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, S e p t e m b e r 2, 2026
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Housing development OK’d in Donaldsonville Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Gonzales Gun Show comes to Lamar-Dixon The Gonzales Gun Show stops at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center Sept. 5-6 with guns to buy or trade. Hundreds of displays of new and old guns, ammo, gun parts, books, knives, knife sharpening, coins, camouflage and related items at discounted prices will be on display.
Heart & Seoul Festival Music, food, a kids zone and gift zone is planned for the Heart and Seoul Festival, a community day planned by Hyundai-Posco Louisiana Steel. The event is Sept. 6 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Louisiana Square, Donaldsonville.
BY ANNAKATE FREELAND Staff writer
For decades, no new subdivisions have been built on the west bank of Ascension Parish, but that soon will change. The Donaldsonville City Council approved a development agreement for a roughly 46-acre subdivision at its Aug. 25 meeting. Development agreements allow local governments and develop-
ers to establish expectations and responsibilities before a project moves forward, helping address issues before work begins. The agreement is with J. Breaux Enterprises, a Carencro-based company. The development will be called Cane Field Crossing and will be located on Thibaut Drive. The council’s action means the developer is now able to move forward with preliminary plats and drainage and traffic studies
The subdivision will consist of roughly 130 single-family homes priced between $250,000 and $280,000. Most homes are expected to be three-bedroom, two-bath, with some four-bedroom, two-anda-half-bath. The developer has agreed to install natural gas service throughout the subdivision, and the city will hook the gas up to the homes, Mayor Leroy Sullivan said. The council also introduced an
Fundraiser collects for program sending books, board games for troops
BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
A 007 Casino Gala is raising money for Volunteer Ascension from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 10 at Price LeBlanc Pace Center, Gonzales. The event will include entertainment, casino gaming, food, wine pull, auctions, raffles and prizes. For tickets information, visit volunteerascension.org.
Mattress fundraiser set
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CARE PACKAGED
Volunteer Ascension Gala
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
ordinance to rezone nearly 52 acres along Loop 945 from commercial to residential, clearing the way for a proposed 187-lot subdivision. Lot sizes are expected to be about 50 feet wide and 120 to 140 feet long. The developer did not provide pricing or square footage of the proposed homes. The rezoning will be up for final approval on Sept. 22.
The Red, White, and Boots Festival provided a day of fun and entertainment on Saturday at VFW Post 3693 in Gonzales. The event was a fundraiser for the growing Books for Boots organization — a volunteer nonprofit that provides new and gently used books, puzzles, CDs and board games to members of the military and their families. Founder Melissa Singletary began Books for Boots in 2023 when her daughter, Mackayla Geralds, was injured during basic training. She requested that Melissa send her books to read during her recovery. Recognizing a need that was missing for military members, as well as their children, Singletary began Books for Boots. Since then, Singletary and her team of volunteers have sent more than 20,000 items to those stationed in the military. Activities at the Red, White, and Boots Festival included silent auctions, a jeep contest, petting zoo, 20 craft vendors, inflatables, karate demonstrations and free snoballs. Around 35 volunteers were on hand to help. Blue Star Mothers of Louisiana chapter president Denise Singleton kicked off the day with an inspiring speech about Books for Boots and Singletary. “When Mackayla was injured in training, she made a simple request of her mom, ‘Send some books for her and the other injured recruits,” Singleton said. “As a milPHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP itary mom myself, I understand
Two-year-old Briar Luttrell, along with his mother, McKenzie, pets a miniature pony Saturday during the Red, White, and Boots Festival at the VFW Post 3693 in Gonzales.
