News Archive

Former ESA teacher Scott Walker spoke in chapel about his novel, Caminos. 

Students and teachers on both campuses wore jammies Friday to support the Community Service Club's project to provide a Christmas party and gifts for the elderly residents of the Schooldays Apartments in New Iberia, a ministry of Solomon House. The Jammies for Grammies day was a not-so-free dress day, and raised plenty of funds for a wonderful celebration. Thanks for your generosity!

The class of 2023 visited Avery Island last week to help with coastal restoration efforts there. The eighth grade class planted 550 nuttall oak seedlings grown from seed by last year's eighth grade class. Seen here, the orange and pink flags mark the newly planted trees. The mature tress will also serve as a food source for Louisiana black bears. As part of the LSU Coastal Roots program, each year the eighth grade class plants and nurtures seedlings on the Cade campus for the next year's eighth graders to plant. In Louisiana, 50 schools from 21 parishes participate in the Coastal Roots program, a seedling nursery program for habitat restoration. ESA has been involved with these coastal restoration efforts since 2015.

The Lower School held its annual Lessons and Carols service in the Henton Chapel in Cade last Sunday. Thank you to all of the teachers who worked with musicians and actors, designed and folded programs, and adjusted costumes for this spirit-filled service! 

Third grade teacher Leslie Tidwell and kindergarten teacher Sandra Thompson have been honored with nominations for the Lafayette Education Foundation's Teacher Awards. LEF representatives visited the Lafayette Campus Wednesday to "pin" these two teachers, who were nominated by parents and students through letters to the organization. Congratulations, Mrs. Sandy and Mrs. Leslie!

Eighth graders celebrated the end of National Novel Writing Month with a pizza party. Throughout November, all 56 members of Mr. Fuller’s English class penned their own novels. Since October, the class has been studying the elements of writing a compelling narrative, including character, plot, conflict, setting, mood, and dialogue. ESA’s eighth graders have participated in this challenging and reward program for the past seven years. Congratulations, Class of 2023!

ESA's Upper School Youth Legislature team visited the Capitol last weekend to participate in the YMCA Youth Legislature Conference. On Friday, Bridger McCasland and Amelia Leroux became Supreme Court Justices. Grant Suire had his bill moved out of committee and presented on the Senate floor, then addressed his colleagues in opposition to a bill. Corbitt Driskell was in session as a Senator. Anil Cacodcar was selected as a lobbyist, and challenged a bill that has been passed before the state Supreme Court. Great work by this ten-person team!

ESA Cross Country was highlighted on KLFY's "Beyond the Jersey" feature Thursday night. View the segment to hear from Coach Laura Magann and some of the runners about what makes the team so successful. Congratulations, Falcons!

Fourth graders explored architecture this week with the help of some local experts. Lafayette architect Maureen Dugas Foster encouraged the students to notice architectural features and materials visible at the Hilliard University Art Museum. The students viewed architectural drawings, models and photographs of several A. Hays Town buildings exhibited at the museum. Then, using cardboard, they constructed original designs and represented them in elevation drawings. Following the Hilliard visit, Geoff Gjertson, architecture professor at UL, gave the group a tour of the Beausoleil House, the award-winning solar home designed and constructed in 2009 for the DOE Solar Decathlon. Students were most interested in the energy saving design choices and materials.

Complete results are in from the State Swim Meet. Individual medalists include: Elena Alvarado: 1st, 100 Breast and 3rd, 200 IM; Regan Manning: 2nd, 100 Free and 3rd, 500 Free; Michael delaRosa: 2nd, 100 Breast and 2nd, 200IM; Ryan Rhoades: 1st, 100 Breast; and Izzy Sabbaghian: 2nd, 200 Free. Congratulations, Falcons!

PK3 students enjoyed a wonderful Friendsgiving celebration with their 2nd grade reading buddies. The gathering was planned and set up entirely by the PK3 students. Throughout the process, they worked on important literacy and math skills such as print concepts, measurement, and one-on-one correspondence in a way that was authentic and meaningful. The children created the invitations for the event, painted and set up the table décor, made the place cards for each guest, followed recipes to prepare the food, and worked together to set the tables. In preparing for their friends, the PK3 students also learned about the characteristics of a good host or hostess, such as how to greet your guests, showing guests to their tables, and helping them feel comfortable and welcome to the party. All of their efforts created a fun and memorable gathering!

