Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Nelson to speaktoGOP Roundtable
Richard Nelson, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue, will be the featured speaker at the Aug.15 Ascension GOP Roundtable, sponsored by Ascension Republican Women. The doors open at 11:15 a.m., and ameet and greet is set for 11:30 a.m. to noon, withthe meeting starting at noon.
Secretary Nelson has degrees in biological engineering and law from LSU. He served for seven years in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State, living in Washington, D.C., Germany,and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. In 2017, he leftthe Foreign Service to take an executive position in the private sector and moved his family back home to Mandeville. Nelsonwas elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2019. Cost for the lunch is $30, collected at the door.Toprepay, visit paypal.me/ARW225. Reservations are requested.A $5 room fee will be collected for those not dining. RSVP at (225) 921-5187 or email: ARWrUS@ aol.com.
Ducks Unlimited banquet
Tickets are on sale for the Sept. 5Duck Unlimited —East Ascension Chapter’sbanquet
The evening includes dinner, entertainment and raffles. For tickets, visit ducksunlimited myeventscenter.com/event/ East-Ascension-Ducks-Unlimited-Banquet.
Found astray?
Cara’sHouse animal shelter is offering anew program to helpreduce its shelter population and provide care for lost or abandoned animals. The Found aStray program encourages people who finda lost pet to call the shelterand post the animal. For information, call Cara’sHouse at (225) 675-0400. Cara’sHouse provides for all theanimal’sneeds while it’sunder foster care. Lookingfor akayak rental?
Kayaks can be rented at the city’skayak launch site behind Jambalaya Park along Bayou Francois. Kayaks are $5 per hour.For more information, call (225) 647-2841
Mark youcalendar
Sept. 26: Volunteer Ascension’sUnveiling Hope fundraiser,The PACE Center,Gonzales. Oct. 18-20: Sorrento Lions Club’sBoucherie and Balloon Festival on Airline Highway in Sorrento.
Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225)603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@theadvocate. com. Deadline: 5p.m. Friday
Ascension Catholic has alongstanding tradition of outstanding linebackers, and the 2024season is no exception.
Add senior Mace Melancon, 5’10,” 196 pounds, to the list
Starting in the middle, Melancon starts his third consecutive season. His mentality matches his position.
First-daytest forPrairievilleHigh
BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writer
The first day of school at the long-awaited Prairieville High School also meantthe first infrastructure test for acommunity of twolane roads.
For alittle under an hour,buses andparents dropping children off sat in bumper-tobumper traffic down Parkerand Hornsby roads. Vehicles stretched through the new roundabout,meant to help with traffic flow, while carsinched along in the school’sparking lot.
Despite the congestion, which officials anticipated, the roads cleared by 8a.m., as tweaks— like closing agate to help drivers know where to go —were made throughout themorning.
Randy Loving, the principalofthe new school, saidschool and parishofficials would evaluate as the days progressed.
“The short-term plan is once we’re here long enough, our parents will start figuring outhow we takeinand howwelet out, and
Astudentworks in awelding booth at the workforce training center at Donaldsonville High School on July 24 in Donaldsonville.
Technicaltrainingcentershowing success
BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT
Staff writer
In Donaldsonville,sparks fly four nights a week.There, inside alarge building behind thehigh school, adultstudentshonetheir welding skills weekday evenings at anew technical trainingcenter Taylor Duplessis, 23, hasbeentaking the classestwice aweek sincethey began in April.
“I have a3-year-old at home, so Ifigured I want amore stable job,” the Gonzales resident said. “…You can’tgoand find ajob any day like you can if you’re awelder.So Iwant abetter income …mymotivation is my daughter.”
Acollaboration between Ascension Parish School Board andRiverParishes Community College, the center features two
ä See CENTER, page 4G
“Mace hasaton of playingexperience, he’savocal leader and oneofthe hardest working kids in our program,” Coach Lowell
it’ll flow better,” he said. “I mean, look, in the last minute, the traffic has started flowing.” Robin Broussard, who lives adjacent to the high school, said she felt the situation demonstrated apattern in the parish.
