Catherine St. Dizier Cobb
August 26, 1944 – May 12, 2018
Visitation: Monday, may 14 from 5-8 pm at First Baptist Church of Provencal
Service: Tuesday, May 15 at 10 am at First Baptist Church of Provencal
Interment: Coldwater Baptist Church Cemetery in Hagewood
Shirley Roberts Porter
February 18, 1934 – May 9, 2018
Visitation: Monday, May 14 from 9-10 am at Harmony Baptist Church
Service: Monday, May 14 at 10 am at Harmony Baptist Church in Provencal
Interment: Roberts Cemetery
Rodney Williams
May 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Frankie Ray Jackson
April 3, 1959 – May 5, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Alex Benito Reliford
May 28, 1971 – May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA WINN PARISH:
Dr. Jerold Robert McBride
September 20, 1932 – May 11, 2018
Visitation: Monday, May 14 from 10 am – 12:30 pm at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield
Service: Monday, May 14 at 1 pm at First Baptist Church in Winnfield RAPIDES PARISH:
Huey Kennon Mixon September 11, 1930 – May 10, 2018
Visitation: Monday, May 14 from 8:30-9:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Monday, May 14 at 10 am at Parkview Baptist Church in Alexandria
Interment: Salem Cemetery in Plain Dealing
The Natchitoches Lions Club sold over 600 bouquets of a dozen long stemmed roses for its annual Orin Foster Rose Fundraiser. Lions Club members delivered the roses May 10-11, just in time for Mother’s Day. Residents around town were surprised to receive bouquets from their loved ones. Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit Lions projects.
Northwestern State University recognized top graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences, the Louisiana Scholars College and the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development prior to morning commencement ceremonies Friday, May 11.
Top Graduates Morning Ceremony:
Honorees were, seated from left, Oni Melendez of Cartagena, Colombia; Alanna Benoit of Thibodaux, Amanda Curry of Minden, Kristen Eusay of Anacoco, Ashley Rico of Natchitoches, Alexis Rice of Luling, Christina Arrechavala of Kenner and Amanda Simmons of Haughton. On the second row are Aaron Rogers of Amarillo, Texas; Candice Smith of Pineville, Natalie Borowski of Gretna, Maria Rome of Baton Rouge, Katie Rayburn of Pineville, Kylie Nodorft of Wylie, Texas; Jacqueline Rutherford of Deridder, Alicia Foy of Grayson and Molly Baker of Melrose with NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio and commencement speaker Jim Clinton. On the back row are Kailey Leach of Many, Sabrina Ross of Many, Alexander Butler of Bossier City, Conner Dillon of Leesville, Katherine Speicher of Glen Burnie, Maryland, and Abby Hinds of Many.
Top Graduates Afternoon:
From left are commencement speaker Jim Clinton, Kiera White of Bossier City, Jessica Mango of Leesville, Robert Jones of Minden, Jessica Love of Shreveport, Kaytie Proctor of Little Elm, Texas; Rachel Opbroek of Keithville, David Moritz of Cedar Park, Texas, and Jeremy Jones of Natchitoches with NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio and Rep. Terry Brown, who was a (1968) Golden Jubilee Graduate.
The Natchitoches Rotary Club completed its 6th Annual Scholarship Essay Competition. The winners were announced at the May 8 meeting. Sofia Rivera from the Louisiana School for Math Science and the Arts (LSMSA) was voted first place with her essay titled, More Than A Test. She received a $1500 scholarship. The second-place winner, also from LSMSA, was Alexa Schleter. She was awarded a $1000 scholarship. Her essay was titled Four Way for the Good. Joshua Fortenberry from Natchitoches Central High School was the third-place winner with his essay Life’s Fundamentals. He received a $500 scholarship.
The purpose of this annual competition is to showcase talented writers in area schools. The competition requires they write an essay using Rotary International’s Four-Way Test, which is the guide that all Rotarians follow. All schools in the parish were invited to submit essays. A panel of Rotarian’s conducted a blind review of the essays submitted. The top six finalists presented their essays to the club on May 1, where Rotarians voted on the presentations.
The Natchitoches Rotary Club, 1291 is located in District 6190. Rotary International is the largest service organization in the world with 1.2 million members (text by Dr. Ron McBride).
The NSU Elementary Lab School Kiwanis K-Kids had their end of the year celebration on Wednesday May 2. Kiwanis President, Dion Boyett, and Past President, Reba Phelps, brought pizza for the children. They also spoke to the spirited group of kids about roles that adults play in Kiwanis and how it relates to their club. Several club members addressed the Kiwanians about all of the different projects they held during the year. The K-Kids ended their year with a service project as well. As soon as the pizza was devoured they cleaned the playground and picked up trash on campus. Pictured with the Kiwanians was Principal Caron Coleman, 5th grade teacher Kyla Lewis, and K-Kids Sponsor Erika Todtenbier.
