Advisory Council Candidates
John Deats
John Deats attended high school in Baton Rouge and is a graduate of ULL. He is married to Jill and they have 3 children. Riley was a graduate of the class of 2018, London, a senior and Eli, an eighth grader. John spends his time volunteering at St.Pius X Church with the Conquest organization which helps middle school boys as they develop in their Catholic faith. He is also a Eucharistic Minister, has facilitated Catholic marriage prep and is part of the ACTS retreat. He is a member of St. Thomas More Parents for Light and attends as many STM events as possible, including weekly mass. He coaches basketball at St.Pius X Elementary.
John was owner of Maritime International for 23 years and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Schulyer Maritime.
Cassie Escude' Deshotels
My name is Cassie Escude’ Deshotels. My husband, Chad, and I have two children, Sophia (Sophomore at STM) and Grant (8th grade at Fatima). I received a Kinesiology degree from LSU and a Nursing degree from LSUA. I currently work part-time as a Cath Lab RN at the Heart Hospital of Lafayette. I am a member of Theresians International, Come Lord Jesus bible study program, and supporter of Family Missions Company.
We have been active Fatima parishioners for 15 years. Over the years I have held many positions in our children’s Catholic education. I have served on the Advisory Council at St. Mary’s Early Learning Center and Our Lady of Fatima school, served as President of the Parent’s Club at Fatima, and as parent liaison for Fatima’s school play. I helped establish the first “Fatima’s Got Talent” for students and "Dancing With the Warriors” fundraiser, along with assisting in numerous other events.
I am passionate about ensuring our children receive the best that Saint Thomas More has to offer through education, spiritual, and social growth. I would love the opportunity to serve our children and parents as a member of the Advisory Council.
Derek Hebert
I am honored to be nominated for the term on the St. Thomas More advisory council. A graduate of Northeast Louisiana University 1996, I met my bride while in school, who was originally from Erath, La. Michelle Broussard Hebert, and have been married for 21 years and have two daughters. Julia Hebert, class of 2020 followed by Anne Marie Hebert, class of 2023. I am currently the Director of Manuel Commercial, a firm I founded with the owner in 2018. I served as the chairmen of Miles Perret Golf Committee for 2 years, the St. Pius golf tournament committee, on the board of directors of Hearts of Hope for one term. I am very involved in the ACTS movement and served on the leadership team for St. Johns Cathedral for two retreats. I was co- campaign manager for a s local State Representative race and was the Independent Magazine Entrepreneur of the year in 2007. Michelle and I are very active in our daughter’s life and thus have always been very involved in the school they attended. Our home is a home rooted in the catholic faith, spirituality, and humility.
Jared Labue
Jared Labue is the proud parent of an incoming freshman at St. Thomas More and husband of Kate Bailey Labue (STM Class of 96’). Jared is a graduate of DeRidder High School (94’) and Spring Hill College (98’), where he lettered in baseball for 4 years.
He is Vice President and Senior Investment Portfolio Manager for Iberia Bank and Iberia Wealth Advisors. Jared has been honored to serve on many various boards and commissions, including the Lafayette Parish Library Foundation and the Governor’s Advisory Board on Disability Affairs, and is currently on the Lafayette Parish Charter School Board of Trustees. He was previously elected to the Louisiana Republican Party State Central Committee and worked as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Louisiana Department of Elections. Jared coached baseball at the high school level and at Lafayette Little League and enjoys playing tennis, golf, hunting and fishing. Jared and his family are parishioners of Saint John Cathedral in Lafayette. He would be honored to serve on the St. Thomas More Advisory Council and would appreciate your consideration.
Alison Periou
Alison Periou is proudly born and raised in Lafayette Louisiana, as an Acadiana native, she loves all that our culture and community have to offer. She is married to Dwayne Periou and mother to two wonderful children Gabrielle (Gabby) and Carson Periou.
Alison is an active participant in St. Pius X Church community assisting with women's retreats and volunteer work throughout the year. Service to others is the heart of her purpose and passion in life. Alison currently serves at the Director of Residential Sales at Coldwell Banker Trahan Real Estate Group, prior to real estate she enjoyed working in employee development and leadership at University Hospital & Clinics for 12 years. She is excellence-driven and goal-oriented. Her work ethic and determination have aided in her success personally and professionally.
Alison’s exper