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Reaching a milestone takes discipline and determination.
Three avid readers in Vermilion Parish displayed those traits this year, each reading more than 5 million words.
During the school board meeting on April 23, the Vermilion Parish School System recognized the top readers in the parish. That list includes:
• 1st Place (5,535,080 words) - Hadley Dumond, Forked Island E. Broussard
• 2nd Place (5,406,661 words) - Graecyn Diz, Cecil Picard Elementary School
• 3rd Place (5,189,256 words) - Valerie Schexnider, Erath Eiddle School
• 4th Place (4,540,387 words) - Isabella Breaux, North Vermilion Middle School
• 5th Place (4,172,642 words) - Julien Leger, Erath Middle School
“These students reached one million words,” Assistant Superintendent Kim Etie said, “and they just kept reading.
“This is a significant achievement.”
Dumond, who has read a previous best two million words, is proud of her new heights.
“It feels really rewarding to have reached 5 million words,” Dumond said. “It took a lot of time and dedication, but I enjoyed the process. I didn’t start with a specific number in mind. I just wanted to read as much as I could; it became a goal to be the top reader at my school, and I’m proud that my hard work paid off.”
Diz, who also read a previous best of two million words, shares that sense of accomplishment.
“Reading over five million words is a satisfying feeling,” Diz said. “It has made me feel like I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.”
Etie set out with her own goal for the year: to increase the Million Word Reader initiative in the parish. Last year, the school system recognized 50 students who reached that number or more. Etie happily announced big strides for this school year.
“The schools really stepped up this year,” Etie said. “With the schools and librarians pushing it, we are celebrating 73 kids in our district.
“I am excited about that.”
She made a point of reference to what reading a million words really looks like.
“All seven ‘Harry Potter’ books together are 1.1 million words,” Etie said. “That gives you a baseline. To read this many words is significant.”
For Diz, it’s not a chore.
“Reading is something I truly enjoy,” Diz said. “I typically read during all of my free time. My mom inspired me to become an avid reader. We love going to bookstores together.
Diz’s favorite books are from the “Wings of Fire” series by Tui T. Sutherland.
“That is the series that really started my journey with reading for enjoyment,” Diz said.
Dumond’s favorites are “The Hunger Games” and the “Twilight” series.
“Both series kept me interested and made it hard to put the books down,” Dumond said.
Like Diz, Dumond doesn’t find it difficult to pick up a book in the first place. That zest for reading mirrors other aspects of her life.
“I’ve always been very dedicated to my schoolwork,” Dumond said. “I’ve had perfect attendance for multiple years and was honored to be named Student of the Year at my school.
“I think that the same commitment shows in my reading habits because I make sure to use my time wisely and keep learning whenever I can.”

MICROWAVE MORSELS

COOSH COOSH A LA MICROWAVE
From the kitchen of Anna Langlinais
INGREDIENTS
-3 cups cornmeal, your favorite of yellow, white or stone-ground
-1 1/2 tsp salt
-1 2/3 cup water
-2 tbsp vegetable oil
-1 tsp baking powder
MISE EN PLACE
-Mix together the water and the oil in a small bowl.
-Combine the cornmeal, salt, baking powder, plus water and oil in a 2 quart round glass casserole.
-Cover.
-Microwave on high for 5 minutes.
-Stir well.
-Microwave again for 6 more minutes.
-Stir well before serving.
Eat as a cereal with milk and added figs, sugar, cane syrup, coffee, bacon, or cracklings. Some even add peanut butter.
My mom always made a fresh pot of coffee for my dad’s bowl of Coosh Coosh.
What is your favorite?
I like mine plain with warm milk.

CINDY’S HOT ARTICHOKE DIP
Ready in minutes
Use as a side dish
INGREDIENTS
-1 can artichoke hearts
-1 cup grated Parmesan*, fresh not canned
-1 cup mayonnaise
-Seasoning, to your taste
-Frito Scoops or pita chips
MISE EN PLACE
-Mix all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl.
-Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
-Transfer to attractive bowl.
-Serve with Frito Scoops or your chip or cracker of choice.
*1 block softened cream cheese can be substituted for Parmesan.

MICROWAVE CHOCOLATE CAKE
A whole cake
TOPPING
-1 1/2 cups hot water
-1 cup packed dark brown sugar
-1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-1/4 cup salted butter, cubed
CAKE
-1 cup flour
-1 cup white sugar
-1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-1 1/2 tsp baking powder
-1/2 tsp kosher salt
-1/2 tsp instant espresso powder*
-1 cup milk
-1 tsp vanilla flavoring
-1 cup vanilla ice cream, or to taste
MISE EN PLACE
-For topping, combine hot water, brown sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
-Microwave on high until bubbly, about 4 minutes.
-For cake, whisk together flour, white sugar, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, and instant espresso powder in a 2-quart round casserole dish.
-Add milk and vanilla.
-Whisk until smooth.
-Pour topping over cake batter.
-Don’t mix. They will flow together.
-Microwave on high until cake is on top of the topping sauce, 8 to 10 minutes.
-Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream.
You can, of course, use any flavor of ice cream you like. Chocolate over chocolate is a chocoholic’s dream.
*A substitute for espresso powder would be 3/4 tsp instant coffee powder.

