Category Archives: Ascension

COVID-19 vaccinations available at Gonzales Health Unit

The Ascension Parish Health Unit in Gonzales is partnering with Albertsons to administer the pediatric Pfizer vaccine from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Jan. 22 at the health unit.

The pediatric vaccine is for children 5 to 11 years old.

For information, call (225)644-4582.

The health unit is also administering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

The heath unit is at 1024 SE Ascension Complex Blvd. in Gonzales.

As a service to the residents of Louisiana, the LSU AgCenters Sweet Potato Research Station produces foundation sweet potato seed annually. These seed potatoes are to be bedded in the row to produce slips or cuttings, which are then transplanted to the field to produce the crop. All varieties are certified to be free of viruses.

The varieties available are Beauregard B-63, Beauregard B-14, Evangeline, Orleans, Bayou Belle, Bellevue, Muraski, Porto Rico, Texas Porto Rico, Jewel and Burgundy. The top two varieties recommended for our area are Beauregard B-63 and Evangeline. Additional variety information can be found on the Sweet Potato Research Station website, http://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/our_offices/research_stations/sweetpotato/.

The cost of a 40 pound box of seed potatoes is $18.50 for Beauregard (B-63 and B-14) and Evangeline; and $25 for all other varieties. For information or to order, email LSU AgCenter Agent Mariah Simoneaux at mjsimoneaux@agcenter.lsu.edu or call (225) 621-5799. Orders can be placed Jan. 5-19. Potatoes will be ready for pick up in mid-February.

Looking for things to do in this new year? Check out the Ascension Parish Library calendar for a long list of programs for all ages. Here are a few upcoming programs at library locations throughout the parish. Remember, the Donaldsonville library branch is in a new location due to renovations at the permanent branch. Visit myapl.org for details and to register for events.

During her recent visit at the library, Robin Preiss Glasser donated a signed and numbered fine art giclee print from her new book, "Grand Jet and Me," to Ascension Parish Library which will be permanently displayed at our Gonzales location. Additionally, she donated a signed and numbered test print giclee of the same image which the library will be giving away in a random drawing.

Entrants must be an Ascension Parish resident through 18 years old and submit a written or drawn response to Robin Preiss Glasser about a time in their life when an adult shared something that inspired them or any other autobiographical defining moment. Submissions will be accepted at all library locations through Jan. 10 and the winner will be announced in mid-January.

Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today.

New year, new hobby. Explore the ancient art of paper folding at Ascension Parish Library in Dutchtown at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8. Origami helps develop hand-eye coordination, sequencing and spatial awareness skills, patience and memory. Plus, its also a great stress reliever and its fun! Practice your origami skills with four designs that ring in the new year. Whether you are just a beginner or a skilled expert, theres something for everyone. All experience levels are welcome and materials will be provided. For information, call (225) 673-8699 or visit myAPL.org.

Are you looking for a simple DIY decor project? Doilies make the cutest crafts. Beginning Monday, Jan. 10, adult patrons 18 and older are invited to pick up a craft packet from any Ascension Parish Library location that will contain all the supplies you will need to make your own doily snowflake bowl. These bowls are perfect for holding your jewelry items. Snap a photo of your completed project and share it with us on Facebook or Instagram by tagging @myAPLibrary.

If you are a teen between the ages of 12-18 who likes to free draw, are a coloring fanatic, or just in need of a break, then this is for you. Relax, snack and color at Ascension Parish Librarys Art Break at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5 in Gonzales; Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. in Dutchtown; and Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 4 p.m. in Galvez. The library will provide art supplies, coloring sheets and refreshments all you have to do is show up. For more information, call the library or visit myapl.org.

The library is chillin with its snowmies for a fun and easy craft. Visit Ascension Parish Library on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 4 p.m. in Dutchtown; Saturday, Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. in Gonzales; and Saturday, Jan. 29 at 10 a.m. in Galvez and make your own no sew snowman pal to welcome 2022. All you need are some socks and maybe a little magic to bring these snowmies to life. Packet pickup will be available for our Donaldsonville location beginning Monday, Jan. 17, and while supplies last. For information, call your local library location or visit myapl.org.