“They build these big infrastructures. And I’m not just talking about schools; I’m talking about subdivisions and other things, and they don’tprepare theroadinfrastructure to handle what they’re building,” she said. “And so that’smymain gripe about it.”
She admitted the morning’straffic along Hornsby Road wasn’tasbad as she anticipated. Butitwas asignofchangeinaparish that’sstruggled to keep up with its rapid growth.
Broussard, who’s lived in Prairieville since1985, discussedhow the high school lot used to be acow pasture and manyofthe subdivisions were fields.
“The traffic on this road is what[La.] 42 used to be,” sheadded. “And it’s just going to get worse from there, Ithink.”
Ascension government
Community news report
The retirement of Ascension Parish’sutility operations manager andother internal moves resulted in three promotions to fill vacant and interim positions.
Utilities director BillDawson retiredon May 17, making way for Jason Liccardi’s move from utilityoperations manager to interim utility director Ruth Phillips, parish chief administrative officer,also servedasthe acting chief of staff. Lucy Cason, human resources director,was promoted to chief of staff. Megan Babin, formerly assistant director of human resources, was named interim humanresources director to fill Cason’sseat. The changes were announced Aug. 5. Liccardi has experience in utilities management and a commitment to operational excellence, anewsrelease said. In his new role, Liccardi will oversee Ascension Parish’sutility services, ensuring reliable operations, driving efficiency improvements and leading critical infrastructure initiatives. Cason joins the team with experience in strategic planning,
ä See JOBS, page 4G
Narcissesaid. “He is arespectful young man that has earned the respect of his peers. Mace would run through awall if we asked him to, can’twait to see him lead our defense. Making tackles has been a strong point of themiddle linebacker position at ACHS,and Melancon has had plentyofthem in his career
“I have made238 career tackles in the last two seasons,” Melancon said. “The goal is to help my team in whatever way is needed, just want to win every snap, every game,” said Melancon. Melancon will be calling the defensive signals this season for defensive coordinator Tony Paine, and their connection is like no other Melancon is atwo timepowerlifting champ as well.
“Mace has ahigh football IQ He understands our schemeextremely well and acts as acoach on the field,” Paine said. “He is a strong physical presence at linebacker with good speed. He has worked his tail off in the weight room and during conditioning drills. His accomplishments are earned because he is not afraid to
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
Buses maneuver the trafficatthe roundabout on Parker Roadand La. 929 on the first dayofschool for the newPrairieville High School on Thursday in Prairieville
Liccardi
Cason
Babin
STAFF PHOTO BY HILARYSCHEINUK
Jeff Parent, the chief operations director for the district, said Tuesday the district has been working with the parishgovernment and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development for around four years.
“We’ve been working on the traffic impact of that wholeareaall theway from Highway 42 to the roundaboutatParker,” he explained. “Where we’re at rightnow in life is about 95% complete with the design, and we’re in the property acquisition phase.”
The long-term plan involves expanding Hornsby and Parker roads from La. 42 throughthe roundabout and down to Prairieville Primary School. The roads will grow to three lanes, with 10-foot sidewalks added as well.
Parent said the timeline is dictated by various factors, including construction bids andweather,but said he hopes construction will ramp up by the beginning of 2025. But he did point to a“stack-up lane” onthe property of the high school and primary schools, which he hoped wouldget cars off Parker Road. That lane provedeffectiveonce the high school closed aseparategate to the high school parking lot. Within 45 minutes, the flow of traffic hadimproved considerably
LEBOEUF
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go the extra mile.”
Accomplishmentsare plenty for the senior linebacker,including all district, all metro and all state. Melanconiscertainlynot satisfied with those accolades.
“I want to lead the state in tackles, and our team has not forgottenthe close loss in the quarters last season. Our coachesare pushing us to be greatplayersand respectable young men,” Melancon said. “Coach Narcisse is good for our team. He has a plan and avision for every player.Heholds us accountable for all that we do. Coach Narcisse and has agreat relationship with Coach Paine, our defensive coordinator, and all of our coaches.
