Reverend Trevor Blair, steps into the pulpit as the new preacher this Sunday. He accepted the position as reverend in April. Blair graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 2017, moved to North Carolina, and graduated from Duke Divinity School with a Master of Divinity.

Blair states that his passion is preaching and teaching in Sunday worship and Bible studies. As a pastor, his aim is to shepherd the church and help answer the question, “What does it look like for the First Methodist Church of Coushatta to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all we meet?”

Blair’s upbringing in Angie, Louisiana, prepared him for life in Coushatta. He loves small towns and rural churches. His wife, Emily, also a graduate of Duke Divinity School, will join the pastoral staff at First Methodist Church of Shreveport.

Welcome to Coushatta, Reverend Blair.

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Ashland Baptist Church will host Vacation Bible School June 3-7 from 6-8:30pm. Students in grades PK-6th are invited to participate. Family night will be Friday, June 7. There will be food, games, crafts, music and fellowship.

Martin Baptist Church will host their VBS from June 9-13 from 5:30-8:30pm. Grades PK (completed) through 6th grade are invited to participate. Pre-register here

Social Springs Baptist Church: Registration Night (Forest Fun Day) is Friday, June 7 at 6pm. VBS  will run Sunday, June 9 through Friday June 14 from 6:30-9pm. Family Night is Friday, June 14 at 6:30 pm. All ages are invited. 

Red River Cowboy Church will hold their VBS June 10-13 from 6 until 8pm (Supper provided).
Ages 3 years old through 11 years old. Set Sail and learn how to navigate a relationship with God & others. There will be activities for parents while the children are having fun. Register at https://bit.ly/setsailvbs

Liberty Baptist Church, 425 Liberty Church Road, will host Vacation Baptist School June 17-21 from 5:30-8pm. Ages 3 years to 8th grade are welcome to join in on the fun. There will be nightly Bible study, crafts, music, missions, games and dinner. Register here  

First Methodist Church of Coushatta, is hosting Outback Rock VBS, June 24-26 from 5:30 to 8:00 pm.  Meals provided each night.  Register here

Fairview Baptist Church VBS is scheduled for June 24 – 28 from 6:00-8:30pm. Ages 3 years through 6th grade. Register here

VBS at Open Door Fellowship is scheduled Sunday, July 7 through Thursday, July 11. Hours are 5:30 to 8:00 pm daily. This year’s theme is The Great Jungle Journey. 

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NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University announces the names of 498 students named to the President’s List for the Spring 2024 semester. Students on the President’s List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of 4.0.

For questions regarding the President’s List, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.

Students listed by hometown are as follows.

Achern, Germany – Alina Graf;

Abbeville – Caroline LeMaire;

Alamogordo, New Mexico – Brett Money;

Alexandria – Valerie Alanis, Alexis Briggs, Emmalee Brinkman, Zoria Davion, Isabelle Ducote, Brody Heard, Jamie Kirkman, Shelby Lemoine, Devon Powell, Danielle Richardson, TreNeisha Taylor, Nicholas Zona;

Allen, Texas – Jessica Spitzer;

Anacoco – Jessica Haymon, Katelyn Haymon, Landen Jett, Coree Runnels, Karlea Welch;

Angers, France – Thibault Déprez;

Angoulins, France – Eugénie Pennamen;

Arcadia – Lauryn Vernon;

Argentré, France – Anaëlle Bondis;

Arnaudville – Nikki Lee;

Atlanta – Emily Thomisee;

Atlanta, Texas – Austin Head;

Ballito, South Africa – Paige Wise;

Barksdale AFB – Grace Kerney, Mariah Kerr;

Basile – Mackenzie Hebert;

Baton Rouge – Honor Camus, Andre Guiteau-Laurent, Joseph Sotile;

Belle Chasse – Molly Adams, Tyler Nichol;

Belmont – Andie Gilcreast;

Benton – Laurel Chambers, Rebekah Edmonds, Averie Halverson, Kassidy Kirpluk, Morgan McCrory, Diana Mccabe, Ella Robinson, Ashlynn Stewart, Tyla Stewart, Tatum Waites, Brooke Wilkins;

Beograd, Serbia – Ivona Miljanic;

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania – Christine Charboneau;

Bienville – Rafe Martin;

Bogata, Texas – Harmony Marsh;

Bossier City – Melaie Aguilar Noyola, Elizabeth Armstrong, Amber Billings, Emily Brown, Madison Brown, Nicholas Cooksey, Tandy Finton, Emma Gonzales, John Gray, Caleb Helms, Colby Horne, Payotn Hudson, Aries Irby, Ascie Kabalaoui, David Kolb, Kenley Loftin, Toni Maattala, Kalyssa Mall, Taylor Maust, Izabella Moreno, Jonathan Morris, Victoria Morris, Abigail Petermann, Trista Sanders, Natalie Sutton, Naje Turner, Solomon Washington, Dagan Webb;

Bourgneuf-En-Mauges, France – Eva Pineau;

Boyce – Allie Ainsworth, Victoria Fatula, Haleigh Franklin;

Broussard – John Acosta, Abbie Boutte, Ally Enkey;

Bunkie – Jana Couvillion;

Calgary, Alberta, Canada – Aidan Newton;

Calhoun – Caleb Clifton;

Campti – Faith Matthews, Hannah Walker;

Castor – Miracle Tomerlin;

Cedar Hill, Tennessee – Amanda Hawthorne;

Chalmette – Nicole Struve;

Chandler, Arizona – Nicholas Le Jander, Jessica Lynch;

Charles Town, West Virginia – Zoey Suire;

Charleston, West Virginia – Megan Niedbalski;

Chiba-City Japan – Ayu Ishibashi;

China Spring, Texas – Blake Taggert;

Church Point – Madison Patin;

Ciudad Autónoma De Buenos Aire, Argentina — Maria Agustina Fariña

College Station, Texas – Erin Williams;

Converse – Willa Gregston;

Cottonport – Keyonce Friels;

Coushatta – Claire Endris, Mary Gill, Sharelle Moore, Heidi Murray;

Crandall, Texas – Alexander Miller;

Cartegena, Colombia – Juan Castilla;

Cut Off – Jessi Angelette, Addison Duet, Max Hebert;

Delhi – Ellanor Carlson;

Denham Springs – Averie Duran;

DeQuincy – Zachary Bailey;

DeRidder – Isabella DiMaggio, Kershaun Napper, Jenna Pottmeyer, Lauren Ray, Dominic Ross, Maria-Theresa Ross, Brennan Smith, Leah Thompson, Emma Williamson, Shelby Young;

Deville – Robert Belgard, Tara Grimm, Laekin Ream, Briana Smail;

Dhaka, Bangladesh – Zaiba Daud, Abdullah Yusuf;

Diana, Texas – Brendan Donaghy;

Diboll, Texas – Christopher Acker;

Dodson – Anthony Wehunt, Heather Wehunt, Logan Womack;

Dry Prong – Alana Lockhart, Ella Reitzell, Emma Reitzell, Audrey Spears, Emily Tisher;

El Campo, Texas – Clay Jung;

Elm Grove – Macy Scott;

Elmer – Katie Gauthier, Blake Glorioso, Shelby Thacker;

Evergreen – Latyriona Jones;

Farmerville – Isabella Fulton;

Ferriday – Madison White;

Florien – Bailey Sandel, Abigail Thomas;

Forest Hill – Solmayra Sierra;

Fort Johnson – AhMyrie Gray, Kaylee Huff, Sara Letzgus, Liqing Liu, Spencer Meyer, Alaina Olsen, Candace Sizemore, Milena Zoeller;

Fort Worth, Texas – Riley Stern;

Freeport, Florida – Karla Ames;

Frierson – Kaci McDaniel, Madysen Payne;

Frisco, Texas – Brad Powell;

Galliano – Lia Portillo Cantarero;

Garland, Texas – Carley Johnson;

Gibsland – Cameron Murphy;

Glenmora – Jordin Taylor;

Gloster – Cameron Curtis;

Golden Meadow – Magen Sevin;

Goldonna – Rachel Dupree, Winsome Guillory;

Grand Cane – Trenton Bossier;

Grant – Sarah Edwards;

Gravesend, United Kingdom – Sileena Farrell;

Greenwell Springs – Julia Boudreaux;

Greenwood – Hannah Jordan, Keenan Stewart, Jacob Sullivan;

Groesbeck, Texas – Tiffany Burleson;

Hall In Tirol, Austria – Sara ERenda;

Hallsville, Texas – Madelyn Floyd;

Hammond – Amber Weston;

Haughton – Taylor Barr, Roldjy Charles, Elizabeth Hardy, Jillian Lloyd, Colin Rains, Taylor Shepherd;

Hedgesville, West Virginia – Sonnet Luby;

Henderson, Texas – James Sugg;

Hineston – Sharon Howell, Jami Robinson;

Homer – Deborah Harmon;

Houma – Madison Anderson, Remi Blanchard, Bryce Fonseca, Valerie Galliano, Ariel Theriot;

Huntsville, Texas – Jennifer Castleman;

Iota – Coy Steen;

Irondale, Alabama – Jared Jefferies;

Jeanerette – Dustina Guillot;

Jena – Ella Jensen, Alexxis Jones;

Jennings – Briannah Stansberry;

Jonesboro – Anayah Allen;

Karnack, Texas – James Elkins;

Keatchie – Katy Cash;

Keithville – Kaci Green, Anna Hausgen, Ashlynn McClain, Melody Sparks, Victoria Umling;

Kemah, Texas – River Jekel-Chavez;

Kingwood, Texas – Jaime Perdue;

Kyle, Texas – Mia Liscano;

La Bohalle, France – Noémie Wasse;

Lafayette – Emma Alleman, Kamryn Babineaux, Kristi Carrier, Blake Fontenot, Aleyanis Hernandez, Taylor Johnson, Alex Laurent, Kylie Ly, Jailey Sylvester, Phoenix Woods;

Lake Charles – Jarod Becton, Mateo Este-McDonald, Sadie Pierce, Caroline Ritchie;

Leander – Abigail Williams;

Leesville — Kaitlyn Bailey, Brianna Billiot, Hylaina Boose, Caleb-Mitche Branche, Avari Cain, Brittany Counts, Ellen Daily, Tanya Edds, Faith Fregory, Kaitlinne Hegyi, Kaycie Helton, Erik Lopez, Ethan Nash, Morgan Owens, Laila Salas, Lyndsie Snider, Samantha Warstler;

Lena – Emily Waits;

Lipan, Texas – Joshua Cox;

Lockport – Brett Brady;

Longville – Seth Smith;

Luling – Hailey McGovern, Samantha Todaro;

Madisonville – Barrett Hodgson;

Mamou – Karmen Laurant, Treyton O’Connor;

Mandeville – Mark Ennis;

Mansfield – De’Anna Nabors, Taylor Opatz, Antoinette Turner;

Mansura – Emma Miller;

Many – Nancy Bolton, Destiny Bryant, Geert Kor, Christian Rivers, Adelaide Soileau;

Marksville – Koby Brevelle, Anna Laborde, Emily Lucas;

Marthaville – Aaron Manasco, Zachary Slaughter;

Maud, Texas – Meghan Jackson;

Maysville, West Virginia – Savannah Wilson;

