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Louisiana Youth Seminar

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The Screamer

The Official Blog of Louisiana Youth Seminar

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Lifetime Achievement Patrick Dobard

July 20, 2017

During the banquet, we give out awards to honor those that are truly living out the meaning of LYS in their own lives and are making a difference in their community and world around them. Each year we award one of our most prestigious awards to a recipient whom we find is doing just that through the Roddy Richard Award.

Roddy Richard came to LYS from Teurlings Catholic High and joined Staff in 1983. Roddy was an exceptional young man whose life was taken in a tragic accident. To celebrate his life and honor his spirit, LYS created the Roddy Richard Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes an outstanding individual whose character and purpose in life has lessened the burden of others and made their community  a better place for their fellow man.

In honor of his memory, we select a Louisiana native who shows the same compassion and fervor as Roddy himself.  We are very pleased to announce that this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Patrick Dobard.

Patrick Dobard is the CEO of New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO), a nonprofit organization committed to delivery on the promise of excellent public schools for every child in New Orleans. NSNO serves the city as a strategic leader, accelerates the development of high-quality schools, and provides financial and advisory support to grow, connect, and sustain school support organizations.


Dobard served as the Superintendent of the Louisiana Recovery School District (RSD) from 2012 to 2017. In 2014, the New Orleans RSD became the nation’s first school district comprised entirely of charter schools. Under his leadership, the RSD made significant progress in transforming the most chronically low performing schools in Louisiana—nearly eliminating failing schools in New Orleans. Patrick helped design EnrollNOLA, the centralized enrollment system for New Orleans that provides families with equitable, transparent access to schools. Under his leadership, the RSD reduced expulsions through a common hearing office, passed an equitable school funding policy that takes the unique needs of each student into account, and progressed through the largest school construction project in the nation’s history. Dobard also led efforts to develop New Orleans Youth Opportunity Center to serve high-needs students at risk of dropping out and the Therapeutic Day Program, which serves students with severe behavioral health disabilities. Prior to leaving the RSD, Dobard, in collaboration with the Orleans Parish School Board, managed the process to unify New Orleans two school districts (RSD and OPSB).


Patrick is a native New Orleanian and career educator. He began his teaching career in his hometown after graduating from Southern University of New Orleans.

In During the Week
← Onward you go.... Monica Hof Wallace, No Man Is An Island Award Winner →

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We can't wait to see all of you at the LYS 2014 Delegate Reunion on Sunday, October 19 from 1-3pm! We have been missing the days that were LYS, haven't you? Here is your Reunion Challenge:
What a #SuperGreat article written in the #LoyolaCollegePrep Parent Flyer! A great way to spread the word about what you learned at #LYS2014.
#tbt to the LYS 2014 Political Party kickoff. We would love to see your throwbacks from your favorite part of seminar! Join us to relive the days of LYS at the a Reunion on October 19!
We can't wait for the LYS Walk On's night this Wednesday night in Baton Rouge from 5-8pm! Will you be there?
Join as at Walk On's on Burbank Drive in Baton Rouge on Wednesday, September 10 from 5-8pm! Just bring in the flyer posted on our Facebook page, and 10% of your purchase will go to LYS! Thank you @walkons! #nomanisanisland #NMIAI
For many of you, your new school year has already begun! But, never forget all the days that are LYS. How can you incorporate what you learned this summer back at school? #NMIAI
Recent article about #LYS2014, our unique political party system, and some #SuperGreat delegates!
The final day of LYS included Closing Convocation, where we reflected on our week at LYS, recognized award winners, and sang farewell to all we had met since Sunday morning. What staff sang to the delegation forever rings true, "Whenever you leave us and homeward you go, we'll never forget you for we love you so. You're wonderful leaders and as you meet the test, never forget all the days that were LYS." ❤️ #LYS #LYS2014 #NMIAI
Thursday night, we attended the LYS  banquet! During the banquet ceremony, we honored the founders of LYS, the 2014 Roddy Richard Award winner, the LYS Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and many more individuals who help make LYS possible. After a delicious dinner in the ballroom, we once again danced the night away and cherished our last evening at LYS! #LYS #LYS2014 #NMIAI
Thursday began with our LYS general election, where we heard our candidates' final speeches. Putting our Whig and Tory loyalties aside, we then elected LYS officers for each position. Thursday was also filled with our final homegroup times and involvement sessions!

#LYS #LYS2014 #NMIAI
We ended Wednesday, July 23, with the highly anticipated Political Party Election... CAUCUS! While the Whigs kicked it out in the "Whiggie Cup," the Tories battled in the "Tory Wars." Both themes lead to an exciting, energetic night in which each party elected representatives to move onto LYS general elections. 
What was your favorite part of caucus?! #LYS #LYS2014 #NMIAI
Here is a repost from @ayala_ford! So happy to have had you at #LYS! #LYS2014 #NMIAI --- "Just got home from Louisiana; I truly was blessed to be put in with such an amazing group; The Giraffes. I'm thankful for everything that happen to me during this week, I know I learned a lot about everyone surrounding me and about myself. I learned that sometimes you need to just take a deep breath and a leap of faith to truly discover your identity. I miss every single one of you already!! I just can't wait until out reunion! One week could honestly change someone's life as it has done with mine. Thank you LYS for everything you have done for me and our fellow delegates. Not just this week, but every year this organization has part of our life. #LYS2k14 #PersonCanChange #ThankYouShellOilDeerPark #LearnToLead"
Wednesday, we worked on our homegroup problem after hearing from speaker Jessica Brayden and explored the state we call home during Dream State, with speaker Donald Cravins. Our homegroups also attended a few involvement sessions! Each one helped us explore aspects of our leadership potential in an entertaining, engaging way. 
Which involvement session was your favorite? #LYS #LYS2014 #NMIAI
Our Cajun Cookout on Tuesday night was filled with good food and great music! Afterwards, we celebrated those staff members making their 5 year commitment to LYS during 5 Year Night. The evening ended with a dance party in the union ballroom, which lasted until our homegroup time back in Miller Hall! 
Congratulations, 5 years! You look good in blue! #LYS #LYS2014 #NMIAI
Tuesday started off with Speaking Out Workshop, where we learned different styles of public speaking and began writing our own speeches for the LYS election process. In the afternoon, we heard the SUPER GREAT speeches from every Whig and Tory running for office! 
What did you write your speech about? Was it funny, musical, serious? #LYS #LYS2014 #NMIAI
"Whigs on this side, Tories on this side!" Monday afternoon was our first glimpse into the LYS Political Party system. During our Political Party Pep Rally, we flaunted our party loyalty and heard from Roland Dartez, the Executive Director of the Police Jury Association of Louisiana. 
Which Whig or Tory cheer was your favorite!? #LYS #LYS2014 #NMIAI
Here is a #repost from @briannakora! So glad you had such a great week at LYS! --- "This week... The letters have been read and the group texts have began and all I keep thinking about is when I was saying how bad I wished I could stay home and not go, but God and my school put me at LYS for a reason. I've built friendships that I will never be able to let go of. I've opened my eyes to things about myself that I never realized, and at the same time realized that I am proud to be the person that I am today. My motivation to achieve my life goals are stronger than ever and I owe it all to this seminar. My heart breaks knowing that I won't be able to return as many of my friends will but I pray that these delegates with shine bright when they get home because there is a leader in every single one of them. I love you guys, and I hope to hear of all your achievements! Thank you all for making this such a memorable week. #NoManIsAnIsland. #LYS2014"
Our first full day at LYS was Monday, July 21st! We started the day with Communication Connection, which allowed us to come together as a homegroup and guided us to working better as a team! 
What was your favorite activity at Communication Connection?

#LYS #LYS2014 #NMIAI
At mixer Sunday night, we made instantaneous connections, learned to trust one another, explored social situations, and discussed the power of music. It's safe to say that Mixer allowed us quite a unique experience!

What was your favorite Mixer activity?

#LYS #LYS2014 #NMIAI
Never forget all the days that were LYS! In the next week, we'll be taking you through our days at seminar, one photo at at time. So stay tuned!

LYS 2014 began on Sunday, July 20th, with registration at Miller Hall. We then headed to Opening Convocation where we rocked out to the JC dance and learned a few LYS traditions!

What part of Opening Convocation was your favorite? The fight song? JC dance? Let us know below!


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Louisiana Youth Seminar     PO Box 14241     Baton Rouge, LA 70898

(866) INFO-LYS or (866) 463-6597

lys@louisianayouthseminar.org