Special Seniors Class of 2009

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Sponsored byThomas Landry & Associates, LLC

and

S P E C I A L S EN I OR S THURSDAY, MAY 14, 20092 THE DAILY IBERIAN

Engravable Gifts

Starting at $595

La-Tee-Da Fragrance Lamps & Diffusers

Pearl Necklace, Bracelet& Earring Set

Only $7400

Fossil WalletsStarting at$2500

Citizen andSeiko

WatchesOn Sale

Silver HeartCharm Bracelet

$3500

New ColoredStone

Jewelry

I ND EX

Tiffany Poirrier ..........This Page

Jessica Touchet ................Page 3

Noelle Johnson ................Page 4

Tenisha Vangure ..............Page 5

Brian Leroux ....................Page 6

Jamal Bennett ..................Page 7

Bryan David....................Page 10

Deandranique Glasper....Page 11

Olivier Provost ..............Page 12

Leon Roy IV....................Page 13

Spring Nicole DeBlanc ..Page 14

Jasmine Paul-Olivier......Page 15

Thomas J. Landry, a major sponsor ofthis publication, has helped make it

possible to recognize the special seniorsand teachers of the Class of2009.

Each of the studentsselected for inclusion in thispublication will be present-ed with a special Award ofDistinction.

The award reads:“Success is never an acci-dent; it is always the result of high inten-tion, sincere effort, intelligent directionand skillful execution.”

ALL AREA HIGH SCHOOLS CONTACTED:The Daily Iberian made repeated and determinedefforts to contact all 14 high schools in the TecheArea. However, Assembly Christian School, HighlandBaptist Christian School, St. Martinville Senior High,West St. Mary High School and Hanson MemorialHigh School had no submissions.

Special Seniors is a supplemental publicationof The Daily Iberian, P.O. Box 9290,New Iberia, La., 70562.

Publisher..........................................................Will ChapmanManaging Editor................................................Jeff ZeringueAdvertising Manager................................................Alan RiniProduction Manager..........................................Jerry SextonBusiness Manager.........................................Amanda SenecaCirculation Manager....................................John “JP” Poirier

Landry helpingrecognize area’sSpecial Seniors

Poirrier accomplishing goalsBY INNESS ASHER

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Tiffany Poirrier is accustomed toattention, but that’s not what shelooks for. The daughter of Linda

and Brady Poirrier, she’s happy when sheeither accomplishes her goals or knowsshe’s done her best in her attempts.

“I’ve just strived throughout my wholelife to be the best person I could be, andmy parents have been a big help in that,”Poirrier said.

Although listing her accomplishmentscan provide a picture of her personality,the impressive number can quicklybecome and leave little room for the per-son. For example, Poirrier recently wasnamed Miss Westgate at the prom April25, received the Drama Award foradvanced theater during the baccalaure-ate ceremony for seniors May 2. LastMarch she was named the Iberia ParishSchool Board’s Student of the Year and asa Regent’s Scholar she recently receivedthe distinguished honors rope to wearwith her gown on graduation night.

Although her awards can paint a pictureof a determined and goal-oriented individ-ual, speaking with her provides an oppor-

INNESS ASHER / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Tiffany Poirrier holds her son Chase. Both are all smiles as she prepares for graduation.

SEE POIRRIER, PAGE 5

S P E C I A L S EN I OR S THE DAILY IBERIAN 3THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009

Summer classes begin May 28, 2009in these exciting occupations

at

TECHE AREA CAMPUS

LTC Teche Area Campus609 Ember Drive

New Iberia, LA 70560

BY MARY CATHARINE MARTIN

THE DAILY IBERIAN

It might come as a surprise to those who view a list ofher accomplishments that Delcambre High SchoolStudent of the Year, class president and BETA Club pres-

ident Jessica Touchet describes herself as “disorganized.”It’s in leadership, however, that the 18-year-old

becomes more regimented.“I just love to keep the peace,” she said. “I like to get

everybody in order, like OK, ‘let’s decide, let’s vote, let’sdo this, and let’s get it out of the way.’ Anything else —schoolwork — I’m so disorganized.”

The self-described “people person” said what moti-vates her is helping people.

“Delcambre’s a small town, and it’s like you kind of livein a bubble. Whenever I go different places, I love to meetnew people. It’s so much fun to have different friends ... Ihave a wide variety of interests,” she said.

Some of those interests are creative. Touchet draws,writes, paints and has a love of reading that she said herfriends think is a little weird. It’s certainly something,however, that hasn’t hurt at school.

Jane Fortier, English teacher at Delcambre HighSchool, has taught Touchet for two years and describes

her as “a teacher’s dream.”“She is a teacher’s student,” Fortier said. “She gets her

work done on time, beyond the minimum requirement,always to the best of her ability — never halfway.”

She also has spent some of her free time after schoolwith Fortier and another student working on her writ-ing, Fortier said.

Touchet has a 3.8 grade point average, received a TOPSscholarship and will be heading to the University ofLouisiana at Lafayette, where she wants to study to be aspecial education elementary school teacher. She also let-tered all four years of high school in volleyball, and saysshe’d love to coach the sport.

