By SUE ELLEN ROSS -Staff Reporter

Hahnville – Friday the 13th is usually viewed with apprehension, but for DeMarco Lockett, it is cause for a double celebration.

The Carver Elementary School student, born on Feb. 13, 1991, will officially become a teen-ager and will also be celebrating his ‘golden birthday’ this Friday.

A golden birthday is the time when a person turns the same age as the day of their birth.

Turning 13 on Friday the 13th doesn’t cause any concern for DeMarco. “I don’t believe in superstitions, so everything will be ok,’ he said.

His mom, Dawn Bailey, has planned a dinner and party in honor of the occasion. She will be taking the day off from work, but not because she is afraid things may go awry, she just wants to have enough time to prepare for the event, which will include friends and family.

“My friends at work laughed about the date of the party,” she said. “But I ignored it, superstitions don’t bother me.”

“I don’t feel any different yet,” DeMarco said of his impending birthday. But he will, according to his mom. Bailey feels that a 13th birthday does change a youngster, especially socially.

DeMarco’s friends haven’t commented yet on the strange timing of his birthday this year. After the party is over, they may have something to say. But if they do, the birthday man will let the remarks pass right by.

When family and friends gather at the Bailey home Friday, hopefully, no one will be throwing salt over their shoulders or opening umbrellas in the dining room or making jokes about the timing of the party.

When asked what advice he would give to another person that finds himself in the same Friday the 13th situation, DeMarco said that there is no reason to be fearful. He would tell them, “Don’t pay any attention to what other people say.”

If any jokes or strange comments are forthcoming at Friday’s party, this laid-back young man will definitely follow his own advice.