The Leadership EXCEL June session focusing on Civil & Criminal Justice consisted of a visit to Angola State Penitentiary on Wednesday, June 19. The objective of the session was to acquaint participants with the state criminal justice system.
The class started their tour at the Angola Museum where they were able to view old relics of the prison. They then visited with representatives of the Prisoners Assisting Warrior Services (PAWS) which is an enrichment program offered within the prison. The PAWS program allows volunteer offenders to help train rescued shelter dogs into service dogs to aid veterans with PTSD and other traumatic injuries from combat operations.
From there, the group toured the lethal injection room, the notorious Red Hat Cell Block and had lunch in Big House Cafe, the old Death Row building. Additionally, the class toured the prison grounds including the residential area, the fields, the horse stables and the rodeo area where they also discussed living arrangements and the prison’s agricultural practices.
Participating in the Criminal Justice session were Jarreytt Johnson, Kai Seah, Kylie Yeager, Christi Batiste, Cassidy Stoma Kondert, Tiffany Gates, Shelia Charles, Henry McManus, Melissa Schatzle, Heather Deshotel, Brandon Ned, Loretta Kebodeaux, Josh Faul, Rachel Savoy, Jeremiah Meck, Nancy Lyon.
This program would not be possible without the support and sponsorship of the business community, including Acadia General Hospital and Lafayette General Health, First National Bank, Jennings American Legion Hospital, Encore Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Acadia Parish Farm Bureau, Acadia Parish Assessor Jimbo Petitjean, The Bank, Bank of Commerce, Dugas, Solieau & Breaux CPA Firm, Rayne Building & Loan, Farmers State Bank, First Guaranty Bank, E.L. Habetz Builders, Carmichael’s Cashway Pharmacy.
Leadership EXCEL stands for Experience in Community, Enterprise and Leadership. The program is designed to prepare emerging leaders to meet the future leadership needs of our community. Through the exchange of viewpoints and experiences, participants are exposed to the challenges, opportunities, and vital issues affecting Acadia and Jeff Davis parishes. The EXCEL program is hosted by the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Jeff Davis Chamber of Commerce.