The Northwestern State University Theatre and Dance Department’s recent performance of Into the Woods benefitted from an unusual collaboration with the Computer Information Systems program. In her research, student costume designer Mary Rogers found an example of 3D printed claws she wanted to experiment with for the Big Bad Wolf character. She reached out to CIS professor Dr. Begona Perez-Mira, who generously offered access to their 3D printer. Dr. Perez-Mira brought in CIS student James Maricle to help with the project. Over the next several weeks the three experimented printing custom claws directly onto fabrics. Their goal was to create light weight clawed gloves large enough to read from stage that didn’t impede the actor’s hands and allowed for a full range of motion. They tested which fabrics adhere best to the printed material and which shapes make for a stable claw. They worked out the best claw spacing and custom tailored gloves to the actor’s hands. Their hard work paid off when the Big Bad Wolf took the stage, and a research goal became a reality.
Living Waters Ministries was founded May 2008 in Mansfield, La by the late Pastor Kenneth D. Booker, Sr. and 1st Lady Kimberly Ealy Babers. In honor of our late Pastor Kenneth D. Booker, Sr., we have established a Memorial Scholarship to be given to two graduating seniors. In doing this we will be honoring his memory and legacy. Pastor Booker was all about education and we would like to be a blessing to our community.
We know that he would be proud to know we are helping someone futher their education. Destiny Booker chose this year’s recipients, whom are KenTravien Ross and Brittney Walker Seniors at Mansfield High School Mansfield, La. We would also like to thank his daughter Destiny Booker, our other founder 1st Lady Kimberly Ealy Babers as well as Pastor Kenneth Babers, Sr. for making this possible.
Natchitoches Magnet held its inaugural Muffins with Mom breakfast for first grade students in Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Weeks classes. Students gave their mothers artwork they made for Mother’s Day, like paper flower pins and portrait drawings.
Jackson Henderson said he likes cuddling with his mother Kristi. DeRhani Alexander said the best thing about her mom DeNara Latigue is that she’s beautiful. Ashton Cooper said he loves going places with his mother Lakeshia. Axel Laning like to watch shows with his mother Pia Wyatt.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms across Natchitoches Parish!
The Natchitoches Parish School Board recognized the Student of the Year for 5th, 8th and 12th grade Tuesday evening, May 8. Alongside the winners, the board also recognized those who applied.
Before making a decision, each student submitted portfolios which included their grades, accomplishments, activities, community involvement and an essay. Students were then required to complete an interview with judges from the local community.
Gracie Moore, a fifth grader at NSU Elementary, Tinley Durr, an eighth grader at Marthaville and Joshua Fortenberry a senior at Natchitoches Central were selected as this year’s winners.
Other students who represented their schools in this year’s competition are: Nathanial Lester, Cloutierville: Grade 5; Jazlyn Alacon, East Natchitoches: Grade 5; Allen Saba, Fairview Alpah; Grade 5; Colie Killingsworth, Goldonna: Grade 5; Simone Robinson, L.P. Vaughn: Grade 5; Kaylee Jordan, Marthaville: Grade 5; Huntar Goings, Natchitoches Magnet: Grade 5; Addison Ivy, Provencal: Grade 5; Kaiylynn Long, Cloutierville: Grade 8; Cami Faircloth, Goldonna: Grade 8; Zoie Britt, Lakeview Jr. High: Grade 8; Kytiere Lazard, Natchitoches Jr. High: Grade 8; McKenzie Broadway, Natchitoches Magnet: Grade 8; Anna Coleman, NSU-Middle: Grade 8; Calvin Willis, Provencl; Grade 8; Cadie Coleman, Lakeview High: Grade 12.
