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KAPLAN — There is a pride in Kaplan schools that stems from what students there accomplish.
Isabella Hargrave is a perfect example.
Hargrave, an 8th-grader at Rene Rost Middle School, is an excellent student in the classroom and active across many levels of the school. That’s part of why Hargrave has been named the Vermilion Parish Middle School Student of the Year.
“Becoming Vermillion Parish Student of the Year is such an honor!” Hargrave exclaimed. “My initial reaction was definitely surprising. It is a crazy concept to think that I am one of the top students in the entire parish. It wasn’t until after that I started to understand how significant of an honor this position is.
“I couldn’t be more grateful to represent my parish, school, and community.”
While there was some pleasant shock with the announcement, Hargrave prepared for the process and allowed her personality to shine through.
“My creativity and bubbly personality have definitely helped me a lot throughout this process,” Hargrave said. “Being able to think outside the box and think of new fun ideas has really put me in the lead when it comes to portfolios and interviews. I have learned to use the skills that I have to set me ahead, allowing me to succeed so far.”
Hargrave has found tremendous success and enjoyment in her activities, both inside and outside of school.
“One of the main activities I do out of school is dance,” Hargrave said. “Dance is one 100% my favorite thing to do. Expressing myself through music and challenging my body with different dance styles brings me much joy. I also love cheer because it allows me to connect with others in my school and shows my true personality. Both cheer and dance have allowed me to form friendships with different girls around my community who are so strong I truly consider them family. I also take part in some school clubs. These include things like student council, 4-H, Beta, Vermilion gifted program, band, theater, and I have recently joined a future city team that I will compete in an engineering contest around mid-January.”
Hargrave has hobbies, too.
“A couple of my favorite hobbies include art and baking,” Hargrave said. “These two activities show a different side of my personality that is fun but calm and more introverted. I love that rewarding feeling after I have baked a delicious cake or painted an outstanding image. Camping and being outdoors are also things I enjoy. My family and I camp with other families with kids around the same age. This little camping community started in 2010, the year I was born, so I have indeed grown up with all of these friends and they have become more of a family. I also have many great memories while camping, such as learning to ride a bike or exploring new trails. These are a few of my favorite hobbies that bring me joy.”
Regarding the classroom, Hargrave said her favorite subject would be English Language Arts (ELA).
“I am a big reader, and my favorite type of books are adventure books with supernatural characters,” Hargrave said. “ELA also includes lots of writing tasks, which is another way for me to think outside the box and come up with fun and exciting stories.”
Her current ELA teacher, Caroline Guidry, has also contributed to Hargave’s love for the subject.
“I love her teaching style because of all the fun art projects that she includes in our lessons,” Hargrave said. “This keeps the class fun and helps me to stay engaged and learn more.”
Hargrave doesn’t have to look far for her biggest influence. That would be her mother, Tracy Hargrave.
“My mom has been the biggest influence on my life and personality,” Hargrave said. “She constantly pushes me to be the best person I can be and is my number one supporter. She is always proud of my accomplishments but also tells me how to improve. While some parents just comfort their kids when they make a mistake, my mom comforts me but at the same time teaches me how to learn from it and work through the problem. She sets a wonderful example of how to treat others, succeed at a job, and work hard.
“I strive to be as successful as her every day in every action I take.”
Tracy Hargrave, who is the principal at Kaplan Elementary School, said she is proud of everything Isabella has accomplished.
“Izzy is determined, smart, and selfless,” Tracy Hargrave said of what she sees in her daughter. “When she puts her mind to something, nothing can get in her way. She is hard-working and doesn’t settle for less than her best. She often puts others before herself. She is kind and thinks of others when making decisions. We are so proud of these qualities!”
Isabella Hargrave isn’t the only student generating pride in the Kaplan community. Kaplan High’s Reagan Smith is the Vermilion Parish High School Student of the Year. Isabella Hargrave said it is gratifying to be a part of something special.
“The student of the Year is such a great representation of their town and this applies to Kaplan as well,” Hargrave said. “The past students of the year have gotten the chance to compete at a state level, and even though some of them were younger than me, I still look up to those individuals as a great role models. They really showed the amazing kids and people who grew up in Kaplan. Regardless of the outcome, I want to continue that legacy and make my community proud.
“I am so proud to have the opportunity to represent Kaplan positively and I will try my very best to fill the big shoes left by the students before me!”

