A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE WELSH CITIZEN T U E S D AY, M AY 2 4 , 2 0 11
WELSH HIGH SCHOOL
Graduating Class of 2011
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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
WELSH CITIZEN
Welsh High School Class of 2011 President - Cassie Broussard Vice-President - Olivia Reed Secretary - Christian Coleman Treasurer - Lucas Trahan Student Council Representative - Ryan Soileau Class Song - This Is My Life - Switchfoot
Class Flower - White Lily Class Colors - White and Red Class Motto - “Dream as if you’ll live forever, Live as if you’ll die today.” Cover photo: Principal Pat Deshotel and the Class of 2011 unite in prayer before the school’s 102nd commencement ceremony.
- James Dean
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
WELSH CITIZEN
Welsh High School Class of 2011
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!
Shelley Millet, Gloria Guillory & Jessica Touchet
Congratulations Jade Miller!
We know that the costs associated with a college education can be overwhelming. That’s why we strive to lighten the burden.
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208 W. South Street, Welsh, LA 70591 Phone 337-734-4223 • www.drillpointtopoint.com
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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
WELSH CITIZEN
Felton Jerome Alexander
Christopher Ryan Ardoin
Misty Dawn Benoit
Shelby Lynn Benoit
Megan Paige Bourque
Joshua Wayne Bowers
Cassie Marie Broussard
Ryan Anthony Broussard
Joseph Kade Chaisson
Christan Tyler Coleman
Trevondrick M. J. Cooper
Jonathon Chase Crochet
Emily Renee Daigle
Jacob Austin Daigle
Kasey Rachelle Daniel
KEEP DREAMING!
You’ve worked hard to make the grade, and now that diploma is your key to a bright and successful future. Congratulations!
THORNWELL WAREHOUSE We l s h • L a k e A r t h u r
Congratulations
on all of your accomplishments, graduates.
127 W. Plaquemine Street Jennings 337-824-4750
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
WELSH CITIZEN
Korry Shawn Derouen
Eva Marie Fontenot
Erica Gail Foreman
Kaitlyn Denae Foreman
Joseph Payton Fox
Mason Dominic Fox
Sadie Michelle Frey
Christopher Wayne Fruge
Morgan Leslie Giggar
Jamon Jemond Gray
Austin Kade Guillory
Devon Jemal Guillory
Garrett Allen Hebert
Daven Duane Henderson
Meagan Alis Herrera
Hats Off to a
Stellar Class!
As you toss your cap into the air on Graduation Day, please know that we share in your excitement. Over the years, we’ve watched you grow, and we’ve taken pride in your many accomplishments. Now that you’re ready to take the next big step, we applaud your achievement, and we’ll continue to root for you along the way!
H w y
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7 3 4 - 2 1 2 6
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W e l s h
Court Clerk of
Jefferson Davis P
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arish
RichaRd M. aRceneaux (337) 824-1160 Office
P.O. Box 799 300 N. State St. - Rm. 106 Jennings, Louisiana 70546
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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
WELSH CITIZEN
Madeline Taylor Hicks
Dakota Blake Humphrey
Shonterra Shakeise Jacobs
Adam Braiden Jolie
Brittany Nicolle Kendall
Adrianna LaDay
Lacey Anne Leger
Merlyn Daniel Leger
Tyler David Leonard
Madison Drew Lewis
William Seth Luntsford
Dustin Joseph Mallett
Kade Michael Mallett
Skyler Jenee McMillin
Ashley Nicole Miller
You Did It!
Cody’s Tire Repair
612 E. Russell Ave. - Welsh, LA 70591 Shop: (337) 734-4202 Cell: (337) 368-3242 Oil Changes New and Used Tires State Inspections Balancing Tire Rotations Live/Frozen Bait
Congrats Class of 2011
Jeff Davis Bank
Equal Opportunity Lender • Member F.D.I.C.
24 Hour EZ Money Automatic Teller Machine 101 N. Adams Street • Welsh
(337) 734-5555
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
WELSH CITIZEN
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Jade Lauren Miller
Trey Paul Morvant
Jacob Scott Nevils
Cassie Falon Phillips
Olivia Alexandra Reed
Cheryl Nicole Roy
Dana Maree Saucedo
Ryan Robert Soileau
Donna Joe Stelly
Kennon Demarco Thompson
Lucas Glenn Trahan
Rajshone Devonte Viney
Turner Lamar Yeates
A
ELL DONE TO ALL W B O J
202 South Adams St., Welsh • 734-4437
2011 SENIO
R S!
Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
A big hand for the WHS Class of 2011!
Keep up the Great Work, Graduates! Lyon’s Flying Service 615 North Kennedy Street
Welsh • 734-2594
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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
WELSH CITIZEN
Clockwise, top left: Morgan Giggar, Jade Miller, and Braiden Jolie; Kade Chaisson, Jacob Nevils, Kade Mallett, Chase Crochet, and Dustin Mallett; Asst. Principal John Hall assists Ryan Broussard; Teacher Paula Hardy assists Seth Luntsford; Jacob Daigle adjusts his collar; Cassie Phillips, Erica Foreman, and Misty Benoit.
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Hats off to you, graduates, as you celebrate a fine achievement. A world of opportunity awaits, and we wish you happiness and success in all that you do. Thanks for making us proud!
The staff of The Welsh CiTizen Bengt, Carla and Kayla
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201
JANCO WATER DIVISION
WATER & SEWER LINES, DRAINAGE ROAD BORING
2011
Kyle and Andree’ Conner, Owners P.O. Box 765 Welsh, lA
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Office: (337) 734-4224 Fax: (337) 734-4226 Cell: (337) 247-4092
CON CO DIRECTIONAL BORING P.O. BOX 765 WELSH, LA. 70591 Joe and Phyllis Conner, Owners Kyle and Andree’ Conner, Owners P.O. Box 765 • Welsh, lA
Office: (337) 734-4224 Fax: (337) 734-4226 Cell: (337) 247-4092
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
WELSH CITIZEN
Clockwise top left: Hugs are in order; The Calculus Crew with Teacher Julia Bertrand; Valedictorians Lacey Leger and Lucas Trahan; Thumbs up! Brittany Kendall assists Nicole Roy.
Good Luck! • Be carefuL! We support LocaL schooLs.
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Congratulations on all of your accomplishments, graduate. Your commitment to a quality education has made us proud. We know you have what it takes to succeed. Please accept our sincere congratulations and best wishes for a bright and happy future.
106 E. RussEll AvE. - Hwy. 90 wElsH, lA 70591 (337) 734-2101 (337) 734-2104 FAX welshirrigationequip@yahoo.com
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TUESDAY, MaY 24, 2010
WELSH CITIZEN
Speeches by Valedictorians Lacey Leger and Lucas Trahan
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, teachers and administrators, and honored guests. We stand, some of us taller than others, gathered together to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2011 class of Welsh High School. For some of us, we’ve been waiting for this day since that first day of Pre-K or Kindergarten. All we have wanted to do is put on these caps with these little dangling things, that some of us thought would make us look taller, and walk towards our future. For some of us, we have been counting down the days on Facebook since senior year started. And guess what guys, we are finally here. We have all had to experience some of the high and low points of the past 13 years. The good times and difficulties have led us here today - to graduation. For some of us sports brought us some highs and some lows. As we
all know, sports equal practices. It might have been practising football in the hot sun, running the greyhound mile, marching for band, or kicking relentlessly at dance line practice. Sometimes, in spite of all of this hard practice, we still fell short. Those bitter loses were marked by disappointment and by silence on the long ride home from an away game. However, these losses made us stronger. They showed us what we needed to work towards to get a win. But, if we won all the time what would be exciting about winning? A win would be meaningless if we did not fall down every once in a while. We would never know the excitement of finally winning a game after a losing streak. We would never know what it is like to finally stand tall and be vidorious in the face of defeat. Just as sports have been full of physical tests, school has been full of
KORRY DEROUEN
Good Luck! Keep your head high. Make your dreams come true. We are proud of you!! Love, Mom, Danny & Dave, Moma Joyce, PaPa Rodney, Kelly & Kerry
actual tests. We started off with those horrible ten word spelling tests in first grade. Our little brains just could not remember how to spell all of those tiny words. Then, we slowly moved on to those simple algebra tests in Junior High. Remember those? The algebra tests that we thought were so hard at the time? We ended with the excruciating chemistry tests that no one ever knew about. Even when we did know about the test, we stayed up half the night studying polyatomics only to forget all of them in the morning. As youngsters, we finally learned how to spell our colors and numbers. As preteens we learned how to figure out what X was though it always seemed to be something different and as young adults, though we may not be great chemists like Ms. Casillo, we at least know the charge on sulfate is negative two. These tests though, have challenged us to fight for what we want. They have challenged us to try our hardest to make the best grade possible, no matter how bad we fear we might do. Lastly, we have clubs which most people join to have fun. However, these clubs present challenges when they make us miss school. Yeah, who doesn’t like missing school? But, when it means missing something that might be on the previously mentioned chemistry test, skipping school might be a bad idea. Clubs also cut into free time. With the
Lacey Leger, valedictorian
tons of homework between Physics and Math 170, we needed all the free time we could get our hands on. But, when we actually look back, we realize sometimes, it was worth it. It was worth missing school to make new friendships that will last a lifetime. It was worth staying up a little later to finish our homework if it meant we were able to make a profound impact on someone’s life just by volunteering a little bit of free time. These tough times or low points have only made us stronger as individuals and as a class. As someone once said,
Wherever you may find yourself tomorrow, you’ll be accompanied by the friendships, knowledge and lessons you’ve gained throughout your school years. Congratulations, grads!
