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Ryan Abshire (Principal), Sabrina Langley (Assistant Principal), Alexander Landry (Student of the Year), and Justin Simon (Assistant Principal).

lexander Landry named J.H. Williams Middle School’s Student of the Year

Alexander Landry is J.H. Williams Middle School’s 2025 - 2026 Student of the Year! Alexander’s outstanding academic achievements are matched by his passion for cultural enrichment through Lache Pas, where he enjoys learning about Cajun music and exploring new instruments. A dedicated member of the JHW Band, Alexander continues to shine both in and out of the classroom. His leadership and teamwork skills are further highlighted through his involvement in the nationally qualifying BETA Leadership teams, making him a true example of excellence and well-rounded success.

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Cecil Picard Elementary’s 2025-2026 Student of the Year — Ridge Ramsey.

Cecil Picard Elementary Student of the Year

Cecil Picard Elementary is proud to announce their 2025-2026 Student of the Year — Ridge Ramsey.
We are incredibly proud of Ridge for his hard work, leadership, and outstanding character.
He truly represents what it means to be a Jr. Patriot - respectful, responsible, and always striving for excellence!
Ridge will go on to represent Cecil Picard Elementary at the district level.

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The Woman's Club of Abbeville contributed to the disaster relief efforts following the flood disaster that occurred in Kerr County, Texas on the Fourth of July 2025.

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Members of the Woman's Club of Abbeville

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Abbeville Womens Club disaster relief efforts following July 4th Texas flood

The Woman's Club of Abbeville contributed to the disaster relief efforts following the flood disaster that occurred in Kerr County, Texas on the Fourth of July 2025.
The club donated cleaning supplies from a Brookshire Grant secured by Jolene Gibbs, Past President of GFWC Louisiana. An 18-wheeler filled with these, and other supplies departed from Abbeville to assist affected victims.
The GFWC National Day of Service was held on September 22-26, 2025. This year’s theme are projects related to domestic violence abuse and prevention. Woman’s Club of Abbeville collected personal sized toiletries to be given to Faith House. Woman’s Club of Abbeville also joined with other clubs throughout the state to donate additional items to Faith House at the GFWC Fall State Board Meeting on September 25, 2025.

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Frances Toups Pere’

November 18, 1937 ~ October 25, 2025

ABBEVILLE- A Memorial Mass honoring the life of Frances Toups Pere,’ 87, who passed away on October 25, 2025, will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 300 Pere Megret St., Abbeville, on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10 a.m. Reverend Daniel Picard will officiate the Mass. The family request visiting will began at 9:30 AM at the church. Her burial will be at a later date and private.
Frances was born and raised in Kaplan, graduated from Kaplan High School, then she attended LSU and graduated in 1958. She married Frenzel “Jude” Pere’ on August 16, 1960. Jude preceded her in death on May 7, 2019. Frances is survived by her daughter Susan P. Pereira and her husband David; her grandchildren, Catherine and Michael. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jude, her daughter, Jill Marie Pere; parents, Yolande Tilly Toups and Leo F. Toups and sister, Margaret Cole.
Special thanks to Lynn Ozenne, Marion “Cottye” Peters and Rene Rideaux for the special Love and care they gave to her over the last few years.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorial donations may be made to Vermilion Catholic High School, 425 Park Avenue Abbeville, LA 70510 in memory of Frances T. Pere.’
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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Dennis LeBlanc, Jr.

August 15, 1949 ~ October 25, 2025

ABBEVILLE — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dennis LeBlanc, Jr., who left us peacefully on October 25, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on August 15, 1949, in Abbeville, LA.
A funeral service will be held at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. Dennis will be laid to rest at the St Paul Cemetery with Deacon William "Bill" Vincent officiating. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., A rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m on Friday. Visitation will continue on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 8 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. when the procession will depart for the church. Pallbearers will be Gerald Thibodeaux, David Richard, Donald Richard, Robert Comeaux, Christopher Comeaux, and Ricky Richard. Honorary pallbearers include Lawrence Roy and Ron Gary.
Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Denise Broussard LeBlanc; his stepson, Donald Richard; and his grandchildren who he loved being “Gramps” to, David, Emma, and Kayleigh Richard. He also leaves behind his dear sisters, Mary Alice Thibodeaux (Gerald) and Shirley Eve LeBlanc.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Laurence (Clostio) LeBlanc, as well as his sister, Felicia Ann Trahan, and her husband, Edward Steve Trahan.
Dennis dedicated 40 years of his life to Riviana Rice Mill, where he made lasting friendships and contributed greatly to the community. A true family man, he had a passion for baking-especially whipping up those special birthday cakes-and had a remarkable green thumb, always growing gorgeous flowers and delicious vegetables in his garden. Dennis loved spending time outdoors, whether he was camping, enjoying the beach, or just hanging out with his family. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye, and he loved every moment spent with them.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Calcutta House for the compassionate care they provided to Dennis during his time of need. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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Glinda Ann Monier Renard

