Market highlights small businesses
BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
The high July temperatures and scattered thunderstorms did not keep crowds from enjoying July 11’s Small Town Summer Nights event at the Youth Legacy Duplessis Park in Gonzales.
The event, hosted by Ascension Parish Recreation and Bearded Events, featured more than 80 food, arts and crafts vendors, as well as family-friendly games and activities.
Festivities began in the afternoon and were scheduled to last into the evening, concluding with a Movie in the Park.
While the movie portion of the night was canceled due to rain, the afternoon showcased small local business owners ready to greet Ascension Parish. A half dozen food trucks were also on-hand, including Southern Kreole and Smalls Sliders.
Books for Boots hosted a dunking booth to raise funds for its organization,
which provides free books to military members and their families. Duplessis Park has been the site of multiple Bearded Events and Ascension Parish Recreation for both Christmas and Easter family-friendly gatherings. For small-business owners, these events are coveted opportunities to sell their products.
BY ANNAKATE FREELAND Staff writer
Pete Freeman, owner of Paw Paw’s Quail Farm in Livingston, sold his seasoned quail eggs and introduced his new Cajun fish fry and crab boil. Freeman, who retired from the Louisiana State Police, started his quail farm business a year ago.
A Prairieville teen’s wish to meet one of the WNBA’s biggest stars was featured on national television this weekend as part of ESPN’s long-running “My Wish” series. Khloe C., 18, is one of five children and young adults featured in ESPN’s 20th anniversary “My Wish” special,
Miss Kitty’s Yard Pieces on display
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
Pete Freeman, owner of Paw Paw’s Quail Farm, sold his seasoned quail eggs
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Small Town Summer Nights event at Duplessis Park in Gonzales.
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Khloe C. in one of the Las Vegas Aces facilities for her ESPN “My Wish” special.
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The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on July 2-16:
JULY 2
PHILLIPS, DESTINY ABREIL: 41270 Merritt
Evans Road, No. 11, Prairieville; 28; failure to appear-bench warrant
KRAMER JR., DENNIS PAUL: 7384 John Leblanc Blvd., Sorrento; 56; state probation violation, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000, failure to appear-bench warrant
HENRY, KAGIA MASIA: 420 N. Mallet St., Eunice; 32; two counts fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
WHEAT, BLAIZE JAMES: 13063 KC Road, Gonzales; 23; failure to appear-bench warrant
JULY 3
MENDEZBARRO, AZUCENE: 2007 N. Amelia Ave., Gonzales; 23; hit-and-run driving, resisting an officer, disturbing the peace/language/ disorderly conduct, reckless operation, operating while intoxicated-first
SMITH, JOSEPH WAYNE: 26085 Burlwood Ave., Denham Springs; 66; obstruction public passage, operating while intoxicated-first
BUTEAUX, RACHAEL M.: 2026 S. Purpera Ave Gonzales; 32; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, reckless operation, operating while intoxicated-fourth or more
RODRIGUE JR. TERRY J.: 41121 Chick Duplessis Road, Gonzales; 49; failure to appear-bench warrant
BUNCH, CAVIUS LAQUAN: 4650 Washington Ave., Apt. 308, New Orleans; 26; fugitive-other state jurisdiction
WILSON, LESTER LEE: 39488 Parkfair Drive, Gonzales; 41; failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
LEBLANC, JAMETENE JAQUA: 1207 St. Vincent St., Donaldsonville; 21; bond revocation, child desertion
JULY 4
GAUTHIER, ABIE: 37345 St; Marie Ave;, Prairieville; 39; domestic abuse battery
DARBY, BRIAN NICHOLAS: 15155 La. 44, Gonzales; 52; failure to appear-bench warrant, domestic abuse battery
DARBY, BRIAN JACOB: 15155 La. 44, Gonzales; 24; domestic abuse battery
MCBRIDE, DARIOUS WAYNE: 7307 La. 405, Donaldsonville; 22; state probation violation, driver must be licensed, no seat belt, vehicular negligent injuring, careless operation, operating while intoxicated-first
JULY 5
CIFREO, MICHAEL WAYNE: 17379 Stonewood Drive, Prairieville; 35; domestic abuse battery