511 E. Russell Welsh, LA
734-2244
AG AVIATION
13255 Hwy. 382 • Welsh, LA 70591 Tel: 337-753-2569 • Fax: 337-753-2518
See Speeches, page 11B
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
WELSH CITIZEN
Speeches: ‘Enjoy those achievements’ FROM PAGE 1A
“Life is full of ups and downs. The trick is to enjoy the ups and have courage during the downs.” So be brave during those bad and challenging times and do not forget to enjoy those achievements. They only happen once. - Lacey Leger “Lacey, I think you forgot a low point: having to wear these funny looking hats with the little dangling things that keep getting in the way! It is probably a good thing that graduating high school does not depend on how well we look wearing the hat and tassel or on how tall we are while standing on stage. No, I trust that graduating High School depends on something more than that. It depends, I think, on the experiences that we have had throughout high school, be they good or bad - high or low. It is true that while in High School, we hit many low points that knocked
us down and that did not initially seem to do us any favors when trying to get back up; however, we experienced many high points as well that allowed us to stand tall and proud. Graduating High School is a representation of how well we were able to take the bad experiences and see the good in them as well as to take the good experiences, the high points, and wring every little bit of fun and usefulness that we could out of them. John Maxwell, a Christian pastor, speaker, and author, once said that “lf we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.” High School was about growing up. It was about maturing from the smallness of a freshman to the grandeur of a senior and then going through the uncomfortable transition from a High School student to a real world adult. Growing up is a high point of life, but we have to take the ups with the downs. High School offered many activities that taught us
A Graduating Class
Enjoy every minute of this exciting occasion, as you celebrate the culmination of all your hard work and dedication. We’re so proud of all you have accomplished, and we look forward to celebrating your continued success.
Congratulations and good luck to Christian Coleman!
The Pump Company
YOu mAde iT!
CONGRATulATiONs GRAduATes!
208 N. Railroad • Welsh • 734-3502
this lesson, activities such as sports. Do you think that we would have enjoyed the high point, the post game celebrations and the astounding feeling of winning alongside our team, if we had not dedicated the time, the sweat, and the effort for practices? No. Do you think a win would have meant anything if we had never felt the belittlement of a loss? No. We had to work to greatness and work towards that feeling and that win. Testing also teaches us this same lesson, except exchange practices and sweat for studying and cursing the teacher, not to point out any certain Physics or English IV teachers. After all of the studying, after all of the cursing, after the test was taken, we were rewarded with the high point; we got tile grade. We grew up, stood tall in tough times, and took the challenge. We exited out of our “comfort zone” in order to succeed. Another John Maxwell quote is “Life is ten percent of what happens to me and 90 percent of how I react to it.” From freshmen to senior year, drama ruled the school. If a girl woke up and could not get her hair perfectly straight, then the world ended in apocalyptic disaster. If a guy woke up and could not find anything to eat in the morning, then, ... well then, he went to school and hunted for food, but at least the world didn’t end. The pOint is, though, that as students and as adults we can not take these small, inconvenient moments or even larger, more intense challenges as automatically disastrous. We have to be able to see the silver lining. We
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Lucas Trahan, valedictorian
have to look toward the high points in order to see what really counts in life. I know that whenever Mrs. Kyle called on the Interactors to do some charitable work in the community, or when Mrs. Amy told us we needed to raise money or to show up for a weekend Beta event, the teachers were met with moans and groans. When, we the students, got to the events, however, we usually had fun. We rose from our slumps and began to see the highs of our situation. Of course, we gave up our Saturday morning or Friday afternoon to help, but it benefited us. It gave us companionship and allowed for us to meet people who could take us places in life and to make friends that would
JADE MILLER Congratulations! We are so proud of you! Hoping all of your dreams come true. We love you very much! Daddy, Ms. Connie, Kane, Cooper, Caleb, Kullen and Colt
See Speeches, page 12B
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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
WELSH CITIZEN
Speeches: ‘All I say is that I loved it’ FROM PAGE 12B
be with us throughout high school and throughout life. The majority of my time in writing this speech consisted of my sitting at a blank screen with nothing to say. I was dammed up, had a major case of writers block. I was thinking of all of the ways I could fall short of my goal. I was thinking about every word I wrote, scrutinizing my lines and trying to project what people would say and how they would react. I was worried about rising to the occasion of writing a good speech, something that people, classmates and older adults alike, were telling me that I had better do. If this was no a low point, then I do not know what was. But then, I realized two things. The first thing is that I was having trouble writing because I have always been afraid of success. I have been afraid of succeeding, of being elevated to a point where the world could see me, and then messing up, only to be shot down and belittled. The second thing I realized is that fear of success is sort of the point. High school would not have meant anything to any of us if it had not been a challenge. Life would mean nothing to any of us if we knew we would succeed. It is about taking chances. It is about making choices that only you can make and then reacting to the consequences afterwards. If life was easy, then it would serve no purpose. So, tell me, was this speech what you
expected it to be? Was it good? Was High School good? Was High School the largest, tallest, highest high point in your life thus far? All I say is that I loved it. I loved working through the low points to get where I am and helping my classmates to stand tall through tough times so that they could succeed as well. I loved seeing my friends, my classmates, excel at doing the things that they do the best. I love my life with the students of Welsh High School and look forward to standing next to them in the future to come. Enough said. Thank you. - Lucas Trahan
Clockwise, top left: Cassie Broussard leads the invocation; The tassel tickles Braiden Jolie; Kade Mallets greets family and friends.
Congratulations! CLASS of 2011 Salutatorian Olivia Reed
EMILY DAIGLE
On your graduation day, we’d like to congratulate you and wish you good luck as you embark upon new and exciting endeavors. May good fortune and good health be yours as you continue to achieve great things!
Best of Luck Emily! You have made us so proud!
Love, Mom, Dad, Anna and John
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WELSH CITIZEN
Valedictorians - (These students who attend UL are eligible to receive the $1000 Val. Award or if they attend LSU they are eligible to receive the $300 Valedictorian Award.) Salutatorian - Olivia Reed
Scholarships - Awards
Lucas Glenn Trahan Lacey Anne Leger LA Quarter Horse B Association Scholarship - Kasey Daniel-$1 000 Jade Miller-$lOOO Sadie Frey-$1 000 2011 Sam Walton Community Scholars - Lacey Leger - $3000 Delta Tech School of Business Scholarship - Ryan Broussard $10,000 Rotary Scholarship - Lucas Trahan - $700 Louisiana Bankers Association Olivia Reed - $1 ,000
Scholarships And Awards Father Daigle Vocational College Sadie Frey - $3, 000 Mason Fox - $3,000 Jeff Davis Diagnostic Scholarship - Lucas Trahan - $12,000 Cassie Broussard - $12,000 Alex Heinen Memorial Scholarship - Emily Daigle - $2, 000 Watkins-Johnson Christian Leadership - Jade Miller - $500 Kang Scholarship- Emily Daigle $250 Professor Vallee Memorial - Emily Daigle - $250 Hazel Hebert Benoit Scholarship Lacey Leger - $1000 Eliot Burnham Memorial- Lucas Trahan - $1 ,000 Dr. Phil & Annette Kramer Scholarship- Lacey Leger - $2,000 Northwestern State UniversityPresidential Scholar - Lacey Leger
- $800 per semester Academic Excellence - Lacey Leger - $700 per semester Presidential Honor - Lacey Leger $500 per semester Valedictorian - Lacey Leger - $400 per semester McNeese State Univenity: - Board of Supervison Scholanhip - Lacey Leger - $1,900 per semester - Residence Hall Scholanhip Lacey Leger - $1,000 per semester Lucas Trahan - $800 per semester -Distinguished Achievement Award - Emily Daigle - $600 per semester Jacob Daigle - $750 per semester Austin Guillory - $700 per semester Lucas Trahan - $1000 per semester Olivia Reed - $800 per semester -H.C. Drew Scholanhip - Devon Guillory - $700 per semester
Ashley Miller - $500 per semester Ryan Soileau - $800 per semester / Zigler Academic Excellence Lucas Trahan - $400 Lacey Leger - $400 Olivia Reed- $400 Emily Daigle - $400 Christian Coleman- $400 Zigler Foundation Scholanhip Lucas Trahan Louisiana TOPS Honor Award Tuition plus $800/year Lacey Anne Leger Louisiana TOPS Performance Award -Tuition plus $400/year Christian Tyler Coleman, Jacob Austin Daigle, Austin Kade Guillory, Madison Drew Lewis, Olivia Alexandra Reed, Ryan Robert Soileau, Lucas Glenn Trahan See AWARDS, page 14b
CHRISTIAN COLEMAN We are very proud of you. We hope the future will be ďŹ lled with many exciting and rewarding adventures, and that all your hopes and dreams will come true.