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SENIOR SPOTLIGHT ON ASCENSION HIGH’S JEREMYAH MERRIWEATHER
Spartan balances football, school, work and life Ascension High receiver pursues goals
Jeremyah Merriweather is a senior footcouple of things. ball player for the East Ascension Spartans, “Being a leader and modeling what good and that’s only one of his many talents. looks like for everyone and to me the biggest Merriweather takes care of his schoolthing is having the coaches trust you,” Merwork, holds a job, practices his faith and tells riweather said. me he isn’t satisfied. To prepare for this season, Merriweather Troy “I am still a work in progress as far as I see stayed focused on being the best player he LeBoeuf can be for his team. it,” he said. “Balancing my time as a student, ASCENSION football player, my job and serving my al“I enjoy working out, competing at college SPORTS camps, playing 7-on-7 with my teammates mighty God is something I enjoy doing.” for the chemistry. With all of that, I was able Merriweather is coming off of an outstandto hold down a job and prepare for life after ing junior season that saw him earn alldistrict and all-parish honors. Those things are nice, football,” Merriweather said. Getting an opportunity to play in college is cerbut the focus of the senior captain is obvious. “Knowing that my coaches trust me, being elected tainly a goal for Merriweather and he is optimistic. captain for the second straight year is certainly “Looking for a team to college program to give me something I do not take lightly. At the end of the an opportunity. I want to be a physical therapist as day, it’s all about the ‘W,’ doing what you love to do well,” he said. and doing that with your teammates’ ”, said MerPlaying multiple sports is important to Merririweather. weather and particularly likes another sport that The Spartans finished 8-4 last season and have helps him with football. some unfinished business to achieve their ultimate ä See LEBOEUF, page 4G goals, and Merriweather knows it all starts with a
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
East Ascension receiver Jeremyah Merriweather (1) makes the leaping catch against Central in the fourth quarter of the Division I nonselect regional game on Nov. 21 in Central.
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HOUSING
Continued from page 1G Lyn Levy Land Company, a Baton Rougebased developer, has already completed
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preliminary plat and traffic and drainage studies. With council’s final approval, the developer can move forward with the permitting process. Since the announcement that Hyundai Steel would build a $5.8 billion steel mill in Donaldsonville, city officials have acknowledged the
need for housing. A groundbreaking ceremony for the plant is scheduled for Sept. 4. “We have people coming and growth coming. We need more houses for that,” Planning Commission Chairman Carl Capone said last week during the commission’s regular meeting.
The mill is expected to generate 4,800 construction jobs, along with 1,300 permanent jobs and 4,100 indirect jobs once it is completed, which is anticipated in 2029. Combined, that is more than Donaldsonville’s current population of 7,094, according to the U.S. Census estimates from 2025.
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
The 3rd Street Band performs Saturday during the Red, White, and Boots Festival at the VFW Post 3693 in Gonzales.
Melissa Singletary, right, founder of Books for Boots, attends Saturday’s Red, White, and Boots Festival, along with her daughters Mackayla Geralds, left, and Claire Singletary.
CARE
Continued from page 1G something about that kind of request. “When our children raise their right hand and answer the call to serve, we learn very quickly that we cannot always go where they go and we cannot fix every problem. We can’t make every difficult decision, and we cannot protect them from every hardship that comes with the commitment they have made. “But when they tell us there is something that we can do we do it with a fierceness that is unstop-
pable. What began as one mother’s response to her daughter became something much bigger, Books for Boots was born.” “Even though Books for Boots is 100% volunteer-operated, it still takes money to keep our programs running,” Singletary said. “We have storage fees, shipping costs, insurance, supplies and other everyday operating expenses.” The donated items Books for Boots collects are housed at Singletary’s house and a storage unit in Prairieville. “One of our biggest goals is securing a permanent space of our own,” Singletary said. “We have grown tremendously over the last three years, and we’ve
The Dutchtown High School Naval Junior ROTC present the colors at the beginning of the Red, White, and Boots Festival Saturday at VFW Post 3693 in Gonzales. On stage, are Landry Seals, top left, and Denise Singleton, of Blue Star Mothers. reached the point where having a dedicated building would make a huge difference in how efficiently we can operate and how many military members and families we can serve. We are hoping this fundraiser not only supports what
we are doing today but also helps move us closer to that next chapter.” Singletary added a dedicated building would provide one central place in which more volunteers could sort and pack ship-
ments. The space the organization has now limits how many people can help at one time. For more information about providing donations or volunteering for Books for Boots, visit www. booksforboots.org.
