DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT
THE ASCENSION
ADVOCATE T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, Au g u s t 26, 2026
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Nine area high schools ranked in top 25 in state BY CHARLES LUSSIER Staff writer
The highest-ranking nonselective, traditional school in Louisiana is Dutchtown High School in Geismar. It ranked 13th in the state and 1,469th nationwide. Its high score was driven by a 93% graduation rate and strong proficiency levels in reading, math and science, according to the latest annual rankings from U.S. News & World Report. Baton Rouge Magnet High School is the highest-ranked high school in the Baton Rouge region and sixth statewide. The selective magnet school at 2825 Government St. is ranked 209th out of nearly 18,000 schools across the nation that were evaluated by U.S. News. It is one of nine Louisiana public schools ranked in the top 1,000 nationwide and it has performed similarly for many years previously. A total of 378 Louisiana public high schools were evaluated. Nine of the top 25 schools in Louisiana are located in the Baton Rouge region. The highest-ranked school in Louisiana was Ben Franklin High School in New Orleans, a school that ranked 53rd nationwide. U.S. News began ranking public high schools in 2007, piggybacking on the success of its annual college rankings that began in
PROVIDED PHOTO BY ASCENSION PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dutchtown High graduates sing the school’s alma mater during the 2026 commencement. 1984. In 2010, U.S. News ceased printing its weekly news magazine, but it continues publishing its annual rankings. Here are the six other public high schools in the Baton Rouge region that made U.S News’ top 25 in Louisiana: n LSU Lab School in Baton Rouge, 7th in the state, 539th nationwide. n Liberty High in Baton Rouge, 12th in the
state, 1,320th nationwide. n Holden High in Holden, 14th in the state, 1,494th nationwide. n Live Oak High in Watson, 15th in the state, 1,576th nationwide. n West Feliciana High in St. Francisville, 19th in the state, 2,285th nationwide. n Albany High in Albany, 20th in the state, 2,393rd nationwide.
n St. Amant High, 23rd in the state, 2,519th nationwide. When it started in 2007, U.S. News was one of several entities that tried each year to divine the best high schools, using varying methods, but most of those other efforts have since stopped.
ä See SCHOOLS, page 3G
Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Deadline set for campaign announcements Candidates running in local races for the November election have until Aug. 28 to submit a campaign announcement for publication. The statements must be 400 words or less and include candidate’s age and political party. All announcements will be edited for newspaper style and length. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with early voting Oct. 20-27. Email statement and photo to ascension@theadvocate.com. Photos should be sent as high resolution jpg attachment.
Mattress Fundraiser supports Dutchtown High band If you or someone you know is in the market for a new mattress, now is the perfect time. Dutchtown High School Band is hosting a one-day Mattress Fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 13. For one day only, Dutchtown High School will be transformed into a full mattress showroom for the band’s Mattress Fundraiser. Shoppers will find 27 different mattress styles to try, available in all sizes and price ranges. The sale will also feature adjustable bases, luxury pillows, premium sheets, and mattress protectors. Top brands, including Simmons Beautyrest, Purple, Helix and more, will be available. All products come with full factory warranties, are made to order, and will arrive within two to three weeks. Delivery is available. Every purchase benefits the Dutchtown High School band program. Custom Fundraising Solutions, the company behind the fundraiser, introduced the program in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2005. Today, the company operates nearly 80 locations and partners with more than 3,000 schools nationwide.
Health fair planned for Capital Area Agency for Aging “Healthy Hearts, Happy Lives” is the theme for the Oct. 29 Capital Area Agency for Aging’s health fair. The event will be at
ä See AROUND, page 4G
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
HERPS Exotic Reptile & Pet Show was Saturday and Sunday at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.
