A child makes a mud pie in a small bucket.
Playing DIRTY
Mud Fest at the Louisiana Children’s Museum in New Orleans featured mud-themed stations for games and activities, live entertainment and the allure of a giant, muddy hill perfect for climbing, burrowing with tools and toys, and sliding willy-nilly down the muddy mess.
The Easter holiday sometimes brings with it the urge to get the a live bunny to please the kids. Before you do, stop and think it through. Consider the amount of work and the long-term commitment that comes with ownership of any pet, but especially for rabbits. Contrary to popular belief, they are not lowmaintenance pets and need just as much care and attention — if not more — as cats and dogs.
I have never had a bunny, but I did have a guinea pig, and they are definitely more high-maintenance than dogs. Our guinea pig was worth the work, but many people may not realize how much time and care these types of pets need.
for the level of commitment.
Each year, following Easter, inexperienced owners surrender these “gift” rabbits to shelters — or worse, just set free outdoors to fend for themselves. These pets cannot survive in the wild.
Domesticated rabbits are not the same as the wild bunnies we see in nature. They also cannot just be left in a cage in the backyard. They are sensitive to temperature and cannot handle cold or heat.
Rabbits are not ideal pets for small children, as they are fragile and can bite.
Here are some bunny facts:
n Rabbits can live 10-12 years.
For the unprepared, once the novelty wears off, the cute little bunny can quickly become more of a burden than a blessing if the family is not prepared
n They require care from a veterinarian trained to treat rabbits. They are prone to several health issues and will need regular checkups.
Autism fest helps kids and parents find resources
Westwego event won’t leave out food and fun
BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF
Contributing writer
Sherelle Porter’s son, Amir Moore, was diagnosed with autism when he was 2 years old.
“It was determined that Amir had a speech delay, which was difficult for him because he was unable to communicate,” Porter said. “Out of frustration, he would bang his head against the wall to try to express himself. And I could not hold a conversation with him.”
Porter heard about Autism Society of Greater New Orleans from friends and family.
“The organization has provided me with a list of resources that helped not only Amir but me as well,” said Porter, an ASGNO board member “Now Amir can communicate on some level. When he’s hungry he will rub his stomach or open the refrigerator door to show me what he wants to eat. The organization has been a valuable resource which has meant the world to me.”
The nonprofit ASGNO serves the needs of children and their families in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Washington, St. Charles, St. James and St. John the Baptist parishes with neurological disorders.
On April 19, it will hold its 20th annual festival, presented by the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Westwego Farmer’s Market, 484 Sala Ave. The event includes food, activities and resources available to autistic individuals and their families. About 500 to 600 people are expected to attend.
Finding each other
Claire Tibbetts, the group’s executive, says it has various ways of connecting with families.
“Last year, more than 1,500 people attended our in-person event, which serves people of all ages,” Tibbetts said. “Our digital reach is even greater, with 15,000 visitors to our website and over 100,000 engagements across our social media channels. Some are referred by physicians, while others are referred to by friends and family members, as well as social media searches.”
Defining autism
Autism, Tibbetts said, is a term for a range of neurodevelopmental differences.
“It impacts the way the brain processes and uses information,” Tibbetts explained. “Autism
PROVIDED PHOTO Amir Moore looks inside a model train set held at Traintastic, a model train museum in Gulfport. Miss.
Kodi Taveras, 8, slides down a muddy hill.
STAFF PHOTOS BY SCOTT THRELKELD Children get messy while playing on a mountainous, muddy dirt pile during Mud Fest.
STAFF PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER Donna Rome, of BunnAgain Rabbit Rescue, holds a bunny that was abandoned in Lafreniere Park, during a fundraiser for the rescue last year at Jefferson Feed in Jefferson.
