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The Abbeville High Hall of Fame Committee has selected three people to this year’s Abbeville High Hall of Fame class.
Two members are former AHS athletes, while the other is an honorary inductee.
The two athletes are David Suire and Ashley Cormier, while the honorary inductee is Barbara Gayle LeMaire, who helped create the AHS Hall of Fame.
They will be honored Thursday at a special ceremony at Magdalen Place in Abbeville and for the football game on Friday at halftime.

David Suire

David Francis Suire is the son and third child of Ronald Francis Suire and Lydia Kay DeCuir, born in Abbeville on January 6, 1977.
His two older sisters are Christina Dayries and Mitzi Dohrman. Before starting kindergarten, David’s family moved to Meaux.
While growing up, he participated in the seasonal sports of baseball, basketball, and football with his friends, later adding track in junior high.
Once in junior high at North Vermilion, David decided to focus on football as his main sport after playing on the varsity football team as an 8th grader.
After a fire at his family home in Meaux, David moved to Abbeville. He moved to Abbeville High at the start of his sophomore year, when AHS was in District 5-4A.
While only being at Abbeville for three years (1993-1995), David was able to excel in the new Wing-T offense installed by new head coach Gerald Laughlin, starting as an offensive right guard for three years.
David also was the starting linebacker his senior year. In his very last football game, a quarterfinal loss to John Curtis out of New Orleans, David only left the field for two plays proving how versatile a player he was.
While not being the biggest, fastest, or strongest, David was very technical in his approach to football and track, always working on technique.
This technical approach allowed him to maximize his abilities, and was recognized with several honors.
As a sophomore, David was named to the 1st Team All-Parish and 2nd Team All-District as an offensive guard. As a junior, he was named to the 2nd Team All-Parish, 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-Acadiana, Honorable Mention All-State by the AP, and 1st Team All-State by the Coach’s Poll.
As a senior, he was named to the 1st Team All-Parish, 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-Acadiana, and Honorable Mention All-State by the Sports Writers All-State Team.
David participated in the shot put, javelin, high jump, and long jump in track, but his specialty was the discus. As a senior, he was the district champion in the discus, throwing a personal best of 145 feet, 10 inches, and would make it to the state track meet in Baton Rouge.
His accomplishments did not end on the field. David was named to the Class 4A Academic All-State Football Team his senior year.
After graduating from Abbeville High, David decided to focus on academics and not play college football. Instead, he attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Since graduating from ULL, David has worked in the oilfield, traveling as far as Brazil and Alaska’s North Slope.
As of 2021, David lives in Katy, TX. He is married to Amanda Menard Suire from Maurice and has three great children, Kennedy, Nicholas, and Allie.
David would like to thank all his coaches, especially his father, Ronald Suire, uncle, Matt Suire, Gerald Laughlin, James Gaspard and Brent Indest for helping guide him not only as an athlete but also in life.

Ashley Renee Cormier

Ashley Renee Cormier, a 2002 graduate of Abbeville High School, was born October 29, 1983, to Shelton and Anita Cormier. Ashley has two brothers Harold and Shannon, who excelled in sports and one sister Shelly Cormier who participated in Band. In addition, Ashley has one handsome son Ashton Reion Cormier who is 12 years old and is in the 7th grade at J. H. Williams Middle School.
Ashley played multiple sports at Abbeville High School, making First team honors in four different sports. During her sophomore year, her track coach (Karen Peacock) convinced her to run cross country to make her stronger for her sprint races for track and Ashley ended up placing in 3rd place in the district, which qualified her to run at the state meet.
Her junior year, Ashley was the 100 meter and 200-meter district champion and competed at the state meet.
In fastpitch, her softball her junior year, the Lady Wildcats went 18-11 in Class 4A under Coaches Mark Suire and Bill Sturgis.
Ashley earned MVP of the parish, all-district and all-state awards that year.
In basketball, her senior year, she was the only senior and averaged 16 points a game while earning 1st Team all-district honors.
Ashley led the Lady Wildcat’s basketball team to the playoffs but lost in the second round under basketball head coach Laura Lebouef.
In addition to the all parish, all-district and all state honors, Ashley was named Abbeville High School Female Athlete of the Year both her junior and senior year.
She volunteered her time as a water girl for the AHS football team when not participating in sports.
Ashley went on to sign a basketball scholarship with Louisiana State University at Eunice, where she earned Offensive and Defensive MVP honors as a freshman. She graduated from LSUE with an associate degree in General Studies.
Ashley is now a certified biller and coder and has worked for LHC group as a Business Manager for six years.

