Ascension Advocate 02-11-2026

Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION

‘Romeo and Juliet’ coming to ACT

Tickets are on sale for the Ascension Community Theatre’s

“Romeo and Juliet” on Feb 1922 and Feb. 28 to March 1.

The production tells the story of the classic William Shakespeare play For tickets, visit ci.ovationtix com/35620/production/1251043. Car show at RPCC

Cruisin’ The Day For United Way is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 21 at River Parishes Community College, 925 W. Edenborne Parkway, in Gonzales. All makes and models can register for $30. Free admission for spectators.

To register, email Joey Dinino, josseph.dinino@novachem. com; Johnny Noel, johnny noelii@novachem.com; or Clint Gautreau, clint.gautreau@ novechem.com.

Gun show coming to Gonzales

The Gonzales Gun Show is coming to Lamar-Dixon Expo Center

The show is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 21 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 22. Bring your gun and trade or browse the booths new and old guns, ammo, gun parts, books, knives, knife sharpening, coins, camouflage and related items at discounted prices Rodeo coming soon

The Southeast Louisiana Junior and High School Rodeo starts Feb. 27 at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. Action continues at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 and 9 a.m. March 1. Rodeo athletes in fifth through 12th grades from all of Louisiana will compete Admission is $10. A weekend pass is $15. Kids 5 and under are free. Jambalaya Festival is in May

The 2026 Jambalaya Festival is set for May 21-24.

Egg a home for Easter

Cara’s House Animal Shelter is “egging” houses in the Ascension area Prices range from $20 to $85 for 25 to 150 eggs. Stuffed eggs will be delivered to the requested yard after 9 p.m April 4 for Easter morning If weather is bad, eggs will be left in a bucket. Orders must be submitted by March 27.

The shelter is in need of volunteers, fosters and adopters for the pets at its shelter

And if you’re missing your pet, don’t forget to call the shelter to see if it has been turned over For information, visit carashouse.com.

Food distributions set Ascension Parish’s commodity distribution is set for the second Tuesday of each month in Donaldsonville and the second Wednesday of the month in Gonzales.

Distributions are from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Frank Sotile Jr Pavilion in Donaldsonville and the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

All recipients must be prequalified by visiting the Ascension Parish Health Unit, 1024 E. Ascension Complex Blvd., in Gonzales or the Donaldsonville courthouse, 300 Houmas St. Contact Layne Melancon at (225) 450-1006 or layne.melancon@fmolhs.org

Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@theadvocate.

‘It’s

beautiful’

BY CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT Staff writer

Gov Jeff Landry and other of-

ficials heralded the future Donaldsonville campus of River Parishes Community College as “a transformation” for Louisiana during a groundbreaking ceremony Friday afternoon.

“You get to now imagine a state where every job finds a worker, and every worker finds a pur-

pose,” Landry said to the roughly 300-person crowd on the land where the future 19-acre campus will be. “Where our children grow up believing that opportunity isn’t something that you chase, it’s something that you can count on right here in this state.”

The RPCC Hyundai Steel Training Center is a partnership between the community college system and Hyundai, which plans to construct a $5.8

STAFF

Gov. Jeff Landry and leaders

north of the city The center located along La. 945 — is expected to open in late 2027 and will train the future workforce for proposed industrial projects in the region.

Many officials across the region attended the event, including the Ascension Parish government, Donaldsonville City Council,

Outdoor art sought for state license cards

Community news report

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries sells hard collector’s license cards for $5.

These optional collectible cards let owners carry all their active annual licenses on a single, long-lasting card that fits in your wallet, a news release said. These collector cards will feature new artwork each year from Louisiana outdoor enthusiasts.

The state agency is looking for amateur or professional artists or photographers who love the Louisiana outdoors to submit iconic Louisiana outdoor artwork and photographs to be featured on this year’s hard license cards.

To be featured, user-submitted, original artwork or photographs should fall into the following categories: wildlife/hunting, fish/fishing and scenic/other Photographs or artwork may be submitted in digital format

To participate, visit wlf louisiana.gov/page/ldwf-durable-hard-license-artworkcontest, enter your contact

information into the form and upload your image or images before Feb. 21.

Rules

n Images must be taken in Louisiana

n Please do not submit images with anyone’s recognizable face.

n Image size cannot exceed 20MB

n Images should be horizontal Wildlife and Fisheries will announce the winners. Winners will be notified by email, will have their artwork featured on the hard license cards and will be featured on the agency’s website and social media channels throughout the year The hard license cards will go on sale in June and will be available for an additional $5 fee.

The proceeds from the card sales help fund the agency’s mission to manage, conserve and promote wise utilization of Louisiana’s renewable fish and wildlife resources and their supporting habitats, the release said.

