The Provencal Christian Academy Knights Basketball team received a donation from Shelley Townson on behalf of City Bank. This donation will help fund the team’s uniforms and equipment. Pictured are Dylan Jennings, Fisher Anderson, Dalton Phillips, Coach Michael Jordan, Shelley Townson, Dylan Vascocu, Ayden Jordan, Zach Vascocu and Gage Bordelon.

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Juanita Morris
September 13, 2018
Arrangements TBA through Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home

Sam Rodrigues
May 23, 1947 – September 10, 2018
Visitation: Friday September 14 from 5-7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, September 15 at 11 am at Emmanuel Cemetery in Chopin

Annette Johnson
February 17, 1948 – September 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA through Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home

Gayla Banks
September 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA through Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home

RAPIDES PARISH:

Stanley Anthony Dauzat|
October 30, 1932 – September 11, 2018
Visitation: Friday, September 14 from 9 am – 1 pm at the Kramer Funeral Home of Fifth Ward Funeral Home
Service: Friday, September 14 at 1 pm in the chapel of Kramer of Fifth Ward
Interment: Lamartiniere Cemetery

WINN PARISH:

Wanda Lee Murphy
January 11, 1924 – September 12, 2018
Visitation: Saturday, September 15 from 10-11 am in the Saint Patrick Catholic Church of Montgomery
Service: Saturday, September 15 at 11 am in the Saint Patrick Catholic Church
Interment: Mars Hill Baptist Church Cemetery

Debra Kay Roy
June 26, 1963 – September 11, 2018
Visitation: Friday, September 14 from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, September 15 from 12-3:30 pm at the Laurel Heights Baptist Church
Service: Saturday, September 15 at 3:30 pm at the Laurel Heights Baptist Church
Interment: Garden of Memories Cemetery

Burnis (Poo) L. Walker
September 13, 1929 – September 11, 2018
Service: Friday, Sept. 14 at the First Baptist Church in Jena

Master Cory Pennywell, Jr.
October 6, 2014 – September 9, 2018
Arrangements TBA through Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home

Kirt Roy Ricks, III
August 23, 1994 – September 7, 2018
Arrangements TBA through Southern Funeral Homes

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After a lot of thoughtful and prayerful consideration, I have decided not to seek re-election to the Natchitoches Parish School Board.

I am very proud of the accomplishments we have all worked hard to achieve these past seven-and-a-half years, including the passing of a half-cent sales tax to stabilize our budget and to support our teachers, passing a $19,500,000 bond issue to renovate, update, and to make our city schools safer.

But I am especially proud of the recent recognition that the Louisiana Department of Education gave to our district. Of all 66 districts in Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish was 8th in overall student growth, resulting in recognition at the state level as an outstanding school system.

Growth among economically disadvantaged students is another accolade that Natchitoches Parish received, placing 8th in the category. Another achievement we are very proud of is that Natchitoches Parish earned an A in progress points with 50% or more of students meeting their growth to mastery targets.

I would like to applaud the citizens of Natchitoches Parish who are dedicated to having a good public school system and are willing to pay for it.

Natchitoches Parish is very blessed to have such fine teachers in its classrooms; excellent principals, lunch room workers, bus drivers, paraprofessionals and custodians, in its schools and an excellent central office staff. We have a great team and Brenda and I will continue to support public education in Natchitoches Parish in every way we can.

I am so happy there is someone coming up behind me that I am convinced will do an excellent job for the families and citizens of Natchitoches Parish. Her name is Reba Phelps. Brenda and I are proud to endorse her because we know she will work hard to see that we continue to make great progress in improving our children’s opportunities right here in Natchitoches Parish

Best Regards,

Thomas “Tommy” Melder

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Members with the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce learned about the newly created A+ Coalition at the monthly luncheon Sept. 12.

The coalition believes that all children should be given the best opportunity for success. Tony Davis, BESE Representative District 4, gave an update on educational progress within the state and how it impacts the Natchitoches community.

