Jazz In The Arts
​Scholarship Recipients


2012 CHESTER DAIGLE II SCHOLARSHIP - $1,000
IRRIK GODSEY​

Godsey, a Westlake High School honor graduate, plays tenor saxophone and plans to attend McNeese State University in the fall where he will major in music education. An inherent leader with natural talent, Irrik Godsey has for several years been a part of the District V Honor Band and Jazz Honor Band. In addition, he received Best in Class A Drum Major at the McNeese March Festival in 2011 and at the Sulphur Marching Festival in 2010. He is the son of David Godsey. ​​
2013 CHESTER DAIGLE II SCHOLARSHIP - $1,000
MARSHALL SIMIEN III​

​​Simien, a St. Louis Catholic High School graduate, plays tenor saxophone and plans to attend Louisiana State University in the fall where he will major in pre-medicine with a minor in music. An inherent leader with natural talent, Marshall J. Simien III has for several years been a part of many music organizations such as the Marching Band Performance at Disney World, District Honor Band, Louisiana All-Star Jazz Band, Louisiana District V Jazz Band and many more. In addition, his community service is equally impressive. He is a member of the Lake Charles Community Band; Jr. Knights of St. Peter Claver; Lake Charles Youth Orchestra; Sacred Heart Jr. Step Team; and Abraham’s Tent Feed the Homeless Community Service. He is the son of Marshall Jr. and Paula Simien.
2014 CHESTER DAIGLE II SCHOLARSHIP - $1,000
JACOB BRIDGES​

Bridges, a Sulphur High School graduate, plays trumpet and plans to attend McNeese State University in Music Education.  Jacob's impressive background displays his love for music and being involved with the community.  Throughout his school years he has received numerous music awards, such as Superior ratings in band ensemble and solo competitions, the Erik Gamborg Memorial Award, and the Pacesetter Award​.  He is a member of District V Honor Band (1st Chair), Sulphur High School Band, where he served as Librarian and the Brass Captain, All-State Concert Band, District V Honor Jazz Band (1st Chair 4 years in a row), Honors Wind Symphony (All-Parish Band), First Baptist Church Sulphur Orchestra, FBCS Youth Lead Team, FBCS Praise Band, FBCS Handbell Choir, Boy Scouts (Troop 84), and a member of the Lake Charles Jazz Kats.  Aside from school, band practices, and community service, Jacob worked as a Lawn Care and Maintenance Technician and the Trumpet Sub at Trinity Baptist Church. 
2015 CHESTER DAIGLE II SCHOLARSHIP - $1,000
​KENDALL HARRISON

Harrison, ​​a Westlake High School graduate, plays saxophone and plans to attend Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  He plan to major in Computer Engineering with a minor in Music.   Kendall is a leader among his peers, with much respect.  Kendall was Westlake High School Band saxophone section leader for four years.  He is a member of the Tipitina's Internship Program, Jazz In The Arts Program, Jazz Band, Jazz Honor Band, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Combo Band, and Basketball Band.  He was a part of the Honor Band for two years.  He's won several awards including the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, Mr. Ram Band, The Mason's Patriotism Award, McNeese Outstanding Soloist Award, Jazziest Junior Award, Foundation Class Graduate, the Exxon Mobile ISC All Academic Scholar Boys' Tennis Team Award, and the Chester J. Daigle II Music Scholarship.  Aside from school Kendall plays for special occasions.  He is also a member of the New Life International Church band.
2021 CHESTER DAIGLE SCHOLARSHIP - $1,000