Whether you are a first-time builder or a master at Lego construction, you are sure to have a fun time putting the pieces together at Ascension Parish Librarys Lego Club. Visit Ascension Parish Library in Gonzales at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, to build whatever you can imagine. The library will provide the Lego bricks, so leave your own blocks at home because we wouldnt want you to lose your favorite pieces. However, materials and creations must stay at the library. You may want to bring a camera to capture the moment. Lego Club is open to kids of all ages. Duplo Blocks and Mega Bloks will be available for younger children. For information about this event, call (225) 647-3955 or visit myapl.org.

Are cooler temperatures and darker days making you miss summer fun? Then bring your little ones to Ascension Parish Library for a fun-filled day at the beach at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 in Gonzales; at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15 in Galvez; and at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, in Dutchtown. Your toddler will love exploring the beach indoors with sensory activities like playing with sand and water beads and treasure hunting for shells and sea creatures. Kids will also develop gross motor skills by pretending to swim in the ocean and learn lots of fun facts about ocean life. For more information about this event, call your local library location or visit us online atmyapl.org.

See the rest here:

Around Ascension for Jan. 5 2022 | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate

2022 is finally here. Most are hoping for a year filled with health and more chances to get together.

COVID-19 has meant two years of face coverings, social distancing and lots of canceled events.

But through it all, our photographers were able to capture the year in photos. In our Dec. 22 issue, we looked back at January through April photos. Let's take a look at our favorite photos taken May through August by Advocate staff photographers, part-time photographers and our readers.

Frequent photo contributor Michael Tortorich shared a photo he took of Ascension Catholic High's 2021 graduating class. The photo continues a long-standing tradition of the graduates tossing cap in the air in front of the church before graduation day. Photos were also provided by Ascension Christian High and Ascension Parish public schools.

We love receiving submitted photos from our readers, and a photo from local author Doris LeBlanc was one of our favorites during trying times that kept many of us distanced from our families. As COVID-19 restrictions eased a bit, LeBlanc was able to meet her new great-great-grandchild.

The summer means summer camps. Photographer Morgan Werther visited East Ascension High's Sparnette Mini Cheer Camp and the Shaw Nelson Foundation's free one-day football camp at East Ascension.

Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today.

Advocate staff photographer Bill Feig stopped by River Region Art Association's Summer Art Camp and captured lots of young artists working on their skills and images from their art show.

The 2021 Ascension Relay for Life was a scaled down event compared to years past, but the enthusiasm for the cause was high and organizers said lots of money was raised for the American Cancer Society's premier event. Photographer John Oubre shoot the event, which included food and game booths and a survivors walk.

A July 7 story shared photos taken by Feig at a program featuring Michelle Harrell and Her Magical Poodles.

Center Stage Performing Arts Academy shared photos from its big win at a national competition in a July 14 story.

An Aug. 4 story highlighted photos taken by photographer April Buffington at the East Ascension Sportsman's League Kids Fishing Rodeo at Twin Lakes Mobile Home Park.

In an Aug. 11 story, Feig was busy at the first day of school at the new Sugar Mill Primary School in Prairieville.

Read the rest here:

Looking back at 2021 through photos, Part II - The Advocate

Top Story: College Football Playoff National Championship

Chris Gahl, Senior Vice President, Visit Indy

Indianapolis businesses are cashing in big-time this weekend on college footballs grand finale. The College Football Playoff National Championship between Alabama and Georgia is expected to draw 100,000 visitors to the city and pump more than $150 million into the economy. Chris Gahl has details on the events overall impact on tourism.

Inside INdiana Sports: College Football Playoff National Championship

Bill Hancock, Executive Director

College football champions are usually crowned in the Sun Belt. So, how did Indianapolis become the first northern-tier city to land the national championship? We get answers and insight from Bill Hancock.

Around INdiana: College Football Playoff National Championship

Mary-Rachel Redman, Inside INdiana Business

It takes a village to pull off big events like the college football national championship. Mary-Rachel Redman with how a loyal fleet of Hoosier volunteers has helped turn Indianapolis into a world class host city.

Debrief/INsiders: College Football Playoff National Championship

Susan Baughman, President, 2022 Indy College Football Playoff

Indianapolis has practically written the playbook on how to successfully host big sporting events. Susan Baughman has been one of the key players in making it all happen over the years. She shares her take on Indys latest sports coup and how it could be a game changer for downtown.

Inside INnovation: Conexus Indiana

Fred Cartwright, President & CEO

Indianas advanced manufacturing sector appears to be solidly embracing the next generation of technology, according to a new study by Conexus Indiana. Fred Cartwright breaks down the numbers and what it means to the states economy.

Business of Health: Ascension St. Vincent Adult and Pediatric Burn Care Center

Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs, Medical Director

Ascension St. Vincent has opened a new Adult and Pediatric Burn Care Center at its flagship campus on the Indianapolis north side. Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs has insight into the role the center will play in treating burn patients.

(i) on Education: University High School

Alicia LaMagdeleine, Head of School

For more than 20 years, University High School in Hamilton County has proven to be a small but mighty part of Indiana education. We get details on whats next for this private school in Carmel from Alicia LaMagdeleine.

Inside This Weeks IBJ

Lesley Weidenbener, Editor

When the most recent surge of COVID cases overwhelmed central Indiana hospitals last month it had an alarming ripple effect on emergency ambulance services. Lesley Weidenbener has more on how that impacted patient care, plus where the proceeds will go from the late Christel DeHaans newly listed multi-million-dollar mansion.

Read the original here:

This Week on Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick 1/7/21 - Inside INdiana Business

Jan. 4COVE A leather fisherman's cap worn by Anglican Bishop Desmond Tutu saved the day for a party he was traveling with on Interstate 84 in Baker County four decades ago.

The South African was riding in a car with Rustin Kimsey, then the bishop of the Eastern Oregon Diocese of the Episcopalian Church, and his wife, Gretchen, on a hot August day in 1983. The three had left the Ascension School Camp in Cove a half hour earlier. They were bound for the airport in Boise, where they were supposed to pick up Tutu's daughter, M'Pho, before returning to Cove where Tutu was making presentations during a week-long conference.

The trip to Boise was going well until the car overheated because of a malfunctioning radiator. The vehicle was stranded on the side of Interstate 84 and the situation looked bleak before Tutu spotted a drainage ditch below the road.

"Undaunted by the steepness and while wearing his leather fisherman's cap, he scampered down the ravine, dipped his hat into the drain ditch and brought enough water to our overheated radiator to cool it. Soon we were on our way again," Gretchen Kimsey said.

The three, after a stop in Baker City for repair work, made it to Boise to pick up Tutu's daughter and soon returned to Cove.

Gretchen Kimsey has fond memories of that day and of Tutu. Kimsey's husband, Rustin, had become a good friend of Tutu's after getting to know him at international meetings of Episcopalian church leaders. Tutu, who had just attended a meeting of the World Council of Churches in Vancouver, B.C., had come to Cove to speak at the Ascension School Camp at Rustin Kimsey's invitation.

'He spoke to the heart'

The Kimseys were among about 70 people who attended the 1983 conference Tutu spoke at. Tutu, who died Dec. 26, 2021, at the age of 90, was well known but not yet in the international spotlight in 1983.

He was a year away from being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent opposition to apartheid in South Africa. Tutu, on the verge of major celebrity status, was able to move about freely in Northeastern Oregon.

Story continues

"He was not well known yet. I think it was fun for him to be anonymous," Gretchen Kimsey, who lives in The Dalles, said.

Kimsey marveled at Tutu's ability to connect and communicate with people using plainspoken brilliance at the conference in Cove.

"He never spoke in complex terms. He spoke straight to the heart," she said.

Kimsey was also struck by Tutu's sense of humor, which he displayed during his visit to Northeastern Oregon and throughout his life.

"He brought laughter to a lot of people's lives, and we all know how healing laughter can be," she said.

Kimsey said her husband shared Tutu's sense of humor.

"That is what drew them together," she said.

A great spirit

Jim Hayes, of Joseph, then an eighth grader, was among the younger people who attended the 1983 conference at the Ascension Camp in Cove. Hayes said he was struck by the sense of happiness Tutu exuded.

"He was joyful, a great person," he said.

The Wallowa County resident grew more impressed with Tutu following the conference when he learned what he had endured while fighting apartheid in South Africa.

"I didn't understand how, after what he had gone through, he could have such great spirit," Hayes said.

The Rev. Churchill G. Pinder, of the Episcopal Church, who then lived in Baker City, was impressed with stories Tutu shared of his life in a close-knit setting.

"We all had the privilege of sitting at the feet of Desmond as he shared his experiences with the struggles in South Africa as well as his journey of faith," he said. "I clearly remember him describing his experiences of being very sick as a young child in a hospital and the impression he had when an Anglican priest came and visited him and prayed with him. Desmond shouted with glee, 'For me. What a wonder God's love is.'"

Pinder said the magnitude of the experience is hard to put into words.

"How can I explain the wonder of enjoying all the activities of Family Camp including playing softball, singing around the campfire, and eating meals with Desmond Tutu and his family and many of the members of the Diocese of Eastern Oregon," he said.

Pinder was ordained a deacon in the Episcopal Church at the Ascension School Camp during a ceremony conducted by Tutu and Rustin Kimsey.

Sarah Moore, a former reporter for The Observer, who attended the conference, said that Tutu was always accessible.

"It was such an intimate setting. Everyone had access to a famous person. He was always willing to sit down and talk at meals and outside," said Moore, who now lives in Orcas Island, Washington, with her husband, David, who was the rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in La Grande 40 years ago.

Moore said Tutu accepted the invitation to come to Cove because he knew Rustin Kimsey so well.

"His friendship with Rustin Kimsey is what made it happen," she said.

Rustin Kimsey died in 2015, and Tutu was among those who attended his service in The Dalles. Tutu came unannounced, Gretchen Kimsey said, because he did not want to take away attention from his friend.

"We were so happy to see him," Gretchen Kimsey said. "It was such a wonderful gesture."

Read more from the original source:

Bishop Desmond Tutu's visit to Cove remembered - Yahoo News

Its said that downtown is the living room of any community. Its the place where we host out-of-town guests. Its where we gather to entertain, host a party or simply have a good time.

And here in Baton Rouge, the downtown area serves as a symbolic representation of the city and the larger Capital Region: A semi-vibrant area of rebirth along the Mississippi River thats made a lot of progress over the past 20 years, continues to possess remarkable potential and is a barometer for what we can becomeand the work that remains for potential to become reality.

Yet downtown is hardly this regions only treasure, as detailed in Business Reports latest cover package Capital Assets 2022.

From the splendor of the rolling hills of the Felicianas to the economic might of industrial plants hard against the Mississippi River in Ascension, Iberville and West Baton Rouge parishes. From the hamlets of suburban bedroom communities in Livingston and Ascension to the emergence of traditional neighborhood developments dotting East Baton Rouge Parish. From the championship exploits of our high school and college athletic teams to the seeds of our intellectual and economic future found at LSU, the states flagship university, Southern, the nations largest historically black university system, and a host of community and technical colleges across the region. From the remarkable research being done at Pennington Biomedical to the incredible potential of a growing health care corridor.

At its core, however, what makes this place so special is its people. For it is all of us who define our cultural gumbo and our identity. And even when were going through growing pains, its the people of the Capital Region who will determine our future.

Make no mistake, it is all of us who are this regions greatest asset.

Read the full Capital Assets cover package from the latest edition of Business Report.

