POSITION: Part Time Health and Fitness Council Coordinator

DESCRIPTION: Responsible for supervising the Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council, a diverse committee of community leaders responsible for planning and implementing health and fitness policies, strategies and programs for long term change.

QUALIFICATIONS: High School Graduate or GED with experience managing and coordinating groups, advertising, website and social media management and communications, education, social sciences or related areas.

CONTACT: City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located

At 1400 Sabine Street or P.O. Box 37, Natchitoches, LA 71458-0037. Applications may be picked up upstairs at City Hall located at 700 Second St. or downloaded online at www.natchitochesla.gov

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

THE CITY OF NATCHITOCHES IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) Board of Directors, through its Scholarship Fund, awarded $52,500 in scholarships to 24 individuals on Thursday, March 21 during the “Serving the Future—Celebrating Careers in Hospitality” event at Generations Hall in New Orleans.

The LRA Board Fund Scholarship is presented to students who intend to pursue a career in the restaurant, foodservice, tourism or hospitality industry. This Fund is supported through a generous annual donation by the LRA Board of Directors.

Elizabeth “Anne” Cummins received one of the LRA Board Fund Scholarships for 2019. This was her third time receiving the scholarship. She is a junior Hospitality Management and Tourism student at Northwestern State University and a graduate of Glenbrook School in Minden. Cummins works as a travel counselor at the Natchitoches Welcome Center, located on Front Street in Natchitoches.

Other recipients include:
Sara Baiamonte, graduate of Hammond High Magnet, attending Nicholls State University. (second year recipient)

Blane Coley, graduate of West Feliciana High School, attending Nicholls State University (second year recipient)

Claire LeBlanc, graduate of Fontainebleau High School, attending Nicholls State University. (third year recipient)

Jason Stant, graduate of Brother Martin High School, attending University of Louisiana at Lafayette.(second year recipient)

Jenna Duryea, graduate of Lakeshore High School, attending Nicholls State University. (third year recipient)

Janesa Buras, graduate of Fontainebleau High School, attending Nicholls State University. (second year recipient)

Taylor Mattox, graduate of West Feliciana High School, attending Nicholls State University. (second year recipient)

Mary Poirier, graduate of Archbishop Chapelle High School, attending University of Louisiana at Lafayette(fourth year recipient)

Misty White, graduate of Louisiana Community and Technical College System, attending Louisiana Culinary Institute. White graduated high school in 2003 and went off to have a career in both real estate and the oil and gas industry. She came back to school to obtain her Associate in Occupational Science in Culinary Arts and hopes to return to her hometown of Independence, Louisiana after graduation to support her family and the foodservice industry.

Kiersten Wegmann, graduate of Chalmette High School, attending Nicholls State University (fourth year recipient)

“Recognizing these students for their hard work and dedication is the most rewarding part of my role as Chair of the LRA Education Foundation,” said Rocky Weigand, 2019 LRAEF Chair and Division Director Gulf States-La/Ms for Coca-Cola Bottling Company-United. “These scholarships will help these recipients become leaders and innovators in the restaurant and hospitality industry.”

The LRAEF Scholarship Fund was created in 2009 to provide financial support for individuals interested in furthering their education to support a career in the culinary, hospitality, or related industries. Since its inception, the Scholarship Fund has awarded nearly $500,000 to deserving students.

In partnership with Northwestern State University’s (NSU) Education Department, the Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) has begun offering a free tutoring program at the library. The tutors are completely free and open to the public and are available every week day from 2 PM to 6 PM. Appointments are recommended and are scheduled in 30-minute blocks. Tutors are able to work on reading and math skills with students from pre-k to elementary. Three to four tutors will be present each day, so multiple people can schedule the same time slots. Multiple spots may be booked if there are extra tutors available. To reserve a spot, call the NPL Children’s Desk at 318-238-9222.

“We hope to increase literacy and provide kids confidence in their studies,” says Jessica McGrath, NPL Director. “The wonderful tutors from NSU are giving access to something that would normally cost parents money, but like all library services, it’s free here for everyone!”

If you have any questions, about this or any other NPL activities, you may call the NPL (318-357-3280).

