Rotarian with the Program Ken Guidry introduced State Senator Louie Bernard at the March 28 luncheon. Bernard gave an overview of the upcoming legislative session. Rotarians appreciate Bernard for his four years of service to District 31. Pictured from left are Rotary President Aaron Johnson, Bernard, and Guidry.

A Northwestern State University student entrepreneur was named a finalist for the Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup, a business competition for college students intended to help students gain critical thinking, team building, presentation and other skills important to career growth.  

Matthew Gamble is the team leader for Rise and Rotate, a device he and his stepfather designed and developed to assist individuals with limited mobility. Last year, Gamble won first prize in the NSU School of Business Inferno Pitch, a business plan competition that offers NSU students mentoring and skill-building for launching entrepreneurial ideas.  Gamble is a senior business administration major from Shelbyville, Texas, and earned $3,000 for pitching a patented design and business plan for Rise and Rotate.   

Winners of the Pelican Cup will be announced at an awards luncheon that begins at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 21 at Bayou Pointe Events Center on the campus of the University of Louisiana-Monroe. During the awards lunch, each team will put up one member to give a 90-second elevator pitch and the audience will vote to select the winner of a cash prize. Winners of the Pelican Cup will be awarded $25,000 for first place, $15,000 for second place and $10,000 for third place, to be split between team members.  Advisors of the first, second and third-place winners will receive $3,000. 

Gamble, CEO and team leader, will be joined by team members Hayden Stanley, Chief Research and Development Officer, and Alexander Brown, Chief Information Officer.  Dr. Elizabeth Prejean is faculty advisor.  

Tickets to the lunch and more information is available at https://www.ulm.edu/pelicancup/.  Tickets are $100 for the general public or $50 for students.  Sponsorship packages are also available for individuals or businesses.  

For more information about the event, contact Cathi Hemed, director of external initiatives, at (318)-342-1151 or hemed@ulm.com. 

Henry Douglas Mitchell Sr. (Doug), aged 79, passed away on March 26, 2023, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family at home during his final moments. Born on May 19, 1943, in Marthaville, LA, Doug was the son of Henry Truly Mitchell and Gracie Wyatt Mitchell. On February 19, 1962, he married the love of his life, Doris LaCaze Mitchell, affectionately known as DA, in Lewisville, AR.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Truly and Gracie Mitchell, his daughter, Melinda Gayle Mitchell, and his sister, Kathy Mitchell Dove. He was also predeceased by his in-laws, Andres and Florence LaCaze, Lynwood LaCaze, Cliff LaCaze, Charles LaCaze, Donnie Desadier, Barbra LaCaze, and Margaret LaCaze, and lifelong friend Wesley Chambers.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years Doris LaCaze Mitchell and children, Douglas Mitchell Jr. (JR) and wife Lisa, Deanna Smith and husband Larry, Cecilia Thomas and husband Duke, Dana Prewitt and husband Brad, Melissa O’Bannon and husband Glen, and Michael Mitchell and wife Kelly. He was also blessed with 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one soon-to-be-born great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brother, Cecil Mitchell Sr., of Natchitoches, La, and his in-laws, Mary Leach (Hester) of Natchitoches, La, Helen Presley (Carroll) of Bellwood, La, John LaCaze (Laura) of Coushatta, La, and Sue Desadier of Natchitoches, La, and Linda LaCaze of Natchitoches La..

Doug was the proud owner of his own business, Doug’s A-1 Auto Sales, which he had owned and operated since 1976. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting with his family and closest friends at the hunting camp he founded in 1992, known as the Ponderosa on Red River in Natchitoches. He was also blessed to travel to Colorado, Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas on numerous hunting trips throughout the years. On weekends, he could always be found around the Ponderosa campfire, listening to old music with everyone.

He found great joy in following his children and grandchildren to their various functions, including football, baseball, basketball, and volleyball games everywhere they were playing. He was always their biggest fan.

The family would like to express how thankful we are to Dr. Lori Rodriquez, Dr. Akhtar, and the staff at the NRMC Cancer Center, Lagniappe Home Health and Hospice of Natchitoches for the care of our loved one.

Per his request, a private family memorial will be held in honor of his life, and as he said in some of his final words “I’ll meet y’all around the campfire.” The family appreciates the outpouring of love and condolences during this difficult time.

Dear Parent/Guardian,

All graduating seniors at the Natchitoches Parish Technical and Career Center are required to pass their Leap 2025 exams. If your senior is taking English I, English II, Algebra I, Biology, or U.S. History this semester, they will be expected to pass one English, one math, and either the biology or U.S. History exams as a condition for graduation by the state of Louisiana. If your student does not test, he/she WILL NOT graduate. Testing will be the week of April 18, 2023 – April 20, 2023. Seniors testing for English I, English II, and U.S. History will begin at 8:00 a.m. Seniors testing for Algebra I will begin at 10:00 a.m., and testing for Biology will begin at 12:00 p.m. Please make sure your child arrives 15 minutes prior to the start of their testing time.

