On the heels of its 100-year centennial celebration, Hahnville High School alumni are setting the table to reconnect in another way going forward.
On Aug. 30, Tiger alums will meet up for the first annual Hahnville High School Alumni Picnic at the West Bank Bridge Park in Luling, the event planned from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The picnic idea was a collaboration between former Tigers Imani Gros and Lloyd Richard, with the goal of bringing the many generations of HHS alumni together as one.
“We’d like to create a space to reconnect, celebrate and honor where we came from,” said Jasmine Simmons, Alumni Secretary of the HHS Alumni Picnic Committee. “It’s about fellowship, community and showing that the Hahnville spirit is still strong no matter what year you graduated.”
Simmons estimated that there are representatives from about 43 graduating classes who are reaching out to former classmates and inviting them to attend.
“We want to make this picnic a success. Everyone is coming together and it looks like it’s shaping up to be a really great turnout,” Simmons said. “It’s going to be a special day and both our older and younger alumni have been really excited to be a part of it.”
Plans are for each class to have its own tent set up with food and beverages. There will also be a DJ, live entertainment and performances, along with other planned activities throughout the day.
This will be a very family-friendly event, Simmons said.
“Bring your children – this is going to be an atmosphere where the entire community across all ages can come together and enjoy the day,” Simmons said. “It’s really about everyone having a great time together.”
“Tiger Pride” is a common phrase heard around the Hahnville High campus, and it’s not just lip service – there’s a deep sense of community between those who can call the purple and gold their school colors.
“To be a Tiger – once a Tiger, always a Tiger – that identity means a lot to all of us,” said Simmons. “It’s not just about coming together to reminisce, it’s about showing future generations that no matter how old you are or what year you graduated, no matter how much time has passed that we all share something in common – we cherish where we come from. And also that Hahnville helped shape us into the strong people we are today.”
It’s important to foster that sense of community through events like this, Simmons said, and that’s what gave life to the upcoming picnic.
“Hahnville nor Destrehan have never really done an alumni picnic for homecoming or anything of that nature … it’s just something we feel that’s long overdue and that not just the younger generation, but the older generation as well has longed for,” Simmons said.”
“Most of us grew up in St. Charles Parish, went through the school system and still carry that sense of pride.”
She added that in the past, alumni from other schools in surrounding parishes, like East St. John and West St. John, have been open and welcoming to Tiger alums to their own respective annual alumni gatherings, and that in turn, this event is open to any and all who would like to participate.
Those looking to register to attend the event may do so through their respective class’ Facebook group page, by reaching out to Imani Gros via social media or by emailing Simmons at jasminebsimmons@gmail.com.
There is a registration fee to attend – part of the proceeds will go toward a newly established college scholarship fund for two 2025 HHS graduates.
“We are giving back to the community and especially to our alumni as well,” said Simmons, who said the recipients will be chosen by the alumni board based on essays the students write on a selected topic.
The hope is that the event will be a success and will continue on going forward.
“We’d love to see it be one that continues for years and generations to come,” Simmons said.
