By Kevin Shannahan
Northwestern State University hosted over 4,000 students, faculty sponsors and families from 57 schools from throughout the region for the Northwest Louisiana Literary Rally. The Louisiana High School Rally, an academic competition held throughout the state since 1909, with the regional competition being held at NSU since the 1960’s, is an academic competition in which high school students compete by taking exams in a variety of subjects taught in high school. The Northwest Louisiana Rally held at NSU featured 51 different tests ranging from Agriscience I to Calculus. Natchitoches parish was ably represented by students from Natchitoches Central, Lakeview, the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts and St. Mary’s. Students who earn qualifying scores on their test or performance will advance to compete at the state literary rally at LSU in Baton Rouge in April. In addition, seniors who win an event at the regional or state rally are eligible to earn an honors stipend to NSU or the Scholars’ College.
The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to commend the faculty members of all of our parish’s high schools whose hard work and guidance made it possible for these sharp young men and women to attend the rally. The High School Literary Rally is a truly wonderful event. It is a joy to see young people from throughout Louisiana competing at a high academic level. We would also like to commend Northwestern State University for their unflagging hospitality and well organized logistical support over the years in hosting the regional rally.
Each and every high school in our parish sent a contingent to the Rally. Hard working teachers raising our children’s sights and encouraging academic excellence are part and parcel of our schools’ mission. Thank you ladies and gentlemen for the hours of hard work, dedication and belief in your students’ abilities. Lastly, the Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes all the best to our parish’s students who will go on to represent our parish at the state rally in Baton Rouge. Well done!
