Special to the American Press

Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD) and Top Teens of America (TTA) held their 48th Area One Leadership Conference Feb. 28-March 3 in Houston. The theme was “TLOD and TTA: Engaging in the Enhancement of Programs that Invest in the Community through Volunteer Services.”

Lady Annie L. Mouton of Lake Charles was elected National Area One Director. A 35-year member of the organization, she has served as chapter president, TTA advisor, chaplain, and Status of Women Thrust Chair. On the area level, she has served as executive programming director, induction chairman, chaplain and currently serves as Southeast Cluster coordinator. Lady Mouton also serves on the national level as co-chairman of the membership committee. She will be installed in June during TLOD’s national convention, Syn-Lod, in Atlanta.

A retired Calcasieu Parish School System educator, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc./Lake Charles Alumnae Chapter and Evergreen Baptist Church. She and husband, Lord Johnnie, are the parents of one son, John.

The two Lake Charles chapters were actively involved during the conference as well as recipients of numerous honors included winning second place in the Lucellestine Wilson Outstanding Printed Media Award with media activity coordinated by Lady Gloria Jackson, chapter reporter. Lady Colleen Boutte, 2018 Lady of the Year, was chosen third-place winner of the TLOD Founders Award Chapter Scrapbook. Lady Theresa Garrett, first vice president, accepted the award in Boutte’s absence. Lady Judith Washington, Area One Membership and Induction Chair, conducted an induction ceremony which officially accepted seven new members including Lady Janice Wiltz of Lake Charles. Lady Washington also presented 18 Ladies during the conference gala who had become members since the 2018 Area One Conference.

The Lake Charles Teens participated in numerous events including the TLOD National Service Project, “Blessings in a Backpack” project. The group provided 21 back packs filled with nutritious food items for needy children as weekend meal supplements for local communities serving the needy. They also participated in the performing arts, speakers’ tournament, and the first TLOD/TTA Town Hall meeting entitled, “TLOD and TTA Take a Stand — Unmask Bullying.”

Teen Isabella Vallier was elected Area One Top Teen recording secretary; Teen Darren Metoyer participated in the Perdita Jones Essay Contest; and all Teens participated in the chorus. Mr. TTA Jordan Carrier, Barbe High School senior, participated in the annual Spelling Bee. He, along with Vallier, Miss TTA, were presented as the Lake Charles Chapter’s royalty during the conference gala. Teen Metoyer is the son of Lord Darrel and Lady Audrette Metoyer; Teen Carrier is the son of Lord Kenji and Lady Raven Williams, chapter president, and Jerome Carrier. Teen Vallier, a Barbe High School freshman, is the daughter of Gina Richard and Kevin Vallier, all of Lake Charles.

The conference provided leadership, networking opportunities, and valuable information that will keep the TLOD agenda in the forefront for 34 Area One Chapters which comprises Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Other Lake Charles attendees included Lady Bridgett Williams, TTA Advisor; Ladies Katie Guidry Johnson and Sheral “Cookie” Lavergne, TTA Assistant Advisors; Lady Loretta Gallien, second vice president; Lady Ivy P. Mouton, treasurer; Ladies Katrina Evans, Metoyer, and Gwendolyn Garner, Top Lady of the Year; and Lord Johnnie Mouton, husband of Lady Annie Mouton.