BUNARCHY: The
crawl, with
SPCA, will be
Costumed
p.m. at
2483 Burgundy St. in
and promenade to the Friendly Bar, 2301 Chartres St., by 7 p.m. The next stop is Pepp’s Pub, 706 Franklin Ave. by 8 p.m. and then the St Roch Tavern, 1200 St. Roch Ave. at 9 p.m. Passes are $10. www.noomoon.net/nolabunarchy.
FRENCH QUARTER EASTER PARADES: Three parades will be held on Easter Sunday.
n The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade begins at Tableau Restaurant, 616 St. Peter St. in New Orleans, on April 20 at 9:45 a.m. The parade travels to St. Louis Cathedral for 11 a.m Mass. After Mass, the women promenade in Jackson Square.
n The 40th French Quarter Easter Parade, formerly the Chris Owens French Quarter Easter Parade, starts and ends at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 621 St Louis St., rolling at 1 p.m. Activities start at the hotel at 11 a.m. with a hat contest, silent auction and entertainment in the ballroom.
n The Gay Easter Parade rolls at 4:30 p.m., beginning at the Armstrong Arch at 1298-1100 St. Ann St. and ends at Betty’s, 700 Burgundy St This is also a family-friendly affair.
FESTIVALS
NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE
FESTIVAL: April 24-27 and May
1-4; Fair Grounds Race Course
Annabelle Killeen and Fiona Tibbetts are playing with fidget toys at the 2023 Autism Festival. This year’s event will be on April 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Westwego Farmers Market, 484 Sala Ave.
PROVIDED PHOTO
1751 Gentilly Blvd. in New Orleans. Fourteen stages with more than 5,000 performers. The 2025 festival will showcase Mexico’s music and culture. Vendors will offer crowdfavorite foods and crafts in three marketplaces. Advance tickets through April 8 start at $89. Multiday and VIP passes are available. www.nojazzfest.com.
GRAND ISLE MIGRATORY BIRD CEL-
EBRATION: The celebration will take place April 25-26 throughout the town of Grand Isle. Activities include tours of nesting birds, boat tours of pelican-rookery Queen Bess Island, expert-led daily tours of Grand Isle birding trails, history tour of Grand Isle, state park tour, Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Research Lab tour and more. Details are available online. grandisleevents.org/birdcelebration
WEGO FEST: The family-friendly festival featuring bands, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, food and more will be held April 25-27 at Westwego Fisheries & Farmers Market, 484 Sala Ave. in Westwego.
Hours on Friday at 5-10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. www.visitjeffersonparish.com.
NOLA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL: The 10th anniversary festival will be held April 28-30, 3-10 p.m. daily, at The Broadside, 600 N. Broad St. in New Orleans. In addition to fresh boiled seafood, there will be live entertainment each day. Tickets start at $64.95. Multiday, VIP and Super VIP packages are available. www nolacrawfishfest.com.
ENTERTAINMENT
EARTH DAY FESTIVAL: Louisiana
Bucket Brigade celebrates its 25th anniversary with a daylong festival on April 19, noon-6 p.m., at The Broadside, 600 N. Broad Ave in New Orleans. Live music, food and games for the whole family Free with RSVP through Simpletix. labucketbrigade.org.
GRAND ISLE FIREMAN’S FAIR: The Grand Isle Fire Department and Emergency Services will host the fair April 17-19 at Tarpon Rodeo Pavilion, 4500 La. 1. Activities include rides, food, crafts, music, auctions, face painting and a petting zoo (Friday only). (985) 787-2777.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
GLASS RECYCLING: Glassroots will accept clean glass donations April 16, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd. in New Orleans; and April 17, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive in New Orleans. Glass will be turned into sand and used for coastal restoration, eco-construction and more.
SENIOR FEST 2025: Tickets are on sale through May 1 for the vendor fair and celebration of Older Americans Month on May 16 at UNO Lakefront Arena, 6801 Franklin Ave. in New Orleans. The event, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will be a sneaker/sock hop. Tickets are $5 per person and can be picked up at the New Orleans Council on Aging Office, 2475 Canal St., Suite 400, in New Orleans. Ticket pick-up should be arranged in advance. (503) 821-4121.
