Join Vermilion Parish Students as They Celebrate Annual Courir and Gather Food for Local Families in Need!

Last week, some amazing kids in Kaplan, Louisiana, did something heartwarming that deserves recognition.

A group of students from the Lâche Pas Louisiane program in Vermilion Parish participated in their annual Courir de Mardi Gras on February 25. But this year, they put a fresh twist on tradition.

Instead of collecting ingredients for gumbo, the students asked for non-perishable food donations for the local food bank. Their efforts paid off big time—by the end of the day, they collected an impressive 700 pounds of food!

Local musician and teacher Jason Harrington, who helped launch this initiative, shared pictures and videos from the event on social media. The kids wore their own festive Mardi Gras costumes and performed “La Danse de Mardi Gras,” the classic song that celebrates this vibrant tradition. Their final stop was the food bank, where they delivered the donations and entertained the volunteers.

This effort not only highlights the spirit of giving but also fosters a sense of community among the students.

The Lâche Pas program aims to keep Cajun and Creole culture alive among younger generations. Founded three years ago in Kaplan, it began at Rene Rost Middle School and has now expanded to other schools like JH Williams Middle and Erath Middle. This year, Gueydan High joined the mix, allowing students to engage with Cajun culture five days a week.

The curriculum focuses on seven key elements of culture: music, art, food, language, dance, history, and folkways. It’s a fantastic way to connect kids with their heritage and strengthen community bonds.

To explore more about the Lâche Pas Louisiane initiative, visit lachepas.org or check them out on Facebook.

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