POSITION: Day Camp Counselor- Part Time- Temporary

DESCRIPTION:

Provides leadership and supervision for groups of students ages 6-13

Facilitates group activities for youth and implements pre-planned curriculum

Enforces program rules and provides guidance and consequences to students

Acts as role model and provides leadership to students enrolled in program

Prepares, cleans up and maintains the facility daily

QUALIFICATIONS:

At least 18 years of age

Strong communication skills and group management skills

Must pass a drug screen and background check

Prior experience teaching youth in one or more of the following areas: Art, sports, academics, life skills, and swimming

Must be available to work Monday through Friday, May 24- August 3, shifts vary during the hours of 7:30AM to 3:30PM

EDUCATION:

High School graduate or equivalent

CONTACT:

City of Natchitoches, Human Resources Department located at 1400 Sabine St., or P.O. Box 37 Natchitoches. LA 71458-0037. Applications may also be picked up upstairs at City Hall, Located at 700 Second St., or may be found online at http://www.natchitohcesla.gov.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Positions will be open until filled.

The City of Natchitoches is an equal opportunity employer.

BOM is a Platinum Sponsor of this Thursday’s (March 28) Dancing with the Sigma’s fundraiser at A. A. Fredericks Auditorium at 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased at BOM (814 Washington Street) for $10. Reserved seating is $20. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.

Pictured from left are Kyler Burns, Shaylee Laird, Haley Spilker, Sidnie Kendrick, Alanna Woodel, Kara Davis (DWTS Chairman), Carrie Hough, Cara Davlin, Blaise LaCour, Reba Phelps, Meredith Phelps, and Luke Rasberry.

Northwestern State University invites children ages 8-14 to participate in the Little Demons Volleyball Camp, which will be held July 16-19 from 8 am – 12 pm at Prather Coliseum on the NSU Campus. Registration is $100 per player, which includes all four days.

“This is our first year hosting the Little Demons Volleyball Camp,” said Assistant Volleyball Coach Stacey DiFrancesco. “We’re trying to help grow the sport of volleyball in the Natchitoches community and thought this camp would be a great way to get the younger kids involved. It’s also a great way for them to meet the NSU Volleyball team.”

The goal for the camp is to help kids develop skills while having fun. For more information call DiFrancesco at difrancescoa@nsula.edu.

“We are really excited and hope we have a great turn out,” she said. “Our players enjoy spending time with the kids and it’s a great way for them to get involved with the community.”

NPSO Press Release

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Rapides Parish man on traffic and felony drug charges that resulted in the seizure of illegal narcotics during a traffic stop on Interstate-49 in Natchitoches Parish on Saturday afternoon according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

Sgt. J. Roberts of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office was patrolling on Interstate-49 just south of Natchitoches on March 23 at 4 pm when he clocked a 2011 Buick Enclave traveling northbound, speeding 88 miles per hour in a posted 75 mph speed zone.

Deputies identified the operator of the vehicle as Devin Hinkston, 28 of Alexandria.

During the traffic stop, deputies learned Hinkson’s drivers license was suspended and that he had a prior criminal history in Rapides Parish.

Deputies say Hinkston appeared very nervous and began to sweat profusely leading them to believe criminal activity existed.

Deputies also observed suspected drug paraphernalia in plain view.

Additional deputies responded to assist including NMJDTF Criminal Patrol Deputy C. Campbell and his narcotics detection K-9 “Misty.”

During a walk around of the vehicle, “Misty” alerted to the vehicle for the presence of a narcotics odor.

A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of approximately 4-grams of suspected synthetic marijuana, a pack of rolling papers and fifty-three suspected Tramadol narcotic tablets.

During a search of Hinkston’s person, deputies discovered a pack containing four tramadol narcotic tablets concealed in his underwear.

The seized narcotics will submitted to the crime lab for narcotics analysis and identification for criminal court proceedings.

As a result:

Devin Hinkston, 28, of the 3600 block of Orangefield Drive, Alexandria was placed under arrest, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule I Marijuana, Possession of CDS Schedule IV Tramadol with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Criminal Obstruction of Justice after he attempted hide evidence from deputies.

Hinkston remains in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center with bond set by a Tenth Judicial District Court Judge at $22,500.

Deputies say while interviewing Hinkston he confessed to the ownership of the seized narcotics.

Hinkston was traveling from Alexandria to Mesquite, Texas.