Snakes, insects, exotic pets take over Lamar-Dixon for HERPS show BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
Pint-sized tortoises and slinky snakes were among the thousands of reptilians
and amphibians displayed during last weekend’s HERPS Exotic Reptile & Pet Show in Gonzales. The popular event, held at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Cen-
ter, attracts those merely curious about exotic pets, as well as serious collectors. Bringing thousands of reptiles, amphibians,
insects, feeders and supplies, the HERPS show features more than 100 vendors from around the
ä See HERPS, page 4G
Housing developments moving forward DONALDSONVILLE ple commissioners said they were City recognizes needs not opposed to the development wanted the change in ownerfor Hyundai steel mill recommended the city approve a Lyn Levy Land Company, a Baton but ship to be more transparent, even BY ANNAKATE FREELAND Staff writer
Developers and city officials are taking the first steps to bring more new housing options to Donaldsonville as Hyundai prepares to break ground on its $5.8 billion steel mill in the area. On Thursday, the Donaldsonville Planning and Zoning Commission
zoning request and development agreement for two proposed residential developments. The commission also began discussing temporary housing related to construction at Hyundai Steel. The commission recommended rezoning nearly 52 acres along Loop 945 from commercial to residential, clearing the way for a proposed 187-lot subdivision. The request was submitted by
Rouge-based developer. Commissioners said preliminary plats, traffic studies and drainage studies for the development have already been completed. The plans were originally submitted by T Veenendaal Real Estate, which purchased the property July 22 for $960,000 and sold it the following day to Lyn Levy Land Company for almost $1.5 million. Mayor Leroy Sullivan and multi-
if the two parties were working together. “I just want to make sure that there’s transparency and everybody knows he bought the property and then he turned around and sold it at a profit the next day,” Sullivan said. Although Lyn Levy Land Company is now the property owner
ä See HOUSING, page 3G
2G ■ Wednesday, August 26, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate
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THE ASCENSION
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SPORTS T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
REV Fiber’s Game of the Week returns for 21st season with 31 high school football matchups Community news report REV Fiber is bringing back its Game of the Week high school football coverage for a 21st season, delivering 32 matchups across 11 south Louisiana parishes. Beginning Sept. 4, the schedule features local rivalries, homecoming games, regional matchups and playoff action. Game of the Week has grown from a local television broadcast focused on Ascension Parish football into a multiplatform production reaching viewers throughout REV’s service area. “For more than 20 years, Game of the Week has been a way for REV to celebrate schools and studentathletes that make South Louisiana special, “ said Josh Descant, CEO of REV. “As REV’s footprint continues to grow, we are excited to bring this tradition to even more communities and give families another way to experience high school football together.” Retuning for a second year is REV Fiber’s Game of the Week Expanded with coverage of an additional 10 games. Produced in partnership with Varsity Sports Now, Game of the Week Expanded continues and enhances REV’s tradition of bringing high school sports to the communities it serves. In 2026, five select games will be available and livestreamed directly on REV Fiber’s YouTube channel, while five others will be available on Varsity Sports Now’s subscriptionbased platform. “High school football has a unique way of highlighting entire communities — every matchup offers an opportunity to showcase the talent, dedication and traditions that define high school football in South Louisiana,” said Tressy Leindecker, REV’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. “Whether it’s a longtime rivalry, a homecoming celebration, or a playoff run, these are the moments that families remember. At REV, we are proud to capture these memories and share the stories that make each game special.” REV’s 2026 Game of the Week schedule features schools from 11 parishes: Ascension, Caddo, East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Orleans, Pointe Coupee, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington. “The 2026 Game of the Week schedule reflects what is possible when local partners share a commitment to their communities,” said Eric Richey, founder and CEO of Varsity Sports Now. “By bringing together REV’s deep roots in South Louisiana, VSN’s experience in high school sports production and the support of schools across the region, we can showcase more student-athletes, coaches and traditions with the professional, positive coverage they deserve.” In addition to REV’s livestreamed, gameday coverage of capital area schools on YouTube (REV Video, REV Sports I, REV Sports II) and VSN, all games will air on REV TV beginning the following day. For the complete 2026 Game of the Week replay schedule, broadcast information and updates — including Bayou Region coverage in partnership with By-U Sports — visit: https://letsrev.com/tv/game-ofthe-week/.
