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Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
At the library…
Cookie swap
Sweeten your holiday season at the library’sannual cookie swap. At 11 a.m. Thursday,the Ascension Parish Library invites you to its Donaldsonville branch to share your favorite recipes and family traditions and learn new ones from others. Register online or call (225) 473-8052.
BellsJubilate
Feel the holiday magic on Saturday with BellsJubilate, an ecumenical bell choir ledby Kay Hawthorne and sponsored by University BaptistChurch. Enjoy alively mix of yourfavorite carols and tunes that will make you want to sing along and celebrate the season. The festive vibes begin at 1p.m.at the Ascension Parish Library in Galvez.
Decorate thekidstree
The library’strees are up, but there’sone problem —they need help decorating. Stop by any Ascension ParishLibrary in December to choosea paper ornament, decorate it, and find the perfect spot for it to hang. While you’re at the library, make sure you have the best gift of all —your librarycard It’sthe perfect gift for you or anyone in your family. Sign up andget instant access to our Adventure Passes to visitamuseum or nature center.You’ll also be able to pick up aboard game or fun activity from our Library of Things. Or pick out a movie and have amovie night.
STEM Dayset
The Ascension Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is holding aSTEM Day from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Dec. 7at the Ascension ParishLibrary Gonzales branch.
NASA engineer Karen Lee Vander will lead the hands-on activities.
To register,visit linktr.ee/ascensionalumnae.
Here comesSanta
The Galzez-Lake Volunteer Fire Department is escorting Santa and Mrs. Claus through the neighborhoods theycover In addition to caroling firefighters, Santa will stop to take photos with children, pass out candy canes to the children and treats to pets. Santa will alert to his pending early arrival with green and red signs posted in subdivisions and street the morning of the scheduled visits. For more information, call Karen at (225) 205-8660 andfollow the department Facebook page for the complete schedule.
ä See AROUND, page 2G
ALLIN THEFAMILY
LeoMudge, 9, and his mother,Erin, of Geismar, decorate aplayapple pie Nov. 17,
Broussard, asenior at St. Michael HighSchool. St.John the Evangelist
Twinkle the Clown asks Charlotte Sheeler,5,of Geismar,what typeofballoon animal she would liketo have.Sheeler,aswell as her brother Jacob,6,also pictured, attended the Fall Family Fun DayinPrairieville.
ä More photos. PAGE 3G
BY WENDYLOUP
Contributing writer
Chad
and scores during Friday’splayoff game.
for children and adults withspecialneeds. Ascension Catholic High football is back in the semifinals for thesecond time in three years as they beat Riverside, 40-35, in theD4quarterfinals at Floyd Boutte Stadium TheBulldogs (10-1) will host Ouachita Christian (12-1) at 7p.m. Friday.The winner will advance to the select D4 championship on Thursday,Dec. 12 at noon in the Caesars Superdome. Riverside jumped out to a7-0 lead after aBulldog turnover on their first offensive play.ACHS would answer with 57-yard touchdown by Chad Elzy to
Children and adults with special needs, as well as their families, took part Nov. 17 in Fall Family Fun Day at St.Johnthe Evangelist Church in Prairieville Games, inflatables,art activities and bingo wereall adapted to help attendees have fun in an inclusive environment. The eventwas hosted by the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge’s All Are Welcome Ministry. Asupport group forparents andcaregivers, as well as sensoryfriendlyMasses andother inclusive events aresome of theservicesthe ministryprovides.
OakGrove Primary hostsfoodtruck fest
BY WENDYLOUP Contributing writer
OakGrove Primary welcomed visitors to its outdoor Prairieville campus Nov. 17 for afood truck festival.
The event featured ahalf dozen food trucks and 30 craft vendors.
The festival also included inflatables and craft activities for children.
Bryce Broussard provided musicalentertainment. Elisa’s Cuban Coffeeand Kitchen, UgLee Pizza and Boba and Boo’sBBQ were afew of the foodvendors on hand.
BY
Dutchtown High senior GabbyKling helps AnastasiaPlugaru,9,of Prairieville,choose aface-painting design Nov. 17 during Oak Grove Primary’s Food TruckFestival. ä More photos. PAGE 2G Troy LeBoeuf
ä See LEBOEUF, page 4G
PHOTOSBYWENDYLOUP
along with Lauren
PROVIDED PHOTO BY CHUCK MONTERO
Elzy Jr.breaksfree
PHOTO
WENDYLOUP
AROUND
Continued from page1G
Christmastoiletriesdrive
Lake Middle School’sFellowship of Christian Athletes is collecting toiletriesto delivertothose in need thisChristmas. Partnering with Loving ourCommunity’s children, the group is askingfor shampoo, conditioner,deodorant, soap,lotion,hair brushes, diapers and wipes. Donations will beaccepted Dec. 2-20 at Lake Elementary School, 14185, La. 431, St. Amant
ChristmasStrollinDonaldsonville Stroll along Railroad Avenuefrom 6to 10 p.m. in Donaldsonville Saturday forthe annual ChristmasStroll Along the Avenue.
