By Monique Roth

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Gemyra Rockett, owner/director of Spillway Safe Driving Academy, was recently joined by representatives of the St. John the Baptist Parish administration, River Region Chamber of Com     merce representatives, family, friends and driving school appli cants to celebrate the grand opening of the new driving academy with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The celebration also included a raffle for a discounted class, door prizes and cake.

Rockett registered more than 20 applicants in just one day for class D and E driving school classes that began in the beginning of March. The school requires hours in the classroom and in the vehicle, depending on the age of the applicant.

All classroom hours take place in two rooms at the Safe Driving Academy located at 3025 U.S. Highway 51, Suite C in LaPlace. Classes will be offered on Tues  days, Wednesdays, Thurs     days, Saturdays and Sundays.

Rockett said she will dedicate weekday classes for adults and weekend classes for students.

All students must register in advance by visiting the driving academy or calling 985-224-2492. Classes for students 17-years-old and under are $425 and $395 for students 18-years-old and up.