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Q&A WITH TAYLOR PAINTER
Ascension Christian quarterback ready for leadership role Ascension Christian went 6-5 last season and made the playoffs for the first time since 2019. The Lions return several key players, but the success of most teams usually is a result of solid QB play. Insert senior Taylor Painter, a first-year starter under center moving over from defense. Painter is excited about this opportunity to Troy play quarterback and be LeBoeuf a leader for the Lions. ASCENSION The Lions are moving SPORTS to District 10-1A and will be playing a 10-game regular season schedule. There is plenty of excitement with the program under second year head coach Conrad Gayle. Gayle is ready to turn the keys over to Painter and let him lead the Lions into 2026. What is your position, height and weight and GPA? I will be playing QB, 5-10 and 165 pounds, my GPA is 3.0. What honors did you earn last year? I earned second team all-district as a defensive back and first team outfielder in baseball. What was the offseason like and fall camp as well? We grew closer as a team and pushed each other to be better. Spending time in the weight room and becoming stronger. We are a close group with one goal in mind which is to buy in to the program, be great teammates and all be on the same page. Talk about your transition to QB and leading the team, how have your coaches helped? The coaching staff has been great at helping me prepare to play a new position. I work closely with coach Ian Brian; he has been so helpful with teaching me the position and building my confidence. What are the team goals and your goals for this season? We want to have a winning record, and I would like to pass for over 1,000 yards. I want to be a leader as the QB for my teammates. What has the new role as the QB did for your leadership skills? I want to lead, that can be done in different ways. Being a good role model on and off the field is important to me, especially for the underclassmen in our program. How good can this team be this season? I think we can be explosive on both sides of the ball, a complete team. Play-
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Ascension Christian quarterback Taylor Painter ing QB will allow me to become more of an impact player, be someone that can help my team in a leadership role. Who would you like to thank going into this season? My coaches have been great mentors and teachers to all of us. They care about us as players and people. My parents have supported me and they are
always there for me. I am thankful for my teammates, we have grown closer leading up to the season and the excitement is there to do well. Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@hotmail.com or ascension@theadvocate.com
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HOUSING
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and developer, Chairman Carl Capone said the company must follow the plans that were previously submitted and approved. Sullivan said the developer did not provide estimated home prices or square footage of the houses, but that lot widths are expected to range from about 50 feet to between 120 and 140 feet. The proposed lot sizes prompted residents at the meeting to ask why the sizes and prices of the proposed houses were not provided. “Because it would seem to me, I don’t know, I’m not that good at numbers, but if I know how big a lot is, and I know where the set-asides are, and I know how much space I’ve got to give STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON in the front of the subdivision, An empty Railroad Avenue extends from Mississippi Street in the historic downtown of Donaldsonville, I could probably estimate the Louisiana on June 15. maximum amount it could be,” Randy Lanoix said. If the City Council gives final ing address issues before work with the $5.8 billion steel mill, “Something to this level will approval, the developer can be- begins. which is to break ground in happen. We’re gonna need that. The subdivision will consist September. The mill is ex- The plant is coming,” he said. gin the permitting process for Capone said any site would of roughly 130 single-family pected to bring about 4,800 construction. homes priced between $250,000 construction jobs at the peak need adequate infrastructure, Development agreement including water, gas and roads. and $280,000. Most homes are building phase. Capone said once the tempoCapone, the planning comThe commission also recom- expected to be three-bedroom, mended a development agree- two-bath, with some four-bed- mission chair, said he has been rary houses are no longer needspeaking with a West Virginia- ed, property could be made ment with J. Breaux Enterpris- room, two-and-a-half-bath. The developer has also agreed based developer about a poten- into a subdivision as it has the es, a Carencro-based company, for a roughly 46-acre residen- to install natural gas service tial temporary housing proj- infrastructure for residential ect. He said the concept could development. tial development on Thibaut throughout the subdivision. Sullivan said more discusThe item will be up for final include small units of about 900 Drive called Cane Field Crossapproval from the City Council square feet designed to house sion on temporary housing ing. one or two people. development would first need Under Louisiana law, devel- on Tuesday. The developer is considering a resolution from the City opment agreements allow loa project with between 400 and Council. Plans could then be cal governments and develop- Temporary housing ers to establish expectations The commissioners also be- 1,200 temporary housing units recommended by the Planning and responsibilities before a gan early discussion of tem- on a site somewhere in the city, Commission, with the council getting final approval. project moves forward, help- porary housing in connection Capone said.