Theevent includes music,shopping, food, gamesand the lightingofthe city’s Christmas tree in CrescentPark.
Sorrento celebrates Christmas
The Town of Sorrento will hold itsChrist-
mas Celeration from 6to8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Sorrento CommunityCenter,7471 Main St.
ChristmasStrollinthe Park
Bearded Events and Ascension Parks and Recreation are hosting Christmas Stroll in the Park from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. Saturday at Duplessis Park. Theevent will includecraft vendors, photos with Santa, an appearance by the Grinch and other activities.
ChristmasCrusade taking applications
Theprogram provides Christmas toys for children through age 12. Applications are available at the sheriff’s offices in Gonzales, Donaldsonville and Prairieville. Nov 22 is thedeadline to submit an application. For information, call Sgt. Misty Turner at (225) 621-8827.
Contact Darlene Denstorffbyphone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@theadvocate.com. Deadline: 5p.m. Friday
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Five-year-old
and the Oak Grove PrimaryBlue Jaymascot during Oak Grove Primary Food Truck
The event also included inflatables and other children’s activities.
Elisa Valera, owner of Elisa’sCuban Coffee and Kitchen, hands Prairieville resident Blair Pucheu abottled water Nov. 17 during the Oak Grove PrimaryFood Truck Festival.Elisa’s food truck can often be found in downtown Baton Rougeon weekdays.
Ellie Auzenne stands with her mother,Lizalis Auzenne,
Festival.
Bryce Broussard provides the musical entertainmentfor the Oak Grove PrimaryFoodTruck Festival. The event featured adozen food trucks and 30 craft vendors.
PHOTOSBYWENDY LOUP
Attendees of the Oak Grove PrimaryFood Truck Festival in Prairieville were treated to ahalf dozen food trucks, 30 craft vendors and musical entertainment provided by BryceBroussard
Jobfairrecruitsteachers, paraprofessionalsfor specialneeds programs
BY WENDYLOUP
Contributing writer
The Ascension Parish Public School District is looking for employeeswho have warmth, love and compassion for children with special needs.
Representatives of the schoolsystem metwithpotential special education teachers and paraprofessionals Nov.13during ajob fair at Bluff Middle School in Prairieville.
Adrina Million, Ascension Parish public schools special education director,said the district offers many opportunities to teachers and staff other districts may not have.
“Special education teachers and paraprofessionals in Ascension public schools are afforded the opportunity to serve an awesome population of students,” Million said. “In addition to working with awonderful group of students, special education staff in our district are provided with an abundance of resources to educate and support students with special needs.
“Special education teachers and paraprofessionals in Ascension receive pay incentives and high-quality benefits that allow them the opportunity to care for their families while working to meet the needs of students.”
The school districtistrying to build off its past efforts.
“At the job fair,wewant to let attendees know that we’ve had tremendous success year afteryear,”said Jeremy Muse, director of human resources for the Ascension Parish public schools. “The district has 25,000 students and some may need extra help, and we want to bring that help to them and help them grow as students.”
The school district is offering astarting salary of $50,500 for certified teachers, even if they do not have anyteachingexperience, Muse said.
“That is not including the benefits we offer,and that can range around avalue of $20,000,” Muse said. “That notonlyhas positive benefits for the employees,but also positivebenefits for theirfamilies.”
Assistant Superintendent of Ascension Parish School Board A. Denise Graves said working for the Ascension Parish school system offers many benefits other than those related to salaries.
“Firstofall,wesupport oureducators, and that helps mainstay our reputation,” Graves said. “Educators know we have many resources available to teachers. We are also known for
ourfacilitiesand campuses
“Whenweget surveys back from employees, they state there is more value in the importance of support they get from us, along with the salaries.”
Graves said theschool district has given out raises this year for employees, including the recentlyapproved one-time payment of $1,250tostaff who were employed before Oct. 1.
“Wehave areputation based on results, and we want every child to be afforded the opportunity to best fit their needs,” Graves said. “Wehave made continuous efforts, and Ascension Parishgoesabove and beyond, even whenthe semesters end. We trytosecure the best educatorsout there.”
Million said the district is lookingfor staffwho want to be there for allstudents, but especially those who have special needs.
“Individuals who serve as special educatorsinAscension, whetherteachersorparaprofessionals, must have agenuine love for children,”Million said.
“Our district is seeking people who understand that our special needs students can be some of the most vulnerable students within the district.
“Therefore, we welcome educatorswho are knowledgeable, compassionate and enthusiastic about workingwith students to afford them the opportunity to fulfill the dreams of their choice.”