Registration open for Love the Boot Week beautification initiative

Community news report

Keep Louisiana Beautiful and Lt. Gov Billy Nungesser announced Jan. 12 that online registration is open at lovetheboot.org for the fifth annual Love the Boot Week, Louisiana’s largest statewide litter removal and beautification effort

The event is April 18-26 and celebrates America’s 250th birthday Louisianans across the state are encouraged to show their pride in their communities and their country — by participating in a local cleanup or beautification effort during Love the Boot Week.

The first 800 groups registering their litter cleanup or beautification event will receive a supply box with volunteer T-shirts, gloves and trash bags.

“I challenge people in every parish to sign up, pitch in and help pick up at least 250 pieces of litter as a tribute to our nation and a commitment to the future of our state,” Nungesser said.

Connie Snyder, owner of Connie’s Jewelry and Gifts, traveled from Loranger to feature her hand-beaded jewelry during the weekend market.

PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP

Residents can participate in Love the Boot Week by:

n Registering a litter cleanup or beautification event.

n Volunteering for an event in your area.

n Picking up 250 pieces of litter in celebration of America’s birthday

n Sharing on social media how much you #LovetheBoot.

n Donating to the KLB Foundation to support Love the Boot Week.

During Love the Boot Week 2025 26,935 volunteers contributed 81,852 hours across 1,408 events in all 64 parishes, resulting in the removal of 514 tons of litter Volunteers also diverted 16,503 aluminum cans and plastic bottles from landfills through recycling efforts.

In addition to litter removal, participants planted 1,204 trees and 3,672 plants and refurbished 477 community gardens.

Organizers anticipate an even greater impact in 2026.

CRAFT

Continued from page 1G

Nicole Creshon-Davis her husband, Christian Kinard, and their daughter Courtney Davis, of Baton Rouge, brought a portable engraving machine to the event for custom orders.

“We are brand-new,” CreshonDavis said. “I’ve always been creative, but my day-to-day job requires me to be logical, so the business gives me a way to be creative.”

The timing to start a small business was perfect because Kinard recently earned his master’s degree in business, Creshon-Davis said.

“This is our first vendor market,” Creshon-Davis added. “We’ve enjoyed stepping out and greeting people and letting them know what we can make.”

Another new small business recently launched focuses on a sensory activity which has exploded in popularity over the last five years — slime. Sabrina Pence and her husband Steve Lochner, of St. Amant, intro-

duced shoppers to their business, Mad Science Slime Lab. Buckets of slime, trinkets and other small accessories were available for shoppers to create their own concoction.

Pence, who is an educator and has been a middle school science teacher, said do-it-yourself slime is a favorite of children.

“Slime is popular because it’s a sensory activity,” Pence said.

“Playing with the slime can be

Hoop dreams

Air Products donates $35K to local Teach For America

Community news report

Schools in Donaldsonville and north Baton Rouge have received donations from the Air Products Foundation to Teach for America.

The donation builds on the foundation’s prior support of the organization as it continues its mission in the Donaldsonville and north Baton Rouge communities.

“Air Products’ long-term com-

mitment to our mission has been essential in enabling us to strengthen the pipeline of talented, data-driven education leaders who are transforming classrooms across our community,” said Laura Vinsant, executive director for Teach For America Greater Baton Rouge.

“This funding will allow Teach For America to recruit, develop and retain high quality teachers in Donaldsonville and north Baton Rouge schools,” said Stanley

Ascension to receive disaster aid

Community news report

Ascension Parish is receiving $1,202,055 in Federal Emergency Management Agency grant money for emergency protective measures, including the operation of an Emergency Operations Center, evacuation, sheltering and emergency pumps.

Sen. John Kennedy R-Madisonville a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said FEMA is awarding $479,804,729 for Louisiana. These grants will fund restoration and hazard mitigation efforts related to hurricanes Isaac, Laura, Zeta, Ida and Francine, and cover costs associated with saltwater intrusion and additional storms and flooding.

School system announces new supervisor of transportation

Community news report

Kenneth “Kennie” Ridgdell Jr is the new supervisor of transportation for Ascension Parish Public Schools.

Ridgdell

“With years of experience across our district, Kennie Ridgdell has a deep understanding of what it takes to safely and efficiently serve our students,” said schools Superintendent Edith M Walker “We are grateful to have his knowledge and heart for students guiding our transportation department.” Ridgdell has worked for Ascension schools for 22 years He began as a custodian at St. Amant High in 2004 and moved to accounting in 2006. He served for eight years as a coordinator of transportation. Most recently he was a planning generalist in the Planning and Construction Department, a position he held since 2015.

Prior to joining Ascension schools, Ridgdell worked for Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. and Primus Automotive Financial Services. A graduate of Bogalusa High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in business administration and marketing.

