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Abbeville elementary school system could be changing

Mon, 02/05/2024 - 10:40am

Superintendent Byler would like to house all elementary students in one school, make other school a center

At a recent Vermilion Parish School Board meeting, Superintendent Tommy Byler shared his “Vision 2024” plan for Abbeville’s elementary school system.
Byler proposed the idea of closing one of the city’s two elementary schools – Eaton Park Elementary and Herod Elementary – and consolidating all students into a single elementary school.
“I am asking permission to move forward,” Byler said. “I do not feel like having a K-2 school at Eaton Park and a 3-5 school at Herod is necessary. I feel like we are doubling our resources. We have talked about community schools and community models.”
Over the last five years, Abbeville has operated both Eaton Park and Herod Elementary schools, with the former serving kindergarten through second grade and the latter serving third through fifth grade.
However, Byler believes that consolidating the two schools will help save resources and better serve the community.
Next year, the projected numbers of elementary student in Abbeville will be 675. Herod Elementary can house 550 to 600 students.
Under the preliminary consolidation plan, Herod Elementary would become a community school serving kindergarten through fifth grade, providing tailored services and support to fit the neighborhood’s needs.
Its new school name would be Herod Elementary Community School
Meanwhile, Eaton Park Elementary would be transformed into the Eaton Park Elementary Center, housing the Virtual Vermilion alternative school, truancy office, and parenting center.
While the idea of closing Eaton Park Elementary is still in its early stages, Byler has already met with faculty members and school administrators to discuss the proposal.
He did not give a specific timeline for when the transition will occur if it ever does.
“I am still exploring it. The school administrators know. I met with the faculty of those two schools,” Byler said.
Byler emphasized the importance of stability and longevity in the schools, stating that changing teachers each year will not fix any issues that may arise.

Warren James Broussard

Thu, 02/01/2024 - 12:37pm

July 26, 1940 ~ January 31, 2024

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Warren James Broussard, 83, who died Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice.
He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Fr. Louis Richard officiating the services.
Serving as pallbearers will be Craig Broussard, Tyler Broussard, Timothy Broussard, Jared Babineaux, Ja’Rel Broussard, and Janson Crase. Honorary pallbearers will be Edgar Broussard, Timmy Babineaux, Paul Crase, and Kenneth Derveloy.
Warren was a loving husband, father, and granddad. He loved to fish, hunt, play cards and dominos. He also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and watching LSU and Saints games.
He coached the American Legion All Star State Champs and the Cajun Jr. Miss Softball (Black Sluggers) Team. He enjoyed Sunday gatherings with family and friends.
When he started school, he only spoke French, having to learn English. He was a classmate of Abbeville High School Class of 1959.
He worked for Ralph Breaux’s Brooke and Carlin Barge Line Cleaning as a port captain. He then started Warren Broussard Marine Service in 1970’s. He also worked for Kengo-Chevco Company.
He is survived by his wife, Georgann LeBouef Broussard; children, Christine Babineaux (Timmy), Gretchen Deverloy (Kenneth), Craig Broussard (Kim), Annette Crase (Paul), and Edgar “Bozo” Broussard (Doreen); 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren and another on the way; 6 step children; and 8 step great grandchildren. He loved them all as his own.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John I. Broussard and Rosa Guidry Broussard; siblings, Lurline Lege, Henry Broussard, John Bulace Broussard, Jeanne Menard, and Carmen Vincent; and his godparent, Henry Broussard (brother) and Mrs. Nelson Bourque.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 9 a.m. until time of services.
A rosary being prayed at 11:00 a.m.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.