Barbara Gayle LeMaire

Barbara Gayle moved to Abbeville in 1956 as a freshman and attended all four years of high school in Abbeville, and graduated from Abbeville High School in 1960.
“I have many fond and lasting memories of my years at Abbeville High, she said. “I was very involved in many school activities and clubs. Most of the students and my classmates have remained close to my heart, like family. I cannot say enough about my years at Abbeville High, from the principals, the faculty, and students and classmates who were so considerate and caring. We were all like one big happy family.
“One of my best memories was being selected as a cheerleader and being a Wildcat member.”
She is a proud parent of two children: Gerald D. Libersat Jr. (deceased) and a daughter Lisa Ann Libersat. One of her greatest treasures her two grandsons, Brooks, and his wife Darian, who live in Iowa, LA. and Barret, an architect in Austin, TX.
In 1974, she married Teddy LeMaire.
In 1976 she had the honor and privilege to serve on the first-ever Abbeville High School Hall of Fame Screening Committee.
In 1977, the Abbeville High School Hall of Fame held its first induction ceremony - Thomas “T-Tom” Broussard and Lovic “Tiny” Touchet.
She had the privilege and honor of being responsible for hosting the AHS Hall of Fame Induction Social the Thursday evening before Homecoming.
In early 1977, she met with AHS Principal Cecil Picard concerning a room for the Hall of Fame. An empty glass room at the front entrance was available, and construction began for the new home for the AHS Hall of Fame.
Over the past 44 years, the space has become packed with Hall of Fame memorabilia,
Today the AHS Hall of Fame room has pictures and stories of more than 50 Hall of Fame Inductees and 20 Honorary Hall of Fame Inductees.
Donald Chauvin and Harris “Libby” LeBlanc (deceased) are honored as Special Inductees for the extra work, service, and dedication to the Hall of Fame process.
“My heartfelt appreciation and gratitude go out to the AHS Hall of Fame, the Nominating, Selection and Screening Committee members,” she said. “I am honored and very humbled for this honor you have bestowed upon me. It was my privilege and honor to give my time and dedication to honor all the great athletes and students who have made Abbeville High School what it is today.
“It is my esteemed honor and privilege to be selected to be among these great people. Go Wildcats!”

Halli Gray Trahan
A daughter, Halli Gray Trahan, was born on August 18, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Keigan Hanks and Case Trahan of Gueydan.

AnnMarie Kate Richard
A daughter, AnnMarie Kate Richard, was born on August 24, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Richard of Kaplan. The mother is the former Alaina Rung.

Kash Joseph Gaspard
A son, Kash Joseph Gaspard, was born on August 25, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Taylor Delahoussaye and Hunter Gaspard of Erath.

Phoenix Angelle Levine
A daughter, Phoenix Angelle Levine, was born on August 25, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Levine of Abbeville. The mother is the former Camealita Minix.

Tucker Jude Reaux
A son, Tucker Jude Reaux, was born on August 31, 2021, at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Drew Reaux of Erath. The mother is the former Tabby Romero.

Jaci Ann Vincent
A daughter, Jaci Ann Vincent, was born on September 1, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Jace Vincent of Maurice. The mother is the former Paige Suire.

Kyrin Kohl Hutchins
A son, Kyrin Kohl Hutchins, was born on September 1, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Ashley Landry and Kenneth Hutchins of Abbeville.

Zion Sakari Hebert
A daughter, Zion Sakari Hebert, was born on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. Jared Jovan Hebert of Abbeville. The mother is the former Zion Jacqualin Chisolm.

