This week on Parish Porch, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most impactful programs shaping young leaders in our community, JROTC. Commander (Aaron) Bates, a retired U.S. Navy officer, joins us to talk about his journey from cadet to commanding officer and how he’s now using that experience to guide students at St. Amant High School.

We talk about:

• The real purpose of JROTC (spoiler: it’s not military recruitment)
• How discipline, structure, and mentorship can change a teenager’s life
• What Commander Bates looks for in his cadets, and how he builds leadership from the ground up
• The personal path that led him from Metairie to Covington to 27 years in the Navy
• Why he believes JROTC is one of the most valuable programs in public education today

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or former cadet yourself, this episode is packed with insight into what’s working in Louisiana schools and why programs like JROTC deserve more attention.

Resources:

• Follow the St. Amant High School NJROTC Program on Facebook!
• Connect with Commander Bates via the St. Amant High School website
• Veterans support via the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs

COME MEET US!

This Friday, the 25th, Parish Porch will be at the Gonzales Lowe's! Stop by, learn more about what we do and why, and enter our raffle for a chance to win some local goodies from Country Kitchen, Curve Mart, and Ascension Community Theatre.

-----

Support the show

Interested in becoming a guest or sponsor? Reach out to us directly at parishporch@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE!

In this episode of Parish Porch, we sit down with Skipper McInnis and Amy Shamburger, two familiar faces now behind the scenes at one of Ascension Parish’s most beloved staples: Country Kitchen. For decades, this no-frills buffet has been serving up fried chicken, biscuits, and mashed potatoes that taste like home. But it’s more than just the food. It’s the stories, the people, and the legacy they’ve preserved since taking over from the original founders.

James shares personal memories of eating there as a kid, and together, they talk about what it means to run a business that’s become part of the fabric of the community. You’ll hear about the challenges of keeping things just the way folks remember them, and the pride that comes with honoring a place that so many call their second kitchen.

If you grew up around here, you’ve probably got your own Country Kitchen story. And if not, this episode might just make you want to start one.

KEEP UP WITH COUNTRY KITCHEN!

Website: www.CountryKitchenGonzales.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/countrykitchengonzales

----

Support the show

Interested in becoming a guest or sponsor? Reach out to us directly at parishporch@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE!

What if every child got a starring role in their own story?

In this episode of Parish Porch, we sit down with Alyson Coyle, founder of Big Dreams Drama Program in Livingston Parish, and what unfolds is nothing short of magic. Alyson shares how she’s redefining youth theater with a no-audition, collaboration-first model that lets every kid shine. No rejection. No gatekeeping. Just raw creativity, radical kindness, and space for every voice.

From 5-year-olds to high schoolers, her program is a masterclass in building confidence, emotional resilience, and collaborative skills that stretch far beyond the stage. Alyson opens up about how she facilitates creative compromise, handles bold personalities, and ensures every child feels seen. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community leader, this episode will make you believe in the power of youth and the promise of what’s possible when we say “yes” to big dreams.

This might be our most heart-expanding conversation yet.

KEEP UP WITH ALYSON!

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095754453276

Website: https://www.bigdreamsdrama.com/

UPCOMING SESSIONS AT BIG DREAMS DRAMA PROGRAM!

July 14-16th (Ages 5-8)

July 28th - August 1st (Ages 13-17)

Camps are 9AM-3PM, $200 Fee

Call: (225) 369-1334

Email: bigdreamsdramaprogram@gmail.com

-----

Support the show

Interested in becoming a guest or sponsor? Reach out to us directly at parishporch@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE!