Ever since he burst onto the scene as a sophomore quarterback for the Carencro Golden Bears way back in 1992, Kevin Faulk has been a huge part of the Acadiana area sports scene.

After helping the Bears win Lafayette Parish’s first football state championship that fall, Faulk went on to set record and restore the pride of LSU’s football program.

Faulk followed his storied college career by being drafted by the New England Patriots.

As a result of Faulk’s career in New England, there are Patriots fans across South Louisiana.

Upon retirement, Faulk has never forgotten his roots, coaching both at LSU and Carencro High.

So the Acadiana Advocate could not have a more fitting keynote speaker for its inaugural Star of Stars High School Sports Awards Banquet to be held at 7 p.m. May 10 at the Cajundome Convention Center.

During the banquet, the two-time Class 5A Offensive Most Valuable Player, College Football Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl champion will greet current high school stars as the Acadiana Advocate honors top local athletes in LHSAA-sanctioned sports.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at www.StarofStars.net/Acadiana. Tickets can be purchased online or in person at the Cajundome box office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to avoid online convenience fees.

Early bird tickets are available through April 3 for $10 before taxes and fees; after April 3, tickets will be $15 before taxes and fee.

The star-studded event is sponsored by Cox Communications, the Louisiana National Guard and Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux.

“We are so excited to have Kevin Faulk headline The Acadiana Advocate’s ‘Star of Stars’ event,” said Judi Terzotis, publisher of The Times-Picayune | The Advocate | NOLA.com. “We will honor the best and brightest prep athletes in Acadiana with an ESPY-like experience. Kevin is a true local legend. His love for our community is deep and real, and his work ethic is an excellent example for our young people.”

Faulk played quarterback for the Bears, leading Carencro to a dramatic 28-27 overtime win over Neville to win the state championship in the Superdome in 1992.

He received All-American recognition after putting up 7,612 all-purpose yards and 89 total touchdowns in his high school career.

He earned All-American status at LSU as well and three times was a first-team All-SEC performer, finishing his career with 4,557 yards – second behind Georgia’s Herschel Walker. His 6,833 all-purpose yards and 53 touchdowns were the best in SEC history until Florida’s Tim Tebow broke it in 2009.

After being drafted in the second round by the New England Patriots in 1999, he helped the franchise win three Super Bowls. Faulk was voted onto the Patriots’ 50th Anniversary team and he’s in the Patriots’ Hall of Fame.

The Advocate sports staff selects award winners for each sport. Our staff invites area schools and fans to nominate their athletes, teams and coaches for the top awards —boys and girls athletes of the year, boys and girls coaches of the year and team of the year.

Nominations are also sought for two special awards, the courage award and the spirit award. The courage award honors a coach or athlete who has overcome significant physical or personal hardships. People who go above and beyond to support programs at a particular high school are considered for the spirit honor.

“We are really excited for the community to weigh in and let us know who they think deserves to be recognized for these premier awards,” said Kristin Askelson, managing editor of The Acadiana Advocate. “It’s going to be such a special night for these student-athletes who will get to receive their awards from Kevin Faulk, a local sports legend.”