Louise Colomb Landry

Thu, 02/01/2024 - 9:24am

January 25, 1931 - January 29, 2024

ERATH – A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Louise Colomb Landry, 93, will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Fr. Clinton Sensat officiating. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum.
Visitation will be held at David Funeral Home of Erath on Thursday, February 1, 2024 beginning at 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. in French. Visitation will resume on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 8 a.m. until the time of the service.
A native of Vermilion Parish and a long-time resident of Erath, Mrs. Landry died at 9:40PM on Monday, January 29, 2024 at her residence. Mrs. Louise was a graduate of Henry High School in 1948 and went on to have a successful career as a nurse for over 40 years. She started her nursing career at the Palms Hospital and worked many years at Morris Lahasky Hospital and Nursing Home. She was a Member of the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Daughters and the Holy Cross Rosary Group. She was known for enjoyment of quilting, sewing, crocheting, gardening, reading, playing Pokeno, and being with her grandchildren. She was also known as an exceptional cook.
She is survived by three sons, David A. Landry and his wife Cynthia of Erath, Glenn V. Landry and his wife Meloney of Erath, and Kenneth A. Landry of Youngsville; a daughter, Catherine M. Landry of Lafayette; one brother, Lester Colomb, Sr.; seven grandchildren, Olivia Landry, Julia Landry, Devon Landry, Blaine Landry, Rachel Landry, Scott Landry and Eric Landry; and eight great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave J. Landry; her parents, Andrew and Anonciade Touchet Colomb; three brothers, John Colomb, Presley Colomb, and Dalton Colomb; two sisters, Irene Dore and Velta Guillotte; and a granddaughter, Natasha Johnson.
Serving as pallbearers will be Glenn V. Landry, Blaine Landry, Scott Landry, Kenneth Landry, Michael Colomb, and Lester Colomb, Jr.. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be David Landry and Devon Landry.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath at 209 E. Putnam St. (337)937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.

Laura Ann Blanchard

Thu, 02/01/2024 - 9:17am

Laura Ann Blanchard, age 67, who passed away peacefully at her residence on Saturday, January 27, 2024, in Erath.
Laura Ann Blanchard was born on August 14, 1956, in Lafayette and she was a longtime resident of Erath. She was known to do it her way. Laura will be dearly missed. “Remember the good times, happy tears only!”
Laura Ann Blanchard is survived by her daughter, Pamela Ann Walton (Carl); her grandchildren, Tamra Walton, Chelsi Walton (Aaron Mire), Carl Walton, Jr. (Kylie), and Hanna Walton; her great-grandchildren, Hadley Walton, Addy-lynn Walton, and Lincoln Mire; as well as her siblings, Allen Blanchard, Sr., Gail Gary (Glen), and Brenda Dugas (Charles).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sandras Joseph Blanchard and Merline Breaux Blanchard; as well as her brother, Randy Joseph Blanchard.
Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Maurice, LA 70555, (337) 740-3123, is in charge of arrangements.

Vermilion Parish School System spent record $137 million

Mon, 01/29/2024 - 11:47am

67 percent of budget went towards salaries and benefits

The audit report presented by Robert Carter of Kolder, Slaven & Company revealed that the Vermilion Parish School District achieved its highest revenue ever.
As a certified public accountant for the firm, Carter provided the School Board members with his annual Financial and Compliance Audit Report.
The report covers the fiscal year from June 30, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and indicates that the school district generated a total revenue of $137 million.
In 2019 and 2020, the school district collected $99 million. Revenue began to rise in 2021 ($113 million), 2022 ($119 million), and now 2023 ($137 million).

Where did the School District spend $137 million?

The school district allocated $87 million, which accounts for 63 percent of the budget, for salaries and school employee benefits.
The school district spent $61 million on salaries and $27 million on benefits.
Superintendent Tommy Byler has overseen an increase in salary spending from $79 million (salaries and benefits) in 2021 to $87 million in 2023 during his three-year tenure.
Additionally, an average of $24 million, equivalent to 19 percent of the school district’s budget, is being spent on repairing and maintaining school facilities.

Where did the extra $37 million come from?

Despite increases in property and sales taxes, the significant rise in revenue was not attributed to these factors.
Instead, the school district obtained $62 million from the state’s Minimum Foundation Program (MFP), which provides approximately $4,500 per student for educational expenses.
The MFP funding experienced a $4 million increase compared to the previous year.
In addition to the MFP funding, the school district received $40 million from property tax and $15 million from sales tax.
Moreover, all school districts in Louisiana were granted funds over a three-year period as part of the Education Stabilization Fund (ESSER) established by Congress. The purpose of the Education Stabilization Fund generally is to “prevent, prepare for, and respond to” COVID-19.
As indicated by Carter, Vermilion Parish received $37 million in grants during the previous fiscal year thanks to the ESSER federal grants.
In the year prior, the district received $29 million in federal grants, while in 2021, the amount decreased to $21 million. In 2019, the district received $19 million in federal grants.