Shirley Roberts Porter
February 18, 1934 – May 9, 2018
Visitation: Sunday, May 13 from 5-7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home and Monday, May 14 from 9-10 am at Harmony Baptist Church
Service: Monday, May 14 at 10 am at Harmony Baptist Church in Provencal
Interment: Roberts Cemetery
Rodney Williams
May 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Dolores Elaine (Wampole) Brown
January 21, 1937 – May 7, 2018
Rev. Millard Hollingsworth
May 8, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 11:30 am – 1 pm the Greenville Baptist Church in Clarence
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 1 pm at the Greenville Baptist Church
Interment: Montgomery Community Cemetery
Frankie Ray Jackson
April 3, 1959 – May 5, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Alex Benito Reliford
May 28, 1971 – May 1, 2018
Arrangements TBA
Pearlene Blake
May 1, 2018
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11:30 am at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Bermuda
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 9-11:30 am at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Saturday
Lula M. Cheatham
May 1, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 9:30 am-11 am at We Care Ministries, 750 Ouida Drive in Natchitoches
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at We Care Ministries
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum
Doris Rachal Jordan
April 26, 2018
Arrangements TBA WINN PARISH:
Asa Ray Cobbs
April 1, 1936 – May 10, 2018
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many
Internment: Spring Ridge Cemetery in Pleasant Hill RAPIDES PARISH:
Elsie Saucier Vanlangendonck
September 29, 1925 – May 5, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, May 12 from 9-11:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home Service: Saturday, May 12 at 12 pm at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church
Internment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens RED RIVER PARISH:
Thelma McCowen
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at Cedar Hill Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: Friendship Cemetery in Grand Cane
Minnie Collins
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at Northwest Auditorium in Mansfield
Interment: Union Cemetery
Leroy Hives
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at New Hope Baptist Church in Mansfield
Interment: New Hope Cemetery in Mansfield
James Scott
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 11 am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Grambling
Interment: Grambling Memorial Gardens Cemetery
Essex McGee
Service: Saturday, May 12 at 1 pm at St. Elizabeth Baptist Church in Grand Cane
Interment: Community Cemetery
The Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce, together with the City of Natchitoches and Northwestern State University, hosted the inaugural Elite Scholarship Banquet May 8. High School Seniors from Natchitoches Central, St. Mary’s, Lakeview and Louisiana School for Math, Science & the Arts (LSMSA) were selected by school counselors based on their ACT scores, GPA and dual enrollment credits at Northwestern. LSMSA students had the added requirement of being a Natchitoches native. A points scale was used to select the highest achieving students, with two points given for an ACT score at or above a 24, one point given for a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and one point given for 12 or more hours of dual enrollment. All students with at least three points were invited to attend the banquet along with two parents or guests.
Mayor Lee Posey was a driving force in creating this event, hoping to model a similar program held in Desoto Parish. Posey stated, “We have some great kids that graduate from both our public and private school systems in Natchitoches, and we really wanted to come together as a community to applaud their efforts and encourage all students to strive for this level of academic excellence.”
The Education Steering Committee for the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce lead the effort to organize the event, which is in keeping with their recent push for higher academic standards across Natchitoches Parish. According to Committee Chairman Van Erikson, the objective of the event was three-fold: to acknowledge the outstanding high school careers of these students, to award scholarships with excess monies raised for the event, and to jumpstart a collaborative approach to education in Natchitoches Parish.
A keynote address and challenge to seniors was given by Kimberly Eckert, 2018 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year and NSU Alumna. Kimberly offered inspirational words of wisdom to attendees as well as congratulations to the students and their parents for their hard work. Another highlight of the evening was the scholarship balloon pop. Each student was handed a balloon at registration. One balloon contained a $1000 scholarship, and was awarded to Kengela Beard from Natchitoches Central High School. Seven balloons contained $500 scholarships, and the winners were Lucy Matchuska (LMSMA), Chandler Sarpy (Central), Dylan Bennett (St. Mary’s), Sarah Aviles (St. Mary’s), David Thibodaux (St. Mary’s), George Ingrish (St. Mary’s), and Taylor A. Johnson ( Natchitoches Central).
Principals, school staff, parents, and School Board members in attendance commented how nice the event was, with several stating that we should have been doing this for years. The Chamber Education Committee plans to build upon this event next year, encouraging students to strive for academic excellence, and encouraging the leaders in our community to support that initiative.
High School Seniors Selected to Attend Elite Scholarship Banquet
Lakeview: Adam Calder, Cadie Coleman, Emily Johnson, Malichi Lester, Madison McLaren, Norman Moreland, Terry Sullivan
LSMSA: Lauren Bartels, Albert Chen, Edouard Ferrell, Devon Mathews, LiZhang Matuschka, Reed Middendorf, Bryce Moulton, Tomas Parker, Adreanna Queen, Jake Stultz, Russell Stultz
NCHS: Brock Barrios, Kengela Beard, Jacob Bellow, Ethan Buckhalter, Annah Carnline, Trevor Chalker, Jessica Clark, Zach Daily, Kade Davis, Leah Deford, Vincent Ferreyros, Derilyn Flanagan, Joshua Fortenberry, Aaron Foster, Abbie Gandy, Brooklyn Hampton, Shaylynn Hargis, Steven Harris, Caitlyn Hassan, Garrett Hood, Adam Hudson, Rhegan Hymes, Veronica James, Taylor A. Johnson, Taylor B. Johnson, Kelsey Lacaze, Madison Lemoine, Maya Levo, Alaina Lewis, Lacy Martin, Kristin McQuillin, Makenzie Morgan, Kevin Nutt, Samantha Phillips, Brock Puryear, Kierstin Rachal, Shernarr Rice, Anna Robertson, Chandler Sarpy, Mikayla Scaife, Gabrielle Scarborough, Terra Schulze, Bradley Scott, Kennedy Sherman, Samantha Spillman, Carlie Sweeney, Markella Taylor, Brianna Tibbs, Tyler Tousek, Brian White, Seth Woodel, Emma Zachary
Saint Mary’s: Sarah Aviles, Dylan Bennett, Jeremy Friedel, Sarah Gilmore, Aaron Howell, George Ingrish, Madison Menou, Makenzie Methvin, Olivia Miller, Jay Parker, Ryan Sampite, David Thibodaux, Britney Turner, Lauren Vienne
When you grow up in a house with multiple siblings you usually get multiple versions of how your childhood happened. There’s what you personally witnessed. There’s what your sister recollects. There’s also what your brother remembers. Somewhere among the murky details that cloud our memories lies the truth. The unabashed truth, so help me God.
On any given holiday or Sunday lunch you could find all of us heavily debating the important family issues:
Who was the favorite child? Me, of course.
Who got away with more childhood crimes? My brother…without a doubt.
Who was the smartest child? Hands down, my sister.
Some things were indisputable but our love for exaggerated stories and accusations always kept the laughter alive. Often, the verbal sparring was all in good fun and light hearted.
However, during one particular Sunday lunch many years ago the taunting took a sharp turn for the worse when one of my siblings alluded to the fact that Eva Gail’s mothering skills may not have been compliant with today’s standard of care. Although I started to laugh it took me a millisecond to see the “Zwolle” look in my mother’s eyes. My laugh was suddenly gulped away as I saw the lives of my siblings flash before my eyes.
Eva Gail may have been a sweet preacher’s wife but she was no stranger to expressing her anger.
The rest of the day was a bit awkward and no one dared elaborate on what was said. We were overly polite and accommodating with everyone and it was as if we didn’t even share the same last name. It was evident mom’s feelings were hurt. It was evident my dad was nervous about the ride home with her. Normally my dad is a quick visitor. He always has something to do and must get there quickly. On this day he lingered. He was camping out at my house until it was absolutely necessary for them to leave.
He knew what awaited him in the vehicle.
Later that night, just as expected I heard from my sister and we rehashed where things might have gone wrong. Once we played the highlight reel we discovered that we joked about the same things just as we had many times before. The replays included how we think we received more spankings than the average child. We were made to go to church every time the doors were open. Even for cleaning day. We included how our parents left us alone at a very young age (I am guessing the statute of limitations has run out on this one). We included how our little brother always seemed to escape punishment. He may not agree with that but if two people witnessed the same thing it must be true.
We were feeling bold about our accusations and we were prepared to stand behind them once Eva Gail confronted us. We chalked it up to her just being overly sensitive. We were going to set her straight.
Almost like clockwork as soon as I hung up with my sister my mom called. Her voice was completely different then I’d ever heard before. She was deeply hurt over what we thought was comical and was beginning to think she was a horrible mother. When I heard the pure hurt in her voice I fully vacated the pact my sister and I made earlier and went into rescue mode. It broke my heart to hear my mom so upset. We talked on the phone for a very long time and we finally hung up when I felt like she understood we were joking and there was no other mother we would have rather had.
Like all family squabbles it was quickly forgiven by the next family dinner.
Mother’s Day was around the corner and that year I chose to give my mother a card with a hand-written note that included a list of all the things she had done right as a mother. When she read the note she was teary eyed and after an extremely long pause she said, “I cannot believe how much you write like me.” She was correct. I joked with her that I spent my high school years perfecting her signature. I really expected she would say something more profound and meaningful. But, at least she knew that every kind act she ever performed meant something to me and shaped the woman I was becoming.
My mother passed away in 2011. Not too long after the funeral I was helping my father organize her belongings to donate and we ran across the handwritten note that I gave to my mother some 10 years prior. She had tucked it away in a box along with some other miscellaneous items. I was really astonished that she had kept it all those years and all I could think of after all this time is how she was right. I did write like her. Just like her.
A mother’s nature is to know their children better than any other person on this planet. A mother’s nature is to nurture their children and be supportive of their dreams and love them unconditionally. A mother’s nature can also be very sensitive and always second guessing our skills as a mother. We just hope we are doing it right….if not it will come out years down the road at a random Sunday dinner.
My siblings and I were blessed with the most amazing Eva Gail that anyone could ever ask for.
“Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, he praises her”
The Natchitoches parish School Board recognized those teacher nominated for Teacher of the Year in Natchitoches Parish at its meeting May 10.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to have these great, dedicated teachers in our system,” said Superintendent Dale Skinner.
An announcement was made that the school board will start providing copies of a balanced budget sheet to the public at its monthly meetings (SEE DOCUMENT BELOW).
In other business, two items, added to the agenda after Tuesday’s committee meeting, caused concern for Board Member Ralph Wilson. However, affirmative votes from the other board members passed both items, which will change student attendance for several schools.
Item #1: Approve students from Natchez area that have been attending Provencal Elementary and Jr. High (approximately 83 students) to begin attending Cloutierville Elementary and Jr. High for the 2018-2019 school year.
Item #2: Approve students who live in the following areas (Airport Road, Fairgrounds Road, South Town Community, Fish Hatchery Road and LA Hwy. 494) to enroll into the City schools.
Ralph Wilson asked that the approval of these items be put off until next month so the board members would have more time to discuss them. However, Skinner said they couldn’t wait until next month and it’s the best solution they’ve come up with at this time.
Other agenda items included:
Adopt other authorized millage rates and taxes for 2018
Take appropriate action on bids for HVAC and electrical upgrades to Goldonna Jr./Sr. High School
Add consolidated #6 bond renewal (7 mil) set to expire EOY 2019 and consolidated #7 (7 mil) set to expire EOY 2020 to the General Election ballot for Dec. 8
Update on Milo robot
Approve student handbook revisions for 2018-2019
Approve private automobile travel for NCHS cheerleaders to Greatwolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas for cheer camp for May 28-31
Northwestern State University’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps hosted a spring awards ceremony for cadets the 68th Demon Battalion to recognize outstanding achievements and academic honors. ROTC’s mission is to recruit, educate, develop and inspire cadet with a focus on academics.
The ceremony recognized cadets who will commission as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army in conjunction with graduation from NSU. They are Cadets Taylor Andrews, Savannah Carter, Tucker Ellis, Michael Kingsley and Albert Tuiel.
Cadets on the President’s List with a 4.0 grade point average are Cadets Karl Marzahl and Tristan Thorman. Those on the Dean’s List with a 3.5-3.99 GPA are Cadets Taylor Andrews, Jaelon Davis, Michael Kingsley, Taimata Luafalemana, Albert Tuiel, John Ham, Mackenzie Buie-Grace and Hunter Stebbins.
Cadets who earned a 4.0 in military science are Taylor Andrews, Savannah Carter, Dominitra Charles, Jaelon Davis, Tucker Ellis, Taimata Luafalemana, Adam Barnes, Logan DeOre, John Ham, Karl Marzahl, Maria-Magdalena Torres, William Jenson, Hunter Stebbins and Tristan Thorman.
The Corps of Cadets selects those who serve in Battalion leadership positions. Not only is it an honor to be peer-selected, but each position comes with challenges and demands of cadets’ time. MS IV (senior) cadets are as follows.
Taylor Andrews, Demon Battalion Commander, received the Bronze Medal Athlete for his score on the Army Physical Fitness Test, Cadet Achievement Medal and the Field Training Exercise Award. Andrews also received the Colonel Tom Baker Award, established in the 1950s to recognize an outstanding senior cadet who exhibits exemplary traits of dedication and leadership; The Lions Club Award presented to the cadet who has shown excellence in leadership, excelled in all facets of military science and upholds the highest ideals of patriotism and fidelity; and the award for outstanding achievement as battalion commander from the Reserve Officers Association of the United States, Shreveport, Chapter 10.
Savannah Carter, the S3, Operations and Training Officer, received the Cadet Honors, the Cadet Achievement Medal and the Field Training Exercise Award, as well as the Daughters of the American Revolution Award for the cadet who shows outstanding ability and achievement.
Dominitra Charles, assistant S3, received the Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award and Field Training Exercise Award. She also received the AUSA Military History Award and the Military Officers Association of America ROTC Medal that recognizes an outstanding junior who demonstrated exceptional potential for military leadership.
Jaelon Davis, Battalion S1, Adjutant, attends LSU-Shreveport, an ROTC partnership school. He received the Bronze Medal Athlete Award, Cadet Achievement Medal, Leadership Excellence and Field Training Exercise Award. He also received the Touchstone Award, presented during the military ball in March.
Tucker Ellis is the assistant S4, Logistics Officer. He received the Cadet Scholar Award, the Award for Most Improved GPA within the Program, Cadet Achievement Medal, Leadership Excellence Award and Recruiting Award.
Brandon Homan, also LSU-S, is assistant S2, Military Intelligence. He received the Cadet Achievement Medal, the Recruiting Award and the Award for Most Improved PT score within the Program. Homan also received the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, which recognizes a cadet who shows a high degree of patriotism to his or her nation and has demonstrated a high degree of academic performance and leadership.
Taimata Luafalemana is S6, Communication Officer. She received the Bronze Medal Athlete, the Cadet Achievement Medal, the Recruiting Award, the Field Training Exercise Award and the Ranger Challenge Award. She also received the award of the Military Order of World Wars presented to a cadet who excels in all military and scholastic aspects of the ROTC program.
Aliona Salter is the assistant S6, Communications. She received the Cadet Achievement Medal, the Recruiting Award and the Field Training Exercise Award.
Albert Tueil is the Assistant S1, Personnel Officer. He received the Bronze Medal Athlete Award, Cadet Achievement Medal and Recruiting Award. He also received the American Legion Military Excellence Award, which recognizes a cadet in the top 25 percent of the class in academic and ROTC subjects and has demonstrated outstanding qualities in military leadership, discipline, character and citizenship.
MS III Cadets (juniors) who were recognized are as follows.
Adam Barnes, Battalion S4, Logistics Officer, received the Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award, Field Training Exercise Award and the Military Order of the World Wars that recognizes a cadet in each year-group who excels in all military and scholastic aspects of the ROTC program.
Logan DeOre, S2, Military Intelligence Officer, received the Bronze Medal Athlete Award, Perfect Attendance Award, Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award, Field Training Exercise Award, Color Guard Award and Ranger Challenge Award. He received the American Veterans Medal for demonstrating a positive attitude, outstanding personal attributes of initiative, dependability, judgement and self-confidence and demonstrated officer potential thorough responsibility, adaptability and high personal standards. He also received the Veterans of Foreign Wars Award presented to a cadet who demonstrates achievement and concentrated effort in military subjects and capability and diligence in related activity of the ROTC program.
John Ham is the Company Commander and co-captain of the Ranger Challenger Team. He received the Bronze Medal Athlete Award, Perfect Attendance Award, Cadet Achievement Medal, Field Training Exercise Award, Color Guard Award and Ranger Challenge Award. He also received the American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award which is presented to the cadet in the top 10 percent of their class in academics, the top 25 percent in military science classes and have demonstrated qualities of leadership. Ham is also receiving the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Award that recognizes the cadet in the sophomore or junior class who has contributed the most to encourage and demonstrate patriotism by deeds or conduct during participation in extracurricular activities or community projects. Finally, he received the award of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States for outstanding achievement as company commander.
Marzahl is the Battalion Command Sergeant Major and Captain of the Ranger Challenge Team. He received the Gold Medal Athlete Award, Perfect Attendance Award, Commendation Medal, Cadet Achievement Medal, Leadership Excellence Award, Color Guard Award and Ranger Challenge Award. He also received the AUSA ROTC Medal presented to an outstanding MS III cadet who, through leadership, contributes the most toward advancing the standing of the Department of Military Science at the University. Marzahl also received the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree Patriotic Award that recognizes a junior selected for achievements on a patriotic standars above and beyond all others.
Kari Taffi is the Company First Sergeant. She received the Cadet Honors Award, the Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award and Field Training Exercise Award.
MS II cadets (sophomores) and their honors are as follows.
Mackenzie Buie-Grace, an LSU-S cadet, received the Military Proficiency Award.
Elizabeth Fontenot received the Military Proficiency Award, Cadet Scholar honors and Most Improved Cadet for the MS II class.
Christian Linn, LSU-S cadet, received the Military Proficiency Award.
Larancion Magee received the Military Proficiency Award, Cadet Achievement Medal and the Military Order of the World Wars, which recognizes a cadet in each year-group who excels in all military and scholastic aspects of the ROTC program.
Maria Magdalena Torres received the Military Proficiency Ward, Silver Medal Athlete, Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award and Ranger Challenge Award. She also received the award of the General Society of the War of 1812 presented to an MS II of high moral character and good academic standing.
Terran Turner received the Military Proficiency Award.
MS I (first-year cadets) and their honors are as follows.
Skylar Blecher received the Military Proficiency Certificate and the Perfect Attendance Award.
Tanner Delphin received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Perfect Attendance Award and the Cadet Achievement Medal.
Hailey Fields received the Military Proficiency Certificate.
Allison Friday received the Military Proficiency Certificate and the Recruiting Award.
Neil Garcia received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Silver Medal Athlete, Commendation Medal and Color Guard Award.
William Jensen received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Cadet Honors Award and Cadet Achievement Medal.
Ethan Lewis received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Cadet Scholar, Commendation Medal Award, Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award, Field Training Exercise Award, Color Guard Award and Ranger Challenge Award. He also received the award of the Sons of the American Revolution, which recognizes a first-year cadet who shows a high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, soldierly bearing and excellence.
Rory Loud received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Commendation Medal Award, Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award, Color Guard Award and Ranger Challenge Award.
Shane McGrath, an LSU-Alexandria cadet, received the award of the Military Order of the World Wars which recognizes a cadet in each year-group who excels in all military and scholastic aspects of the ROTC program.
Eboni Phidd, an LSU-A cadet, received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Recruiting Award and Cadet Scholar. She also received the USAA Spirit Award, which recognizes cadets who display traits and characteristics that embody the spirit of service to others.
Hunter Stebbins, an LSU-S cadet, received the Military Proficiency Certificate and ROTC Honors for a GPA of 4.0 in Military Science.
Tristan Thorman received the Military Proficiency Certificate, the Commendation Medal, Cadet Achievement Medal, Color Guard Award, Field Training Exercise Award and Ranger Challenge Award. He also received the award of the Military Order of Foreign Wars of the U.S. for Academics.
Maria Williams received the Military Proficiency Certificate, Commendation Medal Award, Cadet Achievement Medal, Recruiting Award and Color Guard. Williams also received the National Sojourners Award which recognizes an outstanding cadet who has contributed the most to encourage and demonstrate Americanism within the Corps of Cadets on campus.
Rory Loud received the PMS Award for Outstanding Service, which recognizes the cadet who contributes time and energies to Demon Battalion social projects. Loud is a member of the Louisiana National Guard who will receive the Simultaneous Membership Program Achievement Award. Loud was activated more than 30 days in support of hurricane relief.
For the second year in a row, Karl Marzahl received the US Army ROTC Sergeant York Award, presented to a cadet who excels in the program and devotes additional time and effort to maintaining and expanding it.
Each year, over 5,000 cadets train at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for advanced camp. Passing the grueling 29-day course is a prerequisite to becoming an Army officer through ROTC. Michael Kingsley was awarded the title of Distinguished Military Graduate for displaying outstanding qualities of leadership, high moral character, noteworthy academic achievement and exceptional aptitude for military service.
Top cadets are those from each class who show strong academic and military leadership and demonstrate strong officer potential. These cadets volunteer, speak up and encourage others to improve. This year’s Superior Cadet Awards were presented to Top MS I Cadet Tristan Thorman, Top MS II Cadet Maria-Magdalena Torres, Top MS III Cadet Karl Marzahl and top MS IV Cadet Taylor Andrews.
Ethan Lewis was recipient of two scholarships established by Demon Battalion alumni, the Malcolm Daisy ROTC Scholarship awarded to a hardworking, loyal and dedicated cadet who exhibits Army values and volunteers on a regular basis, and the James A. Noe Memorial Scholarship for cadets who display a high degree of leadership potential, high standard of moral conduct and support for the NSU ROTC program.
Kingley and Andrews also received tokens of appreciation for their outstanding leadership which included books for their professional libraries.
The NSU ROTC Cadre were also recognized with awards listed as follows.
Raymond McDowell, Recruiting Operations Officer, received the Commander’s Award for Public Service for exceptional recruiting efforts, strategic outreach, and assistance in organizational improvement resulting in quality growth of the program.
Dennis Montgomery, Human Resource Administrator, received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service for exceptional administrative and process skills resulting in timely and accurate processing of Cadet and Cadre actions.
Edward Kelly, Facilitator of Military Science/Academic Operations, and Mrs. Sid Hall, Military Affairs Coordinator/ROTC Program Manager, received the Commander’s Award for Public Service for exceptional performance, initiative, and dependability which led to our program’s continued success.
Information on NSU’s ROTC program is available at rotc.nsula.edu.
The Natchitoches Historic Foundation, one of the oldest and largest groups dedicated to historic preservation in the area with over 150 members, held its annual Membership Gala at The Cunningham Law Office May 8. The event was held to recruit new members as well as celebrate the group’s accomplishments throughout the year. New board members Jacque Horton, John Cunningham, and John and Kathy Richardson were named. The group awarded Mildred Hart Bailey Scholarships to Ariel Bailey and Molly Dickerson and donated $5,000 to the American Cemetery. Wrought iron chairs named in memory of Bobby DeBlieux and Robby Lucky were also unveiled.
Each year the NHF holds its signature tours of the American Cemetery, both for area 8th graders and the general public. The popular and educational tours feature re-enactors portraying some of the well known people buried in the cemetery. The foundation also holds the Annual Christmas Tours of area historic homes.
The Natchitoches Historic Foundation makes our community better with its mission of “Preservation, Education and Advocacy.”
The Modern Woodmen of America sponsored a project to bag food items and personals to distribute to the needy at the Natchitoches Coalition on Homelessness’ Share A Meal, which are held on the last Thursday of every month at the Martin Luther King Skybox. CASA members also provided donations and helped the Modern Woodmen and Coalition bag items.
