The Distinguished Service Award is presented to Mr. Patrick “Pat” Flood in recognition of his exceptional commitment to service, which is rooted in a spirit of generosity and quiet leadership. (Mr. Flood was unable to attend the banquet, so Mr. Kevin Ramirez, Terrier Athletic Club President accepted the award on his behalf.)

Since moving to Houma in May 2007 with the U.S. Coast Guard, Pat has become a valued member of the community while continuing a distinguished military career that began in 1989. Pat served on active duty in the United States Coast Guard for 25 years, retiring in October 2014 after assignments around the world, including Seattle, New York City, London (United Kingdom), Rotterdam (Netherlands), and Houma. From 2007 to 2014, he was stationed at Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Houma, where he played an important role in maritime safety and operations. During this time, he also organized the annual Coast Guard Golf Tournament, which benefited the Wounded Warrior Project, reflecting his continued dedication to supporting fellow service members and veterans.

Pat and his wife, Angel, also a retired Coast Guard member, chose Houma as the place to raise their family. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Ainsley ‘23 and Dorothy ‘24, both of whom attended St. Bernadette, St. Francis de Sales, and Vandebilt Catholic High School and are currently students at Louisiana State University.

Pat has remained deeply involved in youth sports and community programs. He volunteered as a coach with Houma-Terrebonne Soccer Association youth soccer from 2011 to 2015 and again from 2021 to 2023, including coaching alongside his daughter, Ainsley. His mentorship and enthusiasm have positively impacted many young athletes and families in the community. He has also been an active member of the Terrier Athletic Club (TAC) since 2021, continuing his support of Vandebilt Catholic athletics and student development, even after his daughters’ graduations. Pat has played a vital role in the TAC alumni softball tournament and golf tournament, generously volunteering his time and energy throughout both events each year. 

Service is a family value for the Floods. Angel served on The Haven board from 2022 to 2026, and together they have faithfully supported the organization’s annual gala and fundraising efforts. Above all, Pat values time with his family and enjoys traveling and creating lasting memories with his wife and daughters.

The Distinguished Service Award honors Pat’s lifelong dedication to country, community, and family, and his continued commitment to making a meaningful difference at Vandebilt Catholic and the Houma community.

A proud graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School, Class of 1969, this year’s Alumna of the Year, Ms. Gayle Moore Westley, has dedicated her life to faith, education, service, and the advancement of students throughout Terrebonne Parish. Her lifelong commitment to Catholic values, academic excellence, and community outreach has impacted generations of students, families, and educators across South Louisiana, making her a truly deserving recipient of this honor.

Raised in the faith community of St. Lucy Catholic Church and educated at St. Lucy Catholic School, Gayle developed a deep commitment to service at an early age. Over the years, she faithfully served her parish as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, church bulletin coordinator, and church cleaner. She also served seven years as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Peter Claver, exemplifying a life grounded in faith and ministry.

Following her graduation from Vandebilt Catholic, Gayle attended a summer program at University of Oxford, in Oxford, England in 1969. She then returned to the states, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and Social Studies from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1973. She later pursued graduate studies at Nicholls State University, continuing her lifelong dedication to education and professional growth.

Gayle’s teaching career began with service to the Dulac community through a preschool developmental program from 1973 to 1974. She later coordinated foster care awareness activities. Gayle began her career in classroom education as an American History teacher in 1986, teaching at Terrebonne High School, South Terrebonne High School, and H. L. Bourgeois High School. She went on to continue her career as an influential educator at Montegut Middle School, where she just completed her fifty-first year in education. Her passion for American history and social studies inspired countless students throughout her career.

A recognized leader in education, Gayle served in multiple leadership roles with the Terrebonne Council of Social Studies, including Vice-President, Secretary, and Board Member. In 1980, she was named a Top Five Finalist for Louisiana State Teacher of the Year, an early recognition of the extraordinary impact she would continue to make in the classroom. Throughout the years, she earned numerous honors, including the Young Woman in America Award, Inspirational Teacher of the Year honors in 2005, 2007, and 2026, the Regional Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award, the Outstanding Social Studies Teacher Award from the Louisiana Council for Social Studies, and the Outstanding Teacher Award from South Louisiana Bank in 2025.