ESA Swimming competed in the State meet, and came home with two individual State Championships - Elena Alvarado and Ryan Rhoades both won in the 100 breaststroke! New school records set at State: Izzy Sabbaghian - 50 free and 100 free, Regan Manning - 500 free, and Ryan Rhoades - 100 breaststroke. Congratulations, Falcons!

Taylore Louviere, '19, has committed to play beach volleyball at Carson-Newman University in Tennessee. Taylore and Hailie Williams have been named to the All-District first team. Kailie Williams and Madyson McBroom made second team, and Peyton Stokely received honorable mention. Congratulations, Falcons!

ESA Boys' Cross Country won their fifth State Championship in a row, and Girls finished second in the State meet in Natchitoches on November 12th. Boys Class B State Champions: Oliver Nickel - 1st; Jackson Spoon - 3rd; Will Lemoine - 6th; Christian Herpin - 7th; Sloane Brasseaux - 10th; Tate Broussard - 15th; and Keegan Riley - 29th. Girls Class B State Runners-Up: Sam Withers - 2nd; Aline Malek- 3rd; Taylor Guillotte- 7th; Ava Grace Hebert - 11th; Maddie Breaux - 13th; Piper Leger - 18th; and Arden Frantzen - 30th. LHSAA has new meet-day All State Awards for teams and runners competing in Classes C through 2A. All State Honors for the fastest team average time of the day across all divisions: ESA boys - 1st place, ESA girls - 2nd. All State Honors for Top 10 individual times of the day: Oliver Nickel - 2nd; Jackson Spoon - 4th; Samantha Withers - 4th; and Aline Malek - 5th. Congratulations, Falcons!

Members of the Class of 2019 Patrick Gilfoil, Madeline Turner, Katie Clement, and Jake Sledge competed in the annual contest to recite the prologue to Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. Each year, all members of the class memorize and recite the prologue in the original Middle English, and the top performers from senior English classes compete in chapel. A panel of judges selects the winner based on presentation, pronunciation, and understanding of the language. Congratulations to this year's winner, Madeline Turner! View a video of the performances on ESA's vimeo channel. 

Thanks to all of the fans who supported ESA Volleyball this year! The team's 2018 season ended with a hard-fought loss to Central Catholic in the quarterfinals of the State tournament Thursday. We're so proud of the way these Falcons represented ESA!

Second graders hosted a Market Day on Thursday. Students experienced the dynamics of supply and demand by marketing original goods and services to fifth graders, who each had a budget of $5 in "money" to purchase items of their choice. Goods and services for sale included Foosball games, fidget spinners, paper airplanes, hair braiding, handmade notebooks, massages, joke books, harmonicas, bath salts, and hand painting.

A group of sophomore volunteers led fourth and fifth graders through a Hunger Banquet on Tuesday. After an introduction to food scarcity issues, the younger students were divided into upper, middle and lower income groups, with different meals for each group. The simulation and presentation helped them to understand the challenges of poverty around the world. Ellen Nora, executive director of Solomon House, spoke about her organization's efforts to help disadvantaged residents of Iberia Parish, and thanked the ESA students for their support. The Lafayette Campus is holding a food drive for Solomon House now through November 15th.

The Class of 2022 joined the ranks of ESA students and alumni who have faced the challenge of the ninth grade Physical Science Refrigerator Boat Regatta. Equipped with a cardboard appliance box, caulk, duct tape, plastic ties, paint and a couple of weeks to work, each group of students crafted a boat designed to carry one passenger through a course at Spanish Lake, and to allow the paddler to pick a pumpkin up out of the water along the way. They also predicted the draft when loaded according to Archimedes' Principle. 

ESA Swimming competed in the Top 24 meet last Saturday. Ryan Rhoades, '20, set a new school record of 1:01.27 in the 100m breaststroke. He's also The Advertser's High Achiever of the Week! The team will compete in the State tournament next Wednesday and Thursday, November 14 and 15. Good luck, Falcons!