The two sets of sisters are (left to right) Ava Denais, Lilly Denais and Makenzie Marceaux and sister Taylor Marceaux.

Sisterly Love on Lady Patriot basketball team

Mon, 01/29/2024 - 11:44am

North Vermilion has two sets of sisters playing

By Rosco Harrington, Sports Writer

LEROY - It’s always special when sisters who are close in age go to high school together and get to play on the same basketball team. What makes the North Vermilion Lady Patriots unique is they have two sets of sisters living that dream.
Lilly and Ava Denais are 20 months apart. Lilly is 18 and the lone senior on the Lady Pats’ squad. Ava is 16 and a junior.
Taylor and MaKenzie Marceaux are 16 months apart. Taylor is a 17-year-old junior. MaKenzie is 15 and a sophomore. She turns 16 in April.
For the Denais sisters, it was Lilly who got Ava into basketball. Lilly was a soccer player looking for something else to help pass her time.
“I was a big soccer girl,” Lilly said. “I wanted to try something new, so my mom put me in basketball.”
Ava watched her sister play while she was busy with cheer, dance, gymnastics, and soccer. Seeing the fun her sister was having grew Ava’s curiosity about the sport.
“I was such a girly-girl,” Ava reminisced. “I’d go to all of Lilly’s games. I’d see her play and that made me want to play too, so I started basketball.”
For the Marceaux sisters, basketball has been a part of their lives since they were born. Their dad, Kevin Marceaux, played basketball in high school at Kaplan. He’s coached them and their older brother since they could walk.
“It’s great!” Taylor said sarcastically about having her dad so involved. “It’s really good to have your dad coaching you, helping you get better at something you love. He coached our whole school team growing up, so we all been playing together for a long time.”
MaKenzie feels having her dad coach the biddy and AAU teams brought not only her and her sister closer together, but the whole team.
“From the first year I started playing, we had a lot of the girls on the high school team on that team, MaKenzie explained. “We been playing together ever since. We know how each other plays.”
Sharing a passion for basketball has made the Denais sister’s bond much tighter. Although, it’s not always fun and games.
“It’s helped us a lot, honestly,” Lilly said. “We didn’t play together in biddy because of the age difference. Then we got to middle school and started playing on the same team. Ever since then, we got closer as sisters and started doing more stuff together.”
“We’re always together,” added Ava. “We used to argue a lot. Now we argue even more. Our personalities complement each other well.”
When it comes to playing against each other, Lilly admits her younger sister has her number now, but she was better when they were younger.
“In middle school, I would have had to say I was better,” Lilly said. “But since we got to high school, Ava’s grown so much. I feel like she could one-up me now.”
While the Marceaux sisters share that competitive spirit, their games are molded to fit as teammates, not as competitors. Taylor is more of a post player who plays with her back to the basket. She does the dirty work.
MaKenzie is more of a point forward. She can handle the ball and shoot from the outside, or she can go mix it up inside.
“She’s very aggressive and hustles the whole time,” MaKenzie said of her sister’s game. “She’ll push someone to the ground to get to a loose ball. She’s going to do whatever it takes to win.”
While sporting a satisfactory grin, Taylor nodded approvingly of her sister’s analysis. Then she returned the favor.
“She a good ball handler,” Taylor said of her sister. She’s very good at driving to the basket. She needs to shoot more though.”
Having teammates who know your game inside and out is invaluable to a basketball team.
“We all know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” Lilly said. “We been knowing for years.”
“We have chemistry,” added MaKenzie. “We know what each other’s thinking. We trust each other.”
One thing all the girls agreed on is that being able to share the high school experience with your biological sister is sweet. Sharing the high school experience with teammates who are sister-like is even better.

