Leaders, achievers recognized

As the school year winds down, it is no surprise that the honors for Acadia Parish students keep adding up.
It is also no surprise that the Acadia Parish School Board was eager to show off the students of all ages excelling in and out of the classroom.
First up were presentations from Central Rayne Kindergarten and Martin Petitjean Elementary on the Leader In Me program.
Students from the schools showed members of the board and the district’s administrators their leadership binders. It was also announced by one of those leaders that congratulations were in order for Central Rayne which was chosen to be a Lighthouse School recently.
“I need to brag about Central Rayne Kindergarten because they were named a Lighthouse School last week,” said Martin Petitjean Elementary Principal Kim Cummins. “One of only four schools in the entire state of Louisiana and one of just 110 worldwide. So, to be a Leader In Me Lighthouse School is exceptional.
“We’re just so proud of them and the great work they’ve done.”
Several also explained their favorite habits and how they use them at school and at home, showing that the students, even the 4-year-olds, understand the habits and are utilizing them in everyday life.
Classroom achievement continued with the recognition of the top Accelerated Readers for the school year. Anna Doucet from Richard Elementary (elementary level), Owen LeJeune from Egan Elementary (middle school level) and Blaze Lopez from Iota High (high school level) were applauded for scoring over 1,000 points each this year. The trio also touted high testing averages – all above 80 percent.
Athletics were next on the docket with Midland High’s basketball team, which were the Class B state runners-up, and then Church Point High’s powerlifting team, which are now the three-time Division III state champions.
Coach William Stanley of Midland and Coach Edward Bergeron of Church Point introduced the board to their respective teams, speaking highly of the team’s accolades.
Finally, Iota High’s FFA Club was on the agenda to recognize five individuals who had performed well at recent state competitions. One student placed second in an electricity-based competition. Meanwhile, Macey Vidrine, Levi Manuel, Wyatt Manuel and Dylan Breaux, members of the livestock judging team, have advanced to national competition.
“What these youngsters right here accomplished two Saturdays ago at McNeese is just incredible,” said Jude Sittig, Iota FFA adviser. “I couldn’t be any prouder of all five of them.”
Though busy, the long list of opening items that focused on student achievement brought forth much pride in the parish superintendent and board alike.
“I think academics and athletics go hand in hand,” said Superintendent John Bourque. “Show me a school that has both, and I’ll show you a great school.
“You saw a good example of that tonight.”
Earlier in the meeting, Keith Latiola formally announced his candidacy for Acadia Parish sheriff. He spoke of the working relationship the sheriff’s office continues to have with all schools in the parish and with the school board and more.
The board announced that its committee meeting may be held a week earlier this month – May 13 –due to a conflict, though, it was not final as of Monday night. Meanwhile, the full board’s June meeting will be held June 1.