DARBI GEORGE
Darbi is a graduate of Sam Houston High School. Graduating in the top 10 of her class with a GPA of 4.12, Darbi George is focused and about her business of making sure that she does her very best at reaching and surpassing her life goals. ​She is highly talented in singing and playing several musical instruments, which includes piano and oboe.  Special recognitions  include LMEA Academic All-State Award, Sam Houston High School Pride and Spirit Band, and Louisiana Music Educators Association Bands. Other acknowledgements and affiliations are McNeese State University Honor Band, LSU Summer Band Camp, LSU Summer Woodwind Quintet, Jazz In The Arts Internship, Lake Charles Community Band Music Teachers National Association Composition Competition First Place Composition, and Featured Soloist-McNeese State University Choir.  School and Civic involvement includes Sam Houston High Student Council, National Art Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, National Beta Service Club, Fellowship of Christian Students, Sam Houston High School Homecoming Court, and First Baptist Church of Gillis, LA Accompanist and Vocalist.
2016 CHESTER DAIGLE II SCHOLARSHIP - $1,000
DAVID BILLODEAU

​​Billodeau, a Sulphur High School graduate, plays saxophone and plans to attend McNeese State University where he will major in Music Education. David was a SHS Band of Pride member and was Drum Major for two years and saxophone section leader for one year. He performed in the Louisiana All State Band for two years, the District V Honor Band for six years, and the District V Jazz Honor Band for four years. David has been a member of the Tipitina’s Youth Jazz Internship Program for the last two years. He won several awards in high school including the Bob Sweeny Award, The Director’s Award, the Knights of Columbus Patriotic Award, The Sulphur Mines Community Theatre Scholarship and the Chester J. Daigle II Music Scholarship. David has also been involved in the Boy Scouts of America for 11 years and received his Eagle Scout Award in 2014 after much hard work. He is a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Sulphur where he enjoys volunteering as an Altar Server.
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017 CHESTER DAIGLE II Scholarship - $1,000
​Marcus Carnes

Carnes, a Sulphur High School Graduate, plays the tenor saxophone and plans to attend McNeese State University in Chemistry Management and Minor in Music Performance. Marcus was the Sulphur High School Band low reeds section leader for one year. He is a member of the Jazz Kats (Jazz in the Arts) Program and has been a part of the program since it’s inception. He was a member of the Tipitina’s Internship Program for 2 years, as well as, Sulphur High’s Jazz Band, Wind Symphony, Marching Band, and Dixie Land Jazz Band. He was a member of the District V Honor Bands for 4 years and was first chair overall his senior year. Marcus was also chosen as a member of the 2016 Lutheran National Youth Gathering Wind Symphony and performed before a crowd of 25,000 participants in the Louisiana Superdome. He has won several awards and they include the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, McNeese ‘s Academic Award, and the Chester J. Daigle II Music Scholarship. Marcus is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sulphur where he helps maintain the church grounds.

2018
2018 CHESTER DAIGLE SCHOLARSHIP - $1,000 (Sponsored by Phillips 66)

​​IAN TRAHAN
Ian Trahan is a graduate of DeQuincy High School.  He plays the alto and tenor saxophone and the EWI.  Ian is looking to pursue a career in music.  He has played in the Tipitina's Internship Band for 2 years and is now a member of the Jazz In The Arts Internship Ensemble.

Ian attended the Berklee Five Week Summer Performance Program for two years.  The program deepened his understanding of music and gave him the opportunity to meet many friends and professors from around the world.​​​  In the Berklee program Ian was part of the highest level of improvisation lab.

Ian has been in Calcasieu Parish District V Honor Band ​​for 4 years.  He has performed with Brad Walker of New Orleans, and City Heat of Lake Charles.  Upon his high school graduation, Ian was awarded the Homer Hitt Scholarship, the highest scholarship a freshman can achieve at University of New Orleans.  He will attend UNO and major in jazz studies.  Ian plans to become a well-known saxophone player in the New Orleans area.
2018 LAWRENCE C. JONES SCHOLARSHIP - $500

ELIJAH CHARLES
Elijah Charles is a 2018 Sulphur High School Graduate. He has been in SHS Band of Pride as Section Leader, a part of SHS Jazz Band, and District Honor Band.  Elijah attended the Governor's Program for Gifted Children and played in the Lake Charles Community Band.  He is and has been apart of Jazz In The Arts (JITA) since 8th grade and currently plays with the JITA JazzKatz. 