CRUTCHFIELD, TAVION DAQUAN: 909 W. Tony St., 15 C, Gonzales; 25; simple burglary (vehicle)
GAINES, KENYA RENEE: 38035 Post Office Road 14A, Prairieville; 39; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant, operating while intoxicated-first
BUNCH, GREGORY BRYANT: 1019 Nolan St., Donaldsonville; 33; domestic abuse battery
XOL PAAU, MARIO ENRIQUE: 521 E. Verna St., Gonzales; 38; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, domestic abuse battery-pregnant victim
BLANCHARD, JEREMY JOSEPH: 41155 First Colonial St., Prairieville; 44; fugitive-other state jurisdiction, simple criminal damage to property $1,000 to $50,000, domestic abuse battery
JULY 6
WASHINGTON, DARRIAN: 13209 Cole Drive, Gonzales; 19; illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities/weapons law violation, second degree murder
INGRAM, TERRENCE D.: 403 Paula Drive, Thibodaux; 34; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, state probation violation
LENARD, ADEN: 39514 Midland Drive Gonzales; 17; resisting an officer, simple arson
LEMON, CALVIN: 158 Daggs St., Belle Rose; 54; domestic abuse battery, failure to appearbench warrant
WALKER, KEVIN: 6625 Brown Field Drive, Baton Rouge; 34; obscenity
WESTON, JOSEPH ERNEST: 300 W. Tenth St., Donaldsonville; 22; tampering with surveillance/accounting/inventory/or monitoring systems, theft less than $1,000
PRICE JR., DOMINIQUE D.: 516 Houmas St., Donaldsonville; 29; simple battery
JULY 7
LEBLANC, CAIRON JAMAL: 2034 S. Robert Ave., Gonzales; 27; parole violation, criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, sale/distribution/or possession of legend drug without prescription, resisting an officer
LEDDY, LINDSAY WINIFRED: 1578 Avondale Drive, Baton Rouge; 37; child desertion, battery of a police officer
DUPUY, LANCE THOMAS: 43247 Elmo Cannon Road, Gonzales; 47; state probation violation, illegal possession of stolen things less than $1,000, criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, simple burglary (all others)
JAMES JR., COURTNEY LACOUR: 1210 Bryant St., Donaldsonville; 19; aggravated seconddegree battery
STEVENSON, DIAMOND: 529 W. Magnolia Drive, Baker; 26; state probation violation, seconddegree robbery
JACOBS, KELBY JAMES: 37060 Cobblestone Ave., Geismar; 21; illegal carry of weaponscrime or controlled dangerous substance, distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance
MCGREW, MICHAEL E.: 17447 Lake Wisteria Ave., Baton Rouge; 77; violations of protective orders
THERIOT, TYLOR J.: 6169 Dolly’s Lane, Sorrento; 32; theft $1,000 but less than $5,000, theft
$5,000 but less than $25,000 DAY, DANYLAH KEMARIE: 6116 Eads St., New Orleans; 19; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
SANCHEZ, JASON MICHAEL: 502 Nicholls St., Donaldsonville; 44; state probation violation, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine) prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, driving on roadway laned for traffic, driver must be licensed
WESTERMAN, KAIDEN ALLAN: 1633 E. La. 30, Gonzales; 21; third-degree rape
JULY 8
HENRY JR., DEREK LYLE: 2028 S. John Ave., Gonzales; 32; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
SANDOVAL BERNAL, MARIA DE JESUS: 2228 S. Burnside Ave., Gonzales; 48; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, two counts distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine), prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia
SOLAR, HUNTER: 11338 George Lambert Road, St. Amant; 30; operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior operating while intoxicated-third
YOUSEF, QUSAI: 3349 Northlake Ave., Baton Rouge; 26; production/manufacture/distribute/dispense/possession with intent to distribute consumable hemp product
IRVIN, WHITNEY TERRELL: 1319 W. Sidney St., Gonzales; 36; entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden, disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct
KIRKLAND, ERIC JAMES: 1612 N. Cedar Ave Gonzales; 36; in for court
BOZZELLE, VICTOR JAMES: 286 Polk St., Baton Rouge; 47; in for court
HOLLOWAY, SARAH ELIZABETH: 37084 Sue St. 70G, Geismar; 29; in for court
COLOMB, LOGAN REYANNE: 43523 Galvez Oaks Drive, Prairieville; 19; in for court
THIERRY, VALLERY DEQUNATON: 37402 Dutchtown Crossing Ave; Gonzales; 44; possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, probation violation parish
HAYWARD, REAGAN VIRGINIA: 18004 Autumn View Drive, Prairieville; 35; in for court
REID, TREJE SYMON: 40456 Albert Ave., No. 127, Prairieville; 23; battery of a dating partner
COWAN, JON: 722 Lobdell Highway, Port Allen; 32; hold for other agency
JULY 9
VARELA, ELVIN ALEXIS: 120 Blakefield Drive, Schriever; 47; criminal mischief /tampering with any property of another FRANSISCO-GONON, JUAN: 1711 Boston Lane, Houma; 41; criminal mischief /tampering with any property of another SUAREZ-BURGOS, RONY JAVIER: 1711 Boston Lane, Houma; 39; criminal mischief /tampering with any property of another KLEAN, TRENARD D: 17950 Airline Highway No. 1035, Prairieville; 34; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant
RAMOS, ANGEL: 3595 McCall Road, Donaldsonville; 36; domestic abuse battery-pregnant victim, domestic abuse battery-strangulation, domestic abuse battery-child endangerment
HALL, RAYNE: 2151 S. Railroad, Lutcher; 18; battery of emergency room personnel or a healthcare provider
RAVEN, DARRY L.: 6140 Panama Road, Sorrento; 62; four counts failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
DUNBAR, POCO: 1101 W. Jacqueline St., Gonzales; 54; failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (oxycodone)
GUICE JR., DERRICK KEITH: 710 Mississippi St., Donaldsonville; 30; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, probation violation parish, two counts failure to appear-bench warrant
HOYT, PAUL EUGENE: 28374 Mary Kinchen Road, Albany; 43; theft over $25,000
BEROIT, DERRICK JOSEPH: 2513 S. Penn Ave Gonzales; 38; safety helmets, driving on roadway laned for traffic, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses
NICHOLAS, CARL: 9149 Ester St., Convent; 58; disturbing the peace/drunkenness
ALLEN, STACY: 2138 S. Commerce Ave., Gonzales; 54; failure to appear-bench warrant
JULY 10
SIMMONS, LANDON: 2543 Elvin Drive, Baton Rouge; 20; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, signal lamps and signal devices, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana more than 14 grams
DARVILLE, MADDOX LASHAWN: 45335 Mayers Estate Road, Prairieville; 18; battery of a dating partner-child endangerment
WILLIAMS, LEON JOHN: 3704 Martin Luther King St., Darrow; 67; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant, theft $5,000 but less than $25,000
HOFFPAUIR, DONNAVAN: 13092 Roddy Road, Gonzales; 32; simple assault, domestic abuse battery
LEBLANC JR., NATHANIEL: 9272 Watertower St., Convent; 28; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, sale/distribution/or possession of legend drug without prescription, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids
LEBLANC, JASON RYAN: 8340 Ruby St., Sorrento; 52; molestation of a juvenile VALLERY, KYRIENE LEONARD: 6268 Convent Station Drive, Convent; 35; parole violation, possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, contraband defined-certain activities regarding contraband in penal institutions prohibited
JULY 11
BUCKALEW, HALEY M.: 116 Simoneaux Lane, Donaldsonville; 44; illegal carry of weaponscrime or controlled dangerous substance, possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, possession of heroin, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia
DEMBY, DAMION MICHAEL: 1005 Elizabeth St., Donaldsonville; 32; domestic abuse battery
FLEMING, GERALD MICHAEL: 2163 S. Veterans Blvd. No. 3114, Gonzales; 28; battery of a dating partner
WILSON, JERRY LEE: 2163 S. Veterans Blvd., No. 3114, Gonzales; 29; battery of a dating partner FRANK, BROCK LEE: 417 E. Roosevelt St., Gonzales; 38; resisting an officer TORRES-MATUS, UGARIT: 18940 N. Fabacher Drive, Prairieville; 33; fugitive — other Louisiana jurisdiction, resisting an officer BROWER, CALEB SAMUEL: 113 Cane Derrick Drive, Youngsville; 36; state probation violation, headlamps on motor vehicles-motorcycles and motordriven cycles, possession of psilocybin (mushrooms), prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)
JULY 12
WILLIAMS, KADARIUS: 42357 Marblestone Ave D104, Prairieville; 33; maximum speed limit, operating while intoxicated-first NICHOLSON, ERICA M.: 13170 Dutchtown Point Ave. No. 134, Gonzales; 37; headlamps on motor vehicles; motorcycles and motordriven cycles, tail lamps, operating while intoxicated-second