Mckinleyville, California – Nicole Lights;

Meraux – Abigail Coker;

Metairie – Sarah Easley Van Hoof;

Midlothian, Texas – Abria Paul;

Minden – Megan Mitchell, Richard Mitchell, Heather Weldon;

Missouri City, Texas – Maggie Darr;

Monroe – Madison Bruce, Shelby Lowe, Emilee McGuire;

Montgomery – Tamia Colbert, Zackary Racine, John Tucker-Howell;

Morgan City – Lacey Guagliardo;

Muskogee, Oklalhoma – Jay Stroble;

Natchez – Cassidy Gandy;

Natchitoches – Naomi Adams, Hillary Bennett, De’Jon Blake, Tam Bui, Emily Bumgardner, Timothy Coffey, Aziza Coutee, Aaliyah Creekmore, Kelsie Davis, Derek Dupre, Joshua Durr, Jennifer Hamilton, Amanda Hernandez, Charizma Hill, Corynn Lacaze, Montel Mercier, Joshua Nolley, Caylyn Peddy, Isabella Peluso, Naiomy Perez Del Valle, Nicholas Pierson, Anna Poe, Hayden Prudhomme, Timothy Pursell, Kamryn Shelton, Erin Smith, Jamaica Solitaire, Caitlyn Taylor, Chloe Townend, Jorge Vargas Martinez, Madeline Williford;

New Iberia – Ashton Borel, Madison Disotell, Angela Espinoza, Donyelle January, Brianna Le, Tenisha Viltz;

New Orleans – Brianeka Dixon, Imani Fleury, Sandra Lloyd;

New Windsor, Maryland – Meghan Kopel;

New York, New York – Alana Watson;

Noble – Harleigh Schexneider;

Normangee, Texas – Spencer Yellott;

Oak Ridge – Lalaina Wood;

Oakdale – Naiya Bernard;

Oberlin – Heidi Manuel;

Ocala, Florida – Jaden Neadham;

Omaha, Nebraska – James DiPrima;

Opelousas – Jasmine Barnaba, Alayna Charles, Tasia Hayes;

Orange, Texas – Kaneesha Bellow, Misty Comptson;

Oscar – Mariah Kador;

Owasso, Oklahoma – Cole Hill;

Palmetto – Donovan Green;

Pierre Part – Hayden Alberes;

Pineville – Alyssa Austin, Brady Benoit, Wendi Bray, Cady Brown, Faith Bryant, Raima Cazes, Kylie Combs, Jamie Docter, Nathan Doine, Kaylee Green, Jillian Gresham, Jenna Johnson, Chris Litton, William Murdock, Abigail Nelson, Madison Smith, Andrew Thiels, Stephanie Vajcner;

Pitkin – Courtlyn Martin, Tristan Millsaps, Megan Smith, Shae Wetzel;

Plain Dealing – Hayden Baldwin;

Plaucheville – Luke Mayeux, Nathan Ponthier;

Pleasant Hill – Katie Murray, Celeste Waddle;

Pollock – Josie Fowler, Ashley Lacombe, Emily Mcgehee;

Ponchatoula – Taylor Applegarth;

Prairieville – Julie Andrus, Logan Dupuy, Elizabeth Fellows, Evan Kern, Owen Kern;

Prosper, Texas – Madison Murphy;

Quitman – Kaitlyn Williams;

Ragley – Hallie Guidry, Colton Wood;

Rayville – Erica Miller;

Richardson, Texas – Kyle Nolen;

Richmond, Texas – Alejandro Marquez;

Ringgold – Avery Myers;

Robeline – Stevie Carter, Kaley Koss, Keith Vascocu, Tucker Vascocu;

Rockwall, Texas – Tristin Court, Caden Fiveash;

Ruston – Lorelei Freling, May Holyoak;

Saginaw, Texas – Ashlyn Walker;

St. Francisville – Jeri Malina, Braylon Parker;

St. Martinville – Lizzie Blanchard, Atouria Mitchell, Brooke Mouton, Karlton Roberton;

San Pedro Sula, Honduras – Jelsson Flores Reyes, Norman Martinez Reyes;

Sanger, Texas – Korbin Shumate;

Schriever – Ellie Dufrene;

Shreveport – Eric Appleton, Sawyer Benson, Maddison Cathey, Laniya Chatman, Jewel Coleman, Katriane Creel, Felicia Culpepper, Alima Christine Davis, Shelbey DeLouche, Anastasia Douglas, Kristal Gueory, Shailah Hagins, Yasheka Jack, Damon Johnston, Anna Kent, Montana Laney, Patricia McClelland, Marcus Mitchell, Clairie Parent, Christian Robinson, Kathryn Sanders, Ebony Smith, Michaela Smith, Ainsley Soland, Felicia Sullivan, Brittney Thomas, Aidan Welch;

Simmesport – Natasha Clute;

Slagle – Christopher Moore;

Slidell – Matthew Spencer, Aviance Bee;

Sondheimer – Cailen Wiltcher;

South Barrington, Illinois – Jonathan Pecora;

Springfield – Kailee Tartamella;

Springhill – Jillian Masingill;

Stonewall – Natalie Cobb, Rhyan Floyd, Amber Gaddy, Braedon Theodos;

Sulphur – Grace Culpepper, Julian Peshoff, Chaise Sutherland;

Terheijden, Netherlands – Tim Pelkmans;

Texarkana, Texas – Halley Tubb, Mason Windham;

Tioga – Halo Goudeau;

Trophy Club, Texas – Brian Norton;

Trout – Callie McDowell;

Trumbull, Connecticut – Anna Stook;

Turbaco, Bolívar, Colombia – Gabriel Polo Gomez;

Urania – Jordyn Hough;

Valrico, Florida – Emiy Gundin;

Vidalia – Kaitlyn Anderson, Kelli Loomis;

Ville Platte – Morgan Bordelon, Jaylin Clark;

Vivian – Anna Jackson;

Wake Village, Texas – Molly Laird;

Walker – Mitchell Mayfield;

Washington – Sophie Fontenot;

West Monroe – Monessia Emery, Rachel Semmes, Shelby Sutton, Joshua Zuber;

Whitesboro, Texas – John Klein;

Whitney, Texas – Makenzie Seely;

Winnfield – Kayla Jones, Landen Womack;

Woodworth – Caroline Blanchard;

Youngsville – Ella Dupuie, Jolie Fontenot, Connor Forestier, Brian Sonnier;

Zwolle – Jaeger Ebarb, Gracie Leone, Sarah Lewing, Zachary Remedies, Roselieta Smith, Victoria Sepulvado;

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By Lt. Col. Adam Marsh, Army Baton Rouge Recruiting Battalion Commander

This is the time of year when our young men and women walk across the stage to collect their diplomas before commencing the next adventure of their life, which may look different for each student. Some may go to college or a technical school, some will go straight to the workforce and still others have another path, the military.

When you attend graduations of your children and students, who eagerly wait to hear their names called, I want you to know that there are a few select students in the crowd who deserve special recognition.

These are the students who chose to join the less than 1 percent of Americans who serve in our Nation’s military. The numbers of those who serve are few because the standards for entry are high. Only 29 percent of young Americans exceed the Army’s entry standards. As the commander responsible for all Army recruiting in Louisiana, Mississippi, and western Tennessee, I assure you that the Army of the future requires highly qualified volunteers.

The young men and women who do qualify for the Army will receive training in one of our 150 career fields, the GI Bill for college, health care and will travel and work all over the world. That is an attractive offer, but it is not what motivated most of our future Soldiers from the class of 2024 to enlist in the Army. Our young men and women chose to enlist because they had a desire to fulfill their duty as American citizens and honorably serve in their country’s military.

The Baton Rouge Recruiting Battalion helps make that dream come true for thousands who wish to serve their Nation. Some of your sons and daughters will leave home with the active-duty Army while others will stay home with the Army Reserve; however, they will all receive leadership and personal-growth opportunities. They will all be prepared to be productive members of your community when they return home.

We want to thank the schools, teachers, coaches, mentors and, most of all, the parents, and families of these Future Soldiers. We ask you, the community, to provide encouragement and guidance to the next several hundred highly qualified young men and women who are willing to stand and honorably serve our country from your communities.

Salute to our Shreveport Graduates and Future Soldiers:
Christina Rodgers Northwood High School
Dominick Johnson Southwood High School
Ashton Davis Booker T. Washington High School
Joshua Lyons Booker T. Washington High School
Malani Maldonado Caddo Parish Magnet High School
John Knox Southwood High School
Nicholas Avasso Byrd High School
Ashton Vaughn North Caddo High School
Carolina Amaya Union Parish Highschool
Gage Berry Bradley High School
Juan Prado Cordero Bossier High School
Alexis Serrano Bossier High School
Gilda Avist-Walker Natchitoches Central High School
Jace Scott Natchitoches Central High School
Kenneth Simmons Natchitoches Central High School
Jesse Lawson Winnfield Senior High School
Lavictasia Peterson Red River High School
Benjamin Neal Northwood High School
Connor Phillips Grant High School
Cadynn Hunter Grant High School
Jaylen Wilson Bolton High School
Cameron Williams-James Bolton High School
Randy Ransome Peabody High School
Tyreke Hills Peabody High School
Danielle Post East Hardin High School
Kaylin Anderson Ouachita Parish High School
Jonathan Cox West Monroe High School
Danny O’Neal, Jr West Monroe High School
Laquan Jackson Bastrop High School
William Brodtman St. Fredrick High School
Jade Harris Wossman High School
Terranetra Jamesgreeley Wossman High School
Chase Bender Neville High School
Stephen Jiang Neville High School
Daisha Moses Franklin Parish High School

Lt. Col. Adam Marsh has over 30 years of Army experience, both enlisted and as an Officer. He has conducted several deployments in support of humanitarian, peacekeeping and combat operations. http://www.goarmy.com

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NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University named 749 students to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester. Students on the Dean’s List must be enrolled full time and earn a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.99.

For questions regarding the Dean’s List, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357-6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.

Students listed by hometown are as follows.

Abbeville – Aniya Martin;

Abita Springs – Sarah Jenkins;

Addis – Troy Alexander, Erin Bayham;

Alabaster, Alabama – Antwon Fegans;

Alexandria – Markeyla Anderson, Peyton Bordelon, Ashton Brodnax, Mya Brown, Elizabeth Cook, Danielle Dauzat, Penny Davis, Emilie Duncan, Kamille Fuselier, Meghan Goss, Faith Hilliard, Juanita Hobson, Breanna Kirts, Brandon Michot, Hailey Rachal, Alissa Roberts, Madeline Simpson, Erica Smith, ARminie Tanner, Campbell Williams;

Allen, Texas – Taylor Spitzer,

Alma, Georgia – Jessica Mikell;

Alvin, Texas – Alexander Wohllaib;

Anacoco – Lindsey Alligood, Alana Blanchard, Dani Carver, Mallory Cooley, Loryn Gross, Hunter Rabalais;

Anna, Texas – Alexis Ortega;

Arkansas City, Bahamas – Bernesha Knowles;

Arlington, Texas – Samaya Wesson;

Atlanta – Matthew Carter;

Atlanta, Texas – Cademon Larson;

Atlanta, Georgia – Kobe Stewart;

Azogues, Eduador – Erick Cabrera;

Ball – Cameron Ducote, Amber Ford;

Barksdale AFB – Paige Shelton;

Basile – Riley Craton;

Bastrop – Samantha Bryan;

Baton Rouge – Ebenezer Aggrey, Kenneth Austin, Charlysse Casma, Tasha Foster, Christian Gamer, Hana Hart, Jalivia Johnson, Tyler Mayers, Kristina Simon, Chadwick Smith;

Belleville, Illinois – Kierra Lair Johnson;

Benton – Micah Ballard, Leighanne Ballew, Allie Denton, Jimmy McDonald, Tara Moore, Kirsten Perry, Lynsey Plunkett, Megan Risher, Natalie Sullivan, Colleen Steward, Avery Tullos, Emily Whitecotton;

Bienville – Saragh Holzem, Lindsay Macynski;

Big Sandy, Texas – Tristan Davis;

Bossier City – Jan Amutan, Aliyah Burke, Danielle Burton, Daniel Coleman, Jasmine Covington, Chase Creamer, Asia Dudley, Manuel Duque, Taylor Fuller, Colby Grayson, Hannah Gribble, John-Michael Head, Haley Henderson, Haley Hicks, Christian James, Skyla Johnson, Maria Lara, Gabrielle Lawrence, Ebony Layton, John Lewis, Jonathan Limones, Sophia Livers, Natalie McCoy, Jaden McCoy, Trisella Bryn Mendoens, Dylan Merrow, Brooke Moradel, Emily Murphy, Madelyn Murphy, Connor Norcross, Heyshla Perez Vega, Alyssa Reeves, Kalyah Rushing, Elizabeth Stewart, Isabella Vaughn, Kamryn Whatley, Ashley Woodfin;

Boyce – Jace Aslin, Lindway Harris;

Breaux Bridge – Monte Singleton, Anastacia Strate;

Bridgewater, Massachusetts – Conner Mackie;

Brooklyn, New York – Amy Barnett;

Broussard – Emilie Barbier, Saige Trahan, Kaitlyn Washington;

Butte, Montana – Robyn Mcdougall;

Campti – Luke Greer, Jason Smith;

Carencro – Carley Handy, Terrell Woodard;

Cartagena, Colombia – Alessandra Coneo, Valentina Restrepo, Tatiana Wing Lam Wu Wu;

Celing, Texas – Laney Roos;

Chalmette – Kyron Angeletti;

Cleveland, Mississippi – Dextyania Russell;

Cloutierville – Harlee Manry;

Colfax – Destiny Broadway, Shondriana Gaines, Dalton Wade;

Colleyville, Texas – Mitchell Williams;

Colorado Springs, Colorado – Neko Martinez-Vasquez;

Concordia, Kansas – Tahisha Thompson;

Conroe, Texas – Kennedy Reynolds;

Converse – Cameron Craig, Drake Friday;

Cotton Valley – Haley Sandlin;

Cottonport – Kallie Madrigal;

Coushatta – Ethan Cole-Morgan, Meagan Corley, Emily Fletcher, Carlena Henry, Elizabeth Hughes, LaFrances Jones, TaMya Tarry, Abby Williams;

Covington – Rain Clark, Cullen Goscienski, Savannah keller, Abigail Lacour, Sierra Marcev, Lynn Nunez, Kelsey Penny, Drake Pooler, Evan Scherer;

Creole – Amberlee Saltzman;

Crosby, Texas – Millasia Archangel;

Crowley – Connor Benoit, Kiara Davis;

Denham Springs – Rhett Bordelon, Abbigail Delanoix, Micah Dugas, Karlee Wysinger;

Denton, Texas – Tessa Gerwig;

DeQuincy – Susan Cinton;

DeRidder – Sierra Blackmon, Lance Corry, Tayleigh Gudiardo, Trevon Henry, Brady Jett, Hannah Kennedy, Andrey Loria Calvo, Tabitha Maddox, Jenna Mullican, Logan Penrose, Kamryn Purdue, Gabriella Rivera, Grecia Simon;

Destrehand – Rebecca Scott;

Deville – Lona Aucoin, Marissa Bianchini, Mitchell LeBlanc, Gregory McNeely, Paige Ratcliff, Maxwell Sanders, Jacee Smith;

Dodson – Caroline Boyett, Summer Gorham, Casey Thomas;

Downsville – Brandon Carter;

Dry Prong – Patience Christen, Layla Fletcher, Caitlynn French, Colton Mayo, Cameron Remrey;

Duson – Emilie Comeaux;

Eagle River, Arkansas – Jordan Todd;

East Wenatchee, Washington – Kora Fry;

Edgard – Sonte Pierre;

Effie – Peyton Johnson;

Elizabeth – Halie Thielepape;

Elmer – Layla Chandler, Rebekah Durison, Katelynn Riggs, Alexas Suttles;

Elton – Hannah Macato;

Erath – Kelbi Mills;

Ethel – Jenny Desselle;

Eunice – Kyra Davis, Christie Sonnier;

Farmersville, Texas – Slade Thomas;

Fisher – Katelynn Sargent;

Florien – Leighton Anderson, Alexis Brooks, Skye Buentello, Lauren Dees, Cesaleigh Hall, Makenna Landry;

Forest Hill – Stella Srisawang;

Fort Johnson – Danielle Adams, Morgan Bain, Angelisa Dobbins-Taylor, Emily Donelson, Kayla Janice, Eric Lewis, Lindsey Moser;

Frederick, Colorado – Chase Prestwich;

Freeport, Texas – Jerrilee Shadden;

Fresno, California – Madison Moles;

Friendswood, Texas – Ashlyn Svoboda;

Frierson – Joshua Bouriaque;

Georgetown, Texas – Raymond Honshtein;

Gibsland – Xaivion Haulcy;

Glenmora – Sarah Brown, Katie Dupre;

Gloster – Michelle Latin, Paige Lindsey;

Goldonna – Stormy Carpenter;

Gonzales – Nichelle Hall;

Grapevine, Texas – Griffin Howe;

Gray – Rae Cortze;

Greenwell Springs – Destiny Brown, Jordyn Ponvelle;

Gretna – Malonnie Evans;

Hamburg, Germany – Vanessa Balde;

Hammond – Suzanne Blake, Erika Williams;

Haslet, Texas – Jordan Bray;

Haughton – Julie Daniels, Chloe Dettrey, James Grooms, Hannah Gurtner, Shannon Henderson, Braydon Kelley, Jillian Kerneen, Marissa Rowsey, Jacob Webb;

Henderson, Nevada – Hailee Cunanan;

Hineston – Melissa Tadlock;

Hockley, Texas – Makenna Tryon;

Holden – Matthew Hughes;

Holly Springs, North Carolina – Kylie Morris;

Hornbeck – Joshua Corley, Cody Jarrell, Logan Lawrence, Jessica Mendoza;

Hot Springs Village, Arkansas – Nicholas Soileau;

Houma – Jessica Barker, Ramiyah Rounds, Elizabeth Schreve;

Houston – Jasmin Dixon;

Indialantic, Florida – Isabella Ruggiano;

Iowa – Kimora Harrison;

Jacksonville, Arkansas – Heather Tienda;

Jarreau – Emily LaGrone;

Jena – Kary-Ana Jones, Ryan Kirkham, Madison Moss, Kevin Patterson, Robin Perrin;

Jenkintown, Pennsylvania – Kolbe Burrell;

Jennings – Brea Baca-White, Rebecca Gotte, Olivia Habetz, Loren Higginbotham, Dillon Humphries, Margaret Martinez;

Jonesboro – Georgia Robbinson, Adriana Singleton

Jonesville — Tere’A Barber;

Kaplan – Mallory Hargrave, Mia Primeaux;

Katy, Texas – Hayden Barrios, Anna Hebden, Syddah Shults;

Keithville – Taija Atkins, Claire Garceau, Cierra Hay, Walker Holland, Brayden Kilgore, Megan Martin, Rachel Mckinney, Lauren Moushon, Taylor Myers;

Kenner – William Madere;

Kilgore, Texas – Daynie Edwards, Madeline Horton, Kennieth Lacy, Kirk Marchus Ybanez;

Kingwood, Texas – Breanna Burrell;

Kumamoto, Japan – Honoka Umeda;

La Cadière D’Azur, France – Célian Depernet;

Lafayette – Sydney Alleman, Shalestria Hopkins, Caroline Nelson, Sarah Newman, Maudry Nichols, Stephen North, Damari Padilla, Aleysia Trahan, Mia White, Petra Williams;

Lake Arthur – Dylan Leblanc;

Lake Charles – Johnathan Allen, Darian Blanchard, Katelyn Bonnette, Mackenzie Brown, Dylan Freeman, Kassie Piatt, Austin Pugh, Morgan Schlotfeldt, Tabitha Yokum;

Lake Providence – Meredith Hensley, Mary Wise;

League City, Texas – Daniel Burroway;

Leander – Lindsey Boswell;

LeCompte – Curry King, Natalie Mathews;

Leesville – James Bell, Kaitlyn Caillier, Mirleine Desir, Hannah Dowden, Shyla Fiesel, Lorri Finkemeier, Damien Gill, Alessia Gomez, Rachel Hillman, Marvin Mackey, Nathaniel Meins, Jesse Miller, Jacob Mount, Layla Mouton, Natalie Norris, Allyce Richards, Elizabeth Rindahl, Rebecca Smith, Ashlan Stephens, Dana Tatum, Craig Weir;

Lewisville, Texas – William White;

Livonia – Lexie Amond;

Logansport – Logan Chadwish, Ian Shahan;

Lumberton, Texas – Olivia Harrison;

Madison, Mississippi – Rachel Alston;

Madisonville – Bailey Cartwright, Cassidy Marsh;

Mamou – Logan Reynolds;

Mandeville – Graham Christ, Ainsley Rusca, Joseph Tucker;

Mangham – Austin Coon;

Mansfield – Shaniyah Blaze, Mckayla Courtney, Lamar Montgomery, Valentina Puac;

Mansura – Logan Bordelon, Gabrielle Jacobs;

Many – Haley Broxson, Shiley Cartinez, Shania Collier, Roger Dew, Christopher Ezernack, Kaitlyn Johnson, Lila Laroux, Jada Lee, Shelby Leone, Levi Miller, MaKynli Miller, Masen Starks, Hilary Williams, Olivia Williams, Alaina Wright;

Maringouin – Victoria Cope, Chelsea Favroth, Dylan Lablanc;

Marksville – Caleb Barton, Devontre Francisco, Hunter Hicks, Chelsa Lachney, Mia Rodriguez;

Marrero – Nina Ovalle;

Marshall, Texas – Samuel Bailey, Kelsie Campbell;

Marthaville – Morgan Wyatt;

Maurice – Denae Landry, Brooklyn Orr;

Melissa, Texas – Erika Shotlow;

Merryville – Rebecca Munley;

Metairie – Austin Anderson, Clifford Gordon, Raleigh Lusignan, Daniel Wellmeier;

Milton – Alexander Bourgeois;

Minden – David Adkins, Ashlee Blanks, Jada Franklin, Arianna Gill, Adrianna Maddox, Morgan McCanliss, Madison Smith, Tyliayah Smith;