GOOD FRIDAY GROCERY CARD GIVEAWAY: The free community initiative will take place April 18, 8-10 a.m., at Morton Hall at Greater St. Stephen,
BUNNY
Continued from page 1G
n Rabbits should be spayed/ neutered and require vaccinations.
n They require a lot of “stuff”: pellets, fresh water, hay, fresh veggies, grooming products, proper housing, toys, litter and supplies, carriers and more.
n They groom themselves constantly and can therefore get hairballs like cats do. Unlike cats, however, rabbits cannot vomit, and swallowing an excessive amount of hair can be fatal.
n They need regular brushing.
n They should be on rabbitapproved flea preventative.
n They have a special diet and require specific housing
n Bunnies must live indoors to be safe from the elements, diseases and predators.
n They cannot be left in a cage and just fed and watered. They require attention, exercise and room to get out and play
n Rabbits have high social demands and often do best in pairs.
n Bunnies can get along with
cats and dogs, but keep in mind there is an adjustment period when a new animal of any variety is added to the family
n Consider whether the existing family pets will be “bunny-friendly,” as they may be frightening for a rabbit and cause stress.
n Bunnies can be litter-box trained like cats.
n They have distinct personalities. Some may like to be held or carried around, while others are antisocial and not always cuddly, also like cats.
n During hurricane season, be prepared to evacuate with your bunny and all his stuff. Learn more about caring for rabbits at rabbit.org. Once you understand the responsibilities that come with having a rabbit, know that they can make entertaining pets!
Ready to hop into bunny ownership? The local parish animal shelter is a good place to start. There are also several rabbit rescues such as BunnAgain Rabbit Rescue And Education, which works with the Jefferson SPCA, and Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue, which is based in Baton Rouge and serves Louisiana and
5600 Read Blvd. in New Orleans.
Greater St. Stephen Ministries will distribute 200 gift cards to the community. First come, first served. www.houseofgreater.org.
YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATION:
An evening of remembrance and reflection sponsored by the New Orleans Jewish Community Center Holocaust Committee commemorating Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) will be observed April 22, 5-8 p.m., at the U.S. Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center at the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans. The free program is also available online. Registration is required. www nationalww2museum.org.
CULTURE AND CONCERTS
EVENINGS WITH ENRIQUE: The free concert series at The Helis Foundation Enrique Alferez Sculpture Garden at New Orleans Botanical Garden City Park, 5 Victory Ave. in New Orleans, will continue April 16, Margie Perez & Muevelo; April 23, Cristina Kaminis Quartet; and April 30, Javier Olondo and Asheson. neworleanscitypark.org.
THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT: The musical series returns from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in the Botanical Garden, 1 Victory Ave. in City Park, New Orleans. On April 17, The Ladies of Soul and Red Beans. Tickets are $15. NewOrleansCityPark.org.
RHYTHM & ROSES CONCERT SERIES: The weekly series of outdoor concerts at the Historic BK House & Gardens, 1113 Chartres St. in New Orleans, will feature Amina Scott on April 24. Limited seating; bring chairs. Shows start at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $25. www.bkhouse.org.
SWING IN THE OAKS: The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents its annual free performance in the heart of City Park on April 22, 6-9 p.m., at the Peristyle at City Park, 42 Dreyfous Drive in New Orleans. This evening will feature 125 student musicians from LPO Academy with LPO professionals. Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic and bring lawn chairs. lpomusic.com.
BOOKS
“THE MEMORY PALACE: TRUE STORIES OF THE PAST”: Podcaster Nate DiMeo will read selections from his short story collection on April 16, 6 p.m., at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. Audience Q&A and book signings will follow. Reserve books in advance on Eventbrite. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
“MOTHERS AND OTHER FICTIONAL
CHARACTERS”: Debut author Nicole Graev Lipson will discuss her book with author Brooke Champagne on April 17, 6:30 p.m., at Blue Cypress Books, 8123 Oak St. in New Orleans.