She said she’d love to teach in Delcambre — “if it’s notocean-front property in the next 10 years.”

Some of the awards Touchet has received are studentof the year, the DAR Good Citizenship Award and theMasonic Lodge Honesty and Integrity award. She placedfirst in the District Rally for English, and in addition toher other leadership activities, she is the Family, Careerand Community Leaders of America vice president andFuture Business Leaders of America co-reporter.

She also did advanced classes at school, which willtransfer over into college — meaning, perhaps, that shecan graduate early.

“We have so much in America, and they (less fortunate peo-ple such as those in Africa) don’t have anything. ... and it justmakes me really sad ... I’m close to God, and I just feel likehelping other people is one of my purposes in life,” she said.

MARY CATHARINE MARTIN / THE DAILY IBERIAN

A love for reading is part of the story for Jessica Touchet.

DHS’ Touchet helping, leading


105 East Main Street

New Iberia

(337) 367-7100

• Fleur-de-lis Shirts, Jewelry and Scarves

• Purses • Shoes • Flat and Clutch Wallets

• Oil Lamps & Fragrance

• Candles and Much More

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES

90 DAYS SAME AS CASH FREE LOCAL DELIVERY& SET-UP ¥ WE FINANCE ALL ACCOUNTS

FOUR SEASONSFurniture And Appliances

2318 E. Main St. • 365-8853/1-800-459-3522Across From Iberia Medical Center

Refrigerators ¥ Washers ¥ Dryers ¥ Sofas ¥ Chairs ¥ Televisions ¥ Dining Tables¥ Lamps ¥ Beds ¥ Coffee Tables ¥ Chest of Drawers ¥ And Lots More!

Graduates furnish your dorm or apartment with easy rent-to-own furniture, appliances and home electronics!

Mother: Noelle ‘the bravest person I know’BY JEFF ZERINGUE

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Noelle Johnson is happy to be graduating withher peers this month. She’s been able to keep upwith her studies and earn her diploma.

But her path that will end when she graduates fromNew Iberia Senior High School was not easy.

At 5, when living in Dallas, she was diagnosed withAcute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, or ADEM. Shehad lesions on her brain that caused seizures.

A year later, after being treated for ADEM, doctors dis-covered something else: Ewing’s sarcoma, a type of bonecancer that usually occurs in teenagers and in the pelvicor rib area or limbs. Johnson was only 6 and her tumorwas in her sinus cavity.

She battled the disease for years, which included sixmonths of radiation treatments, a year of chemotherapyand more surgeries than she can count.

“To me, she’s the bravest person I know,” said hermother, Kimberly Johnson-Nagle.

With the help of teachers in Dallas and later NewOrleans, Johnson was able to keep up with her schoolwork. She said teachers would send work to her at homeor in the Children’s Hospital, even coming to the hospi-tal at times to help her. She also had the help of friends,who would send her cards of encouragement.

One teacher who stands out to Johnson was her sec-ond-grade teacher Mrs. Weiner.

“I couldn’t play at P.E. so Mrs. Weiner let me play withLegos” and other games, Johnson said, encouraging herduring the times she could attend school.

Johnson moved to New Iberia in 2005 after everythingher family had was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Shebegan as a freshmen, nervous and a bit shy.

“ ‘How am I going to find my way around here,’ ” sheremembered saying, “but I met some nice people.”

With the help of good friends, such as Brooke Johnny,Johnson was able to navigate her new school and makeit to graduation.

The cancer treatments and surgeries have saved her life,but they have left their marks. Johnson has diminishedsight in her right eye and cannot hear as well in her rightear. She also has trouble remembering some things, suchas a time when she was in Children’s Hospital in Dallasand a close friend died. Although she couldn’t recall thegirl’s name, she remembers what it felt like.

“I was crushed,” Noelle said. “Sometimes I thought itwasn’t fair. I thought we both should have made it.”

Johnson’s next task will be attending South LouisianaCommunity College — the same school her mother isattending while working on an associate’s degree.

Right now, Johnson said she wants to work towardbecoming a teacher, hoping to help pupils in kinder-garten to third grade. As this almost timid but unassum-ing graduate moves on to her next challenge, her adviceto everyone who has challenges to face is to not give up“just because it seems bad; you can do it.”

JEFF ZERINGUE / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Noelle Johnson has overcome more surgeries than she can count, six months of radiation and a year of chemotherapy.


Just$155 AMonth

1511 Center StreetNew Iberia, LA 70562

(337) 367-5296

and

Spring into Action!

POIRRIER: Role model for her son Chase

tunity to learn there’s a human beingbehind all the success, and that theyoung, single mother who’s driven to suc-ceed does so for a selfless reason.

“Having my son changed me,”Poirrier said. “I matured a lot in the lastthree years. My focus became him andwhat was best for him. I wanted to bethe best role model for him that I couldbe.”

She said not only her parents, but herentire family was at first surprised, butthen supportive when she told them shewas pregnant with her son Chase.

