Chauvin Schools Reconnect: A Bayou Gathering to Commemorate Educational Institutions

Chauvin, LA – As sea levels rise and climate change continues to produce more frequent and stronger hurricanes, the coastal community of Chauvin, LA is fighting to remain connected as many of its institutions have closed or been destroyed from hurricanes. Residents have seen gymnasiums, pools, community centers, and schools closed, sold, or torn down. Other public amenities like public libraries and recreational playgrounds are being closed and relocated inland, all while unaffordable insurance rates have exacerbated the challenges faced by Chauvin residents to remain a thriving and connected community.

In response to these challenges, The Helio Foundation, a local nonprofit organization, invites the community of Chauvin to reconnect in order to remember and celebrate the four schools that have closed their doors over the past years.

These schools include Little Caillou Elementary (1956 – 2007); Boudreaux Canal Elementary (1938 – 2013); Upper Little Caillou Elementary School (1971 - relocated in 2021 due to Ida – demolished in 2024 with plans to rebuild in Chauvin); and Lacache Middle School (built in early 1900s – burned in 1909 – rebuilt in 1910 – destroyed in 1923 hurricane – rebuilt and destroyed twice between 1924 and 1947 – current building constructed in 1948 – Closed in 2023).

“Our community is more than a building. The roof may be blown away and the walls may be torn down, but the foundation will never be destroyed. Our people are the foundation.” Ms. Lorraine Beasley, Lacache Middle School teacher 1983 – 2007.

Along with honoring these schools, we also come together to celebrate the future of our community. In a world where progress often necessitates change, it is important to pause and reflect on the institutions and people that have played such pivotal roles in shaping our lives and our community. This gathering offers an opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and celebration of the cherished memories and invaluable contributions of these educational institutions as we look toward the future with hope.

Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Time: 11am to 2pm
Location: Ward 7 Citizens Club; 5006 LA-56; Chauvin, LA 70344

Monsignor Fred Brunet, who served the community of Chauvin for over 40 years at St. Joseph Catholic Church, will open this event with prayer and stories of our community, followed by remarks from Ms. Lorraine Beasley, past teacher of Lacache Middle School. Lunch will be provided by the Helio Foundation and attendees are encouraged to make and bring desserts to share. The keynote address will be delivered by Mr. Ed Richard, past principal of Upper Little Caillou School and past Superintendent of Terrebonne Parish School System. This will be followed by closing remarks from Ms. Summer Skarke, past teacher of Lacache Middle School.

This event will offer an opportunity for faculty/staff photos for everyone that worked at any time at any of these four schools, and an interactive timeline for all that wish to participate.

“Growing up as a little girl along this bayou, the value of family, friends, and the strength that comes from spending time together was engraved deep within me. It would appear that we have already lost so much: our places of gatherings (our schools, the Chauvin swimming pool, Mae Mae’s Snowball Stand) have all vanished like our land with each hurricane, but what we still have is each other, our roots, and the time we take to come together and share a story or two. Some might say we have so little, but when you value people and their stories, you have so much!” Summer Skarke, Lacache Middle School teacher 1999-2021

Through shared stories, we hope to capture the essence and significance of these schools, ensuring that their legacies live on in the hearts and minds of all who were touched by them.

This event is open to all members of the Chauvin community, including former students, teachers, janitors, bus drivers, nurses, counselors, cooks, and staff who wish to celebrate the schools that have left an indelible mark on our collective community.

Join us as we come together to remember and honor the rich history and enduring spirit of our Chauvin schools, while we celebrate all that the future holds for our community.

The Helio Foundation is a local nonprofit organization with a mission to serve the underserved. A special thanks is given to the planning committee for helping to develop this event: Mary Aucoin, Stacy Solet, Lee Lee Trosclair, and Lorraine Beasley.