Her contributions to education extended far beyond the classroom. Gayle served as Director of the Terrebonne Parish School District Summer School Tutorial Program, coordinated career education studies through a five-year state grant, and worked as a consultant for the textbook Louisiana Adventures in Time and Place published by McGraw Hill and National Geographic Society. In 2000, she served as a Teacher Intern in the office of U.S. Senator John Breaux in Washington, D.C.

A passionate advocate for preserving local history and culture, Gayle volunteered as a writer for the Houma Courier, highlighting the accomplishments of African Americans in Terrebonne Parish. She also served on the advisory board for the “Finding Your Roots” Museum and was honored with a recognition display in 2017 as an Outstanding African-American Educator.

As Vandebilt Catholic High School’s Alumna of the Year, Gayle is recognized not only for her professional achievements, but also for her unwavering faith, servant leadership, and enduring commitment to education and community. Her remarkable legacy continues to inspire students, educators, and fellow alumni alike.

Richard “Dickie” H. Barker III has long been recognized as a dedicated community leader, successful businessman, and loyal supporter of Catholic education in Terrebonne Parish. Through his professional accomplishments, civic involvement, and unwavering commitment to Vandebilt Catholic High School, Dickie has made a lasting impact on the Houma community and on generations of Terrier families.

A graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School in 1953, Dickie continued his education at Nicholls State University, attending from 1953 to 1955. Shortly thereafter, he began what would become a remarkable career in the automotive industry, joining Terrebonne Ford in 1955. His strong work ethic, leadership abilities, and entrepreneurial vision helped establish him as one of the region’s most respected business leaders.

Throughout the years, Dickie steadily expanded his automotive enterprises, building one of the region’s most respected dealership organizations. In 1969, he opened Dick Barker Lincoln Mercury, later adding Mazda, and continued to grow the family business with the formation of Barker Auto Group in 1990. In 2000, Barker Honda and Barker GMC were added to the organization, further strengthening the company’s presence and reputation throughout South Louisiana. His dedication to customer service, integrity, and community relationships became hallmarks of his business success.

In addition to his work in the automotive industry, Dickie also demonstrated a commitment to healthcare and financial leadership within the region. In 1984, he became involved with Nursing Care Home Health, helping provide important healthcare services to the community. He also served in leadership roles with several local banking institutions, including serving as Chairman of Progressive Bank from 1974 to 1983, Director of Terrebonne Bank from 1984 to 1990, and Director of First National Bank from 1990 to 2000.

Dickie’s leadership extended statewide through his longstanding involvement with Louisiana Dealer Services, where he served as both Director and Chairman from 1978 to 2015. His commitment to higher education was equally evident through his service to the Nicholls State University Foundation, where he served as Director and President between 1989 and 2014, helping support educational opportunities for countless students.

A devoted civic leader, Dickie has been active in numerous community organizations throughout his life. His involvement includes membership in the Houma-Terrebonne Jaycees beginning in 1956, the Houma Rotary Club, the Houmas Carnival Club, and the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce. Through each organization, he demonstrated a deep commitment to strengthening the community and supporting local initiatives.

Faith, family, and Catholic education have always remained central to Dickie’s life. Eight of his children attended Vandebilt Catholic High School, and today his legacy continues through his twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild. As a longtime member of the Terrier Athletic Club, he has consistently supported school programs, athletics, and fundraising efforts. Over the years, he generously volunteered his time for countless school activities and events, including the Vandebilt Catholic Autumn Festival, bingo fundraisers, donkey basketball games, and many other initiatives that benefited the school community.

Dickie’s lifelong dedication to business, civic leadership, Catholic education, and community service reflects a legacy of generosity, vision, and commitment that continues to inspire generations throughout Terrebonne Parish.

Kurt Fakier is a proud graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School, Class of 1976, and a dedicated supporter of the school and the Houma community whose service and commitment have spanned decades. A lifelong Terrier, Kurt’s connection to Vandebilt Catholic has remained one of the most meaningful and enduring aspects of his life. Through his leadership, volunteerism, and unwavering school spirit, he has left a lasting impact on generations of students, athletes, families, and alumni.

Following his graduation from Vandebilt Catholic in 1976, Kurt continued his education at Nicholls State University, earning his degree in 1980. While building a successful professional career, he also remained deeply connected to his alma mater and its mission of faith, education, and community.