“Without them I couldn’t have done it,”she said, referring to all the obligationsand responsibilities a new mother takeson. “They helped me every step of theway, all my family, including my grand-parents.”

Poirrier has attended Iberia Parishschools her entire life, beginning withCoteau Elementary, then on to Anderson

Middle School before attending WestgateHigh School. She intends to study inLafayette this fall, while working over thesummer at LA Powerhouse Dance, whereshe was just hired as an instructor.

While she has a plan for her continuingeducation, as with most pursuits in herlife she remains open for possible changesin her studies once she arrives on cam-pus.

“I haven’t quite decided yet, but I thinkright now I’m going to stick with mychoices of majoring in secondary Englisheducation, with speech education as myminor,” Poirrier said. “I’ve always wantedto be a teacher, and I found that Englishwas my best, most interesting subject. Ilove to read.”

As for her post-high school future, sheoptimistically and characteristically seeslimitless possibilities ahead.

“I’m really excited to start a new jour-ney and new experience,” Poirrier said.“But I’m leaving behind a really greatone, too.”

FROM PAGE 2

Westgate’s Vangure sewing life ‘worth watching’BY INNESS ASHER

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Tenisha Vangure might not have intended for herembroidery to put her philosophy of life intowords, but they’re no less appropriate because of

that: “One day your life will pass before your eyes. Makesure it’s worth watching.”

That phrase forms the center of the star-patterned quiltWestgate senior Vangure’s hasbeen sewing. Working bent over asewing machine she begins stitch-ing the border, intent on completingthe project and knowing that eventhough she’ll be finishing with littletime to spare, she’ll definitely befinishing. Vangure seems intent onmaking her own life somethingworthwhile for anyone to view.

The daughter of Connie Johnsonand Larry Vangure, she’s attended

school in New Iberia since she began back at SugarlandElementary School before moving on to AndersonMiddle School.

Despite her clear predilection for specific goal setting,

Vangure is modest and seems unaware of the qualitieswhich made her a special senior. She will admit only to afew positive attributes that may have contributed to herbeing chosen.

“I have a good work ethic,” she said. “I’m always ready,

I pay attention to people and I listen.” When prodded shealso admits that she’s good at remaining on task and isable to work with people.

Outside of her academic life, she’s interested in comput-ers, different styles of dance and likes music, particularlyhip-hop.

Her goals after graduation involve a career in lookingafter others. Her primary objective is to work in local lawenforcement, because she feels people need help. Crimeincreases in a bad economy, she said, and she’s anxiousto get to the police academy so she can provide it.

“I want to go straight out of high school,” she said.“But I can’t until I’m 18. Right after I make 18, I’m goingto go.”

That means she’ll have to wait until at least this fallbefore she can apply, but just in case she needs one, shealso has a contingency plan.

“If I can’t wait or don’t get accepted into the academy,I’m thinking of the Air Force,” Vangure said.

She said her view on life has been formed from the situa-tions she’s seen around her.

“You live and look at how other people live and you wantto do better,” she said, modestly revealing apt ability at dis-cerning her own goals by watching others learning the dif-ference between dreams and possibilities.

Vangure

INNESS ASHER / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Sewing project tells the story about WHS’ Tenisha Vangure.

BY JIM MUSTIAN

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Finding a manageable routine is asessential for special needs stu-dents as it is for anyone. Brian

Leroux, a 22-year-old graduating specialeducation student at New Iberia SeniorHigh, had that routine.

He had a comfortable life at ChalmetteHigh School outside of New Orleans anda niche as manager of the boys’ sportsteams.

But Leroux’s world was turned upsidedown on Aug. 29, 2005, when HurricaneKatrina destroyed his house and every-thing he knew.

“He doesn’t do well with big changesand that’s as big of a change as you’reever going to have,” said Leroux’s olderbrother Steven. “Coming here, one of ourbiggest fears was that he wouldn’t beaccepted. But he just went in there andtold the coaches, ‘I can do this.’ He’s goodat the managing stuff.”

As he has each day in coping with hismental disability, Leroux overcame aworld of adversity and settled in to a newhome in New Iberia. He has found a newcomfort zone at NISH, and the school haswelcomed him with open arms, affordinghim the same opportunities he had inChalmette.

“He is 100 percent part of the NISHfamily now,” said Rick Hutson, head foot-ball coach at NISH. “He makes all of our

days a little bit brighter.”At NISH, Leroux is known as B-Love —

“Probably because everyone loves him,”his brother says — and manages each ofthe boys’ teams.

“We don’t go anywhere without some-body saying hi to Brian,” his brothersays. “Wherever we go, there’s alwayssomeone saying, ‘Hey B-Love.’ Even withthat disability, he still fits in and the kidsjust accept him and love him.”

Even when he isn’t helping out on thesidelines, Leroux is a sports fanatic. Hescans the box scores each morning tocheck on his favorite teams and does notmiss a baseball game that comes on tele-vision. His other interests include goingto bingo with his mother and playing hisNintendo Wii.

Now Leroux faces a new challenge.Today, he will be recognized for complet-ing school. At 22, he is right on schedulein the special education program, hisbrother said, and his family could not beprouder of him.

