Festivities begin at 1:30 p.m. in New Iberia with a parade, which starts at The Boys and Girls Club, followed with a presentation to Joseph at Bouligny Plaza where he will be given a “Key to the City” at 2 p.m.
Joseph, a former quarterback and graduate of New Iberia Senior High School and McNeese State University, was recently named the CFL’s Most Valuable Player after helping lead his team to the Grey Cup Championship Nov. 25.
 Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Kerry Joseph looks for an open receiver in the first quarter of the 95th Canadian Football League Grey Cup against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Toronto, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ryan Remiorz) Advertisement
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“Every time I play in a football game I am representing my hometown, family and friends,” Joseph said. “Since I was young, football has always been a dream of mine to play. If you believe in God anything is possible. I remember when I was younger I watched Randall Cunningham, John Elway and Warren Moon play and wanted to be like them.”
Gilbert “Doc” Thomas, president-elect of the Sugarland Optimist Club, said Jan. 12 will be a day where the city of New Iberia gets to honor one of its heroes.
“Kerry is really active in the community and he does a number of things with the youth in this parish,” Thomas said. “A lot of kids look up to him and this is will be a day where they can come celebrate with their hero. Kerry has always been a good person, mentor and counselor to kids.”
Thomas said for the last 15 years Joseph has participated in and has been a major contributor in the Johnny Hector, Corey Raymond and Kerry Joseph annual Sugarland Optimist Football Camp and a number of children are always looking for him at the event.
Cassandra Raymond, chairwoman of the event and member of the Sugarland Optimist Club, said many people are proud of Joseph’s accomplishments.
“Kerry is a product of New Iberia and always has given back to the community in a number of ways,” Raymond said.
“The Sugarland Optimist Club is very proud of Kerry, and we would like to invite everyone out to come celebrate this day with him.”
Raymond said if it happens to rain, the event will be held at the Martin Luther King Community Center in the West End Park.
Comments
Manny wrote on Jan 23, 2008 8:50 PM:
Neil wrote on Jan 17, 2008 7:56 PM:
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KM wrote on Jan 12, 2008 5:37 PM:
LS wrote on Jan 10, 2008 9:08 PM:
Whether rushing for a TD, throwing a 50 yard bomb, fundraising for a worthy cause, visiting sick kids or winning a national championship this province and city is blessed that KJ chose to play for the Roughriders.
Congratulations and God Bless, you deserve the recognition.
Regina, Saskatchewan "
JT wrote on Jan 8, 2008 1:45 PM: