The school year was 1966-67, when students from two rival high schools, Golden Meadow and Larose-Cut Off, came together for their first year at South Lafourche High School. It was a challenging time consolidating these two schools. It took some very dedicated educators who were committed to "making this work".

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Also, coming together for the first time were 45 educators, 9 cooks, 5 janitors, and 5 secretaries and staff members. Easton Pitre said, "This was a special group of unusual people who made a very trying year successful."

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After 44 years, most of the remaining teachers and staff met at the Larose Civic Center to share stories and experiences as well as visit with fellow teachers who have moved on or retired.

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First year teachers and staff included Easton Pitre, Amos Cowart, Donna Hebert Plaisance, Edmond Becnel, Vernon Brumfield, Philip Collins, Charles Comeaux, Ralph Pere, Alex Breaux, Melvin Constransitch, Daniel Rodrigue, Eddie Blanchard, Eddie Bruce, Jessie Guidry, Lloyd Guidry Sr., Nita Serpas, Roland Thomassie, Georgiana Boudreaux, Carman Callais, Rene LeBlanc, Tedman Collins, Larry Ledet, Joyce Stelly Cheramie, Brenda Weber, Dick Weber, M/Sgt. Karl Williams, Raul Prado, Betty Cheramie, Mary Rabb, Roland Cheramie, Myriel Miller, Alvin Navarre, Daria Thomassie, Donald Uzee, Dolores Hebert (secretary), Nellie Williams (secretary), Nelma Gordon (cook), Marie Broussard (cook), Margie Cheramie (cook), Rose Galliano (cook), Michael Bruce (janitor), and Louella Villemont (janitor).

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Twenty-one members of the original group of teachers and staff have passed away, including Principal George Hebert, who was affectionately known as "Papa George". Those teachers and staff who are deceased include Robert Foust, Wayne Courvillion, George Hebert, John Rabb, Virginia New, Virginia Shows, Roland Boudreaux, Dan Danos, Wilba Brock, Ramona Crenshaw, Roland Chiasson, Milton Gouaux, Leo Gaspard, Irene Triche (cook), Irene Matherne (cook), Clothile Fayette (cook), Gert Hebert (cook), Armina Bychurch (cook), Layman Gisclair (janitor), Maurice Hebert (janitor) and Macklin Danos (janitor).

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Several members of the graduating class from that first year were invited to serve the meal to teachers that evening. They too, had stories to tell and enjoyed reminiscing about their first year at South Lafourche High School. The physical plant at the new South Lafourche High School was beautiful and impressive but during the first few weeks there was no air conditioning, no cafeteria, no football field or stadium, and teachers had to teach outside under extreme conditions, or teach over noisy fans in the classrooms. The auditorium was not finished when they moved in and there were no books in the library. Everyone had to eat sandwiches for the first three weeks. The teachers did say they remembered the hot bread, the macaroni and cheese floating in butter, and Mrs. Triche's yellow biscuits.

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There were several stories told about George Hebert who seemed to be loved by all. Mary Rabb, school counselor said, "Mr. Hebert was very progressive. He subscribed to as many educational and professional journals as he could and anytime, he would read about a new program, he would say, 'We need to do this'."​

Vernon Brumfield said everyone there was dear to his heart and his years at South Lafourche were wonderful. Connie Callais said she and Donna Plaisance were first year teachers at South Lafourche who started in January of '67. They were put on duty their first day and were scared to death. They decided to walk the halls together and when they went outside, a student who didn't recognize them as teachers came up to them with a cigarette and asked for a light. Frightened but determined, together they worked up enough courage to send him to the office.
Easton Pitre brought an original Student Handbook with all the rules and regulations to follow with maps of the school, daily class schedules, along with school policies and guidelines. He also gave the opening and closing prayer and thanked the reunion committee composed of himself, Margie Landry, Dick and Brenda Webre, Mary Rabb, Lloyd Guidry, and Melvin Constransitch for their hard work.

Both Eddie Blanchard and Jessie Guidry talked about the good football team that emerged from the union of Golden Meadow and LCO. Jessie remembered the game with Jesuit that ended in a 13- 13 tie with SLHS winning with the most first downs. Eddie mentioned 6-man football and the signals being called out in French as he recalled his 19 years as a classroom teacher and 19 years as an administrator. From this group of teachers came two school superintendents and three principals.

Several students from that year's senior class helped serve the meal for the teachers the night of the reunion. They too, had some memories to share. Hank Danos, president of the senior class said he remembered there was no grass, no playground, and nowhere to walk. He said when you got on a school bus you never knew if it was going to turn left or right. Hank did say there was great unity and companionship shared by the students that first year.