Newjay P. Richard

Mon, 01/29/2024 - 9:08am

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Crowley for Newjay P. Richard, 89, who passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 5:18 P.M. at his home in LeLeux.
Fr. Mark Miley, Pastor of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Kaplan will be officiating for the services. Burial will be held in Abshire Cemetery in Kaplan.
The family has requested the visitation to be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 4:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. in the Duhon Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley. A Rosary will be recited on Sunday at 6 o’clock in the evening in the Funeral Home Chapel in Crowley. Visitation will resume on Monday at 8:00 A.M. until time of services.
Survivors include his wife of sixty-nine years, Betty L. Richard of LeLeux; three sons, Tommy Richard, Scott and wife, Jackie Richard, Patrick and wife, Stephanie Richard all from Leleux; three daughters, Charlene and husband, Larry Hebert of Crowley, Sharon and husband, Sherman Smith, Jr. of Crowley, Kim and husband, Rene Boudreaux of Leleux; one sister, Edvia Hulin of Mowata; twenty-two grandchildren, thirty five great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, and nephews.
Mr. Richard was preceded in death by his father, Coray “Chin” Richard; his mother, Edmae Duhon; one brother, Douglas Richard; one grandson, Brady Richard, and one great-granddaughter, C.J. Richard.
Mr. Richard retired from Coca Cola after 32 years. He had a strong work ethic that he passed to his children. He was involved in the beginning of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Parish, and Redemptorist Grade School. He was a church usher, and a 4th degree Knight of Columbus. He helped at many K of C bingos.
His interest in politics led him to serve of the Council on aging board, the Crowley Planning committee, and various boards for Redemptorist Grade School.
During his life he enjoyed coaching his children in sporting events. He was a pitcher with the K of C Men’s softball league. He also loved to fish, camp at the beach and he and his brother were weekend farmers.
Pallbearers for the services will be his grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers for the service will be his great-grandsons.
The family would like to send a heartfelt Thank You to Lamm Hospice of Crowley for the great care they gave.
You may view the obituary, sign the guest registry, and express condolences online to Mr. Richard’s family at www.duhonfuneralhome.com.
Duhon Funeral Home-Crowley, (337) 783-1395, 1529 Crowley-Rayne Hwy., Crowley, LA 70526 is in charge of all of the arrangements.

Abbeville resident leads law enforcement on car chase

Thu, 01/25/2024 - 3:40pm

Driver crashes into a ditch in Crowley

Abbeville resident who was fleeing from law enforcement.
According to Sheriff Mike Couvillon of the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office, at 2:15 in the afternoon, his department received an Order of Protection signed by the Vermilion Parish Coroner on a subject located at an address on West Oak Street in Abbeville.
Due to the information provided on the OPC, the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team was activated and responded to the area.
Upon arrival, the subject was observed sitting in the driver’s seat of a white in color pickup truck holding an object in his hand. A perimeter was set up and negotiations were attempted.
After approximately 30 minutes, the subject started the vehicle and advanced slightly.
As deputies continued to attempt to make contact, the subject began to inflict injury upon himself using what is believed to be a box blade, cutting himself in the neck area.
Deputies rushed towards the vehicle to render aid, but the subject fled the area in his vehicle. Marked units began following the subject with audible sirens and flashing emergency lights, but to no avail.
Units continued following the vehicle through Kaplan and north on Hwy 13 towards Acadia Parish.
As the vehicle entered Crowley, spike strips were deployed and disabled the driver’s side tires.
The vehicle continued to travel East on Hwy. 90 until it crashed into a ditch near the intersection of Monceaux Road at approximately 6:17 p.m. and the subject was taken into custody at approximately 6:19.
Due to self-inflicted injuries, the subject was transported by Acadian Ambulance to the nearest hospital, Ochsner Acadia Hospital. Due to medical HIPPA laws, the name of the subject is not being released.
Sheriff Couvillon would like to thank the Abbeville Police Department, Kaplan Police Department, Acadia Parish Sheriff Office, Crowley Police Department and Louisiana State Police for their assistance.

