The family of Alaya Christian have identified her as one of two people who died during a shooting at Mamou Mardi Gras.
Christian, 17, was a student at Lafayette Renaissance Charter High School. Her godmother, Beonka Papillion, shared the impact of her loss. "Alaya was full of life. She was full of joy. She had a contagious smile. She was family-oriented," Papillion said.
Alaya, was a daughter, a big sister to two siblings, and a friend to many. Papillion recalled how Alaya excelled in school, earning honors and actively participating in sports. Alaya had plans to pursue kinesiology at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Louisiana. "She played softball. She played volleyball, and she was also the physical trainer for the football team," Papillion added.
But beyond academics and sports, Alaya had a deep love for dancing to Zydeco music, a tradition she shared with her family.
Papillion, who was with Alaya in Mamou at the time of the shooting, said she will miss her infectious laughter and carefree spirit the most. "She just enjoyed her life. She wasn't your average 17-year-old," Papillion reflected. "Her mother did an amazing job raising her. She always did the right thing and always had the right things to say. That was just my best friend."
Papillion called for an end to the violence, expressing disbelief over the nature of the shooting, "I don't understand the reason behind it, what goes through their minds, but they're hurting families like us for just nonsense," Papillion said. "Alaya was an innocent bystander enjoying what she always does. This is nothing out of the ordinary for us."
Services will be on March 15 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, with viewing at 9 a.m. until services at 11 a.m.