Involved in the arrest were: Sgt. J. Roberts assisted by Deputy D. Cabellero, Deputy C. Campbell and his drug detection K-9 “Misty”.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Chris Rachal
September 16, 1959 – March 25, 2019
Visitation: Wednesday, March 27 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Thursday, March 28 at 11 am at Holy Family Chapel at Monet Ferry near Lena
Interment: Rachal Cemetery in Marco

Dr. Donald Edwin Ryan
July 01, 1935 – March 15, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Susan Thompson Taylor
April 25, 1944 – March 24, 2019
Visitation: Friday, March 29 from 11 am – 1 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Friday, March 29 at 1 pm at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: Memory Lawn Cemetery

Willie Marie Wallace
March 24, 2019
Visitation: Saturday, March 30 from 9-11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in NatchitochesService: Saturday, March 30 at 11 am in the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Lawrence Serenity Sanctum on Breazeale Springs Street

Arthur Brown, Jr.
January 25, 1935 – March 05, 2019
Visitation: Wednesday, March 27 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches
Service: Wednesday, March 27 at 10 am in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Interment: St. Maurice Cemetery in St. Maurice

Mildrage Mallory`
March 23, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Willie Williams
March 16, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Dennis L. Raybon
March 08, 1955 – March 19, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Maria Sanchez
February 27, 1929 – March 5, 2019
Arrangements TBA

SABINE PARISH:

Bobbie Dean Ferguson
June 1, 1936 – March 24, 2019
Visitation: Thursday, March 28 at 11:00 AM at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Service: Thursday, March 28 at 2 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Little Flock Cemetery

WINN PARISH:

Billie Waters
March 22, 1955 – March 23, 2019
Service: Saturday, March 30 at 11 am at New Jerusalem Baptist Church

Faye Wilkerson
September 12, 1943 – March 24, 2019
Service: Wednesday, March 27 at 2 pm at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Dry Prong Cemetetry

RED RIVER PARISH:

Sammie Mercille Bass
January 31, 1928 – March 25, 2019
Service: Wednesday, March 27 at 11 am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Zion Cemetery
Friday, March 22 at 6 pm at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel

TO THE CITIZENS OF NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Over the past 6 years I have had the honor and privilege of serving as your Parish President. The opportunity to serve you during the early years of our new Home Rule Charter form of government is one I sincerely cherish. Together, we have made a great start in our effort to bring about real improvements in our beloved Parish.

Your Parish government under the Home Rule Charter has accomplished so much in such a short period of time. Working together with our partners in the public and private sectors, we have advanced the state of local government far beyond its previous condition. Our hard-working and dedicated employees and many of you have contributed to this effort.

The purpose of this press release is to let you know that I will not be a candidate for reelection as your President in the election this fall. This decision was not taken lightly and, even though much has been accomplished, there are still goals that we need to pursue. The new beginning that we have made has positioned the Parish for even greater progress in the future if we will only stay the course.

The decision to not be a candidate for reelection is based upon a number of personal factors that would not allow me to devote the time and energy the Parish deserves in its President. Make no mistake about it, my heart is still very much wrapped in a desire to serve the public. Unfortunately, one must listen to one’s head as much as one’s heart. My head tells me that it is time for me to hand the reigns of leadership to someone else.

To my many friends and associates who have encouraged me to serve another term, I want you to know how much I appreciate your confidence in me and hope that you will respect this decision. You may be assured that I will continue to work hard on your behalf until my last day in office. Afterward, I will continue to be active in our community and to be supportive of those programs and activities that will improve our Parish.

Thank you, for allowing me to serve you. May God bless all of you and our Parish.

Rick

RICK NOWLIN
NATCHITOCHES PARISH PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE:  MARCH 26, 2019

Monday night’s City Council meeting, March 25, was short with just the following items on the agenda:

ORDINANCE – FINAL:

Ordinance Amending The Geographical Boundaries Of Natchitoches Economic Development District C, State Of Louisiana; Extending The Levy And Collection Of An Existing 2% Hotel Occupancy Tax Into The Expanded Geographical Boundaries Of The District; And Providing For Other Matters In Connection With The Foregoing.

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches To Award The Bid For Christmas Lighting Supplies (Bid No. 0615)

Ordinance Approving A Conveyance Of A 5.39 Acre Tract Of Land In Section 74, Township 9 North, Range 7 West, To Archie’s Towing Service, L.L.C., For The Sum And Price Of $260,000.00, And Authorizing The Mayor, Lee Posey, To Execute A Deed And Any Other Documents Necessary To Complete The Transfer On Behalf Of The City Of Natchitoches, And To Provide For Advertising.

