The Red River Elementary School Carnival Health Fair Extravaganza, held October 1–2, 2025, was a tremendous success thanks to the dedication and teamwork of countless volunteers, staff, and community partners. The event combined fun, learning, and wellness, giving students a chance to explore health resources while enjoying carnival-style activities.

Special thanks go out to the RRE School Nurses, Fletter Taylor, RN, and Fahren Demery, LPN, for leading this effort, along with Lessonna Clark for her coordination and support. Appreciation also goes to Enisha Young and Alice Everett for hosting guests, and to Kala Sims from the Red River Parish Library for welcoming students with bags for their treasures. Many individuals and organizations helped make the event possible, including Katherine Smith, Homeless Liaison; Deborah Babers, Parent Coordinator; and Yashica Turner, RN, and her CNA team, who led height and weight screenings.

The Christus School-Based Health Clinic team—Leslie Sanders, LPN, and Macy Guin, NP—provided heart and lung screenings, while Jeanetta Taylor, RN, MA, conducted skin and integrity checks. Coach Ginger Craig (APE), Coach Zach Thrasher, and Lisa Copper, PT, made motor and mobility activities both fun and engaging. Vision and hearing screenings were completed earlier in the month by RRES nurses. The Unlimited Alternative to Change team—Crystal Smith, Linda Ashley, and Ronda Johnson—offered mental health and social skills screenings, while Christus Dental Clinic’s Andrea Lawson provided dental checkups and educational resources.

Additional thanks go to Amos Taylor, Jr., of Rent-A-Center, for providing treats, nutrition information, and encouragement; and to Katie Bethard and Lauren Hillman, representing RRPSB Nutrition, for gifts and healthy snack information. The RPHPU-Coushatta team—Karisma J. Williams, RN, and Kayla Jackson—shared valuable health insights, while Project Celebration and Linda Cox, NP, and Kennesha T. Bradley, RN, offered additional support and screenings.

Principal and staff members expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who participated, noting that “the display of love, kindness, and patience with our children did not go unnoticed.” The event showcased the power of collaboration between educators, health professionals, and the community—proving once again that at Red River Elementary, it truly takes a team to help students thrive.

Shared by Red River Elementary School