LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- KLFY News 10 is catching up with former Remarkable Woman of the Year winners now that nominations are open.

Carol Trosclair was named Acadiana's Remarkable Woman in 2021.

“I've turned tragedy into triumph," Trosclair said.

Trosclair's personal tragedy happened when her son David unexpectedly passed away in 2010.

Trosclair said her son was sick, trying to feel better to make it to his classes.

"So, what he did was he took a combination of his allergy prescription medicine with over-the-counter medicine," Trosclair said. "It stopped his heart toxicology reports said."

David passed away months before his graduation from UL Lafayette in Kinesiology.

“As I say, David was not able to fulfill the entirety of his career goals, dreams and aspirations," Trosclair said. "But through his scholarship and these students that go on to be a success, he lives on.”

The David Trosclair Memorial Scholarship was established by one of David's professors.

"David was the top student, and I had no idea," Trosclair said. "I mean, he gave me his report card, and it was straight A's. But I didn't know he was the top student."

Each year Trosclair fundraises to fulfill the scholarship, so students like her son can fulfill their dreams.

“Kinesiology is hard," Trosclair said. "You cannot work 40 hours a week, pay for school and get the kind of grades you need to go on to get that second degree.”

Her commitment to help students through school with her fundraising efforts was the reason she was nominated for Remarkable Woman.

“I give the largest scholarships on campus, and it frees these students up to do what they need to do to go on to grad school," Trosclair said. "And every David Trosclair scholar has gone on, has gotten accepted into grad school and gone on to be a success.”

For being recognized as our Remarkable Woman, KLFY made a donation in her name to a nonprofit of her choice. She chose the Lafayette Public Library.

“They have a program. If you give $1,000, they will give a plated book every year in perpetuity," Trosclair said. "I say until Jesus comes, David is getting a book in his name."

For the last 15 years, she has raised money for her son's memory and students like him. Trosclair said she will continue to do so.

“It has helped heal my broken heart," Trosclair said. "You know, my only son passed away and that I can have him live on through these students, I'm just passionate about that. A little bit of David lives on through their success.”

The full Candid Conversation with Carol Trosclair can be streamed on demand on our Smart TV app, KLFY+.

Nominate someone to be Remarkable Woman of the Year here. Nominations must be submitted by Dec. 19.

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