ESA Swimming placed second overall in District competition this week. The boys' team placed second and the girls third. ESA's All-District swimmers are Michael dela Rosa, Ryan Rhoades, Izzy Sabbagghian, Elena Alvarado, and Regan Manning. At the Top 24 meet on Saturday, Ryan Rhoades, '20, set a new school record of 1:01:27 in the 100m breaststroke. On to State on November 14th-15th!

ESA Volleyball defeated Westminster Friday in the regional playoff match. The Falcons are heading to State at the Pontchartrain Center in New Orleans next Thursday!

ESA Swimmers are breaking school records and setting personal bests! Support the team for Senior Night and District competition on Monday, October 29th, at the Robichaux Center pool starting at 5:15. Izzy Sabbaghian and Katie Osborne will be our Senior honorees. Go Falcons!

The Class of 2023 has returned from their adventures in the mountains of North Carolina. After five days of backpacking and bit of rock climbing, they rafted on the Nantahala River and braved the cold of Sliding Rock. Welcome home, eighth graders! 

ESA Volleyball celebrateed Senior Night for Hailie Williams, Ellie Broussard, Kailie Williams, and Taylore Louviere on Tuesday. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, ESA will host the Spooktacular tournament, a fantastic event with decorations, costumes, and this year, a performance by ESA musicians. Congratulations to Hailie Williams (#17), who was chosen to play on the West team in the 2018 East vs. West All-Star Volleyball Game on Saturday, November 17th in New Orleans! And to Taylore Louviere (#4), who was in the KATC Senior Spotlight! There are just a few more chances to see the team at home - including this weekend during the Spooktacular tournament and next Wednesday, October 31st, in the bi-district playoff match. Good luck, Falcons!

After studying the geology and ecology of the Vermilion River, fourth graders canoed from Vermilionville to Rotary Point. Thanks to all of the volunteer paddlers!

Civics teacher Dr. Kristin Tassin received a "Teaching Tolerance" Diverse Democracy Grant for a project focused on voter registration and increased voter turnout. Students developed "get out the vote" efforts and voter registration drives at Albertson's in Broussard and at the Ain't No Shade in Cade meet. They will share their experiences with the Cade campus community later this year. More on KATC.

The ESA Music Club performed at Solomon House's “Top Chef with a Twist” fundraiser, and the Community Service Club created a sculpture of cans donated by ESA families for the event. Solomon House is an outreach mission of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in New Iberia, and provides food and financial aid to hundreds of residents of Iberia Parish. Thanks to ESA students and families for supporting this great organization!

Fourth and fifth grade students are participating in the Global Read Aloud by reading Amal Unbound, a novel about a young girl forced into indentured servitude in Pakistan. Guest speaker Faryal Atif taught students about the culture of her native Pakistan. They were able to enjoy a taste of chai, folk music and henna, while comparing and contrasting the book and the information provided by Faryal.

ESA Cross Country hosted the Ain't No Shade in Cade meet on October 6th, with varsity girls finishing 4th, varsity boys placing 3rd, and middle school girls and boys both taking 1st. ESA's All-Acadiana runners, determined by placement at the meet, are Oliver Nickel, Jackson Spoon, Christian Herpin, Aline Malek, and Samantha Withers. 

Each year, PK4 students and teachers wrap up their investigation of the human body with an anatomy fair featuring stations to explore, the lungs, teeth, skin, heart, skeletal system, kidneys, and more

Sophomores traveled to Dauphin Island, Alabama, for a marine biology experience. Through research and field work, they learned about the plants and animals in the estuary and spent time in both the salt marsh and the maritime forest. In the evenings, they took their studies into the lab for further exploration. 

Jake Sledge, '19, has been named a National Hispanic Scholar, scoring in the top 2.5% among Hispanic and Latino students in our region who took the PSAT. Congratulations, Jake!

ESA's Middle School Cross Country girls' team took first place and the boys' team placed second in the TCH Rebel 2 Mile Challenge at Acadiana Park last week. Finishing in the top ten were: Ellianna DesOrmeaux (4th - above right), Lila Pugliese (8th), Elena Alvarado (10th), Will Brown (3rd - above left), Luke Crochet (5th), and Charles Blem (10th). Congratulations, Falcons!

