Taylor Barras is state representative for New Iberia, market president of IberiaBank’s Iberia/Community markets and Sugar Cane Festival Association vice president. He has served as chairman of the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Iberia Program, United Way Campaign Chair, and he and his wife, Cheryl, were youth group advisors at St. Peter’s Catholic Church for 10 years.

As of last night’s Distinguished Citizen Dinner, presented by the Evangeline Area Council Boy Scouts of America, they are now also Iberia Parish Distinguished Citizens.

Iberia Parish president Ernest Freyou, honoree in 2006, said he has seen firsthand that Taylor Barras has “a big heart” and has kept the same principles after he was elected to state office, remaining helpful and trustworthy.

(Use arrows above to view more photos) Advertisement

Simone Champagne, D-Jeanerette, joked that legislators are “like the Boy Scouts, because when we went into the Legislature they taught us how to light fires without a match. Hopefully they’ll teach us how to put them out.”

Champagne also spoke of Cheryl Barras’ support for Taylor’s service.

“A lot of times families bear the brunt of it,” Champagne said. “Thank you for allowing him to be the servant he is.”

Barras said it was “humbling” to be chosen, especially in a community of this size.

“We all know lots of people that do great community service,” he said.

Barras also said it was “always refreshing” to see young people return to the area, which is something he’s had the opportunity to do through his involvement with Leadership Iberia.

He added that it was humbling to be honored by the Boy Scouts, who “represent a great tradition of hard work and patriotism.”

Barras is like the Boy Scouts in more than the ability to light a fire without a match, said Burt Cestia, master of ceremonies for the 11 years the event has existed.

“By having this dinner, we can point out people in our community who reflect scouting values and laws,” Cestia said.

Some of those are good citizenship, hard work and “helping your fellow man.”

Scouting, he said, “really develops our future leaders of America. Look what scouting has done in our community and others,” mentioning many civic, business and religious leaders have participated in some way.

Attakapas District Executive Shawnee Prejean said the event is the district’s biggest fundraiser. The 192 people who bought tickets and the many who made donations have, she said, raised the Scouts more than its goal of $25,000, though she did not yet know by how much.

Troop 15 at Avery Island presented the Color Guard.

CEO of the Evangeline Area Council Boy Scouts of America Jim Rees said the dinner allows the Attakapas District of the Boy Scouts, which encompasses Iberia Parish, parts of Vermilion Parish and St. Martinville, to serve its 1,000 Scouts a year and to recognize someone who has “lived by Scout Law.”

“Hopefully more young people can see those who have done good in their lives,” he said.

“Too often (in society) we hold up people who are less than ideal. It’s a good way to remember why we’re doing what we’re doing.”