Category Archives: Ascension

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) When a new job opening became available at Ascension Medical Group, physician practice manager Victoria Parris had a great candidate in mind already.

Amy Acuna, a CNA at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, was looking to broaden her nursing career and the job working the front desk for the Ascension Medical Group OB-GYN office seemed like a great fit. Acuna excelled through the interview cycle but the process hit a snag.

I got a call from my recruiter to let me know that unfortunately, Amy was not qualified for the position, Parris tells KSN.

Acuna became a mother at age 15 and dropped out of school so she could financially provide for her son. Her job as a CNA at various assisted living facilities and St. Francis did not require a high school diploma or GED, but the new job she applied and interviewed for did.

Parris asked Acuna if she would be willing to put in the work to qualify for her job, not knowing what her answer would be as Acuna is now a busy wife and mother of three children.

Within 29 days, Acuna secured her GED.

She says resources typically available to help adults with their education were largely unavailable to her due to COVID.

I kind of just went online and YouTubed everything from the beginning. I started over and taught myself, and I was nervous. So nervous, but I did it, Acuna said.

The curriculum changed in the years since Acuna, now 32, was in school. She admits she had to ask her son for some help understanding quad polynomials.

Acuna let Parris know she secured the necessary education for this next step, which Parris was happy to brag about to anyone who would listen.

Parris notes, we are not all given the same circumstances in life and she feels it is her duty as a manager to recognize those differences.

Lifes not about being fair, we cant make everything fair, but we can do our due diligence to make things equitable, Parris said.

The GED is just the start for Acuna, who has decided to go back to school this fall to pursue further nursing dreams.

The son she gave birth to at age 15 is now 16 years old and considering a career in nursing.

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Nurses Week: Ascension nurse helps another overcome circumstances, secure new role - KSN-TV

East Ascension High School's Class of 2021 graduates at 7 p.m. Friday during a ceremony in Spartan Stadium.

The ceremony will be moved to Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in case of rain.

Ann Nguyen will lead her class as valedictorian. Nguyen, the daughter of Thuy and Phuc Nguyen, plans to study biology at LSU on a Flagship Scholars Resident Scholarship.

In high school, she was a three-year member of the volleyball team and member of National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Fellowship of Christian Students and Yell Leaders.

Kelsey Robillard andKollin Bassie are the class co-salutatorians.

Robillard, the daughter of Mark and Roxanne Robillard, plans to study microbiology at LSU on a Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Scholarship.

At Dutchtown, Robillard was an AP Capstone Diploma recipient, AP Scholar with Distinction and member of National Honors Society, Allied Health, Environmental Club, Yell Leaders and SHARE Club Tutoring.

Bassie, the son of Matt and Laurie Bassie, is set to study mechanical engineering at LSU on a Academic Scholars Scholarship. He was enrolled in the Early College Option Program at River Parishes Community College.

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East Ascension announces top graduates, plans for graduation ceremony - The Advocate

One fascinating time period in the Gospel is the days that elapsed between the resurrection and ascension of Jesus.

Jesus appeared to many and walked with his disciples on multiple occasions.

St. Leo the Great provides a rich meditation on this time span in the Bible in a sermon that is featured in the Churchs Office of Readings.

In particular, he singles out various spiritual themes that Jesus may have been trying to highlight.

Dearly beloved, those days which intervened between the Lords Resurrection and Ascension did not pass by in uneventful leisure, but great mysteries were ratified in them and deep truths were revealed.In those days the fear of death was removed with all its terrors, and the immortality not only of the soul but also of the flesh was established. In those days the Holy Spirit is poured upon all the Apostles through the Lords breathing upon them, and to the blessed Apostle Peter, set above the rest, the keys of the kingdom are entrusted and the care of the Lords flock.