ESA Volleyball won the North/South Challenge in Natchitoches. Congratulations to all-tournament players Hailie and Kailie Williams and MVP Taylore Louviere!

At the Battlefield Cross Country Meet last Saturday, ESA girls placed four runners in the top 15, and finished 2nd out of 15 teams. Boys finished 4th out of 21 teams. Their next meet wil be ESA's Ain't No Shade in Cade on Saturday, October 6th. Come out to cheer on the Falcons!

Congratulations to the ESA students who placed in Louisiana Writes, a writing contest for students from K to 12th grade in Louisiana schools: Annalise Fitzgerald, K – 2nd Non-Fiction, 1st Place; Camille Cromwell, K – 2 Fiction, 1st Place; Sharon Lazarus, K – 2 Fiction, 2nd Place; Turner Gachassin, 3rd – 4th Fiction, 3rd Place; Jackson Blem, 3rd – 4th Poetry, 2nd Place; Jillian Kennedy, 4th – 6th Jr. French Poetry 2nd Place; and Grace Pellegrin, 5th – 6th Poetry, 3rd Place! The students will be honored at the Louisiana Book Festival in Baton Rouge on November 10th. 

ESA Quiz Bowl began a year of competition at the Xavier tournament in New Orleans last weekend. The JV team reached the semifinals in their division, while the varsity team placed 5th in their division and qualified for nationals in Chicago. Way to go, Falcons!

Congratulations to Michael dela Rosa, '20, and Samantha Withers, '19. Both have been The Advertiser's High Achiever of the Week! Read about Michael here and Sam here. The girls' cross country team is currently ranked in the top 10 in the state. Way to go, Falcons!

Lower School artists collaborated to create Falconwings, with each student in kindergarten through 5th grade contributing a feather. On their feathers, they wrote about what lifts them up and makes them soar. Art teacher Claire Caffery photographed each student in a favorite Falconpose!

Congratulations to senior Joshua Feist (right), named a 2018 National Merit Semifinalist! Joshua is among the top scorers on the PSAT, a test taken during junior year. He has the opportunity to become a finalist and to be awarded a National Merit Scholarship. And congratulations to Matthew Disher (left), the first member of the Class of 2019 to be accepted into college. Matthew has been offered a spot in the University of Alabama - Huntsville's Class of 2023!

Congratulations, Middle School Cross Country! Boys placed 1st and girls 2nd at the September 12th STM meet. Finishing in the top fifteen were: boys - Greer Hernandez (2nd), Will Brown (3rd), and Charles Blem (6th); girls - Briley Herpin (3rd), Ellianna DesOrmeaux (7th), Lila Pugliese (10th), Bailey Guillotte (12th), and Maryn Roberts (15th). Great job, Falcons!

ESA Swimming had their first meet of the season Tuesday night. Girls placed 2nd, boys placed 3rd, and the team placed 3rd overall. Ryan Rhoades, Elena Alvarado, Michael dela Rosa, and Izzy Sabbaghian won individual events. Thanks to grandparent Carolyn Delahoussaye for the personalized team towels!

Congratulations to the newest ESA inductees into the International Thespian Society! In the middle school: Charles Blem, Ariana Felton, Claire Garber, Camille Morvant, and Josh Mendoza, and in the upper school: Abba Ramsay, Ian Faul, Niko Pillaro, Jae Fabre, Estelle Godeaux, Corbitt Driskell, Casey Swize, Jake Sledge, and Katie Clement. The International Thespian Society is an honorary organization for high school and middle school theatre students. The Society's mission is to honor student achievement in the theatre arts. Students earn points by participating in the school's theatre program through work on the crew, in music, or in acting for school productions. Local theatre participation also adds to their point accumulation. Break a leg, thespians!

ESA athletes have a new tool to enhance their training. Lafayette-based Unlock Training is using Sparta Science technology to test athletes to determine strengths, weaknesses, and potential injury risks. Coaches will receive a report on each athlete and advice on exercises to address imbalances. The ESA athletic department invested in the program to make the most of the time athletes spend in practices and training sessions.

Visit The Advertiser's website to view photos taken by photographer Scott Clause (including this one) of ESA Volleyball at this week's jamboree. The team plays Monday at home against Comeaux. Good luck, Falcons!

