The Azalea Garden Club held an Arbor Day Ceremony at Delcambre Elementary School. This annual event is dedicated to the celebration and preservation of trees. This year a live oak tree was planted and dedicated to Harry Lopez, General Manager of Maintenance for the Iberia Parish School Board. Throughout the years, Mr. Lopez has assisted the garden club members by helping to determine the location at the various schools and he and his staff have assisted in the actual planting of the trees.

     Roxy Blanton, Azalea Garden Club President, gave the welcoming address and Neely Moore, Assistant Superintendent of Administration for the Iberia Parish School Board, brought greetings from the Superintendent’s Office. Jodi Romero, Delcambre Elementary School Principal welcomed everyone and Betty LeBlanc from Azalea GC presented a short history of the celebration of Arbor Day. Assisting in the planting of the tree were the following officers of the 4-H Club: Alex Broussard, Ellie Latiolatte, Taraji Linden, Ezia LaSalle, and Alurna Picard.

Also participating in the ceremony were Lisa DeCourt, Millie Comeaux, Sherry Darcey, Margaret Meloancon, and Versa Dore of the Azalea Garden Club and Johnny Romero from the Iberia Parish School Board Maintenance Department.

     The Live Oak Tree plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. It provides habitat and food for numerous species of birds, mammals, and insects. Its acorns are a valuable food source for wildlife, and its extensive root system helps prevent soil erosion and promotes water retention. The Azalea GC’s Arbor Day Program is a celebration of nature’s majesty and a call to action for environmental stewardship. By honoring the Live Oak Tree and engaging in activities that promote conservation, we can contribute to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.

     Azalea is a member of District III, Louisiana Garden Club Federation Inc., Deep South 

Garden Clubs Inc., and National Garden Clubs Inc.