Leap 2025 for 9^th – 11^th grade students will be between April 24, 2023 – May 12, 2023, and 4^th – 8^th grade students will be the week of May 15, 2023 – May 19, 2023. Testing will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. each morning. If you child does not arrive to school on time, he/she will not be allowed to test, and will have to test on a make-up test day. Make-up testing dates are April 27^th, April 28^th, May 4^th, May 5^th, May 11^th, May 12^th, May 18^th, and May 19^th. If you have any questions, please call the school and speak with myself or Mr. Benjamin.

Thanks,

Bobby Benjamin, NPTCC Principal

Chelsea Calhoun, NPTCC School Counselor

Standing in line for more than two hours in a receiving line at the funeral home, not just standing in line but moving in line and sharing in line and encouraging in line — living in line — gives you time to think.

For starters, even though you don’t know everyone in line and they don’t know you, you feel a part of a greater good, a part of the force that was this life and this family you are here to honor. This one life, in ways special to each of us, touched all these people and hundreds more who couldn’t be here.

The emotional mix is stunning: the uncomfortable feeling of loss and unfairness, and at the same time gratitude for being able to count among your friends this life that radiated a deep and unselfish goodness.

It’s early spring and yet so many are going through a storm. There will always be storms but if you live long enough, they will now and then come one right after the other and you can’t keep the pieces all picked up, for yourself or for your friends. You are tying but more pieces keep falling. Breaking.

Mercy at the loss lately, and the threat of more loss. It all combines to remind me how little control we have, and how I am blind at times to things I do have control over. Which is pathetic. Sad. I am waiting in line to hug the family of a friend who was a master of doing the little things. I’m not sure he even thought so much about it. He just did them. He was aware that he had control over these little actions. He knew they made the difference.

And the difference is real, because all these people are around me. To thank him.

You can make someone happier today. You can. It might be paying for coffee for the person behind you in line at the drive-thru, or it might be calling an old friend, or thanking your Sunday school teacher, or the custodian who keeps your building clean, or the boss who signs the checks.

You ever color a picture and send it to someone for no reason? I do. It’s stupid. But it’s a surprise, and they’ll always call to thank you, because for one moment an ordinary day held a silly surprise for them, and only heaven knows how those kinds of things make a difference, but they do.

I’ve heard these things called “the smallest acts of love.” Remind someone how strong they’ve been. Compliment them for whatever makes them them. Praise. Encourage. Smile. These little things add up.

Our friend we lost, he did lots of big things. Beautiful things. He made the world prettier, literally. But when I think of him — and this has been for years, not just now — I am always left with how he made me feel. He had plenty to do but when we were together, he was present. Honest. Funny without meaning to be because he was just him. A friend.

We are all just people but somehow, we have the gift inside that, if we share it, has the potential to help a sister or brother over the next hill. The smallest thing, if it’s real, can be the thing that holds up, can be the stuff that works. The smallest thing can make a difference.

And that’s when, in the middle of the storms, the miracles show up. In the smallest, most sincere acts. One thoughtful moment, one honest ear to listen or hand to hold. Be present and be ready. We need you. You can make the difference that makes the difference for someone today, and the difference for today can make the difference for forever.

Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu or Twitter @MamaLuvsManning

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration partners with organizations across the United States to honor Vietnam Veterans. The Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park Committee is a Commemorative Partner with this organization. The committee is asking that everyone in Natchitoches Parish take time on March 29 to call, or email, or visit, a Vietnam Veteran and thank them for their service to this great country.

As a part of the Memorial Day Program on Monday, May 29 at 10 am, the Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park Committee will honor the Surviving Spouses and Family Members of Natchitoches Parish Vietnam Veterans.  After the program, they will host an Open House at the VFW 1962 and American Legion 10 Post, at 400 St. Denis Street.  During the Open House they will present pins to the family members, serve refreshments, and have live music.  By joining together as a community, everyone can become stronger and renew their faith in God and Country!

During the Memorial Day Program the Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park Committee will also honor two Veterans by telling the story of their service to this country and the community.  Save the date of Monday, May 29 for the Riverbank Memorial Day Program at 10 am, followed by an Open House Reception at 400 St. Denis Street.  A tour of the Veterans Park will be held at 9 am for families who have purchased commemorative bricks, and for anyone who would like to see the beautiful park. 

Remember to Thank a Vietnam Veteran on March 29, 2023!

The Second Edition of the Real Views of Natchitoches Parish is available now and on stands everywhere.

