The School-to-Work students display their awards at the banquet held May 12. Pictured, from left, are Coordinator Carolyn Pansy, students Derek Adams, Arwin Simeon, Dajuan Riley and Raven Encalade; Teacher Angela Gillies, student James Dove, Superintendent Denis Rousselle, student Albert Williams, Assistant Bridget Dickinson, and Teacher Regina Picquet. Not pictured in the photo are students Danzell Battle and Patrick Kim, who were honored but could not attend the ceremony.

The 2010-2011 Student School to Work program banquet was held at the Belle Chasse “White” Auditorium. The ballroom had been decorated for the catered affair. Balloons atop tables, plaques laid out in honor of the graduates, rows of trays full with food still covered. Volunteers worked right through until 6:30 p.m. prepping the celebration for the children.

Carolyn Pansey, who works as the transition coordinator for the program, spoke first. She congratulated the students and encouraged continued participation by the local businesses.
After Pansey’s introduction, the lights were dimmed and a monitor flickered with images of the graduating students at work. Raven Encalade taking care of the children at Brighter Horizon Daycare Center. Arwin Simeon bussing tables and telling the camera, “It’s the best job ever.”

Plaquemines School Superintendent Dennis Rousselle spoke next.
“Congratulations to all the students, who have jobs, who have the responsibility,” Rouselle said. “Get ready, you’re going to make that money, but find something you want to do for a real long time.”

A group of teachers and educators passed out the custom plaques to each student, giving them the chance to go before the crowd and be congratulated for all their efforts.

The students included:
• Raven Encalade of Belle Chasse High School, who works at the Brighter Horizon Daycare Center.

• Arwin Simeon of Belle Chasse High School, who works for both Fill-a-Sack and Lil G’s Restaurant.

• Derek Adams of Belle Chasse High School, who works at State Oil Fuel Center.

• James Dove of Belle Chasse High School, who works for Airbags Disposal.

• Patrick Kim of South Plaquemines High School, who works at Family Dollar.

• Dajuan Riley of South Plaquemines High School, who works with the Plaquemines Parish School Maintenance department.

• Danzell Battle of Phoenix High School, who works with the Plaquemines Parish School Maintenance department.

• Albert Williams of Phoenix High School, who works with the Plaquemines Parish School Maintenance department.

Plaques were also given to the business owners who participated in the program.

Director of Special Education Stuart Stanley closed with some words of wisdom for the students.

“The community sent you here, so you could be successful, but this is not the last of the success. You must become someone who is willing to step out, volunteer. You need to be able to stand strong, support a spouse, support children. It’s all a continual cycle of things, but it’s all rewarded.”