Monroe – Tyler Bonial, Shamya Mabry, Gabirel Parker, Mary Pleasant, Keshawn Reed, Elizabeth Russell, Sarah Smith, Shemicka Wade;

Montgomery – Justice Gongre, Kemasia Nash, Kieler Soape, Gabrielle Simon;

Montz – Cale Arceneaux;

Morgan City – Kaitlyn Waguespack;

Mount Hermon – Santana-Lin Lewis;

Naples, Texas – Bailey Thomas;

Nassau, Bajamas – Tarajh Hudson, Carnitra Mackey;

Natchez – Reagan Davis, Madison Simms;

Natchitoches – Samantha Austin, Kaylee Baugh, Mariya Bayonne, Da’Keavah Bell, Jordan Bevels, Abigail Bevill, Cameron Bienvenu, Logan Boline, Gracie Borders, Stephani Bradley, Hannah Branam, Sophia Brossett, Vy Bui, Josue Bustillo Aguero, Adriana Chaj Hernandez, Patrick Coffey, Ana Corrales Santos, Starkeia Davis, Laura Dov, Ashley Duffus, Eli Dyjack, Hannah Ferguson, Gabriela Forero Salcedo, Eve Naun Galeas Antunez, Alexx Gibson, Djimon Gumbs, D’Tashawua Harrison, Triniti Hays, Rafael Hernandez Olmeda, Rannon Jett, Robert Jordan, John Killian, Christian Lawson, Grace Lemoine, Logan Lonadier, Destin Lopez, Daryl Martin, Hailey Martin, Lakira Mcgaskey, Maci Messenger, Flynt Nelson, Sebastian Oviedo, Madison Pellegrin, Kenneth Ratliff, Tianna Rock, Lexie Roos, William Shields, Makayla Taylor, Malorie White McCauslin, Mary Williams, Mya Williams, Roland Williams, Calvin Willis, Jalen Wilson, Brian Young;

Naylor, Georgia – Jerome Riley;

New Iberia – Arianna Astorga, Addison Camors, Makynli Delcambre, Amaaz Eugene, Rowena Saensane;

New Llano – Iris McNeely, Dyamond Smith;

New Orleans – Jaeda Barrett, Valerie Hallot, Lynell Washington;

New Roads – Gracie Gunter;

Noble – Rebecca Hardee, Selena Rodriguez;

North Little Rock, Arkansas – Kareame Cotton;

Oak Grove – Alexis Aarons, Abb Chop, Elizabeth Sykes;

Oakdale – Kristen Ardoin;

Oberlin – Linsey Fontenot;

Opelousas – Gabrielle Bellard, Abigayle Guillory, Cole Lafleur, Malaya White;

Oxford, Mississippi – Merrill Overbey, Emily Senatore;

Palm Harbor, Florida – Kennedy Rist;

Palmetto – Erica Janice;

Pearland, Texas – Sabrina Lopez;

Pflugerville, Texas – Evan Wilson;

Phenix City, Alabama – Jessica Ross;

Pierre Part – Gabrielle Jones, Brooks Leonard, Bryce Leonard, Elise Vidrine;

Pineville – Andrew Benoit, Jack Blair, Whitney Brevelle, Tori Charrier, Laurel Dickinson, Zachary Dubroc, Cristy Garcie, Peter Gorham, Emily Hamilton, Hannah Mackey, Curtessa Morrow, Kylee Mott, Alaina Parham, Sterling Player, Ashlyn Saucier, Eva Scallan, Kirstyn Smith, Rilee Smith, Kara Speir, Mallory Speir, Karly Stansell, Kevin Thomas, Brittany Williams;

Pitkin – Shannon Boone, Donald Nolen, Dalton Maricle;

Plaquemine – Christa Berthelot, Deidra Jones, Keidra Young;

Pleasant Hill – Skylie Harris;

Point, Texas – Bailie Ragsdale;

Pollock – Mia Kilpatrick, Cassalyn McCully, Caroline McManus, Lillian Perry;

Ponchatoula – Christina Bardwell, Hannah Davis, Madeline Falgout;

Port Allen – Maleah Smith;

Port Barre – Camrynn Sonnier;

Pottsboro, Texas – Taylor Williams;

Prairieville – Faoth Colligan, A;yssa Toney;

Provencal – Jesse Foshee;

Quitman – Makenna Cates, Aysia Leonard, Bailey Welch;

Quito, Ecuador – Javier Laya Villalonga;

Raceland – Jude Oliva;

Rayville – Abigail Chevalier;

Richmond, Texas – Lathen Buzard;

Ringgold – Jack Stanley, Dakota Weathers;

River Ridge – Cameron Bruno, Adam Carter;

Robeline – Meagan Ammons, Georgia Dowden, Savannah Edwards, Abby Flynn, Jarrett Fulton, Chase Johnston, Sean Mitcham;  

Rotan, Texas – Ryleigh Denton;  

Ruston – Libe Benuelos, Elena Pigg, Sha’Taylor Reed;  

St. Amant – Jaycee Templet;  

St. Francisville – Brycen Kennedy, Jon Sturgeon;  

St. James – Celia Denham;  

St. Martinville – Brianna Mouton;  

St. Petersburg, Florida – Gabriela Marshall;  

Saline – Kiley Hough, Hannah Leggett;  

San Antonio, Texas – Katelyn Chung;  

San Pedro Sula, Honduras – Oscar Andres Carballo Torres, Allison Flores Reyes, Mario Gomez Orellana, Kevin Juarez Lopez, Rafael Melgar Caceres, Manuel Riego Fernandez, Annie Rivera Contreras;  

San Vicente Del Raspeig, Spain – Andrea Fernández García; 

Sarasota, Florida – Julia Pinho Magno;  

Schaumburg, Illinois – Robert Everett; 

Scott – Gavrella Marceaux, Konnor Thibodeaux;  

Shady Shores, Texas – Dawson Marrs;  

Shreveport – ShayAnna Beatty, Mia Belanger, Sharye Belcher, Shepherd Benson, LaShaun Bolden, Jenna Bonnette, Amarriyah Boykins, Joan Catanese-Adams, Natalie Christy, Trelecia Combs, Jillian Duggan, Rhosunda Early, Chanler Everage, Morgan Feliciano, Destiny Ferguson, Kendall Fuller, Gabrielle Green, Precious Harris, Camry Heath, Olivia Horrell, Kierra Jackson, Kathlyn Jensen, Donald Johnston, Haven Jones, William Joyner, Bethany Kendall, Jacqueline Martinez, Caiden Matthews, Aaron Meadows, Christian Meiki, Chandler Milligan, Jewell Molina, Jakaiya Pipkins, Danlee Poole, Alexis Puckett, Gabriel Puckett, Ariel Rhodes, Raelyn Robinson, Anderson Roblow, Ragan Rounds, Nathaniel Sanders, Niya Sims-Houston, Shanae Smith, Stone Smith, Keleigh Stamper, Colin Stevens, Halie Stevenson, Lorien Thomas, Tynia Tilmon, Mia Virgilio, Ava Ward, Amyah Washington, Gailen Watson, Andrew Wesley, Tranya White, Haley Wiggins, Katharine Williams; 

Sikes – Brandi Tolbert;  

Simmesport – Katee Feduccia;  

Singer – Jayna Hamilton;  

Slidell – Valena Rosemond, Khali Sylvester, Jake Trapp, Zachary Wilkinson;  

Spring, Texas – James Starnes;  

Stonewall – Sydney Barnes, Eloise Boudreaux, Christopher Compas, Aly Delafield, Madison Jones, Anessa Morris, Breanna Murphy, Madison Pender, John Sepulvado, Raven Williams, Samantha Wilson;  

Sugar Land, Texas – Justin Dysarz;  

Sulphur – Leslie Israel;  

Sulphur Springs, Texas – Hannah Hughes;  

Tegucigalpa, Honduras – Ronald Zaldaña Sánchez;  

Terrytown – Cortelina Encalada;  

Thibodaux – Corinne Boudreaux, Janie Naccio, Ava Schorr;   

Tickfaw – Daniel Ridgel;  

Tioga – John Liggin;  

Tullos – Bailee Williams;  

Tyler, Texas – Hannah Hubner;  

Urania – Rachael Smith;  

Ville Platte – Ian David, Samuel Marcantel;  

Vivian – Alex Dominick, Gavin Kendrick;  

Waco, Texas – Kasey Neimeier;  

Wahiawa, Hawaii – Kayla Thompson Reynolds;  

Walker – Lane Lusk;  

Washington – Nyah Lynch;  

Waxahachie, Texas – Mckenzie Ryer;  

Welsh – Garren Hebert;  

West Monroe – Darinesha Blanson, Sarah Cobb, Tyler Melna; 

Westwego – Asatiari Moore;  

White Oak, Texas – Olivia Sipes;  

Winnfield – Karly Avant, Richard Bishop, Hayley Duke, Michael Duke, William Glover, Christine Harrel, Ella Price, Emily Shecton, Landon Thompson, Tracey Walker;  

Winnsboro – Zachary Cooper;  

Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico – Jessica Parra Serena;  

Zachary – Charles Heard, Garilyn London, Isabelle Plauche;  

Zwolle – Olivia Crittenden, Madasyn Ebarb, Kelsie Etheridge, Landon Malmay, Taylor Rivers, Alexis Sepulvado;  

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If there’s one debate in bass fishing that has gone on for decades, it’s the age-old question: Does color matter? What we are referring to is the color of the bait you’re throwing when fishing for those elusive largemouth bass. No other topic in the bass fishing world has a difference of opinion more than this topic. Today I’ll give you my perspective that could lean you in either direction.

If you ask any angler with years of experience, some will say, “Yes, color does matter,” while others will say, “No,” that the color of your bait has no bearing on if a bass will eat it. Occasionally, I will agree with the guys who say “no” because there are occasions where bass are on a feeding frenzy, otherwise known as “schooling,” and will bite just about anything you throw at them. But I’ve also seen instances where if you don’t throw something that is very close to the forage (baitfish) they are chasing, and I mean in both size and color, you will not get bit. This rule of “matching the hatch,” so to speak, pretty much applies 90 percent of the time.

Here’s my perspective when it comes to color. I say “yes,” color does matter, if for no other reason than confidence. I know we’ve talked about confidence in the past and there’s nothing more important to an angler than his confidence, whether it’s in a particular color or a select bait. This is always a part of my message when I speak to high school or college anglers. It’s important for young anglers to gain confidence in a particular color because when the fishing is tough, you want to fish with something you have a lot of confidence in.

When it comes to soft plastic baits, color can make a huge difference on whether you catch bass or not. My argument has always been if color is not important, then why do manufacturers make so many for anglers to choose from? Some will say that is because companies are trying to catch anglers and sell lures. That might be true, but they also make so many colors because of the many different types of water clarity we have all across the country, and certain colors are designed to match different types of forage bass feed on.

All I know is this, over my many years of chasing those little green fish we call bass, more times than I can count, I made a color change and suddenly, I started catching bass. Was this a coincidence or was the new color I switched to closer to the forage they were feeding on? Only a bass can truly answer this question of whether color really matters, and until bass learn to speak, the world may never know.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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Northwestern State University announced the names of 583 students who were named on the Spring 2024 Honor List. Students on the Honor List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49.

For questions regarding the Honor Roll, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.  

Abbeville — Jachristany Demouchet, Brooklyn Guerra, Christopher Richard;

Addis — Ashley Thomas;

Alexandria — Lexie Alberes, Sydney Bowie, Skylar Branton, Hannah Brown, Joseph Cain, Emmah Chenevert, Maggie Creamer, Anna DeSelle, Bianca Dixon, LaKeisha Dorsey, Leila Ford, Keontae Gaines, Aniya James, Jacob Kyle, Bre’Asia Lee, Faith Martin, Alyssa Monk, Marina Moorehead, Alivia Piotter, Kailyn Price, Cody Ruiz, Desiree Scott, Reshida Tate, Anthony Ugokwe, Kaylan Washington;

Alvin Texas — Teresa Garza;

Anacoco — Eric Flaherty, Aaron Green, Isabella McCall, Abby Nicholas, Christopher Pajinag, Matthew Pajinag, Hannah Womack;

Angie — Emma Lyons;

Anna Texas — Vicente Cuevas;

Antioch, California — Matthew Broad;

Arcadia — Cameron Jackson;

Argyle, Texas — Reagan Hamm;

Arleta, California — Guadalupe Cedillo Garcia;

Ball — Antionette Byrd, Miguel Flores;

Baton Rouge — Frank Carter, Briana Citizen, Kimberleigh Harris, Gabrielle Marcello, Jessica Pitcher, Quentin Ross, Kristina Wozniak;

Baytown, Texas — Kaden Garcia;

Beaumont, Texas — Omarion White;

Beckville, Texas — Covie Latham;

Belmont — Ian Gentry;

Benton — Cassidy Cloud, Grayson Gates Laci Hedgepeth, Niklaus Jordan, Amber Long, Savannah Mathews, Dean Sullivan, Reagan Weir;

Bethany — Lillian Cain, Jadyn Martin

Blanchard — Zymeria Thomas;

Bossier City — Terrel Broxson, Tamera Burney, Krystin Cassel, Dayton Cockerham, Makayla Cox, Molly Decker, Ashlynn Fiske, Madysen Frybarger, Marcus Glass, Delicia Glover, Layla Havis, Andrew Henry, Collin Hesson, Bryant Holmes, Ante Huynh, Tyler Jewell. Cing Kim, Abigail Lawrence, Keisha Leonhardt, Madisen Martin, Traterrian McCullough, Rontravion Mingo, Joel Mitchell, Jacob Morrison, Imani Moye, Reva Ott, Stacia Raudabaugh, Cayleigh Rice, Taylor Rochelle, Zachary Schoenborn, Quaaronee Smith, Jasqueline Staton, Aleksandra Strobel, Camden Stroughter, Bowen Vardeman, Abigail Whatley, Dunia Zeidan;

Boyce — Jessica Brown, Matthew Delrie, Olivia Melroy, Joseph Racina;

Breaux Bridge — Justice Price;

Broussard — Victoria Landry, Marquisha Plains, Dane Wallace, Marian Weber;

Buenos Aires, Argentina — Sofia Garcia;

Burgess Hill, Gabon — Adam Lindo;

Bush — Madelyn Jenkins;

Cali, Colombia — Maria Alzate Castaneda;

Campti — Jordan Hoppock;

Cartagena, Colombia — David Berrocal Barrios, Ronald Andrés Turizo Bueno;

Chalmette — Donald Mckinnies;

Chandler, Arizona — Rocco Gump;

Cheneyville — Dorcia Gillam;

Church Point — Jacia Charlot;

Cloutierville — Emma Masson, Imari Roque;

Colfax — Kinslee Boren, Emily Futrell, Gracie Smith;

Converse — Logan Carter;

Corinth, Mississippi — Zachary Patterson;

Corinth, Texas — Caroline Hilliard;

Cottonport — Chad Bernard, Desherica Pierite;

Coushatta — Alexia Adams, Chloe Boulas, Laynie Brown, Emily Hodge, Hailey Holley, Reagan Huddleston, Alicia Lewis, William Roberson;

Covington — Madison Calamari, Valerie Henderson, Daniel Sears;

Cypress, Texas — Sydney Rollins,

Dayton, Texas — Angelo Schibetta;

Delhi — MaKeisha Fair, Lyla Monroe;

Denham Springs — Alexandra Nikiforova;

Denton, Texas — Conner Bivins;

DeRidder — Preslie Phelps, Dorissa Tschetter;

Deville — Peyton Fuller, Macy Lejeune, Wyatt Paulk, Hailey Wiggins, Steven Wiggins;

Dresden, Tennessee — Brooklyn Webb;

Dry Prong — Rylee Bolen, Alayna Futch, Alayna Gauthier;

Dubach — Kiley Gatson;

Dubberly — Sarah Parnell;

Dublin, Texas — Coby James;

Edgard — Dominique Lewis;

Elizabeth — Emery Weldon;

Elm Grove — Skylar Bourque, Kaylee Thornton;

Euless, Texas — Jakai Morris;

Eunice — Aubrey Armstrong;

Florien — Laila Garner, MaCayla Herrington, Taylor Jones, Gracie Rutherford, Kagan Sandel;

Flower Mound, Texas — Kennedy Stone;

Forest Hill — Ethan Green, Isabela Rose McBride, Alicia Vargas;

Forney, Texas — Jesse McVicker;

Fort Johnson — Jatwon Burkes, Gabriel Grant, Jade Semernezski, Kathryn Whitesides, Hailey Williams, Tradevin Wilson;

Fort Worth, Texas — Joshua Pierite;

Franklin — Zyeria Anderson, Simone Besse;

Frierson — Elizabeth Bryant, Angelina Lee, Rachel Todd;

Galveston, Texas — Kelsey Bunch;

Geismar — Nicholas Stelly;

Gibsland — Madison Mullens;

Glenmora — Nancy Arias, Atziary Perez;

Gloster — Raven Fields, Hannah Gregg, Caitlyn Seaton;

Godley Texas — Dylan Dunn-Peacock;

Gonzales — KeShaun Bridgewater;

Grand Cane — Nickalas Wadsworth;

Gretna — Jasmyn McClendon, Alaina Pilgrim;

Gulf Shores, Alabama — Carmen Morales;

Hammond — Melissa Cochran, Leah Dominique;

Haughton — Kameron Burns, Quinton Coleman, Morgan Davison, Jacob Dupree, Taylor Eggleton, Kaitlyn Jackson, Nicklaus Lowery, Devin Smith, Kaylee Swart, Lawson Turner;

Haynesville — Cadence Flournoy;

Heflin — Kimberly Squyres;

Hessmer — Tenley-Parrish Bordelon, Ronnessa Green;

Hineston — Maria Juarez-Rubio;

Homer — Crystal Ford, Kemarion Ivory;

Honey Grove, Texas — Benjamin Castro;

Hornbeck — Brayden Corley, Sarah McDaniel, Adam Rhodes;

Houma — Brandi Autin;

Houston, Texas — Korey King;

Iowa — Catherine Armentor, Elizabeth Campbell;

Jamaica — Shakera Williams;

Jeanerette — Ray Johnson;

Jefferson — Spencer Bowden;

Jena — Ashlyn Alexander, Brooke Bergeron;

Jennings — Kenadie Cummings, Piper Dearing;

Joaquin, Texas — Jesus Bravo;

Jones, Oklahoma — Corbin Talley;

Jonesboro — Amber Melton, Zee Odom;

Jonesville — Sophie Cooper;

Katy, Texas — Jordan Gamble;

Keithville — Peytan Collier;

Kemah, Texas — Reaghan Thompson;

Kilgore, Texas — William Shupak;

Kranj, Slovenia — Tjasa Klevisar;

Lacombe — Abbygail Casnave;

Lafayette — Stephanie Barbo, Bianca Dominique, Karii Gautreaux-Gribanov, Shawn Johansen, Angelina Jones, Jennifer Pere, Anthony Richard, Meredith Weathers, Kylan Williams;

Lake Arthur — Blye Daniels;

Lake Charles — Hunter Becton, Caroline Franks, Brayden McKinlay, Katherine Rion;

Lancaster, Texas — Sir Michael Veasley;

Leander, Texas — Adam Alexis;

Lecompte — Isabelle Dunn;

Leesville — Tarina Berry-Hunter, Jenna Best, Dylan Carver, Autumn Clear, Avery Coffman, Chloe Dowden, Emma Durkes, Kylie Fleshman, Cassandra Hill, Jasey Hillman, Camryn Huff, Sophia Huson, Jennifer Kudla, Jennifer Olivieri, Amy Sporer, Madison Strickland, Devonte Tanner, Allison Weatherford, Jasmine Wilson;

Lena — Emily Rachal, McKenzlea Wise;

Little Elm, Texas — Tyron Hall;

Logansport — Jasmine Odom, Zachary Temple;

Longville — Emma Baldwin, Samantha Morris;

Lubbock, Texas — Braden Benton;

Madison, Mississippi — Xavier Davis;

Magnolia, Arkansas — Apiphinee Davis;

Mamou — Anne-Marie Bieber;

Mansfield — Jessie Cobb, Aaliyah Ford, Kemariya Thomas, Amber Youngblood;

Mansura — Tamira Deshautelle, Joy Jackson;

Manteca, California — Valerie Singh;

Many — Alizabeth Boyles, Kaiya Causey, Brooklyn Davis, Lexi Ezernack, Kristen Hammontree, Kheria Leshay, Emma Peace, Presley Pleasant, Erik Sandel, Joseph Yount;

Marksville — Kathryn Lemoine, Braysha Thomas;

Marshall, Texas — Kelton Russell;

Marthaville — Camryn Ford, Abby Powell;

Maurice — Eileen Ashley;

McLouth, Kansas — Olivia Kilgo;

Meadville, Pennsylvania — Carleigh Murphy;

Merryville — Ivy Collins, Haley Harrington;

Metairie — Madison Graf, Amiriea Smith;

Minden — Emma Dauzat, Makenlee McCall;

Monroe — Oscar Brown, Taylor Crain, Yolonda Gayden, Taylan McConnell, Taylar Mcconnell, Joella Page, Shrondrick Schiele;

Monterey — Tanner Burley;

Montgomery — Ashlyn James;

Moreauville — Rylee Adams, Sara Kimble;

Morse — Micah Trahan;

Nacogdoches, Texas — Valeria Almendarez;

Natalbany — Ronnia Cain;

Natchez — Devin Blake;

Natchitoches — Justin Aaron, Erica Babers, Arkeylius Brooks, Caleb Bunch, Ayden Butler, Jesus Calderon Pena, Alexandra Ciaccio, Kaniesha Evans, Phillip Evans, Crystal Fox, Joseph Gomez Martinez, Diamante Gumbs, Madison Hicks, Ella Hollier, Andrea Hudson, Justice Hunter, Kanika Irchirl, David Johnson, Cristal Jones, Jayveon Jones, TaKerria Kahey, Shakera Kirk, Justin Lee, Angel Maradiaga, Josephine Martinez, Noah Martinez, Elizabeth Maynard, Jennifer McKinney, Kyleb Mcmahon, Brittney Menard, William Morrison, Hyrianah Phillips, Madison Raymond, Jarell Remo, Brendan Ritter, Arionna Shelton, Carrington Solomon,Elaina Sonnier, Na’Riaya Sowell, Madelyn Spillman, Bayli Stoker, Madison Stuckey, Taylor Wagner, Charity Wamber, Brian White, Seth Wimberly, Alyrica Winder;

New Iberia — Amilee Parks;

New Llano — Angel Sanchez, Cameron Smith;

New Orleans — Taja Bolds, Cecelia Cousins;

Norco — Grace Pareti;

Oakdale — Taylor Charles, Alyssa Stanley;

Oberlin — Danielle Fontenot, Kellon McCleon, Amariah Mcmahon;

Opelousas — Morgan Heinzen, Hailey Hill, Marissa Howard, Chimani Murphy, Daijah Murphy, Daija Ware, Bailey Willis;

Palmetto — Daniya Rideau;

Parks — Landon Kately;

Pass Christian, Mississippi — Bryce Johnson;

Patterson — Savanna Richard;

Pekin, Illinois — Lauren Janssen;

Pineville — Jeannette Bentancourt, Korey Brossett, Amanda Coleman, Kaylee Cotton, Gabriel Ducote, Angel Hernandez, Taylor Kubes, Reagan Lewis, Jack Martin,  Jalen McQueen, Gracie Nugent, Raegan Prestridge, Aimee Sefcik, Jordan Sensat, Tyler Trahan, Katarina Transier-VanGossen;

Pitkin — Shelby Deason, Alexis Thetford, Caitlin Thetford;

Plainsboro, New Jersey — Jordan Brown;

Plaquemine — Hallie Doiron;

Pleasant Hill — Ty Russell;

Pollock — April Foster, Carley Pasche;

Port Arthur, Texas — Sanaria Butler;

Port Barre — Simone Guillory;

Port Bolivar, Texas — Harlie Purcell;

Prairieville — Ty Robin;

Princeton — Camryn Bowman, Natalia Olvera, Montana Powell;

Provencal — Morgan Maley, Mckenna Rowe;

Raceland — Hunter Brown;

Raleigh, North Carolina — Chase Johnson;

Rayne — Blair Gesch;

Rayville — Addison Jackson;

Reserve — Kallie Bourgeois;

Ringgold — Kaylee Cook;

River Ridge — Liam Cohen, Julia Kuchler;

Robeline — Andrew Austin, Nikolas Broadway, Kristin Bull, Tyler French, Christopher Paligo, Kilee Pickett, George Prince;

Rosepine — Brooke Didelot, Ava Manuel;

Rosharon, Texas — Deja Benjamin;

Ruston — Hope Alexander, Faith Miller;

St. Francisville — Brooke Straight;

St. Martinville — Juliana Delahoussaye;

St. Rose — Brooke Jones;

Saline — Racel Quintana;

San Pedro Sula, Honduras — Victoria Gomez Borjas, José Villeda;

Santa Rita, Guam — Megan Franchino;

Shreveport — Madison Adams, Christopher Allen, Chloe Anderson, Andrew Barnhill, I’yonna Berryman, Lyndsay Brown, Truc Vy Bui, Chelsea Calup, Jacob Cheramie, Jalin Colvin, Jaida Deal, Joscelin Douglas, Ariel Ellison, Hannah Fentress, Nicholas Fertitta, Colby Garrard, Alyssa Gordon, Sarah Green, Shaquoyia Hargrove, Kayla Harris, Julia Jenkins, Euneka Johnson, Valerie Langley, Madeline Lawhon, Andria Mason, Samuel McCray, Maria McIntyre, Hailey Mcknight, Noah Melvin, Katherine Odom,Thomas Perryman, Keith Procell, Emily Randall, Katherine Randolph, Labriska Rasco, Zariah Ray, Imari Robinson, Jiobahn Scott, Jillian Sexton, Jewel Smith, Christopher Spates, Asia Starks, Sadie Sutton DaKayla Thomas, Raven VanBuskirk, Colbi Washington, Charity Wesley, Kacy Young;

Silsbee, Texas — Braelon Bush;

Simsboro — Payton Netherland;

Singer — Ashley Wilson;

Slidell — Allie Barnhill;

Sorrento — Savannah Struppeck;

Springhill — Elicia Palmer;

Stonewall — Avery Ajlani, William Bates, Lily Carney, Hunter Hanson, Brianna Jacobsen, Courtney Johnson, Hayden Procell;

Sulphur — Gracie Ancelet, Hope Bourgeois, Haleigh Miller, Avery Myers, Isabella Ramirez, Elizabeth Tremie, Clayton Wallace;

Sunset — Kim Williams;

Taft, California — Ashley Prieto;

Tampa, Florida — Tavis Wilson;

Tegucigalpa, Honduras — Fernanda Morales;

Texarkana, Texas — Eyan Robinson;

Thibodaux — Cashona Brewster, Isabella Scamardo, Layton Zeringue;

Tontitown, Arkansas — Samuel Stephenson;

Trout — Mason Pittman;

Vidalia, Georgia — Jacob Holloway;

Villamaria, Colombia — Santiago Sanchez;

Ville Platte –Tavon Anderson, Caitlin Jack, Matthew Serice, Aliyah Soileau;

Vivian — Madison Cook;

Warren, Michigan — Samari Finney;

West Monroe — James Brian, Megan Marsh, Jarrett Thomisee;

Winnfield — Maggie Bruce, Aanaiya Herbert, Lucas Homan, Victoria Hubbard, Carolyn Lard, Kelli Leeper, Jordan Patterson, John Spikes;

Woodworth — Lluvia Guillot, Jonathan Magnano;

Zachary — Noble Broussard, LaShondra Brown, Alexis Callihan, Devin Naqvi,

Zwolle — Zachariah Carroll, Collyn Crow, Hannah Esthay, Christopher Faircloth, Kamron Parrie

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(SHREVEPORT, Louisiana) – A group of volunteers at CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center is going above and beyond to help patients and anyone entering the hospital in need of assistance. They are the Pink Ladies.

Whether it’s bringing a patient a cup of coffee, helping someone find their way around the hospital or providing a comfy pillow for chemo patients, the volunteers work tirelessly to help brighten someone’s day. And they are easily recognized by the pink vests they wear.

“Our volunteers support our ministry in many ways and in various departments,” said Paige Cox, manager of Cara Center, Child Life and Volunteer Services with CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System. “They are often the first warm face you encounter to assist as you navigate your hospital visit.”

Paige said volunteers also help support special programming, such as milkshake days and pet therapy, in the Cancer Treatment Center.

“Other areas of volunteering are offered in our pharmacy, Breast Center and Kids Clinic, to name a few,” she said.

Volunteer Lynn Lee has been a Pink Lady for five years.

Sitting at her desk, Lee said she mostly gives directions to people needing to find their way around the hospital.

“People come in and they have no idea how to get to where they’re going,” she said. “We smile, be as nice as we can and try to assist in any way.”

About 50 to 60 volunteers make up the Pink Ladies, most of whom are retired, Lee said. There are currently several male volunteers, but they are simply referred to as volunteers.

Volunteer Mary Camden is a retired teacher.

“I taught for 35 years, so I was trying to think of something to do after retiring,” she said. “It took me a year. In the back of my mind, I was thinking about the Cancer Treatment Center. So, in January, I decided I was ready.”

Volunteers can be found in different areas of the hospital, in the Cancer Treatment Center and at the Breast Care Center, Camden said.

“In the cancer center, we greet the patients and take them back for their exams and we also check all the supplies,” said Camden, a breast cancer survivor. “We make sure all the snacks are replenished.”

Camden also helps put together care bags.

“When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, they receive a care package,” she said. “We give them some things that will help them along their journey.”

The Pink Ladies can also be found in the gift shop.

“We refill the supplies and help people with checking out,” Lee said. “We go in and we fill the shelves and assist the person who works there.”

The volunteers also receive donations from church groups and other organizations.

“We have a church that makes these pillows and we put them in baskets out in the waiting room,” Camden said. “We also take them around sometimes to ask patients if they need a pillow while they’re doing treatment. They can put them behind their neck or behind their back.”

Camden’s breast cancer diagnosis is what eventually led her to volunteer with Pink Ladies.

“The people who were Pink Ladies were so compassionate and when you’re going through something difficult and even when you’re just going for a mammogram, for somebody to greet you with a smile makes a difference,” she said.

Lee’s reason for volunteering was because she wanted to give back.

“I prayed about it and I asked God to find me a way to give back. This came up and it was like an answer to prayer,” she said. “But I get the blessing more than being able to bless other people because we have some of the sweetest, most kind people that come in, especially to the cancer center.”

Camden added, “When they look at you and you can make them smile, you think, ‘OK, I brought a little happiness to their life.’”

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Bertie is a historical figure who is often overlooked or discounted as a failure, but was he?  Bertie was born in Iowa in 1874.  His father, Jesse, owned a farm implement store.  His mother’s name was Hulda.  He had an older brother and eventually, a younger sister.  In 1880, Bertie’s father died from a sudden heart attack at the young age of 34.  Four years later, his mother died from Typhoid fever.  Ten-year-old Bertie and his two siblings were orphans.  In 1885, Bertie and his siblings went to Newberg, Oregon, to live with their uncle, a businessman named John Minthorn.  Uncle John managed a real estate office called the Oregon Land Company.  Bertie dropped out of school at the age of 13 to work in Uncle John’s land company. 

In 1891, Bertie enrolled in the first class of the brand new Stanford University.  He initially studied mechanical engineering but changed his major to geology after working with Dr. John Casper Branner, the chairman of Stanford’s geology department.  In 1894, a strong-minded 20-year-old woman named Lou Henry attended a geology lecture by Dr. Branner and was hooked.  Shortly thereafter, she enrolled at Stanford.  There, she met Bertie and the two became inseparable.  A year after her graduation, Bertie and Lou married.  Soon thereafter, Bertie accepted a position as leading engineer in a private Chinese engineering and mining company.  The newlyweds packed their meager belongings and moved to Tientsin, China. 

At the time, tensions were rising in China.  In June 1900, the Boxer Rebellion erupted in Tientsin.  The Boxer Rebellion was an anti-foreign, anti-imperialist, and anti-Christian uprising in North China between 1899 and 1901 by the Society of Righteous and Harmonious Fists, known as the “Boxers” in English due to many of its members having practiced Chinese martial arts, which at the time were referred to as “Chinese boxing.”  For almost a month, Tientsin was under heavy fire. While Lou worked in the hospitals, Bertie directed the building of barricades.  On July 14, 1901, a multi-national military force defeated the “boxers” in the Battle of Tientsin. 

After the rebellion, Bertie and Lou moved to London where Bertie specialized in fixing failing mining companies.  Rather than being paid a salary, Bertie took a percentage of the profits if he was able to rejuvenate the companies.  Within a short time, Bertie had investments in mines on every continent and had offices in several countries.  His talents as a geologist quickly made him wealthy.  By 1914, Bertie’s wealth reached approximately $4 million.  That would be over $125 million in today’s money. 