When asked about his favorite game in his career and which game is most important this season, Melancon did not hesitate to answer.“The playoff game with Riverside my sopho-
Community news report
The Ascension Chamber of Commerce invites business professionals andcommunity leaders to join its Business Expo &Summit at Lamar-Dixon REV Center from 11 a.m. to 5p.m. Aug. 22.
“Connecting people is at the heart of what we do at the Ascension Chamber,” said Chamber President and CEO DavidAlexander.“Throughout our Business Expo, there will be various activities championingconnections among businesses and professionalsinattendance
timeless skill that AI can never replace, and Ican’tthink of anyone better to share about legendary service than Cody,” Alexander said. In addition to theluncheon, more than 100 companies and organizations will have exhibitor booths set up to showcase their business and services. The prize passport sponsored by Williamson Eye Center encourages attendees to visit with each of the exhibitors to receive stamps and earn prizes at theevent. The event will conclude with ahappy hour sponsored
more year was aclassic. Winning showed us we can be aspecial team. We fell short in the semifinals but weknow our potential. The most important games are the first two. We have to get off to agood start against two good teams. We have some younger players stepping into new roles, and I can’twait to see them in varsity action,” Melancon added.
Football is aphysical sport, but Melancon knows the mental aspect is very important. “Knowing your
“The community has been incredible through thiswholeprocess. They’ve been patient,” Loving said.
“But to finally have kids on campus? Being in education is all about having students, knowing your
“Obviously,the first day is alearning curve,” Parent added. Back in the building, Loving had his hands fullof first-day tasks, saying he was excited and focused on building the school’sculture.
assignment, the coaches prepare us with practice and film study,” he said. “Before the game, Ilike to take my mind off it until about thirty minutes before start. Ilisten to music and play scenarios in my head, super focused on what we need to do.”
Once Melancon is done with playing, he has aplan and he knows how he wants to be remembered.
“I am not fully sure of my college plans yet. My major will be civil engineering. If Iget an opportunity to get my degree and play football, that would be great. Iwant to be remembered as aleader and leave alegacy for the linebackers that are coming up. We have to continue our tradition here. Making tackles and helping my team win, that is the plan,” Melancon said.
Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@ hotmail.com or ascension @theadvocate.com or on Twitter @Troyleboeuf.
students, loving your students, loving, challenging and supporting them.And to finally be back able to do that, it’slike aweight has been lifted.”
Email Christopher Cartwright at christopher cartwright@theadvocate. com.
We encourage all interested professionals to drop by anytime during the day,astheir schedules allow,toexperience the friendly, supportive, and vibrant atmosphere that makes Ascension so unique and special.”
The Expo will kick off with aluncheon highlighting member businesses, the Ascension Public Schools Partners in Education program, and akeynote addressbyCody Salomone, aChick-fil-A franchise owner of 13 years, that will focus on service.
“Exceptional service is a
THE ASCENSION ADVOCATE,40444 Cannon Road,Gonzales, LA 70737(225) 388-0215
PUBLISHED EVERYWEDNESDAY Onlineattheadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/ascension/
COMMUNITY SECTION EDITOR
Darlene T. Denstorff ddenstorff@theadvocate.com
OFFICE:(225) 388-0215 CELL:(225) 603-1998
RIVER PARISHES WRITER Christopher Cartwright christopher.cartwright@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0125
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PROVIDED PHOTO BY CHUCK MONTERO MaceMelancon
STAFF PHOTO BY MICHAEL JOHNSON
The newPrairieville High School waits for students on the first dayonThursday in Prairieville.