PERCY, RODNEY JAMES: 203 Burns Road, Evergreen; 41; possession of fentanyl, criminal mischief/giving of any false report or complaint to a sheriff or his deputies or to any officer of the law
JULY 13
MAGEE, GNIYA DANIELLE: 1829 Frenchmen St., New Orleans; 23; organized retail theft $1,000 to less than $5,000
CALDERARO, JAMES FEDERICO: 20396 Weinberger Road, Ponchatoula; 34; violations of protective orders
DAVIS, BRANDON DEMARIS: 196 Freetown Lane, Belle Rose; 37; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant, two counts possession of synthetic cannabinoid, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, resisting an officer, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, possession of heroin
CARTER, KASEY: 139 Virginia St., Belle Rose; 37; bond revocation, failure to appear-bench warrant
DUNN, JACOB D.: 11811 River Highlands Drive, St. Amant; 48; bond revocation, violations of protective orders
VARNADO, OSCAR: 5292 Seneca Drive, Darrow; 33; state probation violation, failure to appear-bench warrant, no motor vehicle insurance, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of synthetic cannabinoid, distribution/ possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, possession of psilocybin (mushrooms)
JULY 14
MOLLERE, MARLON: 183 Ewell St., Paincourtville; 42; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000
BARKER, TAMMY LEE: 724 S. Sammy St., Gonzales; 53; entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden
FEATHERSTON, ADAM CHARLES: 39336 Hugh Babin Road, Gonzales; 37; parole violation, fugitive — other Louisiana jurisdiction
MCMURRAY, ROBIN LOUIS: 15264 Liz Road, Prairieville; 44; fugitive-other state jurisdiction
KITCHENS, CHRISTY RENE: 19435 Andrea Drive, Livingston; 39; illegal use of controlled dangerous substances in the presence of persons under 17 years of age, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, possession of a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance (clonazepam), possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, operating vehicle while license is suspended
MYERS, ASHLYNN: 16009 Joe Sevario Road, Prairieville; 24; two counts theft less than $1,000
JULY 15
CHOX-COJ, LORENZO FERNANDO: address unknown; 21; fugitive — other Louisiana jurisdiction
ARNAUD, TERRANCE JOSEPH: 6145 La. 405, Donaldsonville; 17; resisting an officer SHAVERS, SAMUEL PAUL: 10726 Northdale Drive, Baton Rouge; 41; theft less than $1,000, simple criminal damage to property less than $500
NICHOLAS, ANTHONY DAVIS: 35114 La. 1 N, Donaldsonville; 59; criminal trespass/all other theft less than $1,000
NICHOLAS, JAI KAMERON: 23621 Southpoint Drive, Denham Springs; 26; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, two counts failure to appear-bench warrant BIVENS, JAZZSPER JERKWANEMAY: 10707 Industriplex Blvd., Baton Rouge; 32; theft $1,000 but less than $5,000 THOMAS, BROOKE LEIGH: 39070 Old Bayou Ave., Gonzales; 36; cruelty to juveniles WILLIS, TRAVIS JERMAINE: 2022 S. Helens Way Ave., Gonzales; 22; failure to appear-bench warrant ERWIN, PAMELA CARROLL: 116 Johnny Court, LaPlace, No. 5; 61; theft less than $1,000 SANCHEZ-OLGUIN, ANTONIO: 38073 Henry Road, Prairieville; 49; fugitive — other Louisiana jurisdiction
HUNTER, AMANDA C.: 517 S. Nickens Ave Gonzales; 44; two counts failure to appearbench warrant DIXON, DEVIN DEMON: 14146 Martin Moran Road No. 1, Gonzales; 35; no motor vehicle insurance, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, three counts distribution/possession with intent to distribute MDMA, two counts criminal conspiracy, three counts distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, JULY 16
ABBOUD, WILLIAM: 13479 Parent Road, Gonzales; 66; disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct LANDRY, KRISTEN: 8421 Kingview St., St. James; 46; operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior driving on roadway laned for traffic, operating while intoxicated-first JOSEPH, SEAN M.: 4811 Nighthart St., New Orleans; 39; maximum speed limit, fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction
MARKET
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His pickled quail eggs are the big draw for his repeat customers.