Bertie wrote the book on mining.  Seriously.  In 1909, he published a book called “Principles of Mining” which became a standard textbook for geologists.  Bertie and Lou were huge fans of Georgius Agricola’s 16^th century work on mining and metallurgy called “De re Metallica.”  In 1912, they published the first English translation of “De re Metallica.”  At about the same time, Bertie joined the board of trustees at his alma mater, Stanford.  Bertie was happy with the trajectory of his life.  He had a loving wife and two wonderful children.  Then something happened which forever changed his life’s trajectory. 

In 1914, Germany declared war on France.  The American Consul General asked for Bertie’s help in getting stranded American tourists back home.  With the backing of Congress and President Woodrow Wilson, Bertie was selected as the committee’s chairman.  He acted immediately.  Within two weeks, his committee helped more 100,000 Americans return to the United States.  Bertie said later, “I did not realize it at the moment, but on August 3, 1914, my career was over forever.  I was on the slippery road of public life.”

In August 1914, Germany invaded Belgium, which created a food crisis.  Germany refused to take responsibility to feed citizens in captured territory.  At this point, the United States declared neutrality in what was the early part of World War I.  Something had to be done.  With the cooperation of President Wilson’s administration, Bertie led a Belgian relief organization called the Commission for Relief in Belgium.  Bertie made 40 trips to meet with German authorities in the North Sea and persuaded them to allow food shipments.  Under Bertie’s leadership, the commission delivered millions of tons of foodstuffs to Belgium.  In 1915, the commission expanded and delivered supplies to people in the German-occupied Northern France.  American diplomat Walter Page said Bertie was “probably the only man living who has privately negotiated understandings with the British, French, German, Dutch, and Belgian governments.”  Remember, Bertie held no political office.

When the United States entered World War I, President Wilson remembered how well Bertie had handled the Commission for Relief in Belgium and France and appointed him to head the U.S. Food Administration.  Bertie’s herculean task was to manage the country’s food supplies during the war.  To avoid rationing, which other wartime countries were forced to undertake, Bertie established set days for people to avoid eating certain foods including the cleverly named meatless Mondays and wheatless Wednesdays.  The plan worked and allowed the Food Administration to send foodstuffs to allies of the United States.  Bertie was referred to as an expert administrator for his work.

After the war, Europe still faced food shortages.  The Food Administration, whose name changed to the American Relief Administration, provided food to central and eastern Europe.  Bertie also founded the European Children’s Fund to provide food and aid to some fifteen million children from 14 countries.  Despite his request that he not be named in publicity for the food program, Bertie’s selfless work during the war made him a public hero.  His abilities were also praised when he worked as Secretary of Commerce under presidents Warren G. Harding and Calvin “Silent Cal” Coolidge.  Despite going from being an orphan to a multimillionaire, personally negotiating with leaders of warring nations to provide aid which potentially saved the lives of millions of people in multiple countries, Bertie is often considered a failure.  How is this possible?  When the stock market crashed in the fall of 1929 followed shortly thereafter by the Great Depression, Bertie was the president of the United States.  Bertie was the family nickname for Herbert Hoover.

Sources:

1.     “Herbert Hoover,” The White House, https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/herbert-hoover/.

2.     The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, https://hoover.archives.gov/.

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(SHREVEPORT, Louisiana) – May is National Stroke Awareness Month and CHRISTUS Health encourages people to know the signs of a stroke, which affects nearly 800,000 Americans each year.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds and someone dies of a stroke every three minutes.

Gloria Cole, an admission clerk in the radiology department at CHRISTUS Highland Medical Center, was at work when she had a stroke in February.

“I came in that morning and I was feeling fine,” Cole said. “I went to lunch at 12, still feeling fine. And then, between 1 and 1:30, it happened.”

Cole returned from lunch and was attempting to enter her password on her computer.

“The screen kind of went funny and I got agitated,” she said. “I told my co-worker, ‘I’ve got to go home, something is wrong.’”

That’s when Cole’s supervisor was made aware of what was happening.

“He came around and asked me a few questions and I couldn’t even get my words out,” she said. “I know what I was wanting to say but it wouldn’t come out. “So, he went and got a wheelchair and wheeled me around to the ER and they got me in there right away.”

While in the ER, a quick assessment was made and the Code Stroke protocol was activated. It was determined Cole was having an acute stroke and was given the clot buster drug, TPA.

The drug works by dissolving blood clots that block blood flow to the brain, restoring the flow to the regions affected by a stroke and limiting the risk of damage and functional impairment.

“While I was in Cardiac Intensive Care, my heart rate went up to like 180,” Cole said. “They gave me some medicine through an IV that they thought would bring my heart rate down, but it didn’t.”

Cole was given another medication that did lower her heart rate. She was hospitalized for a few days.

“I’ve never experienced anything like that before and I hope I never do again,” Cole said. “My sister is a nurse and she told me if I had been at home, it would have been much worse.”

Experts said every minute counts when it comes to a stroke, so spotting the signs is crucial.

The easiest way to recognize stroke symptoms is the acronym: BE FAST.

B: Balance – Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
E: Eyes – Is there sudden blurred or double vision?
F: Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
A: Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S: Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
T: Time – If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately, as time is very important.

Experts said high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and diabetes are some of the leading causes of stroke.

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If you’ve ever been interested in getting involved with the Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (ages 18-35) now is your chance. There will be a District 1 (includes Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, DeSoto, Red River, Bienville and Sabine Parishes) informational meeting on June 1 at the RB4 Event Center, 791 Nash Road, Logansport. There will be speakers discussing farm related topics. A meal will be provided. Contact Josh Gooden at 318.518.2745 for more information.

Bailey’s Sandwich Shop will celebrate their new location with a Grand Opening Celebration on Tuesday, June 4. Rick Rowe will kick things off live that morning beginning at 5am. Everyone is invited to join in the celebration.

Red River Parish Helping Hands along with the LSU AgCenter is hosting a nutritional program aimed to increase fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity, promoting healthier habits and preventing diet-related disease. Classes will be held the 2nd Thursday of the month at 1pm at the Red River Extension Office, 1919 Alonzo Street in Coushatta. All ages are welcome. (Classes will be June 13, July 11, August 8 and September 12.)

Castor High School is hosting Little Tiger Basketball Camp July 22-24. Students entering grades 1-5 are invited to register. Students in grades 1-3 attend from 8-11am and grades 4-5 from 12:30-3:30PM. Registration is $75 per camper which includes a shirt, ball and certificate. Contact Coach Hester at jon.hester@bpsb.us or Coach Longino at steven.longino@bpsb.us. Register here

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Casey Thomas
October 22, 1986 – May 23, 2024
Service: Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 11am at St. Paul B.C. – Coushatta

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Record 7,000+ educators become students this week in New Orleans for three days of professional learning in preparation for next school year

(NEW ORLEANS, LA) – The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) is bringing together over 7,000 educators to help the state move to its next level of academic success. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley kicked off this week’s Teacher Leader Summit during an opening session this morning that included the live announcement of the Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year finalists. This year’s event set an LDOE record for registered attendees. The 2024 Teacher Leader Summit is May 28-30 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

“This week’s record attendance is proof of the excitement around where Louisiana education is headed,” said Dr. Brumley. “Our educators understand the importance of this moment for Louisiana students and are already focused on how they can improve for next school year.”

Dr. Brumley and Zearn Co-Founder and CEO Shalinee Sharma headlined the opening session with a conversation on why every kid is a math kid and how Louisiana is seeing academic progress with its approach to math instruction. Sharma is one of the world’s top experts on math learning.

Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year Finalists

Nine teachers and nine principals were named Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year finalists live during the opening ceremony today. These 18 educators represent school systems across the state. The announcement was made by current Louisiana Teacher of the Year Kylie Altier and Louisiana Principal of the Year Tia Trahan.

“Each of these outstanding teachers and principals bring value to their profession,” said Dr. Brumley. “I want to congratulate them on this immense honor and look forward to celebrating all of our excellent educators this summer.”

2025 Louisiana Teacher of the Year Finalists

• Acadia Parish: Elise Boutin
• Bossier Parish: Christopher Kourvelas
• Calcasieu Parish: Dr. Suresh Chiruguru
• Claiborne Parish: Hannah Sanders
• Collegiate Academies: Nora McGann
• Evangeline Parish: Jessica Marie-Capseta
• Lafayette Parish: J. Joy Stalnaker
• Ouachita Parish: Jennifer Callender
• St. Charles Parish: Annette Blanchard

2025 Louisiana Principal of the Year Finalists

• Beauregard Parish: S. Chad Schulz
• Calcasieu Parish: Dr. Shonna Anderson
• Central Community School District: Brandon LaGroue
• DeSoto Parish: Amanda LaFollette
• FirstLine Schools: Glenda Welch Baylis
• Iberville Parish: Dr. Amanda Austin
• Lafourche Parish: Dr. Decina Rodriguez
• Red River Parish: Michael Beck
• Vernon Parish: Jennifer Wilbanks

Overall honorees will be announced and all finalists and semifinalists will be honored at the 18th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be held at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on the evening of July 27. This exciting event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.

Teacher Leader Summit is the LDOE’s annual professional learning conference. Educators from across the state start the summer by preparing for next school year. Teachers, school leaders, and system leaders participate in workshops centered on Louisiana’s back to the basics approach to education.

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The small Concordia Parish village of Ferriday has received national if not worldwide acclaim for three reasons. Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley and Jimmy Swaggart. Three cousins, who grew up in Ferriday would become known across the globe for Lewis’ and Gilley’s piano-pounding music and Swaggart’s preaching.

Seven miles up the road from Ferriday, the Franklin Parish hamlet of Gilbert has produced another notable figure who’s behind the scenes work with his video camera has made his name known throughout the outdoors industry. He is John L. Brown, Jr. who for some 20 years worked as videographer for the National Wild Turkey Federation, eventually being named Executive Producer.

For more than two decades, his expertise with the camera put him in close quarters with every well-known name in the outdoors industry.

Brown has now retired and has moved back home to his north Louisiana roots. He finally had time to put together a wonderful hard cover book, “Gathering Light” that covers his life from growing up along the Tensas Basin to his years of loading up and packing his camera gear to film hunts with the most notable outdoors personalities across the country.

“Gathering Light” begins as Brown, a youngster, watched and lamented over the destruction of the thousands of acres of prime hardwoods in his beloved Tensas Delta being brought to the ground and burned. The reason for this horrific destruction had to do with the fact that the fertile land along the Tensas could grow soy beans, a crop seen at the time as more valuable than oak trees. Soy beans could grow back every year while you could just about forget about ever replacing the hardwoods.

At the age of 24, Brown and his roommate, Rex Moncrief were working at a lumber yard when an earlier chance encounter with the promotions director of a local NBC affiliate led to an escape from loading lumber for customers. Brown and Moncrief pitched the idea of producing a local outdoor program for the station. Long story short, their program, “The Outdoor News” was born and enjoyed success for several years.

From “The Outdoor News” came the opportunity to do free-lance work for companies such as Knight and Hale, Primos and others.

“Gathering Light” covers Brown’s eventual expertise with his video camera to capturing the attention of other companies. He was slowly but steadily climbing the ladder to his eventual landing a plum of a job with the National Wild Turkey Federation, a position he held for some 20 years until an unceremonious release from the organization.

One thing that led to his success probably more than anything else was imparted to him by well-known outdoors video producer, Ron Jolly, a fellow Louisianian.

