Spring 2022 River Parishes Magazine by L'Observateur

ESJ Special Education teachers voted “Best Local Hero” in the River Parishes BY BROOKE R. CANTRELLE

hrough two years of unforeseen changes, the special education staff at East St. John High School has been the only constant for students who thrive on stability. The East St. John SPED teachers were voted “Best Local Hero” by the community in 2021 during L’OBSERVATEUR’s to inaugural Best of the River Parishes competition. The dedication they displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic was exemplified once again as Hurricane Ida damaged the East St. John campus and forced several transitions in school time and location. The special education students and teachers found their

way home to the main campus on March 23, 2022, seven months after Hurricane Ida disrupted their lives. “It’s been a long time coming, trying to get back here,” Department Chair Rhyshique Williams said. “It looked like every week, something was changing, and our kids did a good job of adapting to the change,” Williams said. “Everybody had to learn to adapt – even the teachers. We try to communicate with the parents as soon as we find out so they can prep them before the change takes place. When they get to school, they already have an idea of what’s going to happen.” Assistant Principal J. Vincent Brown said this school

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Special Education Department Chair Rhyshique Williams assists Trinity Jacobs with an assignment.

The East St. John Special Education team includes Ronald August, Nokeyia Mearidy, Toi Green, Karen Duncan, Cantilyn Scott, Alexis Banks, Ryshique Williams, Quantrell Toval, Melissa Robinson, Jody Forstall, J. Vincent Brown, Larissa McGuffy-Scott, Niya James, Teala Champagne and Churyce Robinson. 4 River Parishes Magazine

year has been full of transitions. After schools were shuttered for two months in the aftermath of Ida, students transitioned to the Leon Godchaux campus, first on afternoon/evening shifts and later on an A/B Day schedule. There were no meltdowns when it came time to fully shift back to full-time learning in March thanks in part to teachers keeping the same uplifting attitude through every change. “It’s a testament to why the teachers won the award. With as many transitions that these students have had, the only constant has been their teachers,” Brown said. “Their environment has changed, this being the third major change for this school year. For this population, that is very, very difficult to manage. Because of our teachers’ steadfastness, because of their ability to keep the same routine and repetitions of their daily practices, the students have been comfortable despite the amount of change they have had.” The special education team at East St. John High School includes Ronald August, Nokeyia Mearidy, Toi Green, Karen Duncan, Cantilyn Scott, Alexis Banks, Ryshique Williams, Quantrell Toval, Melissa Robinson, Jody Forstall, J. Vincent Brown, Larissa McGuffy-Scott, Niya James, Teala Champagne and Churyce Robinson. Williams is entering her 22nd year of working in special education and her fifth year as a teacher. Having been

raised in a family full of educators, Williams initially ran away from the profession, determined to forge her own path. She graduated from nursing school while working as a paraeducator. When it was time to put the nursing degree to use, she didn’t have the heart to leave the children she had formed such strong bonds with. “I didn’t want to be a teacher, but as people say, God has a way of putting you where you need to be when you are ready,” Williams said. “My friends always tell me I could be making so much more money as a nurse. It’s not about the money. It’s about peace of mind, and my job is not a job. It’s fun.” Williams’ mother jokes that it’s hard to distinguish her from the children because she acts like a big kid herself. She’s always ready to play, but when it’s time to work, she sets the expectations high. “They have a disability, but the disability does not have them. It’s rewarding to see them achieve,” Williams said. Dr. Stacey Spies, director of special education for the district, said the team at East St. John is dedicated to achieving high standards. “Their No. 1 priority is always the children,” Spies said. “They go above and beyond all the time, working together as a team and with administration as well to program for the kids and make sure all students are excelling.”

• Events

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Students gather around Melissa Robinson during their first day back to the East St. John High School main campus.

Pictured with their students, the East St. John High School Special Education staff celebrates being named “Best Local Hero” in the inaugural Best of the River Parishes contest. 6 River Parishes Magazine

The students proved just how much they are capable of during the COVID-19 pandemic. Williams jumped into the role of virtual learning with 16 kids online. From 7:40 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, they managed to balance academic achievement with lighthearted activities. “Most teachers were complaining about virtual, but I thought it was wonderful. We had so much fun,” Williams said. “It was hard to adapt to Teams because Teams is not accessible for SPED kids, but we made it work for all subjects.” Some of the virtual activities were translated to the classroom when it was time to return to in-person learning. Assistant Principal Brown was a featured guest in the virtual “Friday dance-offs” that helped keep students engaged. Since beginning his career in SPED, Brown has worked with special education in one way, shape or form for the past 19+ years. While his job title is now assistant principal, he finds himself drawn to the special education classrooms, and he admires how the

East St. John teachers go above and beyond to keep the kids at the forefont. “I think working in special education departments is more like a calling than a choice. You either love it or hate it. There’s really nothing in between,” Brown said. “I know how much parents value when you have a good SPED department. That’s why I push our teachers, our aides and our students so much.” As COVID restrictions continue to ease, Brown said St. John Parish Schools will reintroduce community-based programs allowing SPED students to gain life skills and prepare for independent living while working for local businesses. SPED administrator Alison Cupit described the East St. John special education teachers as “a great group of educators who make sure the kids’ needs are being met on campus, at home and in the community.” “It’s family-oriented back here,” Cupit said. “They are training our students to be successful outside of these walls.”

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Neighbor’s act of bravery saves Air Force veteran’s life

BY BROOKE R. CANTRELLE here were no warning signs before U.S. Air Force Veteran Clarence Tassin collapsed to the ground on August 14, 2019. It was like someone flipped a light switch. One moment, he was talking to his wife on an average Saturday afternoon inside their LaPlace home; the next, his heart stopped. If it weren’t for his neighbor, Kevin Smith, administering CPR until paramedics arrived on scene, Tassin wouldn’t be alive to tell the tale. In a way, saving Tassin’s life saved Smith, too. Kevin Smith’s wife, Pamela Smith, departed Ochsner

Hospital on angel’s wings after succumbing to her third valiant battle with cancer in March 2019. The grief was overwhelming, and Smith was trapped in a dark place without the love of his life by his side. He was in his house, processing the loss, when a loud pounding on the door and a woman frantically calling his name shook him out of his daze. His neighbor, Michelle, was standing on his doorstep, pleading for help. Smith ran across the street and found Clarence Tassin lying on the bedroom floor.

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As an employee at Nalco Chemical, Smith was familiar with CPR. But it had been years since he took classes, and he had never been in a situation where he had to put those skills to use. Instincts took over in that moment. There wasn’t a hint of hesitation as he took his neighbor’s life into his hands and administered CPR for at least 10 minutes straight. “I just kept going until the paramedics came, and they were tapping me on the shoulder saying I could stop,” Smith said. “I was thinking that I was in that room with death again, and this time, I could fight it. I was grateful because I didn’t have that chance with my wife. That’s where my mind was.” Plenty of neighbors were outside that day. Michelle could have run to any of them for help, but she ended up on Smith’s doorstep. More than two years later, the memory still brings him to tears. “I was grateful to see Clarence come out of it and still be here today. It was for him and Michelle, but it was also for me because I needed that confirmation from God,” Smith said. “I needed that proof that He still held us all in His hand. Nothing is a coincidence.” Those 10 to 15 minutes of CPR made all the difference for Tassin when his life was hanging by a thread. He was brought back with a defibrillator seven times — three times at his house, once at Urgent Care in LaPlace, once at Kenner Regional, and twice more at the main campus. Tassin was in a coma for a week. When he finally regained consciousness, he awoke to a thermal room

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that dropped his body temperature to protect his brain. A ventilator was keeping him alive. Doctors determined that AFib had caused Tassin’s heart to stop. Today, he walks around with both a pacemaker and a defibrillator that will shock him if his heart stops or starts beating erratically again. Tassin gets winded sometimes, and he can’t stand too close to speakers or even carry his cell phone on his left side. But most importantly, he’s alive, thanks to a dedicated medical team and a neighbor who cares. “This happened to me on a Saturday afternoon. If I had been here alone, like I normally am on Saturdays when my wife and daughter are out shopping, she would have come home and found me dead,” Tassin said. In his eyes, the word “hero” is synonymous with Kevin Smith. “It means somebody is there, doing something above and beyond what they would normally do. I know because I was trained to be a first responder also, and that’s what we’ve got to do,” Tassin said. Tassin and Smith have known each other since they ended up living on the same street in 1991. This experience has pulled them closer together. “If I were living in New Orleans, I would probably be dead because you don’t know your neighbors out there. People like Kevin and all our neighbors around us right now are close-knit,” Tassin said. “I think people should get to know their neighbors and know what they are capable of. Talk to them. That’s the key.”