Congratulations to the ESA Class of 2018! Select Read More to see the list of awards and recognitions. 

Congratulations to our 5th graders, moving on to middle school, and to the students who received awards at Lower School Closing. 

Welcome to Upper School, Class of 2022! Congratulations to the students recognized with awards at Middle School Closing!

Thank you to the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who represented ESA in middle school sports this year. Congratulations to the athletes honored with coaches' awards! Select Read More to view the list or awards. 

Members of the Class of 2018 are in England now. They spent several days in Paris, and visited The Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay, Chartres Cathedral, an immersive exhibit of Gustav Klimt at Atelier des Lumieres, Notre Dame Cathedral, and more. Before leaving France, the Seniors toured Normandy. After a ferry ride across the Channel, they stopped at Stonehenge then headed into London, where they will spend the next few days. The trip is the culmination of their liberal arts studies at ESA. 

Sophomore Isabelle Berthelot's film, "The Track We're On," has been accepted to the inaugural 2018 Johns Hopkins University Film Contest and Festival. One of 30 chosen out of 250 high school entries, Isabelle's film will be screened at the historic Parkway Theatre in Baltimore (above) in late June. Isabelle has earned a trip to the festival, where she will experience screenings of student work, meet-ups between young filmmakers, and workshops with industry professionals. Congratulations, Isabelle!

Last week Mrs. Barbie's PK4 students dug clay with upper school Ceramics III students on the banks of the Vermilion River at the Lafayette campus. This week the younger students visited the Cade campus ceramics studio to craft Egyptian scarab beetles (aka dung beetles) from the clay they collected. They also enjoyed a snack of cake dung balls and a tour of the upper school art studios.  

Several ESA athletes and coaches were honored as nominees at The Daily Advertiser's 2018 Sports Awards, and two received trophies at the ceremony. Congratulations to Soccer Player of the Year Parrish Anderson and High Achiever of the Year Mark Dibbs!

2018 Literary Rally and National Language Contest Results

Congratulations to ESA's 2018 Writes of Spring winners: Annabel Clark - Kindergarten, third in fiction; JuJu Badeaux - 3rd grade, first in poetry; Clara Troyanowski - 2nd grade, second in fiction; Amelie Gomez - 3rd grade, first in fiction; Grace Pellegrin - 5th grade, third in poetry; Aiden Valois - 1st, first in fiction; and Jacob Camden - 12th grade, first in poetry!

ESA's Middle School sand volleyball team won the State Championship!

Isabelle Berthelot's watercolor, "Old Chapel," has been selected for the 9th annual Southern Teachers Association student art calendar. Twelve pieces were chosen out of 432 submissions, and the calendar will go to over 2,000 independent schools this summer. Congratulations, Isabelle!

Congratulations to the students honored at Upper School Awards on May 4, 2018! Choose Read More for the list of awards.

For the third year in a row, ESA Girls' Track took first place in State! Samantha Withers, '19, was named All-State Outstanding Track Athlete. 

ESA Golf took second place at State, with Oliver Nickel finishing second and Alex Billeaud placing third. Congratulations, Falcons! 

Congratulations to Coach JB and the ESA Boys' Soccer team - ranked 6th in the nation among high school soccer teams by United Soccer Coaches!

Seniors Abby Langford and Mark Dibbs were awarded the Rotary Outstanding Senior Award this week.

Fifth graders are wrapping up their week at the Teton Science Schools in Kelly, Wyoming. They have conducted field research, recorded in their journals, hiked in and enjoyed the snow, completed a service project, and observed the wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystems. 

The students who attended the Youth Legislature program in Baton Rouge last week brought home several honors. A bill about bienniel boat inspections sponsored by Lily Oullet and Lucy John made it out of committee, passed through the Senate and the House, and was signed into law. Anil Cacodcar's bill on education reform was signed into law as well. Lily, Lucy, Anil, and Amelia Leroux received Hall of Fame recognition voted by the teachers of the all the schools present. Other honors included: Sergeant-at-Arms: Senate--Adam Gombos; House--Harrison Hugonin; Secretary of DOTD and Health and Welfare--Jeanne Myers; bill sponsors who debated their bills: Atley Troxclair, Lily, Lucy, Anil, and Stella Levy; committee members and those who spoke in favor of or against bills in their respective chambers: Allison Aucoin, Evie Lecky, Chaz Dyer. Thanks for representing ESA so well!