​​Elijah recently received the Louie Armstrong Jazz Award.  He enjoys spending time with his friends and is an avid reader and gamer.   Elijah will be attending McNeese in the fall for a Chemistry Major and Minor in music.
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Scholarship sponsored by
2017
2019 CHESTER DAIGLE SCHOLARSHIP - $1,000 (Sponsored by Phillips 66)

SARAH MEDWICK​
​Sarah is a graduate of Sulphur High School.  Her musical journey began in sixth grade at Leblanc middle school. Her desire to learn more led her to The Francis G. Bulber Youth Orchestra and the Jazz In the Arts Program. With the Youth Orchestra Sarah has gained experience playing in an orchestral setting, and playing under the direction of Ms. Patricia Bulber and Miss Katie Evans. During her time with Jazz in the Arts she has performed at numerous venues, recorded at Presonus Studios in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, performed as a soloist at the annual Women of jazz concert, and gathered years worth of jazz knowledge and experience. She has also performed with notable local and regional talents such as Jairus Daigle, Chester Daigle, Jay Ecker, Mickey Smith, and Doreen Ketchens.

​Sarah is a member of the all girl band Foot in the Door, as a vocalist and keyboardist. Foot in the Door has performed at numerous events as a representative for MusicMakers2U as well as festivals for the City of Sulphur, Women of Jazz, and Sax in the City.
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She is the principal clarinetist at Sulphur High School, a member of the Sulphur High Wind Symphony, and The Tornado Ramblers. During Marching season Sarah has served as Woodwind Captain for two years assisting in leading the band in rehearsals. Sarah have attended the prestigious Philadelphia International Music Festival where she studied with the Principal clarinetist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Principal Clarinetist of the National Symphony Orchestra.

Sarah has been a member of the District 5 honor band since 7th grade and has won first chair in the district. Sarah has been a member of Louisiana All-State where she achieved the highest placement for a high school student in the state of Louisiana, being the principal clarinetist in the state.

​Sarah attends McNeese State University as a music performance major to study with the professor of Clarinet, Jan Scott. After earning her bachelor's degree from Mcneese, she plans on attending University of North Texas or a school of equal caliber to earn her master's degree.
2019 LAWRENCE C. JONES SCHOLARSHIP - $500

​​LADARIUS HENRY
Ladarius is a graduate of DeQuincy High School.  He started beating on pots and pans at the age of 2 years old. Ladarius grew up playing in church since the age of 6 and now currently play as a gigging musician around Lake Charles with various artists.  He plays various styles of music and has an endorsement for Soultone Cymbals. 

Ladarius was selected as district honor jazz top band set player during his high school sophomore and junior years.  He plans to attend Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
Scholarship sponsored by
2020 CHESTER DAIGLE SCHOLARSHIP - $1,000

DAMIEN GILLARD
Damien is a graduate of Sulphur High School.  ​​​His love for music has awarded him many accolades and recognitions.  Aside from being an awesome tuba player, Damien is also an impressive pianist and composer.  Damien has played in the Sulphur High School Wind Symphony for 4 years.  He is a member of all three of the school's jazz bands, the Sulphur High Dixieland Band, District 5 Honor Band from which he received the highest placement of 1st chair twice, District 5 Jazz Band from which he received the highest placement of 1st chair his senior year, LMEA All State Band, Sulphur High School Band Trombone Section Leader, and the Golden Tornado Marching Band Brass Captain.

In his free time Damien enjoys producing original music and dedicating his time volunteering in his community.​​  Some awards and recognitions he has received are Sulphur High School Sophomore Class Highest Merit Count Award, the Pacesetter Award, Outstanding Merit Award, and of course the Chester Daigle 2020 Music Scholarship.  Damien is pursuing a Music Degree at McNeese State University.
2019
2020 LAWRENCE C. JONES SCHOLARSHIP - $500