Go here to see the original:

Capital Assets: The best of Baton Rouge and the Capital Region - Greater Baton Rouge Business Report

That's right, "Ascension" was canceled just two months after we found out about it.

The Hollywood Reporter explained that despite leaks and rumors confirming the film's title and shooting schedule, the film had never officially been greenlit. Although early prep work had begun and filming was just months away, "Tron: Ascension" was abruptly canned.

Why did Disney pull the plug? No reasons were given, but during the fallout, it was revealed that Jared Leto had apparently been pursued for an unknown role. It was thought to be the son of the classic "Tron" villain Ed Dillinger (David Warner), a role which had been played by Cillian Murphy in "Legacy."

Despite these plans, it looked as though "Ascension" was faced with a big, fat system error. It was a devastating blow that shook fans, many of us believing that all hopes of a sequel had been derezzed for good.

But Disney would soon revisit the Grid once more...

Go here to read the rest:

Will There Be A Tron: Legacy Sequel? Here's What We Know - /Film

Azeez Al-Shaair has been one of the brightest spots on the 49ers.

Before this season, Al-Shaair was nothing more than a solid base defense linebacker. He wasn't really a player you would run out too much outside of that.

However, Al-Shaair has been a shining light this season. When Dre Greenlaw went down with a groin injury in Week 1, Al-Shaair easily filled the void. In fact, he has done more than fill it -- he's added to it.

Al-Shaair has a physical style that sets the tone, which is something the 49ers needed -- a player who can let the opposing offense know what kind of aggressive game it is going to be.

And boy, does Al-Shaair let them know.

Seeing how far he has come as a fierce starting caliber every down linebacker is enlightening for the 49ers. It is impossible not to acknowledge his development. Kyle Shanahan on Wednesday brokedown the ascension of Al-Shaair in full at his presser.

Azeez in college or even when he got here, I thought Azeez was always a kind of a splash player. Anybody who runs without hesitation and is very physical and is running through people and doesn't hesitate, those guys make plays. Now, sometimes they mess up plays too, because they're out of control.

"So I always think Azeez has made some plays for us, but I think the more reps hes gotten in these few years, taking a starter role. I think him making mistakes, hes got a lot less and the more that happens, the more confidence you get, and that's why he's playing at his best when he is doing those things."

The linebacker position could've easily unraveled once Greenlaw went down. Al-Shaair brought stability and improvement to it. Now, he still gaffs now and again. That is only natural. He is by no means in the elite category, but to have him alongside Warner is a sweet benefit for the 49ers.Throw in Greenlaw whenever he is healthy, then suddenly the 49ers have a fantastic trio at linebacker again.

Al-Shaair's ascension trend will need to continue against the Seahawks as he will be filling in as leader of the defense with Warner out.

More here:

Kyle Shanahan Breaks Down the Ascension of Azeez Al-Shaair - Sports Illustrated

The 2019 NFL Draft presented the Green Bay Packers with a rare opportunity for an early first-round pick. It seemed likely theyd take a blue-chip difference-maker like either one of the Iowa tight ends, T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant, or a premier pass-rusher like Brian Burns or Montez Sweat.

Instead, they took Rashan Gary out of Michigan. The selection was met with skepticism, especially since other edge prospects like Burns and Sweat appeared to be more polished. An athletic freak of nature entering college, Gary hadnt quite lived up to the hype in Michigan. Though he tested well at the combine, taking what appeared to be a project that early rubbed many Packers fans and media the wrong way.

Green Bay had recently signed ZaDarius Smith and Preston Smith, so the Packers did not need to throw Gary into the fire. He showed flashes in his first two seasons, but nothing 12th-overall pick worthy.

In his third season, it seems like patience and coaching paid off. Gary has been one of the keys to this dominant Green Bay defense, and his star shines brighter every week. Hes a bonafide threat, and his success will affect the outside linebacker group in 2022 and beyond.

