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RAYNE - As announced by newly appointed Rayne High School Athletic Director Kaine Guidry, he and staff members are very excited about the future of Rayne High athletics.
“We have a tremendous group of talented kids here,” stated Guidry. “We are excited about the possibilities we have as an entire athletic department.”
All parents and volunteers are urged to attend a parent meeting and Booster Club membership drive on Monday, March 18, at 6 p.m. in the RHS north gym.
“We feel that it is critical to the success of our program to communicate with all parents,” Guidry continued. “At this meeting I, as Athletic Director, will outline a clear and consistent vision for the future of Rayne High Athletics. With the support of the administration, faculty, coaches, and community, I have no doubt that we can make Rayne High Athletics the best it can be.
“Along with outlining a clear vision for RHS athletics, you also have the opportunity to join our booster club at this meeting. Maximum participation is key to having a successful booster club. It is our goal to have as many parents and local support as possible helping with the booster club.
“We realize that as parents you have a very busy schedule, but this is a meeting that cannot be overlooked.
“If you have a child who is an athlete at Rayne High, or want to offer support to Rayne High, I strongly encourage you to make every effort to be at this meeting and listen to the direction we as a coaching staff want to take this program.”
Parents, along with individuals who would like assist with the Booster Club or with the Rayne High athletic program in any capacity are urged to attend this important meeting that will influence Rayne High athletics for the future.

RAYNE - Mardi Gras was in the air Thursday, Feb. 28, as “Chamber Mambo” was the theme of the sixth annual Business Appreciation Banquet held by the Rayne Chamber of Commerce at the Civic Center with the City of Rayne as co-sponsor.
New board members and officers began their 2019-2020 term during ceremonies as the Chamber will continued efforts to serve the business community.
Incoming president Jeremy Lavergne will lead the new slate of officers of the Chamber board, entering his fifth year as a board member.
Suzette Leonards will continue serving the board as vice president as she enters her fifth year serving the board.
Last year’s secretary, Brian Mouton, will continue in that capacity during his fifth year as a board member.
Tiffany Thibodeaux begins another year as the Chamber’s treasurer continuing her service to the board in her seventh year.
Beverly Rayon will begin her twenty-third year on the board as the new member-at-large.
Other returning board members include Cynthia Oliver and Ricky Bonin, along with immediate past president Nikki Link as she begins her eleventh year as a board member with the last three as president.
Three new board members were welcomed and installed Thursday evening, including Michele Veillon, Marietta Sikat and Crystal Underwood.
Fran Bihm returns for her sixth year as the Chamber’s executive director.
A number of awards also were presented during the night’s activities, including:
• Outstanding Business Persons of the Year (tie) Gabe’s Cajun Foods and Super 1 Foods;
• Outstanding Employee of the Year to Barbara Richard (nominated by the administrative staff of The Ellington);
• Humanitarian of the Year to Martha Royer (nominated by Cynthia Oliver); and
• Chamber Member of the Year to Bayou Silkscreening (nominated by Chamber Board).
Bihm announced the “Best Decorated Table” award — $50 in Chamber Cash — to Tractor Supply.
State Rep. John Stefanski was master of ceremonies for the “Chamber Mambo” Banquet, who acknowledged a number of special guests and parish dignitaries in attendance.
Also seated at the head table were Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux, Link, Bihm, Rayne City Judge Jim Cunningham who administered the oath of office to the board members; and Deacon Barry LeBlanc and wife Josette.
Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux presented an official welcome from the city, in addition to a number of projects the city and Chamber has joined forces to complete during the past year.
Robichaux also announced a number of projects in the works by the city administration and city employees.
Link extended a “Chamber welcome” as outgoing president and recognized all who have assisted the Chamber throughout her three years as president, “A busy, yet productive and fulfilling time for our community.”
Link congratulated the outgoing board on a job well done, and also congratulated the incoming officers and new board members, noting, “I have no doubt you will do great things for our members and our city.”
Incoming president Jeremy Lavergne was humbled to be elected as president and pledged to all Chamber members that “we are here for you.”
Lavergne acknowledged his continue work for the annual Frog Festival which he has been involved with for the past five years, chairing the last two years.
“The festival is not only a celebration of our culture that we must keep alive, but a major event that generates business in our city in regards to restaurants, hotels, grocery stores and gas stations to name a few.
“Our top priorities the Chamber will continue to promote for Rayne are the Farmers Market, Mardi Gras Ball, Parade and After-Party, First Responders Breakfast, OST Day Celebration, and Scholarships for Rayne High and Notre Dame graduates.”
Lavergne also noted the Chamber’s continued work on the Chamber membership retention and growth, economic development, business services, civic beautification and tourism.”
Boys Scout Troop 61 presented the Colors, while members of the Rayne Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Rayne assisted with the cash bar and the service of a sit-down meal.

During a first-round match-up of the 4-A State Basketball Playoffs on Friday, Feb. 22, in Napoleonville, the #19-ranked Rayne High Wolves met #14-ranked Assumption High.
Two teams, right in the middle of the bracket, in the thick of things just trying to advance in the 2018-2019 playoffs.
Once the contest was completed, fouls and three-pointers included, the Mustangs had garnered a 78-60 win over the Wolves, seeing Rayne High’s hopes dashed in the first round of action.
“We showed a steady improved all season,” the RHS coaching staff.
“The kids saw what, as coaches, we were trying enforce, play together as a team and things will come together as a whole. They realized the saying teamwork pays is true. We proved it this season.
“Their improved attitude and teamwork kept us in the hunt, especially in district play.
“We eyed a Top 28 finish but fell a little short. But look how far we’ve come from the first few games? There’s no comparison
“We had doubts in the beginning, but they believed they could compete with the best. That’s just what they did, competed in one of the toughest districts in the state.”
Leading scorers in the ballgame was Leon Smith with 21 points, followed by Dylan Menard with nine, eight by Jamarcus Richard, Lance Smith had seven, Kaleb Colomb with six and five by Antonio Cormier.