St. Bernard Parish 5th Grade Creative Writing Shines in Annual Goat in the Road Showcase 2026

St. Bernard Parish, LA — The creativity and talent of St. Bernard Parish’s 5th grade students took center stage recently during the annual Goat in the Road Showcase, held for the first time this year at the Chalmette High Cultural Arts Center. The event marked the culmination of a year-long partnership between select 5th grade classes across the parish and Goat in the Road Productions, a professional ensemble theatre company known for bringing student-written plays from the page to the stage.

Throughout the school year, students worked closely with teaching artists from Goat in the Road to develop original scripts based on their ideas and imaginations. One outstanding play from each participating elementary school was selected to be performed live by professional actors, with one additional “wild card” play chosen for a total of eight student-created productions.

Featured student authors included:

• Arianny Sanchez - Chalmette Elementary

• Thomas McMullin - Joseph Davies Elementary

• Tevaun King - W. Smith, Jr. Elementary

• Isabella Thiel - W. Smith, Jr. Elementary

• Ryann Littles - Arlene Meraux Elementary

• Kelci Gardner - Lacoste Elementary

• Alyssa Franatovich - JF Gauthier Elementary

• Benjamin Reeks - Arabi Elementary

Each selected student playwright was honored on stage and given a front-row seat to see their story brought to life. From playful tales of moldy pizzas to a villainous alien turtle trying to conquer planet earth, the Showcase offered a remarkable glimpse into the creativity and storytelling talents of the parish’s young authors.

The St. Bernard Parish Public School System extends its deepest gratitude to the Meraux Foundation and Goat in the Road Productions for their continued commitment to arts education and creative expression. Special thanks also goes out to acting troupes Prescription Joy and Shine Productions for bringing these incredible stories to life onstage.

This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in fostering student growth, creativity, and confidence through the arts.