With ZaDarius Smith out due to a back injury, Gary was thrust into the starting role. Hes been the best OLB on the team, with an 82.3 PFF grade. Gary leads the Packers defense with 6.5 sacks. Hes created two forced fumbles, had 17 solo tackles, and he has a monstrous 29 pressures. Gary has been in the face of quarterbacks all season, and hes getting better at turning pressures into sacks. Hell only be 24 by the end of the season, and hes improving every week.

Gary had his most impactful play of the season against the allegedly good Los Angeles Rams offense. He had a beautiful strip-sack of Matthew Stafford, which set up Green Bays first points on the day. He beat Andrew Whitworth, one of the leagues best tackles. Whitworth had only given up seven pressures before facing Gary and the Packers defense. Gary would finish the day with a sack, forced fumble, two quarterback hits, and four pressures.

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry praised Garys toughness following the game. Im really proud of him because hes tough as nails, man, he said. He wasnt 100%. Hes hurting. But, man, did he battle through it. There was a lot of huge plays yesterday, but that sack-fumble was a crucial part early in the game.

Being able to learn behind two veteran leaders and being coached by such a passionate position coach in Mike Smith turned out to be the ideal incubator for Gary. A few good Smiths turned young Gary into the Bane Gary he is today.

Gary has played so well, its hard to see him going back to a rotational role. While ZaDarius Smith could return this season, his status is still unknown, and there is no clear timeline on a potential return. With Smiths large cap hit and desire for a long-term deal, he could be a cap causality as Green Bay heads into a tight financial year.

Losing ZaDarius would be hard to swallow. Hes been one of the defensive leaders since arriving in Green Bay in 2019. Hes beloved by the fans, has a great friendship with Preston, and hes been terrific on the field. Giving up an elite edge rusher isnt ideal, and I am by no means advocating this action.

But with Aaron Rodgersand Davante Adams futures uncertain, releasing ZaDarius might be the easiest way to clear cap space to bring their two best offensive players back. Its a very real possibility. That decision might be a little easier with Gary playing as well as he has as the No. 1 OLB.

Should the Packers move on from ZaDarius Smith, Green Bay may feel comfortable with Gary and Preston Smith as their starting edge rushers. However, a tight cap situation could mean Preston has to go eventually, too. The team needs depth at OLB regardless, and an early-round investment next season seems logical.

Still, Garys hunger to improve every week should have Green Bay feeling good about their investment. He went from a pick many scoffed at to a Pro Bowl-level OLB1.

For now, the future is a long way off. What matters now is that the Packer defense has an elite, young pass-rusher causing havoc regularly. Rashan Gary has embraced the chance to be in the spotlight and is making the most of ZaDarius Smiths absence. Hes more than proved he can handle the responsibility, and his future is bright.

Original post:

Rashan Gary's Ascension Gives the Packers A Lot Of Options - Zone Coverage

ASCENSION PARISH - Two major multi-million dollar drainage projects are underway for Ascension Parish.

The parish has hired contractors to dredge the New River Bayou starting at West Main Street.

The project will remove years of silt and debris build-up from the river.

"It's going to increase water flow, and not only help people in that area, but increase the capacity of people in south Prairieville as well as Geismar," Parish President Clint Cointment said.

"Unless you can see the road, I would advise not driving, because you can end up in the canal," resident Ellen Posey said.

She has lived near New River Road for half a century and says the flooding can get quite scary in her neighborhood.

"We just have a problem of being an island," Posey said.

The equipment is already in place. The project will also deepen the bayou to allow more water to flow to pumping stations. That water then should drain into Lake Maurepas.

"They will continue to the dredging from that point on to Gonzales to the weir behind Walmart," Cointment said.

Posey says this problem is one that's been around too long. In May, it took three days for floodwaters to drain from the roads.

"I think it's long overdue... maybe it would drain a little bit better and faster, and no one would be afraid of having flooding. I would think it would help the subdivision across the highway. They flood really bad," said Posey.