SERVICE BEFORE SELF

Det. Henry’s birthday tradition helps the homeless

Keniel Henry carries bags full of food he and his family prepared to feed the homeless population of New Orleans. 12 River Parishes Magazine

Keniel Henry received the Service Before Self Award during the Beyond the Badge Heart of Law Enforcement ceremony in recognition of his efforts assisting the homeless population under the Claiborne/I-10 overpass in New Orleans.

BY BROOKE R. CANTRELLE

et. Keniel Henry’s only birthday wish is to lend a helping hand to those in need. For the past 10 years, Henry has dedicated his birthday, July 9, to preparing and distributing meals to the homeless population under the Claiborne/I-10 overpass in New Orleans. The birthday tradition is close to his heart and serves as a reminder to never let the hustle and bustle of daily routines overshadow compassion for fellow mankind. Growing up in Jamaica, Henry knew he could find a support system within his community when times got tough. Sharing was second-nature, whether it meant

knocking on a neighbor’s door to exchange eggs for milk or being ready at a moment’s notice to give the shirt off his back to someone in need. That desire to help others persisted even after he immigrated to the United States in 2011. Called to law enforcement, Det. Henry proudly wears the sheriff deputy’s badge as he protects and serves the community in St. John the Baptist Parish and beyond. Henry was among 15 officers across Louisiana to receive the Heart of Law Enforcement Award during the annual Beyond the Badge luncheon held in March 2022. Of the 15, Henry was selected to receive the top award, Service Before Self.

In 2020, Det. Keniel Henry started a warm clothes and blanket drive so he could help the homeless in the winter as well as the summer.

Bottled waters, ingredients for hot dogs, and granola bar snacks are gathered together as Keniel Henry and his family prepare to deliver supplies to the homeless. River Parishes Magazine 13

The Service Before Self award commends law enforcement officers for extraordinary acts of kindness. Henry was recognized for his dedication to delivering hot meals, beverages, non-perishable snacks, hygiene items and more to the homeless individuals in New Orleans. In addition to feeding the homeless each July, Henry and his family have also started an annual winter donation drive to collect blankets, gloves and warm clothes for the homeless. The addition of the winter clothing and blanket drive has allowed for more community participation, leading to a greater impact. Henry’s life experiences have given him compassion towards those enduring tough times. When he sees someone hungry, he remembers how hard life could get in his home country, and he knows he can’t stand idly by.

Det. Keniel Henry works for the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office. 14 River Parishes Magazine

Keniel Henry uses all of the resources he has available to make an impact in the lives of others.

“In Jamaica, we all share, and that’s how we all work. You come here and see how everyone’s just by themselves and divided. Here, people get up, get their coffee and newspaper. They go to work and come home and eat dinner with their families. And that’s good, but we can get lost in our lives by the things we do every day,” Henry said. “We have a warm meal to eat, but there are human beings who are hungry. They don’t have anything on outside in the cold. My mom always told me the importance of sharing. I would give the shirt off my back for someone else who is in need. I just decided that I’m going to be me and not change who I am.” Henry’s drive to serve others has guided his personal growth. After arriving in New Orleans in 2011, Henry attended Delgado and worked as a housekeeper at a hotel in New Orleans – the only job he could find. He later found a job working at a maximum-security jail in Orleans Parish. Obtaining his citizenship opened the door to take his career further, and his journey continued at the St. John Parish Sheriff ’s Office. It only took a few months working in the jail for Henry to be promoted to supervisor. He went on to work in patrol, special operations, and join the SWAT team.

