DONALDSONVILLE • DUTCHTOWN • GEISMAR • GONZALES • PRAIRIEVILLE • ST. AMANT
THE ASCENSION
ADVOCATE T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, A p r i l 2, 2025
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EA students learn through spring farmers market BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
The East Ascension High School chapter of the National FFA Organization welcomed spring with a greenhouse full of herb, fruit and vegetable plants during its annual plant sale and farmers market. The popular sale also included woodworking projects built by students such as swings, chairs and picnic tables. A half-dozen craft and food vendors also participated during the March 22. Proceeds from the event will cover the cost of bringing students on educational and competition trips, as well as the state convention and Ag Leadership camp. The student-run event is an opportunity for students in all grades to work on farming, entrepreneurial and communication skills.
“From there, Agriscience III students learn how to properly care for plants and fertilize them. They keep data on our plants, such as axillary buds produced, blooms before the sale and pH of the soil. They use that information to help adjust the plant care to make them more ‘marketable’ to consumers.”
weeks before, our Agriscience I, II and III classes work together to transplant plugs into the containers we sell the plants in. “From there, Agriscience III students learn how to properly care for plants and fertilize them. They keep data on our plants, such as axillary buds produced, blooms before the sale and pH of the soil. They use that information to help adjust the plant care to make them more ‘marketable’ to consumers.” Gravois said the agriscience classes PAIDON GRAVOIS, also learn about food science safety agriculture teacher and the benefits preserving foods to at East Ascension High School prolong shelf life. Some of the preserved products sold at the farmers’ market were pepper “Our students have had multiple jelly, strawberry jam and dulce de experiential learning opportunities to leche. Communication with the public is plan for this plant sale,” said Paidon Gravois, agriculture teacher at East ä See MARKET, page 2G Ascension High School. “A couple of
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
East Ascension senior Joseph Torres waters Dukat dill plants March 22 during the school’s National FFA Organization plant sale and farmers market.
GOOD EATS
Rotary Food Fest raises money for local nonprofits BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
More than 30 food vendors and restaurants PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
Elijah Attaway, 10, of Cutoff, holds Willow, a 2-year-old Cornish rex. Willow and her owner, Daedra Marshall of Dreamsong Cats, traveled from Georgia to compete in the 51st annual Greater Baton Rouge Cat Show in Gonzales.
Felines show off personalities, furry coats BY WENDY LOUP
Contributing writer
Frisky felines took over the LamarDixon Expo Center over the weekend during the 51st annual Greater Baton Rouge Cat Show. More than 200 cats showcased their fur coats and endearing personalities for judges during the two-day competition. The Greater Baton Rouge
offered their popular dishes Thursday during the Gonzales Rotary Food Fest Extravaganza. The event, held at the PACE Center in Gonzales, was a fundraiser for various Ascension Parish organizations including the St. Theresa Food Pantry, Bobby Webre Community Outreach Initiative and Volunteer Ascension. Artwork and crafted pieces were offered for raffles and auctions. ä More photos. PAGE 4G
ä See FELINES, page 4G
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
Matthew Burton, left, and Reagan Prejean, of Premier Bowling Lanes, prepare alligator balls and slammin’ sauce Thursday during the Gonzales Rotary Food Fest Extravaganza. The annual event is a fundraiser for various Ascension Parish organizations
Mammography coach stopping in Gonzales Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Woman’s Hospital is providing breast imaging to Ascension Parish with its mobile mammography coach. A physician’s order is required, and appointments are strongly encouraged. Call (225) 924-8268 to schedule.
The coach stops April 7 behind Bertrand’s Pharmacy, 1943 South Burnside, Gonzales. For more information including the full mammography coach schedule, visit Womans.org.
Sorrento Easter Egg Hunt set
An egg hunt, games, inflatables and food will be part of Sorrento’s Easter Egg Hunt from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Sorrento Community Center, 7471 Main St.
Easter Egg-stravanganza
Stop by Colonial Stables, 38297 Cornerview Road, Gonzales from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday for an Easter party
ä See AROUND, page 2G