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ERATH - Amy Petry is a parent whose three children wished to participate in high school sports at Erath High School, but they were unable to do so due to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) rule that prohibits it.
Petry is not accepting this situation. She is determined to change the state law, compelling the LHSAA to allow her children, as well as other children in Louisiana facing similar challenges as the Petry family, to play.
After connecting with local state officials, the Petry family has spent the last few months getting State Rep. Jacob Landry to draft House Bill 363. This bill would permit “virtual” charter school students in Louisiana, to participate in high school sports at their zoned public school.
In simpler terms, if the House Bill gets the green light from both the House and Senate and is signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, the Petry kids would be able to play sports at Erath High School, bcause that is where they are zoned to attend school.
“If it gets passed, and the Governor signs the bill, the LHSAA has to allow students who attend charter schools to play,” said Amy Petry. “In my opinion, I feel all kids should be able to play sports. Coaches make such a big difference in their lives. My two children would be excited if they could play sports before the school year ends.”
Before it goes to a vote in the House, the Petry children are expected to address members of a House committee to explain why they want to play high school sports.

How did it all began?

The Petry family lives south of Erath, but their children go to an online school. Two of them are high schoolers at University View Academy, a Type II charter school in Baton Rouge.
The academy is accredited by the Louisiana Department of Education.
The children take all their classes from home online.
Three years ago, when Amy’s older daughter was in high school, she wanted to play sports for Erath High. She soon found out she couldn’t because University View Academy is a Type II charter school.
State law lets homeschooled students participate in public school sports. But since University View Academy is a Type II charter school, the LHSAA does not allow its students to play on public school teams.
“It just did not make sense,” said Amy.
Her freshman son made the high school baseball team. But because of the LHSAA rule, he isn’t allowed to play.
Amy’s daughter, a junior, loves running track and cross country. She’s also hoping to become the first female wrestler at EHS.
Like her brother, she is only allowed to attend and watch the track meets.
Amy called the LHSAA, pleading her case, only to be told by a LHSAA official, “If you want your children to play in the LHSAA, enroll them in public schools.”
That response upset Amy and made her even more determined.
She reached out to officials at the virtual school, but they said they had been fighting the LHSAA on this issue for 10 years and nothing had changed.
Feeling desperate, Amy asked her older daughter, who is in college, for advice. Her daughter mentioned a friend in the state legislature’s office, who suggested asking local officials to try to change the law so charter school students could play sports.
After working with Rep. Landry and his office, they wrote a bill that specifically included “charter” schools.
“Jacob’s office has been amazing. Tommy Byler, the superintendent, has also been helpful. They all wanted to help.”

Will anyone oppose the bill?

Amy doesn’t think so. She hopes it will be approved and signed by Gov. Landry before the school year ends.
“If something is not right for our kids, we need to do our best to fix it and make what is best for the kids.”

December 23, 1963 - March 11, 2026

A Home-going Celebration will be held for Mr. Willie Gary Nolan, 62 at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church with Rev. Warren Milson.
He will await the resurrection at Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church Cemetery.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at Greater Pleasant Green Baptist Church until the time of service.
A native and resident of Abbeville, LA. He departed this life on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Abbeville General Hospital.
He was a member of Christ Community Church where he served as a deacon.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Sylvia Hebert Nolan of Abbeville, LA; one son, Paris Levine of Lafayette, LA; five daughters, English Hebert (Troy) of Lafayette, LA, Jaylen Hebert (Jabori) of Youngsville, LA, Lechelle Hebert (Kee) of Houston, TX, Summers Levine and Twyla Bessard of Abbeville, LA; six sisters, Sandra Shelvin (Donald), Julia Antoine (Nelson), Patricia Levy, Torsha Demouchet and Ida Borden all of Abbeville, LA and Christine Border of Pascagoula, MS; nine brothers, Willie Nolan, Jr., Thaddeus Levy (Lou Ella), Anthony Levy (Yvette), Kenvern Mitchell, Chrstopher Bell, Tyrus Kelly, Jerian Demouchet and Rev. John Allen (Myra) all of Abbeville, LA. and Terrence Wells (Cheryl) of Pascagoula, MS; and seventeen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces. nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie “Mus” Nolan, Sr. and Marvis Fairley Nolan; four brothers, Anthony Borden, Willie K. Nolan, Cordray Lyons and Mitchell Lewis; two sisters, Joyce Guyton and Daisy Nolan.
Active Pallbearers will be
Honorary Pallbearers will be
Condolences may be expressed at www.fletcherfuneralhomes.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of Fletcher Funeral Home 1116 Green Street Abbeville, LA. 70510.