AUTISM
Continued from page 1G
may appear as early as 6 to 9 months old.
But for others who have more subtle presentations, they may not be identified until they are 2, 5, teenagers or adults.
“A child who has delayed language skills may not speak many words or not at all. Or there may be a child who has a strong aversion to certain things like loud noises, bright lights, or strong smells and taste.
Engaging in self-stimulating behavior will help regulate their sensory systems by humming or by singing.”
Finding help
Ashley, who didn’t want to use her last
Mississippi. These shelters and rescues have bunnies now and will no doubt see an uptick in unwanted “Easter” bunnies very soon.
Events
APRIL 19: Best in Show Rescue Dog Show at Jefferson Playground (4100 South Drive, Jefferson) will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Join Jefferson Parish Parks and Recreation Department for Best Rescue in Show, where every tail wag tells a tale of triumph and love. Jefferson Parish’s first rescueexclusive dog show is here to celebrate the heartwarming journey of our four-legged heroes. The $10 entry fee will raise much needed funds for all the rescues participating. For more info, email info@animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, visit www.animalrescueneworleans. org.
An audience Q&A and book signing will follow. www.bluecypressbooks. com.
“ORDINARY TIME; LESSONS LEARNED WHILE STAYING PAT”: Author Annie B. Jones will discuss her debut book with Benjamin Morrison on April 29, 6 p.m., at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com
MICHAEL THE WILDLIFE DETECTIVE: Micheal Birt, the wildlife detective and biologist, will read one of his books and have two animals, a ball python and a bearded dragon, for children to learn all about during Saturday Storytime on April 26, 11 a.m., at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
“VOICES AND VISIONS: ESSAYS ON NEW ORLEANS’ LITERARY HISTORY”: Editor Leslie Petty and contributor Nancy Dixon will meet with fans and sign copies of their book of 13 essays on April 26, 2 p.m., at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
THE NOT-SO-EASY BIKE EASY SCAVENGER HUNT: This fundraiser supports Bike Easy’s mission to continue to make bicycling easy, safe and fun for everyone in Greater New Orleans. The hunt will be held April 19, 1-5 p.m., at Bayou Bicycles, 3530 Toulouse St. in New Orleans. Teams will be given a list of challenges, quizzes and riddles to figure out on bikes, with two hours to complete as many as
MOVIES
MEETINGS
DUTCH OVEN SOCIETY: The Wego Cookers, part of the Louisiana Dutch Oven Society, will gather to demonstrate the art of Dutch oven cooking on April 19 at Bayou Segnette State Park, 7777 Westbank Expressway in Westwego. Set up begins at 9 a.m., and sampling begins at 11:30 a.m. Free, but an entrance fee of $3 is required for those under 62. (504) 756-1853 jheiken209@gmail.com.
name, said her son, Julien, was diagnosed with autism when he was 41/2
“He needed speech and behavioral therapy and to learn social skills,” she said. “As a parent, once you are given a diagnosis of autism, you have no idea where to begin or how to help your child. With the support of the Autism Society I have found programs, events and family activities to help both Julien and me. And I have a sense of connection, a sense of community with other parents.”
Now 7 Julian is learning social skills.
“Julian used to shy away from people and now, he is the first person to walk up to someone and greet them,” Ashley said. For more information about the Autism Society of Greater New Orleans, go to www.asgno.org, email info@asgno.org, or call (504) 603-6548.
PET OF THE WEEK
PROVIDED PHOTO
Seth is a Lab mix with a heart as big as his wiggles. At 9 months, he’s all about learning new things and spreading joy wherever he goes. Whether it’s zoomies in the yard, snuggling up for belly rubs, or just wagging his tail, he’s your guy He also loves making new friends (both furry and human). To learn more, email adopt@animalrescueneworleans.org
STAFF PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD Parade watchers don festive outfits and hats as the French Quarter Easter Parade rolled last year. This year’s parade is April 20.
