Natchitoches’ Central High School student CJ Carpenter signed his National Letter of Intent to continue his academic and athletic career with Blinn College in Brenham, TX. Blinn College is a premier junior college in one of the toughest leagues in the country. Blinn has boasted numerous juco All-Americans and continues to produce players who later enter the NBA.

CJ ended his high school career with 111 wins and numerous individual awards inculding this year’s 1st Team All-State, and All-Area MVP. “We are excited at what the future holds for CJ academically and athletically,” said Coach Micah Coleman.

CJ is among over 15 NCHS basketball players who have signed college scholarships to play at the next level over the past 10 seasons. Because of his accomplishments many players behind him will have the same opportunities and more.

Northwestern State pitcher Mikayla Brown finished her regular season career on top as she was named the Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week, the league announced Monday.

Brown tossed two shutouts as NSU (28-25, 15-12 SLC) won four of its five games this past week.

The Deville native held Prairie View A&M and Central Arkansas to four hits each in her two shutouts, which increases her season shutout total to four and career total to 12.

Brown (5-7) retired 10 straight UCA batters from the second to the fifth innings before leaving the bases loaded in the seventh inning to protect the clean slate.

NSU won the series against UCA 2-1, and Brown’s win propelled the Lady Demons to the No. 6 seed in the Southland Conference tournament, which starts Tuesday in Natchitoches.

The Lady Demons will face No. 7 seed Lamar in a 1:30 p.m. single elimination game.

Against Prairie View A&M, Brown struck out seven and issued just one walk.

Brown moved into sole possession of sixth place all-time on NSU’s career wins list with 46.

The weekly conference award is her first of the season and third of her career.

PHOTO: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

By Amanda Dollar

“Yes!” Both hands fly into the air— an internationally recognized symbol of joy. The plastic “build” stayed on top of the pink paper orgami cube! The EV 3 Lego robot whirred back to home base, slightly bulky from the attached arm that used such a precisely calculated combination of restraint and force to launch the missle.

The entire experience— from the catapult attachment to the robot’s movement— is student designed. Ryann Dove, a fifth grade student at Natchitoches Magnet School, beamed as her robot returned.

“I was so happy when it landed,” she said. “I was like don’t go off the mat, don’t go off the mat!” She moved away from the school practice area. It’s another team’s turn to place their creation on the mat.

Natchitoches Magnet students are preparing to compete in the Regional Autonomous Robotics Circuit. Three times a year RARC organizes competitions that encourage elementary, middle, and high school students to study science, technology, engineering, and math. The carrot in this endeavor is the chance to play with LEGOs and learn programming. The stick can be showcasing these skills in a series of increasingly challenging competitions.

As the year goes on, the competition tasks get harder. The robots are expected to grow as their creators grow in skill. Teams have months to study the guidelines, plan their tasks, design, program, test, improve, retest, repeat. Then judges release a mystery task the day of the competition. Coaches are required to sit in chairs away from their school tables. Students take the lead with no adult input. They have one hour to prepare.

Austin Carter clutched the sides of his head and groaned. The day is off to a rocky start. His team can’t find their builds and must comb through a selection of spare parts. Their robot keeps wandering away from the white square that represents an important way station. Hours of practice and meticlously programmed movements go out the window if the placement of the robot is off by even centimeters. The mystery task waits for their attention.
It can get overwhelming. That’s kind of the point.

Each competition year has an appointed scientific theme. This RARC mission centers on a station for marine biologists. Robots must cart supplies and help scientists study echolocation. RARC introduces students to different branches of science, hands-on STEM, and the very real world work of problem solving. Austin’s team practiced that last skill. He called out possible solutions as team members moved to make corrections within the appointed time. This is a vital part of the competition.

Students have an opportunity to correct their mistakes with each round. Cheers erupt from their section of the school table. “We did it!” Austin smiled. They’re ready for another chance to show the judges what their robot can do.
It’s a cycle of planning, implementation, editing and improving.

Tears are not uncommon, especially in the elementary division, one RARC volunteer shared. But robotics is more than success or failure. Here students have the opportunity to explore a world that is both very academic and very different than the work they do on traditional school days.

“It’s fun,” explained Maddison Gorum. “It’s fun because I get to hang out with my friends. And it teaches me what I want to do when I grow up because I want to program.”

By Holly Penta

The Louisiana Scholars’ College held its annual Thesis Barbeque May 3 in celebration of the seniors finishing their thesis and their upcoming graduation. This event is purely celebratory, according to Dr. Holly Stave, assistant director and English professor at the college. The barbeque gives each of the students their own moment in the spotlight and allows them to relax after their stressful thesis defenses. They all chose a faculty mentor, usually their thesis reader, to “roast/toast” them and were each awarded a superlative.

The seniors all took turns placing their hand on the head of the statue of Molière, the 17th centry playwright that has become the unofficial mascot of Scholars’. They recited their thesis title along with their plans for next year. Some are headed to graduate school, some to the workforce, and some are taking a gap year. After that, Director of Scholars’ College Dr. Kirsten Bartels dressed as a Jedi Knight and officially declared each student educated. She knighted them with a lightsaber, marking the end of their time at Scholars’ College.

