25th annual Back-to-School program

The 25th annual Back--to-School program sponsored by Parents Reach-out Club, Black Men Make a Difference and National Association of University Women was held Saturday at the Southeast Neighborhood Center in Eunice.
The theme of the program, “School-The Right Aid for an Education,” included a program of musical selections, school poems and readings, a rap Christian musical, a dance performance, and a motivational speaker.
At the conclusion of the program school supplies and uniforms were given away.
A large supply of school uniforms and supplies were given to Eunice school children and all were made possible by generous donations from many Eunice individuals, businesses, city officials, churches, and civic clubs and organiations.
The speaker for the program was Judge Terry Hoychick.
Hoychick spoke to the audience about the importance of an education, and how it is important to take full advantage of the free gift we are given.
Hoychick added, “Education is the upmost importance. Education is a free gift.
“We need to take advantage of it, to succeed and go forth to become a productive citizen from earning an education.”
Hoychick encouraged all school children to take what you have learned in school. “You can become whatever you desire.
“An education provides you with all the tools of becoming successful. I’m a product of public education, and my children too.
Hoychick set out to make a difference in the childen’s and adults lives when he was elected as city judge.
He added, “I set out to try to make a difference in the lives of people and our youth, and to show that there is a positive in a life of crime and to offer an alternative, a positive one.”
Hoychick commended all teachers for their hard work, dedication, and foundation in the lives of children. “You are placing important fundamentals in the lives of our children.
Hoychick encouraged school children to do their best in school, “show respect for their teachers.”
Hoychick also added that the city offers Parenting classes, and just recent a Boot Camp for juveniles.
Eunice Police Chief Randy Fontenot introduced the boot camp, “It’s an alternative, a positive one, Boot Camp. It is now offered to keep our youth on the right path or positive direction and will be conducted by Sgt. Stephanie Myers.
“The boot camp, with a purpose to point juveniles in the right direction is self-funded and a 12-week camp offered on Saturdays.”
Fontenot says that getting an education goes hand-in-hand with structure, discipline and interaction with others, and boot camp may become the answer. “There are 15 youths now registered.”
At the conclusion of the school program, Ardessie C. Francois, NAUW active member, presented a special plaque of appreciation to Elizabeth Reed Guillory, president of the Parents Reach Out Club.
From a home club meeting 25 years ago to present day successful back to school program, Francois said this all would not be possible without Guillory.
Francois, added, “Without her vision, dedication, persistence, of this woman, this program would not be here.
“Her vision to help school children in our community goes without saying.
“Her idea was brought up in front of a group of ladies and her desire was to help our children get ready for school.
“With no money at all, Liz did not let that stop her. She campaigned door to door, asking for donations, and thus 25 years later, the program is still on going.”
Guillory will now step down from president and volunteer of Parents Out Reach Club, however, her adult children and grandchildren will continue the back to school program.