But the future is an uncertain one.Leroux has already worked at St.

Peter’s Catholic Church, and StevenLeroux says he is confident his brotherwill continue to find work in the years tocome.

“He can hold down a job and he’s goingto,” Steven Leroux said. “A couple of weeksof just sitting at home, I think, would justwear on him. He’s an active type.”

As for the managing job, Hutson, the foot-ball coach, says Leroux is welcome to con-tinue lending a hand as long as he’d like.

“He’s got a lifetime invitation,” Hutsonsaid.


CongratulationsGraduates of

2009

America’s Tire Since 1900

3402 Old Spanish Trail East New Iberia, LA • 369-6174Store Hours: 7:30 AM-5 PM Mon.-Fri.; 8 AM-12 PM Sat. Authorized Firestone Dealer

Iberia Discount Tire Center

For Cars:Domestic and Imports

For Trucks:Pick-ups, Vans and Heavy DutyFor Recreational Vehicles:

On-Road, Off-Road, Four X Four Best of Luck!

Leroux does not let condition, hurricane slow him down

SUBMITTED

Brian Leroux graduated from NISH this year after a successful run as a team manager.

New Iberia Senior High student B-Love moves to area and makes local sports programs his home.

BY HEATHER MILLER

THE DAILY IBERIAN

JEANERETTE — As Jamal Bennettwalked the halls of Jeanerette HighSchool on his last day as a high

school student, he vowed to one day returnto Jeanerette after college and “help thecity in any way I can.”

Bennett, 19, has lived in Jeanerette formost of his life, and though many of hispeers see him as quiet and reserved, hewas always an above average student who“never missed a day of school.”

“He was so quiet, but he was always hereand always a hard worker and a superyoung man,” said Lue Washington, disci-plinarian at Jeanerette High. “He neverchallenged another kid.”

Washington has known Bennett since hewas a student at Jeanerette Middle School,and said she recognized him as someonespecial while he was in the EducationalTalent Search Program, a tutoring pro-gram sponsored by the University ofLouisiana at Lafayette that helps studentsfinish high school and encourages enroll-ment in secondary education.

Bennett experienced hard times grow-ing up, Washington said, but has perse-vered through them and always remainedpositive.

“I just try not to let things get to me,” hesaid. “My family is a caring family, andwhen push comes to shove, we really helpeach other out. You have to be there foryour family even if they drive you crazy.Sometimes they just really need yourhelp.”

Bennett hopes to attend Grambling StateUniversity and study computer technolo-gy, though his favorite subjects in schoolwere social studies and English becausethe two classes were “always intersecting(historical) times.”

“I got around my first computer when Iwas about 7, and there’s something about

computers that always fascinated me,” hesaid.

When thinking about the future’sprospects, Bennett said he is excited to

graduate and move forward, but addedhe’ll miss his teachers and friends.

“I may not get to see some of themagain,” he said.

Bennett said several people inspired andencouraged him throughout his schoollife, like Washington, who has “been likean aunt,” social studies teacher ArkeiaWalker, who was “like a big sister,” andabove all, his grandmother.

“My grandmother is my biggest inspira-tion,” he said. “She made sure I stayed inschool and off the streets. She doesn’tallow any trouble. She’s a determined andloving person, and she won’t give up onme.”

Jeanerette High Principal LindaFreeman has grown used to her dailychats with Bennett on the bench outside ofschool, a part of her routine that will bemissed once he graduates, she said.

“He’s really one of our prizes,” Freemansaid. “He’s a quiet kid, but if we had 150like him, we wouldn’t have any problems.He touches your heart.”


BackstageUSA726 E. Admiral Doyle Dr.

New Iberia, LAUSA

Planet EarthLost In Space

“Tuxedos fitted with care!”@

337-365-2387www.backstageusa.com

Thank You

For

Wearing

a

Tuxedo

from

Backstage

this Prom 09

Address www.backstageusa.com

Enrolling Now! 337-365-1550131 West Main • www.academyofacadiana.com

Medical Insurance & Coding Specialist - May 26, 2009 (4 Weeks)Orthodontic Assistant - June 1, 2009 (4 Weeks)

Phlebotomy Technician -June 1, 2009 (10 Weeks)

Physical Therapy Technician -June 22, 2009 (8 Weeks)Medical Office Assistant -June 22, 2009 (8 Weeks)

Dental Assistant - June 29, 2009 (10 Weeks)EKG Technician - July 27, 2009 (4 Weeks)

131 West Main • www.academyofacadiana.com

Academy of AcadianaNew Iberia

“Your Career Is Our Business”

Jennifer CredeurOutpatient Rehabilitation

Center Manager atDauterive Hospital

“This school haschanged my life.”“This school haschanged my life.”

Jeanerette senior looks forward to return‘My family is acaring family,

and when pushcomes to shove,we really helpeach other out. You have to

be there for your family even if they drive you crazy.’

Jamal Bennett

Jeanerette graduating senior

Jamal Bennett made such an impact in school that his principal

said she will miss the dailyconversations the two shared on

the bench outside of school.

