Tom Dodge
The noisy New Zion Baptist Church gym was buzzing with excitement as over 100 local kids played games, ate pizza and mingled with former LSU football defensive Tharold Simon, wide recevier DJ. Chark and Louisiana offensive lineman Cole Prudhomme.
Paul DeRousselle, the leader of the event, said he wanted to give back to his hometown and give the kids a break from the testing week.
“This city raised me,” he said. “I feel obligated to give back and this gives me a lot of joy to see the kids here.
“Testing can be a really stressful time,” he said. “We wanted to bring everyone together so they can release and have a good time.”
Students who had the highest grades on their report cards were awarded nearly $1,000 in scholarships and other prizes were also given out.
Bill Johnson, president of Basile State Bank, said he were thrilled to be involved in an event for the local youth.
“It is good to see anything that helps the kids,” Johnson said. “When kids start to think that no one cares, there are opportunties like this that show there are a lot of people who care.
“This event is a great way to reward those who are doing well academically and are doing the right thing.”
DJ Chark, former Alexandria Senior High and LSU star, was there to sign autographs and mingle with crowd
“Eunice reminds me of home and I wanted to be here to help Paul,” Chark said. “I love being around kids.”
Before the NFL draft opened on Thursday, Chark was named a honorary citizen of Eunice and was given a key to city of Alexandria.
“One day the waiting was stressful and another day I didn’t really think asbout it much,” he said of waiting for the draft selection.
“It was a good experience,” Chark said of the weeks leading up to the draft.
“I went to different cities and teams, meeting some of the legendary coaches in the NFL was pretty cool.
“I am excited about going into the league and doing something special.”