The City of New Iberia and West End Council of Neighborhood Associations celebrated black excellence in Iberia Parish Saturday night by hosting an awards ceremony was held to celebrate remarkable people who have contributed to the local community.

Those nominated included Keith Bowles, the chief operating officer and chief financial officer for Van’s Kiddie Care, was nominated for his work in the community helping children and forwarding the mission of his late wife Vanessa Bowles in operating Van’s Kiddie Care.

Bowles, who previously worked in the oilfield for 40 years, is now recently retired and dedicates himself full-time to the company.

“There’s not a single person that would disagree with describing him as a dedicated, loyal and competent individual who willingly puts in 200% effort when it comes to participating in the communities he’s a part of,” according to his introduction.

Bowles thanked the city and WECNA for the award, and said he accepted it on behalf of his hardworking staff.

Cheryl Broussard was nominated for her long-standing service in Iberia Parish education and was described as having a strong impact in the community as a teacher, instructional supervisor and even principal. Broussard was credited as being a voice for quality education for all children.

“I am humbled by this nomination and will always continue to do the work,” Broussard said. “We are proud of our community. In our day it was the community that raised children and we need to get back to that.”

Yvette Dominique was nominated for her three decades of service in the Iberia Parish School System as well as work in the community and current job as chief financial officer for J’s Barber College in New Iberia.

Dominique was described as an unsung hero of the community who has an active church life. In her work as chief financial officer, Dominique ensures her students are financially prepared for their journey.

“It’s a pleasure every time I meet one of the students I’ve had,” Dominique said. “It’s been a joy to get up and sacrifice for our community.”

Beverly Johnny was nominated for her service to the community, especially in regard to cooking and meal distribution. Johnny is the owner and manager of Country Girl Swag and Divine Sweet Treats and spends her free time preparing meals for the less fortunate in the community. Johnny has prepared meals for children during summer programs and also helps provide meals for the elderly.

Johnny is also a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where she is a member of the choir.

If I can help someone along the way, then my living is not in vain,” Johnny said.

Rose Landry Joseph was nominated for her 31 years of teaching and more than 30 years of retirement where she has volunteered in several ways to benefit the community.

Described as “black excellence at its finest,” Joseph is a lifelong resident of New Iberia and spent her years teaching to better the children of the parish.

Joseph thanked WECNA for the nomination, as well as her family who were indispensable to all of her endeavors. Joseph added that the younger generation of awardees made her hopeful for the future.

“I am very impressed with everything I see here tonight,” she said. “God is good, and we don’t have to worry about who we’re leaving the works we have done with.”

David Lopez, a mentor in the community and local entrepreneur, was also given the award for his local efforts. A humble man with a big heart, Lopez was described as a man of few words but large impact.

Lopez has participated in a neighborhood revitalization project where he painted basked courts so the children of Lil’ Brooklyn would have a better place to play. He has also contributed time and money in the community and developed Dave’s Bayou Flavor because of his love of cooking and desire to help people by not consuming too much sodium in their diet.

“I do things behind the scenes, so I want to thank the city and WECNA,” Lopez said. “I don’t like the spotlight, but I have to be about my Father’s business.”

Louise Moore was nominated for the award for her long record of volunteering in the community. Moore was the 2023 Volunteer of the Year for the Disch-DeClouet Social Service Center and regularly volunteers at St. Francis Diner. She has attended St. Edward Catholic Church her whole life and is an active participant in the church. Moore also devotes her afternoon time to her family and making sure children get off the bus safely and assists with homework.

Also not one to be in the spotlight, Moore thanked her daughter for the nomination along with the organizers.

“I want to thank my family that supports me no matter what I do,” Moore said.

Sherry Guidry was nominated for her ministerial and civic work in Iberia Parish. As a licensed minister, Guidry “makes no apologies for being madly in love with God,” and works in various capacities in New Iberia for community betterment. She has participated in various prayer walks and was a key figure in installing the mini-free library at West End Park during her time as a New Iberia City Councilwoman. Guidry serves as a motivational speaker in churches, women events and other functions and has much planned for the future as well.

“I am honored to come here and receive this award along with such great colleagues, neighbors, friends and family,” Guidry said.

Finally, Cynthia Toby was nominated as Citizen of the Year for the event. Introduced by Gilbert “Doc” Thomas who acknowledged Toby’s recent retirement after a remarkable 50 years as a tax collector for the City of New Iberia, Toby said she was honored by the nomination and thanked her family for their enduring support.

“Regardless of what was done it was my family that stood behind me and supported me all the way,” Toby said.