To calculate this year’s list, U.S. News teamed up with North Carolina-based RTI International. RTI judged schools on a 100-point scale focusing on six factors: proficiency on state standardized tests; performance on state tests; performance of “underserved” students on those tests; graduation rates; college readiness; and college curriculum “breadth.” RTI lays out its methodology in a 78-page technical appendix. RTI draws on publicly available data for its determinations. Other listing sites solicit data from schools or members of the public. The college readiness measure focuses strictly on participation levels and performance on Advanced Placement, or AP, and International Baccalaureate, or IB, exams. The “breadth” measure looks at the rate students take and pass AP or IB exams in multiple subjects. The highest-ranked school in the nation this year was Central Magnet School in Murfreesboro, Tenn. It earned 100 points, with perfect scores in almost every area judged. Baton Rouge Magnet High earned an overall score of 98.84, buoyed by a nearly perfect graduation rate, reading scores and the percentage of its students who take at least one AP exam. “It’s great, but it’s just another indicator,” said Nan McCann, the longtime principal of Baton Rouge Magnet. Four of the top five schools, and five of the top 10 schools, are located in New Orleans. McCann said that at one time Ben Franklin was the only New Orleans school that would make such lists. Since Hurricane Katrina, several more specialized college prep schools — McCann calls them “boutique schools” — have opened in the New Orleans area and have joined schools like Baton Rouge Magnet. “It’s nice to see that we are still holding in there,” she said.
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Email Charles Lussier at clussier@ theadvocate.com.
ASCENSION PARISH BOOKINGS The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on Aug. 13-20.
AUG. 13
FORSYTHE, ANGELA MARIE: 45138 Teddy Babin Road, St. Amant; 61; telephone communications/improper language/harassment, resisting an officer by violence, resistance, or opposition, disturbing the peace/violent and tumultuous manner/disorderly conduct VERDA, CHARLES JOSEPH: 5 Bubba Phillips Drive, Wiggins, Mississippi; 51; probation violation WILSON, EDWARD: 1805 Von Arpel Drive, LaPlace; 49; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, parole violation JOSEPH, HARRISON: 304 Barcelona Drive, Donaldsonville; 54; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction YORK, JERMAINE: 1501 Van Arpel Drive, Laplace; 44; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, failure to appearbench warrant WILLIAMS, LEANNE LACHELLE: 228 Dville Village Circle, Donaldsonville; 34; disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct, aggravated assault, simple criminal damage to property less than $1000, criminal trespass/trespassing of real property MITCHELL, ANGELA: 1155 S. Pecan Grove Ave., Gonzales; 41; false imprisonment, battery of a dating partner
AUG. 14
VAUGHN, VICTORIA LEIGH: 16127 Berryhill Drive, Baton Rouge; 26; simple assault, unlawful disruption of the operation of a healthcare facility, resisting a police officer with force or violence, battery of a police officer, simple escapeaggravated escape, simple battery, disturbing the peace/ violent and tumultuous manner/disorderly conduct MCKNIGHT, FRANKIE: 37047 Ellem Road, Geismar; 35; failure to appear-bench warrant, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance JANICE JR., KEYON DAUNTE: 5115 Highland Road, Baton Rouge; 24; failure to appearbench warrant JOHNSON, BREANNA RENAE: 41420 Richard Miles Road, Gonzales; 17; aggravated second degree battery MCBRIDE, ROY: 561 Robertson Ave., Baton Rouge; 19; illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities/weapons law violation, aggravated criminal damage to property, second degree murder/attempt RILEY, JAQUENTIN DAQUAN: 35231 Julie Drive No. 106B, Donaldsonville; 21; probation violation parish PETERS, JAMES ISAIAH: 407 Lessard St., Donaldsonville; 27; failure to appear-bench warrant ADAMS, QUINNAN: 156 Oakmont Drive, LaPlace; 42; parole violation, battery of a dating partner