Bloody Mary, Cajun Crab Boil, Pickled Garlic and “Asian-Styled” are a few of the seasoned quail eggs at Paw Paw’s Quail Farm.
For Freeman, Small Town Summer Nights was a chance for foodies to find high-quality local items.
“Events like these, people attend to find homegrown items,” Freeman said. “The
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the 2005-06 school year was $41,896. Adjusted for inflation, that would equal about $71,900 today — well above the district’s current
WISH
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SportsCenter July 19, the first of five “My Wish” features airing this year
Produced in partnership with Make-A-Wish, the annual series showcases children whose sports dreams are made possible by some of the biggest names in athletics. This year’s featured
foods and produce sold locally are healthier
“People are looking for products with all-natural ingredients They are looking for fresh items, even better than you would get at the store.”
While some vendors may be new to the Ascension Parish markets, others have remained longtime staples.
Miss Kitty’s Yard Pieces, based in Sorrento, has participated in multiple markets for many years. Jordan Landry, of Miss Kitty’s Yard Pieces, was on hand to help early-bird
starting teacher salary of about $52,000.
Many of the board members acknowledged teachers’ comments and said they will continue to look for ways to give raises, but that it wasn’t feasible this year
“We’re going to continue
athletes include Wilson, PGA Tour champion Scottie Scheffler, WWE’s Seth Rollins, San Diego Padres
star Fernando Tatis Jr and the Tennessee Volunteers football team
“Now more than ever, the courage of these children and the love and resourcefulness of their families remain inspiring,” longtime “My Wish” host Chris Connelly said in a news release. “Thanks to ESPN and our
Halloween and Christmas decor enthusiasts by selling yard signs.
Yard signs featuring Frankenstein, candy corn, Christmas trees and the Grinch were available for shoppers to purchase.
“This is always a familyfriendly event,” Jordan Landry said, “It offers a lot of variety and things to do and shop. Everyone in the family can enjoy the day.”
Upcoming for Bearded Events and Ascension Parish Recreation is the Autumn Festival in the Park on Oct. 24 at Duplessis Park.
to look for ways to pay people more. And that’s all we can promise to you,” Board President Jared Bercegeay said.
“For us to just throw a raise across 3,500 people would not be responsible for us as board members We just can’t do that.”
friends at Make-A-Wish, this year’s wishes go a long way to restore so much of the joy and exuberance that critical illness takes away.”
Now in its 20th year, ESPN’s “My Wish” series has featured hundreds of wish recipients and some of the biggest names in sports, highlighting the hope and encouragement wishes can bring to children and their families during difficult times.
Ascension Director of Primary Schools Eve Frederic retires after 34 years
Community news report
After 34 years of service to Ascension Public Schools, Primary Schools Director Eve Frederic will retire this summer closing a career defined by servant leadership, compassion and a commitment to students, educators and families.
alongside principals across Ascension Parish, helping support instructional excellence and mentoring new school leaders.
Visiting campuses across the district also gave her a greater appreciation for the unique strengths and challenges each school faces.
emergency, Executive Director Jonathan Henriques said. The organization needs to raise $7,000 to pay overdue operating expenses by the first of August in
“This is one of the most difficult situations our organization has ever faced,” Henriques said.
“Every day we care for cats that have been abandoned, neglected, injured, or surrendered with nowhere else to go Without immedi-
Donate online at tinyurl. com/595wtwkp, tinyurl.com/ yw97dczt (PayPal), tinyurl.com/ phyjz5tn (Venmo), or tinyurl.com/ ycyj5887 (CashApp).