The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on Aug. 1-8:
AUG. 1
HOLLOWAY,LVEI ARLISA: 501
N. HollySt., Hammond; 36; aggravated criminal damage to property
BATISTE, PAULA CHARLENE:
5660 Cherryl Drive, Baton Rouge; 58; theft $1,000 but less than $5,000
ELDER, DIRK ANTHONY: 37313 La. 74, No. 140, Geismar; 53; domestic abuse battery domestic abuse aggravated assault
BARKLEY,KAY LEANNA: 16932 Mitchell Road, French Settlement; 38; theft less than $1,000
ROY, CHRISTINA DESHAE: 12447 Ruth Road, Gonzales; 36; possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, disturbing the peace/ drunkenness, unauthorized entry of aplace of business
ROUSSEL, BRENT A.: 14047
MireRoad, Gonzales; 56; distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, operating vehicle while license is suspended, careless operation, operating while intoxicated-first
AUG. 2
BRILEY,LAURA NICOLE: 731
S. SammySt.,Gonzales; 43; twocounts failuretoappearbench warrant, operating vehicle while license is suspended security required, headlamps on motor vehiclesmotorcycles and motordriven cycles, proper equipment required on vehicles-display of plate
LESSARD,ZACHARYAUSTIN: 1201S.Stacy Ave., Gonzales; 28; parole violation, fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction
DUBECKY,LEILANI: 14231 Oak MeadowSt.,Gonzales; 18; contributing to the delinquency of juveniles-crime or controlled dangerous substance law, contraband defined-certainactivities regarding contraband in penal institutions prohibited, criminal trespass/trespassing of real property
SANCHEZ, DONNIE: 20474 Acy Road, St. Amant; 45; probation violation
GRIFFIN, MATTHEW MINOR: 17089 Carey Ave., Denham Springs; 34; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
BLANEY,ANDREA DALIN: 38164 Smith Road, Prairieville; 37; twocounts failuretoappearbench warrant
WILTSHIRE, AMMATEASA: 412 E. Henderson St., St. Bishop, Texas; 27; battery of adating partner with weapon
AUG. 3
WILLIS,KENNETH JOSEPH: 2020 S. Veterans Blvd., Apt. 225, Gonzales; 41; aggravated criminal damage to property obstruction of justice/all others, illegal use ofweapons or dangerous instrumentalities
FITZGERALD,JASE DOMONIC: 41499 Oak HarborRoad, Prairieville;24; proper equipment required on vehicles-display of plate, careless operation, operating while intoxicatedfirst
POLLARD III, JAMES LEONARD: 40366 Fitzgerald Drive, Darrow;21; registration-commercial vehicles-expired plate, illegal carrying ofweapons prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, manufacture/distribution/possessionwith the intent to distribute Schedule Icontrolled dangerous substance
HATCHER, DANIEL: 816
BlanchardSt., Baton Rouge; 42; registration-commercial vehicles-expired plate, possession ofalcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, evidence of motor vehicle liability security contained in vehicle, following vehicles, operating avehicle while under suspension for certain prioroffenses, hit-and-run driving, operating while intoxicated-second
ORDONEZ, RAMSEIS AKEEN: 41015 Mazoch Road, Gonzales; 34; domestic abuse battery MCGHEE, CHRISTIAN: 39069 Old BayouAve., Gonzales; 18; resisting an officer, theft of a motor vehicle $1,000 to $5,000
RODRIGUE, DAVID: 1321 St. Vincent St., Donaldsonville; 18; resisting an officer, theft of amotor Vehicle $1,000 to $5,000
AUG. 4
LABORDE, MICHELLE: 11483 Oak Bend Drive, Gonzales; 56; disturbing the peace/language/disorderly conduct SCHEXNAYDER, LISATRUXILLO: 9114 W. La. 936, St. Amant; 60; three counts failureto appear-benchwarrant
PRICE, DONALD: 507 Orange St., Donaldsonville; 64; simple obstruction of ahighwayof commerce, operating while intoxicated-first offense
DESLATTE, LARRYW.13029 BABIN ROAD, GONZALES; 77; DOMESTIC ABUSE BATTERY FONTENOT, APRIL ADAIR: 12397 Palmer Road, Gonzales; 53; three counts failuretoap-
pear-bench warrant, fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction
AUG. 5
MCNEIL, JOHNNY: 6610 LA. 74, No. 1104, St. Gabriel; 45; resisting an officer, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, security required, tail lamps, headlamps on motor vehicles-motorcycles and motordriven cycles
GARRISON, AQUINDICE LA-
MAR: 512 Nicholls St., Donaldsonville; 33; criminal mischief /tampering with anyproperty of another BOUDREAUX, KALEB MATTHEW: 13250 Roddy Road, Gonzales; 29; failureto appear-bench warrant, simple burglary (vehicle), theft $1,000 but less than $5,000, surety
POLAND,JOEY: 14245 Oakwood Lane, Denham Springs; 62; simple assault, entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden, seconddegree battery
