Donaldsonville High School Alumni Association donates to all west side schools

When the Donaldsonville High School Alumni Association holds its annual Alumni Round-up during football season in the fall, it's more than just a celebration.

The gathering is a party with a purpose, as money raised through the event gets invested back into Ascension Parish's west bank public schools.

Over the last six years, huge crowds have reunited in city, surrounding the Lemann Memorial Center and Floyd Boutte Memorial Stadium, to celebrate homecoming festivities.

Though it may seem like just a good time for former students to get together and reminisce, it's also a way to raise funds to benefit future graduates.

The alumni association supports students in all of the west side institutions - Donaldsonville High, Lowery Middle, Lowery Intermediate, Donaldsonville Primary, and the Head Start program.

Last week, the association was represented by President Janell Bazile, Vice President Murray Walker, and Secretary Tanesha Mitchell as they delivered donations to each campus, where smiling students and administrators welcomed them.

At the suggestion of the association's Treasurer, Belinda Lee, the group took on the challenge of donating to all of the west side schools. Each school received a check for $1,000 dollars. Head Start was given a $500 dollar donation.

Also, the association has funded scholarships. So far in 2019, the group has awarded six scholarships of $350 dollars each to local students. 

And the group hopes to continue their generosity even more in the future.

"This year has been filled with excitement for the Donaldsonville High School Alumni Association," Bazile said. "With the help of our supportive alumni who attend our events, we are able to make such donations. Hopefully, we can make more in the future."

The sixth annual Alumni Round-up is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27. The association expects another large turnout for the event.

Bazile said former graduates travel from far distances to attend the festivities, even as far away as Saudi Arabia.

Last week's donations were cited as the group's biggest accomplishment so far. Their hope is to deliver even more scholarships, donations, and smiles as the group carries on its mission to support local schools and students.