Daily Iberian Publisher Christina Pierce introduces Citizen of the Year Ray Escuriex.  

Speaking to a crowd of about 100 residents and several honorees before him, Ray Escuriex gave a speech that elicited laughter and tears. 

Escuriex, 86, was chosen recently as The Daily Iberian’s 2017 Citizen of the Year, and friends, family and public leaders attended an Open House at The Daily Iberian office Thursday afternoon to help celebrate the honor. 

The New Iberia native had a list of accomplishments that was nearly too long to mention. Escuriex’s contributions to New Iberia were evident in his spent, but he wanted to make his recognition all about the volunteers. 

“I’m not here to talk about myself, I’m here to talk about volunteers. When you volunteer it’s like a family,” Escuriex said.

With seven of his nine children behind him and his wife, Dorothy, sitting at his table, Escuriex told several stories of gratitude about his family and other people over the years who have helped the New Iberia community. 

“He’s been called an announcer, an auctioneer and a goodwill ambassador,” Daily Iberian Publisher Christina Pierce said at the event. “I will always think of him as the family man. I know I was not the only one brought to tears by his tribute to his wife at last summer’s Stars of Style celebration.”

Escuriex’s recognition even reached the ears of state legislators. A resolution was introduced in the ongoing regular session by House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia, commending Escuriex for his achievement as Citizen of the Year. 

The award was celebrated in conjunction with The Daily Iberian’s 126th year in operation. Attendees included previous Citizens of the Year Donald “Doc” Voorhies, Cathy Indest, Jeff Simon, Becky Collins, Dave Feldman and Francine Garzotto.

Despite his many years of service to the community, Escuriex said he isn’t planning on hanging up his volunteering hat anytime soon. 

“I know I’m late in the fourth quarter, but I don’t want to hear that two-minute warning,” Escuriex said. “But if I do, I’m going to kick that son of a gun into overtime.”