March 9, 1943 - December 14, 2023

ABBEVILLE, La. – A Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Donella P. Jones, the former Donella Marie Peters, 80, will be held at 11 a.m. at Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church (101 N. Leonard Ave) with Rev. Francois-Sainte-Marie, Celebrant, officiating. 
Visitation hours will be observed at Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus Catholic Church on Saturday, December 9, 2023, beginning at 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. A rosary will be recited at 10 a.m.
She will await the resurrection at Carter Rudd Lewis Cemetery in Abbeville, LA. 
Donella was a resident of Abbeville, LA. She transitioned at 12:34 P.M. on Saturday, December14, 2023, peacefully at her residence surrounded by her devoted family. She was married to the late Rufus Jones.
Her qualities included being a loving, caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and godmother. She enjoyed going to the Truck Stops, Casino, and watching her western movies. Mother D. loved working at Mommy Helping Hand with the infants, babies, and toddlers.
To cherish her memory, she leaves one son and six daughters: Allen Sinegal of Rayne, LA, Mary (willie) Davis of Duson, LA, Jackie (Robert) Jones of Texas, Margaret (Steven) Levine of Abbeville, LA, Bernadette (Brady) Broussard of Kaplan, LA, Geraldine Huntsberry of Abbeville, LA, and Izema Huntsberry of Lafayette, LA; adopted granddaughter: Aghiana (Kerry) Tolliver; one sister: Leona Hopkins of Abbeville, LA; 30 loving grandchildren; 45 loving great-grandchildren; 2 loving great-great grandchildren; two loving godchildren: Johnny Taylor and Cornelius Darby and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Rufus Jones; her parents: Warren and Elnora Peters; two sisters: Velma Peters and Elive Brown; four brothers: Warren Jr., Lucien, Oliver, and Alvin Peters; 3 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.
Active pallbearers are Brady Broussard, Jr., Breon Broussard, Steven Levine, Jr., Joshua Davis, William Davis, Jr., and A.J. Sinegal.
Honorary pallbearers are Allen Sinegal, Brady Broussard, Sr., Steven Levine, Sr., William Davis, Sr., Cornelius Darby, Robert Jones, Adam Celestine, Fabian Mitchell, and Johnny Taylor.
Condolences may be expressed at www.fletcherfuneralhomes.org
Arrangements are entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Home (337-369-3341) 609 W. Admiral Doyle Drive, New Iberia, LA 70560. 

NATCHITOCHES PARISH – On Dec. 19 at approximately 7 a.m., Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a one-vehicle crash on I-49 near Mile Post 141.
The crash claimed the life of 41-year-old Sean Franks Clark of Maurice.
The initial investigation revealed that a 1986 Toyota pickup truck, driven by Clark, was traveling south on I-49.
For reasons still under investigation, Clark’s vehicle traveled off the roadway, entered the southbound ditch and struck a large tree.
Clark, who was unrestrained, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Routine toxicology samples were obtained and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.
While the cause of this crash remains under investigation, distracted and inattentive driving continues to be a leading cause of crashes in our state.
Louisiana State Police urges all motorists to stay alert while driving. A lapse in one’s awareness can have deadly consequences.
In 2023, Troop E has investigated 53 fatal crashes, resulting in 59 deaths.

July 21, 1946 - December 13, 2023

ABBEVILLE — Funeral services for Luna Ann Hardy Hills Spencer are scheduled for Thursday, December 21, 2023 for 11 a.m. at Briggs United Methodist Church -- 13528 Community Road (Mouton Cove).  Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service.  Rev. James F. Haynes will officiate the services.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery. 
Mrs. Luna Ann Hardy, Hills, Spencer was born to her late parents Godman Richard Hardy, Sr. and Gracie Mae Mouton Hardy in Mouton Cove, Louisiana. Luna passed away peacefully at her home on December 13, 2023, with family members present.
Luna was baptized at an early age at Briggs United Methodist Church, where she was an active member.  Luna graduated from James Herod High School where she was a member of the choir, band(drums) and a majorette. She married the late Eddie Hills, and to that union four children were born. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from USL and became a substitute teacher at Meaux Elementary School. Luna later moved to San Fernando Valley, California, where she met and married the late Glenn Earl Spencer and had one child. She worked as a Postal Sales Clerk for the Broadway and Macy’s for almost 30 years. Upon her return to Abbeville, LA, she was selected as Commissioner in Charge of Precinct 46-A Parish Government Office.
Luna’s passion was her family and her church. Luna loved to sing and write songs. She wrote poems about those departed for the family. Luna enjoyed game shows, crossword puzzles and anything that challenged her mind.
She leaves to cherish her memory five children, Gracie Hills, Carlton Hills(La Tichia), Melissa Hills, Mary Hills(Jerome), and Sarah Pilette(Brian); eleven grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, three great-great greandchildren; siblings, Warren Hardy, Connie Hardy, Patsy Mannie(Wayne), Kenneth Hardy, Wayne Hardy, Michael Hardy(Lupe), and Shedrick Hardy; one aunt, Perilla Mouton and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
 She was preceded in death by Grandparents Arthur and Ellen Hardy, sister Emma Jean Hardy, brothers, Claiborne Hardy, Godman Richard Hardy, Jr., Arthur Lenord Hardy, sisters-in-law Elta Mae Hardy, Stacie Hardy,Hazel Levy, Alzena Maze  and grandson, Brandon Hills.
Final arrangements have been entrusted to Kinchen Funeral Home, Inc. – 218 North St. Valerie Street, Abbeville LA.  (337) 898-9595.  Additionally, condolences to the family may be expressed via its website: www.kinchenfuneralhome.com.