When contestants make it to the islands of Fiji for the new season of “Survivor” on CBS, local residents will be parked in front of the television to cheer on one of their own.

Lafayette resident Kenward “Boo” Bernis is a contestant on this season’s show. The 34-year-old construction worker will join 18 others as they are stranded in the South Pacific to see who will outplay the others for a $1 million prize.

Bernis lives in Lafayette, but has family in St. Martinville. Those relatives are ready to cheer him on when the show hits the airwaves at 7 p.m. Thursday.

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His stepmother Claudette Moss Bernis, of St. Martinville, found out in a purely coincidental way her stepson was competing on the show. She found out through the commercials on CBS.

“It was showing on TV, and I accidentally saw it. I called him, and he said, ‘That’s it,’ and nothing else,” she said.

“I just found out not too long ago. He’s very excited, and I’m very proud of him. He’s doing great.”

His aunt, St. Martinville resident Wanda Sullivan, found out the same way.

“When I saw him on the advertisement, I said, ‘That’s Boo.’ He told his stepmother and Dad he was leaving to go offshore for about six to eight weeks. We had no idea it was this. I said ‘Oh Lord, that’s where he went,’ ” Sullivan said.

Bernis said she usually doesn’t watch the show, but will now that her stepson is on it. Sullivan, however, is a huge fan.

“I have watched that show since day one. I never miss that show,” Sullivan said.

Bernis and Sullivan said his nature and penchant for tackling challenges should come in handy.

“He likes a challenge. He’s always been that way since he was a child. Everything challenging attracted his attention,” Bernis said.

“Ever since he was young, he was always a kid that had a lot of challenge potential,” Sullivan said.

She said her nephew has tried it all, from bull riding to bungee jumping to cage fighting.

“Everything that was a challenge, Boo tried it. Anything that came across his path, he tried it,” she said.

Now that family and friends know Bernis will compete to become the ultimate survivor, plans are being made to watch the broadcast regularly.

“We have a few people together, and we’re going to watch the show. It’s mostly family. It should be interesting,” she said. “All of our friends know, and everyone is excited. We’re going to be glued to the TV. We will gather to watch all of them.”

Bernis said she is interested to see just how far her stepson will go. Will he go all the way for the $1 million prize?

“Well, he could be. I just hope so,” she said.

Bernis said she did notice one thing when she saw her stepson on the national television spots.

“He’s good looking on TV,” she said. Sullivan agreed, saying her nephew is the “best looking” contestant.