Author sheds some light on ‘You Are My Sunshine’ and its dive into music and politics
Journalist and author Robert Mann, professor emeritus of mass communication at LSU, will discuss his new book, “You Are My Sunshine,” at 2:30 p.m. April 19 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
In the book, Mann weaves together the birth of country music, Louisiana political history, World War II, and the American civil rights movement to produce a compelling biography of one of the world’s most popular musical compositions. It is the story of a song that, despite its simple, sweet melody and lyrics, holds the weight of history within its chords.
The song’s journey to global fame began in 1939, when two obscure “hillbilly” groups recorded it. By the century’s end, it was a cultural phenomenon covered by hundreds of artists spanning every genre. It entered the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry in 2012. At the center of this story is Jimmie Davis, who capitalized on his country music stardom to win two terms as Louisiana’s governor In 1940, Davis became the third artist to record “Sunshine,” after he bought it and claimed it as his composition. The song became his anthem and a staple of his political rallies.
discuss Steve Brusatte’s “The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs” at 1 p.m. April 27. The meeting is open to all. The book chronicles the evolution of dinosaurs, their rise as the dominant clade, and ends with an account of their extinction from the Chicxulub asteroid. It also includes a discussion of the evolution of feathered dinosaurs and birds’ descent from dinosaurs.
Chris Smith LIBRARY LAGNIAPPE
BIG BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will hold its free semi-annual Big Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3, and noon to 5 p m , Sunday, May 4, at the Pontchartrain Center, Williams Blvd., Kenner Auction items include:
Mann held the Manship Endowed Chair in Journalism at the Manship School of Mass Communication at LSU for 18 years.
He is the author of 10 books, including critically acclaimed political histories of the U.S. civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, American wartime dissent, Ronald Reagan, and the 1964 presidential election. His previous book, “Kingfish U: Huey Long and LSU,” was published by LSU Press. Mann also spent more than 20 years in politics as a senior aide to U.S. senators Russell Long and John Breaux and Gov. Kathleen Blanco. In 2014, he was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame. This event is part of the regularly scheduled meeting of the New Orleans Secular Humanists Association.
FRENCH GENEALOGY: Marguerite Scully a professional genealogical researcher and lecturer, will discuss “French Immigration to Louisiana,” at 7 p.m. April 21 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. This presentation occurs as part of the regularly scheduled meeting of the Genealogical Research Society of New Orleans. This program includes a description of the major waves of French immigration to Louisiana from the early 1700s to the early 1870s, and how the history of Louisiana, France, and its colonies influenced those migration waves The discussion of French immigration will not only include those French citizens who immigrated directly from France, but also those who came from other French colonies in North America such as the French Canadians, Acadians, and French West Indies Islanders.
Scully is a professional genealogical researcher and lecturer. She is the current president of the St. Tammany Genealogical Society and former vice president of the Louisiana Genealogical and Historical Society SCIENCE BOOK CLUB: Members of the newly formed Science Book Club will
Metairie Elks install officers
newly installed officers of Elks Lodge
”After the Flood by Robert Polidori”: Haunting photographs documenting the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, and mapping the lives of the absent and deceased through what remains of their belongings and homes.
”Civil War Battlefields” by George Grant & Michael Swift: A huge illustrated book on the Civil War Battlefields between the years 1861 and 1865, with detailed text, colored maps, and portraits.
”DC Comics Cover Girls” by Louise Simonson: The evolution of the super heroine, from Wonder Woman to the women of the new Birds of Prey, with each crime fighting heroine’s story line.
”The Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys,” edited by Joe Engers: A detailed look at an American folk-art treasure with hundreds of lavish fullcolor photographs. The Big Book Sale is one of the largest book sales in the New Orleans area, with more than 65,000 items for sale, including gently used adult and children’s books, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, and records, most priced from 50 cents to $3. Cash and credit/ debit cards are accepted; check are not accepted. Parking is free.
