to its spring 2026 dean’s list.
Honored were:
Amite: Cole Covington
Independence: Brayden Gillies
Denham Springs: Danielle Ringuette
Ponchatoula: Kaylee Stewart and Brayden Thompson
To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.4-3.99 while taking a full course load of at least 12 semester hours.
“The generosity of Mrs. Thomason is truly remarkable. For nearly two years, we have been searching for ways to keep our pre-K program equipped with upto-date technology, and this support will have a lasting impact for years to come,” said LPPS Early Childhood
Supervisor Stacey Milton.
Superintendent Jody Purvis said the district is committed to preparing Livingston Parish’s youngest learners for kindergarten and beyond, and the donation
will assist in that mission, according to the release.
“The generous contribution from the Allen and Jeannette Guillory Thomason Foundation is overwhelming, and we are sincerely grateful for the difference it will make in the success of our teachers and students,”
Purvis said. The foundation honors the memory of Jeannette Guillory Thomason’s late husband, Herbert “Allen” Thomason, who was a successful entrepreneur in the local community. Together, the Thomasons co-founded and managed multiple businesses, including DSLD Homes, focusing on hard work and community outreach and support. The foundation has made philanthropic donations to various educational institutions, community outreach programs and agriculture groups across Louisiana.
