When Erica Dufrene moved to St. Charles Parish from Houston in summer 2016, she was looking for community. She found it at Allemands Elementary School.
Dufrene started volunteering at Allemands Elementary when her oldest son started kindergarten in 2017. She still volunteers at the school today, even though her two sons now attend other schools in the parish.
“It’s like my second home,” Dufrene said. “I still attend all their meetings and help with everything if they need hands. I’ve tried to stay in the background, but I haven’t been able to not be there.”
Over the past eight years, Dufrene has volunteered as a grade representative, secretary of the PTA and treasurer for the PTA. She was PTA president for two years.
Dufrene said each year the PTA works to celebrate students and their successes and to support and celebrate the school’s faculty. The PTA also runs fundraiser events each year to raise money for the school. The school’s yearly Fall Festival invites students and parents to a carnival type event that raises money for the school through food, games and raffles, Dufrene said.
Although the work could be stressful at times, Dufrene said it was well worth it.
“I want my kids to see that some things are important enough to work extra hard for and cut time out for,” she said.
Dufrene said she feels grateful that her career as a social media manager for the Cajun Dome in Lafayette gives her the flexibility to volunteer.
“I recognize that for most people it’s not something that is super easy for them to do between their jobs [and other commitments],” she said. “It feels like such a blessing to be able to do something that means so much to me.”
She said she also thinks it’s important for her kids to see her doing something that she loves.
“I think its extra special that my kids can see that something that is important to me is their school,” she said. “Seeing me be there and be a part of their school and letting them know that part of their lives is important, too. I guess that is why it feels extra special.”
When former Allemands Elementary teacher Gaylynn St. Pierre first encouraged Dufrene to join the PTA years ago, Dufrene said she was hesitant.
“I’m kind of like a ‘yes’ person,” Dufrene said with a laugh. “So, when she said I should be there, I said ‘okay.’ It sounds dramatic, but I mean it: it was one of the best choices and opportunities I have had since I moved here.”
Dufrene credits her positive experience at Allemands to Principal Lisa Perrin.
“She is so supportive and kind and listens to everyone,” Dufrene said. “She is such a special person. She is such a blessing for the whole school, and that shows in her faculty and staff and that shows in all of us who volunteer happily beside her.”
Perrin described Dufrene as the epitome of a volunteer.
“When someone mentions the word ‘volunteer,’ it’s hard not to think of Erica Dufrene,” Perrin said. “Her work ethic was infectious with those around her, and she always had a smile on her face. Now that her children have moved on and she no longer has students at Allemands Elementary, she continues to be a part of our volunteer community.”
For Dufrene, there is no place like Allemands.
“The leadership, the support, the love that every single faculty and staff member gives is just so unique,” Dufrene said. “I hope to stick around as long as Allemands wants me to.”