S P E C I A L S EN I OR S THURSDAY, MAY 14, 20098 THE DAILY IBERIAN S P E C I A L S EN I OR S THE DAILY IBERIAN 9THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2009

Need Physical Therapy? Remember...You Have The Right To Choose Your Physical Therapy Clinic

Thomas J. Landry & AssociatesPhysical Therapy • Rehab • Sports Medicine

600 Rue De Brille, New Iberia • 337-364-5467

New Iberia’sMost ExperiencedPhysical Therapy

Clinic

LocallyOwned

Free Athletic Injury Assessment

EveryMonday - Friday

throughout the year!

For Over

32 Years

ProvidingPhysicalTherapy

Sports Careto

Iberia ParishStudents!


BY HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON

THE DAILY IBERIAN

LOREAUVILLE — Loreauville Highsenior and Student of Year BryanDavid can bowl more than 180, a

talent he attributes to his years with theschool’s bowling club and one of the activ-ities he will miss most after graduation.

The 17-year-old son of Michael andBarbara David of New Iberia has attend-ed schools in the village since kinder-garten because his mom works here.

He said he has enjoyed his time spent inLoreauville.

“With such a small school you really getclose to it and used to the communitytogetherness,” he said. “I have been ableto really get to know all the teachers andso many friends because it is so tightknit.”

An above average student, his mom con-siders to be perfectionist, David will grad-uate with a 3.75 grade point average andbelieves he could have done betterbecause it was not perfect.

David has been a gifted and talented stu-dent since the second grade. He said theprogram has challenged him and encour-aged him to find more than one solutionto any problem.

He has been in Beta Club, ScienceOlympiad, which he calls “his baby,” andparticipated in the literary rally.

David attributes his recognition as stu-dent of the year to his comfortable, socialnature.

“Outside of my academic achievements,I believe I was selected as the student ofthe year because of my comfort with pub-lic speaking, friendliness and affability,”he said.

He scored high enough on his ACT toreceive academic scholarships and hon-ors TOPS to cover a majority of hisexpenses when he attends the Universityof Louisiana at Lafayette in the fall.

David said he is “pretty sure” at thispoint that he is headed to a degree inLiberal Arts “somewhere between historyand English,” he said.

“Money is always an issue, but I wouldreally love to become a teacher,” he said.“I’m just not sure at this point if thatmight be a high school or college-levelteacher.”

David’s mother, Barbara, said her sonhas always been a “very self-motivatedchild.”

“He pushes himself to accomplish whathe has done,” she said. “We certainlyreward him for pushing himself but wehave never had to hold his hand and makehim do anything. He has always wantedto be perfect.

“He is leaving the nest and is the firstone in our little family going to college.This is a whole new venture for all of us.”

Longtime Loreauville student readies new step

HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Bryan David graduates from Loreauville in 2009 with the recognition of Student of the Year.

BY HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON

THE DAILY IBERIAN

FRANKLIN — Deandranique“Dee” Glasper went from a studentwho never had to study to make As

in school to a student that struggles todayto remember what her teachers say fromone day to the next, much less the materi-al she is expected to remember for tests.

Glasper was diagnosed April 4, 2007with an Arteriovenous Malformation,which she described as the veins or arter-ies in the brain fusing together becausethere is no brain matter between them tostop the process.

She said she remembers having a badheadache that day withshooting pains down herspine and a loss of move-ment in her neck.

Her mother, MargaretBobb, became increasing-ly concerned about herdaughter and rushed herto the hospital.

After a battery of testsand a referral to a neurologist at TulaneMedical Center, Glasper underwent a 12-hour brain surgery to remove the AVM,which has greatly affected the 18-year-old’s short term memory.

“I thought the day she was born was themost joyous day of my life,” MargaretBobb said of her daughter. “I found outwhen she came out of that surgery thather birth was only one of my most joyousdays.”

Though Glasper’s condition has beentreated, there is always a risk of the AVMreturning, and her mother said it puts herdaughter at a greater risk for aneurysms.

Glasper said during this hard time,when she could not bathe or dress herself,her 13-year-old sister, Lisa Glasper was abig help to her, always there to help. Shesaid she will miss her greatly when she

moves to Baton Rouge.Glasper plans to attend Southern

University in the fall to study political sci-ence and wants to become a lawyer.

She has completed an honors curricu-lum at Franklin Senior High and willgraduate with a 3.6 GPA. She scored a 19on the ACT before her surgery and neverwas able to take the test again to try for abetter score. She is one point off fromqualifying for TOPS and as a result, hermother worries about financing herdaughter’s education.

“Money for college is a big concern forme right now,” Bobb said. “I am trying tofind out the things I need to do to help herreach her goals.”

The one thing she will not miss fromher time at Franklin Senior High is thecafeteria food, Glasper said. She will missthe “wonderful” people, friends and teach-ers she has met along the way.

As for Bobb, she said she will be leadingthe crying section at the graduation cere-monies.

“I am so very proud of her,” she said.“Graduation will be another joyous day,the icing on the cake and college gradua-tion, well that will be all the cherries andwhip cream on top of the icing.”