Byler gives ‘Vision 2024’ report to school board

Superintendent Byler gives ‘Vision 2024’ report to Vermilion Parish School Board

Thu, 01/25/2024 - 1:47pm

Superintendent Tommy Byler presented his “Vision 2024” report to the Vermilion Parish School Board during their meeting on Thursday night. He provided an overview of the board’s achievements in the past three years and outlined their aspirations for the school system in 2024.
During the first three years of Byler’s leadership, the school board has had to be reactive to challenges thrown at the school system, such as COVID, two hurricanes, lifting morale, and a new school board.
The new challenges that the school system faces in 2024, Byler explained, include the latest charter school effects, a certified teacher shortage, the ending of ESSER funding, upgrading facilities, and the safety of employees and students.
“We have had to be reactive and deal with hurricanes and COVID,” Byler said after the meeting. “The obstacles we have had to deal with, we have overcome them. We now have to begin moving forward into the new era.”
The new era could significantly change the statewide school system, Byler said. One of those changes could be the “School Choice Program,” which could be on the
horizon in the near future with the new governor, Jeff Landry. The program lets parents choose a school to allow their child to thrive. That choice could mean the child attending a private school or homeschool.
“We have to do the best we can and not worry about the changes around us,” said Byler. “We have done some great things but will not sit on our hands. We will continue to look for what is best for the district.”
He added that the “Vision 2024” report was to show the school board that, under Byler’s leadership, the school system has been fiscally responsible over the last three years. The school system’s pay scale has increased over the last three years, either with a 13th check or a change of the pay scale for everyone.
Byler explained that projects still need to be completed in 2024, such as hurricane projects at a few schools, upgrading school facilities, and finishing spending ESSER money.
Also, tops on the school board’s “to-do” list in 2024 is to figure out why the insurance fund is losing money. In 2023, the insurance fund finished with a $2 million deficit.

rewe de la Renaissance Acadienne’s King XVI, Nathan Granger, and Queen XVI, Hannah Granger

Krewe de la Renaissance Acadienne’s King XVI, Nathan Granger, and Queen XVI, Hannah Granger show off the backs of their royal capes.

Jockeys-Steven Caldwell, Eric Toups, John Eric Granger, Al Mendoza.

Hat Shoppers-Regan Granger, Skye Collins, Hannah Granger, Theresa Touchet, Amelie Caillouet.

Kentucky Buffalo Trace (Bar Scene)-Britlyn Duplantis, Alex Granger, Michelle Caldwell. Not Pictured: Sonya Couvillon, Cory Duplantis, & David Touchet.

Horse Trainers - Mikel Toups, Jon Stevens, Ellen Hebert, Pierre Hebert, Shawnee Hebert, Angelle Broussard, Kyle Collins, Mike Touchet, Kristin Vincent. Not Pictured: Claire Broussard

Celebrity Sightings- Laurie Hulin, Michelle Hargroder, Matt Hebert, Roslyn White. Not Pictured: Hannah Landry, Jacob Landry, Kayla Lucas, Todd Lucas, & Shane Langlinais.

Betting on Horses-Allison Domingues, Dewey Domingues, Danielle Calvert, Dana Granger, Rebecca Bares, Monica Calvert, Keith Calvert, Regina Caillouet, Will Caillouet. Not Pictured: Stephen Bares.