Besides the dredging, the parish will also add two flood gates. One will be in the New River Bayou. The other will be at Alligator Bayou near the Iberville Parish Line, allowing water to flow into Bayou Manchac and away from homes.

In the next few weeks, drivers can expect road closures when dredging begins on West Main street.

Read more from the original source:

Ascension Parish starts New River Bayou dredging project - WBRZ

Staff Report| Gonzales Weekly Citizen

Ascension Parish Public Schools announcedthe 2021-22 Students of the Year for fifth, eighth, and twelfth grades.

The students will be recognized before the Ascension Parish School Board meeting on Dec. 7, and the district winners will be named at that time.

"Our mission, vision, and purpose are anchored in student success. Our students make great efforts each day to grow academically, develop talents through participation in various in-school and out-of-school activities, and make a positive contribution to their school and their community by volunteering in various service activities. It is always exciting when we can gather with our students families and community to celebrate their successes and outstanding contributions," said Ascension Public Schools Superintendent David Alexander in a statement.

"Being named Student of the Year is certainly among the most significant accomplishments our students can achieve," said Alexander. "We look forward to honoring these incredible students individually. They are among the best of the best and deserve this moment in the spotlight!"

FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS OF THE YEAR

Mary Susan Cedotal, Bluff Ridge Primary School

Cooper Waguespack, Bullion Primary School

Santiago Banda, Central Primary School

Carleigh Allen, Duplessis Primary School

Leyla Oubre, Dutchtown Primary School

Kaylyn Descaya Levert, Galvez Primary School

Cameron Deshay Mumphery, Gonzales Primary School

Samuel Tyrone Darville, G.W. Carver Primary School

Carlee Smith, Lake Elementary School

Jiselle Fierro, Lakeside Primary School

Taliyah Buggage, Lowery Elementary School

Kate Lyons, Oak Grove Primary School

Brielle Taylor Poche', Pecan Grove Primary School

Blake Lee Hebert, Prairieville Primary School

Noah Lathan Williams, Sorrento Primary School

Sophia Marie Guilbault, Spanish Lake Primary School

Alex Roques, St. Amant Primary School

Lena Cate Fourroux, Sugar Mill Primary School

EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS OF THE YEAR

Raegan Garnier, Bluff Middle School

Molly Kilgore, Central Middle School

Clarke Richardson, Dutchtown Middle School

Rylie Causey, Galvez Middle School

Logan McQuarn, Gonzales Middle School

Brookelyn LeBlanc, Lake Elementary School

Ray'shawn Dunham, Lowery Middle School

Nathan Henderson, Prairieville Middle School

Addey Ohmer, St. Amant Middle School

TWELFTH GRADE STUDENTS OF THE YEAR

Donalynn Alayshia Daniels, Donaldsonville High School

Matthew Lass, Dutchtown High School

Caris Green, East Ascension High School

Mya Chrisie Bascom, St. Amant High School

In order to be considered for the Student of the Year process, students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. The school-level coordinator submits all students in fifth, eighth, and twelfth grades who meet the initial criteria. Teachers are asked to vote for students on the list based on the child's academics, behavior, and leadership qualities. The school-level coordinator chooses the students with the top votes to enter the school-level competition. A small committee of school staff and stakeholders is assembled to score students based on test scores, grades, an essay, a portfolio, and an interview. The student with the highest committee score is named the school's Student of the Year.

Those students are now eligible to compete at the district level. The students have to submit a biographical sketch, writing sample, portfolio of their accomplishments, and be interviewed by members of the Ascension Parish community who volunteer as judges. District level primary, middle, and high school winners will be named before the school board meeting on Dec. 7, 2021. The district winners will be entered in the regional competition, which will occur in February. Winners from the state's regional competition will be named in March.

Individual photo banners for Students of the Year are available to view and download at https://www.apsb.org/index.cfm/gallery/category/4. To learn more about Ascension Public Schools, visit http://www.apsb.org.

More:

Ascension Parish Schools announce students of the year - Weekly Citizen