Lynn Pierce talked about the time he was thrown out of the library and Ms. Landry would not let him back in to do a term paper. He had to rely on some friends to help him with the research. He said the first teacher he wanted to see after coming home from La Tech was Ms. Landry. Ann Pierce, Lynn's wife said although she was not a member of that senior class, she admired the quality, integrity, and commitment of the first teachers at SLHS

Edmond & Miriam Cheramie said that first year was an experience they would never forget. They were honored to be with the teachers for their reunion.

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To gain a better understanding of the effort it took to bring these two rival schools together forty-four years ago. I interviewed a few members of the organizing committee. It was a personal pleasure for me to be with all of these talented upbeat educators. They helped mold the educational system and community we have today. We honor their dedication, enthusiasm, and determination to "make this thing work". Here are their comments:

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1. Were you involved in the preparation plans of consolidating LCO & GM during the construction of SLHS? What were some of the obstacles to overcome? What was the attitude of the students?

Easton Pitre – Up until May, I was at LSU on a sabbatical leave. When I returned, I began working with George Hebert and others to plan the consolidation. I remember meeting to choose school colors, and mascot, etc. (I offered Golden Bears) & (Bayou Lours). Scheduling was primarily done by John Rabb with help from others. I was given ROTC and the PTA to help establish. The coaches organized the Booster Club.

Mary Rabb - I remember lots of meetings in the band room at LCO. There were several committees made up of teachers, students, and parents from both schools that met to prepare for the consolidation. I worked with Leo Gaspard, the counselor from Golden Meadow. The two schools were very different but adjustments were made. Everyone wanted this to work.

Dick Weber - I remember when Brenda and I along with 12 to 15 other teachers met with Superintendent Defelice to discuss the transition. He also met with the coaches and athletes to talk about the changes. The attitude of the students was excellent. They looked at this as a challenge. It was not a big problem.

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2 . How were the faculty and staff selected for the new school?

Easton Pitre - "From what I know teachers from GM & LCO were given a choice to stay put or move to the new school. The split was about half & half with more coming from LCO because they had a larger faculty. A number of new teachers were found to complete the staff."

Mary Rabb - It was the teacher's choice. There were also some new teachers selected for the new school. 

Dick Weber – Selection was made by giving the teachers with the most seniority a choice, then it was based on teacher need. We had veterans and some rookies.

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3. What were some of the problems experienced during the first couple of months at the new school? Ongoing construction? Parking? Football & Band practice? Books, equipment, supplies, furniture?

Dick Weber - The teachers and students worked well together. They wanted to make this a success. Most problems were handled in the classroom. The only administration we had was one principal, one assistant principal, two guidance counselors, and a curriculum director. There were over 700 students. It was quite a challenge.

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5. How was George Hebert selected as the first principal? What grade would you give him on the job he did? Why? Elaborate.

Easton Pitre - To my knowledge George was appointed due to seniority. Prof. Miller was offered the job but he turned it down. He retired that summer and George took the job. I became Asst. Principal, Lytton Dantin because Principal of Golden Meadow, and John Rabb was named Curriculum Director. I thought we made a good team. George deserved an A+. He was an excellent leader, excellent delegator, very well respected by all. He expected everyone's best - and got it. He handled community relations in a superior manner. He was always interested in making SLHS the best in everything.

Mary Rabb – George Hebert was an awesome person to work for. His talent was to find the right person for the right job and let them do it. Some people called our school the University of South Lafourche. We had graduations in the stadium and the faculty wore caps and gowns. There were faculty receptions before every graduation and Mr. Hebert saw to it that we attended. I give him an A.

Dick Weber – George gets an A from me. He treated students and teachers like family. He knew the names of all the teacher's spouses and most of their kids. He surrounded himself with good teachers and staff. He wanted professionals. His human relations skills were tremendous. Not only was he big on football, George wanted lots of extracurricular activities for the students to develop leadership abilities.

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6. Did all the teachers and staff get along? Were there problems with the curriculum? Jealousies'? Competitiveness?

Easton Pitre - SL had the best of the GM/LCO faculties. Each wanted to come to SL. They gave their all to succeed. I never had a more focused and dedicated group to work with. Jealousy - NO! Competitive - YES! The curriculum was broad and met every student's needs.

Mary Rabb - We all worked together like a family determined to succeed.

Dick Weber - We all got along.  There were no cliques. Back then things were simpler. There were not a lot of electives. We taught the basics.

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7. What about extracurricular activities? Student Council, Clubs, Cheerleaders, etc.? How were the members selected? Did there have to be a balance of LCO & GM students?

