By Kevin Shannahan

The Natchitoches Central Chiefs started off their school year on a patriotic and musical note as the award winning NCHS Orchestra played the National Anthem before a packed atrium Tuesday, Aug. 23. Third year principal Bill Gordy outlined some of the school’s achievements and policies before parents picked up their child’s schedule and met their teachers.

NCHS’ 1,400 students have 16 sports to choose from as well as 27 clubs and activities. Some of them have gone on to make quite a name for themselves. Aaron Beaubouef’s Future Farmers of America is the best chapter in the state for the 4th year in a row. The Future Business Leaders of America chapter has sent two members to Nationals and 10 to state competitions while the state president of 4-H hails from NCHS. In addition to the superb orchestra, musically inclined students can join 90 of their fellow musicians in the Chief’s marching band. Nikki Murphy’s Lady Chiefs Volleyball is making its debut this year, adding a new sport to the Chief’s lineup. Lt. Col. Anthony Mault leads NCHS’ 130 Army Junior ROTC cadets. There is something at NCHS for every interest and there is no reason for any student not to join in on the fun and learning.

Principal Gordy is particularly proud of Natchitoches Central’s school grade which improved to a B this year/ This is no small achievement for a school its size and is an indication of the attention paid to academics by the faculty and administration.