Krewe de la Renaissance Acadienne holds 16th annual ball with ‘Derby’ theme

Thu, 01/25/2024 - 10:27am

The Krewe de la Renaissance Acadienne held its 16th annual ball at seven-thirty in the evening on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Lafayette.
The theme of the ball was “Talk Derby to Me”.
Reigning over the festivities were Krewe de la Renaissance Acadienne’s King XVI, Nathan Granger, and Queen XVI, Hannah Granger.
King Nathan is a lifelong resident and small horse farm owner of Vermilion Parish. He is the son of Steve and Deanna Granger and has two siblings, Eric of Casper, Wyoming, and Monica Granger Calvert of Lafayette, Louisiana. He has been married to Dana Langlinais Granger for 33 years and together they have five children; Mason, 24, Hannah, 22, Regan 16, John Eric 11, and Ross, forever 19. Nathan is a 1986 graduate of Erath High School and a 1990 and 1997 graduate of the University of Louisiana. He is a member of the Louisiana Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Breeders Associations and a member of the American Quarter Horse Association. Nathan is also a newly elected board member of the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Nathan is a president and founding partner in Energy Management Company. He has been involved in the oil and gas industry for 33 years. His hobbies include horse breeding, horse raising and horse racing.
Queen Hannah Claire Granger is the daughter of Nathan and Dana Granger. She graduated from Erath High School in 2019 where she was involved in Student Council, various athletics, and was the 2018 EHS Homecoming Queen. She attended UL Lafayette where she obtained a degree in Elementary Education. During her college years, she became a distinguished member of Kappa Delta Sorority and served on Council and various boards. She also volunteered for the LIFE program, where she mentored UL students with special needs. After graduating this past May, she became employed with the Lafayette Parish School System where she works as a fourth grade teacher at Broadmoor Elementary. Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
King Nathan & Queen Hannah wore handmade train and mantels. The central piece of the trains included the G & G Farms logo. The theme, “Talk Derby to Me” was displayed across the top of each train. The crown and fleur de lis appliques were repurposed from the trains of King and Queen Vermilion VI, Stephan Langlinais and Bethany Langlinais Harris, father-in-law and sister-in-law of King Nathan, grandfather and godmother of Queen Hannah. They were created by the late Juliette Langlinais and were included in her memory. The trains were bordered by vibrant red roses, symbolizing the Run for the Roses, as the Kentucky Derby is known to horse racing fans.
Presenting the night’s program was emcee, Gerald Broussard. Ball attendees were treated to a fun evening of entertainment as the Royal Court performed skits based around the Kentucky Derby theme.
The opening scene invited the crowd to “Get Down and Derby” and have a great time. Guests were enlightened about the rich history and traditions of the Derby, and the opening act featured the 2024 court at the auction bidding throughout the crowd.
The emcee talked about the Kentucky Bourbon and distilleries and how people like to indulge while visiting the Derby. The Kentucky Buffalo Trace Bar skit featured Britlyn Duplantis, Alex Granger, Michelle Caldwell, Sonya Couvillion, Cory Duplantis, and David Touchet performing to “Whiskey for my Men, Beer for my Horses” and the “Devil Went Down to Georgia”.
The Derby theme continued on as the Krewe’s Horse Trainers prepared the horses for the race. Performing to “White Horse” and “Dark Horse” were Mikel Toups, Jon Stevens, Ellen Hebert, Pierre Hebert, Shawnee Hebert, Angelle Broussard, Kyle Collins, Mike Touchet, Kristin Vincent, and Claire Broussard.
The crowd was then introduced to the Derby Jockeys who performed an entertaining skit for the crowd. The Krewe Jockeys included King Nathan Granger, Steven Caldwell, Eric Toups, John Eric Granger, and Al Mendoza.
Hat shopping is a necessary part of the fun of the Kentucky Derby for men and women alike. The Krewe’s Hat Shoppers wowed the crowd with their performance to Shania’s “Man! I feel like a Woman” and “Whose Bed Have your Boots Been Under”. Hat shoppers included Queen Hannah Granger, and court members Regan Granger, Skye Collins, Theresa Touchet, Amelie Caillouet, and Camille Floyd.
In true Derby fashion, the evening’s guests watched “celebrities” walk the red carpet as they arrived at the Derby. Court Members participating in the Celebrity Siting skit included Laurie Hulin, Michelle Hargroder, Matt Hebert, and Roslyn White, along with several local “celebrities” who were in the crowd including past Krewe de la Renaissance Acadienne Kings and Queens and local elected officials.
As the race was beginning, people began placing their bets on their favorite horse in hopes of winning. Court Members who placed bets included Allison Domingues, Dewey Domingues, Danielle Calvert, Dana Granger, Rebecca Bares, Stephen Bares, Monica Calvert, Keith Calvert, Regina Caillouet, and Will Caillouet.
The finale of the evening took place as the jockeys lined up for the race and the announcer exclaimed, “And they’re off”. The crowd went wild as John Eric crossed the finish line first. Krewe de la Renaissance King and Queen entered the ballroom to present the Derby winner with his garland of roses. The 2024 King & Queen took their place as King & Queen XVI of Krewe de la Renaissance Acadienne. Carrying out the transition of power was last year’s King & Queen, Matt Hebert and Michelle Hargroder. After the 2024 King & Queen were officially presented, members of the Royal Court, the Krewe’s Board, the Krewe’s past Kings & Queens, and all guests joined in for a toast. All royalty paraded through the ballroom to “All I do is Win” and threw beads and trinkets to the attending guests. Concluding the evening was live entertainment by Three Thirty Seven and the attendees had a great time getting Down and Derby.

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Abbeville elementary school system could be changing

Warren James Broussard

Louise Colomb Landry

Laura Ann Blanchard

Vermilion Parish School System spent record $137 million

Sisterly Love on Lady Patriot basketball team

Newjay P. Richard

Abbeville resident leads law enforcement on car chase

Superintendent Byler gives ‘Vision 2024’ report to Vermilion Parish School Board

Krewe de la Renaissance Acadienne holds 16th annual ball with ‘Derby’ theme

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