MOORE, ZEDEREIA: 1435 30th St., Baton Rouge; 18; two counts simple robbery
HUDSON, KENNETH NASHON: 315 S. Gates Road, Pine Mountain, Georgia; 35; illegal transmission of monetary funds, four counts criminal conspiracy,bank fraud, theft of $1,000 but less than $5,000, identity theft
SMITH, KOURTNEY: 3834 ChippewaSt., Baton Rouge; 19; twocounts simple robbery
LAMBERT, AMANDA: 11524 Stringer Bridge Road, St. Amant; 38; possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)
DORSEY,FRANK: 617 Charles St., Donaldsonville; 27; violations of protectiveorders
STEVENS,TREVIS DONTRE: 8370 S. St. Landry Ave., No. 8, Gonzales; 27; illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, distribution/possession with the intenttodistribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids
GORDON, KAIN MICHAEL: 44496 Gervis Sheets Road, St. Amant; 27; twocounts failuretoappear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
KLEAN, TRENARD D.: 17950 Airline Highway, No. 1035, Prairieville; 32; headlamps on motor vehicles-motorcycles and motordriven cycles, failuretoappear-bench warrant
AUG. 6
COMEAUX, TANNER
JAMES: 82225 BayouRoad, Plaquemine; 46; failure to appear-bench warrant
MOORE, TYLER COLE: 38412 La. 621, Gonzales; 31; three counts theft of $1,000 but less than $5,000, threecounts simple burglary,paroleviolation
CARTER, BRUCE: 1420 E. Worthey Road, Gonzales; 53; failuretoappear-bench warrant, simple burglary,fugitiveother Louisiana jurisdiction
THIBODEAUX, KAYLA R.: 1465 Madrid St., New Orleans; 40; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
PAUL, TYRESE PINEAL: 824 Sabe Ave., Gonzales; 22; failuretoappear-bench warrant
SMITH, CYNTHIA ANN: 108 LiveOak Road, Arnaudville; 57; theft $5,000 but less than $25,000, twocounts simple burglary
PERRY, RUSSELL: address not available; 43; criminal trespass/all other offenses, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000, twocounts simple burglary criminal trespass/all other offenses, theft of acatalytic converter
$5,000-$25,000
DAVIS,WILLIAM GARRETT: 42247 La. 931, Gonzales; 31; illegal possession of stolen things $1,000 to $5,000
ANDREWS, SHANE PAUL: 14443 Sweet Gum Ave., Baton Rouge; 43; failuretoappearbench warrant
DAVID,JAMES: 42320 Black BayouRoad, Gonzales; 24; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
AUG. 7
NICHOLAS,ARTERIUS
TRENDELL: 13487 BayouOak St., Gonzales; 23; failureto appear-bench warrant
TAYLOR, DANIEL: 3765 Michelle Lane, Paulina; 30; possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, contraband defined-certain activities regarding contraband in penal institutions prohibited, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, illegal carry of weaponscrime or controlled dangerous substance, possession of psilocybin (mushrooms), reckless operation, operating while intoxicated-first
GATTE, ALEX BRETT: 1318 E. Butcher Switch Road, Lafayette; 30; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, operat-
ing vehicle while license is suspended, security required, violations of registration provisions, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (cocaine)
ROYAL, ARLESIA TONA: 1614 W. Terry St., Gonzales; 30; twocounts failuretoappearbench warrant, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, establishing of speed zones
SANDERS,PHILLIP AUGUSTUS: 22 Fontana Road, Donaldsonville; 46; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction
CAUSEY JR., ALBERTKURT: 9455 Greenwell Springs Road, Zachary; 27; cruelty to animals-aggravated
AUG. 8
CURRY, NATHAN: 41176 Cannon Road, Gonzales; 31; failuretoappear-bench warrant JARREAU, BRENNAN JOHN: 4037 Dickinson Road, Lakeland; 52; intentional littering prohibited, operating while intoxicated-first, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, aggravated obstruction of ahighwayof commerce
Malaya createdMentor Milo, aplatform connecting studentsand counselors Mentor Miloisacontemporarymethod forcommunication between studentsand counselors. Throughthis software, counselors canschedule meetings, store information and moreeasily connectwithstudents. The programwill first be developed as aweb application and then expanded to mobile devices. Malayashares he resourcesprovided by school counselorsled me to competein national debate tournaments, enroll in early collegewithRiver Parishes CommunityCollege, and applyfor the YoungEntrepreneurs Academy. It would be ideal if all studentscould receive the individual attention Ireceived.”