IBERIA PARISHSUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM

Sponsored By: IBERIA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Administered By: LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONDIVISION OF NUTRITION ASSISTANCE

Jeanerette AreaLocations: JEANERETTE ELEMENTARY

New Iberia Area ALTERNATIVE CENTER FOR EDUCATION Locations: NEW IBERIA SENIOR HIGH

NORTH ST. ELEMENTARYPARK ST. ELEMENTARY

Serving Time: BREAKFAST 7:30 AM-8:15 AMLUNCH 11:00 AM-12:30 PM

Dates: TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2009 THROUGH FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2009(CLOSED JULY 3RD & 6TH, 2009)

Eligibility: MEALS WILL BE PROVIDED TO ALLCHILDREN WITHOUT CHARGE

Food That’s In When School Is Out!

For more information call: 365-2341, ext. 4179In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color,national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue,SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 720-6382 (TYY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Brain surgery not enough to stop Glasper’s

high school success

HOLLY LELEUX-THUBRON / THE DAILY IBERIAN

‘Dee’ Glasper, left, receives her graduation cap and gown for graduation from Franklin.

Glasper

‘I thought the day she wasborn was the most joyous dayof my life. I found out whenshe came out of that surgerythat her birth was only one

of my most joyous days.’

Margaret BobbMother of Deandranique ‘Dee’ Glasper

BY HEATHER MILLER

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Bidding farewell to teachers and fel-low students will be bittersweet forOlivia Provost, but doing so with a

list of honors as long as hers might makeit easier to shine on in the next stage ofher education.

Provost, 18, is Jeanerette Senior HighSchool’s Student of the Year, and with a4.0 grade point average and a far-reachinglist of awards and extracurricular activi-ties, faculty members are confident thatshe will “certainly adapt well to the chal-lenge of a college environment.”

“When they say outstanding, she’s defi-nitely outstanding, in more ways thanone,” said Jeanerette Senior HighGuidance Counselor Donna Broussard.“She’s involved in a lot, and she’s got awarm personality.”

Provost, a Jeanerette native, was acheerleader for her entire high schoolcareer, and also played “all over the field”for the school’s softball team for fouryears. She was a member of the FutureBusiness Leaders of America, and also

was inducted into the National HonorSociety for her last two years of highschool.

Her love and skills for math, herfavorite subject, were showcased this yearwhen she placed first in advanced mathat the University of Louisiana atLafayette Literary Rally. Because of herwin at Rally, she was awarded a $100scholarship from UL Lafayette.

“It (math) has always come easy to me,”she said. “I understand it - it’s kind offun.”

In addition to the rally scholarship,Provost is also the recipient of the ULLafayette Centennial Scholarship worth$6,000 and the Charles M. CyrScholarship.

She has enrolled at UL Lafayette for thefall and will major in civil engineering,thanks in part to the advice of JeaneretteSenior High math teacher John Terrell.

“I wanted to be a math teacher,” Provostrecalled. “But Mr. T told me I was toosmart to do that, and I have to do some-thing bigger.”

Aside from “Mr. T,” Provost said shehas her family to thank for her overall

achievements.“My mom, dad and sisters were always

there for me,” she said. “My mom wasalways pushing for me to do my best inschool. She’d tell me to keep going, evenwhen I thought I couldn’t do it all.”

When she’s not studying or participat-ing in her many extracurricular activi-ties, Provost works at the Ward 8Recreation Center part-time and alsospends her summers working at theWillow Wood summer camp.

What little time is left in between isspent playing softball and being with

friends, she said.Her list of awards and recognitions

includes the Woman’s Club of New IberiaOutstanding Senior Award, a RegentsScholar Certificate of Recognition, a ClioMath Award, the Wendy’s HeismanAward, a Lamp of Knowledge pin andrecognition for maintaining straight Asfor four years.

“When I get an assignment, I alwayscomplete it and try to do my best,”Provost said. “I study a lot. Studying cantake you very far. You just have to be dedi-cated.”

Jeanerette’s student of year does her best


9

9

9

9

814 E. DALE ST.364-3555

601 W. MAIN ST.364-4111

VISIT OUR WEB SITE @ www.patinstire.com

PATIN’S TIRE & CAR CARE CENTER

HEATHER MILLER / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Olivia Provost tries on her mortarboard recently as she prepared to graduate with a 4.0 grade point average at JSHS.

BY STEPHEN HEMELT

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Leon Roy IV admits the relationshiphe has with his mother can bestrained at times because of her bat-

tles with multiple sclerosis and the respon-sibilities he has taken on because of it.

However, the recently graduatedCatholic High School senior said heaccepted his responsibility as he gotolder, learning it was his job to be therefor his mother.

The former high school football playersaid his mom showed him a special grati-tude by fully taking part in his senioryear on the football team, the highlight ofwhich was beating Erath in the fall.

Roy said his mom, Phyllis Richard, wasnot always a big fan of the sport, but real-ly got active his senior year.