Dearly beloved, through all this time which elapsed between the Lords Resurrection and Ascension, Gods Providence had this in view, to teach his own people and impress upon their eyes and their hearts that the Lord Jesus Christ had risen, risen as truly as he had been born and had suffered and died.Hence the most blessed Apostles and all the disciples, who had been both bewildered at his death on the cross and backward in believing his Resurrection, were so strengthened by the clearness of the truth that when the Lord entered the heights of heaven, not only were they affected with no sadness, but were even filled with great joy.

It was during that time that the Lord joined the two disciples as a companion on the way, and, to sweep away all the clouds of our uncertainty, reproached them for the slowness of their timid and trembling hearts. Their enlightened hearts catch the flame of faith, and lukewarm as they have been, they are made to burn while the Lord unfolds the Scriptures.

Truly it was great and unspeakable, that cause of their joy, when in the sight of the holy multitude the Nature of mankind went up: up above the dignity of all heavenly creatures, to pass above the angels ranks and to rise beyond the archangels heights, and to have its uplifting limited by no elevation until, received to sit with the Eternal Father, it should be associated on the throne with his glory, to whose Nature it was united in the Son.

This time period in the Gospel, while very short, was not without purpose.

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What happened between the resurrection and ascension of Jesus? - Aleteia EN

Treatment advances from kidney stones to blocked arteries at Jacksonville Hospital

Shock wave treatment advances from kidney stones to blocked arteries at Jacksonville Hospital

Ascension St. Vincent's, Florida Times-Union

At Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside in Jacksonville, an existing technology that uses "shock waves" to break up kidney stones has become a new technologyto do the samething to severe calcium deposits that are restricting blood flow in the heart.

Ascension St. Vincent's said it is the first Northeast Florida hospital to use the procedure, whichwas approved in February by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration forpatients with hardened arteries.

"We all have plaque buildup that over time can become hardened, can become calcified," saidSamer Garas, an interventional cardiologist at Ascension St. Vincents Riverside.

That calcificationcan narrow the artery, cause blood-flow blockagesand lead to heart attack or stroke. The calcium deposits alsomakethe artery rigid and can hamper conventional treatments, such as balloon angioplasty and stents, which are tiny tubes inserted to keep the artery open, he said.

Related: 'Easy' heart-valve fix takes Jacksonville man from shortness of breath back to 'normal life'

With intravascular lithotripsy, doctors usea catheter snaked from anarm or leg that emits sonic pressure waves to breakup the calcium. Then they canexpand the artery with minimal trauma to normal artery tissue and implant a stent, Garas said.

"Shock-wave lithotripsy can disrupt some of the most hardened calcium deposits," he said. "This can allow us to achieve good stent results without the need for more invasive procedures which makes it even safer to treat some of our more complex patient cases."

He said new technology is always emerging, and hospitals keep advancing.

The Shockwave Intravascular Lithotripsy System was developed by California-based Shockwave Medical. The FDA cited aclinical trial of 384 patients, 92percent of whom received the stent and survived without a heart attack or another procedure for 30 days. About75 percentof the trial patients also survived a year without a heart attack or additional procedure.

Cardiologists at Ascension St. Vincents have used the procedure for a handful of patients. All are doing well, Garassaid.

More: Patient at Ascension St. Vincents is first in Florida with wireless pacemaker

Some of those patients "hada hard time conceptualizing" the use of sonic waves, he said. But once they understoodhow it works to prevent heart attack and stroke, "they're happy with it," he said.

Hardening of the arteries typically impacts older peoplebut can also affect younger people who smoke or have a genetic predisposition, he said.

Nationallyheart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women, killing about 600,000 people every year.

"We always want to provide our community with the most innovative and effective care options available in a safe environment,"said Estrellita Redmon, Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast chief clinical officer.

Ascension St. Vincents,she said, "has a local legacy of innovation in heart care and is often the first in our community to offer new treatment options to those we serve."

bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109

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Shock wave treatment advances from kidney stones to blocked arteries at Jacksonville hospital - The Florida Times-Union

Applications are being accepted scholarships for the 2021-22 academic year at River Parishes Community College.