ICE CREAM BREAD
Easy and quick
INGREDIENTS
-1 pint (2cups) ice cream, softened
-1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
MISE EN PLACE
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-Grease and flour an 8”x4” loaf pan.
-Stir together ice cream and flour, stirring just until flour is moistened.
-Pour into prepared pan.
-Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted in center comes out clean.
-Remove from pan.
-Cool on a wire rack.
Pop it in the oven while preparing supper for a great dessert.
Serve with coffee for a morning or afternoon treat. Toast a few slices for breakfast and serve with butter and jelly.
Choose your favorite flavor ice cream. Make sure to use standard ice cream. Do not use sugar-free or reduced-sugar ice cream; you will not get best results.
The ice cream should be softened before using. Let it sit on counter until softened and mix it to be sure all lumps are gone before mixing with flour.
Store in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It should be good at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, cut into slices and freeze.
Cover tightly in plastic wrap and wrap in foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
SUGGESTIONS
-Sliced strawberries folded into strawberry ice cream
-Chocolate ice cream with chocolate chunks or chips
-Chopped Oreos in cookies and cream ice cream.
-Chopped Oreos in any flavor ice cream
-Candy bars in peanut butter ice cream
-Any of your favorites in vanilla ice cream
-An added glaze or chocolate ganache will impress company that will think it took hours to prepare.
I think I will try chopped strawberries, banana slices, and chocolate chips in vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup drizzled over just before serving to create a banana split.
One reminder: Do not use any liquid-based add-ins, which could affect the texture of the final product. I had the idea of adding almond flavoring but realized it would be a mistake.
There are so many different flavored chips that will allow you to find a unique blend of your own: dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, butterscotch, and several more.
ICE CREAM ON ICE CREAM BREAD
For an easy way to accentuate the flavor of plain ice cream, toast a slice of ice cream bread, dust it with confectioners sugar, and top with a scoop of ice cream.
SELF-RISING FLOUR
If you don’t usually use self-rising flour, it’s easy to make with ingredients you do have.
Whisk together
-1 cup all-purpose flour
-1 1/2 tsp baking powder
-1/4 tsp salt
This mixture is perfect self-rising flour that can be used in any recipe that calls for self-rising flour.

Monday was Vermilion Night at the Pentagon Barracks adjacent from the Capital Building. Many travel from our parish to visit with each other and with our elected officials. Ryan Bourriaque, Troy Hebert, Bob Hensgens, and our son Jacob Landry were all there milling through the crowd to say hello and answer questions.
Louisiana Clerks of Court were there for an annual outing to visit with state officials of each parish. Diane Meaux Broussard was there with the clerks, as were many other Vermillion parish officials. Gabe Marceaux, our assessor, Sheriff Eddie Langlinais, District Attorney Don Landry, Abbeville Mayor Roz White, Kaplan Mayor Mike Kloesel, and several police jurors, school board members, and city council members. What a wealth of information available! I quizzed a few.
People started gathering around 5:00 p.m. and were there until dark. The food was Cajun cooking at its best. Crawfish Fettuccini, Pork roast with rice and gravy, and corn along with fig loaf, pecan pie, and bread pudding all originated in Vermilion Parish.
Early in the afternoon Boo took a walk to the Capitol to check on Jacob while the House was in session. With a little scrap of time, Jacob stood and introduced his dad, thanked him, and at the end Jacob said, “I just hope I look like he does when I’m 77!”
Now that’s a politician! And a pleased Boo!

When you read this, we will probably know which of our area baseball teams will have triumphed in the quarter finals to go on to the semifinals. V C, Delcambre High, and Erath High School (with our grandson, Jack Landry in right field) all deserve good luck and can capitalize on their skill to walk away with victories.

November 13, 1931 - May 1, 2026

MAURICE — Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Cypress Funeral Home in Maurice for Lawrence Hebert, age 94, who passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, at his home with his wife and children by his side.
Deacon Keith Duhon of Our Lady of Prompt Succor will officiate the service. Internment will follow at St. Alphonsus Cemetery.
The family requests that visitation be observed at Cypress Funeral Home – Maurice on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 9 a.m. until the time of service. A Rosary will be recited at 11:30 a.m.
Lawrence was a 40-year member of the Knight of Columbus, Stanley S. Hebert Sr. Council 8770 of Maurice, LA.
He was born in Maurice, Louisiana and began his career working in the oil field, where he dedicated 24 years before changing paths in 1972 to pursue farming. He began growing rice and soybeans in and around the Maurice–Lafayette area, and the operation quickly grew into a successful family farm. His sons later joined him, working alongside their father to continue what he had built. In 1977, Lawrence and his wife, Velta, were honored as the Maurice Area Farm Family of the Year by the Farmers Home Administration. His grandsons joined him after school and in the summer as soon as they could reach the pedals of the tractor and cherish fond memories of working beside him during rice harvests. Later in life, once he stopped farming, Lawrence had a small crawfish pond which kept him busy and he continued crawfishing until his retirement at the age of 84.
Affectionately known as “Pop Pop” by his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, Lawrence found joy in gardening vegetables and flowers, taking special pride in his red roses that continue to bloom along the side of his patio. He and Mom Mom loved dancing and were members of both the Happy Cajuns and The Boat Club, where they spent many Saturday nights dancing and visiting with friends. Above all else, Lawrence’s greatest joy was his family, and nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than spending time with his greatgrandchildren.
He is survived by his devoted wife of over 73 years, Velta Prejean; his sons, Richard Hebert (Tammy), and Randy Hebert (Janine); and his daughter, Christine Duhon. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, who will cherish his memory.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeneus Hebert and the former Editha Broussard, three sisters Emedia Vincent, Regina Girouard and Mildred Trahan; and four brothers, Edlar, Nole, Albert and Nolton Hebert.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jude, Shane, Justin and Cody Hebert and his grandsons by marriage Scotty Thibodeaux, Justin Broussard, and Albert Granger Jr.
A heartfelt appreciation is extended by the Hebert Family to Hospice of Acadiana for the outstanding care and compassion shown to Mr. Hebert and his family during their time of need. Special gratitude is extended to his physician, Dr. Dana Dicharry, Melissa Ducharme, his nurse with Amedisys who cared for him over the last 5 years, and Natalie Grey, his nurse with Hospice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cypress Funeral Home & Crematory, 206 W. Lafayette St., Mauric

May 30, 1966 ~ April 30, 2026

ABBEVILLE - Funeral services officiated by Deacon William "Billy" Vincent will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, honoring the life of Kent Joseph Hebert, 59, who passed away on April 30, 2026, at the Calcutta House. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Justin Hebert, Austin Hebert, Payton LeMaire, Bryton Gary, Chuckie Row, and Ed Hardy. Honorary pallbearers will be Bentley Gary, Hudson Hebert, Mason Simon, Hank Simon, Joey Peltier, Chad Melancon, Brandon Oliver, Brandon Haltom, and Mark Hughes.
A visitation will take place at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. Saint Charles St., Abbeville, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 10 a.m. until the time of services. A rosary is being prayed at 12:45 p.m.
There are never enough words to truly capture a life so deeply loved.
“Kenny G Pop Kent” was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose strength, honesty, and unwavering love defined who he was. Known for his straightforward advice—whether you wanted to hear it or not—he lived his life real and true to himself. Stubborn and strong-willed, he faced every challenge head-on, including his battle with cancer, which he fought with incredible strength and determination.
He was a provider and a steady presence. He spent his life creating memories from fishing trips to life lessons that will carry on for generations.
He found joy in the simple things—dancing, cooking, laughing, spending time with friends, and being outdoors. He loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren deeply, and that love extended to anyone fortunate enough to call him a friend. His dog Gracie Mae was his saving grace and a constant source of comfort and companionship.
His legacy lives on in the strength, resilience, and love he instilled in his family. He will always be remembered as one of the strongest men we have ever known.
He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Dawn Hardy Hebert; his sons, Justin Hebert (Kaylyn Romero), Austin Hebert (Anna Belle Stewart), and Payton LeMaire (Michaela Crosby); daughters, Brittany Racquel Gary (Bryton), Lauren Simon, and Kami Row (Chuckie); four legged baby, Gracie Mae Hebert; sister, JoAnn Hebert Vincent; brother, Joseph Morrison Hebert; mother-in-law, Johnnie Hardy; and eleven grandchildren, Bentley, EmmaLynn, Hudson, Avery, Ellie, Lola, Ahni, Ellen, Harper, Mason, Hank, and four legged grandbaby, Roscoe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Gabriel "Gabby" Hebert and the former Audrey Mae LeBlanc; siblings, Mary Callahan, John Wayne Hebert, and Carolyn Peltier; father-in-law, Edward Hardy; and son-in-law, Casey Simon.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Skyla Whitworth of Heart of Hospice for her exceptional care and compassion during this difficult time, as well as to the Calcutta House. A very special mention goes to his "nurse," Autumn Oliver, for providing him with loving care and comfort.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville (337) 893-4661.