Respect is Just a Minimum’ Program Concludes with Graduation Ceremony

LAPLACE — A recent graduation ceremony marked the conclusion of “Respect is Just a Minimum,” a pilot program that introduced high school students to mentorship and instruction related to conflict resolution, health and wellness, financial literacy, and empathic understanding. Through her work in the 40th Judicial District Court, the Honorable Nghana Lewis has seen a need to uplift students who have the potential to be successful but lack the proper support. Thirty-five St. John the Baptist Parish students with an identified need for support were invited to participate in 10 weekly sessions from the end of January through mid-May. The program was funded through a $119,000 grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice. St. John Parish Councilwoman and educator Tyra Duhe-Griffin was selected to serve as the program administrator, while Dr. Adrienne Dixson served as the data analyst. Of the 35 students invited, 30 chose to participate. According to Lewis, 21 of the students participated in at least 90% of the weekly sessions.