Applications must be made online at rpcc.awardspring.com. Scholarships are available for full and part time (minimum of six credit hours) at all campuses and in all academic majors.

Available scholarships include the endowed scholarships: Lambert Family/Curt Eysink, NOVA Chemicals, Workforce Allied Health, and Solomon Acy. Named scholarships available for this academic year include: CF, East Iberville INC, Marathon Petroleum, Rubicon R.E.A.L., David J. Villarrubia Memorial, Ascension Credit Union, Ace Pipeline, RPCC Foundation and the RPCC C.A.R.E.S. Scholarship that is funded through the generosity of the RPCC Faculty and Staff.

Students can fill out the universal application and will be eligible for all scholarships for which they meet the donors designations.

Students must be enrolled for the Fall 2021 semester at RPCC and have a current FAFSA on file. The application period will close on May 30. Applications will be reviewed over the summer and awards announced in early August.

Anyone wishing to establish a scholarship should contact Lillie Murphy at lmurphy@rpcc.edu or call (225) 235-8763 for more information. Donations may be made at rpcc.edu/about-us/rpcc-foundation or sent to RPCC Foundation, PO Box 550, Gonzales, LA 70707.

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RPCC Foundation announces scholarship application process for 2021-22 school year - The Advocate

The Lafayette Christian Knights carried their momentum from Friday night's game one quarterfinals victory into Saturdays game two matchup versus the Ascension Episcopal Blue Gators.

It appeared that the contest might be a pitchers duel like Friday with it being tied 0-0 after three innings, but the No. 3-seeded Knights broke through and scored in the fourth inning and delivered a trio of insurance runs in the seventh to secure a 5-0 victory over the No. 6-seeded Blue Gators.

The Knights were able to punch their ticket to Sulphur for the first time in school history behind another great pitching performance against a seasoned Blue Gators team.

I just finished telling our guys that Im super proud of them, Knights coach Greg Fontenot said. Threw two complete game shutouts against a very good baseball team. I have the upmost respect for Lonny Landry and what he does with his program. It was a complete team victory both games.

The Knights had their other experienced arm on the mound in junior Hunter Lail, and he delivered a dominant effort and pitched seven shutout innings.

Its incredible, Lail said. Its our first time being in this situation as a program, and weve set many milestones this year. I was struggling at the beginning to find my off-speed pitch, but then toward the end I really found my slider and a breaker, and I was able to keep them off balance."

The Knights were able to get their bats going today, and they got on the board in the fourth after a two-run homer by Brylan Green.

We struggled hitting a little bit (Friday), its no secret, Fontenot said. Both teams did yesterday, and we came this morning, made a couple of adjustments during BP, and I thought it kind of paid off for us toward winning the game."

I really wasnt trying to get it over," Green said. "I was just trying a gap-to-gap approach because weve been hitting the ball a lot in the air. Just get it on the ground and get a base runner for my team, but when I hit that home run, it got my guys some energy. From there on out we were in it, and from inning one to inning seven we just played our hearts out.

The Knights continued to add on in the seventh with RBI singles from pinch hitters Cooper Martin and Michael Simien.

It took everybody, Fontenot said. Guys that were in the lineup and guys that were on the bench. We got two guys (Martin and Simien) that came off the bench and got two big hits in the top of the seventh to kind of pull the lead away a little bit.

The Blue Gators had more chances today than yesterday, but they had trouble delivering timely hits.

It was good up until the fourth, Landry said. That was the first hit they (LCA) got, and it was a big hit. Kudos to them, theyre a good team. We had our chances early, we just couldnt get that hit to get us over the hump. Im proud of them (seniors), Im going to miss them.