We love you!
Mom, Buck, Emily and Colton
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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
WELSH CITIZEN
AWARDS, From pg. 1A
Louisiana Tops Opportunity Award - Tuition Misty Dawn Benoit, Emily Reneé Daigle, Kasey Rachelle Daniel, Korry Shawn Derouen, Joseph Payton Fox, Devon Jemal Guillory, Madeline Taylor Hicks, Kelsey Taylor Jackson, Kade Michael Mallett, Ashley Nicole Miller, Jade Lauren Miller, Cheryl Nicole Roy, Turner Lamar Yeates. Louisiana Tops Tech Award Tuition Academic Endorsement Diploma Mason Dominic Fox, Sadie Michelle Frey, Morgan Leslie Giggar, Adam Braiden Jolie, Dustin Joseph Mallett, Lucas Glenn Trahan, Lacey Anne Leger, Olivia Alexandra Reed, Christian Tyler Coleman, Jacob Austin Daigle, Ryan Robert Soileau, Austin Kade Guillory. Graduates In The W.H.S. Honors Curriculum: Misty Dawn Benoit, Cassie Marie Broussard, Emily Renee’ Daigle, Korry
Shawn Derouen, Eva Marie Fontenot, Sadie Michelle Frey, Morgan Leslie Giggar, Austin Kade Guillory, Devon Jemal Guillory, Shonterra Shakeise Jacobs, Adam Braiden Jolle, Lacey Anne Leger, Madison Drew Lewis.
The honor graduates receive an ovation.
726 E. Russell Ave. Welsh, LA 70591 Phone: 337-734-2500 Fax: 337-734-4918
Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2011 and Jacob Daigle!
With education, there are no limits to the success you can achieve. Don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams. May you continue to learn, grow and reach new heights. Congratulations, everyone!
Mayor Carolyn Louviere and the Town of Welsh
We are so proud of you, from everyone at
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JADE MILLER
Jade, Congratulations on your graduation! I am so proud of the person you are. May God always guide you in everything you do. With all my love, Nanny We love you, Nanny, Uncle Mark, Cade, Will and ♥A♥
TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
WELSH CITIZEN
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Clockwise, top left: Christian Coleman receives an award from McNeese;Emily Daigle has graduated; Kennon Thompson raises his diploma; Dana Saucedo turns her tassel; Rajshone Viney turn his tassel; High 5! Principal Pat Deshotel and Jamon Gray
CASSIE
BROUSSARD
Great Job! Shoot for the stars, your dreams can come true. We are very proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, Crystal, Marcus, Chuck, Jamie & All your darling little angels
Congratulations Grads!
THRIFTY WAY PHARMACY 514 E. Russell Ave • 734-4488
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TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
WELSH CITIZEN
Clockwise, top left: Misty Benoit is done; Korry Derouen is congratulated by parents Yvette Derouen and Daniel Trahan, plus Jennifer Ardoin, Adam Trahan, Krystle Trahan, and four-week old Ryleigh; Sherrie Lewis congratulates her “heart daughter” Nicole Roy; Cassie Broussard gives Principal Pat Deshotel a post-graduation hug; Tre’ Cooper finds his hat.
Congratulations on your milestone achievement, graduate. You’ve made us so very proud. Best wishes and highest regards!
Welsh
RotaRy Club
Buy You Treasures, Gifts & Thrift Store 106 N. West Railroad Ave. Welsh, LA
337-734-2448