BONANO, CHRISTOPHER GERARD: 16845 Turnbull Drive, Zachary; 46; four counts failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
AUG. 15
COLEMAN, ARNELL RON: 37120 Ellem Road, Geismar; 27; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant VALLOTTON, WILLIAM DOUGLAS: 131 Hickory St, Denham Springs; 38; operating while intoxicated-first BALFANTZ, HUNTER BRODY: 13491 K McCrory Road, Gonzales; 37; state probation violation NICHOLAS, CARL: 9149 Ester St., Convent; 58; disturbing the peace/drunkenness ROBERTSON, JACARI: 1821 Sweetleaf Ave., Denham Springs; 18; disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct, resisting an officer by violence/resistance/or opposition LEBLANC, MILTON: 208 W. Second St., Donaldsonville; 59; entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden HAYNES, JAYDEN KESHAWN: 220 Bammel Westfield Road, Houston, Texas; 20; two counts theft of $1,000 but less than $5,000, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction DALEY JR., RICKY L.: 8210 Pond St., Sorrento; 35; failure to appear-bench warrant NUNNERY, THOMAS LAYTON: 12353 Susan Place Drive, Gonzales; 48; domestic abuse battery- child endangerment SWIFT, AUSTIN RAMONE: 13098 Bluff Road, Geismar; 25; two counts failure to appearbench warrant, manufacture/ distribution/possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substance
AUG. 16
SCOTT, TONI JANAE: 7579 Trailview Drive, Gonzales; 39; domestic abuse battery HENRY, CURTIS JOSEPH: 2284 Sagona Road, Donaldsonville; 38; domestic abuse battery; child endangerment HIGDON, BRANDON LANCE: 14286 Garcon Road, Gonzales; 48; violations of protective orders SIMS, ANTOINE DONTRELL: 13399 Oreal Bourgeois Road, Gonzales; 42; violations of protective orders, resisting a police officer with force or violence, resisting an officer, aggravated arson LANDRY, ALESSIE E.: 107 E. Verna St., Gonzales; 41; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction SMITH, ROBERT HARLEY: 468 Cleaveland Ave., Pikeville, Tennessee; 28; disturbing the peace/drunkenness GUSTAIN JR., DONNELL LOUIS: 120 First St., Donaldsonville; 36; unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling
AUG. 17
SMITH, CHRISTIAN: 16047 Weston Court Drive, Prairieville; 24; domestic abuse battery
MARSH, TRAVIS LEE: 16428 Ole Homestead Lane, Prairieville; 19; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction CARTER JR., ERIC CAPOTES: 13123 Country Park Ave., Baton Rouge; 29; violations of protective orders ROBINSON, BREN’DYN: 1902 S. Sky Haven Ave., Gonzales; 18; contributing to the delinquency of juveniles, disturbing the peace/violent and tumultuous manner/disorderly conduct SHARPER, ANTOINE DEQUINCEY: 16315 Keystone Blvd., Prairieville; 35; domestic abuse battery BUIE, BYRON T.: 18482 Manchac Point Road, Prairieville; 70; simple criminal damage to property $1,000 to $50,000, hit-and-run driving, desecration of graves SHARRETTE, NAKIA DESHANE: 109 Oakridge Ave., Unit B, Donaldsonville; 50; fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction, violations of registration provisions, tail lamps, operating vehicle while license is suspended, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance
probation violation SHEPPARD, JOEL LYNN: 6182 Dalark Drive, Baton Rouge; 49; failure to appear-bench warrant, theft less than $1,000 GOSEWISCH, ANTHONY JAMES: 3013 Horton Ave., San Diego, California; 58; identity theft, bank fraud BAZLEY, ISAIAH NEHEMIAH: 2150 Westbank Expressway, No. 202, Harvey; 21; theft less than $1,000, fugitive-other
Louisiana jurisdiction PITTS, LOUIS: 11423 Curran St., New Orleans; 49; theft $1,000 but less than $5,000 CRITTENDEN, JAVIER VANDERLAIR: 3025 Bartlett St., Baton Rouge; 37; two counts fugitive — other Louisiana jurisdiction, theft Less Than $1,000, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000 DAVIS, BLAKE A.: 15232 Chrissy Drive, Gonzales; 44; theft
$1,000 but less than $5,000
AUG. 20
CARMOUCHE, JOHN T.: 3624 Monticello Blvd., Baton Rouge; 32; following vehicles, maximum speed limit, operating while intoxicated-first DAVIS JR., LESLIE WYNN: 41176 Cannon Road, Gonzales; 52; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, disturbing the peace/drunkenness
AUG. 18
LEWIS, LERONE CORNELL: 425 Memorial Drive No. 8, Donaldsonville; 57; possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine), sale/distribution/or possession of legend drug without prescription RICKIS, JJ: 1733 Shiloh Road, Brandon, Mississippi; 33; probation violation parish, telephone communications/ improper language/harassment, violations of protective orders CARTER, LAVARRY JOSEPH: 7053 Madison Ave., Baton Rouge; 38; maximum speed limit, fugitive — other Louisiana jurisdiction SARGENT, ARRION: 6109 La. 308, Paincourtville; 32; cruelty to animals-simple, cruelty to animals-aggravated WILSON, JAMES CHARLES: 7514 Eva St., Sorrento; 54; criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, theft less than $1,000 FRAZIER, ZYJUAN CORTEZ: 12047 La. 73, Geismar; 25; failure to appear-bench warrant, resisting an officer LAWSON, CARLOS J.: 308 Williams St., Donaldsonville; 50; simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, six counts criminal trespass/ trespassing of real property, simple burglary, four counts theft less than $1,000, five counts, simple burglary
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AUG. 19
CAIN, TAYLOR: 16331 Greenwood Drive, Prairieville; 30; maximum speed limit, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior DOZERT, BO BRANDON: 18635 Blythe Road, Prairieville; 36; identity theft under $300, access device fraud less than $1,000, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, theft less than $1,000 PHELPS, DANIEL: 23019 La. 16, Denham Springs; 52; state
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4G ■ Wednesday, August 26, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate
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Ascension Girl Scouts conquer Texas during summer adventure Community news report Members of Ascension Parish Girl Scout Troops 10205 and 10286 recently returned from their annual summer adventure, this year setting their sights on the Lone Star State. The high school sophomores and juniors spent five days exploring Texas while building leadership skills, strengthening friendships, and creating memories, a news release said. The annual trip is largely planned by the girls. From developing budgets and selecting destinations to earning badges and mapping out daily itineraries, the Girl Scouts take an active role in every step of the planning process. The experience reflects Girl Scouting’s commitment to girl-led leadership, philanthropy, practical life skills, and personal growth, the release said.