The Knights will look to keep their run going in Sulphur next week and will be taking on No. 2-seeded St. Charles at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Its surreal, Fontenot said. I got here a year ago, so just to know that we put a vision in place, and these kids bought in from day one to make this vision become reality, its cool to see. Hopefully we can continue to build on this success in the future, but right now were worried about Wednesday and going 1-0 in the semis.

It was a long road because we didnt start off strong, but then coach (Greg) Fontenot came in and did a great job in shaping the program," Lail said. "Now having that leadership from our upperclassmen, its incredible to go to Sulphur. Its an incredible moment.

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Lafayette Christian punches ticket to Sulphur with sweep of Ascension Episcopal - The Advocate

Listen to Luke tell the story in Acts. [Jesus said to the disciples] you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. (NRSV Acts 1:8b-11).

In 1513, German painter Hans Sss von Kulmbach captured this story in oils. Kulmbachs painting captures the mystery and wonder of this event. Marys and the disciples focus on the visible lower legs and Jesus two bare feet, just below the clouds. Kulmbach painted the disciples faces with concern and bewilderment. Marys smile curves up slightly, and there is a small twinkle in her eye.

Jesus words to the disciples as he departs from them are instructive to our community as the pandemic begins to wane. Like flood waters receding, we all will soon be able to have a panoramic view of our home and enjoy work, play, faith and friendship relationships that have been forever changed by the coronavirus. There are times when it seems like only portions of the old normal way of knowing is visible in our minds eye. Memories cause us to look over our shoulders as our hearts beat with the anxious rhythm of loss.

I suspect that many a preacher, teacher, business owner, government official and neighbor in the next months will be saying something like what the two men dressed in white robes said to the disciples. Friends! Why are your looking over shoulders into the past? Look around you and a head of you as the shroud of this pandemic departs. Good people gaze on these new days with curiosity and wonder.

Jesus ascension to site at the right hand of God is a powerful story that is not yet finished. Jesus has ascended. He has promised to return to us and earth in Gods time. Many a biblical scholar, Bible study teacher and preacher has worked to capture Jesus return. Some claim it will be a day of destruction. Others proclaim a message of peace and love. Regardless of what that day will be like, I am more curious about today and what kind of witnesses, we the followers of Jesus are like. Once a witness to an event always a witness. One cannot become a non-witness if he or she saw something occur. Rather, it is how we act as a witness: a) a witness who steps forward, giving a fair account or b) a witness who stands silently, looking the other way.

When Jesus comes again, I hope he arrives feet first and ready to hit the ground running or at least dancing with joy. Until that time and as the pandemics impact diminishes, I want to be like Mary with a small smile on my face and a wee twinkle in my eye, knowing that all is well and all will be well in Gods time.

Anne Hokenstad is pastor at American Lutheran Church in Worthington.

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Column: Happy Ascension Day, everyone | The Globe - The Globe

Ascension Parish Fair opens Thursday

The Ascension Parish Fair is set for Thursday through Sunday at Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

The fair kicks off Thursday with family night where rides are $15. The Chee-Weez will perform Friday and David St. Romain is set to take the stage on Saturday. Hot air balloon rides are scheduled for Saturday and free pony rides will be offered Sunday. For more information, call (225) 333-8305

The Ascension Parish LSU AgCenter and the Ascension Parish Master Gardener Association are sponsoring the Home Vegetable Garden Contest for 4-H youth and adults. Each year, the contest is held to encourage home gardeners to produce quality vegetables for home consumption and economic gain.

Gardens eligible for participation must be located in Ascension Parish and contain at least four different types of vegetables. Judging will be based on-site selection; record keeping; apparent productivity; and weed, disease and insect pressure.

Adult gardens will be judged in person by Ascension Parish Master Gardeners, while following all social distancing guidelines. The youth portion of the contest will again be held virtually. Youth gardens should be primarily maintained by the 4-H member. Youth are asked to film a short video, no more than three minutes, describing their garden. Videos and any records for youth garden entries must be submitted by Friday, May 14.