Shell congratulatesMalayaon building a productdesigned to help studentsreach their fullest potential!
To keep thebranding fun and recognizable,Malaya’s business planfeatures her dogMilo in thelogo.
MALAYA MORRISisduallyenrolled as aDutchtown High School junior participating in theRiver Parishes CommunityCollege EarlyCollege Option program. Sheisonthe road to a future filled with unlimited possibilities. Sheisone of 22 graduatesofthe 2024 YoungEntrepreneursAcademyBaton Rouge(YEABR),auniquelearning experience guidingtoday’s youthas they transform intotomorrow’s business leaders.
YEABR, an after-school programlocated on LSU’scampus, teaches high school studentshow to create,execute and pitch business plansfor funding.
Part of anationalorganization, YEABRis sponsored by theBaton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC), LSUE.J.Ourso College of Business, and LouisianaEconomicDevelopment (LED) Each year,YEA BR comestolife throughthe enthusiastic supportofareabusinesses
Foradditional information about YEABR, visit yeabr.org. Applications forthe 2024-25 programare accepted throughAugust18. Malaya’spitch wonher
As asponsor of YEABR, Shell supports programscholarships forstudentsin Ascension Parish,wherethe company employs morethan600 people at its Geismar facility.
Donaldsonville High openswithupgrades
Community news report
Donaldsonville High students walkedonto campus Aug. 8tofind upgrades around the campus
The renovationsreflect a$2.8 million investment to beautifyand modernize the campus, which was designed by Domain Architecture and built by Sienna Construction LLC, anews release from the Ascension public schools said. The project scope included: n The expansion of the commons area n Anew performance stage n Aseparate entrance to
CENTER
Continued from page1G
the gymnasium featuring a two-way trophy display wall n Afront entrance courtyard with landscaping and awalkway that mimics the MississippiRiver n Anew front office suite featuring branded flooring, lighting and acustom mural. The front office entrance murals include photosof threeDonaldsonville residents who positively impacted the community, including formerAscension Parish School Board Superintendent Ralph Ricardo, longtimeLSU Gymnastics Coach D-D Breaux,and retired Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette JoshuaJohnson
classrooms andtrainingspace forwelding process technology and electrical instrumentation. Unveiled in Marchwithsignificantfanfare,officials like Quintin Taylor,chancellor of RPCC, said it could be a“game-changer”in breaking the cycle of poverty
And so far,Taylor, instructors and students sayitispaying off.
“This all started about …ayear and ahalf agoinconversations,”Taylorsaid, adding that theprogramwas ateam effort with thehigh school, school district andlocal governments. “Wetalkedabout it. Peopleput themoney where their mouths are. Iheldmyteam accountable, and we got it done.”