Chamber Education Committee Co-Chair Laura Lyles said the A+ Coalition is the evolution of the Education Committee. Something she and fellow Co-Chair Van Erikson hope to see spread around the parish.

What is the A+ Coalition? It is a platform to jumpstart community involvement and share responsibility. It is an easy and popular way to get involved to make real change. It is also a cheerleader for the school system.

Why does Natchitoches need the A+ Coalition?

Students who deserve the best opportunity to succeed will be the future work force, voters, and parents of the next generation of students.

Its goal includes bringing all community partners together with four calls to action:

1. Subscribe to the Newsletter

2. Spread the Word

3. Implement Teacher of the Month

4. Provide Financial Support

Individual memberships are available to help the community stay up-to-date on what’s happening in education through a newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter. For more information on how you can get involved go online to: apluscoalition.com

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The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed new members at its monthly luncheon Sept. 12. New members included:

CenLA VR Game Truck Rental: Gerard Conklin

DDT Storage and Moving: Dane and Kayla Terrell

The Cabins of Horseshoe Hills Ranch: Andrea Zachary

HHR Equipment Rental Services: Zack Zachary

Hana Front Street: Harrison Yang and Wei Wei

Lagniappe Homecare: Kourtney Bratton and Kaitee Basco

Individual Member: Dr. Janet Lockhart-Jones

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On Tuesday, the contractor working on the Sewer and Water line replacement project accidentally snagged an old water line under Second Street in front of Lasyone’s.

 

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Rotarian and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center CEO Kirk Soileau shared information about the NRMC and introduced Dr. Justin Duke, Orthopedics at the Sept. 11 meeting of the Rotary Club of Natchitoches. Pictured from left are Rotary President Richard White, Duke, and Soileau (Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

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Barbara McCoy is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, board certified by the National Certification Corporation. Her primary interests include High-Risk Obstetrics and Adolescent Gynecology. Her primary goal is to provide quality healthcare to women of all ages.

Prior to joining Summit, Barbara worked for the Office of Public Health, providing Family Planning services in Region 7, a nine parish area. Prior to this, she worked as a Certified Nurse-Midwife on faculty with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) in Monroe, Louisiana. Among other past job appointments, Barbara was an Assistant Professor at Grambling State University School of Nursing and served as Nursing Supervisor of Labor and Delivery at LSUHSC-Shreveport.

Barbara obtained her Associate Degree and Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She then obtained a Certificate in Nurse-Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner from the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing in Hyden, Kentucky, along with a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Barbara and her husband David have four children and four grandchildren. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys college football, music, exercising, and horseback riding.

Northwestern State University will hold a reception to honor Miss Louisiana Holli’ Conway, who last weekend was second runner-up and talent competition winner at last Sunday’s Miss America pageant.

Media are invited to attend the meet-and-greet, which will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14 in Orville Hanchey Gallery.

Conway will be on campus this weekend to attend the 20th annual Creole Heritage Celebration Banquet at 6 p.m. Friday and to serve as mistress of ceremonies for the 61st annual Miss Northwestern-Lady of the Bracelet pageant at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15.

Conway, a Monroe native, is a 2016 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Northwestern State with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre. She spent the year prior to becoming Miss Louisiana traveling the world on Carnival Cruise Line’s Sunshine and Elation as a playlist performer. She has been a featured performer in “Hairpsray,” “Rent,” “Songs for a New World,” “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” and “Avenue Q.” Conway sings in three languages and is trained in ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance. She grew up as a competitive athlete, finding her inspiration from her dad, a two-time Olympic medalist, and attended Northwestern as a track and field student-athlete.
She travels the state promoting her personal platform, InspHIGHER, a motivational program that guides men, women and children as they strive to reach their highest aptitudes. Conway is the official hostess for the State of Louisiana and spokesperson for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Vantage Health Plan, Propane Dealers of Louisiana and the Louisiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

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NSU Elementary Lab School and City Bank held the first City Bank at School Day of the 2018-19 school year on Sept. 7. The City Bank at School program provides students with the opportunity to bring their own money to be deposited into a savings account monthly. This is the 20th year for City Bank to host this program. Every year fifth graders are chosen to participate as tellers. They learn basic banking skills such as completing deposit slips and privacy. The tellers use these skills monthly when students from every grade level come to deposit their money.

Pictured are the City Bank at School 2018-19 fall bank tellers, NSU E-Lab sponsors, and the City Bank Sponsors. On front row from left are Hayden Sellers (President), Lexi Shaw, Caitlyn Martin, and Macey Jarnigan. On second row are Jade Barfield, Anna Weaver, Darrell Roque, and Gregory Galyean. On third row are Emily Poche (E-Lab teacher), Rachel Stephens (Human Resource officer), Marla Jones (E Banking Supervisor), and Casey Stewart (E-Lab teacher).

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By Joe Darby

Around this time of year, my attention starts to get concentrated on the standings. Not that I’ve been ignoring them for the past five months, of course.

I am referring, naturally, to the baseball standings, the won-loss rankings of the 30 Major League Baseball teams in their respective six divisions, three each in the American League and three in the National League.

And why am I getting excited? Because as I write this each team has only about 18 more games to play before the playoffs begin. And because I am one of those geezers who still love baseball as if it really were still America’s National Pastime.

I will admit that football and even basketball are more spectacular these days, that they’re faster moving games and have more attraction to many, particularly on the TV screens.

But there’s something special about baseball and I love it. It’s been around far longer that the other two top sports (and, sorry but I’m not even considering hockey or soccer here). The National League was begun in 1876, for goodness’ sake! That’s a long time ago, even for us geezers. Babe Ruth was in his prime about 90 years ago and Mickey Mantle about 60 years ago. To me, that puts some perspective on the grand old game.

And I love every baseball season. They’re all so different. New faces coming along, older players in their twilight years. Every year is something special. So much of my own calendar year is wrapped around the game. Mary can tell, you after each year’s World Series, at the end of October, I start counting off to the beginning of next year’s spring training. Pitchers and catchers report in a little more than four months, I’ll tell her.

Then, Opening Day (and yes, that has to be capitalized) arrives at the beginning of April. The new season has begun!. This year I finally got the MLB Network from my TV provider and now I can watch almost every game scheduled every day. Am I in heaven, or what?

So, back to the present time, mid-September. The regular season is winding down and the playoffs will begin in a few weeks. Last year’s heroes were the Houston Astros, who outlasted the Los Angeles Dodgers to win their first ever World Series. To make it even better one of their stars is Alex Bregman, a former LSU great, who is now one of the top players in the National League. He was named the Most Valuable Player in this year’s All-Star game, I’ll have you know.

The next few weeks will determine who will meet in the 2018 World Series. Will it be the rampaging Boston Red Sox (boo)? The Astros (yea) again? Or any one of the other eight teams who will make the post season? Finding out will be lots of fun.

Sometimes I worry about my sport. Major League attendance has been down for several years. The absurdly named New Orleans Baby Cakes, a AAA team in New Orleans, will be deserting that city soon for Wichita, Kans. When I lived in New Orleans, we had weekend season tickets for the local team, then called the Zephyrs, and saw all the Friday, Saturday and Sunday home games. The crowds were large and loud. These days the Baby Cakes are lucky if they attract a couple of thousand fans to the park.

But I have faith that baseball will persist. For a long time. The thrills of a game-winning home run, a close play at the plate, a pitcher carrying a no-hitter into the ninth inning, a spectacular catch by a center fielder, are still goose-bump raising plays for many folks.

And now, I’m going to turn on my TV and see how many games are showing on the MLB Network at this moment. There should be several, at least. Oh, happy day.

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The 26th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Angels pageant will be held Sunday, Oct. 7 at 2 pm in Magale Recital Hall at Northwestern State University. There will only be an impromptu rehearsal that day from 10:30am until 12 pm.

Entry fee is $60 per child, with a $20 discount per additional sibling. The contest is open to all young ladies enrolled in Natchitoches Parish schools from Pre-Kindergarten to Sixth Grade and Seventh and Eight Grade. Judging is separate for the two different age categories.

The deadline to compete in the Natchitoches Christmas Angels pageant is Friday, Sept. 28. All entries, with payment must be mailed to P.O. Box 2024, Natchitoches, LA 71457 or dropped off to Erin Smith at Bolton Realty at 304 University Parkway, Natchitoches.

Entry forms are available on the Natchitoches Christmas Angels Facebook page-

https://www.facebook.com/natchitocheschristmasangels and Ya Ya’s Children’s Boutique located at 113 South Drive, Suite 7, Natchitoches.

A Queen, 1st and 2nd runner up will be chosen in each age group. The winning queen in each group will receive a custom crown and banner. The runner-ups will receive a trophy and certificate. Every entrant in PreK-8th grade with receive a participation crown. There will be an overall People’s Choice award. The winner in this category will be determined by the number of votes ($1 per vote with no limit) purchased for each participant. The participant with the most votes will receive an XL Christmas crown and custom banner.

Admission to the 26th Annual Christmas Angels Pageant will be $3 for adults and $1 for children under the age of 12, including parents of contestants.

Space is limited, so it is recommended that entry forms be turned in as soon as possible. Please download entries online and send form and entry fee to Natchitoches Christmas Angels pageant, P.O. Box 2024, Natchitoches, LA 71457, or drop off to Erin Smith at Bolton Realty, 304 University Parkway, Natchitoches. For additional information contact Erin Smith at (318) 652-2622 or email christmasangelsLA@gmail.com

· Event Date – Sunday, Oct. 7

· Event Time – 2 pm

· Location – Magale Recital Hall, Northwestern State University

FORMS:

7th & 8th Grade 2018 Christmas Angel Form

Prek-6 2018 Christmas Angel form

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The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) held its annual Matriculation Ceremony on Friday, August 31, 2018, in Northwestern State University’s A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. The ceremony welcomed 173 new students to the school, a group which consisted of six seniors, 54 juniors, and 113 sophomores from around the state.

LSMSA’s Executive Director Steve Horton introduced the students to the school and applauded their efforts and hard-work before coming to the institution.

“Over the past year, 360 students entered the application process. 260 had the ability to complete it, and you 173 demonstrated that you have the ability to succeed at LSMSA,” said Horton. “Ninety-seven percent came to LSMSA with a grade point average between 3.5 and 4.0. Your composite ACT is 25. You come from 43 of Louisiana’s parishes.”

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Student Government Organization (SGO) Vice President Daniel Metzger (’18) of St. Tammany Parish. SGO President, William Heitman (’19) of East Baton Rouge Parish, gave a speech about the importance of the school’s Student Pledge. Senior Class President Myles Fabre (’19), also of East Baton Rouge Parish, delivered the closing remarks.

Many students expressed excitement, as well as general nervousness about entering the institution, but their overall feelings toward the school were overwhelmingly positive.

“It’s daunting, but it’s an experience I am looking forward to,” said entering senior Justus Mitchell. “I know it will benefit me in the long run and improve my quality of life.”

“I’m excited to be here,” said entering sophomore Sneha Anthony. “I worked really hard to be here, and I expect to grow a lot as a person.”

Anthony’s parents expressed the same feelings as her. “We’re anxious, but we’re proud of her ambition and love seeing that she wants to fly,” said Anthony’s father.

“I like that the program fosters an environment where students can find themselves and easily transition later to college,” expressed Anthony’s mother. “It’s a great place to grow and explore.”

The Matriculation Ceremony is done in part to congratulate the students on their academic accomplishments, as well as solidify their placement at the school. Many of the speeches at the ceremony stressed the importance of students applying themselves during their time at LSMSA, while also enjoying their time at the school. Many of the speakers addressed how excited they were to welcome the new group.

Dr. Kyle Stephens, a scholar and instructor of history, delivered the keynote address.

“We, your faculty, your staff, and your outstanding administrators are so glad you’re here,” said Stephens. “[To the parents], you honor us with your trust, and we are humbled by the awesome and joyful task of educating your children, both within and outside of the classroom. Please know that we know that this is the most important thing we will ever do, and what a blessing that is.”

In his final remark to the audience, Stephens simply had this to say: “In the words of President Kennedy: ‘Let us begin.’”

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NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Sam Rodrigues
May 23, 1947 – September 10, 2018
Visitation: Friday September 14 from 5-7 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Saturday, September 15 at 11 am at Emmanuel Cemetery in Chopin

Annette Johnson
February 17, 1948 – September 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA through Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home

Gayla Banks
September 10, 2018
Arrangements TBA through Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home

WINN PARISH:

Burnis (Poo) L. Walker
September 13, 1929 – September 11, 2018
Visitation: Thursday, Spet. 13 fro, 5-7 pm at the Dinner and Stevens Funeral Home in Jena.
Service: Friday, Sept. 14 at the First Baptist Church in Jena

Master Cory Pennywell, Jr.
October 6, 2014 – September 9, 2018
Arrangements TBA through Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home

Kirt Roy Ricks, III
August 23, 1994 – September 7, 2018
Arrangements TBA through Southern Funeral Homes

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The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office held a brief 9.11 Remembrance Ceremony Sept. 11 at the Natchitoches Parish courthouse in honor of law enforcement, fire, EMS and all of the heroes killed during the attacks on September 11, 2001.

“We will Never Forget that Day of Shock, Disbelief and the Unity it Brought Among Americans”.

Participating in the services were Pastor Tommy Rush of First Baptist Church-2nd Street, Pastor Steven Harris of Abundant Life-International Church, Father John O’Brien of St. Anthony Padua Catholic Church and the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Honor Guard.

In attendance were: NPSO Deputies and NPDC , Mayor Lee Posey, NPD Officers, LSP Troopers, Louisiana Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Adult and Juvenile Services, Natchitoches District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington and staff, Tenth Judicial District Court Judges Lala Sylvester and Desiree Dyess and staff, NSU Police, Natchitoches Fire Department, Natchitoches Parish Coroner’s Office, Natchitoches Fire District #6, Natchitoches Parish Parish Rick Nowlin and staff, Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Clerk David Stamey and staff, Natchitoches Parish Tax Assessor Dollie Mahoney and staff, Natchitoches Parish Registar of Voters Deborah Waskom and staff and members of the public.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office expresses its sincere appreciation to all that attended today’s event. Let us also remember in our prayers the families of our military, law enforcement, first responders and citizens that were killed on 9/11.

Following today’s service, law enforcement, fire and EMS were invited to an appreciation brunch sponsored by Sharpco Hotels at the Natchitoches Conference Hall.

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Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. (CRNHA) is seeking local participants to take part in a “Show and Tell” style discussion entitled, Remembering the Great War on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Grand Ecore Visitor Center.
World War I, known as “The Great War,” has long been acknowledged as a major turning point in American history, as much for the social forces it unleashed at home as for the nation’s military efforts abroad. In fact, the United States’ direct involvement extended for only a year and a half, and required a minimum of sacrifice from most of its citizens. Nevertheless, the war shaped a whole generation of Americans in a very profound way.

More than four million American families sent their sons and daughters to serve in uniform during the Great War. Over 116,000 U.S. soldiers died from combat and disease. Another 200,000 were wounded, a casualty rate far greater than in World War II. In addition, more than 350,000 African Americans served in the U.S. military, as did Native Americans and members of other minority groups; and for the first time, women joined the ranks of the U.S. armed forces.

“Americans often talk about the Greatest Generation and those who fought in World War II, but we often forget about the sacrifices of those who went overseas to fight the ‘war to end all wars,’” remarked CRNHA Heritage Ranger, Michael Mumaugh. “We’d like this event to include both national and local stories about our WWI history,” continued Mumaugh. To accomplish this endeavor, CRNHA is seeking 5-6 local citizens to participate in the show and tell experience. Participants will be asked to share their family story of WWI or show any objects they may have that are connected to World War I.

“In addition, we’ll have an opportunity for a few folks not keen on speaking in front of a crowd, but who have pictures, uniforms, maps, etc. that they would like to share,” commented Mumaugh. These display opportunities are limited to 5-7 individuals.

Participants interested in volunteering as a presenter or who would like to display their objects are encouraged to contact Michael Mumaugh at 318-356-5555 or by email at MMumaugh@CaneRiverNHA.org . Once all the slots are filled we will only accept two extra presenters as “standby” candidates. The Deadline to volunteer is 4PM October 5, 2018.

The event is free and open to the public and is scheduled to take place at 11AM on Saturday, November 3, 2018 at the Grand Ecore Visitor Center.

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The City of Natchitoches invites the public to attend the grand opening of the Natchitoches Tennis Center Friday, Sept. 14 at 5 pm at the tennis courts on School Drive. Refreshments will be served and a Red Ball 10 and Under Free Clinic will be offered featuring the NSU Lady Demons Tennis players. For more information contact Willie Paz at 318-471-3241.

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The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony will open its 2018-19 season Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall.

The orchestra under Music Director Dr. Douglas Bakenhus will help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts with five concerts as well as participating in the annual Christmas Gala. During the season, the orchestra will welcome back a number of successful alumni to conduct and perform with the orchestra.

On, Sept. 25, Brian Coatney, director of orchestral studies at Plano Senior High School in Plano, Texas, will be guest conductor leading the orchestra in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5.”

Coatney, a 2001 summa cum laude graduate of Northwestern State, has conducted some of Texas’ top high school orchestras. His orchestras have won numerous awards including Texas State Honor Orchestra in 2011 and 2014 with him as head director and as a staff member in 2006 and 2008.

Guest soloist Dr. Raúl Munguía and guest narrator Sherman Desselle will be featured in a concert, “A Celebration of Peace with Music from the Americas,” on Monday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. This concert will feature works by composers who are all from North or South America, and former students of Nadia Boulanger in Paris including Adolphus Hailstork (USA), Carlos Chavez (Mexico), Astor Piazzolla (Argentina), Adolfo Mejia (Colombia), and Aaron Copland (USA).

Munguía is director of orchestras and violin/viola instructor at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas. He is also the artistic director and conductor of the Southeast Kansas Symphony. Munguía received his Master of Music Degree from NSU in 2009 and was the founder of the NSU Chamber Orchestra.

Desselle, an anchor/reporter for KALB TV in Alexandria, is a graduate of NSU with a degree in vocal performance. He will narrate “Lincoln’s Portrait.”

The orchestra will be an integral part of the annual Christmas Gala on Nov. 28-29 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium.

On Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m., a classical concert will be presented. The program will open with Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Procession of Nobles,” followed by Copland’s “John Henry,” Bizet’s “Carmen Suite No. 1” and concluding with Franz Schubert’s “Symphony No. 9” (The Great).

A Pops Concert is scheduled for Saturday, March 23 at 4 p.m. on the Downtown Riverbank Stage. The program will consist of music from the movies including “Star Wars,” “007 Through the Years,” “Gladiator,” “Les Miserables” and more.

Winners of the annual NSU Concerto Competition will be featured in the season’s final concert on Tuesday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. The program will also feature the energetic “Symphonic Metamorphosis” by Paul Hindemith.

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Oboist Eric Ohlsson will present a recital at Northwestern State University Saturday, Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Admission is free and open to the public. He will be accompanied by collaborative pianist Deloise Chagas Lima. Ohlsson and Lima are faculty members at Florida State University. Ohlsson will present an oboe masterclass at 10 a.m. on Saturday.

Ohlsson, the Charles O. DeLaney Professor of Oboe, came to Florida State in 1986 from the University of South Carolina, where he had been professor of oboe since 1980. While completing the D.M.A. degree at The Ohio State University, he was twice a concerto competition winner and was co-principal oboist of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

Positions as principal oboist of the South Carolina Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestra and the Augusta Symphony followed, and from 1986 to 1996 he was principal oboist of the Naples Philharmonic. He has served as a recitalist and chamber musician in the U.S., Europe and Canada, with major performances at conventions of the International Double Reed Society, the Spoleto Festival and at Carnegie Recital Hall. He was the host of the 25th anniversary conference of the International Double Reed Society in 1996.

In addition to his teaching duties at FSU, Ohlsson is principal oboist of the Tallahassee Symphony and is a member of the Opperman Reed Trio. During the summers Ohlsson is on the faculty of the Brevard Music Center, where he is principal oboist of the Brevard Music Center Orchestra.

Lima is a native of Curitiba, Parana, Brazil. She began piano study at the age of nine and at age 11 she gave her solo debut at the School of Music and Fine Arts in Parana, Brazil, where she later received her bachelors degree in piano, organ and music education, obtaining a gold medal as the most outstanding student during the course of her degree. Following her graduation, she studied English at Newbold College in England while completing a performance certificate in piano from Trinity College of Music. Dr. Lima is also an associate of the Royal College of Music in organ performance. She received the Master of Music degree in piano performance and literature at the University of Notre Dame, and the Doctor of Music degree in Piano Accompanying from the Florida State University.

In Brazil, Lima was on the faculty of the Escola de Musica e Belas Artes do Parana where she taught accompanying and coached chamber music for nearly 20 years. A sought-after accompanist and chamber musician, she has performed extensively throughout Brazil with many nationally recognized singers and instrumentalists.

Her performances as an accompanist have taken her to Europe, the United States and South America. Lima was named assistant professor of collaborative piano at the College of Music of Florida State in 2005.

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Northwestern State University will hold the 61st annual Miss Northwestern – Lady of the Bracelet Pageant Saturday, Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Admission is free but donations will be accepted for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Seven contestants will compete in the pageant, which is a preliminary for the Miss Louisiana Pageant. The contestants are Jansen Chisley of Monroe, Noel Cusick of Alexandria, McKay Crews of Bossier City, Akeia Carbins-Gray of Lafayette, Ronesha Johnson of New Orleans, Jourdan Waddell of Slidell and Casey Williams of Leesville. The winner will receive more than $8,000 in scholarships and prizes.

The Mistress of Ceremonies will be Holli’ Conway Miss Louisiana 2018. Conway was second runner up and a preliminary talent winner at Sunday’s Miss America Pageant. Conway is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Northwestern State with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre. She spent the year prior to becoming Miss Louisiana traveling the world on Carnival Cruise Line’s Sunshine and Elation as a playlist performer.

Conway has been a featured performer in “Hairpsray,” “Rent,” “Songs for a New World,” “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” and “Avenue Q.” She can sing in three languages and is trained in ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance.

Conway grew up as a competitive athlete, finding her inspiration from her dad, a two-time Olympic medalist.

She travels the state promoting her personal platform, InspHIGHER, a motivational program that guides men, women and children as they strive to reach their highest aptitudes. Conway is the official hostess for the State of Louisiana and spokesperson for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Vantage Health Plan, Propane Dealers of Louisiana and the Louisiana Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Chisley is a senior biology major. She is a member of the Purple Pizazz Pom Pon Line and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Cusick is a sophomore early childhood education major. She is event coordinator for the Student Activities Board, a designer for the campus yearbook, the Potpourri, and a member of Alpha Omicron Pi. Cusick is active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. She is a Dean’s List student.

Crews is a sophomore early childhood major. She is a member of Make Your Own Theatre, the Student Theatre Organization and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Carbins-Gray is a sophomore psychology major.

Johnson is a sophomore psychology major. She is a member of the Lady Demon track team, A Million Records of NSU, Juice Athletics and the Social Work Club. She is a Dean’s List student.

Waddell is a junior psychology major. She is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, Alpha Lambda Delta and Sigma Alpha Pi honor societies and was a Demon Days Volunteer. Waddell is a President’s List student.

Williams is a sophomore nursing major. She is a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, the Purple Pizazz Pom Pin Line and is active in the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. Williams is an NSU Presidential Ambassador and a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success.

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