Eighth graders Ryan Rodrigue, Cade Schexnayder, Brant Theriot, Haley Capello and Kandis Turner crowned Mary during the special month of May when our Blessed Mother is honored.

Ascension Catholic Primary students who reached their reading goals in
the Accelerated Reader program enjoyed a field trip to the Global
Wildlife Center in Robert recently.

Teachers at Donaldsonville High School received prizes, breakfast and lunch during the school's first Teacher Appreciation Week celebration.

Volunteers took over recess and before- school duty to allow teachers to enjoy breakfast and lunch throughout the weeklong celebration. Assistant Principal Marilyn Washington said the event could not have been possible without the support of many community leaders, businesses and churches.

For world-renowned Chef John Folse, Wednesday was more than just his own birthday.

Folse and his invited guests celebrated three birthdays in one day - the St. James native's 62nd birthday, the 30th anniversary of his Chef John Folse and Company food manufacturing and distribution operation and the ribbon cutting for his processing plant's recent expansion to triple the size of the facility.

Ascension Catholic High School's Class of 1998 celebrated its 10-year class reunion June 21 at Café Lafourche.

The Tau Kappa Omega Chapter, along with members of the Greater Baton Area Chapters of AKA and over 30,000 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha participated in a synchronized ESP 1908 Global Centennial Walk June 28, designed to raise awareness about the importance of fitness.

Linking hands and stepping off at the same time worldwide, the members sent a strong statement about the importance of emotional, spiritual and physical health.

Graduation ceremonies at Maw Maw Mason's Daycare #2 was held June 22 at the George Blum Center. Graduates are from left, front row, Tylijah Washington, Mya Alsay, Joseph Johnson, Aniyah Shelmire, Zyriel Brewer, Darrius Shepherd and Antwone Foster. Back row, Ms. Cynthia Arnold, Aleha Thompson, Talia Watson, Marke Nailer, Anya Wise, Bailey Davis, Tia Joseph, RonJynea Adams and Mrs. Shieley Nelson. Good luck and best wishes to all of our "Lil" graduates.

"Wave to mommy," Rocky Morgan of Belle River told his daughter Haley Morgan, 1, as Lauren Morgan snapped a picture of them during a pony ride in the children's village at Donaldsonville's annual July 3rd celebration, Fireworks on the River, Thursday night.

Organized by the Downtown Development District and Speakabox Entertainment through city funds the 15th edition of the annual observation may have seen its thickest gathering yet.

Mary Ann Haase, center, holds her great great granddaughter Beau Elizabeth Lobell. Also pictured are  Carol Benoit, Haase's daughter; Rhonda Lobell, Benoit's daughter and Todd Lobell, Lobell's son.

The City of Donaldsonville, the Donaldsonville Downtown Development District and Speakabox Entertainment will present a star-spangled event featuring a spectacular fireworks display and world class musical talents July 3rd from 4 - 10 p.m. at Crescent Park.

Come enjoy BBQ, jambalaya, fried fish, hamburgers, beverages, souvenirs and much more in a hometown historic setting overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.

Precious Green of St. James won the Next Top Model contest held at Donaldsonville Louisiana Marine Institute Friday. A fundraiser for the student council, the extracurricular activity also allowed the winner to have her hair and nails done.

Augustin Luna was reinstalled as the commander of the American Legion Babin - Haynes Post 98 during their annual installation of officers banquet at the post in Donaldsonville last Tuesday.

The American Legion Auxiliary Post 98 3766 also installed its officers at the banquet.

This is the first year Luna has served as commander. The Korean War ground combat veteran served in 1950-51 and is a retired railroad supervisor.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Shane Anthens, center, greets visitors who welcomed him home after serving in Irag June 3. Anthens was deployed for one year. Also pictured in front of Anthens is his wife Beth Anthens and son Christopher Anthens.

"That is a bad man right there," said 11-year-old Antoine Jackson of Donaldsonville as children chased an African Stilt Walker through Louisiana Square during the annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival Saturday afternoon.

Standing over nine feet, the stilt walker danced for the children, but his sheer height was too much for some.

The day kicked off with the placement of a wreath on the granite memorial commemorating the Union Army's African American soldiers amongst riders on horseback.

Nearly two-dozen veterans and volunteers carefully placed small American flags at the graves of some 650 veterans buried in seven Donaldsonville cemeteries Memorial Day.

The tradition began on Veterans Day and Monday, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3766, American Legion Post 98 and Buffalo Soldiers made sure no stone was left unmarked.