ESA musicians played on the Wurst Biergarten stage at Festival International Thursday afternoon for a large and enthusiastic crowd. Following the concert, an opening reception was held for a showing of ESA artists' work on display at Kelli Kaufman Studio and Gallery. The show will remain up during Festival International, 11am-3pm, and during the month of May by appointment only. Thank you to parent Kelli Kaufman for hosting the exhibit!

Congratulations, ESA Track & Field! Girls are Regionals Champs, and boys are runners-up! The team will compete in the State meet on May 3rd. Go Falcons!

Congratulations, ESA Golf! The squad finished second in the Regional tournament. Alex Billeaud and Oliver Nickel are Regionals Co-Champs! The squad will compete in the State tournament Monday and Tuesday at The Farm. Good luck, Falcons!

The Lower School Choir presented Beauty and the Beast Jr. in the Henton Chapel in Cade. Congratulations to the cast and crew for a fantastic performance!

ESA Athletics inducted Dr. David Tate into the ESA Hall of Fame on Friday, April 20th.

ESA Tennis competed in the Regional tournament Monday and Tuesday. Haley Waddell (singles) and the doubles team of Divya Kasarla and Stella Falterman reached the semifinals. Haley, Divya, Stella, and Victoria Kinsland (singles) qualified for the State tournament, as did boys' team members Tucker Arkin (singles), Daxton and Dylan Fowler (doubles), and Emil and Julien Meyer (doubles). Congratulations, Falcons!

Seventh graders spent Friday working to benefit others in the Acadiana community through a Day of Service. After studying hunger issues in different classes this year, the students spent the day volunteering at FoodNet in Lafayette, Solomon House in New Iberia, and the Iberia Boys and Girls Club. The group donated 326 pounds of food and bagged 104 bags, or 1872 pounds, of rice as part of their service. To show students how middle school service projects make a global impact, ESA is participating in the Global Youth Service Day 2018. Visit https://leadasap.ysa.org/ and scroll down to the map to find ESA's Day of Service. Thanks, Class of 2023!

Five Ph.D. candidates from the UL-Lafayette Biology department visited seventh grade science classes this week to discuss types of adaptations in the plant kingdom. The UL students tied the ESA classes' recent discussions of heredity into how plants survive in nature. Seventh graders were taught how to use line transects and quadrant sampling to study plant biodiversity. At the end of the lesson, ESA students were surprised to receive their personalized styrofoam cups that were part of the recent marine research expedition in the Gulf of Mexico. The cups were taken to 1,000 meters where they were affected by the pressure. The students were excited to see the changes that occurred. Thank you to UL-Lafayette students and faculty for continuing to connect with ESA science students!

ESA Tennis is competing in Regionals this week. Haley Waddell (singles) and the doubles team of Divya Kasarla and Stella Falterman are playing in the semifinals today. Go Falcons!

Thanks to all who purchased items at Monday's bake sale at the Lafayette campus! Fifth grade bakers initiated the event to benefit ESA's Tates/Tutwiler Endowment Fund through their love of baking. The boys produced 13 different types of home-baked goods to sell, and generated $429.75 in donations to the endowment, which provides need-based scholarships for ESA students. Endowment namesakes Cabell Tutwiler, David Tate, and Anne Tate made a surprise appearance to personally thank the boys for their efforts. 

A film created by ExLabs student Isabelle Berthelot, '20, was selected as a finalist for the 2018 Film Now Festival in Philadelphia, was screened live, and placed third in the competition. View the film on the ExLabs vimeo channel. Congratulations, Isabelle! 

In science, fifth graders explored the inner workings of the musculoskeletal system by dissecting chicken wings. Students identified the bones, tendons, muscle fibers, cartilage, and types of joints after observing how they interrelate. Thank you to the parents who donated lab coats to the science department!