GENEALOGY: A class led by special collections librarian Gwen Kelley focuses on “Researching Vital Records.” It happens at 7 p.m. April 16 at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. This next lecture on “Newspapers and Obituaries” occurs at 7 p.m. April 23 at the library
ADULT LITERACY: YMCA Literary Services offers adult literacy classes from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Belle Terre Library, 5550 Belle Terre Road. The classes provide instruction and support for adults to improve their skills in literacy or reading at any level; basic math and writing; preparation for HiSet/ GED;and job readiness. Call 504-596-3842 for more information. Walkins welcome, or sign up @ tinyurl.com/YMCAed.
Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER H. HYMEL
The
#30 are, from left, Michael Juan, trustee; Chris Hymel, treasurer; Connie Armstead, tiler; E. J Ward, inner guard; Scott Guirovich, exalted ruler; Brian Baye, lodge secretary; Sean Triplett, leading knight; Kenny Buuck, loyal knight; Gwen Ward, chaplain; and Charles Smuck, lodge esquire. Other officers are Eugene Reyes, lecturing knight; and Gail Millet, Betsy Ibos and Karen Thompson, trustees.
The Greater New Orleans Council of the Navy League of the United States held its annual Military Appreciation Day luncheon in March. Among those recognized were two local WWII veterans, Capt. Jack Emerson, a B-25 Bomber pilot, and Samuel Meyer, a corporal with the 485th Fighter Squadron, 370th Fighter Group and Ninth Air Force. Pictured are Jim Letten,
Play ball!
The Italian American Bocce Club of Greater New Orleans gathered recently at its headquarters in Metairie for the final spring league games ahead of the playoffs. Six teams played on three courts. The club, started in 1971, has 70 members.
Colonial Garden Club visits NOMA
PROVIDED PHOTO
Members and guests of Colonial Garden Club in River Ridge recently visited Art in Bloom at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Shown on the first row from left are Robin Beaulieu-Lee, Trudy Corona, Roma Gibson-King and Dee Cedor; second row, Joy Palazola, Alma Dunlap and Susan Bradley; third row, Kim Manning, Carolyn Coullard, President Margaret Seale and Barbara Graff.
Donald Castello, president of the Algiers Historical Society, places his new bocce ball set into a bag after the tournament.
Charolette Matthew claps after a game.
Members react to a bocce roll.
Glade Bilby II and team captain George Fourroux watch as teammates roll the ball
STAFF PHOTOS BY SOPHIA GERMER
Members play bocce ball on three courts.
SCHOOLS
SCHOOL NOTES
ST MARY’S DOMINICAN: Students elected to the Student Council Executive Board for the 2025-2026 school term are, from left, Jovie Leingang president; Enna Hawes, vice president; Sarah Reinhardt, secretary; and Ellie Green, treasurer
PROVIDED PHOTOS
MOUNT CARMEL ACADEMY: Students volunteered with the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity in March, painting and decorating wood studs with messages of kindness and encouragement. Once installed in Habitat homes during construction, these studs will offer future homeowners a glimpse of the support behind their walls. Among the 40 MCA volunteers were, from left, Sarah DiGiovanni, Olivia Prange, Molly Baker, Emma Raymond, Alisha Mistretta and Aubrey Elisar
tory and math through LSU. She is president of the Biotechnology Club and member of the French Club, Campus Ministry, Pro-Life Club, yearbook and track and field. She is the daughter of Dawn and McKinley Eastman, of Metairie.
ST. BERNARD SCHOOLS: Registration is open for the free 2025-2026 preschool program for 4-yearolds. Children age 4 by Sept. 30, and those with disabilities, experiencing homelessness or in foster care and are residents of St. Bernard Parish are eligible. www.sbpsb.org. (504) 267-3310 or (504) 301-2000.
Staff report
Four St. Bernard Parish public schools won recognition at the annual Junior Beta State Tournament in Lafayette, participating in academic, STEM, virtual and performing arts competitions against 11,000 peers.
Top performers earned spots to compete at the National Beta Convention in Orlando this summer Lacoste Elementary had 22 members participating in 32 competitions. Charlotte Wilemon was named Premier Performer in the Solo Vocalist category Luke Gagnard won first place in Social Studies. Miriam Dali won second place in Onsite Cake Decorating.
Grayson Caballero won fifth place in Health & P.E. Dominick Shreve, Abigail Esler, Emanuella Costa and Tina Nguyen won fifth place in Musicology Grayson Caballero, Cameron Hughes, Dominick Shreve, Luke Gagnard and Emanuella Costa (standin) won fifth place in Quiz Bowl. Andrew Jackson Middle student Lynna Quach
placed in the top five in Poetry NP Trist Middle took 80 students to the competition. Autumn Higginbotham was named Premier Performer Colton Bourgeois, Caden Bryan, Ramy Dali, Jack McMullin, Wyatt Scully, Preston Senez and Bryce Watson won first place in Robotics. Jade Jamhour
PROVIDED
Catholic Sisters Week marked with service
Staff report
St. Mary’s Dominican alumnae, along with Ursuline Academy and Holy Cross High School, served meals to 70 residents at Cov-
enant House during Catholic Sisters Week. Catholic Sisters Week begun in 2015 is now an official component of Women’s History Month, observed March 8-14. It honors the women who have taken religions vows.
available for a fee. The cost is $180 per week for weeks 1-5, $140 for week 6, or $940 for all six weeks. Registration is also open for specialty camps focusing on baseball, basketball, football, soccer and tennis at the school. www.brothermartin.com.
HOLY CROSS SCHOOL: Brad Humphreys will become principal of the school starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. Humphreys holds a bachelor’s in mathematics from LSU and a master’s in educational administration from UNO. Prior to Holy Cross, Humphreys worked at Archbishop Hannan High School, Pope John Paul II High School, KehoeFrance Northshore and Oak Forest Academy, where he is the upper school principal.
ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH: Senior Livy Eastman has been offered $1 million in scholarships from
ECOLE BILINGUE DE LA NOUVELLE-ORLEANS: Fourth grader Leah Ismail beat out 167 other students from 30 schools through 11 rounds to be crowned the champion of the New Orleans regional spelling bee. She advances to the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee this May and also wins the Samuel Louis Sugarman Award and other prizes. Samira Marrouche, a sixth grader at Metairie Park Country Day School, placed second. Estella Sung, a fifth grader at Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies, placed third. The bee, held in March at Dillard University, was sponsored by The New Orleans Chapter of the Links, Incorporated.
NEW ORLEANS CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS: The NOCCA Jazz Department presents its spring jazz concert on April 16, 6-7:30 p.m., in the Nims Black Box Theatre at NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Free, with reservations through Eventbrite. nocca.com.
NEW ORLEANS MILITARY AND MARITIME
ACADEMY: Open house events for students entering grades 8-12 during the 2025-26 school year are scheduled for May 8, May 19 and June 3 at the NOMMA cafeteria, 425 O’Bannon St. in New Orleans. Presentations will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Parent/guardian identification is required. To be eligible to apply, prospective students must attend an open house with at least one parent or legal guardian. nomma.net/admissions.
Eastman
Humphreys
Shown in the kitchen at Covenant House are, from left, Celeste Shelsey Anding class of 1982, Dominican alumnae director; Dr George Hebert, spouse of Nancy Catalanello Hebert, class of 1975; Ann Tomeny Palmisano, class of 1968; Janet Gaudet Emig, class of 1975; Samantha Lee, class of 2009; and Stacey Whitney Campo, class of 1999.
PHOTO