In 1995, Kurt began serving as a softball coach at Vandebilt Catholic, beginning what would become more than three decades of devoted service to the school’s athletic program. Over the years, he has worn many hats including coach, mentor, supporter, announcer, and ambassador for Terrier athletics. Whether standing on the sidelines encouraging student-athletes or behind the microphone energizing a crowd, Kurt has consistently demonstrated an unmatched passion for Vandebilt Catholic and its students.

Widely recognized throughout the community as the “Voice of the Terriers,” Kurt has become a beloved and familiar presence at countless volleyball and basketball games. His voice has provided the soundtrack for some of the school’s most memorable athletic moments, creating an atmosphere of excitement, pride, and tradition for students, families, and fans alike. His enthusiasm and dedication have helped foster school spirit and unity while encouraging generations of young athletes to represent their school with pride and integrity.

Beyond athletics, Kurt has also generously dedicated his time and talents through his longstanding involvement with the Terrier Athletic Club, where he has been an active and committed member for more than 30 years. His willingness to volunteer, support fundraising efforts, and advocate for Vandebilt Catholic athletics has helped strengthen opportunities for student-athletes and contributed to the continued success of the school’s athletic programs.

Professionally, Kurt has been a respected business leader in the Houma community for over four decades. Since 1985, he has owned and operated Louisiana Paint and Supply and Houma Paint and Industrial Supply. Through his business leadership and community involvement, he has built strong relationships throughout Terrebonne Parish and has remained actively engaged as a member of the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce.

Family has always remained at the center of Kurt’s life. He is the son of Billy and Nan Fakier and has been married to his wife, Cindy Fakier, for 45 years. Together, they have built a loving family that includes their daughters, Kacey DeRoche ‘00 and Kayla Brown ‘01, and grandchildren William ‘26 and Rebecca DeRoche and Preston Brown. He also shares a close bond with his brother, Mike Fakier ‘71.

Kurt’s lifelong dedication to Vandebilt Catholic High School and the Houma community reflects a deep commitment to service, tradition, faith, and excellence. His impact continues to be felt both on and off the court, and his legacy as a proud Terrier will endure for generations to come.

Janice Ann Chauvin Parra lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, and community, a life that continues to inspire all who were blessed to know her. A 1953 graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School, Janice embodied the values of Christian discipleship through her unwavering devotion to God, her family, and the people of Terrebonne Parish.

Born on January 26, 1935, in Houma, Janice was raised among the live oak trees of Crescent Farm Plantation, where her love for people, tradition, and the unique culture of South Louisiana first took root. After graduating from St. Francis de Sales, she furthered her education at the Gradwohl School of Laboratory Technique in St. Louis, Missouri and returned home to serve the community as a lab technician and medical assistant to local physicians, Drs. Milo Aitkens and Walt Bringaze. Her career in healthcare reflected the compassion that would define her entire life. Janice’s greatest ministry, however, was caring for others. She was active in the Barr-Berry Garden Club and was known for helping families in need after devastating hurricanes Betsy and Camille. 

Her Catholic faith was the foundation of her life. Janice faithfully attended Mass at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral and instilled strong Christian values in her children and grandchildren from an early age. She taught them the importance of prayer, especially the daily practice of novenas, creating a legacy of devotion that continues through generations. Family members lovingly recall her well-worn prayer book and her steadfast commitment as a true prayer warrior. If someone shared a prayer intention with Janice, they could be certain she would faithfully carry it in prayer each day.

Janice also made a lasting impact on Catholic education and community life through her service to Vandebilt Catholic High School. As a student, she served as editor of the St. Francis yearbook. Later, she became one of the founders and the first chairperson of the Vandebilt Catholic Autumn Festival in 1972, leading the beloved event throughout the 1970s and into the early 1980s, while her three children, Kimi Parra Walker ’73, Brett Parra, and Matt Parra ’84, were students at Vandebilt Catholic. She also served on both the St. Francis de Sales School Board, as well as the Vandebilt Catholic School Board during this same timeframe. Her leadership, creativity, and tireless dedication helped establish a tradition that strengthened both school spirit and community fellowship for generations.

Known affectionately as “Miggy” by her grandchildren, Janice brought joy, laughter, and warmth wherever she went. She treasured family above all else and poured endless love into the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Janice passed away on August 27, 2025, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, compassion, generosity, and servant leadership. Her life remains a beautiful example of Christian living and a testament to the enduring power of kindness, prayer, and love.