By DAVID VITRANO

News Editor

LUTCHER—Entergy Louisiana held its Annual Low Income Economic Development Regional Summit at the First Community-Antioch Baptist Church Family Life Center in Lutcher in June.

The theme of this year’s summit, moderated by Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Renae Conley, was “Shooting Beyond the Roots of Poverty.” In keeping with the basketball theme, a basketball hoop and jerseys from seven area high schools adorned the meeting hall.

This year, Entergy Louisiana in cooperation with the Governor’s Office of Elderly Affairs honored the region’s centenarians and future centenarians for their contribution to the growth and prosperity of Louisiana, according to a letter issued by the governor’s office. Among the centenarians honored this year were Florian Oubre, 99, of Vacherie, Felix Simoneaux Jr., 103, of LaPlace and Bernadette Becnel, 103, of Vacherie. Raymond Paul, 94, of Vacherie, Eola Dorest, 91, of Vacherie and Alma Dennis, 94, of St. James were also recognized as future centenarians.

Also, this year’s summit had a youth component. A number of area junior and senior high students participated in the summit as youth representatives. Others participated as youth servers, helping make sure things operated smoothly. The Reverend Tamarlon Carter served as the summit’s youth facilitator.

In recognition of the day’s special honorees, representatives from the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and the Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program (LaCHIP) were on hand.

Jamie Roddy, the reigning Miss  Teen Louisiana, also addressed the summit attendees before they broke into youth and adult sessions.

The summit focused on improving education and making affordable housing available to low-income citizens.

The Lutcher summit was one of four held throughout the state. This region’s summit recently took home four awards for best team, best general assembly, best planning and best decorations.