February 2020

GRADUATION DAY

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Jeff Davis Parish educator and principal James Ward, Sr. (front row, center) is seen here with graduating Jennings students.

A LOOK BACK

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JENNINGS DAILY NEWS Feb. 1, 2000

Legacy is a strong word, but speaking to former employees of the 7-Up Bottling Company, there is an impression left that these men and women were affected in a positive way far beyond the simple expectations of a job.

On the other hand, talking to the descendants of Albert Morgan who ran the company their ancestor started, one realizes that for whatever good was passed on through their work ethic, the Morgans feel they were just doing their job.

The evolution of Black History Month

Black History Month, sometimes referred to as African American History Month, is a federally recognized monthlong commemoration of the achievements of black Americans and the roles they have played in shaping United States history. Each February, Americans recognize notable black American individuals.

Many deserving people are recognized during Black History Month, which no doubt serves to inspire black Americans and others who appreciate the role black Americans have played and continue to play.

A cheat sheet for English class

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Recently I have been giving a few middle and high school students advice for their English language arts classes. Students are reading more difficult texts to beef up their comprehension and writing skills. By this I mean seventh graders are being forced to endure Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron,” which reads like it was written by someone on LSD.

Just say no to drugs and alcohol, kids, unless you want to become a famous writer taught in schools like Ernest Hemingway, Jack Kerouac, Tennessee Williams, Dylan Thomas, William S. Burroughs…

Anyway.

Kobe: A loving prayer for a friend gone too soon

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Kobe Bryant managed to remain a local kid with Philly cred long after he left the city for the West Coast.

I miss my sister

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My fifteenth floor window of my Houston hotel room stares down on an exquisite art work of landscape architecture. A triad of stainless steel pipes of substantial diameter, from left to right one yet shorter than the previous, spews crystal clear water into a reflecting pool that is horseshoe in shape but partially filled with black ceramic tiles. To the right of the arc are a stair step design with one tile first and two tiles and then three, this configuration compensates the steel pipes across from them.

Local family welcomes daughter

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Hunter and Mary Crader, of Jennings, announce the birth of their daughter, Ivy Grace Crader, born Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020. Ivy weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces at birth and was 19 inches long.

Lake Arthur High School announces honor roll students

Lake Arthur High School recently announced Honor Roll and Principal’s List for the second nine weeks. The following students are included in that list:

Principal’s List

Seventh grade - Mallory Lyon

Eighth grade - Jenna Broussard, Mia Broussard, Mallory Guidry, Alexandra Hardin, Hayden LaBauve, Hallie Leger, Avery Marcantel and Vivian Sketoe

Ninth grade – McKenzie Abshire, Auto Breaux, Maci Broussard, Laney Martin, Kymberly Miller, Malloree Pardue, Kylie Romero and Brailey Thomas

Deshotel Speaks to Welsh Rotary Club

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The Rotary Club of Welsh met on Jan. 23. Mark Deshotel (left), assistant principal at Welsh High, spoke about his experiences in education and sports. Bernadine Dabavol pinned Boyd Sockrider (right), nursing home administrator, as the newest member to join the club.

Babineauxs Celebrate 55 Years of Marriage

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Mr. and Mrs. Jim Babineaux celebrated their 55th anniversary Jan. 23, 2020. They have three sons, Tony, Ken and Brandon, nine grandsons, one granddaughter and six great-grandchildren. The couple enjoys traveling, camping and eating out.