It was a busy weekend indeed for the families of Natchitoches parish as three local high schools held their graduations May 17–19. Lakeview High School held its graduation May 17 at NSU’s A. A. Fredericks Auditorium with 88 young men and women taking their place as Gator Alumni. NSU President, Dr. Chris Maggio, was the keynote speaker. The Gator seniors racked up over $180,000 in scholarships to help see them through their college years. Two graduates will be taking their place in the defense of our nation in the Army and in the Air Force.
Natchitoches Central High School sent 256 young men and women into the world Friday, May 18 at NSU’s Prather Coliseum. The award winning NCHS orchestra began the ceremony with their customary skill and aplomb playing the traditional “Land of Hope and Glory” as the graduates entered. The Chief’s senior class garnered an impressive number of scholarships, with a total value of over $600,000.
The Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts closed out the weekend as it held its graduation ceremony Saturday, May 19 at NSU’s Prather Coliseum. The LSMSA graduated 112 seniors in its 34th commencement, with several young men and women from Natchitoches parish among the graduating class. The class earned over $31,000,000 in scholarships, an increase of $10,000,000 from the previous year. Mr. Matt Mabe, a 1998 LSMSA alumnus and West Point graduate, gave the keynote address.
The graduation also featured some unique traditions. The entire LSMSA student body attends the ceremony, with each class seated behind the seniors. After the senior class departs, there is a spirited scramble as each class moves up into the seats occupied by its predecessors. The senior class also exits with a fun song. Last year’s was the Star Wars theme. This year, the seniors exited to the James Bond 007 theme.
The Natchitoches Parish Journal extends its best wishes to all of our parish’s graduates as they undertake the next steps in their lives. In addition, we also wish Godspeed to the young men and women who have chosen to bear America’s faith and honor in military service.
Hi Kevin! Thank you for posting these! It appears that the 3rd gallery for LSMSA was posted twice. The L-W students are missing in your gallery. I am sure you took pictures of them as well. Is there any way you could upload them for us to see and possibly purchase?
Just uploaded “Just in case I missed something” 1,2 & 3 with all the photos. #3 is mostly kids of some friends. 1 & 2 are the rest of the ceremony. The galleries are in the same folder as the others. It was much easier than figuring out what was missing!
Thank you to Kevin Shannahan for the great pictures as always.
Thank you for posting these from Lakeview High School–would like to have the prices of the pictures to order.