‘That’s your heritage’

Many in Vermilion Parish share concerns that the impact of the French language is diminishing locally.
However, those concerns can be mitigated by looking at the thriving French Immersion program at LeBlanc Elementary School (LES). The school displayed that success last week when it celebrated exceeding 100 students in the program. Students performed for family and other guests from the community.
“Our French Immersion program offers students a unique opportunity to become bilingual by learning in French from kindergarten through fifth grade,” LES Principal DeEtte Bigot said while welcoming all visitors. “This opportunity boosts our students’ cognitive skills, problem-solving skills and creativity, while opening doors to cultural and career opportunities. As principal of LeBlanc Elementary School, I have seen our students flourish in the French Immersion program. Each day, I am amazed by our students’ progress.”
Those strides began in 2018. Rachelle Brown served as the principal of LES when the program got off the ground. Brown, now the Supervisor of Music and Fine Arts for the Vermilion Parish School System, attended the celebration. She said she couldn’t be prouder.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate this remarkable milestone with you,” Brown said. “There 108 students in this pathway. We honor the program’s success and the collective effort of everyone who made it possible. Your commitment to our students’ education has provided a foundation for the pathway to thrive. The dedication of our school administrators has been essential in nurturing learning among our students. Our incredible teachers are the heart and soul of French Immersion. Every day, you bring language to life in the classroom. You inspire students to not only learn French, but to embrace a global perspective.”
Brown thanked parents and guardians for their trust in the program and their willingness to send their students to be a part of what is happening at LES. Brown offered special congratulations to those who are living the program on a daily basis.
“To our wonderful students,” Brown said, “this celebration is about you. You impress us with your accomplishments every single day. You make us very proud.”
Brown made a special announcement that the future of the French Immersion program remains bright.
“We are super excited to announce that French Immersion will be going into Erath Middle School next year,” Brown said. 
Peggy Feehan, the executive director of CODOFIL, attended the celebration for something she had long hoped to see happen in Vermilion Parish.
“When we would have conversations about it,” Feehan said, “the door would always seem to close. Then, in 2018, the door opened, and we haven’t looked back. You have a beautiful program, and you have wonderful teachers.
“And I am so happy for the kids because they speak French. This is Vermilion Parish, and that’s your heritage.”