March 6, 1943 - October 23, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that the Renard family announces the passing of Glinda Ann Monier Renard, our matriarch and beloved wife, mother, and “Granny.” Glinda passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, October 23, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was 82 years old.
Glinda was born on March 6, 1943, in Abbeville, Louisiana, to the late Milton Monier and the late Emma Mouton Monier—the only child born to that union—and was raised in a family deeply rooted in Cajun heritage.
In 1961, while out with friends at the Airport Club in Abbeville, Glinda met a young man named John C. Renard. That chance meeting blossomed into a beautiful romance, and two years later, they were united in holy matrimony. Together, they built a loving home and raised two children, David and Stacey. Glinda devoted her life to her family as a homemaker, taking great pride in caring for her husband, children, and home. She filled her home with warmth, love, and the beauty of her many plants and flowers.
Glinda found joy in the simple pleasures of life and in the company of family and friends. The Renard home was always a gathering place—where meals were lovingly prepared and shared. She was known for her delicious cooking and baking, especially her famous chocolate delight. Glinda also cherished her time with the ladies of her Bunco club, while the men played bourrée nearby, creating many cherished memories full of laughter and friendship. She and John also enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the United States and taking cruises together, making memories that would last a lifetime.
Above all, Glinda lived a life guided by faith, family, and friendship. Her heart of gold touched all who knew her. Though her passing leaves a deep void, her love and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. We let her go with sorrow but rejoice in knowing that one day we will be reunited again in Heaven. Until that precious day, rest well, Glinda—you have earned your heavenly reward.
Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted husband and best friend of 62 years, John Clifford Renard; her children, David Renard and wife Beth, and Stacey Renard; her beloved grandchildren, Joshua Renard (Erin Cook) and their children Weston, Walker, and Wyatt; Emily Renard, Haleigh Young, Lindsey Brasseaux (Blake) and their children Everly, Ira, Scout, Avery, and Emma; and Madison Young.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clovis and Alizenat LeFleur Monier, and Lessin and Celima David Mouton.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Glinda’s life was held at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, with Fr. Daniel Picard as celebrant. Following the Mass, she was laid to rest in the church mausoleum.
A gathering of family and friends was held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Sunday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., with the Rosary being recited at 7 p.m. Visitation resumed on Monday from 8 a.m. until time of service.
Members of the family will serve as pallbearers.
Relatives and friends are invited to share condolences and memories with the family by visiting Glinda’s memorial page at www.evangelinedelcambre.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.

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Nedley Joseph Leger, Jr.

September 27, 1940 ~ October 25, 2025

ABBEVILLE - Funeral services officiated by Deacon William Vincent will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Vincent Funeral Home – Abbeville, honoring the life of Nedley Joseph Leger, Jr., 85, a beloved lifelong resident of Abbeville, Louisiana, who passed away on October 25, 2025, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Mausoleum. Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Gavin Lemarie, Andrew Ellender, Jarod Dugas, Ryan Romero, Carlos Campisi and Chris Campisi.
Nedley dedicated 35 years to Trimax Trucking, earning the distinction of a three million miles safety award, a testament to his commitment to excellence and responsibility. He was a man who cherished the simple joys in life, finding solace in nature through hunting, fishing, and exciting adventures that included camping and exploring flea markets. His love for the outdoors was matched only by his passion for sharing these experiences with loved ones, particularly during family barbecues, crawfish boils, and spirited football games.
Nedley’s adventurous spirit took him across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in his big rig, enabling him to forge countless memories and connections along the way. His favorite area to travel was the Rocky Mountains during the fall season. He held a special fondness for Grand Isle, Louisiana, where many summers were spent camping with his family, creating memories that will be cherished by those he leaves behind.
A visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a rosary being prayed at 6:30 p.m. The visitation will continue on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 8 a.m. until the time of services.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Clara Harrington Leger; son, Todd Leger and his wife, Shannon; daughter, Kim Ellender and her husband, Andrew; grandson, Gavin LeMaire; and granddaughter, Isabel Ellender and step-granddaughters Christena Ellender and Kiersten Ellender.
He was preceded in death by his son, Tommy Leger; and parents, Nedley Leger, Sr. and the former Eunice Trahan.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Fresenius Kidney Care Veterans Memorial for the many years of care given to Ned.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.