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State Supreme Court denies Ascension judge’s appeal BY ANNAKATE FREELAND
Staff writer
The Louisiana Supreme Court denied the writs filed by Judge Steven Tureau, a move that means the sitting judge will not be on the ballot, his attorney confirmed Thursday. “That’s essentially the end of the road for Judge Tureau,” attorney Rob Marrionneaux said. Tureau, who has served as
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a judge in the 23rd Judicial District Court since 2020, had his candidacy challenged by his opponent, Rob Snyder. Snyder filed suit Aug. 14, claiming Tureau did not file
state taxes for 2022, 2023 and 2024. In a trial in St. James Parish last week, a judge ruled that Tureau filed for extensions for the three years. Snyder appealed the decision, and the Fifth Circuit ruled Monday that Tureau should be disqualified. Snyder will automatically take the Division D seat in the 23rd Judicial District, which serves Ascension, Assumption and St. James Parishes.
ASCENSION PARISH BOOKINGS The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on Aug. 13-20.
AUG. 20
MONACHELLO, LUCIA MALAINE: 1715 Plantation Oaks Drive, Baton Rouge; 18; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle JOHNSON, FREDERICK MONVIN: 14496 Airline Highway, Gonzales; 42; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction HARP, ERIC S.: 17589 Simpson Road, Prairieville; 63; failure to appear-bench warrant STEPHENS, WYATT: 36444 Spanish Moss Court (grandparents address), Prairieville; 24; parole violation, failure to appear-bench warrant BRAUD, JUSTIN MICHAEL: 41080 Black Bayou Road, Gonzales; 30; first degree rape-victim under 13 years of age JONES, TYREZ PHINESS: 10504 La. 22, No. 27, St. Amant; 19; illegal possession of stolen things $1,000 to $5,000 MCCHESNEY, PATRICK SHANE: 10037 La. 22, No. 7, St. Amant; 40; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant, surety, probation violation parish WHITE, HANNAH NOELLE: 14315 Nuccio Road, Livingston; 24; possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance MARTINEZ, DAVID: 40116 Rebecca Lane, Prairieville; 63; domestic abuse battery MARTINEZ, BLAZE M.: 40116 Rebecca Lane, Prairieville; 37; domestic abuse battery
AUG. 21
WILLIAMS, HENRY A.: 42508 Churchpoint Road, Gonzales; 75; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine), criminal mischief/tampering with any property of another, misdemeanor sexual battery, false imprisonmentoffender armed with dangerous weapon WILLIAMS, ROBERT: 921 St. Vincent St., Donaldsonville; 59; four counts failure to appear-bench warrant HENRY, TROY EARL: 1806 S. Brightside View Drive Apt. M, Baton Rouge; 50; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, headlamps on motor vehicles-motorcycles and motordriven cycles, operating vehicle while license is suspended, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana more than 14 grams, possession of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine) PACE, ROBERT WILFORD: 41033 Renee Drive, Ponchatoula; 49; simple criminal damage to property $1,000 to $50,000, illegal possession of stolen things $1,000 to $5,000 JOSEPH, CORTEZ L.: 43523 La. 621 La. 273, Gonzales; 23; failure to appear-bench warrant, state probation violation BABIN, BRANDON R.: 42298 La. 933, Prairieville; 54; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction WILSON, EVERETTE ADORIJI: 412 N. Alexander Ave., Gonzales; 25; five counts failure to appear-bench warrant JOUTY, AMBER ANNMARIE: 43264 Moody Dixon Road, No. 48, Prairieville; 29; three counts failure to appearbench warrant PEREZ, CHRISTI ANN: 8544 S. St. Landry Ave., Gonzalez; 43; no driver’s license on person, use of wireless telecommunications device prohibited, careless operation, operating while intoxicated-first
AUG. 22
APPIAH IV, JOSEPH: 37295 Brigantines Ave., Prairieville; 17; armed robbery-attempted armed robbery-use of firearm-additional penalty, armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, discharging firearms within city limits, aggravated assault with a firearm, manufacture/distribution/ possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, criminal conspiracy, first degree murder, principals, first degree murder