The Texas itinerary was packed with educational, cultural and recreational experiences. The trip began in Houston with visits to Chinatown, Phoenicia Specialty Foods, Buffalo Bayou Park and the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern art installation. In San Antonio, the girls explored the SAS General Store, posed beside the World’s Largest Cowboy Boots, toured the Japanese Tea Garden, visited the Spanish Governor’s Palace, shopped at Historic Market Square, strolled along the famous River Walk, enjoyed a riverboat tour, experienced Ripley’s Wax Museum and Illusion Lab, visited the Alamo, cooled off with treats from El Paraiso Ice Cream and even found time to relax by the pool. Day three focused on Texas history and natural wonders. After attending Mass
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Ascension Parish Girl Scouts visit the Japanese Tea Garden in Houston. Making the trip, from left, are Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Coco, Samantha Pasqua, Annie Schexnaydre, Starlette Charrier, Hailey Branch and Brynn O’berry. at Mission Concepción, the Girl Scouts toured San Antonio Missions National Historical Park before heading underground to explore Natural Bridge Caverns. The evening concluded with
shopping in the historic town of Gruene, live music, and a movie at the Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre. The adventure continued with a day at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, another stop for
ice cream at Rhea’s, a visit to Seguin to see both the original and current World’s Largest Pecan, and an authentic Mexican dinner. Before heading home, the girls visited Waterway Park, shopped at the Houston Galleria, went ice skating, stopped at American Statesmanship Park — often nicknamed “Mount Rush Hour” — and made the traditional final stop at Buc-ee’s. The Texas trip continues a tradition of summer adventures. Previous destinations have included New York City, where the girls mastered public transportation, explored world-renowned museums, and honored those lost at the Sept. 11 memorial. In Alabama, they experienced ziplining, whitewater rafting, toured the Blue Bell Creameries, and deepened their understanding of the Civil Rights Movement through visits to
Montgomery, including the Legacy Museum and the church where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once served. Last summer, the troops explored Georgia, visiting Providence Canyon State Park, Amicalola Falls, Six Flags Over Georgia, and several attractions throughout Atlanta. These annual experiences are made possible primarily through Girl Scout product sales and fundraising efforts. Every box of cookies purchased and fundraiser supported helps provide girls with opportunities to travel, learn, lead and grow beyond the classroom. For families interested in joining the adventure, Girl Scouts welcomes girls of all ages. To learn more about local troops and programs, visit Girl Scouts Louisiana East or stop by the DreamLab to discover what Girl Scouting has to offer.
RPCC analysis showcases earnings, workforce retention, economic impact Community news report Graduates of River Parishes Community College’s process technology program earn higher than state average salaries five years after graduation, according to the publication of a new workforce analysis by the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Postsecondary Employment Outcomes database, the analysis found that graduates of RPCC’s Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians associate degree program earn a median salary of $134,767 within five years of graduation. Graduates of RPCC’s Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians programs also demonstrated positive outcomes, reaching median earnings of $117,625 five years after graduation. The report notes that these earnings far exceed both the Baton Rouge metropolitan area’s median household income of $69,293 and Louisiana’s statewide median household income of $60,986. “These findings affirm what we’ve always believed — that workforce education has the power to transform lives while strengthening our communities,” said RPCC Chancellor Quintin D. Taylor. “As unprecedented industrial investment continues across Ascension Parish and the River Region, we’re ensuring local residents have access to the education and training that leads to these careers while providing employers with the skilled talent they need to grow. That’s a win for our students, our industry partners, and our communities.” The analysis also highlights the program’s retention of talent within the state. According to the federal data, approximately 99% of RPCC’s engineering-related associate degree graduates remain living and working in Louisiana five years after graduation. “This is not only a win for our graduates — it’s a win for Louisiana,” Taylor said. “When our students stay here, they strengthen our workforce, support local businesses, raise families, and contribute to the continued growth of our region.” The article points to the capital region’s concentration of industrial employers — including ExxonMobil, BASF, CF Industries, Dow, Shell and many others — and notes that industrial production careers are concentrated at rates many times higher than the national average. The findings come as RPCC continues expanding access to process technology education. Beginning this fall, the college will offer accredited evening process technology classes at Donaldsonville High School. The expansion complements RPCC’s planned Hyundai Steel Training Center in Donaldsonville, scheduled to open in early 2028.
AROUND
Continued from page 1G Lamar-Dixon Expo Center’s Rev Center in Gonzales. Businesses and organizations wishing to share information at the event, can call the Capital Area Agency on Aging at (225) 922-2525 or visit capitalaaa.org/ annual-health-fair-expo.
Chamber Business Expo Aug. 27 The Ascension Chamber of
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
Timothy and Elizabeth Kraft, of Plaquemine, look at axolotls with their son, Titus, 5, during Saturday’s HERPS Exotic Reptile & Pet Show in Gonzales.