Graves said thedistrict strivestoprovide an atmosphere thatisbeneficial to both the studentsand the teachers.
“Weare looking for certifiedteachers whocan fully commit to the betterment of each child’sexperience,” Graves added. “Wewant to make this ameaningful experience for them and for the children who have challenges.
“It takes aspecial person to be ateacher,and our kids deserve thatand that’s what we are striving for.”
Millionssaid theschool system has plans to host a resource fair for students and their families.
“Last year’sfairwas a huge success with over 65 vendors participating in the event,” Million said. “We are looking forward to a productiveevent that will allow us to provide various resources to our families.”
For more information about career opportunities with Ascension Parish Public Schools, visit https:// www.ascensionschools.org/ employees/employmentopportunities.
The All Are Welcome Ministryhosted aFallFamily Fun DayNov 17 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. The ministryoffers various services for parents and caregivers of family members with special needs, as well as inclusiveand adapted events.
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PHOTO BY WENDYLOUP
Cantrice Wilson, left, of Gonzales, talkstoAscensionParish Public Schools Special Education Director Dr.AdrinaMillion Nov. 13 during aSpecial Education JobFair at Bluff Middle School.
PHOTO BY WENDYLOUP
Attendees of the Fall Family FunDay playbingoNov.16atSt. John the Evangelist Church. Friendship House donated bingoprizes. The event was adapted forchildrenand adults withspecial needs.
tie the game at seven with 6:54 to go in the firstquarter.Riverside took a14-7 on atouchdown pass with 9:14 remaining in the second quarter.ACHS would answer with a48-yardtouchdown by Elzy to tie it at 14.
The Bulldogs would get the ball back with 1:15 remaining in the second quarter and engineer atwo-minute drive leading to ascore with 11 seconds left before the half. Quarterback Camille LeBoeuf found Elzy for his third touchdownon a12-yard pass and 21-14 halftime lead.
The second half kickoff went to Riverside, and they answered witha five-play drive ending with ashort touchdown and 21-21 tie. The Rebels and Bulldogs would trade touchdowns, a fourth by Elzy and a28-28 tie.
Elzy would get touchdown runs of 51 and 73 yards for a40-28 lead. The Rebels would not go away, they scored atouchdown with 3:38 left to make it 40-35.
ACHS, hanging onto a five-point lead, would run the clock down to under 30 seconds and get adefensive stop to preserve the win
ACHS head coachLowell Narcisse, in his first season, was excited about his team’sresilience.
“Westarted off alittle shaky and had three turnovers in the first half,” he said. “The team never got down, these kids pull for each other and aresohard working. Chad Elzy showed why he is one of the best running backs in the state withhis play,heispart of the process withthis team.
and
Catholic’soffensiveline.
“Our team is balanced, and Elzy knows how important the offensive line and other players are with his success, he is so humble, he added. “Our defensehas been astrong all season, we faced an explosive, well coached team in Riverside. We have aton of respect for those guys and their program.”
Elzy pushed his season total to nearly 2,000 yards rushingand 38touchdowns. He talked about the victory and theseason
“I knew we had to get this win, we worked so hard for this,” Elzy said. “Thejob is notdone, we will play a good team in thesemifinals. All thecredit goes to my teammates, they area big reason for my success. This is about the team, not me. Our coaches putusin position to be successful, we trust them. Time to get back inthe weightroom and back to practice, there ismore work to do.”
TheBulldog offense generated 468 yards of offense led by Elzy with357 total yards and six touchdowns. LeBoeuf finished with127 yards passing anda touchdown and twointerceptions. Receiver Trevin Simon had some big catches and played outstanding on defense.
Linebacker Mace Melancon had 16 tackles, followed by defensive back
Gavin Gregoire with 13. Defensive lineman Christopher Anthens and Jamiris Breaux had nine and eight tackles respectively
Narcisse gave his final thoughts heading into the next game. “We have a chance to do something great, this team plays for each other.Werespect our opponent and know that the next game will be atremendous challenge, everyone is good at this point.”
ACHS played Ouachita in the semifinals in 2022, losing 42-14. The winner of Friday’sgame will face the winner of top-seeded Vermillion Catholic and 12th-ranked Kentwood in the finals.
The Bulldogs are seeded second and the Eagles are the 11th seed.
Troy LeBoeuf covers sportsfor the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@ hotmail.com or ascension@theadvocate. com or on Twitter @Troyleboeuf
Ascension Catholic quarterback
Camille LeBoeuf is hit as he delivers a pass against Riverside during Friday’s playoff game.
Josh Barber,23, delivers ahit on Riverside quarterback Brock Bourgeois during Friday’splayoff game.
PROVIDED PHOTOSBYCHUCK MONTERO
Austin Paine, (56)
twin brother Aiden Paine, (50), are the right half of Ascension
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