“That was something that surprised mebecause freshman through junior yearshe didn’t really know anything about it,”he said. “I was really proud she came toall my games, which was big. She reallytried to learn through the other parents. Iwould come home and she would remindme of the plays I did. I was really proudthat she knew that.”

The growth of Richard’s football knowl-edge is just one of the things that high-lights the relationship she shares withRoy, who will be attending LSU in Augustto study kinesiology — study dealingwith the body’s movement.

Roy said his mom is having a hard timeletting him go because she has had himwith her at the house for 18 years. Theteenager said that aspect of their rela-tionship is a little rough, but “we’ll getthrough it.”

Because of Richard’s struggles withMS, Roy said she could not always walkfar distances or help around the house,doing things average mothers could do.Roy said he never wanted his mom’shealth to deteriorate but matured towhere he accepted what extra pressuresthat put on him.

“I came to realize that she did have it,and I had to help her,” he said. “At first, Ididn’t really take responsibility about it.

As I got older, I realized what it was andhow I could help her.”

Roy kept focused, managed his timewisely and earned a 3.0 GPA in highschool.

He also found time to play varsity foot-ball. His commitment on the playing fieldwas something that did not go unnoticed.

Catholic High head coach Craig Brodiesaid Roy was a committed, hard worker,who always had a smile on his face.Brodie described Roy as a “first onethere, last one to leave kind of guy,”.

“When I came here (Roy) had just comeoff of ACL surgery,” Brodie said. “He hadto sit out and recover. Even that firstspring I was here and he couldn’t partici-pate, he was at practice supporting theteam, rehabbing and working hard towhere he could get back to play.”

Roy said it was his passion to play andthe work that it took to stick helped make

him the person he is today.He hopes a career in kinesiology will

help him stay close to the game as anadult. It also does not hurt that his bestclasses in high school were science andP.E.

Another maturity factor in Roy’s life ishis father, Leon Roy III, who Roy said is

in jail because of parole violation.“I talk to him twice a week,” he sad.

“When I was little, I really hated him, butas I have grown up we have gotten a lotcloser I believe. I trust him a little more.”

Despite the many trials and tribula-tions he has experienced growing up, Roysaid he is eager for the next step of col-lege. He will be joined by more than adozen Catholic High 2009 graduates inBaton Rouge, but the familiarity will notbe the same since he has attended CHSsince the fourth grade.

Leaving his friends will be the toughestpart, although he does plan to come homeat least once a month.

The camaraderie of the high schoolfootball team will be missed, as well.

“My friends have been there and you’reonly going to have a handful around you(in college),” Roy said. “You will neversee the majority of your class ever again.

“That was definitely a big thing, beingon a team. It was kind of another home toget out everything. At the same time ittaught me the responsibility help at hometoo, because coaches always said family isNo. 1, followed by school.”


1550 E. Admiral Doyle, Suite B

Helping mom with MS matures graduate‘It was kind of another home

to get out everything.’

Leon Roy IV

Catholic High School graduate

SUBMITTED

Leon Roy IV is headed to LSU in the fall to study kinesiology.

BY MARY CATHARINE MARTIN

THE DAILY IBERIAN

Recent years have not been easy onDelcambre High School seniorSpring DeBlanc, but she’s gradu-

ating this year with a 3.6 grade pointaverage and a band scholarship to theUniversity of Louisiana at Lafayette —something possible, she said, because shenever lets anything that has happened inher past affect her future.

Her story is a testament to that philoso-phy. When Spring was in the fifth grade,her father was disabled in an accidentwith a drunken driver.

Events took a turn for the worse onMarch 24 of 2007, when he died.

“That was a horrible time,” Spring said.“I would never wish that on anybody.Losing a parent is the most devastatingthing ever ... at times you want to give up.”

Making matters worse was that he com-mitted suicide.

“Suicide has been definitely a hardthing to deal with. It’s a different type ofdeath ... it’s hard for kids to understand,”Spring said.

Spring said her band director helped keepher positive, as well as a good friend inband, whose father passed away two daysbefore hers. The band itself also helped.

“Whenever you’re in a band, you’re in afamily,” she said. “It’s not just a schoolfunction. It’s your life. Their support wasamazing — the support from everybody,the school too.”

Spring also got counseling, somethingshe recommends for anyone goingthrough a situation like that, and herfamily helped her.

“My mom’s amazing,” she said. “I havetwo younger brothers ... pulling that

weight I know was rough for her.”When her father was disabled, her

mother, who had been a stay-at-homemom, had to go to work.

Spring finds a way to see the positive inthis, too. “I think it was a growth for mymom,” she said. “Things weren’t alwayseasy ... (but) she’s found her thing” and isnow successful at her job.

Spring’s mother, Christine, said herdaughter is “my backbone.”

“She’s wonderful,” she said. “And she’sa great help. She helps me with her broth-ers a lot, because I work all the time. ...she’s always got something going on withschool.”

As an older sister to Tyten, 11, andTrenton, 9, Spring also sees herself cast inthe role of a protector and a role model,showing them the right way to live.