Photos by Dr. James Picht

About LSC

The Scholars’ College is the state-designated honors college of Louisiana. It is unique among academic institutions in the state, and possibly even in the nation. It offers a low faculty-to-student ratio, a close-knit community, and supportive faculty that are committed to student success. Most of its classes are taught seminar-style in which ideas are exchanged in an open and supportive environment. There are also opportunities for internships, undergraduate research, and study abroad.

• 

• 

The Natchitoches Police Department is currently accepting applications for its upcoming Reserve Officer Training Academy. We will accept applications from now through June 21 at 4 p.m. The Academy will begin on July 8 and will last approximately 8 weeks. Classes will be held Monday-Thursday beginning each night at 6 p.m. at the Natchitoches Police Department Training Center. If accepted, cadets in the academy will undergo training in areas such as search and seizure, building clearing, traffic stops, firearms and defensive tactics.

If you are interested in applying you can pick up an application at The Natchitoches Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division located at 416 Shady Lane or contact Reserve Commander Lieutenant Jeff Townson at (318) 357-3852. Applicants must have a high school degree, be at least 18 years of age and pass a background check. This is a great opportunity for citizens to serve their community in a positive manner.

The Natchitoches Central High School class of 2019 were treated to breakfast in the school cafeteria on May 2. Following the meal there was a senior meeting. Topics discussed were dress code, practice on Friday morning May 17 at 9 am and several other bits of information. This year the class of 2019 Graduation will be held at Prather Coliseum on May 17 at 7 PM. Seniors will take final exams on May 9 and 10. Their last day of school will be Friday May 10. This year the Class of 2019 has many entering a university of higher education. Some have chosen the military or the workplace. It is with great pleasure that the faculty and administration of Natchitoches Central High School wish these young adults much success.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Markay Sewell Cunningham
August 09, 1937 – May 04, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday, may 7 from 12-1 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral
Home in Natchitoches
Service: Tuesday, May 7 at 1 pm in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home

Irene Beaudion Rachal
March 09, 1922 – May 04, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday, May 7 from 10-11 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville
Service: Tuesday, May 7 at 11 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Frankie Brown
May 05, 2019
Arrangements TBA
Shannon Dell Lott
September 30, 1961 – April 25, 2019
Arrangements TBA through Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home

RAPIDES PARISH:

Michael Gerald Robichaux
November 10, 1995 – May 2, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday, May 7 from 8:30-9:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, May 7 at 10 am at St. Rita Catholic Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The skies may have looked threatening in the morning, but the rains were long gone by mid-morning as the Saint Mary’s School community celebrated it’s Spring Fling at Natchitoches’ downtown river bank Saturday, May 4. The Spring Fling filled the riverbank from one end to the other with fun activities for people of every age. There were inflatables to jump and climb on, a zip line for the adventurous as well as face painting. The dunking booth claimed many a victim from well thrown baseballs from future Tiger pitchers. Children could also ride horses and a “unicorn” (a well disguised horse.)

Nor was there any reason to leave hungry as there were several food booths serving everything from slushies, to jambalaya to superb homemade baked goods. Theater students from NSU’s “Make Your Own Theater” organization sang and performed several pieces from musical theater productions. Local musical favorite “Cane River Soul” was the headliner for the day’s entertainment.

The event featured a truly unique fundraiser, a “Duck Derby”, in which numbered rubber duckies could be purchased. At racetime, they were released to float down the Cane River with prizes going to the first-and last-to cross the finish line.

St. Mary’s School boasts approximately 380 students in grades pre-k through high school. The proceeds from Spring Fling will go to helping St. Mary’s further its mission of providing a quality Catholic education to its students. The Spring Fling was a delightful day of quality family fun. The Natchitoches Parish Journal is looking forward to next year’s event!

A Retirement Reception was held May 3 for Dr. Paula Furr, professor and department head for the New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts Department at Northwestern State University. Colleagues and students attended the reception to honor a great leader at NSU.

Professor Emeritus Thomas Whitehead and NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio presented Dr. Furr with an engraved clock for her desk, so that she may never forget her time at NSU.

Dr. Furr retired from the military and came to NSU to teach in 1999. She had a few poignant words to say to those gathered around her in the Alumni Association building.

At his farewell address in 1951 Gen. Douglas MacArthur said, “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.”

Dr. Furr said the same is not true for department heads. They continue to re-emerge as adjuncts or other roles, which only speaks to their dedication to Northwestern and its students.

“We all have many chapters in life and I’m looking forward to my next chapter,” she said.

Gonzales, LA – On Sunday, May 5, at approximately 9:00 a.m., City of Gonzales Police Officer Tyson Dennis observed a Natchitoches Regional Medical Center ambulance at the intersection of Hwy. 30 and Hwy 44. The ambulance had extensive damage to the front bumper/grill area, as well as a broken windshield.

Upon closer inspection, Officer Dennis observed that the driver was in civilian clothes. Officer Dennis conducted a traffic stop on the ambulance, due to him not being able to see the attached license plate.

The driver, 40 year-old Clayton Young Florane, of ‪237 Beall St. Bogalusa‬, exited the ambulance and admitted that he had stolen it from the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Upon being released from the hospital, Florane stole the ambulance as he needed a ride home.

Florane was booked into the Ascension Parish Jail for one count of LaRS 14:69 Felony Possession of Stolen Goods and one count of LaRS 32:415 Driving Under Suspension.

Contact was made with the Natchitoches Police Department, who advised that the ambulance was stolen from the hospital at approximately 5:30 a.m., and that they were in the process of entering it into the NCIC database and getting a warrant for Florane.

When representatives from the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center arrived in Gonzales to retrieve the ambulance, they advised that a convenience store in Sorrento had information about the ambulance ramming a concrete barrier in their parking lot. The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Department was called to investigate that incident.

-Press Release from City of Gonzales Police Department

After what he did Saturday, and with all the motivation he had, winning Sunday’s 110 meter hurdles title at the Southland Conference Outdoor Championships was basically a foregone conclusion for Northwestern State senior Terrance Flagler.

He rolled over the 10 hurdles in 14.03, comfortably outpacing the runner-up’s 14.20, as he claimed gold for the first time in four Southland meets. This was especially sweet, coming at home at the Walter P. Ledet Track Complex.

Despite past disappointments, Flagler had absolutely no doubt as he crouched in the starting blocks that victory was 110 yards away.

He foreshadowed it with a sensational qualifying time, 13.87, a day earlier. Flagler shifted into another gear when he almost broke the 26-year-old school record of 13.86 in 1993 by Joe Rhyans. With a mark that ranked 24th nationally, he was nearly a quarter-second faster than any of the other seven finalists, but more importantly, Flagler was locked in.

“When I dropped the 13.8 in prelims, that’s when I knew, ‘oh, yeah. It’s about that time.’ I went into this (Sunday) race completely confident, wasn’t nervous about anything,” he said. “I just went out and kept in my race as well as I could.”

Saturday’s performance was his second personal record in three weeks. Flagler ran under 14 seconds for the first time April 20 at LSU (13.98).

There’s been a sense of urgency for him approaching the conference meet. He wanted the championship to honor the memory of his training partner the last two seasons, Lady Demons’ great Daeshon Gordon, who swept the women’s 100 and 400 hurdles at the 2018 Southland Outdoors, then earned honorable mention All-America honors in the 100 hurdles and the 4×100 relay. She died suddenly last October.

NSU’s team adopted the mantra “Do It for Dae” for the 2019 season. Flagler has honored her all year long by wearing a headband emblazoned in the black, green and gold colors of the Jamaican flag, Gordon’s home country.

“It’s real special seeing that we hurdled together,” he said. “She basically motivated me all (last) season while I battled injuries. So to do this today, it’s a big accomplishment.”

Although he ran with a full heart, Flagler also acknowledged advice from associate head coach Adam Pennington and attention to detail has keyed his recent surge and this weekend’s breakthroughs.

“The heart mattered a lot, but also, I had to focus on my trail leg and pulling it through quicker,” he said. “That cleaned things up.”

After securing his long-anticipated championship, which soothed the sting of a pair of silver medals indoors the last two seasons and a frustrating seventh-place finish outdoors at last year’s conference meet, Flagler was beaming.

“I’m still in disbelief right now. To win, and to have a top 25 ranking, that’s what I’ve been pushing for,” he said.

Now the target shifts. He was already heading to the NCAA East Preliminary Round, standing 19th regionally before the weekend. His stock has risen with his Southland showcase. In three weeks, May 23-25, Flagler and a big NSU travel party will line up near his home in Atlanta, just a few hours south in Jacksonville, Fla., trying to finish in the East’s top 12 to advance to the NCAA Outdoor Championships June 5-8 in Austin, Texas.

The jaunt to Jacksonville may be a lengthy one for the Demons and Lady Demons, but not for Flagler’s family.

“Not at all,” he said, smiling. “All my cousins, aunties, mom and all of them are gonna be there. I’ll have support. We’ll have support. And then, on to nationals.”

Natchitoches will see some action this Saturday, May 11 when Live Pro Wrestling comes to town. Presented by Suddenlink Communications and Main Event Pro-Wrestling, Saturday’s King’s Road wrestling event features new wrestlers and a ladies match. The event will be held at the Natchitoches Jr. High School Gym, located at 1621 Welch Street in Natchitoches.

It’s been a journey for Byron Wilcott, AKA “Big Daddy Yum Yum.” He’s worked hard over the last 5 years since he and his partner Mark Vaughn began this business: Main Event Pro Wrestling. It’s come from humble beginnings to the present where the company is touring, doing 9-10 shows a year.

Along his path of immersing himself in and learning about every aspect of wrestling, Byron opened his own wrestling school in Shreveport two years ago.

While Main Event Pro-Wrestling has grown, it’s stayed very much a family business. The wrestlers are considered part of the family and Byron describes it as a brotherhood where everyone pitches in to help it succeed. It’s also important to Byron to find good talent that wants to invest in the company’s vision and invest in the communities they travel to.

It’s a wrestling show, a community event, an anti-bully rally, and a fundraiser all wrapped up into one action-packed week. Before the main night, Big Daddy Yum Yum and his fellow wrestlers visit schools with an Anti-Bullying Campaign called “Boo the Bully, which builds confidence, teaches skills and makes an impact among the youth wherever the company puts on wrestling shows.

“We teach kids how to treat each other with respect,” said Wilcott, who’s been picked on and made fun of in the past, so he knows how it feels.

The community is invited to attend a FREE pizza party on Saturday, May 11 from 12-1 pm at Suddenlink Communications, located at 321 Texas Street. Wrestlers will be available for a meet and greet.

On Saturday night, doors open at 5 pm and bell time is 6 pm. Natchitoches Jr. High JAG students will sell concessions and receive a portion of the proceeds toward their Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program.

Natchitoches Parish Technical and Career Center Principal Bobby Benjamin was a special guest referee at last year’s wrestling event. Due to his jealousy of Big Daddy Yum Yum, he decided to throw the match. This cost Big Daddy Yum Yum the championship.

This year Bobby Benjamin makes his pro-wrestling debut against Big Daddy Yum Yum, who promises that Bobby will “catch these hands” on Saturday night.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the show. They’re on sale now at Suddenlink Communications and online at www.maineventprowrestling.com. For more information call 318-617-0921.

By Kevin Shannahan

Kevin’s Gallery

The Northwestern State University Volleyball team held its Spring Dig Fest May 4 at the Point Place Marina May 4. The Spring Dig-fest, along with one held in the Fall, are fundraisers for the NSU Volleyball team and a fun tradition for the community.

The morning’s rain didn’t stop Dig-fest from attracting a near record crowd as the Marina was filled to capacity with ten teams from around the area battling throughout the day. This year’s event featured over 900 pounds of crawfish as well as a silent auction, raffle and live music.

The NSU Volleyball team under head coach Sean Kiracofe has a well earned reputation for excellence on, and off, the court. Their ferocious on court work ethic is also evidenced by their impressive team grade point average and 100 percent graduation rate.

The Dig-Fest is held to finance projects and extras for the team not covered by their budget, such as new equipment for practicing as well as a few nice extras while competing on the road. This year’s Spring Dig-Fest is expected to raise $10,000 to assist Demon Volleyball. Fork ’em Demons!

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Natashia Jackson scored 24 points Sunday, posting a 400/200 double including a school-record 400 time, while Tremayne Flagler ran to another gold medal in the 110 meter hurdles Sunday for Northwestern State on the final day of the 2019 Southland Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships at NSU’s Walter P. Ledet Track Complex.

The Lady Demons finished third (107.5 points) while the Demons, who absorbed a severe loss when All-America sprinter Micah Larkins was injured in the day’s first race, placed fourth (79) in the team standings. NSU was the top Louisiana finisher in both divisions.

Sam Houston State claimed its third straight men’s Southland title with 164 points. Stephen F. Austin piled up 195.5 points to run away with its ninth conference crown, the seventh in the past 10 years.

Jackson, a highly-accomplished junior sprinter, took her third straight Southland Outdoors 400 meter dash crown in a record time of 53.49. She came back to capture her first conference 200 title with a personal-best 23.55. She ran blistering anchor legs on two silver-medal relay teams, following Marjorie Thompson, Kimani Evans and Ona Giles to a 45.49 4×100 meter clocking and combining with Diana Granados, Evans and Courtney Willis for 3:41.96 in the 4×400.

“It was very stressful to come out here and reset after each race,” said Jackson. “It takes a lot of work and patience, but I always trusted that my coaches prepared me. I’m glad I was able to meet a lot of my expectations.”

“One of the things I take away from today is Natashia Jackson dominating her events,” said head track and field coach Mike Heimerman. “It was a phenomenal day for her.”

Associate head coach and sprints coach Adam Pennington also had a lot of praise for the Lady Demons.

“On the women’s side, I think we executed in almost every area that we could. We ran fast and had some season-bests in both relays,” said Pennington. “We got beat, but you can’t be too disappointed in that when you perform well. SFA has a great team. Natashia Jackson went out there and kept a long streak alive of wins in the 400 at the conference meet. We like that tradition for the women.”

Flagler impressively captured the first title of his two-year NSU career in the 110 hurdles, runining 14.03 into a light wind. The Atlanta, Georgia, native qualified Saturday with the top time of 13.87, just 0.01 away from the school record held by Joe Rhyans in 1993.

“This feels really great,” said Flagler. “It was a goal that me and (2018 Lady Demon senior) Daeshon Gordon talked about before she passed (last fall), and I finally achieved it.”

After scoring 14 points with second in the long jump and third in the triple in back-to-back days, Jasmyn Steels entered the high jump Sunday with no anticipation of a podium finish. The NCAA Indoor long jump champion had a collegiate personal best in the high jump of 5-5 indoors and no appearance in the 2019 outdoor season to date. The College Station, Texas, product surpassed all the odds with a silver medal and a height of 5-8 ½, outdone only by the NCAA’s second-ranked Sashane Hanson of Texas A&M Corpus Christi who won the event at 5-9 ¾.

“This is really awesome,” said Steels. “I don’t practice the high jump much. I am usually tired by the time it comes around in most meets after doing the long jump or triple jump. But since it was a three-day meet, I asked coach to throw me in there and it worked out.”

“I’m not sure Jasmyn has even practiced the high jump since the indoor conference meet and then she clears a PR and ends up second,” said Heimerman. “You can’t teach talent, and that girl has got tons of it.”

The men’s 4×100 relay produced the most devastating moment for the Demons in any of the three days. Nearing the second exchange from Larkins to Javin Arrington, NSU’s senior star injured his hamstring, but got the baton passed before he collapsed in pain, leaving him unable to compete for the remainder of the meet. The Haughton High School product had been the top 100 qualifier, favored for his third century crown in four years, and the fourth-best 200 qualifier on Saturday.

The relay team settled for a silver medal with a time of 40.02 with teammates Eddie Clarke (first leg) and Tre’Darius Carr (anchor).

Arrington (fourth in 10.58, a PR) and Carr (sixth, 10.70) gave NSU eight points in the 100. Carr also came in sixth in the 200 (21.37) for three more.

“We were pretty far ahead in the men’s 4×100 and I think we could’ve won. But the injury set us back a little,” said Pennington. “Tre’Darius and Javin really stepped up, later on in the 100 and 200.

“I’m very proud of the sprint group. We’re looking forward to a little rest and recovery so that we’re healthy for regionals.”

Backing Steels’ impressive day in the high jump was freshman Lauren Clarke’s fourth-place mark of 5-7 ¼, giving the Lady Demons 13 points in that event.

In the men’s javelin throw, NSU recorded 10 points from three throwers. Collin Milton turned in a 193-0 for fourth while Colt Shankle finished just behind him at 191-0, a new personal best. De’John Garrison also edged out a point with an eighth-place mark of 184-10.

Outside the women’s relay success, Evans also placed fifth in the 100 with a time of 12.08.

Slavoski Wright gave the Demons four points with a 1:54.05 mark for fifth in the men’s 800. Jayla Fields was fifth in the women’s 200 in 24.44.

Charlie Milton ran a 54.36 to finish sixth in the men’s 400 hurdles to add three points for the Demons.

Kristin McDuffie set a new career best in the discus throw with a heave of 147-5 to place seventh.

Brad Alexander, Jalen Hewitt, Milton and Wright clinched the final scoring spot (eighth) with a time of 3:16.47 in the afternoon’s final event, the men’s 4×400 relay.

NSU heads to Lake Charles next Saturday for the McNeese Last Chance Meet, where athletes who don’t already qualify for the NCAA East Preliminaries will have a final chance to do so. NCAA regional competition is May 23-25 with the top 12 finishers in each event there advancing to the NCAA Outdoors June 5-8.

Final team standings:

Women

1)Stephen F. Austin 195 ½, 2) Incarnate Word 120, 3) Northwestern State 107 ½, 4) Abilene Christian 104, 5) McNeese 55, 6) Sam Houston State 47, 6) Texas A&M-CC 47, 8) Central Arkansas 40, 9) Lamar 34, 10) Southeastern La. 29, 11) Houston Baptist 17, 12) New Orleans 14, 13) Nicholls 9

Men:

1) Sam Houston State 164, 2) Abilene Christian 104, 3) Stephen F. Austin 91, 4) Northwestern State 79, 5) Incarnate Word 73 ½, 6) Lamar 70, 7) Texas A&M-CC 56 ½, 8) McNeese 46, 9) Houston Baptist 43, 10) New Orleans 31, 11) Central Arkansas 29, 11) Southeastern La. 29

The Northwestern State softball team nearly completed a perfect home slate in the Southland Conference on Sunday before a rally fell short in a series finale loss to Central Arkansas.

But the Lady Demons (28-23, 15-11 SLC) gave their three seniors a series win with a Sunday split and wrapped up the No. 6 seed in the upcoming SLC Tournament, which begins Tuesday in Natchitoches.

NSU takes on No. 7 seed Lamar in a single-elimination game Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. with the winner advancing to play No. 3 seed McNeese at 6:30 p.m.

The Lady Demons finished 11-1 at home in conference play after the series finale loss, 2-1.

In the first game, senior pitcher Mikayla Brown took over the No. 6 spot on the all-time NSU career wins list with her second shutout this week in a 4-0 victory.

“Mikayla has had three quality starts in the last three games, and she gave us a really good outing today,” Pickett said. “She worked around a couple of defensive errors and set the tone, getting us huge shutout today in a big win.

“We were able to get some big hits in that first game, and I thought we played pretty well. We didn’t come out with a great energy level in the last game, and we were never able to get out of the rut.”

NSU honored its three seniors Brown, Kaylee Isenburg and Kayla Roquemore on Sunday.

NSU 4, UCA 0

Brown (5-7) tossed her fourth shutout this season and 12th of her career Sunday, landing her in NSU’s top 10 in that category as well.

The Deville native scattered four hits and three walks in the series-clinching win Sunday after NSU took a 2-1 decision Friday.

“I’ve been working on my off-speed pitches, but (UCA) was sitting back on them,” Brown said. “I had to use more curves, screws and rise balls, get more spin.

“(Being on the career wins list) is awesome, but ever since my freshman year, I’ve had great teammates backing me up, and I wouldn’t have that many wins without those girls.”

UCA put runners in scoring position in three different innings, but Brown finished two of those three innings with strikeouts.

The Bears’ best chance to score came with the bases loaded in the seventh inning with the help of two errors, but Brown induced an infield pop fly to end UCA’s threat and the game.

At one point, Brown retired 10 straight batters from the second inning to the fifth inning.

NSU’s offense pecked away at UCA pitchers Kailla Searcy and Rachel Haberman to piece together innings.

The Lady Demons totaled nine hits, including a Maggie Black RBI single in the second inning. Black’s hit scored Hayley Barbazon (2-for-3), who led off with a triple, her fourth of the season. That’s one shy of NSU’s top five list, and her nine career triples is two shy of NSU’s career top-five.

Cayla Jones doubled NSU’s lead with a leadoff solo home run in the third inning off Searcy. Jones leads the team with eight home runs and is approaching her freshman total of 10.

With a pair of runners in scoring position in the fourth inning, Elise Vincent singled in a pair of runs to give Brown an insurmountable 4-0 edge. Vincent boosted her batting average to .317 in conference play.

Junior Emma Hawthorne tied a career-high three hits in the opener and has pulled up her batting average .287 this season.

“I’ve just been seeing the ball really well, and I’m watching every pitch in practice and taking advantage of every opportunity to be a better hitter,” said Hawthorne, who has 19 hits in her last 14 games. “It was definitely a good feeling to win every home series, and it gives us momentum into the conference tournament, and I know the seniors are happy we won.”

UCA 2, NSU 1

Northwestern State’s offense put runners all over the base paths in the series finale, but UCA ace Rio Sanchez ducked and dodged to prevent the Lady Demons sweep.

NSU had two innings derailed by runner’s interference calls as stranded 10 runners in their only home SLC loss in the regular season.

The first interference call came on a Maggie Black bases-loaded batted ball that scored a run before it was wiped out in the second inning.

The second interference call occurred in the third inning after a Cayla Jones single as the umpire ruled she obstructed a throw on an attempted double play.

But Sanchez (10-10) hung on for the win, including stranding a pair of NSU runners in the sixth and seventh innings. Sanchez skirted five hits, seven walks and an error to hold NSU to just a single run.

Senior Kayla Roquemore started the finale and drew a walk in her first at-bat, but Roquemore couldn’t find the ultimate fairy tale ending as she hit a hard liner back to the pitcher and struck out after a feisty at-bat in which she fouled off multiple two-strike pitches.

The strikeout came with runners on second and third base in the sixth inning.

In the previous at-bat, Black doubled in a run that halved UCA’s lead to 2-1.

NSU pitcher Samantha Guile (9-11) rebounded from a rough start in which she threw more than 30 pitches in the first inning.

UCA’s Libby Morris (3-for-3) singled in a run in the first inning before Guile left the bases loaded. Guile surrendered two walks and two singles to load the bases with no outs, but she held UCA to just one run.

Morris provided UCA’s other run with a sixth-inning home run.

Guile weathered the rough start to allow two runs on five hits and three walks in seven innings.

PHOTO CREDIT: Beverly Vincent/Northwestern State athletics

A new Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Computed Tomography at Northwestern State University has been approved by the State Board of Regents. Enrollment will begin this summer.

Northwestern State’s radiologic science faculty, in response to employer and student need and demand, developed the proposed 12-credit program targeted toward working, registered radiologic technologists who wish to earn advanced certification in computed tomography (CT). The American College of Radiology has suggested requiring certification for all computed tomography technologists, which requires passage of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Computed Tomography Exam.

According to Joel Hicks, director of NSU’s School of Allied Health, eligibility for the exam requires 16 clock hours of classroom learning and professionals and employers have found that this is often not sufficient to acquire the knowledge needed to pass the exam. Professionals and employers are asking for certificate programs to support CT certification.

Projections from the U.S. Department of Labor and Louisiana Workforce Commission projections indicate CT technologists are in demand and predict that the market will grow about 13% in the next ten years. The Joint Commission (healthcare provider institution accreditor) requires documented training for all CT technologists. Hicks said embers of NSU’s School of Allied Health Advisory Board have confirmed that, in line with recommendations of the American College of Radiology and The Joint Commission requirements, they are requiring certification for all CT Technologists, further confirming the need for a program designed to prepare students for the certification exam.

The program is designed to attract working registered radiologic technologists who hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking additional certification in computed tomography. Hicks expects the program to appeal to recent graduates of Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science programs from NSU and other programs in the region because it will be offered completely online. Additionally, there is an optional clinical option that may be beneficial to students looking to expand their imaging skills.

Northwestern State University has launched a new initiative to honor graduating military and veteran students by providing them with red, white and blue Military Honor cords to wear as part of their commencement regalia.

“These red, white and blue cords are a special recognition to show NSU’s gratitude and respect for the men and women who have made an unwavering commitment to both their nation and their academic studies,” said NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio.

Graduating students who are veterans or are currently serving in the military on active duty, including National Guard and Reserves, are authorized to wear a Military Honor cord. The cords are available at the Office of Technology, Innovation and Economic Development, 100 South Hall, across Caspari Street from Turpin Stadium. The cords can be picked up any time before commencement.

For more information, call (318) 357-6100.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH:

Col. Billy Lee St. Andre
September 28, 1940 – May 03, 2019
Service: Monday, May 6 at 10 am at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic church in Natchitoches

Irene Beaudion Rachal
March 09, 1922 – May 04, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday, May 7 from 10-11 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville
Service: Tuesday, May 7 at 11 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

Frankie Brown
May 05, 2019
Arrangements TBA

Shannon Dell Lott
September 30, 1961 – April 25, 2019
Arrangements TBA through Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home

RAPIDES PARISH:

Michael Gerald Robichaux
November 10, 1995 – May 2, 2019
Visitation: Monday, May 6 from 4-8 pm and Tuesday, May 7 from 8:30-9:30 am at the John Kramer & Son Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, May 7 at 10 am at St. Rita Catholic Church
Interment: Alexandria Memorial Gardens

By Reba Phelps

During my Middle School years anyone who was anyone could be found at the skating rink on Friday and Saturday nights. This was the social haven of the elite popular kids, delinquent kids, and kids who wanted to feel like they belonged. Very few childhood memories do not include the skating rink in some shape, form or fashion. All of the stories narrated at school the following week were always proceeded with, “this weekend at the skating rink…”

My main goal at this point in my life was to have witnessed each and every one of those stories first hand and laughed with the masses as we recalled the events.

On Thursdays, we would conspire to see who was spending the night where and whose parents would transport us to and fro. Just so happened that my parents were not at all concerned with my social life and did very little to support my efforts to be part of the “in” crowd. The only crowd they enabled me to hang around was our church youth group. I would venture to say that they went out of their way to prohibit me from having any type of fun that did not involve Jesus or baptismal waters.

Living in this restrictive environment caused me to be more creative and think outside the box when attempting to schedule an outing. One particular weekend during 8th grade year there was going to be a party of epic proportions at the said location. Kids were coming from hundreds of miles away just to be shoulder to shoulder enjoying the neon disco lights, loud music, skating and soggy nachos.
I had to be there and took extraordinary measures to make it happen.

A group of us got together and decided the best way to make sure that I was in attendance was to tell my parents that another set of parents would be taking all of us out to eat. I presented my case to my mom and dad. If Power Point was an option at this time I would have had it arranged. The plan was fool-proof. The parents were taking us to Sabine Parish to eat Meat Pies.
Yes, we were leaving the Meat Pie Capital of the world to a much smaller town to eat their nondescript meat pies. There appeared to be no flaws in this plan.

My parents bought in on my sales speech and told me to let them know when I returned from Many. We were all so very proud of our fool-proof plan.

The night seemed to go off without a hitch. The skating rink was full of kids just as we had heard. Everyone was there enjoying the festivities and I was not even feeling a twinge of guilt. I had completely forgotten that I manipulated my way into getting what I wanted and lied to the two people who gave me life.

All was well with my soul until I heard my name being called over the DJ’s mic. I can still hear the DJ saying, “If there is a Reba Procell in here your mother is looking for you.” At the time, I remember thinking maybe there was another Reba there that night. That was until all of my friends backed away from me as if they had never met me. When I turned around there was an angry lady from Zwolle staring at me.

I knew she was angry because I had seen that crazed look so many times before. That night when our eyes locked I knew my fate. Being the polite-in-public person that she was she merely said, “honey, it is time to go home.”

As I told my friends goodbye, I remember not knowing if I would see them again. We were barely out of the door when she began angrily expressing all of the things that were going to happen to me once we arrived at our home. Being bold, or somewhat half-witted, I asked my mother one simple question that changed the trajectory of my middle school social life.
“Mama, why you acting so crazy?”

I don’t remember much after that. It was a blur. I just remember chores for months on end. I remember not touching a telephone for months. I remember sitting on the lonely front porch and watching my friends walk by on the street. I remember them shaking their heads and saying, “Meat pies in Many, what were we thinking?”

Looking back it was not the wisest thing telling Eva Gail that she was acting crazy. Now having two daughters of my own I know the severity of my crime. I dare to say that I would have reacted the same way if not worse.

It seems to me as though when God made mothers he made all of us with a touch of crazy.

I cannot think of a better adjective to describe the intense love of a mother. It is crazy the lengths we will go to in order to protect our children and keep them safe. It is almost unfathomable to think that this instinct is within our DNA as soon as we become mothers.
It is crazy the amount of hours logged praying that our children become decent humans who care for others. It is crazy to think that a mother can love a son so much who was not even conceived with her husband. It is even crazier to think that the very same mother stood there and watched as her son was crucified for sins he did not commit.

There is nothing bigger and crazier than a mother’s love.

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.”  – Proverbs 31:26-27

Students in grades PreK-K at L.P. Vaughn received Terrific Kid certificates from the Natchitoches Kiwanis Club for the month of April recognizing them for their character development, self-esteem and perseverance.

Pictured are Rose Rock, Terri Leone, Lita LeMelle, Judy Ashcraft, Jan McCain, Donna Penrod, Janna Maggio, Cynthia Harmon, Michelle Hall, Lorinda Harper, Julia Hall, Debra Wamber, Patricia Alexander, Linda Howard, Alicia Carr, Gilda Johnson, Keyonna Moran, Victoria Cheramie, Kaitlyn Jackson, Kristina Ballard, Stephanie McKinney, Lauren Dorsey, La’Mya Lewis, Jayveon Baines, Avery Edwards, Bricelyn Lynch, Hannah Lopez, Zyrielle Slate, Cedric Anthony, Daeveon Carter, Landon Coutee, Ricky Issac, Tallulah Dowden, Nadiya Johnson, Emma Stockman, Sicily Johnson, George Huynh, Madison McElroy and Malaysia Angelle. Not pictured are Tyriana LaCour, Princeton Middleton, and Ed-John Bowers.

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts’s (LSMSA) held its annual Arts Awards ceremony event on Tuesday, April 30. Students in attendance were recognized for individual achievements in visual, performance, musical and new media art.

A group of 14 seniors were honored at the event for having received Artists-in-Training (AIT) recognition.

Students who receive AIT recognition underwent discipline-specific requirements, which included taking additional coursework, undergoing independent research and attending three masterclasses related to their field of study. Students were also required to maintain a 3.5 GPA in their discipline, maintain a 3.0 GPA overall at LSMSA, maintain good behavioral standing and remain consistent with their individual programs.

Abigail LeBlanc of Fordoche received an AIT recognition with a focus in dance. To receive this, LeBlanc underwent a designated amount of technique and dance ensemble courses, took two semesters of either Dance Improvisation, Dance Composition or Dance History and presented a Senior Capstone dance performance.

Horn player Juan Cecchini and trombonist Jonas Truax, both of Denham Springs, received AIT recognition with an instrumental focus. Cecchini and Truax took a required amount of mixed ensemble, instrumental and music theory courses. They were also required to participate in District and State ensemble competitions and present a juried Senior Recital.

Casey Tonnies of Bossier City received AIT recognition in Technical Theatre. To receive this, Tonnies was required to take beginning and advanced acting classes, a stagecraft or stage production class, three semesters of additional art classes and compile an accepted senior portfolio. She was also required to participate in the annual Thespian Convention during each year of her AIT program.

Caroline Koonce of Pearland and Arden Miller of Shongaloo received AIT recognition in Theatre. Both students were required to take beginning and advanced acting classes, participate in Theatre Repertory, undergo an independent study or take a course in Stage Combat, Improv or Musical Theatre Cabaret, attend the annual Thespian Convention and hold a Senior AIT Performance.

Seven seniors received AIT recognition in Visual Arts. The students are Luke Boston of Covington, Marlies Carter of Madisonville, Hadley Hines of Baton Rouge, Isabella Hood of Hammond, Rachel Schnadelbach of Hammond, Collin Serigne of Cut Off and Jordan Smith of Geismar. These students were required to take six or more additional art courses outside of LSMSA’s requirements for graduation, attend at least two visual art events, participate in at least one gallery showing and participate in at least one physical or online art competition on a local, state, national or international level.

Christopher Comeaux of Covington was awarded an AIT focus in Vocal performance. To receive this, he took a required amount of chorale, vocal study and music theory courses and held a Senior Recital. He was also required to participate in the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) Festival and get accepted into either the LMEA or All-State Choirs during his Junior and Senior year.

LSMSA’s comprehensive art program allows for students to gain an advantage in the areas of visual, musical and performance arts. Students interested in taking specialized arts courses can apply for the 2019-2020 school year at http://www.LSMSA.edu/apply.

Pictured above: From left are Senior Lecturer of Instrumentals Dr. Al Benner, Arden Miller, Instructor of Theatre Scott Theriot, Caroline Koonce, Instructor of Technical Theatre Karn Richoux, Casey Tonnies, Instructor of Dance Crystal Lewis, Abigail LeBlanc, Rachel Schnadelbach, Isabella Hood, Jordan Smith, Lecturer of Visual Arts Chris King, Luke Boston, Collin Serigne, Senior Lecturer of Voice and Chorale Lisa Benner, Christopher Comeaux, Jonas Truax, and Juan Cecchini. Not pictured: Marlies Carter, and Hadley Hines.