“John”, Jolly told him, “there are two things that I’ll tell you about this business that are absolutes regarding the job. One, you must be an eternal optimist. You must believe that without a doubt that the buck you’re hunting is about to walk past your stand, or that the next yelp will elicit a gobbler. Number two, you must enjoy seeing others succeed.”

Brown writes that as time passed, he understood what Jolly was saying as he saw the failure of others who couldn’t derive satisfaction seeing someone else pull the trigger.

Personally, I finished my copy of “Gathering Light” in one sitting. It brought back memories of the times I was privileged to visit with John over the years and as an outdoors writer, my association with so many he writes about. If you have any interest at all in the outdoors, it’s a book you’ll thoroughly enjoy.

“Gathering Light” is available at Amazon.com. For an inscribed copy of the book, which sells for $25, contact Brown at 486 Marion Sims Rd., W. Monroe, LA 71292.

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SHREVEPORT, LA — Giving blood stacks up at LifeShare Blood Center! Donors will receive a coupon for a free buttermilk shortstack from IHOP when they donate with LifeShare.

“Summer is a historically difficult time for blood collections,” says Mandi Johnson, Director of Community Engagement. “LifeShare supplies blood and blood products to over 100 local hospitals. It is crucial that we maintain a steady inventory throughout the summer months to help our local patients.”

LifeShare is honored to partner with IHOP who generously donated gift certificates for donors to kick off the summer!

Donors who give in-center or on mobile drives Wednesday, May 29th through Sunday, June 9th are eligible. Appointments are encouraged, but not required. To schedule a donation appointment, visit: http://www.lifeshare.org/give.

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By Doug De Graffenried

I have never successfully answered the “why” question. There are times in a relationship when one will ask the other one, “Why did you hang the picture in that particular place?” “Why did you eat the last of the Blue Bell ice cream?” “Why did you mow the lawn as you did?” I think I have failed in answering those questions. It is because the answer to the question moved behind the realm of action into the realm of motivation. How many of us have the emotional intelligence to authentically answer a motivational question? Why did you blow up at the nice person in the restaurant, when they didn’t melt the cheese on your cheeseburger?

I had an unanswerable “why” question this weekend. The dogs escaped the yard. When our dogs get out of the yard, they jet. Rolo is part Beagle and the sniffer in him takes over and he has to run each scent in the neighborhood. I know that if anything happens to Rolo, I will be in the eternal doghouse. He got out by opening a gate. No kidding, one of the dogs opened a gate. I don’t know how, and they are not confessing.

Why were the dogs in that part of the yard? That part of the yard is gated off on four sides, because my greenhouse is in that part of the yard. I was working in the greenhouse and the dogs were with me. I don’t know what motivated the dogs to be with me. I can’t explain canine motivation. I took a break and went inside; the dogs decided to execute an escape plan. The dogs did return, exhausted. I was released from the doghouse. However, the why questions continued. I know I am frustrating because I have never answered a why question, well.

The same in my professional life. Yes, I am called to this ministry. Yes, I read and study scripture daily. Yes, I talk to God several times a day. Even in ministry, I’m not good with the “why” question. “Why did this happen to me?” “Why am I sick?” “Why is my life falling apart?” I have been doing the preacher thing for forty-eight years. Here is how I now answer the “why” question. The answer to the “why” question is the purview of management, I’m only in customer service.

That is not where the conversation stops, although I have never been able to answer “why” question, I do have some insights about the better question; “how.” How do I move forward given my life circumstances How do I trust in Jesus in the middle of this storm? How do I put one foot in front of the other so I can take the next step? The question for all of us is….

How?

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RUSTON, LA – The “total Louisiana Tech graduates” tally climbed to 114,892 on Saturday when 1,076 new Tech alumni and their friends and families gathered in the Thomas Assembly Center for two full-length ceremonies to cap off the academic year.

The keynote speaker for both the morning and afternoon ceremonies was Frank Bright, a Class of ’65 chemical engineering graduate and four-year letterman in Tech track and cross country. Bright has run over 20 Boston Marathons (placing fourth and fifth respectively in his 80+ age group the past two races), hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back this month, and logged more than 62,200 miles collectively since 1979, the year he started tracking his running in a journal.

He made sure to give his address a structure and tone apt for such a disciplined individual and focused on making three main points to the graduates in attendance:

“Follow your bliss.”
“Stay physically fit.”
“Life isn’t fair.”

He followed each piece of advice with anecdotes from his life, from stories of pursuing his passions throughout law school to taking care of his health into his eighties.

Bright hammered home his advice with some audience participation, encouraging the crowd to repeat his key points back to him, and he repeatedly advised students to keep a journal as he had, calling the suggestion “point 2.5” of his main ideas.

“I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to speak to you today,” said Bright at the end of his address. “Congratulations and best wishes in your future endeavors.”

The ceremonies were the first in-person commencement experiences for most of the graduates in attendance; COVID forced many 2020 high school graduations to take place virtually.

Tech President Jim Henderson pointed out that this was a special occasion for the students, and each ceremony was punctuated with an energetic touch as the arena lights flashed red and blue and streamers rained down on the celebrating crowd. Maybe more than any commencement prior—or any to follow—this will be one to remember for Louisiana Tech’s Class of 2024.

Photo Galleries

College of Applied and Natural Sciences, College of Business, and College of Education and Human Sciences Ceremony Photo Gallery: https://latech.smugmug.com/Events/Commencement/Spring-Commencement-AM

College of Engineering and Science, College of Liberal Arts Ceremony Photo Gallery: https://latech.smugmug.com/Events/Commencement/Spring-Commencement-PM

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SHREVEPORT – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development advises motorists that beginning on Monday, June 3, 2024, intermittent nighttime lane closures will going into place on I-20 eastbound and westbound in Shreveport, Caddo Parish.

These lane closures are necessary to allow the contractor for the I-20 rehabilitation project to begin numerous concrete pavement repairs to areas located outside the current major reconstruction zone.

Lane closures will take place from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on weekdays, and 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. on weekends. At least one lane of traffic will be maintained at all times.

The first area to be addressed will be between Pines Road and Monkhouse Drive, with this phase anticipated to last approximately two months, weather permitting. Additional information will be issued as the contractor progresses to future sections.

Work includes repairing damaged sections of roadway down to the base, as well as pouring new concrete panels in order to improve the driving surface and travel experience.

Click here to read more about the project, and access additional resources and information.

Restrictions/Permits: N/A

Alternate Route: N/A

This work will be performed WEATHER PERMITTING.

Safety reminder:

DOTD appreciates your patience and reminds you to please drive with caution through the construction site and be on the lookout for work crews and their equipment.

Area residents should exercise caution when driving, walking, or biking near an active construction zone.

Additional information:

Call 511, visit www.511la.org, or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app for additional information. Out-of-state travelers may call 1-888-ROAD-511 (1-888-762-3511). Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website at www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MyDOTD, or by visiting the DOTD Facebook and Twitter pages.

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A look in the rearview mirror at Louisiana Tech’s 2024 baseball season (so far) from someone who’s been there … 

(Editor’s Note: Odd circumstances put me on the road with the team and, despite that, the guys ended up winning Conference USA’s regular season title and survived a metaphorical fistfight to finish runner-up in the conference tournament last week. They bring a 45-15 record and want-to into Friday’s 7 p.m. scrap against Kansas State, 32-24, in the Fayetteville Regional.)

Tech’s 12-0 start included its first road game of the year, a 20 hits, 13 runs whupping of McNeese in Lake Charles in cold weather, and by “cold” we mean 47-below 0. With a wind blowing in from left. It was so cold I saw a lawyer with his hands in his own pockets.

The final part of trip was a championship at the three-day Battle at the Ballpark in Sugar Land, Texas, which was a semi-synopsis of the whole season, minus the losses. 

• Tech beat Army, 4-0, scoring all the game’s runs in the eighth, the final pair on a homer by centerfielder Cole McConnell, who at that point in Tech’s 9-0 season had 4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 homers, 3 walks, 2 strikeouts — and 0 singles.
• Beat pain-in-the-ass Creighton, 12-0. Creighton’s voice carries, put it that way. The walk-off blow — a three-run, line-drive tater by Ethan Bates.
• Beat Air Force, 8-5, after trailing 5-0.
• Tech’s Bates was the DH and Reliever and MVP on the All-Tournament team — and was last week named the 2024 Most Outstanding Player in CUSA.
• (Army and Air Force will play in Regionals this weekend. Creighton, which went a loud 2-1 in Sugar Land, not so much. All quiet on the midwestern front.)

On the bus trip home, we started losing power near Grambling, regained it, limped off Interstate 20 and onto Tech Drive, and crawled to a stop at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson in the middle of the night. Without anyone knowing it, we’d just experienced the season in mini-form: some blowouts, some tight wins, and some flats that almost made you pull over.

And it was only the first week of March.

In Miami for three games, three guys went for separate walks and were attacked by the same bird on the same morning, a Hitchcockian affair we all witnessed on the team bus to the game that afternoon when the same bird at the same spot attacked some unsuspecting sap. Major laughs. And sadly, the highlight of the 1-2 trip.

There was the hotel where you had to turn in a Magic Ticket for breakfast, and the hotel in Arizona that was probably nice — 40 years ago. Someone was always misplacing a wallet or phone. Someone was always looking for a bottle of water.

There were enough 7 a.m. bus rides to make you feel you were in third grade again. These early-morning taxis were due mainly to early flights. One plane trip a season is about it for mid-majors; Tech had four. Miami. Arizona. New Mexico. Virginia. Flying a college baseball team commercial is like turning around a battleship. In molasses. In wintertime. (Or in Lake Charles in late February.)

Commercial air travel with college baseball is a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey affair, a circus without the elephants and straw. If you come home with almost as many people and almost as much equipment as you left with, it’s considered a very successful trip.

As any team will tell you, the non-baseball parts are common. The baseball parts are different. That’s why lots of teams aren’t playing this weekend, and 64, like Tech, are. They’ve been good at the baseball parts. 

A lot of those 45 wins and the positive reaction to a couple of particularly hard-knocks losses has been because of how this team of Dogs has gotten along, adjusted and adapted during the non-baseball parts. Doubleheaders and time changes and Saturday and Sunday pre-noon games. 

Life asks you to adapt, just as you would to a new arm out of the pen or an error or a bad hop — or a kamikaze bird or late plane or lost luggage. We adjust or we don’t.

It’s a group of teammates who look forward to getting to the ballpark. When they get there again this weekend — and they will, somehow, some way, to baseball-friendly Baum-Walker Stadium in Fayetteville — the baseball parts should be fun to watch. For sure, they’ve earned their way.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu

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Opportunity available:  Account Executive

Areas include: Natchitoches, Sabine, DeSoto and Red River Parishes.

Qualifications:  Self-motivated, willing to learn, reliable transportation.  Training provided.

Income: Based on 25% sales commissions plus mileage.  Paid Weekly!

If you want to work your own schedule, set your own hours, build a lifetime income and Fridays off, then this is the opportunity for you!

Send resume to:  P. O. Box 2611, Natchitoches, LA 71457

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Red River 4-H will host Fun Fridays in June. Contact the office for more information and to sign up 932.4243.

May 2024 marks 35 years of Fausto’s being family owned and operated. Congrats on this milestone!

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