Project L.E.A.D. is a program designed to help students recognize and analyze potential consequences of the difficult decisions students face during adolescence and beyond. By focusing on peer pressure, responsibility, self-respect, self-control, and self-esteem, Project L.E.A.D. gives students the tools necessary to avoid many of the pitfalls and traps that often lead to delinquent conduct and criminal activity. It is our hope that students will continue to strive to make good and responsible decisions, to think of the consequences of actions and inactions, to respect others and to obey the laws of the land.
Boothville-Venice Elementary School performed their mock trial before 4th Circuit Court Judge Sandra Jenkins at the 4th Circuit Court of Appeal. Plaquemines resident and 4th Circuit Court Judge Joy Lobrano was on hand to welcome the students from Boothville-Venice Elementary. Judge Lobrano started the Project LEAD program in Plaquemines Parish in the year 2000.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Phoenix Elementary School, and South Plaquemines Elementary School perform their trials before the Honorable Judge Kevin Conner at the Plaquemines Parish Courthouse in Pointe a la Hache. In each of the trials, fictitious character, Johnny Smith was found guilty of Distributing a Controlled Dangerous Substance While on School Grounds. Students were excited to play the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, bailiff, court clerk, witnesses, victim and defendant.
As a parent and grandparent and as District Attorney of Plaquemines Parish, Charles Ballay is committed to the success and education of our youth. The District Attorney’s Office is extremely grateful to the local schools for their support of this worthy program and to the Assistant District Attorneys and staff for their time and commitment in teaching the Project L.E.A.D. lessons. Together we will make a difference.
Participants included:
Phoenix Elementary – 6th Grade Teacher Blake Reddick, Kylee Barthelemy, Heaven Bienemy, Daphne Burton, Malijah Jones, Ferlin Reddick, Sariah Sandifer, Camren Thomas and Assistant District Attorney/LEAD Teacher Sarah Tesvich.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help – 6th Grade Teacher Logan Sowell, Chassis Adams, Austin Carpenter, Jordan, Dukes, Genevieve Fortin, Ayden Funez, Emma Gauthier, Zy’vin Matthews, Morgan Perrin, and Assistant District Attorney/LEAD Teacher Mary Touzet.
South Plaquemines Elementary – 6th Grade Teacher Jessica Pons, Makenli Alicea, Amari Antoine, Jabari Atkins, Chloe Bogar, Pailynn Brown, Jonathan Coyne, Keagan Davis, Keyia Davis, Keyiara Davis, Ty’rihanna Demolle, Braxton Edgerson, Michael Every, Raylin Hollier, Raymontae Jackson, Bree Jakubielski, Miguel Jimenez-Frias, Cambre’ Lafrance, Omari Mackey, Story Merrick, Matilyn Moreau, Faith Phillips, Dracen Sylve, Douglas Washington, Taraji Washington, Ciena Williams, Jakayli Williams, Ky’Reion Williams, Derrielle Williamson, and Assistant District Attorney/LEAD Teacher Temia Griffin.
Boothville-Venice Elementary – 6th Grade Teachers Caprecia Powell and Paula Wilson, Roderin Allen, Kyleigh Arnold, Taraja’Nae Avist, Isabelle Baker, Payton Barrois, LeeLand Billiot, Jasmin Caban, Liam Cook, Jaiden Creppel, McKenzie Devillier, Emmett Dillard, Cherrell Encalade, Brylee Hertz, Phanthavy In, Genesis Johns, August Johnson, Kelly Khath, Joseph Lathan, Malik Lewis, Jackson Mina, Kayleana Ngoy, Jessica Nguyen, Amelia Nguyen-Ivey, Nelsy Nunez, Dalton Peoples, Jostin Perez, Shylen Prout, Jalina Prum, Tahlia Riley, Sunday Rogers, Yuriana Salazar-Sotelo, Malis Seng, Ahnyrie Smith, Abigayle Turner, James Vernon, Mya Whiteley, and Assistant District Attorney/LEAD Teacher Sarah Tesvich.