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Coach Gerald Harrington

Abbeville Coach Gerald Harrington only person to win Russo Trophy as a player and head coach

Another year of playing for the Peter Russo Trophy has come and gone, and one record remains on the books for another year, associated with the Peter Russo Trophy.
There have been three KHS or AHS athletes who have competed for the Peter Russo Trophy as both players and head football coaches. Of those, only Gerald Harrington has won the Russo Trophy both as a player and as a head football coach.
He was a member of the AHS football team when the rivalry began. Abbeville beat Kaplan 20-19 in 1948, 7-6 in 1949, and 33-7 in 1950—Harrington’s senior year. He graduated from Abbeville in 1951.
Harrington was the AHS head football coach from 1978 to 1981, and during that time, his teams beat Kaplan three times, including in 1978 and 1979.
Coach Harrington died in 2008 at the age of 74.
Kaplan High graduate Dr. Joe Kite just missed being the first person to compete for the Russo Trophy as both a player and a head coach. He graduated from Kaplan in 1948 and played football in the 1947 season, just before the football series began in 1948.
Dr. Kite later became the head football coach at Kaplan High.
Trevor Eaton is the interim head football coach today at AHS. Eaton is also a former Wildcat who played football.
Eaton never won the Russo Trophy as a player, finishing with an 0-3 record. However, he has won it now as a head coach and an assistant coach.
The same could not be said for AHS graduate Kevin Kern, who both played for and later coached the Wildcats. As a player in the early 1980s, the Wildcats won the Russo Trophy three consecutive years. However, as an AHShead coach, Kaplan defeated the Wildcats in each matchup.
The trophy is named after Peter Russo, a young man from Abbeville who was killed in World War II.

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The Wildcats defense stops Kaplan on the one-foot line.

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Abbeville QB Dazavien Maze threw for 202 yards against Kaplan.

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Javian Allen holds up the Russo Trophy after the Abbeville win.

Abbeville brings back Russo Trophy

Goal line stands helps Abbeville beats Kaplan

The Abbeville Wildcats stopped the Kaplan Pirates on fourth and goal with 1:11 left in the game to preserve a 12-7 win and bring the Russo Trophy back to Abbeville Friday night at Wildcat Stadium.
Kaplan was inches away from taking the lead on third and goal from inside the one, but Zalen Hopkins and the Abbeville defensive line pushed Kaplan back to the one-yard line before a pre-snap penalty pushed the ball back to the six. Abbeville senior Braylon Himel, who had two catches and an interception in the game, made the tackle on fourth down.
“At the beginning of the year, we didn’t have any heart firing off the ball,” Himel said. “But now, we want it. We wanted to get to the ball, and we wanted to bring the Russo back to Abbeville.”
Sophomore Jazavian Briggs said the Wildcats made the big stop because they believed in themselves.
“We got it done by playing with confidence and motivation,” Briggs said. “They were inside the one, but the game wasn’t over. We could not let them score. We all dropped to the ball together and got the stop.”
Interim head coach Trevor Eaton said he was proud of his team for earning their third win in four weeks after starting the season 0-4.
“To start the season like we did, then come out here in week eight and beat a well-coached Kaplan football team says everything about these kids and this coaching staff,” Eaton said. “I’m proud of these kids and coaches for stepping up and preparing the way they did.”
Abbeville (3-5, 1-0) opened the game with a strong drive. Quarterback Dazavien Maze connected with wide receiver Cameron Samuels for a 10-yard touchdown, giving Abbeville a 6-0 lead with 9:18 left in the first quarter.
Kaplan (5-3, 0-1) responded with a long opening drive, using almost six minutes before running back De’Maurion Cormier scored from four yards out. Gannon Smith’s extra point gave Kaplan a 7-6 lead with 3:24 left in the first.
The Wildcats responded with a five-minute drive of their own. Running back Justin Montgomery had several tough runs to keep the chains moving before Maze connected with receiver Jacolby Campbell for a 22-yard touchdown strike that put Abbeville back on top 12-7 with 9:54 to play in the first half.

Both teams moved the ball well after that, but neither scored again. Kaplan reached the red zone several times, but turnovers and penalties stopped them from scoring.

“We moved the rock all night, but just couldn’t put it in,” said Pirates’ head coach John Thompson. “We did what we said we couldn’t do – we turned it over. We lost that game.”

Cormier finished with 200 yards rushing and a touchdown on 29 carries to lead the Kaplan offense. Jeremy Roy had 42 yards rushing on four carries, while Cassidy Roy added 16 yards on three carries, and Jayden Hargrave added 12 yards on three carries. Quarterback Sabe David completed two passes for 21 yards. Jacob Devoltz caught one pass for 11 yards, and Taven Housend caught the other one for 10 yards.