For more information or to enter the contest, contact the Ascension LSU AgCenter office at (225) 621-5799 or email LSU AgCenter Horticulture Agent Mariah Simoneaux at MJSimoneaux@agcenter.LSU.edu no later than May 14.

Ascension Parish government is providing Pfizer Covid-19 vaccinations at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

The free vaccinations will be offered during a six-week timeline, Mondays through Saturdays, until June 5. Vaccination hours will each day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Everyone aged 16 years and older is eligible to receive this vaccine. Walk-ins are welcome, but those wishing to preregister can do so online at: https://laredcap.oph.dhh.la.gov/surveys/?s=EP34HFE77F. Complete the form, then choose Lamar Dixon as your site.

Additionally, the Ascension Parish Health Unit in Gonzales is still offering the Moderna vaccine. Call (225) 450-1425 for an appointment.

Pick up some plants and baked goods from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday on the lawn at Gonzales City Hall during the Gonzales Garden Club's annual spring plant sale.

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The Garden Club reminds residents to observe social distancing and wear face masks at the sale.

This fundraiser supports community garden maintenance at Jambalaya Park Garden and Kidz Kove Garden, as well as garden therapy activities for senior citizens.

Help your daughter understand the physical and emotional changes she will experience as she goes through puberty. Ascension Parish Library, in partnership with Our Lady of the Lake Ascension, will host this discussion about a normal part of growing up at 6 p.m. May 11 at the Gonzales library location. It is designed for girls ages 9-11 and their parents or guardians. Registration is required and space is limited. To register for this workshop, call Our Lady of the Lake Ascension at (225) 621-2906.

Ascension Parish Library is launching a new ongoing project titled "A Photographic History of Ascension Parish." With funding from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the library is asking for your help in preserving the unique history of our parish. The program starts at 6:30 p.m. May 18. Speakers will include program scholar Edward Benoit, coordinator of the archival studies and cultural heritage resource management programs at LSU; and local historian Ira Babin. This event can be attended either in person at Ascension Parish Librarys Gonzales location or on Zoom. Registration required. Space may be limited. Social distancing and masks will be required. To register or for more information, call the library at (225) 647-3955.

Funding for Rebirth PL grants has been provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act economic stabilization plan. Additional funding is provided by the Union Pacific Foundation.

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Around Ascension for May 5, 2021 | Ascension | theadvocate.com - The Advocate

DONALDSONVILLE For six innings Thursday night, things were going, well, perfect for the Ascension Catholic baseball team.

But Jacob Dunn's perfect game and the Bulldogs' lead both evaporated in the seventh, and Opelousas Catholic eventually won 5-4 in nine innings to win the opener of the teams' Division IV best-of-three quarterfinal series.

We battled all night against their pitcher, we got the hit by pitch on our leadoff man and finally got it going with clutch hitting by our 2-4 hitters, OCHS coach Justin Boyd said.

ACHS took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on Bryce Leonard's RBI single, driving in Dunn. The Bulldogs added another run in the second, when second baseman Baylor Leonard led off with a double and scored on a fielders choice by Dunn.

Pitcher Bryce Rozas of Opelousas Catholic settled down after that and held the Bulldogs scoreless to the seventh inning.

We had some chances early to extend our lead but just couldnt scratch any more runs against their guy," ACHS coach Gee Cassard said. "Dunn pitched well for us, his pitch count was low; give them credit for battling, they are a good club."

In the seventh, the Vikings tied the game on three consecutive hits from Jordan Luna, Drake Guidry and Jace Sloan. OCHS nearly took the lead, but Bulldogs third basemen Brooks Leonard made a spectacular catch to double off Guidry at third base. Bulldogs relief pitcher Bryce Leonard then got Rozas on a strikeout to end the seventh and send the game to extra innings.

In the ninth, the Vikings' 2-through-4 hitters got it going again. Luna singled, Guidry walked and Sloan doubled home the go-ahead run before an error allowed two more runs for a 5-2 OCHS lead.

