By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – With Rise Up 2013, members of the St. John the Baptist Parish community provided an uplifting alternative to standard trick or treating.
Children and their parents were encouraged to attend the youth night at Regala Park Gymnasium wearing neon colors, sans Halloween costumes. The event opened with an invigorating march-in by the percussion prodigies of Master’s Touch All-Star Drumline, and an additional performance by the equally talented Master’s Touch Mini-Me Drumline. The Zion Dance Team performed an interpretive dance number.
The audience was also treated to spirited performances by Christian rap artists The Oracle, Aaron Moses and Victory throughout the evening. Rise Up also took time to acknowlege “celebrities,” or community and professional leaders during the schedules program. Teachers, mentors and other influential figures gave short speeches and received a special certificate from St. John the Baptist Parish as a thank you for their dedication. A 10-minute “celebrity” basketball game followed the presentation.
“What is a celebrity? Most likely, people will say an actor or a football player, or maybe even a basketball player. But how many of you know that celebrities are those that work with community,” said the host, to audience applause.
Raffles featuring prizes such as Tulane Basketball tickets, snack baskets and an autographed Tulane basketball were also given away to audience members. The event ended with a motivational message by Apostle Sumner.