Richard Lavergne – Health and Physical Education, 1974

Richard Lavergne

1974 – Health & Physical Education

                The first semester at a large, state university can be fun and exciting, but it can also be overwhelming–if not a bit frightening.  I was a frightened teenager from Church Point when I set foot on the University of Southwestern Louisiana campus.  As all students, I was assigned to an advisor, Dr. Ed Dugas.  My first intense interaction with Dr. Dugas occurred when I decided to drop the first biology course in which I was enrolled.  The pace of the course was rapid.  The first exam seemed as though it were written in a foreign language.  I was scared and decided it was in my best interest to drop the course.  I went to Dr. Dugas’ office.  He disagreed sternly, but tempered his comments with compassion.  He dissuaded me from dropping the course–a course I would eventually teach during my tenure as a high school science teacher. Were it not for Dr. Dugas’s encouragement and personal attention for a first-year student, my career path might have been radically altered.

                Under Dr. Dugas’ guidance, I experienced many firsts that ultimately led to a career in education divided between coaching and teaching.  I jumped on a trampoline for the first time (and learned to do flips!).  With perseverance, I learned the coordination necessary to shoot an arrow from a tightly strung bow.  Over time, I learned the mental, athletic, and relaxing qualities of a good (or bad!) game of golf.

                Ultimately, Dr. Dugas went beyond the role of advisor.  He challenged me both intellectually and physically.  He pushed me to set my sights higher.  Dr. Dugas taught me to have high expectations for myself and others.  Under Dr. Dugas’ guidance, I was very well prepared for both the coaching and teaching profession I entered upon graduation from the University of Southwestern Louisiana.

Since leaving U.S.L., I have one son who is currently a senior in high school.  I have held teaching and coaching positions in Morgan City and Rayne.  My teaching experience has held fast to the science department–despite my initial reticence when it came to my introductory biology course on the collegiate level.  I have served as athletic director and department chairperson at two different schools in Morgan City.  At Rayne High, my current place of employment, I was the 1993-1994 Teacher of the Year and won Parish Teacher of the Year.  I was also named the 1993 Tandy Technology Scholar for Outstanding Math/Science Teacher.  During my tenure at Rayne High, I have moved into an administrative position, having risen through the ranks from assistant principal to acting principal to principal.  When all is said and done, I do not believe I would have advanced as far as I have in the field if it were not for the encouragement of Dr. Ed Dugas.