The Class of 2018 exhibited fine arts pieces in the Senior Art Show, an annual showcase of photography, ceramics, video, painting, drawing and mixed media pieces by the graduating seniors. Usually up for a week, the show ended early so that artists and artwork could travel to the ISAS Fine Arts Festival in Dallas. More than 40 upper schoolers and several faculty members represented ESA and spent time with students and teachers from 40 independent schools from throughout the southwest. ESA band members performed in the Coffee House and Rock Band venues Friday. Alec Sabatier, '18, performed piano solos, and Corbitt Driskell performed percussion solos on Saturday. Students displayed 2D and 3D artwork and videos for critiques. Actors performed one-acts and duos as well. 

Congratulations to the ESA Soccer players who have earned All-District  and All-State Honors!

ESA Quiz Bowl placed second in the State tournament held at LSU last weekend. Congratulations to this talented team!

STUCO Week has ended, and ESA has new officers for 2018-2019.

The members of the National Junior Honor Society were honored with a banquet this week. 

Congratulations to our newest National Honor Society inductees: Hiba Fazal, Casey Swize, Ellie Bollich, Caitlin Chen, Michael dela Rosa, Leah Gerard, Harper Gunn, Kate Kaufman, Hannah Kitakule, William Lemoine, Piper Naudin, Oliver Nickel, Ruthie Reaux, Robert Rhymes, Keegan Riley, Amaryllis Wiltz, and, welcomed as a member from her previous high school, Taylore Louviere!

In observance of Pi Day on March 14th, fifth graders Arun Cacodcar and Grace Pellegrin recited the first 66 digits of pi, with Grace reciting the digits in French.

The Class of 2022 visited Lake Martin Friday to help with habitat restoration efforts there. The eighth grade class planted approximately 350 bald cypress seedlings grown from seed by last year's eighth grade class. As part of the LSU Coastal Roots program, each year the eighth grade class plants and nurtures seedlings on the Cade campus for the next year's eighth graders to plant. In Louisiana, 50 schools from 21 parishes participate in the Coastal Roots program, a seedling nursery program for habitat restoration. ESA has participated since 2015. Last year's eighth graders grew an additional 350 red oak and 100 pecan seedlings that will be used by other schools participating in the Coastal Roots program this year. 

A group of ESA teachers and administrators traveled to Atlanta this week for the National Association of Independent School's annual conference. ESA's presentations include: Jennifer Desormeaux Graycheck, '01, and Brett Landry, '95 (above), describing ExLabs, their creative communications class; Shannon Frugé and Paula Majeau explaining the Lower School's executive function curriculum; and Upper School Head Andy North, who is part of a group of aspiring heads from various NAIS schools, discussing long-term sustainability. Thanks for representing ESA on a national stage!

In chapel this week, fourth graders presented costumes that represent words they associate with ESA. Wonder, thinking outside the box, precision, Duo Days, staying in the struggle, origami, and cooperation were the words and phrases chosen by the presenters. Fourth grade teacher Coty Eastin invited all Lafayette campus students to create costumes that represent one favorite word they've learned this year. Participants will present their costumes in chapel later this spring. 

The Class of 2024 spent the past three days enjoying The Discovery Program at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas. Through this outdoor education program, students and faculty work together to further develop the leadership, collaboration, cooperation, and communication skills they discuss in advisory groups throughout the school year. The hands-on, outdoor experiences give students new ways to understand responsibility and to bond as a class. Thanks to the teachers who accompanied the sixth graders on this adventure!

Last weekend, ESA students participated in the French Convention in Baton Rouge. ESA won third place in the banner competition, and third place for the scrapbook. Piper Naudin (right) placed third for writing, Amaryllis Wiltz (center) placed third in singing interpretation, and Isabelle Berthelot (left) won a 5-week scholarship to study French at St. Anne in Canada. Félicitations!

Four ESA students - Luke LeGoullon, Anna LeGoullon, Joshua Feist, and Jake Sledge - participated in a Science Olympiad competition at UL-Lafayette last weekend. The students placed in six out of their seven events, and won three of the events. They had fun building a hovercraft and a Rube Goldberg device for the competition, and can't wait to compete again next year!

ESA Basketball defeated Family Christian 50-47 in Friday's quarterfinal game to advance to the State semifinals and the Top 28 in Lake Charles. The Falcons will play Jehovah Jirah Monday at 1:15pm in Burton Colisuem.

Congratulations to the cast, crew and band of Spamalot for three fantastic performances. Thanks to our ten senior leaders: Cameron Baker, Ryan Boudreaux, Ashlyn Driskell, Ben Gomez, Ann Marie Lahasky, Dylan Nails, Pablo Pellerin, Arib Qureshi, Alec Sabatier, and Leigh Stokes!

Middle School Quiz Bowl dominated the league tournament last week, with two ESA teams meeting in the finals. Congratulations, ESA Quiz Bowlers!

ESA Boys' Soccer is the 2018 State Champion! Congratulations to the soccer players and to Coach JB Brunet for the 5-0 victory over Northlake Christian on February 24th. Parrish Anderson has been named Division IV Most Outstanding Player. It's ESA's 82nd State Championship and the first for Boys' Soccer since 1990. Way to go, Falcons!

ESA Girls' Soccer reached the State Finals for the first time since 2004. The team fell 2-0 to Newman in the final game, held at UL's Soccer Field on February 23rd. Congratulations to the players and to Coach Stephen Devine. We're proud of you, Falcons!

All seven of ESA's semifinalists have been named National Merit Finalists. Among the top 15,000 scorers on the PSAT, National Merit Finalists are eligible for Merit Scholarship awards to help with college tuition. Congratulations to Story Frantzen, Alec Sabatier, Jacob Camden, Mark Dibbs, Abby Langford, Brian dela Rosa, and Ashlyn Driskell! 

ESA artists will be represented in ceramics, painting and photography at the 2018 LSU Statewide Juried High School Exhibition. Pop culture portraits by an entire ceramics class were selected, as well as individual pieces by Stephen Donlan, Angela Frey, Kinsley Welsh, Madi Stelly (work shown), and Isabelle Berthelot. Congratulations, ESA Visual Arts!

ESA Quiz Bowl placed third in the Dutchtown tournament last weekend! Congratulations to senior Jacob Camden, one of the tournament's top individual scorers! 

ESA Swimmers Ryan Rhoades, Izzy Sabbaghian, Isabella Buttaci, Michael dela Rosa and Lazar Papp (not pictured) were honored at the Southwest Louisiana Swim League banquet. Congratulations, Falcons!

Mike Bourgeois has been voted Louisiana District IV Athletic Director of the Year by the Louisiana High School Athletic Directors Association. Congratulations, Coach Mike!

Congratulations to Ashlyn Driskell and Jacob Camden, named candidates in the 2018 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the highest honors awarded to high school students! Just over four thousand candidates were selected from nearly 3.5 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools this year. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among the senior class. All Scholars are invited to Washington, DC in June for the National Recognition Program. 

The Falcon Club, ESA's booster club for arts and athletics, held its annual Evening Under the Oaks last Saturday. Thanks to Jennifer & Robbie Trahan for chairing the event, the Falcon Club Board for their help with preparations, and sponsors Acadiana Dodge and IberiaBank!

The Louisiana High School Track Coaches Association recognizes the Top 25 runners in the state across all divisions, and three-time State Champion Samantha Withers, '19, is on the list. Congratulations, Sam!

STUCO President Abby Langford, '18, has been named the winner of the New Iberia Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Essay Contest, and a semifinalist for the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program. 

Five students - Jacob Camden, Abby Langford, Hiba Fazal, Harper Gunn and Emme Clement - represented ESA in the regional competition of Poetry Out Loud on January 13th at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Jacob and Hiba were selected to move on to the State competition. 

ESA Basketball defeated Lacassine 82-48 in the first district game of the season. The Falcons play Friday night in Cade for ESA's 2018 Homecoming. 

Congratulations to ESA's Class B All-Academic runners: Daniel Magann, Oliver Vreeland, Alec Sabatier, Abby Langford (All-Academic across all divisions and classes), Ashlyn Driskell, Leigh Stokes, Breigh Rodriguez, and Abigail Kitakule!

Five ESA Volleyball players have been named to the All-District team and the Best of the Teche all-area team.

PK4 teacher Julie Miller has been named a finalist in the Elementary School category of the Lafayette Education Foundation's 2018 Teacher Awards.

The winter edition of The Eclectic, ESA's literary magazine, is available online. Thanks to the staff and contributors for another fantastic issue!