“I am looking forward to and excited about this new mission I have in transportation,” said Ridgdell. “We have a tremendous department. We have the precious cargo of Ascension Parish on our buses, transporting 17,000 students on a daily basis. We’re going to take care of those kids like they are our own.” Ridgdell is married to Lori LeBlanc Ridgdell, an East Ascension graduate and former educator at St. Amant High. They have two children who are St. Amant graduates, Amanda and Darren; and two grandchildren, Emma and Luke

Bienemy government relations manager for Air Products in Louisiana and member of the Regional Advisory Board for Teach For America Greater Baton Rouge.

Air Products previously supported Teach For America through a $15,000 grant from the Air Products Foundation to benefit STEM education. To learn about the program, visit cleanenergylouisiana.com/ community

The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on Jan. 22-29:

Jan. 22

JACKSON, DARRELL: 39159 W Worthey Road, Gonzales; 64; entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden

AURAND, ASHLEY NICOLE: 6026 Comite Drive, Baker; 43; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction

BABIN, BOB HENRY: 434 S. Airline Highway, No.115, Gonzales; 70; domestic abuse battery

DUHE, KY’ERAYH E.: 4609 Walter Hill Road, Darrow; 18; terrorizing AYDELL, JUSTIN DUANE: 42057 Moody Dixon Road No. 03, Prairieville; 31; aggravated assault with a firearm, first-degree rape

PINDER, RAYMOND MICHAEL: 230 Engineer Road, Belle Chase; 52; mail theft

GREEN, TONY RODRIGAS: 3243 Sycamore St., Baton Rouge; 32; theft less than $1,000 SOTO-CARDONA, JOSE: 40206 Coontrap Road, No. 23, Gonzales; 39; prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, contraband defined-certain activities regarding contraband in penal institutions prohibited, possession of fentanyl, possession of heroin

DOUCET, PENNY L.: 2224 E. Roosevelt St., No. 317-C, Gonzales; 59; failure to appear-bench warrant, operating vehicle while license is suspended, driving on roadway laned for traffic, operating while intoxicated-first CLARK, BROOK LEE: 40036 Champion Tif Drive, Gonzales; 31; hit-and-run driving SHAMBURGER, ROBERT OWEN: 40444 Black Bayou Ext., Gonzales; 47; violations of protective orders CLEMENTS SR., JAMIE LANE: 41416 Richard Miles Road, Gonzales; 53; security required, maximum speed limit, illegal possession of stolen things less than $1,000, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute Schedule IV (clonazepam), distribution/possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)

MECHE, DEIRDRE D.: 1864 Little Prairie Road, Prairieville; 46; state probation violation, illegal possession of stolen things less than $1,000, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance (clonazepam), distribution/possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)

Jan. 23

BARROW, KEYLON JAVONTRA: 1125 S. Sheena Drive, Gonzales; 30; operating vehicle while

Air Products employees Jeff Bellelo and Christina

present the donation check to Chantelle Varnado, executive director of Launch Therapy Center

license is suspended, driving on roadway laned for traffic, operating while intoxicated-first JONES, NAYAH LANAE: 14061 Ashton Road, Maurepas; 24; no seat belt, unlawful production/ manufacture/distribution/or possession of hallucinogenic plants

JARVIS, DESMOND DEWAYNE: 42005 Shadow Creek Ave Gonzales; 34; bond revocation, operating vehicle while license is suspended, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, careless operation, aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, firstdegree vehicular negligent injuring, operating a vehicle while intoxicated-second

JOSHUA, ANTHONY ANTROINE: 3350 La. 1 S., No. 7, Donaldsonville; 25; parole violation, failure to appear-bench warrant, reckless operation, maximum speed limit, stop signs and yield signs, required position and method of turning at intersections, driving on roadway laned for traffic, aggravated flight from an officer, security required, driver must be licensed, tail lamps

MARTIN, JERRY ANTONIO: 728 S Sammy St., Gonzales; 21; state probation violation

SIMS, NAUTICA: 200 Dville Village Circle, Donaldsonville; 23; unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure, disturbing the peace/simple assault, simple assault

ROBINSON, MICKEY LYNN: 13252 Leo Lambert Road, St. Amant; 42; failure to appear-bench warrant

LEBLANC, REGINALD ANDREWS: 207 Lafourche St., Donaldsonville; 41; in for court, fugitiveother state jurisdiction, failure to appear-bench warrant MILLER, ALINDA MARIE: 38337 Barbados Drive, Gonzales; 58; possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids

LEBLANC, AMBER L.: 3213 Effie Road, Hester; 37; driving on roadway laned for traffic, operating while intoxicated-first Jan. 24

DARR, JOSEPH LAWRENCE: 1345 N. Airline Highway, Gramercy; 28; careless operation, operating while intoxicated-first

HOTARD, TYLER ANTHONY: 40481 Ethel St., Prairieville; 38; driver must be licensed, stopping/standing/or parking outside business or residence districts, possession of fentanyl, operating while intoxicated-first

TAYLOR, ROBERT: 40334 Crestridge Drive, Gonzales; 40; failure to appear-bench warrant THOMAS, MONIQUE: 2300 Sagona Road, Donaldsonville; 32; operating vehicle while license is suspended, general speed law, failure to appearbench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction

SHARP, JUSTIN WAYNE: 38150 Smith Road, Prairieville; 26; parole violation, domestic abuse battery-child endangerment

BRUNO JR., WARREN DAVID: 17021 Camden Drive, Prairieville; 36; distribution/possession with

the intent to distribute Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance (clonazepam), two counts prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, two counts illegal carry of weapons-crime or controlled dangerous substance, distribution/possession with the intent to distribute marijuana or synthetic cannabinoids, distribution/possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution/possession with intent to distribute Schedule II controlled dangerous substance, aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of firearm by person convicted of certain felonies, sale/distribution/ or possession of legend drug without prescription, possession of a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance (clonazepam), possession of heroin, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)

JOLIVETTE, JOSEPH SHANE: address unknown; 48; simple battery

PRICE, FERONTI LEMARD: 516 Houmas St, Donaldsonville; 44; illegal use of weapons or dangerous instrumentalities/ weapons law violation, seconddegree murder/attempt GREEN, CANTRELLE INGRAM: 418 W. Bluebird St., Gonzales; 48; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, failure to appear-bench warrant, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, simple battery, entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden, resisting an officer, failure to appear-bench warrant

DOUZAT, KATHERINE CECILIA: 13316 Rue Maison Blvd., Gonzales; 38; resisting an officer, domestic abuse battery

BORDELON, SHERI BESSON: 15084 Germany Oaks Blvd., Prairieville; 53; domestic abuse battery

Jan. 25

MARTIN JR., RANDY EUGENE: 2730 Greenwood St., Kenner; 23; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction

LEAL JR., ROBERTO RUIZ: 12093 Roddy Road, Gonzales; 48; careless operation, operating while intoxicated-first CHATMAN, KIREN JANTE: 411 Hood St., Donaldsonville; 33; unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling

JACKSON JR., JONATHAN JERMAINE: 17452 Evergreen Hill Drive, Prairieville; 24; expired motor vehicle inspection, registration certificates, violations of registration provisions , three counts failure to appear-bench warrant

CARTER, TIFFANI ANN: 20765 La. 16, Denham Springs; 35; domestic abuse battery

Jan. 26

TURNER, CHRIS: 6145 La. 405, Donaldsonville; 41; four counts failure to appear-bench warrant FLUENCE, RASHAUD AHMAD: 1934 S. Ringer Ave., Gonzales; 24; failure to appear-bench warrant

KENNARD, DEVANTA SHAVON: 2398 N. Albert St., Lutcher; 27; possession of firearm by person convicted of domestic violence battery, failure to appear-bench

warrant

Jan. 27

WILLIBY, RYAN J.: 266 Simmons Road, Napoleonville; 32; theft less than $1,000

LANUS, AUQUINTAE IONEITHA: 150 S. 17th St. Apt 2-6, Baton Rouge; 39; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, two counts theft less than $1,000, organized retail theft $1,000 to $5,000

CARTER, KIYJUAN: 10203 Bellina Ave., Baton Rouge; 32; identity theft, monetary instrument abuse, bank fraud, illegal transmission of monetary funds

ERNEST, HUNTER JAMES: 24715 Walker South Road, Denham Springs; 23; failure to appearbench warrant

SHADDINGER, JOHNNY: 723 E. McArthur St., Gonzales; 48; failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine)

SHADDINGER JR., QUINCY PAUL: 13106 Roddy Road, Gonzales; 25; failure to appear-bench warrant, prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction

WINDHAM, AMY K.: 40117 Autumn Meadow Ave., Prairieville; 37; failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, prohibited actsdrug paraphernalia

Jan. 28

GARRETT, TARESE JOSEPH: 113 Emy Lane, Patterson; 19; illegal possession of stolen firearms

CURRY, CLAY CHRISTIAN: address unknown; 40; state probation violation, disturbing the peace/violent and tumultuous manner/disorderly conduct, battery of a dating partner MAYHO, SHONDELL M.: address unknown; 47; theft less than $1,000

JONES, SAMANTHA RENEE: 1612 N. Coontrap Road Apt. 46, Gonzales; 42; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction

YORK, LIONEL JOSEPH: 725 E. Hamilton St., Gonzales; 42; domestic abuse battery HIDALGO JR., BRAD: 15195 Meadow Lane, Prairieville; 26; failure to appear-bench warrant, fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, parking prohibited at specified places

BATISTE, JORDAN JOSEPH: 8235 Cottonwood St., Sorrento; 19; domestic abuse battery-child endangerment, domestic abuse battery, simple battery, failure to appear-bench warrant

Jan. 29

BAGLIO, STEPHEN: 47437 La. 937, St. Amant; 30; domestic abuse battery-strangulation

BAGLIO, SUMMER: 47437 La. 937, St. Amant; 27; domestic abuse battery

VELAZQUEZ-MERDANO, RONY: 11088 Kling Road, Geismar; 20; careless operation, underage operating while intoxicated JONES, DARRICK: 8370 S. St. Landry Ave., Lot 37, Gonzales; 23; four counts failure to appear-bench warrant

Focus, discipline make Donaldsonville basketball a contender

Donaldsonville High coach Lionel Gilbert understands that the team that scores the most points will win the game; to be that team, there are some key ingredients.