JACKSON, DELDRICK DONTE: 1303 S. Augusta Ave., Gonzales; 28; parole violation, disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct, possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, threatening a public official-penalties/definitions, simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, aggravated assault with a firearm, illegal possession of stolen firearms JOHNSON JR., AVIS LAMARREA: 155 Grisaffe Lane, Belle Rose; 19; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant, possession of or dealing in firearms with obliterated number or mark BOUGERE, TYRONIE D.: 133 Bertrand St., Napoleonville; 21; battery of a dating partner CHATMAN, MICHAEL A.: 2525 W. Orice Roth Road, No. 604, Gonzales; 22; failure to appear-bench warrant LEBLANC, MILTON: 208 W. Second St., Donaldsonville; 59; theft less than $1,000 LAGARDE, RANDY P.: 318 Marcello Drive, Thibodeaux; 66; domestic abuse battery GARCIA SANCHEZ, EMILSON: 15404 Roy Rogers Road, Prairieville; 19; hold for other agency, illegal possession of stolen firearms
AUG. 23
ERAZO-ZUNIGA, JEFERSON: 118 Louisiana Ave., Natchez, Mississippi; 19; negligent carrying of a concealed handgun ALSAY, DEXTER: 620 Houmas St., Donaldsonville; 38; state probation violation, simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, battery of a police officer, resisting an officer, criminal trespass/ trespassing of real property, bicycles-front lamps/ rear lamps/side and rear reflectors, resisting a police officer with force or violence, manufacture/distribution/ possession with the intent to distribute Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, disarming of a peace officer BLACKWELL, JAMES EARL: 42299 Egbelu Lane, Gonzales; 31; distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, reckless operation, illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance SANCHEZ, KEVIN NATANAEL: 41237 Zeola Lane, Gonzales; 19; careless operation, underage operating while intoxicated ALVAREZ, RUBEN DEJESUS: 820 Mt. Pleasant Road Lot 32, Baton Rouge; 34; fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction, failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, driver must be licensed, security required, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, operating while Intoxicatedfirst JOHNSON, TYWON: 107 Freetown Lane, Belle Rose; 38; failure to appear-bench warrant CARTER, MYSHAUN OMYRION: 14115 Pecan Ridge Drive, Gonzales; 18; aggravated criminal damage to property, illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities, terrorizing CELESTINE, COLBY TERREL: 301 Grossie Drive, Lafayette; 31; two counts theft $1,000 but less than $5,000 KELLEY, DESTINY RAYE: 13522 Highland Road, Baton Rouge; 48; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction HONORE, RYAN JAMALL: 130 Belle Point Lane, Napoleonville; 34; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant KENNEDY, CHARLES: 25405 Patureau Lane, Plaquemine; 54; disturbing the peace/ violent and tumultuous manner/ disorderly conduct ALSAY, MAKALIA SHANTRELL: 118 Oakridge Ave. D, Donaldsonville; 26; failure to appear-bench warrant, disturbing the peace/language/ disorderly conduct, simple battery
AUG. 24
DUNHAM JR., CLIFTON DAVIS: 213 Evangeline Ext., Donaldsonville; 25; four counts failure to appear-bench warrant, use of multiple beam road lighting equipment, op-
erating vehicle while license is suspended WAGGENSPACK, AUSTIN P.: 41462 Glen Williams Road, Gonzales; 28; operating while intoxicated-first RAWLS, TOBY W.: 37048 Cotton Mill Ave., Geismar; 40; failure to appear-bench warrant COLAR, LAJORDAN DEMYKAL: 1727 S. Park Ave., Gonzales; 33; state probation violation, state probation violation, possession of a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance (alprazolam) LANDRY, SAVON KENDALE: 204 Freetown Lane, Belle Rose; 25; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant, violations of protective orders DODD, GAGE CHRISTOPHER: 13442 Boudreaux Road, Gonzales; 23; parole violation, breach of bail condition, failure to appear-bench warrant WRIGHT, JUDY HASTEN: 18030 Manning Drive, Prairieville; 65; domestic abuse aggravated assault
AUG. 25
