GUEYDAN - The Paul Lee Smith Scholarship Fund, now known as the Gueydan Crawfishermen’s Scholarship, Inc., in memory of Paul Lee Smith, was started in 2006 after the passing of Paul Lee Smith, son of Leo and Diane Smith of Gueydan.

The Scholarship has been in existence for five years, thanks to the support and donations from the community and surrounding areas, reports Lilah Broussard, Chairman of the Gueydan Crawfishermen’s Scholarship, Inc.

The scholarships were recently given out at a fitting occasion, a crawfish boil.

Smith announced the names of the 2011-2012 school year recipients during the ceremonies held at the Gueydan Civic Center Monday April 16.

The following nine $1,000 scholarships were given out to Gueydan High School graduating seniors and one Norte Dame High School senior: Gueydan High School senior Kade Thevis, Alex Trahan, Austin Zaunbrecher, Canaan Delhomme, Tori Spiers, Kimberly Breaux and Brent Richard. The Norte Dame senior recipient is Kade Petry.

Family, friends and members of the community attended the scholarship ceremonies enjoying great entertainment and great food.

According to the spoke person for the event, the success of the scholarship has been due to the generosity of the community and well management of funds.

As of this year the Gueydan Crawfishermen’s Scholarship, Inc. has given out $29,000.