The Service Before Self Award brought tears to Henry’s eyes and motivated him to continue his efforts to serve the homeless population. His police unit has been a valuable resource in New Orleans, allowing him to stop his car to help someone in need without being honked at by impatient drivers. “Working in law enforcement goes back to what I do on my birthday. I’m a people person, and law enforcement is a way to put the public ahead of yourself. Law enforcement is in my blood because it’s part of helping others. That’s my nature, and that’s why I am recognized for what I do,” Henry said. “I’m just happy to have a great sheriff who can help me progress and grow, someone who is positive about helping people. I observe Mike Tregre as a great leader, and I respect him with everything I’ve got.” Sheriff Mike Tregre said it’s inspiring to the department to see Henry dedicate his time to helping others. “He truly enjoys giving back to the community,” Tregre said. “At this time, when there’s so much negativity about law enforcement, I appreciate the Beyond the Badge organization for its hard work to recognize officers who go beyond the call of duty.”

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Strawberry Festival

The Strawberry Festival in Ponchatoula celebrated it’s 50th anniversary this year. The festival not only had rides and live entertainment it even featured an egg

-til 22 • 8am June 4, 20

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toss and a strawberry eating contest. This family event takes place each year and features Ponchatoula’s best known crop.

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Heroes Every Day at St. Charles Catholic

t St. Charles Catholic High School, we’re proud to say that our community is full of heroes. Imitating the ultimate Savior, Jesus Christ, we find that our students, faculty and family are so often willing to choose selflessness and service. This year, considering the significant setbacks due to Hurricane Ida, our community was called to care for one another even more selflessly in the days after the storm and the months since. Gutting homes, rebuilding, housing friends, studying together and more—the Comets are heroes to one another every day. In September 2021, the Comets were quickly coming back together following the displacements caused by Hurricane Ida. Families from all over the River Parishes were assessing damage and

working together to make sense of what needed to happen next. In his first year as head coach of the football program, Coach Wayne Stein knew how important it was to get his team back together after Ida tore them apart. The team had not practiced since August 27, so coach called the boys to campus on September 9. The players did not disappoint, and even though many of them were commuting from other states or sleeping at their friends’ and family members’ homes hours away, the Comets set their sights on a winning season despite it all. Many of the coaches and players would spend their mornings practicing drills and learning plays before going home to gut houses, clean yards, and help their neighbors in the afternoons.

2021 Football State Champions, the SCC Comets, on the field at Yulman Stadium after their victory over Lafayette Christian Academy. 18 River Parishes Magazine

Off the field, many students, alumni and faculty were working to organize supply drives, check on friends and families, and lend a hand wherever possible. Some families took in displaced students so they could stay a part of the school and team while their homes were unlivable. Some did laundry for one another. Others were simply outstanding in their moral support, encouraging one another to learn and grow in their skills even when it seemed impossible. Athletic Director Wayne Stein likes to say that it takes a village to make a champion, and in that same spirit, we see each day at SCC that it takes a community to make a Christian. Dr. Millet knew that the education and well-being of our students depended on school opening as quickly as possible, and by September 20, we were together again at Mass and in class. Throughout the Fall semester, with many families displaced and working hard on their homes, the school day served as a haven for the students as they experienced some sense of normalcy, some full meals, some smiling faces, and plenty of prayer. The efforts of the Comets were certainly rewarded.

On December 4, 2021, at Yulman Stadium, the Comets defeated their longtime rival, the LCA Knights, 32-27 in an action-packed game full of exciting plays. After the game, both teams gathered, took a knee, and prayed for restoration to the LaPlace area, which meant so much to a community that has had such a tough year. The victory wasn’t only for the team but for all the Comet Family—every spirit group member, every fan, every parent, every alumnus, and everyone who has Comet Pride. We all were able to celebrate a victory over despair, a victory over hopelessness. A mother of a starting senior said of the big day, “My baby woke up in a camper today and look at him now, holding the trophy. They were all gutting houses and cleaning yards, and now they’re champions. They really deserve this.” It’s a blessing to be a part of such an active community and to be a part of helping Heaven get here each day through our love for one another. To learn more about St. Charles Catholic High School, call  985-652-3809 or email  Flynn.carly@stcharlescatholic.org.