Easton Pitre – John Rabb had student activities. SL had more clubs and student "outlets" than ever imagined. There was a club for everyone with an interest. Selection was normal - election by students For Cheerleaders and Tarponettes, selection was in the auditorium by outside judges. There was balance such as Mr. SL came from LCO; Miss SL came from GM; Sr. Class Pres. from LCO; Student Council Pres. from GM. etc.

Mary Rabb - There were so many activities I think there was room for everyone. The students handled the selection of officers of their clubs and organizations very well.

Dick Webre - We had FFA for Agriculture and Home Economics students. We were in a separate building with welding and auto mechanics to come later."

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8. The large population of SLHS required a lot of planning, especially for meals. How as this handled? What did the new cooks think about their new facilities?

Easton Pitre – There were nine cooks, most with experience. Irene Triche was great. Marge Cheramie assisted. They were all good and the meals they fixed were fabulous. A split shift for lunch made it possible to serve 767 students enrolled. Everything went smoothly.

Mary Rabb - We did fine with the sandwiches for the first few weeks. We received butter and cheese commodities which were used quite a lot. I liked the fish and cheese sandwiches and the fresh rolls and bread pudding.

Dick Weber - The sandwiches only lasted for about six weeks. There was a problem with sour milk though that I remember.

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9. How did parents react to the new school? Were they involved in the planning?

Easton Pitre – George had the Booster Club and I had the PTA. Both groups were large and active. Parents helped in the mornings by calling parents of absent students. The communities of Golden Meadow, Galliano, Cut Off, and Larose came together - they were now South Lafourche.

Mary Rabb - The parents were great. We had a lot of volunteers. This was also the first year we were integrated. To my knowledge we never had racial problems.

Dick Weber - Many parents were involved and helping. The community has always been very generous and supportive of South Lafourche. Money flowed in to programs such as athletics, FFA, and other activities. When we had to go to outside judging contests and national conventions, we could always raise the funds we needed.

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10. What are your best and worst memories of that first year at South Lafourche High School?

Easton Pitre - First day of School was the worst. The planning was hectic. We didn't know what to expect. George was cool. I was nervous. This was my first job as an administrator. We were helping students find their classrooms. Many were late, lost, etc. Thinking back, it was fun. That afternoon, George told me, “You are in charge of buses - get the kids home as fast as you can." I did! There were a few late buses but no one was left at school. The best was the first graduation. This was the proudest day of the year for me...and probably for many. For all of us involved in that first year, this was our first product - the Class of 67. Governor John McKeithen came down. We had a party at Hank Danos's parent's home for the staff and local dignitaries. The night was a dream.

Mary Rabb - We were all proud of our new school and dedicated to its success. I have no bad memories from the first year.

Dick Weber - Brenda and I both enjoyed teaching students who came from schools without a feeder program. Teaching student’s agribusiness which involves 30% of the workforce in the US is important. This is from the "gate to the plate". We were not teaching just about "cows and plows", we taught debate and parliamentary procedure also.

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11. Do you consider the first year a success? To whom or to what do you attribute your answer?

Easton Pitre - A success! Look at South Lafourche today, 44 years later. Yes, there are many differences but this school is still going strong. Why? Because of an excellent beginning and the credit goes to George Hebert, the teachers, staff, students, parents, community, etc. All worked together to mold South Lafourche High School's future.

Mary Rabb - I think we did really good. All the planning beforehand was the key to our success.

Dick Weber - All the leadership activities was important. The teachers and students were one big family.

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12. What is your favorite story from the first year?

Easton Pitre - The Rappelet building was in the front NW side of the school. It was there before construction, during construction, and even after school started. There were numerous letters, phone calls, etc. to remove the building but there was no response. For the Homecoming Bonfire, some mystery arsonist set fire to Rappelet building. The students were going to be blamed. Thanks to some advanced planning, the Galliano Fire Dept. had two fire trucks standing by and they put out the fire. The building was removed a few weeks later.

Mary Rabb - We worked on a variety show to raise money for the senior trip to Washington. Our show was based on American history. Some of the seniors were painted and posed as the Iwo Jima statute. They sang patriotic songs. And I was most proud of the racial harmony that developed among our students.

Dick Weber - One of my good teacher friends was Sgt. Carl Williams, the ROTC instructor. He was about 5' 2", a good disciplinarian, and great recruiter. We probably had more students in ROTC than any other high school. He was housed in an old building on the north side of the campus. We got together and raised some baby chicks at his facility. There was a firing range nearby and when I expressed concern for the chicks he said they were fine because they dug foxholes in the shavings in their pen and put little helmets on. Sure enough, the chicks got use to the shooting and grew up to be well adjusted chickens.