“This team is unselfish, we have guys that can score and shoot, they have surprised me with their focus and discipline on defense,” Gilbert said. “The communication level has been good with this group, we have to continue to build upon that to be successful.

The Tigers are 13-8 overall and ranked fourth in the Division III nonselect power rankings. That division is strong with teams that have a winning culture and championship trophies.

“Marksville, Madison, Red River and Doyle are teams that come to mind first, but the entire division is strong. We lost to Richwood last year in the quarterfinals, they made it to finals and were beaten by Marksville,”

Gilbert said.

The Tigers have a strong history of playoff basketball with recent trips to the Top 28 in 2024, losing to Red River and in 2022 losing to Madison Prep in the final

four

The senior group has a few players from that 2024 team and they are now the veterans of this Tiger team.

“Seniors Quinnton Dabney, Donald Brown and Jaden Allen were on that team, they lead our group now. Sophomores Skylar Garrison and Isaac Rodrigue join them in the starting lineup,” Gilbert said. “Our true vocal leader has been Brown, but Allen and Dabney have stepped up lately to be more verbal. Our top reserve has been junior Zaylon Phillips, he plays great defense for us.

Dabney leads the Tigers with 20 points per game. He had a 35-point game earlier this season.

Dabney hopes to play in college and has interest from some schools in football.

Brown and Garrison follow with 13 ppg. Brown is the floor general and is a standout football player

Quintin D. Taylor center chancellor of River Parishes Community College, thanks Gov. Jeff Landry left, during a groundbreaking ceremony Feb 6 for the RPCC campus partnership with Hyundai. At right is Hyundai Steel President and CEO Bo Ryong Lee.

TRAINING

Continued from page 1G

Ascension Parish Council and School Board members. Newly appointed Louisiana Community and Technical College System President Richard Nelson spoke, along with state Sen. Ed Price, D-Gonzales, and Rep. Ken Brass, D-Vacherie.

RPCC Chancellor Quintin Taylor opened the event, thanking Landry and other officials for their help and touting the 1,300 direct new jobs the steel mill is expected to create “It’s going to be beautiful, and we’re going to train 1,300 people to get jobs,” he said “The 1,300 must come from this community and this region.”

$600M planned for Hyundai

Funding for the campus, which comes with a roughly $30 million price tag, is part of the total $600 million officials are investing in bringing Hyundai to Louisiana. State and local officials plan to spend that amount on other developments, including a new wastewater treatment plant and road and rail upgrades. Louisiana Community and Technical College System and the state paid around $1 million in November for the site.

According to Louisiana Economic Development, the direct new jobs created by the steel mill are expected to have an average salary of $95,000. The facility will be located within the RiverPlex MegaPark, an area larger than Manhattan that parish officials have designated for future industrial growth

The Hyundai steel mill is planned for construction near the rural community of Modeste, and many residents have expressed opposition to the plans

Many officials discussed the economic opportunities they say the Hyundai mill and technical college will bring to the entire River Parishes region. In his speech, Brass said the opportunity brought the important need to hire and train local residents, businesses and contractors.

“With great economic development opportunity comes the responsibility of being committed to investing in training opportunities at RPCC and local school districts across this region in an effort to encourage hiring local residents,” he said.

Realization of a dream

The day was especially personal for Justice of the Peace Tamiko Francis Garrison, who said it is the realization of a dream of her mother, Janet G Francis In the mid-1990s, while Garrison’s father, Bernard J. Francis Sr served as Donaldsonville’s mayor, her mother wrote a letter to the Baton Rouge Community College chancellor requesting that a campus be built in Donaldsonville.

“Here we are almost 30 years later, and we’re actually at a groundbreaking for it,” Garrison said.

She said that the event was emotional and would be “life-changing” for Donaldsonville and the region, because she had to leave Louisiana to find work after graduating from college.

“I couldn’t stay here to get a job so I had to move all the way to Arizona. I moved in 1990,” she said. “To be able to graduate high school from either Donaldsonville High or Ascension Catholic, and then get to stay right here and make money and provide for your family build a house? You know, that’s powerful.

as well. Garrison stands 6-foot-5 and has a sweet stroke from the outside as well as a strong interior game.

Dabney and Garrison lead the team in rebounding. Allen is a Centenary football signee; he is a versatile combo guard/forward that is unselfish and just wants to win. Rodrigue is a quick guard that can play with the ball or off the ball. He leads the Tigers with five steals per game and averages six points.

