Christy Papania-Jones, educator and founder and executive director of the St. Nicholas Center for Children in Lake Charles, will serve as the grand marshal for the 2024 McNeese State University Homecoming parade. The parade is scheduled to roll down Ryan Street on a Tuesday this year at 7 p.m. Oct. 29.
More than 85 businesses, organizations and bands have already entered this year’s parade. This year’s theme is “Pokes on the Bayou.”
Papania-Jones is a graduate of McNeese, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education, a Master of Education degree in guidance and counseling and an Education Specialist degree in administration and supervision.
She began her education career at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School where she taught for one year before moving into the school counselor position for the next 17 years. During that time, she had a son, Bain, who was diagnosed with autism. At that time, there were very limited resources and no true Applied Behavior Analysis therapy services in Lake Charles.
By her son’s third birthday, Papania-Jones and her husband, Chris, had traveled the country seeking specialists to provide Bain with the best future possible. That’s when they decided in October 2008 to establish a pediatric therapy center in Southwest Louisiana in the form of a non-profit so they could help families like theirs transform the lives of children with autism, delays and disorders by providing therapy and family support.
Papania-Jones has served as an outstanding leader in civic and professional organizations through her service on a multitude of boards and organizations including the McNeese Alumni Association Board of Directors, United Way of SWLA Campaign Cabinet and Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter’s Commission on Disability. Previously, she held positions with Immaculate Conception Cathedral School Advisory Council and the State Interagency Coordinating Council. She is also a member of the Rotary Club of SWLA, Catholic Daughters, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Children’s Church and the Junior League of Lake Charles.
She has been recognized for her career achievements with numerous awards such as the Louisiana Elementary School Counselor of the Year, Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation Angel Award, the Women’s Commission of SWLA Jack V. Doland Outstanding Citizen’s Award, the National Catholic Education Association Distinguished Graduate (St. Margaret Catholic School), the United Way of SWLA Harper Clark Award, the Chamber SWLA Leading Ladies in Business and the 2024 Junior League of Lake Charles Sustainer of the Year.
