At banquet, Chamber names scholarship recipients

PATTERSON — It was all lined up in front of the Patterson Area Civic Center stage: tents, fishing equipment, barbecue grills, glassware, tickets for vacation trips and much more.
Not long after, St. Mary high school students were lined up there. They are the recipients of the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce Charles Roe Scholarship program, which the Chamber Education Banquet’s silent and live auctions of donated treasures support financially.
“Tonight we celebrate not just your academic accomplishments, but your drive, your character and your promise,” Chamber President Beth Chiasson told the scholarship recipients. “You represent the best of what our community stands for, and you carry forward a legacy that we are incredibly proud to support.”
The scholarships were presented by Chamber Board Chairman Brady Borel, Vice Chairman Holden Murry and Chiasson. The recipients are:
•Bryan Cordero of Central Catholic High.
•Isabella Spitale of Berwick High.
•Jace Cooks of Centerville High.
•Kailey Benjamin of Patterson High.
•Kelsy August of West St. Mary High.
•Nathan Curry of Hanson Memorial High.
•Sherley Deleon of Morgan City High.
•Da’ Jah Boutte of Franklin High.
The Chamber also awards a scholarship to South Louisiana Community College.
Deleon was recognized as the Chamber’s High School Student of the Year.
Also honored Thursday were:
•Parish Elementary School Teacher of the Year Nicole Boudreaux of Hattie Watts Elementary.
•Parish High School Teacher of the Year Tina Johnson of Patterson High.
•Parish Junior High Teacher of the Year Kelly Sumrall of Berwick Junior High.
•Parish Principal of the Year Debbie Domangue of Berwick Elementary.
“The key you received tonight is a symbol,” Chiasson told the scholarship recipients. “It’s not a token or a keepsake. It represents an open door and a standing invitation.
“It’s a reminder that no matter where you go or how far you travel, you always have a key to come home.”