HERPS
Bailey owned her first snake at 11 years old and sold a wide range of medium-sized snakes. Continued from page 1G “I fell in love with snakes after I got my first Blue-Eyed Lucy Ball Python from my dad,” Bailey said. “People fall country and gives attendees the chance in love with snakes the same way they to see exotic animals up close in a safe fall in love with dogs. People enjoy environment. having snakes as pets because they are Touted as a family-friendly event, calm.” children were able to touch, hold While the slithering snakes were the and purchase scaly lizards, squiggly big attraction at the HERPS show, othsnakes and quiet tortoises. Timothy and Elizabeth Kraft, of er pets stood in the background calm Plaquemine, brought their son, 5-yearand quiet. old Titus. Crescent Exotics owners Suzie and “We are here to have a lot of fun,” TiTerry Martino drove from New Orleans with a caravan of tiny tortoises tus said. “My favorite is the gecko.” and large dome-shaped turtles. Titus learned more about axolotls at “We sell Sulcata tortoises,” Suzie the Bayou Axolotls booth, where owner Martino said. “These can grow to Amber Martin displayed a wide variweigh over 100 pounds and live to be ety. The axolotls, a species of a mole salamander who have long bodies, flat over 100 years old. They are really amaztails and short legs, are a big draw for ing.” children. Also, along for the ride from New OrMany of the children who come up leans were ball pythons, Kenyan sand boas to Martin’s booth are already familiar and western hognose snakes. with axolotls thanks to a popular video The Martinos say the snakes make good game. pets in family homes. “Kids love axolotls right now because “Some children have fur allergies, so the of the axolotl characters in Minecraft snakes are a good choice,” Terry Martino games,” said Martin, who has owned said. “They are easy to take care of.” her business for five years and has For the Martinos, the HERPS show is an been a vendor at the Gonzales HERPS PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP opportunity to meet people with genuine show for three years. “They are very interest and appreciation of snakes and Bailey Guillory, 16, right, owner of Baileys unique and are easy to keep as pets. exotic animals. Royal Beauties, along with her mother, Ashley, “Axolotls have a lot of the same up“We enjoy coming to this show and talkattend the weekend HERPS Exotic Reptile & ing to the people,” Terry Martino said. keep as fish in aquariums. I just love the looks on their faces.” “Those who attend learn a lot and get to Pet Show in Gonzales. One young entrepreneur has taken experience what it is like to own reptiles. her snake hobby into a small business. Royal Beauties, traveled from Ville Many people do their research at these Bailey Guillory, 16, owner of Baileys Platte to the HERPS show. shows and make purchases later.”
Commerce’s annual Business Expo is Aug. 27 at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center’s Rev Center. The event will include more than 100 local businesses and organizations display products and services, keynote brunch, business expo showcase, Passport to Prizes and a Taste of Ascension happy hour. For more information, contact the chamber.
Highway 621 Outdoor Market The Highway 621 Outdoor Market, 39275 La. 621, in Gonzales,
opens at 8 a.m. every Saturday through July 25. Shop vendors’ booths and purchase locally grown produce.
Books for Boots Aug. 29 Gonzales Memorial VFW Post 3693 is hosting a Books for Boots Red, White and Boots Festival starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 29 at the post hall on Churchpoint Road. Admissions is $10 for ages 13 and older and $5 for children 12 and under. The event will include a pet-
ting zoo, pony rides, inflatables, silent auction, music, jeep show, food and craft vendors. Proceeds support the group’s efforts to support military personnel. For more information, visit www.booksforboots.org.
Woman’s mammography coach coming to Napoleonville Woman’s Hospital mobile mammography coach brings breast imaging across the state. The coach offers advanced 3D mammogram technology at
convenient times and locations across Louisiana. A physician’s order is required, and appointments are strongly encouraged. The coach will be at Assumption Parish Community Hospital, 135 La. 402, Napoleonville, Aug. 28. Call (985) 369-4265 to schedule. Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@ theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@ theadvocate.com. Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday.