Kimberly Ann Little
July 8, 1977 – May 12, 2024
Service: Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 10:30am at Pleasant Grove Cemetery – Ringgold
George “Bo” Walter Nugent, Jr.
February 25, 1968 – May 10, 2024
Service: Friday, May 17, 2024 at 10am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel – Coushatta
The Red River Council on Aging, 1824 Front Street, will host a Community Health Fair Thursday, May 16 from 8:30am-12pm.
The following vendors are participating:
Home Health, Resource Center, CHRISTUS Coushatta, Medical Technology, Rehab Centers, Hospice, LaChip, Acadian On Call, and Blood Sugar Checks.
CHRISTUS Coushatta Healthcare will provide the following services for a nominal fee:
Come by and get your blood pressure, weight, height, and blood sugar checked.
Door Prizes will also be given away.
The next meeting of the Red River Parish School Board will be Monday, May 13, 2024 at 4:30pm in the Red River Parish School Board Administration Building, 100 Bulldog Drive, Coushatta.
MEETINGS WILL RUN CONSECUTIVELY
A. Finance Committee – Cleve Miller, Chairperson
1. To approve payment of bills
2. To receive Monthly Report for all Major Funds from Mr. David Jones, Business Manager
BOARD MEETING
1. Open
Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance & Mission Statement led by Ms. Susan Taylor
Mission Statement: “Red River Parish Schools Provide Excellent Education:
Every Child, Every Day, Whatever It Takes!
2. Approval of Agenda for May 13, 2024
3. Approve Minutes of April 11, and May 1, 2024
4. Superintendent’s Highlights
5. To nominate Board Member for the Discipline Review Committee FY 2024-25
6. To approve moving Board Meeting of Monday, June 10, to Tuesday, June 18, 2024
7. To approve the following Policy Updates
GBD Employment of Personnel
GBRIB Sick Leave
GBRK Annual Leave
PK Use of School Facilities
8. To approve Consent Agenda
A. Finance Committee – Cleve Miller, Chairperson
1. To approve payment of bills
2. To receive Monthly Report for all Major Funds from Mr. David Jones, Business Manager
9. Superintendent’s Report
➢ Monthly Report for Red River Head Start Program
➢ Personnel Report – Resignations, Retirements, New Hires
10. Announcements Next Board Meeting Tuesday, June 18, 2024 @ 4:30 PM
11. Adjournment
The annual Greek Week series of events at Louisiana Tech University resulted in over $30,000 raised by students to go towards various charitable causes, accomplished as a direct result of the spirited competition the week’s games are known for.
The Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council raised around $12,500 and $14,000 respectively from the “money wars” alone, a gamified version of fundraising that encourages Greek Life students to rally behind their letters with donations to see who can collect the most. Song Fest, a Greek Week staple, brought together fraternities, sororities, and their friends in the Thomas Assembly Center and added another $5,000 to the amount through ticket sales, $3,800 of which were sold in advance.
Raising such a significant amount of money was rightfully celebrated by the Greek Life students involved, but they know it is only half of the process and that giving back to the community is the ultimate goal.
The Panhellenic Council’s main beneficiary from the money wars funds is the Pine Hills Advocacy Center, a Ruston nonprofit that serves victims of child abuse. In addition, their Greek Week efforts will benefit the community-focused United Way of Northeast Louisiana and the Emerge Center in Baton Rouge, an organization supporting children with autism.
“It was incredible to facilitate such an impactful week with the team,” said Panhellenic Council President Hailee Rivers. “I can’t explain how proud I am of our Greek community for the love and service they’ve shown over the course of the week.”
MedCamps of Louisiana, an organization with a strong partnership with the University, was chosen by the Interfraternity Council as the main recipient of their fundraising dollars.
“Supporting our local area is one of our focuses every year,” said Interfraternity Council President Holden Mittendorf. “We outraised our dollar amount from 2023 by $2,000, and it’s amazing to see the impact that can be made by all of our organizations working together.”
In addition to the usual Greek Week activities like volleyball tournaments and fiery tug-of-war competitions, Greek Life students joined with other student organizations from all areas of campus on April 20 for the Big Event. The annual day of community service gathered more than 1,800 students. While spending a damp and cloudy Saturday doing things like raking yards and cleaning litter from Ruston’s roads may not be for the faint of heart, it did not discourage the crowd of students that converged early at Joe Aillet Stadium to prepare to lend helping hands.
Though there are trophies to be raised and high fives to be doled out with pride among the students, the focus on uplifting the community and supporting important causes was never lost throughout the week.
“Our students utilized the platforms that they have for the betterment of others, a characteristic of true leaders,” said Wes Cavin, director of student activities. “I’m proud of them for using their influence to motivate their peers in acts of service that benefit our community in great ways.”
With the benchmarks and milestones of Greek Week 2024, the fraternities and sororities on Louisiana Tech’s campus are already planning to make the 2025 event a successful one, with their dedication to giving back at the forefront of all they do.
To learn more about Greek Life and the Interfraternity and Panhellenic Councils at Louisiana Tech, visit LATech.edu/Greek-Life
For Immediate Release
Contact: Taylor Haulsee
Speaker Johnson announces introduction of the SAVE Act alongside members of Congress, election integrity advocates
WASHINGTON — Today, Speaker Johnson, Congressman Chip Roy (TX), and Senator Mike Lee (UT) held a press conference to announce the introduction of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. Amid the worst border crisis in American history, the SAVE Act would ensure that only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections by requiring proof of citizenship to register.
“Some have noted that it’s already a crime for noncitizens to vote in a federal election, and that is true. But here are four things that are also true,” Speaker Johnson said. “(1) It is true that there is no mechanism to ensure only those registering or voting are actually citizens… (2) It is true that Biden has welcomed millions and millions of illegal aliens, including sophisticated criminal syndicates and agents of adversarial governments, into our borders and even on humanitarian parole… (3) It is true that a growing number of localities are blurring the lines for noncitizens by allowing them to vote in municipal elections… (4) It is true that Democrats have expressed a desire to turn non-citizens into voters.”
The event also featured remarks from:
Below is the transcript of Speaker Johnson’s remarks
We are we are here this morning for a very important reason, as you all know, because there is currently an unprecedented and a clear and present danger to the integrity of our election system. And that is the threat of non-citizens and illegal aliens voting in our elections. In last five and a half months or so, I’ve been to over 101 cities doing events all around the country in more than half the states. The first or second question that I’m asked in every public forum is about election security. Americans are deeply concerned about this. And it doesn’t matter where you live or whether you’re in a blue state or a red state, everyone’s concerned.
And due to the wide-open border that the Biden administration has refused to close – in fact that they engineered to open – we now have so many non-citizens in the country that if only one out of 100 of those voted, they would cast hundreds of thousands of votes. And since our elections are so razor thin in these days that we’re in, just a few precincts in a few states decide the makeup of Congress and who is elected to the White House. This is a dangerously high number, and it’s a great concern to millions and millions of Americans. It could obviously change the outcome of our elections, and this is not an empty threat or concern.
I’ll let my colleague Chip Roy here in a moment get into the specifics of the SAVE Act, but I want to address why we need this legislation. Some have noted that it’s already a crime for non-citizens to vote in a federal election and that is true. But here are four things that are also true. Number one, it’s true that no current mechanism to ensure only those registering or voting are actually citizens. There’s no mechanism that exist to make sure that that’s correct. If a nefarious actor wants to intervene in our elections, all they have to do is check a box on a form and sign their name. That’s it. That’s all that’s required. And there’s a very small chance that illegal would get caught. Because here’s the other thing: our states do not have the election infrastructure in place to confirm what they’ve said. Number two. It’s true that Joe Biden has welcomed millions and millions of illegal aliens. We think the number I believe the number is close to probably at this point 16 million illegals who have come into this country since Joe Biden walked into the Oval Office. That includes sophisticated criminal syndicates and agents of adversarial governments, here in our borders and even on humanitarian parole.
And that means the millions that had been paroled can simply go to their local welfare office or the DMV and register to vote there. And please understand this, states are currently prohibited from asking someone to prove that they’re a citizen when they use the federal voter registration form. Third truth it is also true that a growing number of localities are blurring the lines for non-citizens by allowing them to vote in municipal local elections. In cities and towns in California and Maryland, Vermont, and even right here in DC. You might not know this, but non-citizens are voting. Number four: it’s true that Democrats have expressed a desire to turn on citizens and voters. That’s what this open border has been all about.
Former Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler admitted that to me, expressly stated to me in a committee hearing in a in a video that’s gone viral, just last year, a year and a half ago. Stacey Abrams said it in 2018 on the campaign trail. In their rare moments of candor, they will tell you the truth that this is something they are for. Two months ago, every Senate Democrat voted to count illegal aliens in the census to help them shore up more seats in Congress and more votes in the Electoral College. And this week, House Democrats will also have an opportunity to go on record on the same issue.
In recent days, we’ve seen a growing number of folks on student visas show their willingness to break the law and utterly disrupt our way of life and threatened law-abiding students who are actually American citizens. If they’re willing to take over buildings and physically terrorize their fellow students, why would they not be willing to lie on a voter registration form?
It’s clear that our election process is worth protecting. It is our responsibility as members of Congress and concerned leaders of citizens groups and organizations who care about the integrity of our system and our elections. It is our duty to ensure that this is done. Even if you weren’t concerned about the drop boxes and the ballot harvesting and the mail in ballots and 2020, you definitely should be concerned that illegal aliens might be voting in 2024. And that’s why it is critical that we pass the SAVE act to safeguard our federal elections and ensure that only Americans get to decide American elections.
NATCHITOCHES – Pump #1 at Shop A Lott/Chevron, 620 South Drive, Natchitoches, is officially open as the “Fuel Their Future” purple pump. A portion of proceeds from fuel sales at Pump #1 will be donated to the Northwestern State University Foundation to support student scholarships.
A ribbon-cutting Monday, May 6 brought together executives from Shop A Lott parent company Lott Oil, NSU administrators and university supporters to open the NSU-branded pump.
From left are Lott Oil Director of Retail Sam Cedars, Chief Operating Officer Mark Massia, NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones and Director of Development Jill Bankston, Lott Oil Director of Marketing Camille Lott and Director of Wholesale Michael Lott.
The South Drive location at “the Y” is one of 14 Shop A Lott convenience stores in six parishes. Family-owned Lott Oil is a long-time partner to Northwestern State with a history of supporting NSU Athletics, the Foundation and other endeavors.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty
DUBOIS, CODY
33 W M 5/3/2024 5/3/2024
FAILURE TO APPEAR – TRAFFIC ARRAIGNMENT
$664.00 OR 60 DAYS IN JAIL
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
WILLIAMSON, CAROLYN
35 W F 5/3/2024 5/6/2024
EXPIRED DRIVER’S LICENSE $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
EXPIRED LICENSE PLATE $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
DRIVING ON ROADWAY LANED FOR TRAFFIC $1,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE $5,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE II CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE $5,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
POSSESSION OF SCHEDULE IV CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE $5,000.00 (CONCURRENT)
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
HICKMAN JR, JOHN
51 B M 5/3/2024 INCARCERATED
OBSCENITY (3 COUNTS) $10,000.00 (EACH) (CONCURRENT)
ARRESTING AGENCY: COUSHATTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
EVANS, LESLIE
69 B M 5/6/2024 5/6/2024
FAILURE TO APPEAR – CIVIL WARRANT $200.00 CASH BOND
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
MILLER, JESSIE
48 B M 5/6/2024 5/8/2024
RESISTING AN OFFICER O.R. BOND
ARRESTING AGENCY: COUSHATTA POLICE DEPARTMENT
THOMPSON, DUSTIN
41 W M 5/8/2024 5/9/2024
FAILURE TO APPEAR – TRAFFIC ARRAIGNMENT O.R. BOND
FAILURE TO APPEAR – TRAFFIC ARRAIGNMENT O.R. BOND
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
WILLIAMS, TOMMY
34 B M 5/9/2024 INCARCERATED
VIOLATION OF PROTECTIVE ORDERS PENDING
ARRESTING AGENCY: RED RIVER PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
LDH Secretary Dr. Ralph Abraham will tour one of two 988 call centers in Louisiana and make remarks to recognize May as Mental Health Awareness Month Monday, May 13 at 3:30pm at 1325 Barksdale Blvd., Suite 219, Bossier City.
Red River Parish 4-H invites the public to join them for an Open House at their new location at 1919 Alonzo Street on Tuesday, May 28 from 4:30-6pm. A light meal and refreshments will be provided.
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.
The 2nd Annual Hall Summit Hometown Festival & BBQ Cook-Off is slated for June 29 beginning at 9am at the Community Center and Park.
Gay Norrid
October 12, 1939 – April 20, 2024
Service: a private family gathering will be held at a later date
Red River juniors place 14th in state fishing championships
Red River middle schooler anglers Chaston Waters and Darrell Fields placed 14th in the Louisiana Bass Nation Junior State Championships this past weekend on Lake Calcasieu.
Waters/Fields hauled in two fish for 1.77 pounds in difficult fishing conditions caused by rapidly rising water levels.
Just one boat (the champions from Live Oak) caught a haul bigger than four pounds (four fish for 6.05 pounds).
Only 22 of the 44 boats in the event caught a fish.
High school state championships haven’t published full results
After the first day of the Louisiana Bass Nation High School State Championships, Riverdale’s Colton Caskey and Brayden Pearah sat in 53rd place in the two-day event this past weekend.
Tournament officials are still trying to certify the day two results, which took place Sunday.
Caskey/Pearah bagged one fish for 1.79 pounds in the 72-boat event.
How anglers finish in this state tournament championship and in season-long standings could determine eligibility for national events.
Red River High hosting volleyball tryouts
Red River High is hosting girls volleyball tryouts May 21-22 at the school gym to determine its team for the 2024 season this fall.
The tryouts last from 3:30-5 p.m. each day and are open to incoming Red River High students from freshmen to seniors.
All participants must have a current physical on file with the school (physicals will be offered at Red River High on May 16).
Participants who want to sharpen their skills can attend an open gym May 13-15 (3:30-5 p.m.) if they have a physical on file with the school.
Northwestern State University awarded 796 diplomas to 779 graduates during spring commencement exercises that took place in three ceremonies May 8-9 in Prather Coliseum.
NSU awarded a posthumous degree to the family of Alicia Rene Davis, who completed academic credits to earn a Bachelor of Science in psychology.
Graduates listed by hometown are as follows.
Abbeville – Annemarie Broussard, Master of Science;
Abingdon, Maryland – Heather Karolenko, Bachelor of Science;
Abita Springs – Brandy Landland, Master of Science in Nursing;
Addis – Ashley Thomas, Bachelor of Science;
Alabaster, Alabama – Antwon Fegans, Bachelor of General Studies;
Alexandria – Ashley Figgins, Alyrick Ford, Kiyle Smooth, Associate of Science in Nursing; Jasmine Culbert, Taylor Levasseur, Associate of General Studies; Gabriella Rachal, Bachelor of Applied Science; Peyton Bordelon, Madeline Simpson, Bachelor of Arts; Brigham Durr, Nicholas Zona, Bachelor of Music; Kya Berry, Mya Brown, Danielle Dauzat, LaKeisha Dorsey, Isabelle Ducote, Kennedy Madison, Jabari Reed, Bachelor of Science; Irene Flakes, TreNeisha Taylor, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Shelby Lemoine, Bachelor of Social Work; Johnnie Hampton, Master of Arts; James Purdy, Lacie Russell, Master of Education; Ashley Brewbaker, Eddah Odera, Monica Wyatt, Master of Science in Nursing;
Anacoco – Katelyn Haymon, Bachelor of General Studies; Lindsey Alligood, Isabella McCall, Hunter Rabalais, Jennifer Thornton, Bachelor of Science;
Arnaudville – Catherine Karam, Bachelor of Arts;
Athens – Kelsie Key, Bachelor of Science;
Atlanta, Georgia – Jauxniece Palmer, Bachelor of Science;
Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey – Hannah Conrad Bradley, Bachelor of Science;
Augusta, Michigan – Denise Ensign, Bachelor of Science;
Ball – JulieAnn Prince, Associate of General Studies; Kloei Hodges, Bachelor of Science; Kayla Lemmons, Master of Arts in Teaching; Malaina Aultman, Master of Music;
Ballito, South Africa – Paige wise, Bachelor of Science;
Barksdale AFB – Margaret Gates, Bachelor of Arts; Paige Shelton, Bachelor of Science;
Bastrop – Heather Deshazo, Master of Science in Nursing;
Baton Rouge – Latoya Clark, Associate of General Studies; Abigail Lahue, Kristina Simon, Alexandria Walker, Bachelor of Arts; Kenneth Austin, Nicholas Cambias, Bachelor of General Studies; Briana Citizen, Vallouise Daniel, Jalivia Johnson, Joseph Sotile, Bachelor of Science; Lakeidra Taylor Bell, Doctor of Education; Rebecca Woodley, Master of Science in Nursing;
Belle Chasse – Cullen Barrilleaux, Bachelor of Fine Arts;
Belmont – Ian Gentry, Andie Gilcreast, Bachelor of Science;
Benton – Hayley Smith, Associate of Science in Nursing; Makayla Goff, Bachelor of Music Education; Laurel Chambers, Jimmy McDonald, Dean Sullivan, Brooke Wilkins, Bachelor of Science; Hollie Gira, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Ted Scott, Master of Music; Kelly Beavers, Kylee Benton, Taylor Maxie, Herbert Poarch, Courtney Rich, Jennifer Stewart, Master of Science in Nursing;
Bienville – Sarah Holzem, Bachelor of Science;
Birmingham, Alabama – Pamela Daniels-Hay, Master of Science in Nursing;
Bossier City – Micheal Barnhill, Chantel Johnson, Daniel Lichwa, Shelitha Marshall, Associate of Science in Nursing; Emily Brown, Nia Harvey, Associate of General Studies; Nicholas Cooksey, Colby Grayson, Krystyna McKeown, Bachelor of Arts; Naje Turner, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Carly Blondin, Alyssa Linn, Bachelor of General Studies; Jordan Elliott, Jared Jarrell, Ethan Maynard, Bachelor of Music Education; Elizabeth Armstrong, Krystin Cassel, Chase Creamer, Manuel Duque, Taylor Fuller, Jackson Gregory, D’Tashawua Harrison, Nia Harvey, Caleb Helms, Caleb Helms (2 degrees), Payton Hudson, Tyler Jewell, Nicholas Kidd, Taylor Maust, Trisella Bryn Mendones, Victoria Morris, Cayleigh Rice, Anwaar Shihadeh, Jasqueline Staton, Bachelor of Science; Zachary Broadway, Robert Fontenor, Toni Maattala, Dentravious Mahoney, Jonathan Morris, Samantha Teel, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Tashon Adams, Katherine Harris, Bachelor of Social Work; Charles Fontenot, Doctor of Education; Hannah Brooks, Ladonia Gage, Dominique Grisby, Megan Scott, Master of Science in Nursing;
Boyce – Haleigh Franklin, Bachelor of Arts; Abagail Jennings, Patty Starkey, Bachelor of Science; Tracy Turner, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;
Breaux Bridge – Daniel Guidry, Bachelor of Science; Ashley Janeau, Master of Science in Nursing;
Bronx, New York – Ashley Kodjo, Master of Science;
Broussard – Abbie Boutte, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science; Marian Weber, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;
Bunkie – Erin Ferguson, Associate of Science in Nursing;
Calhoun – Caleb Clifton, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Kali Hodges, Master of Science in Nursing;
Campti – Allyson Roberts, Bachelor of Arts; Hannah Walker, Bachelor of Science;
Carencro – Carley Handy, Bachelor of Science;
Carrollton, Texas – Sibyl Mayfield, Associate of General Studies;
Cedar Hill, Tennessee – Amanda Hawthorne, Bachelor of Social Work;
Celing, Texas – Laney Roos, Bachelor of General Studies;
Chalmette – Nicole Struve, Donald Mckinnies, Bachelor of Science;
Church Point – Madison Patin, Bachelor of Science;
Colfax – Victoria Brown, Jaden Williams, Bachelor of Arts; Chassy Earl, Bachelor of Science;
Collinston – Amber McLarrin, Bachelor of Science;
Concord, Virginia – Gabrielle Granger, Master of Science;
Conroe, Texas – Kennedy Reynolds, Bachelor of General Studies;
Coushatta – Lauren Hebert, Associate of General Studies; Claire Endris, Emily Fletcher, Mary Gill, Elizabeth Hughes, Heidi Murray, Bachelor of Science;
Covington – Jessica Brown, Master of Science in Nursing;
Crowley – Kendal Harmon, Cindy Tillar, Bachelor of Science; Arlissa Byers, Master of Science in Nursing;
Cushing, Texas – Kyndall Clark, Associate Degree, Bachelor of Science;
Cut Off – Addison Duet, Max Hebert, Bachelor of Science;
Cypress, Texas – Sydney Rollins, Bachelor of Science;
Dayton, Texas – Angelo Schibetta, Bachelor of Arts;
Delhi – Ellanor Carlson, Bachelor of Science;
Denham Springs – Micah Dugas, Bachelor of Music;
DeRidder – Kynadee Delome, Associate of Science in Nursing; Haydn Perry, Associate of General Studies; Trevon Henry, Andrey Loria Calvo, Dominic Ross, Shelby Young, Bachelor of Arts; Tyler White, Bachelor of Music; Preslie Phelps, Jenna Pottmeyer, Bachelor of Science; Laura Smith, Joan Blake, Cynthia Boswell, Julie Mahaffey, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;
Deville – Kirstin Saldana, Associate of General Studies; Krey Dupree, Tara Grimm, Briana Smail, Bachelor of Science; Sarah Shelton, Educational Specialist; Brittany Vinson, Master of Science in Nursing;
Diana, Texas – Heather Zook, Bachelor of General Studies;
Dodson – Casey Thomas, Associate of General Studies; Heather Wehunt, Bachelor of Social Work; Katie Boyett, Master of Science in Nursing;
Dresden, Tennessee – Brooklyn Webb, Bachelor of Science
Dry PRong – Emily Tisher, Bachelor of Music; Rylee Vallely, Master of Science in Nursing;
Dubach – Victoria Wall, Bachelor of Science;
Dubberly – Victoria Chapman, Stephanie Humphrey, Master of Science in Nursing;
Dublin, Texas – Coby James, Bachelor of Science;
Duson – Desiree Bernard, Association of Science in Nursing;
East Amherst, New York – Racheal Domnisch, Bachelor of Science;
Edgard – Sonte Pierre, Bachelor of Science;
Elizabeth – Halie Thielepape, Bachelor of Arts;
Elmer – Blake Glorioso, Bachelor of Science;
Ethel – Jenny Desselle, Bachelor of Science;
FairbanKs, Alaska – Bre-Anna Maron, Bachelor of Science;
Fairburn, Georgia – Briana Swift, Master of Science in Nursing;
Farmersville, Texas – Slade Thomas, Bachelor of General Studies;
Florien – Jacob Oxley, Master of Arts in Teaching;
Folsom – Norman Davis, Bachelor of Science;
Forest Hill – Solmayra Sierra, Bachelor of Science;
Forsyth, Georgia – Roderick Patterson, Master of Arts;
Fort Johnson – Jatwon Burkes, Bachelor of General Studies; Gabriel Grant, Bachelor of Science; Jonathan Weaver, Master of Science;
Fort Worth, Texas – Shirley James, Associate of General Studies; Joshua Pierite, Bachelor of Science;
Franklin – Jalacia Alexander, Bachelor of Science;
Franklinton – Andre Perez, Master of Education;
Frierson – Madysen Payne, Bachelor of General Studies; Lynnse Hyde, Master of Arts in Teaching; Brittany Mathews, Master of Science in Nursing;
Frisco, Texas – Patricia Chowdhury, Doctor of Education;
Garland, Texas – Carley Johnson, Bachelor of Musuc;
Georgetown – Makenzie Williamson, Associate of General Studies, Bachelor of Science;
Glenmora – Nancy Arias, Kenley Dowdy, Associate of Science in Nursing;
Gloster – Michelle Latin, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;
Gonzales – Derrick Varnado, Bachelor of Arts; Reese Lipoma, Bachelor of Science; Nichelle Hall, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;
Goodlettsville, Tennessee – Hannah Henderson, Master of Science in Nursing;
Grand Cane – Latyteauna Goodwin, Bachelor of Science;
Grand Coteau – Takiyah Milton, Master of Arts;
Grand Prairie, Texas – LaTrisha White, Master of Arts;
Grapevine, Texas – Griffin Howe, Bachelor of Music Education;
Greenwell Springs – Destiny Brown, Bachelor of Applied Science;
Greenwood – Hannah Jordan, Bachelor of Arts;
Greenwood, South Carolina — Quantavious Thompkins, Master of Science;
Gretna – Jasmyn McClendon, Bachelor of Science;
Groesbeck, Texas – Tiffany Burleson, Bachelor of Science;
Hall Summit – Seth Wimberly, Bachelor of Science;
Hallsville, Texas – Madelyn Floyd, Bachelor of Science;
Hammond – Erika Williams, Bachelor of Science; Erykah Wells, Master of Arts;
Hampton, Virginia – Julia Bergh, Bachelor of Science;
Haughton – Valerie Taylor, Associate of Science in Nursing; Taylor Barr, James Grooms, Nicholas Knotts, Nicklaus Lowery, Bachelor of Science; Debra Fatheree, Matthew Guidroz, Imane Marguez, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Felicia Croft, Alexandra Waguespack, Master of Science in Nursing;
Hemphill, Texas – Halli Hall, Bachelor of Science;
Hineston – Jami Robinson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;
Holloman AFB, New Mexico – LeAnna Plunkett-Walls, Bachelor of Science;
Homer – Holly Liles, Master of Science in Nursing;
Hornbeck – Peighton Rhodes, Bachelor of Science;
Houma – Derek Dupre, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science; Ginny Chaisson, Ryan Lecompte, Master of Arts, Anee Carmouche, Master of Arts in Teaching; Ryan Hebert, Master of Science in Nursing;
Houston – Korey King, Bachelor of General Studies;
Humble, Texas – Karla Avila, Bachelor of Applied Science;
Huntington, Texas – Taylor Carrell, Bachelor of Music Education;
Hutto, Texas – Halee Griffin, Bachelor of Science;
Imperial, Missouri – Melissa Schmidt, Doctor of Education;
Iowa – Lexsus Levings, Master of Science in Nursing;
Jena – Malinda Brown, Associate of Science in Nursing; Alexxis Jones, Bachelor of Arts; Brooke Bergeron, Ryan Kirkham, Bachelor of Science; Cindy Sanders, Master of Science in Nursing;
Jennings – Loren Higginbotham, Donald Lejeune, Bachelor of Science; Meagan Guidry, Master of Arts in Teaching;
Joaquin, Texas – Jesus Bravo, Bachelor of Science;
Jonesville – Tere’A Barber, Associate of General Studies;
Joplin, Missouri – Jack Overby, Master of Music;
Kaplan – Mallory Hargrave, Bachelor of Science;
Katy, Teas – Jordan Gamble, Associate of General Studies; Anna Hebden, Bachelor of Arts; Hayden Barrios, Bachelor of Science;
Keaau, Hawaii – Anuhea Akamu, Master of Arts;
Keithville – Melody Sparks, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Hunter Hamilton, Taylor Myers, Bachelor of Science; Mattie Strozier, Master of Arts in Teaching; Sherri Johnson, Master of Education; Hannah Spataro, Master of Music; Jessica Bradford, Master of Science in Nursing;
Kenner – Bradley Fitzhenry, Bachelor of Science;
Kilgore, Texas – Kennieth Lacy, Bachelor of General Studies;
LaPlace – Jacob Jenson, Master of Science; Allise Mixon Johnson, Master of Science in Nursing;
Lacombe – Ashlie Pujol, Bachelor of Science;
Lafayette – O’Shay McZeal, Associate of Science in Nursing; Chileigh Mitchell, Jennifer Pere, Associate of General Studies; Bianca Dominique Bachelor of Arts; Nathaniel Rachal, Bachelor of Music Education; Sydney Alleman, Victoria Breaux, Keith McCrory, Bachelor of Science; Kristi Carrier, Erin Gannon, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Heather Perilloux, Master of Arts; Claudasha Watson, Master of Science; Rebekah Hotard, Master of Science in Nursing;
Lake Charles – Katie Boswell, Associate of General Studies; Lynell Broussard, Bachelor of General Studies; Diana Beches, Hunter Becton, Andrea Mouton, Kennedy Theriot, Bachelor of Science; Michele McCann, Master of Arts; Renata Barker, Master of Science; Brandi Bellard, Melissa Purvis, Master of Science in Nursing;
Leesville – Adara London, Ailaina Poleman, Katja Rutt, Associate of Science in Nursing; Kaitlyn Bailey, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Lisa Moore, Bachelor of General Studies; Jayiln Moore, Bachelor of Music; Junette Cutshaw, Ernesto Diaz, Hannah Dowden, Damiel, James Magee, Mathew Morris, Laila Salas, Matthew Warren, Carletta Whitehead, Abigail Young, Bachelor of Science; Cassandra Hill, Jessica Bailey, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Bachelor of Social Work;
Lena – McKenzlea Wise, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science; Kayla Coutee, Master of Science in Nursing;
Livingston, Montana – Andrew Burns, Master of Arts;
Logansport – Krysten Long, Associate of Science in Nursing; Jessica Morrison, Bachelor of General Studies; Sierra Brewer, Kaylin Kirby Bachelor of Science;
Mableton, Georgia — Felicia White, Doctor of Education;
Mckinney, Texas — Shannon Alvis, Bachelor of Science;
Madisonville – Cassidy Marsh, Michelle Nobles, Bachelor of Science;
Mamou — Kauhane Edwards, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;
Mandeville — Ainsley Rusca, Bachelor of Arts;
Mansfield — Peyton Moore, Associate of Science in Nursing; Amber Youngblood, Bachelor of Arts; Christian Thomas, Bachelor of General Studies; Deneisha Mcclelland, Jonshonique Taylor, Master of Science in Nursing;
Mansura — Logan Bordelon, Bachelor of Arts; Beau Juneau, Bachelor of Science; Jennifer Desselle, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;
Many — Kaitlyn Johnson, Janie Sneed, Bachelor of Arts; Tarkearia Seastrunk. Bachelor of General Studies; Lila Laroux, Erik Sandel, Adelaide Soileau, Rebecca Stineff, Bachelor of Science; Claire Henry, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Shawn Beasley, Master of Science in Nursing;
Maringouin — Chelsea Favroth, Associate of General Studies;
Marksville — Devontre Francisco, Bachelor of Arts; Quiana Bell, Master of Education; Tracy Hayes, Chelsea Smith, Master of Science in Nursing;
Marrero — Brittany Diodene, Bachelor of General Studies;
Marshall, Texas — Kelsie Campbell, Bachelor of Arts; Samuel Bailey, Bachelor of Fine Arts;
Marthaville — Zachary Slaughter, Bachelor of Arts;
Maud, Texas — Meghan Jackson, Bachelor of Music Education;
Maurice — Denae Landry, Bachelor of Arts; James Boffenmyer, Master of Arts; Kyle Duhon, Master of Science in Nursing;
Meadville, Pennsylvania — Carleigh Murphy, Bachelor of Fine Arts;
Melville — Tafari Dixon, Bachelor of Science;
Memphis, Tennessee — Maurice Campbell, Bachelor of Arts;
Mendenhall, Mississippi — Matthew Mabry, Bachelor of General Studies;
Merryville — Ivy Collins, Bachelor of Science;
Metairie — Clifford Gordon, Daniel Wellmeier, Bachelor of Arts; Austin Anderson, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Ijeoma Sam, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Kathleen Gaffney, Master of Arts in Teaching; Morgan Nuss, Master of Science;
Minden — A’Shuntee Simmons, Associate of General Studies; Madison Smith, Bachelor of General Studies; Jada Franklin, Nadja Sills, Bachelor of Science; Anterrica Myles, Master of Science in Nursing;
Missouri City, Texas – Maggie Darr, Bachelor of Science;
Mobile, Alabama — Samantha Waltman. Master of Science;
Monroe, Georgia — Lauren Goff, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;
Monroe — Shamya Mabry, Bachelor of Arts; Shrondrick Schiele, Shemicka Wade, Bachelor of Science; Robin McCaa, Master of Education;
Monterey– Alexandra Frey, Master of Science in Nursing;
Moreauville — Sara Kimble, Bachelor of Science;
Mount Shasta, California — Amanda Thomas, Master of Arts;
Nacogdoches,Texas — Riley Birdwell, Bachelor of Science;
Natchez — Ashlyn Below, Associate of General Studies; Derrick Sowell, Master of Science; Ashley Hayes, Master of Science in Nursing;
Natchitoches — Alexandra Ciaccio, Kristen Maggio, Associate of Science in Nursing; Naiomy Perez Del Valle, Associate Degree; Ashley Duffus, Akilah Farris, Tiara Hayes, Octavious Johnson, Baylee Laroux, Lily Rivers, Jacob Webb, Associate of General Studies; Kayla Janice, Bachelor of Applied Science, Trace Anthon, Tenley-Parrish Bordelon, Cecelia Cousins, Ashley Duffus, Isabella Fulton, Hailee Hroch, Andrea Hudson, Mariah Kador, Destin Lopez, Alaina Pilgrim, Lexie Roos, Raegan Wallace, Gavin Watson, Bachelor of Arts; Naomi Adams, Juan Castilla, Starkeia Davis, Jaedyn Maxwell, Naiomy Perez Del Valle, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Sharvel Addison, Jamacia Solitaire, Bachelor of General Studies; David Berrocal Barrios, Ana Corrales Santos, Gabriela Forero Salcedo, Sadoc Silva Calderon, Bachelor of Music; Jose Del Rio, Bachelor of Music Education; Ebenezer Aggrey, Natalie Baloochestani, Da’Keayah Bell, De’Jon Blake, Piper Boydstun, Hannah Branam, Madison Brown, Stephen Bryan, Breanna Burrell, Blake Chustz, Vicente Cuevas, Estate of Alicia Davis (posthumous degree), Reagan Davis, Hannah Ferguson, Amber Ford, Gabriela Forero Salcedo, Blake Fowler, Kendall Fowler, Jennifer Hamilton, Triniti Hays, Charizma Hill, Keith Jackson, Chloe Longlois, Jasmayn Maddox, Natalie Mangandi, Madisen Martin, Nidia Mendez, Montel Mercier, Maci Messenger, Sarah Moore, Bradford Morrison, Flynt Nelson, Michell Parker, Jessica Parra Serena, Isabella Peluso, Naiomy Perez Del Valle, Nicholas Pierson, Sydney Salzer, Arionna Shelton, Erin Smith, Jarquiese Solomon, Ellie Starks, Dwan Stuckey, Caitlyn Taylor, Chloe Townsend, Alicia Vargas, Brian White, Erin Whitten, John Willis, Sharice Woods, Bachelor of Science; Gracie Borders, Christian Lawson, Adriana Zambrano Martinez, Bachelor of Social Work; Mia Adams, Regina Brossett, Alejandro Dager Carrasquilla, Emily Miller, Nina Murray, Traci Partridge, Caroline Shepherd, Master of Arts; Jose Bustillo Aguero, Joshua Monaghan, Madison Prattini, Klaire Thomas, Hallie Ward, Master of Music; Trace Anthon, Dillon Dawson, Deonmonique Granville, Colby Greer, David Horton, Wendy Kyei, Daneisha Rayford, Erin Whitten, Master of Science; Meghan Cross, Marquita Dixon, Master of Science in Nursing;
Nederland, Texas — Tara Anderson-Wagner, Bachelor of Arts;
New Caney, Texas — Samantha Chavez, Latonya Journet, Bachelor of Science;
New Iberia –Tenisha Viltz, Bachelor of Arts; Nicole Archangel. Jolie Gary, Bachelor of Science; Donyelle January. Bachelor of Social Work; Marissa Ramsey, Master of Arts; Nakeya Fontenette, Master of Education;
New Llano –Jace Bullock, Keeley Narvaez, Bachelor of Science;
New Orleans — Lynell Washington, Bachelor of Arts; Imani Fleury, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Tialiyah Tate, Bachelor of Science; Angela Wilson, Doctor of Education; Makeia Hardy, Master of Science;
Noble– Harleigh Schexneider, Bachelor of Arts;
Oakdale — Jessica Whitfield, Bachelor of Science;
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — Brian Weir, Bachelor of Science;
Olla — Clayton Cotten, Devan Thacker, Bachelor of Science; Amanda Yule, Master of Arts in Teaching;
Olympia, Washington — Melissa Duel, Bachelor of Science;
Onawa, Iowa — Sarah Phelps, Master of Science;
Opelousas — Gabrielle Bellard, Associate of General Studies; Alayna Charles, Malaya White, Bachelor of Arts; Donald Smith, Bachelor of General Studies; Chelsea Esprit, Victoria Stromain, Bachelor of Science;
Orange Beach, Alabama — Elizabeth Gilliam, Master of Science;
Owasso, Oklahoma — Cole Hill, Bachelor of Science;
Palmetto — Donovan Green, Bachelor of Science;
Patterson — Zoe Johnson, Savanna Richard, Bachelor of Science;
Pelican — Mary Parrie, Master of Science in Nursing;
Pineville — Isabella Sisneroz, Associate of Science in Nursing; Greta Murrell, Kierra Porter, Paige Rue, Associate of General Studies; Abigail Nelson, Kevin Thomas, Bachelor of Arts; Raima Cazes, Jamie Docter, Hannah Mackey, Bachelor of General Studies; Cady Brown, Kylie Combs, Gabriel Ducote, Blake Inabnet, Erin Matuu, Curtessa Morrow, Sally Raxsdale, Mallory Speir, Bachelor of Science; Zachary Dubroc, Stephanie Vajcner, Logan Wilson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Madison Smith, Bachelor of Social Work; Mary Rucker, Master of Education; Malak Abdelhadi, Darby Boudreaux, Master of Science; Hope Bryant, Natasha LaPrarie, Hailey McGehee Master of Science in Nursing;
Pitkin — Alexa Clause, Bachelor of Arts; Grant Goleman, Bachelor of Science;
Plaquemine — Deidra Jones, Bachelor of General Studies; Keidra Young, Bachelor of Science;
Pleasant Hill — Celeste Waddle, Bachelor of Arts; Courtney Jones, Master of Arts in Teaching;
Pollock — Ashley Lacombe, Bachelor of Arts; Cassalyn McCully, Bcahelor of Fine Arts;
Paige Hedrick, Lillian Perry, Bachelor of Science;
Ponchatoula — Christina Bardwell, Bachelor of Arts; Taylor Applegarth, Bachelor of Science in Nursing;
Poolesville, Maryland — Stacey Kernisan, Doctor of Education;
Port Barre –Simone Guillory, Bachelor of Arts;
Pottsboro, Texas — Taylor Williams, Bachelor of Science;
Prairieville — Logan Dupuy, Ashley McClelland, Bachelor of Science; Brian West Master of Science;
Provencal — Alanna Anderson, Associate of General Studies; Morgan Maley, Bachelor of Science;
Quitman — Lyndsey Hale, Master of Science in Nursing;
Radcliff, Kentucky — Megan Crosby, Bachelor of Social Work;
Ragley — Hallie Guidry, Bachelor of Science;
Rayne — Haley Legnion, Bachelor of Science;
Richardson, Texas — Kyle Nolen, Bachelor of Science;
Richmond, Texas — Jessica Adger, Master of Science;
Ringgold — Clara Guidry, Bachelor of Arts; Tyler Weathers, Bachelor of Science;
River Ridge — Julia Kuchler, Bachelor of Fine Arts;
Robeline — Meagan Ammons, Bachelor of General Studies; Stevie Carter, George Prince, Bachelor of Science; Joy Dowden, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Taylor Morgan, Master of Arts;
Robertsdale, Alabama — Chancellor Newman, Master of Science;
Rockwall, Texas –Tristin Court, Bachelor of Science;
Rosepine — Laira Elser, Associate of General Studies;
Rotan, Texas — Ryleigh Denton, Bachelor of General Studies;
Ruston — Logan Antley, Associate of Science in Nursing; Alexis Nestrud, Bachelor of General Studies; Hope Alexander. Sha’Taylor Reed, Bachelor of Science;
Saginaw, Texas — Ashlyn Walker, Bachelor of Science;
St. Amant – Taylor Hooper, Bachelor of Music Education; Jaycee Templet, Bachelor of Science;
St. Martinville — Indea Kately, Atouria Mitchell, Bachelor of Arts; Lizzie Blanchard, Lexi Lagrange, Michael Touchet, Bachelor of Science; Karlton Roberson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Brooke Mouton, Bachelor of Social Work;
Saline — Kiley Hough, Mikalee Sawyer, Bachelor of Science;
San Vicente de la Barquera, Spain — Andrea Fernández García, Bachelor of Science;
Santa Clarita, California — Nebiyou Eshetu, Bachelor of Science;
Sarepta — Melissa Ward, Master of Science in Nursing;
Schaumburg, Illinois — Robert Everett, Bachelor of Social Work;
Shongaloo — Krystle Bass, Associate of Science in Nursing; Makayla Dean, Madison Price, Bachelor of Science;
Shreveport – Amanda Farrell, Kristi Junkin, Marchanda Lakey, Vanessa Quinn, Abbie Smith, Kateryna Solntseva, Dayton Waller, Ruth Woods, Associate of Science in Nursing; Lashyia Walker, Associate Degree; Austin Stacy, Associate of Science; Felicia Sullivan, Bachelor of Applied Science; Krystal Gueory, Jason Jones, Bachelor of Arts; Logan Boline, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Kyren Brown, Micah Jernigan, Patricia McClelland, Chandler Milligan, Andrew Wesley, Bachelor of General Studies; Chloe Anderson, Floynerrica Ashley, Phillip Davis, Jared Dodd, Joscelin Douglas, Chanler Everage, Morgan Feliciano, Destiny Ferguson, Cyndi Gafford, Kayla Harris, Catherine Hatten, Camry Heath, Cassandra Jones, Haven Jones, Jessica Lynch, Schuyler Mason, Brookelynn McConnell, Aaron Meadows, Noah Melvin, Jon Ryane Midel, Cayla Morrison, Breanna Moses, Keisheda Petterway, Joshua Robertson, Ragan Rounds, Shanae Smith, Sadie Sutton, Dana Wainwright, Ialiyah Weaver, Bachelor of Science; Caleb McCracken. Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Emily Spence, Bachelor of Social Work; Marita Hunt, Doctor of Education; Felicia Badger, Madison Lane, An-Gel Samuel, Master of Arts; Shanautica Moore, Master of Arts in Teaching; Hailey Procell, Tierra Williams, Master of Education; Willie Gosey, Master of Music; Caroline Bland, Kristen Ciconte, Carlos Garcia, Angelia Lewis, Master of Science; Shequita Brown, Kamarie Childs, Kailey Dodson, Anna Ezernack, Billencia Jones, Lakenya Lyrse, Dylan Molenhour, Mashica Pennywell, Jacqueline Pracht, Chantelle Stephens, Madison Storrs, Olivia Thomas, Master of Science in Nursing;
Sibley — Melisa Merritt, Associate of Science in Nursing;
Sieper — Darci Mccool, Bachelor of Science;
Slidell — Matthew Spencer, Bachelor of Music Education; Tyler Corwin, Derek Hutchinson, Bachelor of Science; Aviance Bee, Bachelor of Social Work; Shavon Ryan, Teiraney Turner, Master of Science in Nursing;
Stonewall — Amber Gaddy, Bachelor of Applied Science; Carson Ward, Bachelor of Music Education; Sarah Edelen, Breanna James, Todd Wedgeworth, Bachelor of Science; Brittany Bounds, Meagan Simmons, Chelsea Smith, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Stephanie Hall, Master of Music.
Summerfield — Ellery Gorman, Associate of Science in Nursing;
Tallulah — Haley Erwin, Master of Science in Nursing;
Thibodaux — Kevin Brooks, Bachelor of Arts; Jerrin Lucas, Bachelor of Science;
Trout — Lindsay Thaxton, Associate of Science in Nursing;
Troutdale, Oregon — Charmaine Pritchett, Associate of General Studies;
Tullos — Bailee Williams, Bachelor of Science;
Tyler, Texas — Brandy Smith, Bachelor of Science;
Urania — Rachael Smith, Bachelor of Science;
Ville Platte — Matthew Serice, Bachelor of Science; Macy Soileau, Master of Science in Nursing;
Vivian — Anna Jackson, Bachelor of Science;
Wallis, Texas — Jaeden Ward, Bachelor of Science;
Washington — Jennifer Latiolais, Master of Education;
Waterville, Maine — Danielle Spaulding, Master of Science;
Waxahachie, Texas — Mckenzie Ryer, Bachelor of Music;
West Haven, Connecticut — Kossi N. Yome, Bachelor of Science;
West Monroe — Gabrielle Sanford, Associate of Science in Nursing; Brendan Ritter, Bachelor of Fine Arts; Adreanna Thrift, Bachelor of Music Education; Sarah Cobb, Rachel Prestridge, Bachelor of Science; Joshua Zuber, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Madelyn Brandl, Master of Science in Nursing;
White Oak, Texas — Olivia Sipes, Bachelor of Science;
Whitney, Texas — Makenzie Seely, Bachelor of Science;
Wills Point, Texas — Joseph Adams, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science;
Winnfield — Katina Walker, Associate of General Studies; Christine Harrel, Bachelor of General Studies; Victoria Hubbard, Bachelor of Science; Bryn Dill, Master of Arts; Morgan Austin, Master of Education;
Winnsboro — Indya Pruitt, Master of Education;
Woodworth — Jonathan Magnano, Bachelor of Arts;
Worcester, Massachusetts — Timothy O’Connor, Bachelor of General Studies;
Youngsville — Ryan Andrews, Associate of Science in Nursing;
Zachary — Isabelle Plauche, Bachelor of Arts;
Zwolle — Hannah Esthay, Associate of General Studies, Bachelor of Science; Michantwana Lacey, Bachelor of Arts; Sarah Lewing, Bachelor of General Studies; Nolan Ezernack, Landon Malmay, Bachelor of Science; Lynsi Reyes, Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Students of the Month at Riverdale Academy were recognized this week by the school and the Coushatta VFW Post and Lott Oil/Chevron. Post 7287 Commander Barry McCoy and Quartermaster John Brewer gave out the awards for students recognized for the months of April and May.
April Students of the Month are:
From Riverdale Elementary was Kindergarten student Scarlett Martin. Representing Riverdale Junior High was Benton Yount, a fifth grader. And from Riverdale High School was 11th grader Haylee Smith.
May Students of the Month are:
Hadlee Young, a 4th grader represented Riverdale Elementary. From Riverdale Middle School, seventh grade student Carter Breedlove. And from Riverdale High school was Sophomore Mary Claire Jones.
Students of the Month from every school in the parish are selected each month during the school year. Coushatta VFW Post and Auxiliary 7287 in cooperation with Lott Oil/Chevron presents each student selected with a certificate and gift card. For more information on the Student of the Month program, call the Post at 318-932-6557.
Louisiana will launch Summer EBT/SUN Bucks, a new grocery benefits program that provides families $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy groceries when school is out. The new program is in addition to free meals that kids of all ages can get at community summer meal sites.
Summer is almost here and that means longer days, fun in the sun, and best of all for kids, no homework! For some Louisiana students receiving free or reduced-price school lunches, summer also means the loss of nutritious school meals. In addition to the newly expanded summer feeding options, SUN Bucks help fill that gap by providing grocery benefits to help families put meals on the table when schools are closed.
Children are eligible for the program if the household already participates in SNAP, TANF or Medicaid OR the child attend a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household income meets the requirements for free/reduced-price school meals.
Most families will get these benefits automatically, but some parents will need to apply. If the household already participates in SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, they will be automatically enrolled in the Summer EBT program. If the household is not automatically enrolled and may be eligible, you can get Summer EBT/SUN Bucks by filling out an application. Applications will be available on the SUN Bucks site soon.
The benefits will be provided on an EBT card (same card for students already receiving SNAP) and can be used to buy groceries. Families will receive $120 per eligible child for the summer. The cards will be mailed to the address on file at your child’s school. Benefits can be used at authorized retailers, like grocery stores and farmers markets, to purchase healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, meats and other protein sources, whole grains, and dairy. Visit https://sunbucks.la.gov to learn more.
Children and teens need healthy food year-round to play, grow, and learn. Summer EBT/SUN Bucks will help families stretch their grocery budget during the summer and provide their children with the nutrition they need to thrive.
Following World War II, tension intensified between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, along with their respective allies, the Western Bloc (U.S.) and the Eastern Bloc (Soviet Union) in what has become known as the Cold War. It is called the Cold War because there was no large-scale fighting directly between the superpowers. The superpowers sent soldiers and spies all over the world. David was among the many uniformed soldiers sent to West Germany in the early 1950s. While there, David met and fell in love with a German girl named Marlene Henze. On March 19, 1955, Walter, their first son, was born in Idar-Oberstein in West Germany. In 1957, when David was discharged from the military, he returned home to Penns Grove, New Jersey with his new family. Together, David and Marlene had three more children. The family struggled to survive. David worked as a welder and factory worker and Marlene worked in a bank.
From an early age, Walter struggled to speak and had a severe stutter. His parents hoped his stuttering would disappear as he got older, but it continued. “I thought I was handicapped,” Walter once said. “I couldn’t talk at all.” When he went to school, the other kids picked on him because of his stuttering. The heckling only worsened when Walter entered Penn Grove High School. His classmates called him “Buck Buck” because of his stutter. As any teenager who has ever been bullied can imagine, high school was especially rough for Walter because of his stuttering. “There was a lot of bullying in my life, and I had to fight my way out.” Walter said. “Kids get mean.” Then, Walter agreed to do “some theatre” in high school. People who cared for Watler tried to dissuade him while people who liked to pick on him encouraged him to take the stage. Walter read his lines over and over until he had memorized them. He knew he would eventually have to recite his lines verbally, but he was hesitant. Finally, Walter took a deep breath and began to speak. To his astonishment, the words flowed from his lips flawlessly. He later said, “when I memorized words, I didn’t stutter, which was just miraculous.” Everyone was shocked at how well he spoke his memorized lines. His stuttering disappeared when he sang lyrics he had memorized.
Walter struggled to get a handle on his stuttering. He was elated when he took the stage in high school and spoke his memorized lines perfectly. He considered trying to become an actor, but he had no show business connections. Walter moved to New York and became a bartender at the trendy Kamikaze Club. One night, a casting director visited the Kamikaze Club. Rather than being thirsty, the casting director was visiting bars in New York looking to cast someone to play a bartender in an upcoming film. Who better to play a bartender in a film than a real bartender? The casting director had quickly dismissed other bartenders for one reason or another, but he liked what he saw in Walter. After watching Walter for a short time, the casting director decided to offer the part to Walter. In as few words as possible, Walter agreed.
From that first minuscule part, Walter got other uncredited film parts, work on stage productions, and got cast in television shows including Miami Vice. In 1980, the year he was cast in his first film, Walter was a nobody in the show business industry. Five years later, his became a household name due to another detective television show. In the last four decades, Walter has appeared in over 100 films, many of which have been box office hits. In 2022, he abruptly retired from acting.
In a cruel twist of fate, Walter’s family recently released the news that Walter has completely lost the ability to comprehend or formulate language. The actor whom you’ve just learned struggled to speak without stuttering as a child, who is now unable to speak due to a condition known as aphasia, is Walter Bruce Willis.
Sources:
1. Grant Rollings, “DIE SCARRED: Did horror accident that caused Bruce Willis ‘extreme physical pain’ on set 20 years ago contribute to shock retirement?,” The Sun, March 31, 2022, https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/18130242/bruce-willis-accident-contribute-to-shock-retirement/.
2. Shreeja Das, “The TRAGIC reason why Bruce Willis was nick-named ‘Buck Buck’ as a young boy,” Meaww, March 1, 2023, https://meaww.com/the-tragic-reason-why-bruce-willis-was-nick-named-buck-buck-as-a-young-boy.
3. Bruce Willis, Hollywood Walk of Fame, https://walkoffame.com/bruce-willis/.
If you are a baccalaureate prepared nurse interested in earning a clinical doctorate in nursing, Northwestern State University’s College of Nursing will host a Q and A for prospective doctoral students. The virtual meeting will be from 4-6 p.m. CST Wednesday, May 22 via WebEx.
Graduates of NSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program provide nursing care at the highest education-practice level, are effective leaders and change agents and are dedicated to improving nursing as a science and a profession. Graduates are prepared to become organizational leaders who impact healthcare through advanced clinical skills, translating evidence into practice and establishing policies to improve outcomes.
Northwestern State’s DNP program has two tracks, Organizational System Leadership (OSL) and Nurse Anesthesia (NA). Both programs are rigorous and highly selective. In completing the doctoral degree, students will develop strong leadership and communication skills and, as a requirement for completion, develop and implement a project that improves healthcare.
“Increasingly, higher administrative positions in healthcare require doctoral degrees,” said Dr. Katrina O’Con, Nurse Anesthesia Program assistant coordinator. “We want to create more awareness of the programs and their requirements among younger nurses who may set a Doctor of Nursing Practice as a professional goal.”
NSU’s OSL track has been in place since 2014 and many graduates are now nationally recognized nursing faculty and/or scholars in leadership positions in healthcare agencies. The first cohort of the NA program graduated in December 2023. For nurses who wish to advance their careers as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), the benefits are substantial with the number of jobs expected to grow over the next five years.
Dr. Dana Clawson, interim director of Doctoral Studies in Nursing, said the DNP programs are ideal for registered nurses with a desire “to practice at the highest educational-practice level, become change agents in micro-, macro- and meso-systems and become nurse leaders who work collaboratively with interprofessional colleagues to affect needed healthcare change.”
During the Q and A webinar, administrators, faculty and current students from the DNP program will present information about the OSL and NA tracks, answer questions and invite prospective students to virtual breakout rooms for further discussion.
The DNP Organizational Systems Leadership is a clinical doctorate track that requires a Master’s Degree in Nursing. Many OSL students are employed fulltime as advanced practice nurses, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives or post-master’s nursing faculty seeking a doctoral degree. The program is delivered in six semesters in an online asynchronous format. The OSL track offers an online tuition rate, which is lower than traditional per-credit rates.
The DNP in Nurse Anesthesia track requires a baccalaureate nursing degree. Students in the NA program seek to be clinical anesthesia providers with the leadership abilities to advance in their careers. The program is 36 months with the first two semesters delivered online in asynchronous format. Beginning with the third semester, the program requires continuous didactic and clinical instruction and is a full-time commitment. Northwestern State offers the only Nurse Anesthesia program in the University of Louisiana System. NSU’s program has a flat-rate tuition and has the lowest attendance cost of any program in Louisiana.
To register for the webinar, email DNPapp@nsula.edu.
More information on Northwestern State’s DNP program is available at https://www.nsula.edu/nursing/nursing-programs/.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Louisiana’s two major military installations – Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish and Fort Johnson in Vernon Parish – not only are vital defense facilities for the state and nation but also are major revenue producers for the state.
