L’Observateur / August 10, 1998

DESTREHAN – The St. Charles Parish Public Schools Adult Education Program held its22nd annual parishwide GED graduation at Destrehan High School on May 26.

Of 132 adults who earned their high school equivalency diploma this year, 48 participated in the ceremony. The J. B. Martin band, led by director Edgar Schiro,played the processional as this year’s proud graduates marched up the aisle in a traditional graduation exercise.

Linda Lowry, assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at Destrehan High School, served as mistress of ceremonies and opened the program. Graduate KarenParson led the invocation and Arnold Lagos, honor graduate, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The J. B. Martin band performed the national anthem.Honor graduate Vicky Beber welcomed guests, and honor graduate Sara Holcomb gave the graduates’ address. Both students delivered moving testimonials on what adulteducation had meant to them in their lives, giving them a second chance to accomplish their goals.

Representing St. Charles Parish School Board, president Wayne Roussel offeredcomments and congratulated the graduates on their achievements. Helen Banquer,School Partnership liaison and manager of the Chamber, River Parishes Council, then introduced the guest speaker, Richard Drexel. Drexel is a LaPlace businessman whoserves as chairman of the executive committee of the Chamber, River Parishes Council. He congratulated the students on making “an executive decision” to completetheir high school studies and go forward with their lives. His inspirational words ofpraise and encouragement were empowering to the graduates and their families and friends.

Retiring adult education supervisor Leo Babin introduced the adult education staff and talked about his years of service in adult education. Instructor Mildred Butlerpresented “The Boss” with a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the adult education staff. Babin then introduced Carolyn S. Garrett as the newly appointed supervisor ofadult education. She assumes these new duties along with her current responsibilitiesas supervisor of child welfare and attendance.

Irma Green, representing Parish President Chris Tregre, recognized graduates Chanel Pounds, Deanna Gibson, Vanessa Pierre and Kyle Decoteau for their diligence and accomplishment and presented them with St. Charles Parish lapel pins.Superintendent Dr. Rodney Lafon addressed the graduates, congratulating them ontheir accomplishments, then awarded the certificates, assisted by Shirl Cook, program coordinator. Graduate Miriam Hurst closed the ceremony with thebenediction, after which the elated graduates triumphantly marched down the aisle as the J.B. Martin band played the recessional.Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the school cafeteria honoring the graduates and their families and friends.

Honor graduates are Sara Holcomb, Arnold Lagos, Karl Hempel and Vicky Beber.

The adult education graduates who participated in the ceremony are Sara Holcomb, Arnold Lagos, Karl Hempel, Vicky Beber, Tarsha Alexander, Carlos Arauz, Brad Arceneaux, Jerry Asher, Wayne Bate, Gigi Cortez, Kyle Decoteau, Ryan Downs, Shawn Dunn, Jaydell Flowers, Daniel Gardner, Brian Gaubert, Deanna Gibson, Clifton Hayes, Sheri Hein, Lance Hock, Donald Holley, Lisa Howard, Christina Hughes, Miriam Hurst, Keyiona Joseph, Lynelle Joseph, Odie Kenner, Rebekah Kessler, Ammie LeGrande, Jarred Lirette, Misty Loupe, Brent McNeely, William McPherson, Dirk Mancuso, Ebony Mazique, Gary Miles, Nikki Montalbano, Paula Montz, Jeremy Nicholas, Karen Parson, Tina Percle, Chanel Pounds, Brenda Reid, Derek Scherer, Wendi Weidanbacher, Christy Whitaker, and Kanniekel Williams.

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