Maze led Abbeville’s offense by completing 17 of 21 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Samuels caught seven passes for 116 yards and a touchdown, Campbell had six catches for 53 yards and a score, and Himel caught two for 16 yards. Montgomery led the rushing attack with 67 yards on 12 carries.

Next week, Kaplan hosts district and parish rival Erath on Halloween. Abbeville will be on the road at district foe St. Martinville.

“The Abbeville Wildcat football team is playing at a state championship level right now,” Eaton said. “I believe we can go out there and compete with anybody. If we take care of business next week against St. Martinville, we’ll be playing for a district championship right here at Wildcat Stadium. That’s exciting.”

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Erath linebacker Jahlil Charles (on the ground) rips the ball out of the St. Martinville quarterback’s hands during a tackle. Charles stripped the ball out of St. Martinville’s players’ hands twice on Thursday which led to Bobcat points. Also in the photo are Aiden Bourque (6) and Landon Lemaire (7). (photo by Chris Rosa)

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Erath defender Nathan Nguyen gets ready to jump on the fumbled ball. Also watching the ball is Landon Lemaire (7).

Erath defense shines in victory over St. Martinville

ERATH — The Erath Bobcats’ offense is averaging an impressive 41 points per game and getting plenty of attention from fans, but their often-overlooked defense has also played a big role in the team’s 8-0 record.
The Bobcats’ defense did not allow the St. Martinville Tigers to get into the end zone en route to a 48-0 victory.
It is the first-time in school history the Bobcats beat St. Martinville in six attempts.
Through eight games this year, Erath’s defense has allowed just nine points per game. This marks their third shutout in a row. The school record for regular season shutouts is five, set back in 1963.
Erath head coach Eric LeBlanc said getting the shutout meant a lot to the players.
“It was seniors who wanted it more,” said LeBlanc. “At the end of the game, they are on the sidelines cheering those who are in the game. They are communicating with the guys on the field and telling them what to look for. That is the cool part.”
EHS senior defensive linemen Cohen Benoit and Kaiden Viator enjoyed the shutout win.
“It feels amazing,” said Benoit, who plays on the defensive and offensive line. “Putting everything together in practice and then on the field is great.”
Viator will take a win anytime over a shutout.
“We do not worry about the shutout. We worry about doing our job and executing our gaps,” said Viator. “If the shutouts come, they come. We just want to win at the end of the day.”
The Bobcats got on the board during their second possession, thanks to a strong punt return by Tate Collins that brought them to the Tigers’ 35-yard line. Two plays later, quarterback Jack Landry found Talen Landry for a 27-yard touchdown. Jack completed 8 out 14 passes for 72 yards in the game.
Talen had a solid game catching the football. He had five catches for 54 yards and a TD.
The EHS defense helped set up the Bobcats’ second touchdown. Linebacker Jahlil Charles made two key plays by stripping the ball from Tiger players, which led to more points for Erath.
The first time was in the first quarter when Charles stuck his hands on the football and yanked it from the Tiger running back’s hands. EHS cornerback Nathan Nguyen recovered the fumble at the St. Martinville 32.
Erath had to settle for a 24-yard field goal by Carlos Arellano that made it 11-0.
On St. Martinville’s next drive, Charles forced another fumble. This time, Brylon Toups scooped up the ball and ran it 10 yards before being stopped.
Erath took advantage of the fumble recovery and scored eight plays later when Jack ran 8 yards into the end zone for an 18-0 lead.
Erath added another TD on a 1-yard run by Aiden Bourque with 1:35 to play in the first half.
The Bobcats led 24-0 at halftime and had outgained the Tigers 158 yards to 67. The Tigers did not do much better in the second half, finishing with only 50 yards of offense. Viator said the defense did its job like it has been doing all year.
“Coming into the season, we were kind of iffy about what to expect,” said Viator. “We did not know if everyone would understand their roles. Everyone took their new roles well. The young ones stepped up, and the older players are playing well.”
Charles led EHS in rushing with 130 yards on 10 carries. He scored twice.
With two road games left against Kaplan (5-3) and Abbeville (3-5), the Bobcats have a chance to make history as the first EHS team to finish a season 10-0.
Coach LeBlanc said, “We are taking it one game at a time.”

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Vermilion Today

Abbeville Meridional

318 N. Main St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Phone: 337-893-4223
Fax: 337-898-9022

The Kaplan Herald

219 North Cushing Avenue
Kaplan, LA 70548