Ordinance Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Lee Posey, To Execute A Lease In Favor Of Harold Foster And Laurie Berry, Of Lot 3 As Shown On The Airport Layout Plan Of April 12, 1994, And Further Providing For Advertising Of The Lease And An Effective Date.

RESOLUTIONS:

Resolution Approving The Execution Of The Contract By And Between The State Of Louisiana, Division Of Administration, Office Of Community Development, And The City Of Natchitoches For The FY ’18-19′ Local Government Assistance Program (LGAP) For The Amount Of $13,000.00 To Purchase Extrication Tools Used Primarily For Vehicle Rescue For The Natchitoches Fire Department.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The City of Natchitoches will hold a public work session at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2019 at the Natchitoches Arts Center. The purpose of the work session is to discuss littering fines and standards for the maintenance and upkeep of private property.

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be April 8, 2019.

The offices of the City of Natchitoches will be closed Friday, April 19, 2019 for Good Friday.

Forty-two students from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) participated in the Division III Northwest Louisiana District Literary Rally, which was held at Northwestern State University on Feb. 23.

Students from across the region tested in teams or individually in 47 different academic areas, with those who tested highest in their field gaining the chance to participate in the State Literary Rally at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge on April 6. Of these academic disciplines, LSMSA students registered in 25 areas and received 15 medals, making up nearly a third of medal receivers for the district.

LSMSA students who received medals were Karan Baker (’20) in Fine Arts, Annalise Bates (’21) in English II and French I, Andre Bourque (’20) in World History, Jordan Byrd (’19) in Calculus II, Steely Forrester (’20) in English III and French II, Colton Hayes (’21) in French III, John Heying (’20) in Calculus, Mila Griffith (’20) in Physics, Victoria McMillan (’21) in Chemistry, Lily Orgeron (’19) in English IV, Aubrey Prewitt (’21) in Spanish III, Stephen Wheat (’21) in Biology I and Skylar Yan (’20) in Pre-Calculus.

All of LSMSA’s medal recipients will be advancing to the state competition. Joining them will be Olufunke Adeleye (’20) in Spanish II, William Casey (’19) in Journalism I, Alina Chaisson (’20) in Spanish, Danielle Gonzalez (’19) in Functions and Statistics, Samuel Konur (’20) in Government, Parker Mclemore (’21) in Geometry, Van Pandian (’21) in Computer Science and Anna Sloan (’20) in French II.

While testing, students receive a rating of “Superior,” “Excellent,” “Very Good” or “Good.” LSMSA students who received Superior ratings in their respective areas but were not chosen to advance to state level were Cera Aex (’21) in Geometry, Trace Hilbun (’20) in English III and Lucy Silverman (’21) in English II.

Other LSMSA students who participated in the event were Alaina Bachman (’21), Caleb Baham (’21), Chirstan Bates (’20), Luke Boston (’19), Anna Cattar (’21), Paige Delsa (’21), Elyse Duplantier (’19), Piper Gilmore (’21), Emery Haynes (’20), Camille Hollier (’20), Alyssa Hooper (’21), Julianne Le (’20), Jason Min (’20), Sara Mixon (’20), Sara Moore (’20) and Zachary Schleter (’19).

As one of the Top 1% of public high schools in the nationThe priority registration deadline for the 2019-2020 school year is April 1st. To join the incoming class of Eagles, visit http://www.LSMSA.edu/apply.

Louisiana Tech University announced the names of students on its fall quarter president’s and dean’s honor lists.

Students whose names are followed by an asterisk earned recognition as members of the president’s honor list. That distinction signifies achievement of at least a 3.8 academic grade point average on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher), with no grade lower than a B.

To be eligible for the dean’s honor lists, a student is required to earn at least a 3.5 academic grade point average with no grade lower than a C on a minimum of nine semester hours completed (100-level or higher).

Courses yielding satisfactory/failure grades and courses audited do not count toward eligibility for either recognition. Only undergraduates with no incomplete grades are eligible to make either list.

Natchitoches

· Ashland: Seth Randal Martin

· Campti: Kamden Lane Messick, Gary Patrick Niette*

· Goldonna: Joshua L. Keiffer

· Marthaville: Samantha K. Phillips

· Natchitoches: Jacob Cole Boyt*, William Michael Brown, Ryan A. Cunningham, Kade Adam Davis, Elizabeth Kate Devargas*, Tabitha Frances Dove, Sarah Catherine Gilmore*, Avery Elise Keen, Anne R. Mertens*, Hannah E. Metoyer*, Nicholas Keith Miller, Olivia Grace Miller*, Hannah Shae Nichols*, Cameron Gabrielle Owsley, Carli Brianne Raupp, Anna Catherine Robertson, Bradley James Scott, Haley E. Stewart, Warren Tyler Ward

· Provencal: Preston Michael Tibbett

· Robeline: James Raymond Walker

The Northwestern State University Chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta welcomed 233 new members at the annual induction ceremony held on Sunday in the A.A. Fredericks Auditorium. Alpha Lambda Delta recognizes the best and brightest members of the nation’s first-year college students. Students in Alpha Lambda Delta must have a grade point average of at least 3.5 after their first semester of full-time enrollment at Northwestern State.

Alpha Lambda Delta first-year honor society was founded in 1924 at the University of Illinois and has over 280 chapters in the United States. The local chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta was established at Northwestern State University on March 10, 1965. The mission of the Society is to encourage superior academic achievement; to promote intelligent living and a high standard of learning and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals in society.

Officers for 2019-20 are Katelyn Kennedy, president; Jonathan Magnano, vice president;

Mikala Clark, secretary; Aubree Lampert, treasurer; David Thibodaux, scholarship chair; Christina Gilbert, historian/webmaster; Sheridan Duet, service chair; Peyton Harville, faculty liaison;

New members listed by hometown are as follows:

Alexandria – Destiny Dotson Kel’Vina Ford, Khloe Jasper, DeShonta Manning, Madison Ogorek, Kaitlin Roshto, Shakera Shorts;

Anacoco – Madeleine Hensley, Casey Williams;

Arlington, Texas – Devin Gipson;

Atlanta – Alexis Hanson;

Avondale – Mikala Clark;

Baker – Katelyn Kennedy;

Bastrop – Alisha Bolton, Nikkia Lewis, Haleigh Vollmar;

Baton Rouge – Melvin Hudson, Hannah Knoff, Mary Pourciau, Sarah Talbot;

Belle Chasse – Alexander Melcer, Jade Talazac;

Belmont – Jayce Gentry;

Benton — Haley Crosby, Holly Crosby, Bridget Miller, Daniel Scott, Ted Scott;

Bossier City – Clayton Brown, Abigail Castillo, Hannah Gates, Peyton Harville, Savanna Head, Rebecca Hickson, Kijah Johnson, Brandon Larkin, Alyssa Linn, Litzy Rivera, Andrew Robinson, Terrence Stewart, Savannah Swaim, Avery Tibbets, Jirnecia Ward;

Boutte – Samantha Vernor;

Boyce – Wyatt Miller;

Bunkie – Brett Baker;

Bush – Saige Tassin;

Calhoun –Robert Mccandish;

Carencro – Melody Woodard;

Cleburne, Texas – Patrick Murr;

Columbia – Jackson McCann;

Converse – Skyler LaRoux, Ashley Sims;

Cottonport – Rayne Canoe;

Coushatta – Kaylee Antilley, Carmie Williams;

Dakota Dunes, South Dakota – Eryn Sandwell;

DeRidder – Carson Brown, Tabitha Deer, Shydae Hammond, Briana March, Jessica Mullican;

Des Allemands – Emily Blanchard;

Destrehan – Kiera Robinson;

Deville — Alexis Dennis, Aubree Lampert, Madison Lejeune, Marlee Paulk, Jaydan Perkins; Vivian Vallery;

Dodson — Lydia Crawford;

Donaldsonville – Madeline Sotile;

Elizabeth – Amanda Cloud;

Ethel – Abby Guillory;

Farmerville – Malissa Loyd, Jalissa Loyd;

Florien – Gabrielle Bryant, Shayla Duhon, Faith Hopkins;

Fort Sill, Oklahoma – Iryana Burrus;

Franklin – Chaqaire Jenkins;

Fresno, Texas – Terres Anderson;