Della Mae Hoffpauir
A daughter, Della Mae Hoffpauir, was born on September 7, 2021 at Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Drake Hoffpauir of Erath. The mother is the former Malani Husband.

Kay’Moni Alyce Chavis
A daughter, Kay’Moni Alyce Chavis, was born on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Abbeville General to Bria Tashae Tardy and Demontrevon Dejavon Keonte Chavis of Abbeville.

Hudson Joseph Gary
A son, Hudson Joseph Gary, was born on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. Kevin James Gary, Jr., of Erath. The mother is the former Teirrany Mikel Peltier.

Ty’Leigh Dakota Erin Judge
A daughter, Ty’Leigh Dakota Erin Judge, was born on Monday, September 13, 2021, at Abbeville General to Shakeria Jarnae’ Judge of Abbeville.

Artemis Lane Menard
A son, Artemis Lane Menard, was born on Friday, September 17, 2021 at Abbeville General to Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Joseph Menard of Abbeville. The mother is the former Natasha Nicole Duplantis.

Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) and Hancock Whitney Bank are pleased to announce the 2021 Leaders in Philanthropy Award honorees for Vermilion Parish, John T. and Sandra B. Landry.
John T. and Sandra B. Landry are lifelong residents of Vermilion parish. John T. was a successful auto dealer and Sandra taught 1st grade for 32 years in the Vermilion Parish Public School System.
They are very active in their community supporting causes near and dear to their hearts such as Palmetto State Park, St. Theresa Catholic Church, and the University of Louisiana. Additionally, they have set up endowment funds to support the B.I. Moody III College of Business, St. Theresa Catholic Church, and an endowment to support nonprofits in Vermilion Parish through the Vermilion Foundation. The Landry’s have also established a significant planned gift to benefit Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House in Grand Coteau.
“John T. and Sandra have an impressive list of statewide and community activities in the civic and religious arena. They believe in giving back to their community and their philanthropy has truly made a difference in the Vermilion Parish.” - Charles Sonnier, Vermilion Foundation Advisory Board member.
John T. previously served as the Director of Development at University of Louisiana at Lafayette. During his tenure the gifted assets of the university grew from $19 million to $130 million.
For his fundraising efforts, John T. received the Top Fundraiser of the Year Award for the state of Louisiana from the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Leaders In Philanthropy Awards are presented annually to outstanding individuals, couples, and corporations who have supported nonprofit organizations, churches, and schools through charitable giving and/or philanthropic work.
Individuals and couples are selected from each of the eight parishes of Community Foundation of Acadiana’s (CFA) primary service area which includes Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion Parishes.

CFA welcomes nominations from the general public at www.cfacadiana.org/lip. Nominees need not be donors or have a Fund at CFA. CFA’s Past Board Members consider nominations and submit their recommendations to the CFA Board of Directors for final approval, including those proposed by any Parish Affiliate Advisory Board.

Community Foundation of Acadiana’s core purpose is to build legacies and improve communities by connecting generous people to the causes they care about. CFA has realized more than $317 million in philanthropic activities since inception in 2000 and currently has assets of more than $187 million. CFA’s donor-directed grant distributions now exceed $165 million. While donors are not limited geographically, CFA’s primary service area includes the parishes of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion. CFA is the third largest community foundation in the state and expects to soon be included in the Top 100 U.S. community foundations by assets. These important milestones ensure CFA’s position as one of Louisiana’s premier philanthropic organizations.