At a Tuesday hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Barksdale Commander Colonel Michael “Fetch” Maginness and Ft. Johnson Garrison Commander Colonel Clifton “CJ” Lopez, said their facilities bring a total of more than $3 billion in federal funding to the state in the form of salaries and funding for projects often constructed by local contractors.
Col. Maginness said Barksdale is undergoing major developments to improve aging runways, update on-base facilities, and to prepare for 400 new airmen to man a new division to operate the Long Range Stand Off Missile that will be based at Barksdale.
The new technology is crucial, he said, because of “rapid advancements in technology, especially on the part of the Chinese… Quite frankly, we can no longer think of homeland as a sanctuary.” Strategic deterrence is a major factor in today’s warfare, so B52s are fitted for long-range missions. “In 18 hours, I can hold any target hostage, anywhere in the world, from Northwest Louisiana. I don’t need to deploy.”
Constant care of the B-52 bombers at Barksdale is necessary, the colonel told committee members, because the newest one was built in 1961. As commander the 2nd Bomb Wing, he believes it is “the greatest airplane ever built.”
The population of the 27,000-acre Barksdale AFB is about 14,500 and “the military is a family business,” so it has to have facilities for entire families.
Col. Lopez said soldiers have been training for war at Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) and the Joint Readiness Training Center since 1940, when they prepared for World War II. More than a million combat troops trained for Viet Nam there, so “training is in our DNA.”
Fort Johnson’s total base population is 32,628, including 7,949 active duty Army and Reserve, 222 Air Force, 12,447 military family members, 6,147 civilian employees, 5,770 transient and rotational personnel, and a 93-member Reserve component.
Families rely on Vernon Parish schools and Fort Johnson has “one of the largest child care facilities in the United States,” Col. Lopez said. The fort’s $1.79 billion impact on the state put it in the top 12 of Louisiana’s largest businesses.
The two military locations have “a huge financial impact on the state of Louisiana,” said committee member Sen. Mike Reese, R-Leesville. He said Fort Johnson’s 250,000 acres is “50 percent of the land mass of Vernon Parish, so we’re challenged to provide the kind of support we need to supply without the ad valorem tax generated in other communities.”
“Our military partners bravely serve all of us and we look forward to seeing improvements and upgrades that will continue to keep our state safe. Today’s presentations from our military leaders demonstrate what a tremendous impact their work has in our communities,” said Committee Chair Sen. Adam Bass. “Barksdale’s economic footprint in my district alone totals $980 million and the base commander says he’d like to see it as high as $1 billion. That’s impressive.”
Charlton Meginley, secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, told the committee that his office focuses on “the economics of veterans,” and although it has historically sought to serve older veterans, he wants to share that focus on the education and employment needs of younger veterans.
“Louisiana is the most veteran-friendly state in the United States,” with property tax and other breaks given to veterans, he said.
The state has five veterans’ homes and five veterans’ cemeteries. Each parish has a veterans service office staffed by veterans trained to assist with applicants’ needs.
The Red River Council on Aging, 1824 Front Street, will host a Community Health Fair Thursday, May 16 from 8:30am-12pm.
The following vendors are participating:
Home Health, Resource Center, CHRISTUS Coushatta, Medical Technology, Rehab Centers, Hospice, LaChip, Acadian On Call, and Blood Sugar Checks.
CHRISTUS Coushatta Healthcare will provide the following services for a nominal fee:
Come by and get your blood pressure, weight, height, and blood sugar checked.
Door Prizes will also be given away.
Today, we’ll once again venture off topic just a little. I have something I must get off my chest. This might be a little painful for some to read but it comes from my heart and it’s not only my perspective, but it’s the truth. I’m talking about dads. Where have all the dads gone that should be raising their own kids?
Mother Nature and the animal world understand how to raise their young to be independent and teach them to fend for themselves in the cruel animal kingdom. They are taught responsibility at an early age in order to survive and once the mother feels they are capable of going out on their own, she pushes them away or in the bird world…. out of the nest.
But let’s look at what has transpired in the last 20 years with regards to the male version of the human race, known as dads. As a dad who has raised a son and two daughters, I am aware that there are a number of men walking away from their responsibilities. They are no longer committed to raising their own kids and expect grandparents/teachers/coaches or the wife (they’ve walked out on) to raise these young kids.
A lot of the young kids today no longer have a dad’s perspective on how to deal with some of life’s tough issues. They have no idea on how to navigate the difficult day to day problems that arise. So, who are these kids turning to for advice? Well in some cases, it’s people that we don’t want giving them advice. One thing is for certain, kids will turn to whoever is willing to give the time they so desperately desire.
Kids don’t always make good choices when seeking out a male role model mainly because they are looking in the wrong places. This is where a dad is supposed to point them in the right direction. You would hope they would want to look at their own dad as the person they should be trying to emulate.
So, what is the result of this lack of guidance? First of all, it has led to a weaker generation of young boys and girls who have lost the ability to lead. It’s a generation that has little to no toughness or determination to compete in today’s brutal world. It’s a generation that has no respect for any type of authority.
Many of today’s youth have been raised in a society where everyone gets a trophy. They have no understanding of how to handle defeat or rejection when they lose a game or interview for a job. Learning how to handle rejection is a part of life and growing up. Rejection teaches us that we need to work harder in order to achieve the goals we have in life.
So many student-athletes are coming out of high school as an all-district or maybe an all-state athlete and think they should be a “starter” in their sport their first year in college. They don’t want to accept the fact they have to earn that starting position. This is also why the so-called “portal” that exists in college athletics is out of control and full of athletes that don’t want to compete for a starting position because they think they are entitled to that position due to their past success before they got to college.
So back to the question of the day: where are the dads that should be teaching many of life’s lessons? In my eyes, many have CHOSEN to walk away due to their own selfish wants or needs. They have rejected their responsibility of raising their kids to be respective and productive citizens.
If this does not change, our country will continue in a downward spiral led by people who don’t know how to lead. Step up dads and do your job! Do the job that is your responsibility! Teach your kids good work ethics and how to take defeat or rejection and turn it into something positive. Teach them that dedication and hard work are still the backbone for having success.
Till next time, be a dad and do what you were put on this earth to do…raise your kids!
The 41st Annual River City Fest will take place May 10-11 on the Sabine River in Logansport. FREE admission. There will be an Inflatable kid zone, Kids Bucking rodeo, mechanical bull, foods, arts & crafts, Car Show, corn hole tournament, “Strongest Arm-Wrestling”, Fireworks, live entertainment starting with “Jacob Wheeler”, “The Adam Leger Band”, and headlining Saturday Night is Nashville Recording Artist “Wyatt Putman”.
Red River High School will host an alumni basketball tournament May 25 for girls and boys. Team entry fee is $150. Admission is $5. Contact Kim Burton 318.207.5115 or Dadrian Harris 318.464.4999 for more information or to enter a team.
John Kirwen Brown
May 1, 1940 – May 7, 2024
Service: Saturday, May 1, 2024 at 1pm at First Baptist Church – Coushatta
The 2023 letter grades for water system quality and performance posted this week. According to the LDH website, Act 98 of the 2021 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature authorized the Louisiana Department of Health Safe Drinking Water Program to develop a grade for community water system accountability. This would provide for the issuance of a letter grade reflective of community water system quality and performance. LDH determines letter grades based on 7 Standards evaluating the infrastructure, accountability, and overall health risk of drinking water to consumers.
The seven standards are:
• Federal Water Quality
• State Water Quality
• Financial Sustainability
• Operation and Maintenance
• Infrastructure
• Customer Satisfaction
• Secondary Contaminants (Iron and Manganese)
Red River Parish water systems grades are listed.
Coushatta Water System C
Edgefield Water System B
Hall Summit Water System A
Halfway-Carroll Water System A
Martin Water System B
Hickory Grove Water System C
Fairview Union Water System C
Congratulations to Valedictorian Madison Chamberlin and Salutatorian Will Jones who will lead their class Commencement ceremony May 9th at 6 p.m. in the Riverdale Gymnasium.
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