APPLAUSE

In August, Cajun Broadband was named to Inc. Magazine’s list of America’s 5000 fastest-growing companies. Cajun Broadband, an Acadiana area owned and operated internet service provider, ranked 603 out of 5,000 based on the company’s revenue growth rate over the past three years—positioning the organization among the top 12% of the fastest-growing companies in the United States. In 2022, Cajun Broadband received a $20 million grant from the Louisiana Office of Broadband Connectivity and Development to deploy 12 fiber infrastructure projects in South Louisiana. Cajun Broadband completed the first GUMBO project in Louisiana in St. Martin Parish has now brought high-speed and reliable fiber internet to hundreds of homes throughout Acadiana.

In August, Ochsner Lafayette General Zydeco Marathon, an annual two-day running event in Lafayette, donated $10,650 to Camp Bon Coeur from proceeds raised through their 10th anniversary race held in March. Established in 1985, Camp Bon Coeur is the sole program in Louisiana that offers support, information and programs to children with congenital heart defects. As the second camp of its kind in the country, Camp Bon Coeur remains among a very small group that focuses on kids whose hearts have needed mending. The donation from the Ochsner Lafayette General Zydeco Marathon will aid families in covering the financial costs associated with attending camp.

JUST IN

In August, South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) announced its pivotal role in the forthcoming establishment of a cutting-edge solar module manufacturing facility in Iberia Parish. Partnering with First Solar, the largest solar energy manufacturer in the Western Hemisphere, SLCC has been at the forefront of addressing workforce needs, ensuring a skilled labor force to support the $1.1 billion solar facility. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, slated to be operational in the first half of 2026, will bolster the region’s sustainable energy endeavors by producing high-performance photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. The First Solar facility is anticipated to generate more than 700 direct jobs, contributing substantially to the economic vitality of Acadiana and the entire state of Louisiana.

Registration for the next Dewey Balfa Cajun & Creole Heritage Week is now open. Start making your plans to attend next year’s event from Tuesday, March 19, 2024 to Sunday, March 24 2024 in Eunice, Louisiana. For more details, visit LAFolkRoots.org/Balfa-Week, email info@lafolkroots.org or call 337-234-8360.

In August, the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Apothecary Shoppe at 1700 Center Street in New Iberia.

In August, Moncus Park and Miles Perret Cancer Services celebrated the official opening and ribbon-cutting of the Miles for Miles Trail — a meaningful new addition to the park that serves as both a pathway and a symbol of resilience. This trail is dedicated to all individuals who have shown remarkable strength in the face of cancer, embodying the spirit of determination and collective support. Additionally, the new trail allows park guests to explore the back 50 acres of the property, increases Moncus Park’s ADA-accessible pathways by more than 2,000 linear feet and completes a 1-mile loop. To learn more about the Miles for Miles Trail visit MoncusPark.org/MilesForMiles.

In September, The Quad celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Lafayette. The Quad is a groundbreaking enrichment center dedicated to empowering adults with cognitive disabilities in Lafayette and its surrounding communities. Located at 1021 E. St. Mary Suite A, The Quad is set to revolutionize the support and opportunities available for individuals striving to lead independent and fulfilling lives. As the first-of-its-kind center in Lafayette, The Quad aims to create an inclusive and vibrant space that caters to the unique needs of the population it serves. To learn more about The Quad and its services, visit TheQuadUSA.com or call 337-999-QUAD.

The FOW Youth Writing Competition is a local writing competition open to all Acadiana area students, grades 3-12. This year there are four submission categories: poetry, fiction, multimedia, and advertisement. Students can submit one entry per category through a supervising teacher. All submissions will be submitted electronically to nwpacadiana@gmail.com by teacher facilitators and will require parental permission. Submissions will be due Oct. 16. Winners will be announced the following week on Oct. 27 and invited to read their winning piece on Nov. 4 at the Festival of Words. They will receive a medal and anthology.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

In August, the Lafayette Parish School System announced that Allison Champagne has been named the next leader of L.J. Alleman Fine Arts Magnet Academy. Champagne has been dedicated to the field of education for more than 26 years, with all of her experience at the middle school level. She began her teaching career at Broussard Middle School before becoming the school’s instructional leader. She then served as an assistant principal at L.J. Alleman Fine Arts Magnet Academy for five years and assumed the role of principal at Broussard Middle School in 2020. Champagne holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. During her time as principal, Broussard Middle School showed continued academic growth and was recognized by the state of Louisiana as a Comeback School.

Lafayette Parish School System also announced in August that Cale Broussard would be taking the lead at Broussard Middle School. Broussard spent the first four years of his career as a social studies teacher at Acadian Middle School and the next four years as a social studies teacher at Broussard Middle School. During his tenure at both schools, Broussard was recognized as Teacher of the Year multiple times. Broussard spent one year as an assistant principal at Parks Middle School before returning to the district as an assistant principal of David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy, where he has spent the last four years. Broussard earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the Louisiana State University Shreveport.