Rayne celebrates Martin Luther Day

Echoing the theme of Rayne’s city-wide Martin Luther King observance Monday, Dr. James Easton, the keynote speaker, exhorted his Civic Center audience to take an active role in their community.
“If you’re sincere about enhancing your community, Easton urged his listeners to speak eloquently about your community while being responsible, accountable, helpful and truthful.
Of King Easton remarked he was a Christian man whose life was predicated on love.
Residents in a community must develop relationships with others because “strong people are united” and must be supporters of their community.
He also implored his audience to meet with school officials to bolster local education. He noted, “The superintendent will have time for you.”
He asked, “What are your doing for others?” as well as asking, “Am I happy with who I see in the mirror each morning?”
He noted the fact that a person can help another is an experience that cannot be equated with anything else.
The day’s program in the Civic Center was preceded by gathering at 8:30 a.m. in Depot Square followed by a march by participants to the 11 a.m. program.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance led by local Head Start students and the singing of the Black National Anthem, Mayor Charles Robichaux and Dianne Granger, president of the Rayne branch of the National Association of Univeristy Women (NAUW) issued their welcome.
Students of P.J’s Dance School performed a dance routine after which director Pam Joseph Senegal was presented a I Dare Award in recognition of her contributions.
Randi Prejean also entertained the audience with two musical selections.
Acknowledging the willingness of candidates to seek election, I Dare Awards were announced for all local candidates who offered themselves to local voters in November and December elections.
The winners of the peace poem competition were announced by Marie Dupont, including Armstrong Middle students Marie Padran, honorable mention; Kelsey Kelly, third place; Trevor Wiltz, second place; and Donaven Bertrand, first place, who  was invited to present his entry.
Sandra Cole Livings was surprised when Mary Figaro and Raven Babineaux announced she was the recipient of the 2015 MLK Service Award. The former cook at South Rayne Elementary was recognized for her decision to distribute dinners on Thanksgiving Day to those in need. In making the announcement, Figaro said Ms. Livings “dared to do the right thing,” and thanked her for thinking about her community.
The first place winner of the MLK essay competition, Whitley Larry, a junior at Rayne High School, was invited to recite her entry. Other essay winners were Whitney Fontenot, a RHS senior, second place; Erick Blazick, a RHS senior; and Caroline Bergeron, a RHS senior, honorable mention. The essays focused on the day’s theme: “Partnership with Our Community: Providing Support, Communication and Education.”
NAUW announced it was  “adopting” Rayne High School  and presented a check and plaque to Rayne High Principal John Prudhomme and Assistant Principal Tammy Meche.
Awards were also presented to students who participated in the MLK poster and coloring contests.
Fourth grade poster winners from South Rayne Elementary were Varisha Stevens, third; James Wilson, second place; and Kenneth A. Senegal, Jr., first place, while fifth grade winners were Braille Washington of South Rayne, second place; and Glen Hunter of Rayne Catholic Elementary, first place.
Pre-K winners in the coloring contest were Mi’ Warriong Delco, fourth; Braylon Sheldon, Rayne Head Start, third; Kylen Domingue, Central Rayne Kindergarten, second place; and Jaiden Mouton, Rayne Head Start, first place.
 Kindergarten coloring contest winners were Patin Comeaux and T. Arceneaux, Branch Elementary, fourth; Ayrilynne Broussard, Central Rayne, third; Drewe Bertrand, Branch, second; and Kailin Richard, Branch, first place.
First grade coloring contest winners were Devuaghn Chevalier, MPE, fourth; Ava Begnaud, RCE, third; Ana John, Branch, second; and Aidyn Shreve, MPE, first place.
Second grade coloring contest winners were Alvssa Thevis, Branch, fourth; Destin Granger, MPE, third; Aubree Fontenot, MPE, second; and Anna Grace Murrah, Branch, first place.
Third grade coloring contest winners were Brenton Dugas, MPE, fourth; Ethan Guibeau, Branch, third; Varicia Steven, MPE, second; and Kobe Laye Stakes, RCE, first place.
Serving as mistress of ceremonies was Elaine Sias, while Rev. Nathan Stevens, pastor of Starlight Baptist Church, gave the invocation, and Rev. Cozy Gage, pastor of St. Matthew Baptist Church, gave the benediction.
During the Depot Square program, Harrison Figaro of Henderson Post No 569 spoke and Maria Dupont sang. Poems, excerpts and quotations regarding Dr. King were presented by Laurian Guidry, Noah Peter, Cordell Francis, Kayci Pabum, Kaydyn White, and Martha Espree. A $30 gift card to the showing of “Shelma” was also awarded. Rev. Melvin Finley provided the opening and closing prayers.