Students recognized at board’s meeting

Red carpet and all, the district’s Students of the Year from fifth, eighth and 12th grade were lauded with grand applause to open, and close, Monday night’s meeting of the Acadia Parish School Board.
For some time prior to Monday’s meeting, students of the year opened the front doors to the John A. Bertrand Building to a walk of fame with memento stars for each child and a reception to follow.
“For the parents that are here, I’d like to thank you for sending us such exceptional students,” said Paul DeRousselle, supervisor of child welfare and attendance. “As I said before to the students, you’re all winners.”
Special presentations were made to the parish’s chosen fifth grade, eighth grade and 12th grade Student of the Year.
Chosen as representatives for Acadia Parish at the regional level were:
• Sarah Nicole Henry, Mire Elementary, fifth grade Student of the Year. She is the daughter of Jared and Marchielyn Henry.
• Hannah Henderson, Branch Elementary, eighth grade Student of the Year. She is the daughter of Norman Henderson and Bethanie Morris.
• Wyatt Manuel, Iota High, 12th grade Student of the Year. He is the son of Garrett and Alacia Manuel.
“We really appreciate you all being here tonight,” said Superintendent John Bourque. “It is a great honor to have people like you here.”
Board members also offered all Students of the Year a standing ovation as they exited the room to the reception held in their honor.
Slated as the second item on the agenda, a mix up with the limousine company charged with getting the parish’s winning students and one of their parents to the board meeting put the recognition of the students at the end of the meeting instead of the board’s opening items as originally slated.
“Let me start off by apologizing,” explained DeRousselle. “They’ve picked up all three kids and are (on their way).”
When it became time to present the students, and as the limousine pulled closer to its final destination, DeRousselle took his time introducing the students who also competed for the parish’s top titles.
“I’m doing a little filibustering, I feel like I work for the legislature,” he joked.
Board member Gene Daigle was excited to also bring forth two Church Point High freshmen who recently placed during the state’s Division III wrestling tournament.
Darenion Gobert placed sixth in the 182-pound weight class and Haven Dominguez placed fifth in the 220-pound weight class.
Introduced by their coach, Stefan Bergeron, Gobert and Dominguez’s accomplishments were applauded by all. The program, in only its fourth year at Church Point, continues to impress.
“I requested (their presence) when I saw the results,” said Daigle. “I think this is fantastic.
“I’ll be tracking you guys (for years to come). Congratulations.”