The official launch of French Immersion of Evangeline Parish public schools took place today (Wednesday) at Ville Platte High Auditorium.
Louisiana Governor took time from his busy schedule to attend the event to congratulate the school board and Evangeline Parish for its actions to begin a French Immersion program. The governor is in the middle of a legislative session deadlocked over financial issues and a pending visit later in the same day from Vice President Mike Pence.
Superintendent of Schools Darwan Lazard was the emcee for the event. Providing Cajun music was Mamou native Steve Riley and Mamou High French musicians. Fr. Mitch Guidry, pastor of Our Lady Queen of All Saints gave the invocation and benediction. Ville Platte High student Lazcano Llopis offered the Lord’s Prayer in French while Jaccorey Frank led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance in French.
Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine welcomed visitors to Ville Platte and presented special gift baskets to the governor, Consul General and Education Superintendent.
Also speaking were Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, Codofil President Bill Arcneaux, Gregor Trumel, Counsul General of France , Louisiana Education Superintendent John White, State Representative Bernard LeBas and State Senator Eric Lafleur.
A special presentation of $10,000 was made to Superintendent Lazard from the state officials to help with start up expenses to begin French immersion.
French immersion will begin in the early grades at both Ville Platte Elementary and Mamou Elementary.
KVPI AM was there covering the event.