Cecil Picard Elementary honored as Blue Ribbon School

MAURICE — Wednesday morning at Cecil Picard Elementary began with a roar from the student body.
The cheers that filled the school’s gymnasium were certainly well earned.
Local and state officials joined students and staff to celebrate Cecil Picard Elementary being named a Louisiana Blue Ribbon School, one of eight schools in the state that received the prestigious designation. Cecil Picard is the fourth school in the parish to earn the honor, joining Erath High, Forked Island E. Broussard Elementary and Indian Bayou Elementary.
“What a proud, proud day for Cecil Picard Elementary,” Vermilion Parish Superintendent Tommy Byler said. “We are gathered this morning not just to celebrate an award, but to celebrate a commitment. It is a commitment to children, a commitment to excellence and a belief that every student can achieve at high levels.”
Blue Ribbon awards honor academic achievement and closing achievement gaps. Cecil Picard earned an “A” with its School Performance Score in 2025. Trey False, an assistant superintendent with the Louisiana Department of Education, said, while important, this award represents more than scores.
“It’s about a school’s commitment to excellence, innovation and opportunity,” False said.
Cecil Picard Principal Jessica Broussard took an opportunity to thank former Principal Paulette Gaspard and former Assistant Principal Jennifer McRee, both of whom attended Wednesday’s ceremony.
“Their leadership helped lay a strong foundation for the success we celebrate today,” Broussard said. “We are grateful for their lasting impact on our school community.”
When it comes to a lasting impact on education, both locally and at the state level, the man after whom the school is named is revered. The late Cecil J. Picard, a Maurice native, served as teacher and principal in his home parish before becoming state superintendent. Picard also served 20 years in the Louisiana Senate, playing a pivotal role in many pieces of legislation involving education.
“He dedicated his life to public education,” Byler said. “He believed deeply in high standards, strong leadership and an opportunity for every child. Today, there’s no happier person than Mr. Cecil J. Picard to know that Cecil Picard Elementary, the school bearing the name of his legacy, has received this award.”
Broussard offered thanks to everyone who played a role in bringing the award to Maurice.
“We are reminded that the achievements we honor are the result of many hearts and hands working together,” Broussard said. “The Blue Ribbon recognition earned by Cecil Picard Elementary is a reflection of dedicated educators, supportive families, engaged students and a school culture that believes in excellence for every child.
“Thank you to our students for shining so brightly, to our teachers and staff for their unwavering dedication and to our families and community partners for their continued support.”
Along with their celebrating of the Blue Ribbon Award, False did offer the students another award on Wednesday, albeit an unofficial one.
“I’ve been going to schools across the state for 40 years,” False told the students. “I’ve never heard that loud of a welcome from anywhere across this whole state. In addition to getting the Blue Ribbon Award, you get the award for loudest, greatest student body at the introduction of a program.
“One more loud cheer for Cecil Picard Elementary.”