DeQuincy Elementary School art instructor Mike LeBlanc is a passionate anti-litter advocate.  His creative energy led to writing and directing an original play to demonstrate taking personal responsibility and the consequences of littering.  "The Ultimate New Year's Resolution" was presented to the 750-member DeQuincy Elementary student body.  The cast was comprised of six 5th grade student actors and five DeQuincy elected officials. The adult actors included DeQuincy's mayor, police chief, justice of the peace and constable, along with a police juror representative.  They presented seven performances throughout the day, to each grade from Pre-K thru 5th  grade.  Even the youngest members of the audience were still as mice and remained totally engaged in the story of students who were caught littering and the consequences they faced and lessons they learned as a result.
 
KLB Board Chair Debbie Serra,  KLB Executive Director Leigh Harris, and Calcasieu Parish officials were among the special guests who attended the performances.   Community leaders who viewed the performances agreed the play and its message would be one students would not forget.
 
As a follow-up,  LeBlanc utilized the illustration of working and paying litter fines and court costs in math classes and discussed the play's message with his students.  In addition, an anti-litter poster contest is being created with trophies funded by local law enforcement, and a "Mayor's Choice" summer art exhibit will be held at City Hall.
 
"While the play ran well, it is only the beginning," says LeBlanc.  "The approach to changing attitudes will feature an annual production directed to a new and renewed focus on eliminating litter."