Frierson – Valerie Smith;

Gardena, California – Cole Llorens;

Garland, Texas – Sierra Stone;

Glenmora – Megan Johnson;

Gloster – Kylee Causey;

Gonzales – Addison Adams, Ryan Gremillion, Zoe Tapp;

Greenwell Springs – Cheramie Kravitz;

Gretna – Nadia Johnson;

Gun Barrel City, Texas – Colton Banghart;

Hammond – Kaylon Willoughby;

Haughton – Matthew Bailey, Katelynn Edwards, Scarlet Garland, Camry Heath, Kobe Jackson, Kylee Jackson, Nicklaus Lowery;

Haynesvillle – Allyssa Dodds;

Houma – Dylan LeBlanc, Sara Rebstock;

Jonesboro – Jordan Winston;

Katy, Texas – Erik Carver;

Keatchie – Sarah Plaisance;

Keithville – McKenzie Knotts, John David May, Janae Richardson, Joanna Sims;

Kinder – Teralyn Plumber;

Labadieville – Jacelynn LeBlanc;

Lake Charles – Jovan Avery, Abigail Brady, Emily Roller, Sarah Sargent;

Lafayette – Natalye Bradley, Abbey Broussard, Amari Carmouche, Julia Laperouse;

League City, Texas – Kennedi Carter, Christina Gilbert;

Leesville – Kelly Kealaula, Elizabeth Rios;

Lettsworth – Meilyn Woods;

Lindale, Texas — Eben Cook;

Logansport — Kendoyle Cox;

Madisonville – Bailey Perrilloux;

Mandeville – Jaci Templet;

Many – Jaleah Lee, Seth Ozsoy;

Marshall, Texas – D’Sherrick Williams;

Marthaville – Frank Lester;

Merryville – Aric Johnson;

Metairie – Andrew Pitari;

Minden – Jess Easley, Kiara Jenkins, Kirsten Sibley;

Monroe – Allie Ellerbe, Grace Underwood;

Monterey – Jacob Norris;

Moreauville – Austin Dismer;

Morse – Kierra Linden;

Murphy, Texas – Bronte Rhoden;

Natchitoches – Sarah Aviles, Joshua Below, Dylan Bennett, Daisha Jackson, Taylor Johnson, Maya Levo, Brooklyn Martin, LiZhang Matuschka, Kristin McQuillin, Matthew Nelson, Chandler Sarpy, Gabrielle Scarborough, Natalie Sers, David Thibodaux, Lauren Vienne, Thomas Wiggins;

New Iberia – Payton Romero;

New Orleans – Haleigh Giorlando Wall, Gloria Smyly;

Noble – Landen Funderburk;

Oakdale – Cheyenne Bertrand, Coriana Moreaux;

Olla — Brianna Corley, Tanner Terrell;

Opelousas – Jaylen St. Romain;

Pineville – Erin Fallis, Victoria Gambino, Cade Mitchell, Morgan VanBuren;

Pollock – Jadynn Giles, Dalton Kopp, Samantha Wilber;

Port Barre — Lauren Deville, Kirsten Sonnier;

Prairieville – Chloe Lambert;

Provencal – Rebekah Orsborn;

Quitman – Cassie Tucker;

Ragley – Elizabeth Jaycox;

Rayne – Bailey Beard;

Ringgold – Tyler Weathers;

Robeline – Kelsy Elkins, Morgan Neugent;

Scott – Hannah Durgin;

Shreveport — Hannah Angell, Katelynn Benge, Hallie Bloxom, Kaysie Burgess, Kaylan Campbell, Kesherion Collins, Laura Mary-Katherine Duhon, Chloe Farrar, Jenna Fielder, Leah Gould, Carly Johnson, Aysia Mills, Cayla Morris, Kendall Murray, Bailey Rech, Jalyn Robertson, Anne Tibbit, Khalia Tucker;

Singer – Emily Smith;

Slidell – Ayrianna Edwards, Parker Gwaltney, Tristan Johnson, Allyssa Marshall, Abigail Miller, Holly Penta, Raina Woods;

Starks – Sara Hyatt;

Stonewall – Kassidy Parker;

Sulphur – Tiffany Lyons, Helen-Lois Mancil;

Texarkana, Texas – Jasmine Neal;

Thibodaux – Sheridan Duet;

Trout – Zachary Long, Deana Poole;

Vivian – Hannah Campbell;

West Monroe – Kirstin Elrod, Brianna Fife;

Westwego – Tja’h Edwards;

Winnfield – Kassidy Grantadams, Caitlyn Martin;

Woodworth – Jonathan Magnano;

Youngsville – Chloe Blank, Isabelle Vivien.

Jarrod Abraham is the newest teller at BOM’s University branch. He joined the BOM team in November 2018. Jarrod is a 2010 graduate of Northwestern State University. He was born and raised in Natchitoches, and is currently living in Cloutierville with his three children Christian (3) Olivia (7) and Lillith (3) and their devoted mother Amanda. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and kayaking. He attends church at Immaculate Conception and is a brother knight of the Knights of Columbus. When Jarrod is not at work or taking care of the kids, he enjoys reading and writing in his free time.

By Samantha Clark, NSU Sports Information intern

These team members are at every practice, every home contest and virtually each one played on the road.

They don’t have a jersey number. They don’t play for a conference title or post-season play. They don’t gear up with gloves, cleats and helmets.

Even though they don’t get playing time in a game, their presence is crucial. They must be there to help a player when an injury happens. They do pre-care and after-care to make sure student-athletes stay in pristine shape.

They provide crucial knowledge that no one else at the game knows.

Athletic trainers are the unsung heroes of sports.

To acknowledge the hard work that goes into athletic training, March is designated as National Athletic Training Month. Before last week’s Lady Demons home softball game, NSU’s sports medicine department was recognized for its commitment to the student-athletes’ overall health.

The sports medicine department is comprised of a director, associate director and assistant director of sports medicine; an assistant athletic trainer; seven graduate assistant positions; six student workers; a director of rehabilitation; a head team physician; and two additional team physicians.

Jason Drury has been the director of sports medicine since 2012. Before being promoted to director, he was the head football athletic trainer and worked with women’s soccer and men’s basketball. Ashley Leggett is the associate director and Koleen Brown is the assistant director, while Brittany Goldberg is the assistant athletic trainer.

Every graduate assistant on NSU’s sports medicine staff is a board-certified athletic trainer. They have gone through an undergraduate athletic training program and are working towards their master’s degree while getting work experience.

Graduate assistants are Stephen Kim (men’s basketball), Hannah Knopp and Kendall Rosebrock (track and field), Alyssa Rotenberry (softball), Taylor Wilkes (soccer), Hunter Wright (tennis) and Kelly Wright (volleyball).

NSU’s sports medicine student workers compete to be in this department. They are interviewed and must meet a list of qualifications. Their jobs allow them to earn professional hours before going to graduate school – many consider professions in physical therapy or sports medicine, fields that essentially require post-graduate studies.

“ATs are health care” is the theme of this year’s National Athletic Training Month, which is sponsored by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), a not-for-profit organization based in Dallas, Texas.

For more information about NSU Athletics’ sports medicine program, call 318-357-4035.

The 6th Annual St. Mary’s High School Tennis Invitational concluded Saturday, March 23 at the Natchitoches Tennis Center.

In girls singles (V) Emily Maggio (SMS) took 1st place, Emma Broadway (SMS) took 2nd place.

In boys doubles (V) John Ingrish and Tarun Kukarala (SMS) took 2nd place.

In girls singles (JV) Mary Anna Scruggs (SMS) took 1st place.

In girls doubles (V) consolation Maggie Wheat and Mary Grace Long took 1st place

Need something for your kids to do this summer? Join us to explore, learn and create. The Natchitoches Summer Day Camp is now enrolling youth ages 6-13. The program offers academics, arts and crafts, sports and life skills activities, as well as daily swimming and weekly field trips.

The camp will take place at the MLK Recreation Center from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. The fee is $45 per session for the first child and $40 for each additional sibling. Students may sign up for as many sessions as they like, repeated attendance is encouraged.

The camp will offer five, two-week long sessions from May 29 to August 3. Each session has a theme that acts as a common thread throughout camp classes.

Session 1: May 28 to June 7

Session 2: June 10 to June 21

Session 3: June 24 to July 5 (CLOSED JULY 4)

Session 4: July 8 to July 19

Session 5: July 22 to August 2

Questions? Contact DeAndrea “Coach De” Sanders at (318) 214-7911.