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Plaisance native named Mr. Yam 2007
The Louisiana Yambilee Association has named Mr. Raymond Cassimere 2007 Mr. Yam for the 62nd Annual Louisiana Yambilee Festival. Raymond Paul Cassimere, the third of four children born to the late Joshua Forrest and Christiana Johnson Cassimere, Sr. was reared in the small community of Plaisance, Louisiana. His parents were farmers who worked very hard striving to provide for their children. At an early age, Raymond and his siblings were responsible for doing work in both the fields and the house. With limited income, they were required to work at home until the crops were harvested; therefore, it was difficult to attend school in the months of September, October, April and May. Poor school attendance, however, did not limit their efforts to pass with honors from one grade to the next.
At home, Raymond’s parents always informed him and his siblings of the importance of an education and putting God first in their lives. His parents’ positive attitude provided a golden light that constantly encouraged the children to do their very best. Working in the fields every day suggested to Raymond that there had to be a better way in life and getting an education was the answer. Many students in the Plaisance community were college graduates and very productive individuals in life. These individuals provided a positive incentive for Raymond to study hard and be the best person he could be.
An active student at Plaisance High School, Raymond graduated with honors and enrolled at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. He obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Secondary Biology Education and a minor in Chemistry.
While teaching in his first year at Acadiana High School, Raymond was motivated by the concept that the school principal’s role of strong leadership was essential for teaching and shaping students into productive individuals. With determination and hard work, Raymond attended college at night to obtain a Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision. During that time, he also became one of the first teachers in St. Landry Parish to become certified in AP Chemistry.
After sixteen years of successful teaching and coaching at Plaisance High School, Raymond was appointed assistant principal at Grolee Elementary, a capacity in which he served for three years. In 1992, he was appointed principal of Opelousas High School and served in that capacity for eight years. He was selected as Parish and Regional Principal of the Year in 1998. In 2000, Raymond transferred to Northwest High School as principal and was selected as Parish and Regional Principal of the Year once again.
Over the years, Raymond has amassed awards and recognition for his countless hours spent trying to educate and enrich the young minds of tomorrow. Raymond serves on many boards across the state including the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Executive Committee (currently serving as Vice-President), Louisiana Association of Principals, Louisiana Department of Education Certification Committee, and many others.
He is a member of Mohorn Missionary Baptist Church in Plaisance, LA where he serves on the Deacon Board, Brotherhood Committee, Male Chorus, and Sanctuary Choir.
Everyday rain or shine, after school and on Saturdays, Raymond can be found outside tending acres of crops including sweet potatoes, okra, corn, peas, cantaloupes, watermelons and caring for cattle and swine on the Cassimere Farm.
He is married to Angela Guillory Cassimere and the father of three sons—Brant, Brandon, and D’Mon. The family resides in the Plaisance community.
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