Three SCC Juniors praying together at the first Mass after Hurricane Ida. River Parishes Magazine 19

Following Hurricane Ida, support poured in from across the country to assist the students, faculty, and families of St. Charles Catholic High School. People found ways to connect with the community — from making monetary donations to providing gas cards, supplies, hygiene kits, and hot meals. Principal Dr. Courtney Millet knew that the school SCC Students and faculty sort through donations for could provide a sense of normalcy for those imthe community, all of which were collected and deliv- pacted; just three weeks after landfall, St. Charles ered by Notre Dame High School in Fairfield, CT. Catholic High School reopened.

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Blast From the Past: The 1960 Reserve Centennial

parade of 16 floats rolled down the streets of Reserve during the town’s Centennial event held in September 1960. The parade was one of the highlights of a three-day celebration held September 15-17. The parade formed at Leon Godchaux High School, proceeded down the River Road to New Cornland (James Avenue), then turned toward Hotard Street and Bootsie Avenue (West Second) before looping back to the high school. Many decorations went up along the 4.2-mile route, and grass was cut on the levee to afford many “free seats” to the public.

Themevvvs of the floats were as follows: 1. Theme float – St. John Police Jury 2. Reserve Welcomes National – National (Godchaux) Sugars 3. Godchaux, the Pack Peddler – Godchaux Grammar School Parent-Teacher Association 4. War Between States – Reserve Post, American Legion 5. Les Dames D’Autel De St. Pierre – St. Peter Altar Society

Godchaux Grammar, as seen in 1960. The school was demolished in 2021. River Parishes Magazine 21

The St. John Police Jury opens the 1960 Reserve Centennial Parade with a theme float.

Reserve Telephone Company rides in a float called “Hello, Number Please.” 22 River Parishes Magazine

6. Bouchiere – Reserve Fire Department 7. La Petite Ecole De Monsieur Patete – St. Peter Mothers Club 8. Hello, Number Please – Reserve Telephone Co. 9. Amusement Du Jour – Future Farmers of America 10. The Quilting Bee – 4-H Club of Leon Godchaux High School 11. Mattress Making – Holmes Shell Distributor 12. Lionism in Reserve – Lions Club of Reserve

13. Reserve Looks to the Future – Gulf States Land and Industries 14. Reserve Observes the Sabbath – Knights of Columbus 15. The Showboat – St. John Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars 16. Hauling Sugarcane to the Mill – Texaco Company All photos were taken in 1960 by Hewitt P. “JAP” Robert and submitted to this publication by his son, Wilfred Robert.

National (Godchaux) Sugars throws packs of sugar from their float in the Centennial parade. River Parishes Magazine 23

Linda Ayme, Fish Cambre, Mac Donaldson and Quincy Montz smile from the Lions Club float.

The VFW is represented in a showboat float. 24 River Parishes Magazine

Weathering the storm for our community

hile our team was caring for other families, many could not reach their own. “Our hurricane crew went above and beyond the call of duty all while being separated from friends and family with no cell service. I can’t brag on this activation team enough. This is what community hospitals are for,” said Karley Babin, RN, St. James Parish Hospital nurse manager. Many of our team members’ houses sustained substantial damage. They cared for patients and worked together to do what was needed to manage the emergency at the hospital when some were actively losing their homes. “It is both extremely sad and absolutely inspiring to know the level of dedication of our staff. We are truly ‘small enough to care’ at St. James Parish Hospital,” said Mary Ellen Pratt, CEO.

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Reserve St. John Sheriff’s Deputy Norman Volion and De- G & Z Mudbugs, last year’s winners, take the tective Demond Memminger at the St. Joan of Arc Fair. award for Best Sides.

Bayou Boys, the second place boiler at Fatty’s Annual Crawfish Boil , relax after a hard day of cooking. River Parishes Magazine 29

Blood, Sweat and Bonfires builds more than bonfires at Fatty’s Annual Crawfish Boil.

Some of the St. John Sheriff’s Officers at the ribbon cutting of the new public safety complex. The $2 million complex is a joint project between the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office and St. John Parish Office of Fire Services to consolidate emergency services into one building. 30 River Parishes Magazine

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