Crawfisherman Scholarship

The Paul Lee Smith Scholarship Fund, now known as the Gueydan Crawfishermen’s Scholarship, Inc in memory of Paul Lee Smith, was started in 2006 after his passing. Smith is the son of Leo and Diane Smith of Gueydan. The Scholarship has been in existence for 5 years now, thanks to the support and donations from the community and surrounding areas. The Board of Members would like to thank all those responsible for the success of the crawfish boil, which took place on April 19, 2010 at D & D’s Sporting Goods in Gueydan. The Board would also like to thank Mr. Chad Edwards, Attorney at Law, for his time and services and assistance with the scholarship and Sonny Bourq and the Bayou Blues Band for their continued support and attendance.

Unfortunately, Mr. Sonny could not join in activities this year as he had a little setback and was hospitalized. He attempted to convince his doctor to discharge him early so he could attend, but his attempts were unsuccessful!

Joining the band this year was a young man by the name of Bubba Hebert. Bubba is the nine year old son of Marsha and Delo Hebert from Morse. He is the grandson of Eddie LeJeune and the great grandson of Iry LeJeune, both famous accordion players. Bubba played the accordion and sang a few songs with the band, and boy did he make an impression! Bubba also has a sister named Melody. The association hopes that Bubba and his family will return again next year.

The Board would also like to thank Thomas Bourque for coming down and cooking his wonderful jambalaya! Bourque came all the way from Gonzales with all of his equipment and cooked for the 75-100 people that were in attendance. The jambalaya was just as good as the company and the entertainment! A big thanks to D & D Sporting, who held the boil at their location on main street and for supplying all that they donated for the boil. Also, the association wants to thank all the crawfish farmers from Gueydan who donated the crawfish for the night’s boil. There were many sacks donated from several farmers, and the association would like them to know that their donations will always be remembered and is much appreciated.

To all those who donated any supplies for the boil: drinks, corn, potatoes, onions, seasoning, deserts, etc – a “thank you” to all so much! Without the donors of the scholarship and without all those mentioned above, this scholarship and boil would not be possible!

Last but not least, the association would like to thank the Gueydan Duck Festival Association for their donation of their tables, chairs and coolers. Without you, guests would have had to stand, hold their trays, and drink hot beverages, so thanks!

This year, there were many scholarships given out. There were two one-time $250 scholarship given. One was to Nathan Fontenot, son of Paula Poole and Al Fontenot of Kinder, La. Nathan is currently enrolled in McNeese State University studying wildlife.

Another was to Skye LeMaire, daughter of Darlene and the late Farran LeMaire of Kaplan. Skye is currently enrolled in University of Louisiana at Lafayette studying nursing.

Four $1,000 scholarships were given out as well: Colby McDaniel, son of Phil and Ranella McDaniel of Gueydan. Colby graduated this May from Notre Dame; Angelle Venissat, daughter of Eric and Lisa Venissat of Gueydan; June Zaunbrecher, daughter of Martin and Mary Zaunbrecher of Gueydan; and Samuel Alvarez, son of Louis and Cynthia Alvarez of Gueydan. Angelle, June, and Samuel all graduated this May from Gueydan High. The association wishes all of the recipients good luck and congratulations!

This makes a total of five one-time $250 scholarships and twelve $1,000 scholarships that have been given out since the initiation of the program in 2006.

Again, the association would like to thank everyone who contributed in any way to the boil and to the Gueydan Crawfishermen’s Scholarship, Inc. Without all of you, none of this would be possible. Paul would be so honored that his name is being carried on this way.

The association hopes to see you again next year!

Lilah Broussard, Gueydan Crawfishermen’s Scholarship, Inc