HOOD, BRANDON PAUL: 346 La. 401, Napoleonville; 37; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance SIMONEAUX, RONALD JAMES: 39318 Camp Drive, Prairieville; 61; five counts failure to appear-bench warrant HOLMES, JESSIE: 17470 Cherry Creek Drive, Prairieville; 18; molestation of a juvenile MORALES, SCOTT J.: 11365 W. Paula St., St. Amant; 49; violations of protective orders, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction TOROGUERRERO, ALEJANDRO: 38119 Eastlake Drive, Prairieville; 21; simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000, resisting an officer, disturbing the peace/ drunkenness, battery of a dating partner ORTEZ, SIDNEY ELAINE: 40448 Crossgate Place, Gonzales; 34; parole violation, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling
AUG. 26
DUHE, RACHELLE MARIE: 5116 Highland Road, Apt. 166, Baton Rouge; 46; two counts failure to appear-bench warrant, theft less than $1,000, simple criminal damage to property less than $1,000 PREJEAN, TERRY JOSEPH: 38038 La. 22, Darrow; 36; possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, state probation violation, illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance ST. AMANT, PAUL JEFFERY: 10967 Tams Drive, Baton Rouge; 47; failure to appearbench warrant, battery of a dating partner FORD, KARMA LEIGH: 1635 E. La. 30, Gonzales; 27; theft less than $1,000 JONES, TYREZ PHINESS: 10504 La. 22, No. 27, St. Amant; 19; two counts criminal trespass/all other, two counts simple burglary (vehicle), two counts theft less than $1,000 TERRELL, MARK R.: 12488 Laurel Ridge Road, St. Amant; 40; disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct PHILLIP, MICHAEL ANTHONY: 9370 Boone Ave., Baton Rouge; 27; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction VARISTE, RHONDA NACOLE: 2035 Madison Ave., Baton Rouge; 48; failure to appearbench warrant, two counts fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction JEANSONNE, DONALD: 39331 Humble St., Paulina; 63; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
AUG. 27
JOHNSON, LAWRENCE: 3088 Brasset Road, Donaldsonville; 63; possession of fentanyl, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine), prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, bicycles-front lamps/rear lamps/side and rear reflectors
PROVIDED PHOTO
Gonzales Fire Department firefighters move new fitness equipment donated by Planet Fitness.
Gonzales Fire Department receives fitness equipment from Planet Fitness Community news report Gonzales Fire Department has new fitness equipment thanks to a donation from Planet Fitness. “Cardiac arrest is the number one killer of members in the fire service, which is why Planet Fitness is donating cardio equipment to the Gonzales Fire
Department,” a news release said. These machines train the energy systems and muscle groups firefighters rely on: n Cardio endurance: working for long periods in gear n Anaerobic bursts: sudden climbs, sprints, drags n Functional strength: pulling, climbing, hauling “Planet Fitness is helping
prepare firefighters for the heat, weight, and unpredictability of real emergencies—making them not only fitter, but safer and more effective on the job,” the release said. “Firefighters even work out with their equipment on for endurance in dire situations.” The donation was made Aug. 12.
THE ASCENSION
ADVOCATE THE ASCENSION ADVOCATE, 40444 Cannon Road, Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 388-0215 PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY Online at theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/ascension/
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4G ■ Wednesday, September 2, 2026 ■ theadvocate.com ■ The Advocate
AROUND
Continued from page 1G 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 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.
‘The Shark is Broken’ takes the stage Get your tickets for the Sept. 6 and Sept. 10-13 production of Ascension Community Theatre’s production of “The Shark is Broken.” In “The Shark Is Broken,” audiences are transported to the summer of 1974, when Steven Spielberg’s Jaws was plagued by endless delays, mechanical malfunctions and clashing egos. Stuck on a boat while waiting for the infamous mechanical shark to work, actors Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss and Roy Scheider wrestle with boredom, ambition and each other. Filled with biting wit, hilarious banter and surprising humanity, this Broadway hit offers a clever peek into the making of a blockbuster that almost never was.