‘Tremendousprogress’
The center,located in apreviously unused wing ofDonaldsonville High School,acts as atechnical training center for students duringthe day and as ahigh school equivalency and job readiness training center in theevenings. Since adult classesbegan this spring, the program boasts ahigh retainment rate of students, with around 60 showinguponthe first day,Taylor said.
“Now,we’ve only got 10 welding booths so what we did was we addeda second cohort. And now we’re about to add more classes on the weekends,” he said. “Thedemandisthere, but we’ve got to provide the opportunityfor these folks to enroll.”
Patrick Lawless, one of thewelding instructors, said around 22 students are enrolled in the welding program, each takingthree-hour
classes two nights aweek.
“It’sbeen abig successstory, becausenormally when you start out, everybody’sexcited by welding, and then they come the first four weeks, thenthey get tired,” he said. “… This class has not dropped. We have all our students here. We’ve been solid from April all the way up to this month.”
Speaking in late July,Lawlesssaid two students had already received their welding licenses and were making around $36 hourly with several more on track to receive licenses soon.
“I want to commend these students because, guesswhat,you’reinthe middleofthe heat,” he added. “They did really well to comehere from April all the way to this point …that’s tremendous progress in that small amount of time.”
Modelfor thestate
Butwelding is only oneelement to thecenter. In anearby classroom, adults cantake classes to earn their high school equivalency Tiffany Davis, oneofthe adulteducation instructors, said eight studentsare currently enrolled.
“It’stailored to the student-specific journey,” sheexplained,adding that entry testing helps them craft individual plans. “… It’seasier to support their areas of growth and support what they need to help them get to their next step, as opposed to tryingtojust teach for the masses and notservethemeffectively.”
And then there is the dual-enrollmentaspect. That program aims to have participating students halfway toward an associatedegree by the time they graduate high school,Taylor said “When theydocometousfor their fresh-
man year in college, they’re halfway there. So they’re able to getthrough andget it done quickly,” Taylor said. “That’sthe beauty of the dual-enrollment piece.”
And the center is planned to be amodel for similar initiatives across the state.
State Rep. Ken Brass, D-Vacherie, who helped secure more than $3 million for the program, authored abill just for that purpose. Taking effect last week, it authorizes the state’sDual Enrollment Task Force to look around the state for additional highereducation and school district partnerships.
“Dual enrollment gives the kidsthe opportunity to get ahead start on college,” he explained. “They’re ultimatelygoingtosave parents money on the back end, when the kids can graduate early.”
In the welding bay,Duplessis says she plans to continue taking classesafter receiving herwelding certification.And although she attends the classes following 10-hour work shifts, she praised the small class size and instructors.
“[Lawless is] areally good teacher,you know,hetries to get around to everybody to do one-on-one time,” she said. “…I’ve got a lot of help from him, and that’sa big stepin being able to get your certification after only three months.”
Andfor his part,Lawless said he enjoys his role in training the next generation.
“I likehelping people,” he said.“Ilike investing in the young menand women so they can have acareer and be successful. And Iwant to see them successful. That’swhy Icomeevery night.”
Email Christopher Cartwright at christopher.cartwright@theadvocate.com.
JOBS
Amural featuring three impactful Donaldsonville residents including D-D Breaux, Ralph Ricardo, and Bernette Joshua
Continued from page1G
organizational leadership and executive support. As chief of staff, Cason will collaborate with the executive team to enhance operational efficiency,drive strategic initiatives and support the overall mission of Ascension Parish government.
“Her proven track record of leadership and dedication will be integral to achievingorganizational goals,” the release said.
As interim human resources director,Babin will lead effortsto “foster apositive workplace culture, streamline HR processes, and support professional development opportunities for parish employees,” the release said.
Parish President Clint Cointment expressed confidence in the appointments.“Allthree of these individualsare experienced leaders within Ascension Parish government. We are proud to promote from within as part of our ongoing commitment to professional development and excellence in public service.”
“Weare confident that Jason, Lucy and Megan’sdedication and vision will contribute significantly to our continued success and pave the way for new achievements,” Cointment said.
Johnson PROVIDED