Nungesser speaks at North Vermilion

LEROY — As part of a project for their civics class, students at North Vermilion High could receive some extra credit if one of them could arrange for Gov. John Bel Edwards to speak at the school.
With the state in the middle of an important legislative session, Edwards being available was not a viable option. However, one student used a family connection to help bring the next highest ranking official.
North Vermilion student Alex LeBlanc’s grandfather John Earl LeBlanc is the mayor in Erath. Through many battles with hurricanes and coastal issues, the elder LeBlanc has become friends with former Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser, elected last fall as the Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana.
At Alex LeBlanc’s request, John Earl LeBlanc asked if Nungesser could speak to North Vermilion students. Nungesser did so on Friday morning.
Alex LeBlanc introduced the Lt. Governor to his fellow students.
“Today we have the pleasure of having the man who has been called the hardest working man in a America by one national media outlet,” LeBlanc said, “for his work to protect the citizens he represents.”
Nungesser spoke to the students about leading coastal Plaquemines Parish in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and dealing with effects of the BP oil spill in 2010. He took questions directly from students, ranging from education and the fate of TOPS, to the difficulties of his own job.
“I you serve the public as an elected official,” Nungesser said, “if you truly care about making a difference, politics is easy.
“You can do great things.”
Nungesser, whose primary focus as Lt. Governor is to promote the state through tourism, spoke on some initiatives in that area, including highlighting fishing and hunting in the state. He told the students promoting Louisiana is easy.
“We truly have the greatest state in the United States,” Nungesser said. “We have the best food, music and culture.
“The thing that really makes us special is our people.”
Nungesser stressed to the students that they are not only part of what makes this state great, but they are who is going to make it better.
“It is people like you who have the love and passion for everything you do who are going to do that,” Nungesser said.
The Lt. Governor’s message resonated with students, who gave him a proper ovation. The student who helped bring Nungesser to the school could not help but be pleased with how the program came together.
“I am proud that this worked out,” Alex LeBlanc said. “I am proud that my grandfather is the mayor of Erath and has a connection like this.”
Nungesser said any opportunity he has to speak to students is one he takes seriously.
“Anytime I can speak to the kids is one I take because they are our future,” Nungesser said. “If one person felt that passion and love I have for Louisiana today, and they turn around and do some good, then it was worth the trip. I had two meetings today that I had to send other people to.
“I was not canceling today for anything in the world.”
Nungesser complimented the school, from Principal Tommy Byler to every teacher and student.
“I am honored to be here,” Nungesser said. “I can feel the love these people have for these kids. It is obvious by how disciplined the students were and how they listened. This is a great school with great leadership and great students. You can feel the pride, and you can’t feel that everywhere.
“This should be a model for schools across the state.”