Food distributions set Ascension Parish’s commodity distribution is set for the second Tuesday of each month in Donaldsonville and the second Wednesday of the month in Gonzales. Distributions are from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Frank Sotile Jr. Pavilion in Donaldsonville and the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. All recipients must be prequalified by visiting the Ascension Parish Health Unit, 1024 E. Ascension Complex Blvd., in Gonzales or the Donaldsonville courthouse, 300 Houmas St. Contact Layne Melancon at (225) 450-1006 or layne.melancon@fmolhs.org.
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Three assistant principals appointed Community news report Ascension Public Schools has appointed three new assistant principals: Nikki Lambert, Gonzales Primary; Emily Marchand, Lake Primary School; and Heather Daniel, Dutchtown Primary School. Lambert, who was raised in Ascension Parish, is a graduate of East Ascension High School. She has spent her entire career supporting students in Ascension Public Schools and has held a variety of teaching and leadership roles across the district. She started her career in 2011 as an ISSP presider. In the following years, she went on to serve as a front office secretary, teacher, mentor teacher, and teacher coach. In 2024, Lambert began working at Gonzales Primary as a literacy coach. Most recently, she served as a master teacher at Gonzales Primary School. Lambert earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University. “Our school is filled with some of the most dedicated educators in the district, and it is an honor to work alongside them. I am proud to lead and serve in the East Ascension feeder system because of my experiences and those of my children. I will always be a strong advocate for our Ascension schools,” said Lambert.
Heather Daniel
Nikki Lambert
Emily Marchand
She is married to Shelly Lambert, and they have four children: Carter, Alie, Stevie and Jase. Marchand’s career has been dedicated to students in Ascension Parish. She served as a first, second and third grade teacher at Lake Elementary School, and later transitioned to an instructional coach role at what is now Lake Primary School. Marchand earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University. “I want to start by thanking the board, the district leaders, and Dr. (Edith) Walker for trusting me with this opportunity and allowing me to serve our school and our district in this new capacity,” said Marchand. “I am so excited for the progress that is
happening at Lake Primary and even more so for the opportunity to be a part of the process. I’m excited to work alongside our students, staff, and families as we continue to grow and make our school an even better place.” She is married to Jarrett Marchand and is the mother of their son, Clayton. A graduate of St. Amant High School, Daniel brings more than two decades of experience to her new job. She has served students in Texas and Louisiana as a classroom teacher, physical education teacher, and teacher coach. Daniel earned a bachelor’s degree from Lamar University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University. Before joining Ascension Public Schools, Daniel taught Eng-
lish language arts and talented and gifted students in Orange, Texas. For the past 26 years, she taught at Oak Grove Primary. She taught third grade, served as a teacher coach, and participated in the third grade math benchmark writing team. Additionally, she taught physical education and was selected to serve as an administrative intern for the 2026-27 school year. “Thank you to the board and Dr. Walker for this opportunity. I am honored to be amongst the leadership in our parish,” said Daniel. “I thank Ms. Caryn Vincent for her leadership and guidance. It has been an amazing journey already at Dutchtown Primary School.” She is married to Jeff Daniel, and they have two children: Hunter and Gavin.
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.
LEBOEUF
Continued from page 1G “Track is a sport that I really enjoy, we get to meet new people at meets and work with my current teammates,” Merriweather said. Talking to Merriweather, it’s evident that it doesn’t take much to get him fired up to play, something he prides himself in. “Just the excitement in our program that the coaches create, my teammates and I are ramped up to play this game, not hard to get motivated if you love it and I do,” he added. For now, the senior wide receiver is looking forward to everything he does, play sports, hang out with friends, work, gaming and fishing. Knowing how important each game is and being thankful for those that support him are paramount in Merriweather’s life. “I want to thank God first, my grandparents whom I live with, my parents, my aunts and uncles, my nanny, my cousins, neighbors, my teammates and my coaches. At the end of the day, those are the people that I can always go to, they help me balance everything and most of all keep me on top of my game,” he said.
Jamboree results Ascension Parish football teams were busy last week with jamboree action. Here’s how the teams did. n Ascension Catholic 44, White Castle 0 n Dutchtown 21, Prairieville 7 n Central 21, East Ascension 20 n Central 21, St. Amant 14 n East Ascension 14, St. Amant 13 n Donaldsonville 7, Opelousas Catholic 0 n Westminster Lafayette 21, Ascension Christian 7
Schedule for Week 1 action Thursday
n Ascension Catholic hosts
Episcopal Friday n Assumption at Donaldsonville, 7 p.m. n Warren Easton at East Ascension, 7 p.m. n Dutchtown vs. Magnolia School of Excellence, 7 p.m. at Dutchtown n St. Amant at Woodlawn-Baton Rouge, 7 p.m. n Prairieville at Hammond, 7 p.m. n Ascension Christian at Benjamin Franklin, 7 p.m. Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@hotmail.com or ascension@theadvocate.com.
National Beta members from Ascension Parish schools recently participated in the 2026 National Beta Convention held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.
National Beta members from Ascension Parish schools compete in the 2026 National Beta Convention in Nashville, Tenn.
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Ascension Parish Beta Club members bring home National Beta Club awards Community news report
National Beta members from Ascension Parish schools recently participated in the 2026 National Beta Convention held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Students joined thousands of Beta members from across the United States to celebrate academic achievement, leadership, character and service while competing in a variety of national competitions. During the convention, members from the below listed schools earned recognition in the following events: In the Elementary Beta National division, Ascension Beta members won 12 awards. Accessorized Design Elementary: Third place, Oak Grove Primary School Hand Drawn Anime Elementary: 10th place, Zyon McFarland, Carver Elementary National Campaign Skit for Elementary President: Fifth place, Sorrento Primary Onsite Cake Decorating Elementary: Fifth place, Isabella Menard, Bullion Primary
Performing Arts Elementary, Solo, Duo, Trio Instrumentalist: Third place: Bullion Primary Performing Arts Elementary, Solo, Duo, Trio Vocalist: Third place, Sorrento Primary Quiz Bowl Elementary: Ninth place, Bullion Primary Robotics Elementary: Sixth place, Oak Grove Primary: 10th place: Sugar Mill Primary Science Fourth Grade: Fifth place, Elle Cangiolosi, Dutchtown Primary Social Studies Fifth Grade: Eighth place, Ryan Sweeney, Bullion Primary Spanish Fourth Grade: Third place, Dominic Orozco, Sugar Mill Primary In the Junior Beta National category, Ascension won 16 national awards. Computer Science Principles Sixth Grade: Fourth place: Isaac Neal, Prairieville Middle School Creative Writing Junior: Fourth place, Sophia Messer, Bluff Middle Language Arts Sixth Grade: Sixth place, Jack Pucheu, Prairieville Middle Living Literature Junior: 10th place, Prairieville Middle Meeting of the Minds Junior: Fifth place, Dutch-
town Middle School Performing Arts Junior, Solo, Duo, Trio Vocalist: First place, Prairieville Middle Performing Arts Junior Large Group: Third place, Prairieville Middle Performing Arts Junior Small Group: 10th Place, Bluff Middle Project Proposal Junior West: Sixth place, Prairieville Middle Science Sixth Grade: Seventh place, Colette Demoruelle, Bluff Middle Songfest Junior: Fifth place, Prairieville Middle; and ninth place: Dutchtown Middle Spanish Sixth Grade: Eighth place, Jorge Valencia, Dutchtown Middle Speech Junior: First place, Braylee Desira, St. Amant Middle Three Dimensional Design Junior: Second place, Prairieville Middle U.S. History Seventh Grade: Fourth place, Vincent Vargas, Bluff Middle Seniors Beta members took home 16 national awards, including: Language Arts 10th Grade: First place, Slater Small, Dutchtown