During Black History Month, we often tell stories of well-known figures whose names are etched into national history. But some of the most powerful legacies were built quietly, brick by brick, child by child, faith by faith,by ordinary people who dared to believe in an extraordinary future. Such is the story of my great-great-grandparents, Robert and Francis Dozier, whose courage and commitment to education forever shaped the town of Erath, Louisiana.
Robert and Francis Dozier were formerly enslaved people who journeyed from Kentucky to Erath with little more than determination and a dream, that their children would be educated. In an era when African Americans were expected to remain silent, compliant, and confined to the margins of society, the Doziers chose resistance through purpose. They believed education was not a privilege, but a right, and they were willing to risk everything to secure it.
What is often mentioned in historical records is that Dozier Elementary School traces its roots back to this remarkable family. What is less often discussed is the bravery behind that beginning. At a time when educating Black children, especially in one’s home, was dangerous and could invite violence or retaliation, Robert and Francis hired an educator to teach their children inside their own home. This was a bold and fearless act, carried out in defiance of the social order of the time.
Robert and Francis were not people who waited for permission to do what was right. Francis Dozier was a respected midwife who brought life into the world and served her community with care and skill. Robert Dozier worked tirelessly, taking on many roles, carpenter, butcher, laborer, and even assisting the postmaster with mail delivery when needed. Together, they modeled dignity, service, and unwavering resolve.
As their vision grew, so did the need for space. When the Dozier home could no longer accommodate the growing number of children seeking education, the work moved to the church. The historic Beard Congregational Church, now standing strong for more than 100 years, became both a place of worship and a schoolhouse. Faith and education stood side by side, anchored by the Doziers’ commitment to uplift their people through knowledge.
Today, Dozier Elementary School stands as the primary elementary school in Erath, a living testament to what two formerly enslaved people dared to imagine. But the true measure of their legacy is not found only in buildings or historical markers. It lives on in their descendants.
Because of Robert and Francis Dozier, generations have risen. We are educators, doctors, lawyers, pastors, authors, and successful business men and women. We are leaders and servants. We are proof that courage compounds over time.
Their character was defined by determination. Their lives were marked by fearlessness. Their legacy is unmatched.
I am profoundly proud to be a descendant of Robert and Francis Dozier. I stand on their shoulders. And I will forever pay tribute to two extraordinary people who refused to accept injustice, chose education as their weapon, and changed the future, not just for their family, but for an entire community.

ERATH - An elite track and field athlete does not come around Vermilion Parish too often .
In the last 20 years - the parish has watched greatness only twice and both were by male performers.
In 2008, spectators came watch Barrett Nugent of North Vermilion run the hurdle races (110-and 300-meter hurdles) and the 100- and 200-meter dashes. He never disappointed.
Two years ago, the parish once again saw greatness with Gabe Clement of Kaplan, who ran amazing times in the 400 meter runs.
Nugent went on run track at LSU, while Clement is running track at UCLA in Los Angeles.
There is another athlete who is gaining national attention despite being only a junior at Delcambre High School.
Emma Smith, who bursted on the track scene as a seventh grader, is ranked the best female high school in the state after jumping 5-10 twice this year. She cleared that height at an indoor meet in 2026, an then competed in her first outdoor meet during the Texas A&M Bluebonnet High School Meet at College Station.
Smith cleared 5-10 and easily won the meet by two inches. She also set a new Texas A&M high school meet record.
Well, on Friday, Smith and the Delcambre boys and girls track team will compete in the “Snooks” Derouen Track and Field Meet at Erath High.
Smith will also compete in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles.
The field events begin at 3 p.m. The boys will jump first the northern apron and the will follow.
At 4:30 p.m., the girls 4x800 relay will start, followed by the boys 4x800 relay race.
At 5 p.m., the Snooks’ Court will be presented.
Members of the court are Ali Bouillion, Annabel Etie and Anna Griffin.
Then the running starts at 5:10 with the 100 meter hurdles, followed by the boys’ hurdle race.