ST. JAMES – Relaying a message of hope, faith and inspiration is what Principal Clara Harris and the Fifth Ward Elementary School in St. James Parish had in mind at the Black History program recently. The event punctuated several weeks of activities, programs and initiatives to celebrate Black History Month. The program featured performances by Fifth Ward Elementary’s Chorus, the Voices of Tomorrow, Fifth Ward Dancers, special reenactments by students and recognition of several members of the community who are inspiring “change.”

Students were so ecstatic to have Latrice Pace all the way from Atlanta to serve as the guest speaker. Pace travels the world starring in theatrical shows and doing vocals for various artists and productions. She starred as Nurse Nancy in the Tyler Perry stage play, “What’s Done in the Dark.” Pace has contributed vocally to nemerous projects and live performances with a variety of artists such as BET’s “Sunday Best” Season 2, “The Monique Show,” LaShun Pace, The Pace Sisters, Jennifer Holiday, Donald Lawrence, Darwin Hobbs, Ann Nesby and so many more.

Pace also has a strong desire to help raise a healthier generation of kids. She has recently teamed up with First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign. She acts

as a spokesperson, and she has a fitness single titled “Be the Change.” Fifth Ward students performed the child’s version of the song with Pace, and the footage will be featured in the video that promotes the single.

She was dynamic, and she challenged students to set forth nothing less than their personal best, to make good choices, to take steps of action along a path of true success, and last but certainly not least, she challenged every individual to “be the change” in every aspect of their lives. Pace received much applause of gratitude for her moving and inspirational message and Parish President Timmy Roussel presented her with a key to the town of St. James.

Everyone left happy and motivated. They were inspired by her words and filled with the type of motivation that comes from within.