By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LUTCHER – Based on the west bank of St. James Parish, Girls Inspiring Girls is a civic organization aimed at improving the futures of girls ages 9 to 14.

“We’re going to capture them while they’re in their prime,” said Michelle Nailor Octave as she introduced the group to the St. James Parish School Board Tuesday.

Octave, sister of Board President Charles Nailor, said the aim of the group is to provide adolescent girls with a network through which they can learn and inspire in other “life values.”

“There’s not an opportunity like this for girls in St. James Parish,” she said.

She said the program is free and open to any girl who falls within the age range. Her purpose at the meeting was to seek the board’s support for her endeavors and to ask permission to promote the organization in the parish’s schools and at PTO meetings.

She is also seeking volunteers to help out with the group’s activities, and she found two immediately when board members Diana Cantillo and Patricia Schexnayder offered the time to Girls Inspiring Girls.

Octave said the group holds monthly Saturday meetings and is looking into securing non-profit status. She said once Girls Inspiring Girls is firmly rooted, there are also plans to start Guys Inspiring Guys.

“We need to save them, and we need to save them now,” she said.

For more information, contact Octave at 225-624-9947 or e-mail meki7@yahoo.com.