Cecil Picard Elementary awarded for academics

Cecil Picard Elementary in Maurice was awarded for the school’s academic achievement of being awarded an “A” rating by the Louisiana Department of Education, which places the K-5 elementary in Vermilion Parish among the top elementary schools in the state.
At the press conference on Friday, 50 Microsoft Surface tablets were donated to the school as a reward for its academic achievement by the Picard family and other friends and supporters of the school.
Both Cecil Picard, who was a former state representative, state senator, and state superintendent of education, and his father, Romain Picard, were both past principals in Maurice. The school was named after Cecil Picard following his death in 2007.
Tyron Picard, the son of Cecil Picard, said, “The donation of Microsoft Surface tablets to Cecil Picard Elementary at Maurice is recognition from the Picard family, friends and supporters of the school, and the business community that being a top rated public elementary school in our state comes not only with recognition, but a reward. These kids get trophies for winning in basketball, baseball, and etc. Today, we are providing technological trophies for winning in the classroom. The students, parents, teachers, staff, Principal Gaspard, Superintendent Puyau, Vermilion Parish School Board, and entire Maurice community should be proud! We hope this donation inspires other businesses and civic leaders to invest in their communities’ schools.”
The Community Foundation of Acadiana managed the donations for the project, according to its President and CEO, Raymond Hebert.
Hebert said, “Vermilion Parish schools and the Cecil Picard Elementary School at Maurice are shining examples of sound academic achievement in the state of Louisiana. Through the generosity of several donors and the collaboration of Microsoft, Community Foundation of Acadiana is proud to play a small role in rewarding the school and students with these Surface tablets.”
The Picard family would like to thank the following additional contributors to the cause: John and Sandra Landry, Kent Desormeaux, Wells Watson, Bernhard Capital Partners, Sides & Associates, and the Cecil Picard Elementary Fund.
Vermilion Parish School Superintendent Jerome Puyau has pledged to match the donation with an additional purchase of 50 tablets by the Vermilion Parish School Board, which will be divided between three Vermilion Parish Schools, one of which will be Cecil Picard Elementary.
Puyau stated, “Today’s event is a shining example of the support provided to our schools. It showcases the strong partnership between schools, businesses, and community to support and encourage the development of a robust educational experience for our children. Together, we have formed a community which showcases the parish’s motto, ‘We are . . . Vermilion’.”
Tyron Picard wanted to also especially thank Microsoft for being an international thought leader in education by committing to a special price for the tablets which made the donations possible.