TFAE honors local veteran, attorney with Honor of Distinction

Out of a loss comes an important message
February 27, 2019
Playoffs storm on for local teams
February 27, 2019
Out of a loss comes an important message
February 27, 2019
Playoffs storm on for local teams
February 27, 2019

The Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence (TFAE) has named Major General Hunt Downer, Jr. as the recipient of its 2019 James J. Buquet Jr. Award of Distinction.

The award is given annually to a Terrebonne Parish public high school graduate who is recognized for vision and excellence in their chosen field or other areas of personal endeavor.


In a news release issued by TFAE, they said that Downer was chosen because he has provided service unselfishly to his community, state and nation.

Downer has been in service for decades – a long, dedicated career in the National Guard, as well as a career in politics in addition to his job as an attorney.

He began his military career as an enlisted soldier in 1968 in the United States Army Reserve. He then joined the Louisiana Army National Guard where he ascended to become Major General.


Downer also served selflessly in Baton Rouge with seven terms in the Louisiana House of Representatives, holding the positions of Speaker Pro Temp and Speaker of the House. While in Baton Rouge, he earned several awards, including Legislator of the Year and Louisiana Political Hall of Fame distinction.

Today, Downer is an attorney at the firm Waitz and Downer. The business operates in downtown Houma.

“I am humbled to be recognized with this award, especially one named for Mr. Jimmy Buquet, who’s wife Mrs. Glenny with her service on the BESE board, has done more for public education and its reform than one can imagine,” Downer said. “She was an inspiration to me in my work to improve public education in Louisiana.


“My public education from Honduras Elementary, Houma Elementary, Houma Junior High, and culminating in my graduation from Terrebonne High School in 1964 provided me with the building blocks for my future.”

Downer is one of more than a decade’s worth of recipients of the prestigious local award.

The James J. Buquet Jr. Award was established by TFAE in 2008 in an effort to honor Mr. Buquet’s commitment to public education.


TFAE is an independent local non-profit organization that strives to positively affect academic achievement and to fundamentally improve education.

Since 2012, the organization has awarded more than $1 million in grant dollars to Terrebonne Parish public school teachers. •

Hunt DownerCOURTESY


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