The defensive play of the Tigers has led to easy baskets and transition baskets for his athletic team, something Gilbert knows they must continue.

“Just getting out and scoring from our defense is key We must continue to improve on offense, eliminate turnovers, make our free throws and get more post production,” Gilbert said.

The Tigers have two regular season games left, including a matchup with Patterson in district.

With the playoffs starting in two weeks, the Tigers remain focused on what has gotten them

Community news report

Belhaven University

Ascension students were named to the Belhaven University fall 2025 Dean’s List.

Students include Madalyn Keller, of Geismar; and Micah Landry, Kayla Robinson and Laken Walker, of Prairieville.

To be eligible for the Dean’s List, a student must achieve a GPA of 3.4-3.99 while taking a full course load of at least 12 semester hours. Belhaven is in Jackson, Mississippi.

Jacksonville State University

Kristen Rose Rudge, of Prairieville, has been named to the Dean’s List at Jacksonville State University in Alabama, for academic performance over the fall 2025 semester

To be named to the Dean’s List, students must earn a 3.53.99 GPA for the semester while completing at least 12 GPA hours of course credit.

Samford University

Samford University named 2,575 students named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester Anna Saporito, Sheldon Gremillion and Jackson Brodnax, all of Prairieville, earned the honor

To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must have earned a minimum 3.5 GPA out of a possible 4.0 while attempting at least 12 credit hours of coursework. The Dean’s List is the highest academic recognition given by the school at the end of each semester

Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern Louisiana University has named 4,945 students to its honors list for the fall 2025 semester

The honors list is divided into four academic levels. To be named to the President’s List, students must have earned a 3.50 or better GPA. Students on the Dean’s List have earned a 3.20-3.49 GPA, and Honor Roll students have earned a 3.003.19 GPA. Honors list students must be full-time undergraduates carrying at least 12 credit hours and have no grade below a C. The Provost’s List, a new category, was recently added. Students on the provost’s list are enrolled in six to 11 credit hours and achieved a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher with no grade below B. Students from the region include: PRESIDENT’S LIST

Darrow: Cori Michelle Brignac

Donaldsonville: Laylia E. Harris, Sophie Smith; Provost’s list, Rihanna Crystasiaj Carter

Geismar: Lewis L. Blakley, Grace Creel, Jennifer Lynn Deweese, Brooklyn Blyss Hebert, Blake Michael Hutchinson, Alexis Michel Logarbo, Cheyenne Nicole Mack, Amber Allein Martin, Corinne Adelle

Maynard, Ashlynn Ann McVea, Madeline Marie Mule, Grace Katherine Neal, Brock Cooper Newman, Apryl May Norman, Grace Elizabeth Ostermiller, Ava Marie Renaud, Josh David Rose, Jena Leigh Vavasseur

Gonzales: Nathan Allen, Ava

here, discipline and team ball.

Those ingredients will determine how far this team goes, a trip back to the Top 28 would not surprise many and a chance to win that elusive state championship in basketball.

Ascension Catholic milestones

Ascension Catholic Basketball boys and girls recently swept St. John in Donaldsonville.

