New Member Spotlight
eloise pruitt and family
Tell me about yourself and your family.
I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil but have lived most of my life in Lake Charles, Louisiana. I currently work as an English and Social Studies teacher at Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School Middle and High School. My husband Daniel works in the maritime industry. We’ve been together since we were in high school. We will celebrate 20 years together this summer and 10 years married! We have two sons, Henry (3) and Charles Thomas (4 months). We love all things outdoors, tennis, soccer, golf, fishing, hunting, boating, gardening, and just being in nature.
How long have you lived in Southwest Louisiana? Why did you choose the area?
We both grew up here and after attending LSU moved back to nurture the place that provided strong roots. We’ve been back for 13 years.
My dad works in the maritime shipping industry which is how we ended up in Lake Charles when I was a child. He managed Crowley, formerly near Calcasieu Point Landing. My husband’s family has a timberland business. Both families put down roots in our great state in industries that provide consistent and essential support to the world. We love Lake Charles because of its wildlife and waterways, family-centered atmosphere, and resilient and compassionate community members.
How did you learn about the Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana?
My husband’s late grandfather, Frank Pruitt, was a wonderful community servant and former Community Foundation board member. I joined The Junior League of Lake Charles upon graduating from LSU where I got to work closely with Sara Judson, a sustaining member, and learned about the foundation’s current work. My admiration for her and the knowledge she shared actually inspired me to get more involved.
Why is being a member of the Foundation important to you?
It is important for us to honor the community stewards who came before us. We must invest in our five-parish region to ensure their legacy is honored and efforts continue to make this an enriching place for our children to live, grow, and thrive. Being a member of the Foundation directly supports the work the foundation is doing to continue to expand and enhance our community.
Tell me about your involvement with Just Imagine.
I attended Just Imagine’s listening community meeting at the Civic Center in November 2021. I loved the model for acquiring community feedback, and I was excited to contribute. Jill Galmarini came to my classrooms at Barbe and Sulphur High Schools to speak with my students to acquire their feedback and vision for our community. It was important to give the students a voice and a platform to explain their vision for the future. We want our youth to want to reside in our area to ensure sustainability and development. Jill came back to reveal the ten projects, and my students were excited and felt validated that their voices were heard. This inspired several of them to want to become more active in our community. I have since enjoyed speaking and sharing the project information. It’s important to promote the vision, bring resources together, and build excitement and buy-in.
What would tell your neighbors or friends about the Foundation and its work in the community?
The Foundation is working diligently to enhance our quality of life. Strategic planning and vision guide the way. JustImagine puts our ideas and vision into a tangible plan that is goal oriented bringing together the various groups in our community to accomplish the vision.
What do you hope Just Imagine will do for your community?
I hope to see all ten projects come to fruition in my lifetime. The projects are comprehensive improving sustainability from natural disasters, enhancing economic opportunities, enriching the quality of life for residents, and enticing future generations to put down roots and nurture them in our community.