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Vermilion Parish is now the proud home of two National Champion Dance Teams.
Over the weekend, North Vermilion’s Dream Team Dance Team and the Erath Extreme Dance Team won their Varsity Game Day National Championship in Orlando, FL.
Erath is the Medium Varsity Division II Game Day National Champions. 
North Vermilion is the Small Varsity Division II Game Day National Champions.
It is the second year in a row that the Dream Team has won the championship in Game Day.
North Vermilion Dance Team coaches Vandie Davidson and Shamayne Istre said there was some pressure.
“Returning from nationals in 2024 as title winners was an amazing feeling, but it did come with some expectations,” said the NV coaches.
“There is pressure to prove yourself again and that your program is consistent. Our returning girls felt pressure to prove that they could lead their team back to a championship without their graduating seniors and our first year girls felt the pressure of meeting expectation of a champion from day one.”
The coaches said throughout the season, the girls reminded themselves that they are good enough to do it again, and that they needed each other to make it happen.
Davidson said, “I read this quote recently that states, ‘You simply aren’t considered a real champion until you have defended your title successfully…winning it twice proves that you are the best!’
“Those words are what we set out to prove. After earning that title again this year, I think the pressure will lessen a little, but it won’t go away! Dreams are just built differently, they thrive on challenges and they have a drive that will keep them focused on earning that title again,” added Davidson.
However, this was the first time the Erath Extreme Dance Team had won a title. Last year, they finished second in the same event.
Also, the Lady Bobcats finished seventh in the Hip Hop category.
North Vermilion finished ninth in the Small Varsity Division II Hip Hop category.
In the Game Day Division, Erath finished in first place during the first round, allowing them to advance to the second round in front of new judges. However, being in first place after the first round does not guarantee a victory. Last year, although they finished in first place after the first round, they ultimately did not win. In contrast, a team that started in sixth place after the first round moved up to first place and claimed victory last year.
The EHS Extreme Dance team only has two seniors - Mary Grace White and Regan Granger.
“We tried not to expect anything after the first round,” said Granger. “We wanted to go into the second round and perform and make ourselves proud.”
After the second-round performance, White said she got chills when she walked off the stage.
“I felt we did enough to us to be proud,” added White. 
Eleven teams advanced to the finals. The announcer counted down the top eleven finishers, and when they reached the final three, things got intense for Erath. 
It got really intense when there were two teams—Erath and Teurlings. Teurlings had beaten Erath in the regional finals.
“We knew we had to bring it if we wanted to beat Teurlings,” said White. “They were our biggest competition.”
When the announcer said Teurlings finished second, the Lady Bobcat dancers began yelling and jumping for joy.
“It was surreal,” said Granger. “We all began crying. It was the best feeling.”
Erath’s Dance Team has come far in the last four years.
When White and Granger were freshmen, the EHS Extreme Dance Team did not make it to the second round. They advanced to the second round their sophomore year and finished 13th place.
Last year, in their junior year, they finished second, and this year, in their senior year, they brought home the first-place trophy.
“All of the hard work paid off,” said White.

June 9, 1968 - February 2, 2025

ERATH – Funeral services will be conducted for Joan Toups, age 56, on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Frioux-David Funeral Home Chapel in Erath. Burial will be at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Cemetery in Erath.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m.
A native and lifelong resident of Erath, surrounded by the love of her family, Joan Toups passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at her residence.
Joan Toups leaves behind a legacy of love and selflessness that touched countless lives. Her genuine care for others was evident in her commitment to helping those in need, making sure everyone felt welcome at her family's Christmas celebrations. Joan's faith was her cornerstone, guiding her every action and inspiring those around her. She faced life's challenges with grace and resilience, always leaning on her favorite verse, Philippians 4:13, for strength. Joan will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her delicious homemade meals, and her ability to bring people together in love and faith. In honoring her memory, let us continue to embody the spirit of kindness and generosity that she so beautifully exemplified throughout her life.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
Joan is survived by her sons, Justin Toups (Ashley), Kyle Toups (Haley), Eric Toups (Brittney); grandchildren, Adaleigh, Paxton, Ariel, Everly, Eli, Camden; siblings, Kevin Hebert, Mark Hebert, Clark Hebert, Dawn Suire, Darlene LeBlanc, Arlene Baudoin, Joey Suire; numerous nieces, nephews, and ex-husband and friend Larry Toups, Jr.
She was preceded I death by her parents, Leroy and Barbara Nell Suire Hebert. 
Honored to serve as Pallbearers are Justin Toups, Kyle Toups, Eric Toups, Joey Suire, Kevin Hebert, Clark Hebert, and Dillon Boudreaux.
The family would like to thank Traditions Hospice and Home Health for all the love, care and support they shared with their family.
Family and friends may sign the guest register book and/or send condolences at www.davidfuneralhome.org
David Funeral Home of Erath 209 East Putnam 337-937-0405, is handling the funeral.