On September 17, 2018 our Co-Executive Director and Founder was called home to the Lord. Since that day we have dedicated every production in continuing the legacy of a man that dedicated his life to ensure our community was a leader of the Arts in Acadiana.
Tyra was a passionate man that gave his all to his community through his passion of the Arts seeking or requesting nothing in return. From his humble days with the Franklin High Thespian Society or Franklin High School Band and continuing through his tenure with the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts he was always in front the stage directing, guiding, counseling, nurturing and pushing you to give your very best or next to you performing on stage giving a memorable performance. As President of the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts Board Tyra ensured that the theatre was a premier Arts venue in Acadiana that continued to perform cutting edge productions. From its inception he was committed to the theatre having an annual African American production within its season and Summer Musical that usually allowed more than 30 kids and adults from across Acadiana to showcase their talents and have the same opportunities to experience the passion he shared on a daily basis. Tyra was an educator that believed in teaching the student as a whole as opposed to just teaching a subject. It was his belief that if he touched the lives of all throughout his daily life of constantly giving that they would find the opportunity to accomplish their dreams. This school year he had finally began his dream of becoming a Talented Theatre teacher for the St. Mary Parish School Board Talented Program working with the brightest students across our Parish. Within just a few weeks he has touched the hearts and minds of those students unlike anyone before. Through it all he ensured that families, including his own, worked hard and performed within his second home of the Teche Theatre for the Performing Arts. Logging over countless volunteer hours year after year, show after show for the past 18 years he has truly left a giant mark on the community of Franklin and throughout Acadiana.
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend:
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you: I have been changed for good.
--from Wicked the musical
Tyra, you will forever be in the hearts and minds of those that journey into the Arts of St. Mary Parish. We love and miss you dearly! Until that joyous day we see each other again we will forever make you proud!