ROBERT JEANISSE, JR.
Robert is a graduate of LaGrange High School and a very talented saxophonist.  He is a proud member of the LaGrange Gator Marching Band.  Robert says being a part of the band was one of the most impactful experiences of his life so far.  He spent his free time trying to better himself on his horn.  Robert is experienced in playing the Baritone, Tenor, Alto, and Soprano saxophones.  He was the Saxophone Section Leader for the latter of his high school experience.  He was the Co-founder of the LaGrange Jazz Band and its Director during his senior year.  Robert says, "Now I plan to continue my love for music in my free time just like I always have, no matter life may take me, because life is a journey, and I'm taking the scenic route."
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2020
Scholarship Sponsored by
Scholarship sponsored by
2021
2022
2022 CHESTER DAIGLE SCHOLARSHIP - $1,000

SOPHIE MEDWICK
​Sophie Medwick is a 2022 honor graduate of Sulphur High School. She has been a member of Jazz In the Arts Internship and Workshops for 8 years. Sophie started with JITA playing guitar while in elementary school. After entering middle school she picked up Alto Saxophone. She then played both guitar and saxophone for Jazz In The Arts. During the Jazz In The Arts “Women of Jazz” concerts, Sophie performed vocals and percussion with the female trio, “Foot In The Door”. Her music instructors have included Mr. Gary Young, Mr. Mickey Smith, Mr. Tim McMillen, Mr. Mathew McMillen, Ms. Jan Scott, and Dr. Benjamin Cold. She has also learned from the great late Chester Daigle II, Jairus Daigle, Jay Ecker, Professor William Rose with Jazz In The Arts.
Special recognitions include District V Honor Band 3 times and first chair twice, District V Honor Jazz Band three times (first chair her junior year), 2022 Sulphur High School Drum Major (senior year) and first chair alto saxophone for Wind Symphony and Lab A Jazz Band (Junior and Senior year). She is a founding member of the girls group, “Foot in the Door”, where she utilized the Cajon, guitar, and her vocals. She is a member of the Francis G. Bulber Youth Orchestra where she plays saxophone and learned to play classical guitar, under the instruction of Dr. Jay Kacherski and Ted Romero. Sophie has been a selected performer in the Jazz in the Arts, Women of Jazz concerts. She has also participated in the Houston Classical Guitar Festival and studied with Professor Jeremy Garcia, Professor and Composer Eddie Healy, Simon Powis, Joseph Palmer, and Gohar Vardanyan. Sophie has had the opportunity to join the Philadelphia International Music Festival and study under renowned musicians.
Sophie will be attending McNeese State University and will be studying Biology and Music Performance. She hopes to be a member of the McNeese Cowboys Marching Band, Wind Symphony and Jazz Band.

2022 LAWRENCE C. JONES - $500

RAY JAMES ODOM​​

Ray Odom is a 2022 graduate of Sulphur High School.  He has been a participant of the Jazz In The Arts workshops for the past six years.​​ He has spent most of his time with JITA playing guitar and occasionally playing bass and drums. He has been influenced by and studied music under Mickey Smith, Robert LeBlanc, Trip Wamsley, Molly Jones, Tim and Mathew McMillen, Dr. Jay Sconyers, Dr. Pat Lavergne, Jay Ecker, Taylor Teague, Ladarius Henry, and most of all Pat Daigle, Jairus Daigle, and the late Mr. Chester Daigle II. 

Aside from JITA, other performances and educational opportunities taken include District 5 honor band and honor choir during my Sophomore, Junior and Senior years of high school, District 5 honor band during my Sophomore and Senior years, Berklee College of Music summer camp, Performances with Jay Ecker Quartet, Solo and Ensemble concerts with Sulphur High percussion, and multiple solo performances at the park to park races in Sulphur, La.

​​During his free time Ray enjoys creating different genres of compositions, jam sessions with close acquaintances, and studying the geometry of sounds and how they correlate with biology.

Awards received include the Leonard Bernstein Award, McNeese State University Band Service Award​, Sulphur High Drum Lieutenant, and the Sulphur High Musicianship Award. Ray will be attending college at McNeese State University, Lake Charles, La.​​​
Scholarship Sponsored by
Chester J. Daigle II
Right to Left
 Lawrence C. Jones​
Mary Janes Jones, Keith Jones​