Students, coach recognized for achievements

As Acadia Parish’s 2013-14 school year begins drawing to a close, it isn’t surprising that many students in Acadia Parish were well deserving of recognition at Monday night’s meeting of the Acadia Parish School Board.

First on the agenda was the recognition of the 2013-14 Parish Students of the Year. Not only were all school representatives recognized, but receiving special acknowledgement were the Acadia Parish Students of the Year for 2013-14 from grades five, eight and 12.

“There were 27 schools represented and, of course, there was only one winner per division,” said Paul De Rousselle, supervisor of child welfare and attendance for the Acadia Parish School Board. “But, by virtue of being here, you are all winners.”

De Rousselle explained that the three parish winners - Owen LeJeune, fifth; Teri Johnson, eighth; and Mary Peltier, 12th - had recently completed the regional round of competition, though results were not known as of the meeting Monday night.

After announcing the winners and recognizing the participants, the board provided the participants accolades.

“We enjoy doing great things for great kids,” said De Rousselle.

“They’re all winners, but we’re the biggest winners for being able to work with kids like this,” said Superintendent John Bourque.

The board, as well as all in attendance gave the students a rousing standing ovation. 

Also acknowledged was John Craig Arceneaux, who earned the honor of 2013-14 State AAA Football Coach of the Year. Arceneaux is the head coach of the Church Point High School Bears.

“I would like to thank the board, you guys have provided us with the tools at Church Point High School that we need to prepare the young men and young women,” said Arceneaux. “It’s the tools you guys provide us that help us move forward.”

School Board member James Higginbotham was the first to offer his congratulations to Arceneaux.