COLLEGE HONORS LISTS

Kate Anderman-Moran, Hailey Alexis Anderson, Kailyn Arciniega Bailon, Jazmin Arriola, Alexandra Grace Babin, Trenety Raven Babin, Lennon Grace Banker, Maddison J. Banks, Brooklyn Elise Battle, Hannah De’Shae Bell, Hayden Michael Breaux, Kaylin Elise Breaux, Nicholas Stefan Brooks, Anna Bruno, Laken Bryant Burch, Kiera Rene Butler, Mandie Marie Cantrell, Shayla Ashlee Cruz, Vienlys Cruz, Jaci Rose Daigle, Makayla Delmore, Brianna Chrissy Dunbar, Chloe Michelle Duplessis, Alayna Jalise Ellis, Hadija Veiga Gray, Bailey E. Gremillion, Seth Guedry, Tia Hayes, Shelby Grace Hill Madison Terese Holley, Jacie Jacob, Aleigh Johnson, Lundyn Grace Keller, Ainsley Marie Lambert, Ava Grace Little, Jenna Lovelady Malisa Marsh, Olivia Benning Martin, Christian Claire McDowell, Peyton Hunter Melancon, Rylee Grace Metcalf, Gia J. Metz, Annalyce Michel, Abbie Alayne Millet, Josie Alexandria Molliere, Yasmin I. Navarro Garcia, Abby Margaret Pennington, Ava Marie Phillips, Ashlynn Lane Picou, Malaya Ragas, Roselyn Rivas, Ariana Joy Robinson, Samantha Romero, Allie Rae Ross, Ben Benjamin Roussel, Ashton Michael Schumacher, Kiara Shavers, Aurora C. Smith, Kennedy Simone Smith, Sophia Ann St. Pierre, Brenna Raine Stamper A’Laysia M. Steib, Kyla Michelle Sutton, Laci Monique Sutton, Sophia Rose Tureau, Drew C. Villenurve, Morgan Lee-Ann Vincent, Ava Rose Volion, Kendal Ivy Waguespack, Ellory Quinn White, Colby Wayne Williams, Emma Marie Wraight, Mary Beth Beth Zeller Prairieville: Peyton Joseph Alleman, Camille Renee Anthony, Marlon Arauza, Elyzabeth Ardoin, Jules Edward Ash, Jake Henry Aucoin, Mackenzie Logan Batey, Mariela Salgado Bejar, Hazel Esmeralda Benitez, Gracie Elizabeth Bercegeay, Julie Elise Blanchard, Hope Allen Blum, Emma Lynn Boss, Maci Marie Boudreaux, Gabrielle Marie Bourgeois Maddy Rose Bourgeois, Addyson Nicole Bray, Kaley Jaye Brown, Cole T. Buckner, Chloe Kathryn Bumgardner, Taylor M. Burris, Charles B. Bynum, Kylie M. Cliburn, Anna Elizabeth Cline, Adam H. Cockfield, Brennan Claire Coe, Blaire Madison Comeaux, Makayla Comeaux, Collin Cowart, Maria Paige Crochet, Landri Elise Cuti, Cole Cole Debiaso, Triston Are’re Diaz, Rachael Renee Donnelly, Madison Renee Dufren, Yulia Abney Dupre, Stephanie F. Epps, Te’Ayri Layah Eugene, Payten Grace Ford, Krislon Kelis Foster Ella Kathleen Freeman, Princess R. Garcia, Carmen Gautreau, Nicholas Bryant Gisclair, Brooklyn Morgan Graffia, Abram Reese Green Also, Rebecca Lissett Guevara, Tristen Pearl Gulczynski, Michael Thomas Hernandez, Dylan John Hite, Jenna Camille Humphrey, Chloe Kathleen Johnson, Jacob R. Johnson, Zoe Madison Johnson, Brennan Kimbrell, Kirsten Lynn Knighten, Cadie Beth Kusy, Signy Elizabeth Latino, Isabella Grace Latkovich, Ella Grace Lawrence, Avery E. Lea, Jordan Catherine Lobell, John Gerald Martinez, Hailey Elizabeth Matherne, Reagan

Junior

Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@ hotmail.com or ascension@ theadvocate.com or on Twitter, @Troyleboeuf.

McCoy Jordyn Ann Miller, Cole Michael Mire, Mallory E. Mitchell, Madeline Leigh Moore, Amy Lynn Nesbit, Luke Douglas Newman, Tram Thi Phuong Nguyen, Mia Elizabeth Nichols, Emma Grace O’Neal, Isabella O’Neal, Scarlett Scarlett Olson, Justine Brooke Pantinople, Eve Peairs, Isabella Marie Perrilloux, Allie Ann Phillips, Andrew Ray Poche, Chloe R. Pregeant, Hailey Elizabeth Reyes, Kyle Robinson, Kaitlyn Michelle Ross, Brooks Armand Schafer, Luke Signorelli, Jacolby Latrell Smith, Tymber S. Smith, Braeden St. Pierre, Serena St. Pierre, Ava N. Surla Caty Elizabeth Swanson, Emma Grace Sylvester, Julia Simone Trumps, Anna Michelle Verrett, Joseph Tanner Ward, Madison Jean Williams, Kennith Rashaun Woods, William Alexander Zimmerman St. Amant: Jayna Babin, Emily Clare Bourgeois, Karley Marie Braud, Cooper Lee Cheatwood, Chelse L. Cranfield, Cora Aileen Delatte, Hailey Elizabeth Istre, Hannah Marie Istre, Cei’Ajha Nee’Chai Jimerson, Destiny Renee’ Leblanc, Evan Joseph Martinez, Bret Mayers, Madilyn Nicole Michel, Mason Michale Mistretta, Kennedie Kaye Naquin Katie Lynn Painter, Julianna Mae Palmisano, Ali Grace Picou, Jenna A. Robinson, Ava Elizabeth Savoy, Daisy Laine Savoy, Nina Marissa Stephens, Cheyanne Sutton, Addison Elaine Vanwey, Emilie Klaire Vidrine