Pictured are Mary Squyers, Theressa Patterson, Akilah Farris, Jack Duty, Aloys Duty, and Elizabeth McElwee, Suzie Squyers, Linda Queen, Demetrius Farris, Helen Obioha, and Merlin Squyers. Not pictured are Debbie Farris and Marie Brosette.
Michael had a positive attitude. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, “If I were any better, I would be twins!” He was a natural motivator. If a co-worker was having a bad day, Michael would encourage them and help them to see the positive side of the situation.
A friend asked how he could be so positive all the time. After all, it seemed so unnatural compared to the rest of the world. Michael replied, “Each morning I wake up and say to myself, ‘You have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.’ I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.”
The friend protested that even though it sounded great in theory it would be hard to live out.
Michael responded, “Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It’s your choice how you live your life.”
Several years later, Michael was involved in a serious accident as he fell sixty feet from a communications tower. As he lay on the ground, the first thing he thought of was the well–being of his soon–to–be–born daughter. Then, he remembered that he had two choices: He could choose to live or he could choose to die. He chose to live.
The paramedics arrived and went to work. They kept telling Michael that he was going to be fine. But when they wheeled him into the ER, he saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses. He began to feel fear overcoming his body because he could read their eyes: “He’s a dead man.” He knew he needed to take action.
A big burly nurse was shouting questions. She asked Michael if he was allergic to anything. He replied, “Yes.” The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for Michael to fill in the missing blank of his allergy. He took a deep breath and yelled, “Gravity.” Over their laughter, he said, “I am choosing to live. Operate on me with that understanding.”
After eighteen hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Michael was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. Michael lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, and also because of his amazing attitude. When asked about his health, Michael would respond, “If I were any better, I’d be twins. Want to see my scars?”
The Bible tells us that by His scars we are healed, we are made, “better.”
Jacob Ellis of Many has been named Greek Man of the Year and Samantha Sims of Newnan, Georgia, has been named Greek Woman of the Year at Northwestern State University.
Ellis, a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, has served the organization as internal vice president, new member class president, brotherhood chair and a member of the recruitment committee. He is Northwestern State’s Student Government Association president for the 2018-19 year.
“My participation in the Greek community has greatly enhanced my collegiate experience,” said Ellis. “It has taught me so many skills that I can use in my life. These skills include respect for my fellow man; how to organize a group when working on a project; how to properly dress for certain occasions; how to effectively communicate and what it takes to pretty much run a business. Most importantly, my participation in the Greek community has instilled in me a set of values that I will forever hold dear.”
Ellis, a business administration major, said being part of being successful in managing time is remembering academics must be his first priority.
“A student’s number one goal should be achieving their degree,” he said. “I had to learn when to say no. There have been many nights when I would have loved to go hang out with my brothers or go watch an intramural game, but I had to get my schoolwork done. It takes discipline to be able to prioritize what you need to do over what you want to do.”
Gradually taking on leadership roles has caused a major change in Ellis’ outlook.
I have had to overcome many personal challenges and would often feel insecure about my adequacy,” said Ellis. “I would sometimes ask myself, ‘Am I the right person for the job?’ I would think that someone else might be able to handle a situation better than I would. My leadership experience here on campus has changed that mentality entirely. The leadership roles I have held on this campus have given me a newfound confidence that I did not have before.”
Sims, a senior psychology major, is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. She served as vice president of chapter development and received the Helen Clair Mullen Founders Award and the Founders of the Sisterhood Ring. Sims is part president of the College Panhellenic Association.
“The Greek community has shaped me to become the leader I am today. Greek life is not just an organization you join for four years. It is something that becomes a part of you and a part of life. It brings people with common goals together to build a community that will strive to push the members to do the best they can.”
Sims said being part of the Greek Community has helped her “find a passion for helping people and wanting to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Balancing academics with participation in extracurricular activities has been important for Sims.
“You have to be able to manage time correctly and know how to prioritize with meetings and events that happen with in the community,” said Sims. “In AOP, we stress grades and study hours. I have sisters that want to see me succeed and graduate. Joining an organization that supports me with this challenge has been a blessing I have sisters that will help me study.”
Sims has been able to do that despite having a learning disability.
“I don’t let that get in my way or use it as a crutch,” she said. “I have sisters that support me and help me whenever I need them. I am grateful for that.”
Ag in the Classroom, sponsored by a local insurance group, visits local schools each year to introduce agricultural to students. Representative Bonnie Pace read a book to Mrs. McCart’s first grade class at Weaver Elementary. Other representatives with Farm Bureau and Alpha Delta Kappa participated in the educational event.
Michael had a positive attitude. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, “If I were any better, I would be twins!” He was a natural motivator. If a co-worker was having a bad day, Michael would encourage them and help them to see the positive side of the situation.
