By Stephen Hemelt
L’Observateur

LUTCHER — St. James’ youngest athletes took center stage as they were given awards and recognized in front of school board members, family and supporters.

One by one, Administrative Director of Human Resources Carol Webre called out the names of six students at the most recent school board meeting who performed exceptionally well in the parish’s physical fitness competition and went on to represent St. James at the State Meet, held May 3 at Woodlawn High School.

Fifth Ward Elementary’s Kiera Oubre was the girls’ alternate, while Paulina Elementary’s Jashyra Thomas and Sydnee Louque took home top girls honors in the parish.

Gramercy Magnet’s Cemari Washington was the boys’ alternate, while Paulina Elementary’s Ramohn Love and Joshua Thomas took home top boys honors in the parish.

Barry Heltz, coordinator of the district’s physical fitness program, singled out Joshua Thomas for his amazing performance at the state meet, where he placed third in the pull-up competition and third in the sit-up competition.

Joshua completed 15 pull-ups, one behind the second-place finisher and two behind the first-place finisher. He also completed 82 sit-ups in one minute.

Heltz said he was very proud of the young student athletes and especially proud all six and their families attended Tuesday’s school board meeting to receive their special recognitions.

Superintendent Dr. Alonzo Luce said it was nice to recognize the students’ athletic achievements because health is large part of the mind, body and soul, which the school district is trying to promote and inspire within its students.