ACHS loaded the bases in the ninth with two outs, and catcher Lex Melancon drove in two with a double. But Guidry ended the game as he induced a groundout from Jacques Husers.

Rozas kept us in the game and Guidry was pitching on fumes," Boyd said. "We expected a battle in this series.

The teams will play Game 2 at 5 p.m. Friday, and the Bulldogs will need a win to extend the series.

Still like our fight, and we have to win two games," Cassard said. "They are good; we just have to take it one game at a time."

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Opelousas Catholic rallies to tie Ascension Catholic, then wins Game 1 in nine innings - The Advocate

The announcement caught the attention of Dutchtown High School junior Sydney Hubbard early last fall something about a way students could learn how to become entrepreneurs.

"I heard an announcement in class one day," Hubbard said.This sounds interesting,' I thought. 'I'm going to apply.

Hubbard did apply and went through interviews to become part of the 2020-21 class of the nonprofit Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge, now in its third year as a local chapter of a national program that teaches students how to create and run their own companies.

The academy works with students in grades eight through 12. Tuition costs $995 and the program offers need-based scholarships. Students who graduate earn three credits at LSU.

"In the last three years, 60 students have graduated (from the academy) and launched 50 businesses in the Greater Baton Rouge area," said Sarah Munson, executive director of the academy's Baton Rouge chapter.

From September to April, 16 students in the Baton Rouge area took weekly after-school classes on Zoom this year, but usually on the LSU campus with instructors from the university's E. J. College of Business, as well as guest speakers.

Each student worked with mentors and volunteers to design logos for the businesses they hope to launch.

The students didn't have to come into the academy with an idea for a business, but Hubbard had one from the get-go: a website called Afro Next that would provide information to help African American women learn now to care for their hair.

"I had trouble doing my hair," Hubbard, 16, said. "I still have some trouble."

"The textures of African American hair are different, and there are different curl patterns," she explained.

The idea of entrepreneurship comes easily to Hubbard. Her parents, Tim and Tori Hubbard, each have their own business. Sydney's mother runs a speech therapy practice and her father presidents over a commercial and residential construction company.

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"I like the freedom of owning a business," Sydney said.

By the end of this year's Young Entrepreneurs Academy, with a virtual graduation in April, students had written a business plan "Nobody knows how hard that is," Hubbard said registered their business with the Louisiana Secretary of State's office and made pitches to an outside panel of professionals to receive seed money, in varying amounts, for startup expenses.

Hubbard was one of six Ascension Parish public school students in this year's class.

The BASF chemical manufacturing plant in Geismar paid tuition for the students, something it's done for the Ascension participants in the previous two school years and plans to continue doing, the company said.

All the students in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy were able to meet on Zoom and that's the way Hubbard met Mya Beathley, a junior at Liberty Magnet High School in Baton Rouge.

The two became co-founders of the proposed Afro Next website, because of a shared interest in providing information on the care of African American hair.

Other graduates from this year's Young Entrepreneurs Academy are Alanna Riley and Edward Tyler, both of Dutchtown High in Ascension Parish; Morgan Miller and Luke Williams, both of St. Amant High in Ascension, and Jaylen Carter of Donaldsonville High, also in Ascension Parish.

From East Baton Rouge Parish are Mateo Chaney-Martinez, University View Academy; Siya Kuman, Baton Rouge Magnet High; Anmol Mehotra, McKinley High; Quentin Messer III and Joey Roth, both of Episcopal School, and Parker St. Romain, Catholic High.

Other graduates are Gabryel Duncan and Matthew Rotolo, both of Walker High in Livingston Parish, and Cardell Smith, of West Feliciana High.

Applications for the 2021-22 Young Entrepreneurs Academy are open now through Aug. 20 at http://www.yeabr.org/apply.

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From business plans to making pitches for startup money, students learn the entrepreneurial way - The Advocate