March 9, 1925 ~ October 3, 2021

ABBEVILLE — A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of Roland Francis LeBlanc, Sr., 96, who passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, October 3, 2021 - the day of the Lord's Resurrection and the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux. He was laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Father Donald Bernard officiating the services.
Roland "Poly" was a lifelong resident of Abbeville. He was the son of Senator and Mrs. Dudley J. LeBlanc (Coozan Dud).
In his youth, Roland served as an altar boy at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. It was through this service that he was asked by Blessed Father Joseph LaFleur to recruit friends to establish the first boy scout troop through St. Mary Magdalen Church. Roland credits his boy scout adventures under Fr. LaFleur, including a trip to Philmont, as a basis for his character and spiritual development. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Roland graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1942 and then continued his education at Tulane University. At the age of 18, he enlisted and served in the US Navy during WWII as a corpsman assigned to the Marines in Okinawa Japan. After the war he attended LSU and graduated from Southwest Louisiana Institute with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.
Roland used his knowledge in chemistry working as the Chief Chemist for his father in the making of Hadacol. He fondly recalled sitting next to Hank Williams on the Hadacol Train, along with other entertainers, contributing to the lyrics of Jambalaya (on the Bayou).
He married Maxine Laura Landry in 1952 and, after a short stint in the oilfield, he began his lifelong career with New York Life Insurance Company. He was a counsel agent for 32 years, but remained in the company for a total of 60 years until 2020. Roland won many prestigious sales awards including Chair (3 years), President (23 years), and Executive Council (6 years).
Roland enjoyed national and international travel throughout his life. Roland also went on many spiritual pilgrimages inviting family members to accompany him to places such as Conyers Georgia, Rome Italy, Medjugorje, The Holy Land, Lourdes France, Garabandal Spain, and a 6-week long World Tour.
Roland was active in many community and civic affairs including serving on the board for Abbeville Building and Loan and the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce to name a few.
Roland was a devout Catholic and a charitable donor. For most of his life he was a daily recipient of Holy Communion attending morning Mass. For many years he served as a lector at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church and as a Eucharistic Minister bringing Holy Communion to the sick. He was devoted to praying The Twelve-Year Prayers of St. Bridget, of Sweden, on the Passion of Jesus for the last 15+ years. He and his son, Tommy, met together daily at 2pm for recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Holy Rosary.
Poly was an avid hunter and fisherman. He learned to hunt and fish at an early age from his father and his maternal uncle, Lester Hebert. He fished from the Vermilion Bay to the Gulf of Mexico and on many of his travel excursions around the world. Poly enjoyed his final fishing trip in the Gulf of Mexico four weeks prior to his death. He passed down this love to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was a man who enjoyed life, loved to entertain and host anyone who was willing to join his party. His life centered around his family. He raised his seven children after the death of his beloved wife, Maxine, in 1971. Poly loved telling jokes, giving toasts for special occasions and fixing his "specialty" punch for family gatherings. He was a HUGE LSU football fan. When he stopped tailgating, he continued to passionately watch the Tigers from his home. He enjoyed playing tennis, golf, and many other sports that kept him active.
Roland is survived by six children, Leah LeBlanc Foster, Roland F. LeBlanc Jr., Terrence J. LeBlanc (Kitty), Theresa LeBlanc Rabeaux (Randy), Laura LeBlanc McLain (Allen), and Thomas D. LeBlanc (Barbara); twenty-nine grandchildren, and fifty great-grandchildren. He is survived by his siblings, Kay Jarrell, Jean LeBlanc (Mike), Bertha Curley, and Morgan LeBlanc (Carol), sister-in-law, Claudette LeBlanc; and numerous nieces and nephews who played an important role in his life. He is also survived by a family friend of many years, Arthurine Sirmon.
Roland was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine Landry LeBlanc; parents, Dudley J. and Evelyn Hebert LeBlanc; brother, Dudley J. LeBlanc Jr.; son, Stephen Marshall LeBlanc; great-granddaughter, Kaylee Abigail McLain; daughter-in-law, Melissa Hebert LeBlanc; and son-in-law, Samuel M. Foster.
The family requested that visiting hours be observed at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 300 Pere Megret St., Abbeville on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 from 9:00 AM until time of services.
The family offers a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Joseph Brierre, Lourdes Hospice (Meg, Gary, and Marie), Fathers Donald Bernard and Louis Richard for their selfless attention and spiritual care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 300 Pere Megret Street, Abbeville LA 70510.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements were conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abb