“I don’t do drugs. I don’t smoke. I don’treally party,” she said. “I try to stay

focused, and show them positive things ...staying involved in church ... I would loveit if they would just be great. I know thatthey will.”

Though it was hard to keep focus,Spring kept making good grades.

“Sometimes you think ‘What’s the point?Why do well in school?’ You feel bad about

stuff all the time. The teacher’s talkingand your mind’s going crazy,” she said.

Christine DeBlanc, “never let me putmy head down,” said Spring. “She said‘You know, Spring, you only get onechance.’ ”

Now, not only is she graduating with a3.6 grade point average and a band schol-arship to the ULL, she is the first familymember outside her mom, who completedit later, and her nanny, Ashley Blanchard,to graduate from high school.

If she ever got put in the position ofgiving advice, Spring says she would tellothers “You don’t have to let anythingaffect who you’re going to be in thefuture. You shouldn’t let bad things inyour life affect your education and yourdreams.”

She said she plans to stay close to homewhile attending ULL, in large part for herbrothers and her mother. Plus, she saidshe’ll need their support, too.

“College is not going to be easy,” shesaid.


SPECIAL FOR 2009 SENIORS

$1999*OIL CHANGE

Expires 6/30/09

Tax not includedPresent

School ID

SUPERIORQuik Change, LLC

209 East Admiral Doyle - New Iberia • 367-7617

*Up to 5 qts

Spring is sunny despite sadnessTragedy of father’sdeath does notdeter Delcambresenior from goal

LEE BALL / THE DAILY IBERIAN

Spring DeBlanc, left, shares time with her mother, Christine DeBlanc, of Delcambre.

‘You don’t have to let anything affect who you’re

going to be ...’

Spring DeBlanc

Delcambre High graduate

BY JIM MUSTIAN

THE DAILY IBERIAN

When Jasmine Paul-Olivier wasabout 3 years old, she begandancing. She hasn’t stopped

since.“It got to the point where we just had to

make a studio for her,” says the 17-year-old’s mother, Bonnie Olivier. “She’s beentraining for the last six years in thegarage.”

On the surface, Paul-Olivier is anaccomplished dancer. The New Iberianative and graduating senior was chosento perform a featured solo with the USADance Team in Barcelona. She’s traversedthe country, racking up scholarships andawards, including two national titles.

But what may be less apparent isPaul-Olivier’s dedica-tion to her school workand academic future.She has maintained a4.0 grade point averagesince the ninth grade atNew Iberia Senior Highand will graduate todayat the top of her classthis spring, one of fivevaledictorians.

“Dancing is like theother half of her life,”Olivier said. “There’sacademics and there’sdancing.”

During this schoolyear, Paul-Olivier served on the firstLouisiana Legislative Youth AdvisoryCouncil in Baton Rouge, a 21-memberboard designed to represent the voice ofstudents across the state. In a recent noteof congratulations, Cathy Ortego, theadministrative secretary of theLouisiana Senate, thanked Paul-Olivier

and said she had represented her peers“in a positive way.”

This fall, Paul-Olivier will be back inBaton Rouge to attend Louisiana StateUniversity, where she already has madethe dance team.

Her main focus at the university, how-ever, will be to earn adegree in microbiology.She says she plans to gointo the medical field,perhaps radiology.

Olivier attributes herdaughter’s disciplineand self-motivation toan entire childhood ofcompetition dancing.

“Through dancing,she’s had to be inter-viewed, she’s had toaudition,” Olivier said.“All of those things(contributed) to whoshe is.”

At NISH, Paul-Olivier is involved in justabout everything and is a member of sev-eral organizations and clubs, includingBeta and student government.

In addition to performing and choreo-graphing many types of dance, Paul-Olivier has also done some modelingand once found herself on the back

cover of a magazine.At home, Paul-Olivier is a role model

for her 13-year-old sister, who also dances.

And despite what seems like an impossi-ble schedule, she also finds time to work apart-time job in town assisting a localaccountant.

She is also a devout Catholic.“I trust that my faith and attitude

will help me with the pressures of the young adult life and with the challenges that are in store for me in the future,” Paul-Olivier wrote in abrief autobiography.


367-50401000 Parkview, Suite 9

10-5 Mon. thru Fri.10-3 Sat.

New Iberia SeniorHigh graduate hasbeen dancing sinceshe was 3 years old

SUBMITTED

Jasmine Paul-Olivier will be a Golden Girl when she attends LSU in the fall.

‘It got to the point wherewe just had to make a

studio for her. She’s beentraining for the last sixyears in the garage.’

Bonnie Olivier

Mother of Jasmine Paul-Olivier

‘I trust that my faith and attitude will help me with thepressures of the young adult

life ...’

Jasmine Paul-Olivier

NISH graduate

Accomplished dancer headed to LSU


Huge Selection of Dresses For the Graduate and Mom

– Sportswear – Jewelry– Shoes – Flat Wallets

★ Gift Certificates Available ★

837–40031209 Albertson Pkwy – Broussard

Hours: Mon thru Sat 10 am – 5:30 pm

Special Seniors Class of 2009

Documents

Transcript of Special Seniors Class of 2009