Mail donations to: Rescue Alliance, 12478 La. 44, Gonzales, LA 70737
“For 34 years, Eve has served our district with so much integrity,” said Ascension Public Schools Superintendent Edith M. Walker “Her leadership has always centered on people, whether supporting students, mentoring educators, or helping principals succeed. She has left an unforgettable mark on Ascension Public Schools, and I am happy for her next chapter.”
Homegrown educator
Born and raised in Ascension Parish, Frederic is a product of the school system she would one day help lead. She attended primary, middle and high school in St. Amant before earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Southeastern Louisiana University and a master’s degree from LSU.
Although she doesn’t remember always wanting to be a teacher, it was while taking education classes that everything just clicked.
“It just felt natural,” Frederic said. “It felt like this was what I was meant to do.”
She initially enrolled in special education with an emphasis in deaf education before the program was discontinued. That unexpected change led her to elementary education, a decision she now describes as one of the best things that could have happened.
She started in 1991 as a student teacher in Joanie Basso’s firstgrade classroom at Dutchtown Primary School. When Basso accepted the school’s librarian position the following year, Frederic was hired to teach first grade in that same classroom
She spent 16 years teaching first grade.
“There is something incredibly special about teaching first grade,” she said. “Students walk into your classroom not knowing how to read or write, and by the end of the year, they’re reading books and writing stories. Knowing you helped a child gain a skill they will use for the rest of their life is something you never forget.”
An opportunity then presented itself for her to become a fourthgrade literacy and social studies teacher
Growing as a leader
She transitioned to becoming a teacher coach at Dutchtown Primary, where she mentored fellow educators and shared instructional strategies across campus. From there, she became assistant principal before becoming principal at Oak Grove Primary School.
“I remember walking into the building on my first day with the keys in my hand, thinking, ‘Who thought I could do this?’ ” she said “It was exciting, but also overwhelming because you realize you’re responsible for an entire school community.”
As principal, she led one of the district’s largest primary schools.
She later transitioned to district leadership as an Instructional supervisor of primary schools, where she worked
“Every school is different,” she said. “Every school has challenges. But every school also has amazing educators who care deeply about children.”
A heart for service
When reflecting on her proudest accomplishments, Frederic doesn’t mention awards, promotions or recognition.
Instead, she remembers the children. She remembers students who didn’t want to go home because school felt like their safe place; quietly helping families buy Christmas trees, clothing and school supplies; raising money so students could attend field trips; and making sure every child felt loved, valued and seen.
“It never felt like a job,” she said. “A job is something you have to do. This always felt more like a ministry.”
Mentors who made a difference
Looking back, Frederic credits several educators for shaping both her career and her confidence in being a leader
Her student teaching mentor, Basso, taught her how to combine high expectations with genuine love for children.
Former Superintendent Patrice Pujol, who taught her in high school, encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone long before she entered the classroom.
Former principals Mary McMahon and Sandra Alfred also played pivotal roles, continually encouraging her to pursue leadership opportunities she may not have considered on her own.
“They believed in me before I believed in myself,” Eve said. “Their encouragement gave me the confidence to grow.”
A family that made it possible
Frederic’s husband of 35 years, Steve, spent countless evenings helping build classroom furniture, painting bulletin boards and preparing materials.
Her parents volunteered their time creating classroom decorations and helping wherever they could.
Her children, Olivia, Ian and Nicholas, often spent afternoons at school while she finished planning lessons or attended school events.
“I could not have done any of this without my family,” Eve said. “They never made me feel guilty for the time I spent serving others. Instead, they became part of the journey.”
The next phase of life
As retirement begins, Frederic plans to devote more time to her family, travel with her husband and parents, and embrace one of life’s newest blessings, becoming a grandmother later this year She’s looking forward to golfing, traveling, and spending time with loved ones while continuing to serve through her church and community
“I know this chapter is ending, but I also know there will always be opportunities to help people,” she said.
“I’m thankful for every student, every family, every teacher, every colleague, and every challenge along the way,” she said. “They all helped shape who I am today I truly loved every minute of this career.”
STAFF FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
St. Amant running back Jourden Hickerson, left, burst around blocker Ethan LeBeau in the first quarter of the game against East Ascension last season in St. Amant.
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St. Amant Jourden Hickerson
Frederic
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Dominic Orozco