DEAN’S LIST

Darrow: Leryon Johnson Geismar: Melissa Marie Davis, Sydney Rae Diez, Carter Hanberry Hayden Gene Harms, Addie Rae Heinz, Blake Christopher Herrington, Aleah Joseph, Dontea Kent Jr., Meagan Elizabeth Salbador, Amber D. Stuart, Nathan Waguespack Gonzales: Camryn Claire Accardo, James J. Alleman, Paisley Anne Bercegeay, Rushay Bossier, Bailey Joanne Brizzard, Bobbie Leigh Brooks, Jordyn Maria Celestin, Megan Elizabeth Chutz, Caroline E. Courville, Sally Grace Courville, Estephanny Liczary Diaz Cebada, Tye Garcich, Kenneth Beau Gremillion, Tyler Jacob Guidry, Sydnee Nicole Irvin, Jakaria Jenkins, Malanna Leigh Johnson, Evangeline Jeanette McCoy, Stephanie Rubi Mendoza, Lezly Kae Morgan, Marissa Nichols, Savannah Parks, Paige Nicole Pranskey, Lakenya Raven, Kaleb Anthony Ricker, Rayni Claire Rizzuto, Caleb Roubique, Jaidyn Michelle Shivers, Raeleigh Jane Shows, Juliet Marie Sorey, Zeke Thibodeaux, Paige Madison Tramonte, Alejandra Maria Vasquez, Lakenedi A. Walker, Rene T. Watson, Aaliyah Meshell Wesley Prairieville: William Harrison Barber, Kaleb M. Carrier, Kristen Elyse Chatman, Carter Alan Delaune, Owen Conner Dettman, Rikki Jolie Domingue, Michael Wayne Douzart, Kyler Wade Dupuy, McKae Quinn Dupuy, Morgan Leigh Followell, Raegan Sarai Forest, Anna Marie Frazier, Carson Joseph Gautreau Regan Marie Gilley Adison Elisabeth Gomez, Elisabet A Guevara, Millie Joyce Heffernan, Victoria Elaine Hickingbottom, Asra Khalid, Berkley C. McDowell, Bella G. Noggle, Baylie Marie Obannon,

Riley W. Olivier, Aldo Padron, Dylan Ray Perry, Connor Paul Planchard, Kaylen Elise Randall, Vivian Nicole Ray, Landon Joseph Riley, Chandler Rogers, Ethan Roy, Blake Michael Smith, Jarius J. Smith, Jackson Eric Tisdell, Ashton Ryan Urry, Reuben Alexander Williams, Rylee Malynn Woodard St. Amant: Presley Laynn Boudreaux, Christopher Delatte Kami J Gautreau, Abigail Claire Jennings, Rylee Deshea Johnson, Londan R. Jones, Magnolia Maye McCarty, Dathan Charles Moore, Ali Michelle Wright.

HONOR’S LIST

Darrow: Madelyne Grace Gresko, Maddox Joseph Melancon Geismar: Christopher Williams Gonzales: Jocelyn Arciniega, Lindsey Renee Bueche, Lauren Rene Foster, Amari Brenae Garth, Mackaya T. Jackson, Chloe Michele Mashburn, Paul Murphy Naquin, Anne-Marie Lynn Ross, Madelyn Nicole Sartele, Sami Lane Sheets, Jonah Matthew Villemez, Jett Ian Williams

Prairieville: Caroline Nicole Arrington, Emorej N. Brown, Hunter Ray Buquoi, Madeline R. Campbell, Wyatt Causey, Shelby Elise Coulon, Jacob Paul Couvillion, Stella Elizabeth Doming, Aneshia Donald, Isabella Katherine Falanga, Erin Fleming, Martin S. Garza, Reece Addisyn Griffin, Zackary Taylor Guidry, Josie Hernandez, Angelle Marie Laplace, Kaleb James Melancon, Camryn P. Moore, Jackson Richard Munson, Kelvin Oubre, Ava Quinn Palmer, Zhayln Z Patterson, Cade N. Pennington, Ethan Picou, Avery Elise Robinson, Sheena Danielle Robinson, Chance Rodenkirch, Robert Lawton Stanley St. Amant: Janivy Z. Ayestas, Colin Michael Boldt, Maci Guillot, Easton Joseph Jarreau, Aiden J. Lewis, Bobby Jerral Moran, Chris Mullins, Owen J. Roddy, Kolby Adam Sheets Sorrento: Tailer R. Borne, Rya Marielle Massey

PROVOST’S LIST

Geismar: Aryn Nicole Chatman, Jackson Nicholas Ryan Gonzales: Andrea L. Bob, Kourtney Marie Braud, Abby Claire Bruno Kaitlyn Buquoi Sean Emmet Hoffman, Jennifer Pacheco, Taylor Lin Peabody, Hannah Marie Pentney, Deshay R. Savoy, Kaitlyn Renee Withers

Prairieville: Emily Dawn Abruzzino, Chelsey Bland, Destiny Brooke Foster Bruce Gregory Green, Christen F. Naylor, Megan Pellichino, Trinity Shea Underwood, Jace Valentine, Hannah Elizabeth Woodring, Elijah Aaron Wright, Stephen Norman Paul Zeringue St. Amant: Rayne Martina Steely

Texas State University

Titan Thomas, of Prairieville, has been named to Texas State University’s fall 2025 Dean’s List in recognition of academic excellence.

Majoring in musical theater, Thomas is among only 18% of students named to the