March 14-16, 2017, marked the third year that Grambling State University President has come to St. John the Baptist Parish for the annual presidential visit.

President Rick Gallot and his recruiting team had an opportunity to meet and converse with potential students for Grambling State University in Jefferson, Orleans and St. John the Baptist Parishes schools. On Thursday, President Gallot’s day in our parish consisted of school visits to West St. John High School, a stop at John L. Ory Magnet to be interviewed by student anchors with WJLO, then on to East St. John High. He was greeted by over 2,000 students, 800 of which were from the St. John the Baptist School System.

President Gallot’s trip concluded with a luncheon hosted by St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom at Petra’s Restaurant. He was met by some familiar faces, Parish President Natalie Robottom, Louisiana Legislators Edward Price and Randall Gaines, Superintendent Kevin George, SJBP Board Members Keith Jones, Board President Albert “Ali” Burl, GSU Alumni, friends and supporters of the University.

This year marks the third year for this annual tradition! It gets better each year and students are afforded an opportunity to meet and converse with Grambling State University President with the hopes of providing an option for a secondary higher learning institution that cares about the students as individuals.

It is truly an honor for me to share with our students the love I have for my school, Grambling State University: Where Everybody is Somebody!”

Special thanks to Superintendent Kevin George and Superintendent Isaac Joseph for allowing our students to participate in this annual event, Parish President Natalie Robottom for her continued support and hosting the luncheon, Sheriff Mike Tregre for providing security and escort to various schools, principals, counselors, students at all of the schools visited, GSU Alum and all of the supporters of Grambling State University who live in the surrounding area.

Bernetta Ambres is coordinator of the annual presidential visit and a GSU Alumnae. She can be reached at bambres@stjohn.k12.la.us.