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Many in Vermilion Parish share concerns that the impact of the French language is diminishing locally.
However, those concerns can be mitigated by looking at the thriving French Immersion program at LeBlanc Elementary School (LES). The school displayed that success last week when it celebrated exceeding 100 students in the program. Students performed for family and other guests from the community.
“Our French Immersion program offers students a unique opportunity to become bilingual by learning in French from kindergarten through fifth grade,” LES Principal DeEtte Bigot said while welcoming all visitors. “This opportunity boosts our students’ cognitive skills, problem-solving skills and creativity, while opening doors to cultural and career opportunities. As principal of LeBlanc Elementary School, I have seen our students flourish in the French Immersion program. Each day, I am amazed by our students’ progress.”
Those strides began in 2018. Rachelle Brown served as the principal of LES when the program got off the ground. Brown, now the Supervisor of Music and Fine Arts for the Vermilion Parish School System, attended the celebration. She said she couldn’t be prouder.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate this remarkable milestone with you,” Brown said. “There 108 students in this pathway. We honor the program’s success and the collective effort of everyone who made it possible. Your commitment to our students’ education has provided a foundation for the pathway to thrive. The dedication of our school administrators has been essential in nurturing learning among our students. Our incredible teachers are the heart and soul of French Immersion. Every day, you bring language to life in the classroom. You inspire students to not only learn French, but to embrace a global perspective.”
Brown thanked parents and guardians for their trust in the program and their willingness to send their students to be a part of what is happening at LES. Brown offered special congratulations to those who are living the program on a daily basis.
“To our wonderful students,” Brown said, “this celebration is about you. You impress us with your accomplishments every single day. You make us very proud.”
Brown made a special announcement that the future of the French Immersion program remains bright.
“We are super excited to announce that French Immersion will be going into Erath Middle School next year,” Brown said. 
Peggy Feehan, the executive director of CODOFIL, attended the celebration for something she had long hoped to see happen in Vermilion Parish.
“When we would have conversations about it,” Feehan said, “the door would always seem to close. Then, in 2018, the door opened, and we haven’t looked back. You have a beautiful program, and you have wonderful teachers.
“And I am so happy for the kids because they speak French. This is Vermilion Parish, and that’s your heritage.”

November 20, 1942 - November 13, 2024

ABBEVILLE – Funeral Services for Mr. Louis E. Cole will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville with Reverend Ernest Williams III officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary Congregational Church Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 8:00AM until the time of Service on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville.
A gifted artist, Louis was skilled in painting, carving, sculpture, and wood restoration, and his work often reflected his love for beauty and craftsmanship. His artistic endeavors brought joy to many, and his talent was only matched by his appreciation for the arts.
As a musician, he expressed his creativity through his trumpet and guitar, and he was a passionate lover of music—particularly R&B, soul and gospel. His voice, whether in song or conversation, was always a source of comfort to those who heard it.
In sports, he was a devoted fan, especially of baseball and football. He cheered for the LSU Tigers, the Chicago Bears, and the New Orleans Saints—always a "long-suffering Saints fan" who remained loyal through thick and thin.
A true family historian, Louis was deeply committed to learning about his ancestry and sharing those stories with others. His interest in literature, poetry, and crossword puzzles kept his mind sharp, and he often spent hours reading or immersed in a challenging puzzle, delighting in the joy of discovery.
A 1961 graduate of Herod High School, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army and attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana, as well as Gulf Area Vocational School. He served for years as a deacon at St. Mary Congregational Church and was also a member of Live Oak Lodge #193 Prince Hall Freemasonry.
He spent the majority of his career employed as a technician in the oil and gas industry, working for decades at Entex Natural Gas and then Texaco. He ultimately retired from the state’s Department of Transportation and Development. He was a man of great intellect, generosity, and humor. He had a remarkable ability to connect with others, and his warmth and wisdom will be missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Louis leaves behind many family and friends who will carry his memory in their hearts forever. His life was a testament to the power of creativity, the importance of family, and hard work.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruby Meaux Cole; two daughters, Michelle Cole of LaPlace and Dr. Natasha “René” Cole-Leonard and her husband Dr. Joe Leonard of Washington DC; three grandchildren, Cole Leonard, Nicholas Ellis, and Riley Ellis; and two maternal aunts, Vivian Alsop of Los Angeles, CA and Shirley Briggs and her husband Leroy of Abbeville.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ellard Leroy Cole and Alba Henderson Cole.
Serving as pallbearers will be Joe Leonard, Anthony Satcher, Spencer Nunez, Wayne Briggs, Barry Briggs, and Brandon Briggs.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Leroy Briggs, Joe Butcher, Sterling Johnson, and Arthur Williams III.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
Frioux-David Funeral Home of Abbeville at 2600 Charity Street (337) 893-3777 will be in charge of the arrangements.

August 19, 1935 - November 16, 2024

ERATH – Funeral services for Ruby Vice Granger, 89, will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Our Lady of Lourdes Mausoleum.
Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Frioux-David Funeral Home of Erath, with a Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 8:00 AM until the time of the service.
Mrs. Ruby Granger and her late husband, Curley, were previous business owners of Granger’s Food Store. They also shared a passion for training and racing horses. Ruby was known for her love of family gatherings and card games with family and friends. A devout parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, she was also a member of the Catholic Daughters.
She is survived by two sons, Randy Granger and his wife Martine of Erath; Deryl Granger and his companion Nancy Suire of Erath; two daughters, Lydia Landry and her husband Tony of Youngsville; Melanie Rizzo and her husband Kevin of Houma; ten grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Granger is preceded in death by her husband, Curley Granger, and her parents, Gustave and Lydia Romero Vice and siblings.
Pallbearers will include Joshua Granger, Gregory Granger, Jonathan Rizzo, Jude Patin, Garett Thibodeaux, and Jake Pierson.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Woodbriar Southern Style Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Community Hospice of Lafayette, for the love and compassionate care they provided during their time of need.
You may sign the guest register book and express condolences online at www.davidfuneralhome.org
Frioux-David Funeral Home of Erath, 209 East Putnam Street, (337) 937-0405 will be handling the arrangements.