Being completely free, The Real Views of Natchitoches Parish, with its riveting journalism and educational content, will bring the community together in 2023 to create a truly positive change. With a mission to highlight the hard work of community police officers, firefighters/fire service workers, business owners, church members, and community leaders, the newspaper will also be working to empower the community by inspiring entrepreneurs and offering vital life skills/advice to the community youth and native residents.

Pick up your copy today!

Paid Content

The Natchitoches City Council voted to introduce Ordinance No. 022 of 2023 to enact ordinances relative to the assessment of civil penalties for speeding within the city limits at the March 27 meeting. The ordinance is a precursor to the implementation of the recommended traffic calming plan by the city’s Task Force committee.

There is a speeding issue around town. A six day speed study on Keyser Avenue showed that 25 percent of motorists were exceeding the posted speed limit by at least 8mph, and by as much as 15 mph. At the speed zone in front of Natchitoches Central, in a one-week period during the times for the school zone, there were over 300 vehicles a day that were exceeding the posted speed by more than 6 mph.

The traffic calming plan includes the implementation of a portable handheld camera device for speed enforcement that will be operated by a certified law enforcement official. Motorists who violate the speed limit will receive a ticket in the mail. 

The city is looking at this not as a money making tool, but as a tool for the improvement of safety on city roads.

“We don’t want to place a hardship on people with these tickets,” said Council member-at-large Betty Sawyer Smith, who sits on the Task Force committee.

Other details will be ironed out after the ordinance is passed by the City Council.

Russell Sarpy is the owner of Emergent Enforcement Solutions, which provides infrastructure including the court management, online ticket payment portal, and the software solution for the collection of the citations. All of the controls (setting speed thresholds for locations, reducing fines, etc…) is up to the municipality.

According to Sarpy, everywhere the company is deployed at, speeding has been reduced by at least 60-70 percent. He explained that people will complain whether a law enforcement officer issues the ticket, or if an automated system does it. This way it’s safer for the officers and the motorists.

The suggestion is to start with two locations for 90 days before they do a city wide program. The City Council will vote on this ordinance at its April 10 meeting.

Photo: File Photo

The Natchitoches City Council passed a resolution at its March 27 meeting declaring the month of March as Agriculture Month in the City. A proclamation was presented to Natchitoches Farm Bureau Queen Madeline Mitchell, who is a junior at Natchitoches Central, and Farm Bureau Federation Northwest Ag Ambassador Tatum Roberts, a sophomore at Magnolia Bend Christian Academy. Both students are also Natchitoches Parish 4H members.

Agenda items included:

PLANNING & ZONING – FINAL:

Amend Ordinance No. 64 Of 2001 By Changing Zoning Classification Of Property Described As Follows: Lots 1 and 2 At Northeast Corner of Texas St. and 4th Street, (312 Texas Street)

ORDINANCES – FINAL:

Enter Into A Cooperative Endeavor Agreement With Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., Whereby The City Of Natchitoches Will Provide Employees To The Cane River National Heritage Area In Exchange For The Services And Benefits That The City Receives From The Operations Of The Cane River National Heritage Area.

Enter Into A Cooperative Endeavor Agreement With The Ben Johnson Educational Center, Whereby The City Of Natchitoches Will Provide Employees To The Ben Johnson Educational Center In Exchange For The Services And Benefits That The City Receives From The Operations Of The Ben Johnson Educational Center.

ORDINANCES – INTRODUCTION:

Award The Bid For A Bucket Truck For The City Of Natchitoches Utility Department (BID NO. 0657)

Extend The City Limits Of The City Of Natchitoches Annexing A Tract Situated In Section 83, Township 9 North, Range 7 West, And Section 25 Township 9 North, Range 8 West, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana,  Said Tract Lying South Of Rue De Gabriel And Louisiana Highway Six And Adjacent To The Existing Municipal Limits Of The City Of Natchitoches, Being A Total Of 174  Acres, More Or Less, And Further Providing For The Fixing Of A Public Hearing, Advertisement, Fixing Council District For Same, Fixing Zoning Classification And Providing For An Effective Date Of The Ordinance.

Enact Ordinances Relative To The Assessment Of Civil Penalties For Speeding Within The City Limits.

Amend Ordinance No. 059 Of 2011 Of The City Of Natchitoches, Louisiana, To Repeal The Descriptions And Designations Of Existing City Of Natchitoches City Council Districts, Establish New City Of Natchitoches City Council Districts, Describe The Boundaries Of Each New District And Otherwise Provide For An Effective Date Of The Ordinance.

RESOLUTIONS:

Approve And Accept The Contract For Exemption Of Ad Valorem Taxes (Advance Notification #20180503) For Alliance Compressors, LLC, And Authorizing The Mayor Of The City Of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Ronnie Williams, Jr., To Draft And Execute A Letter, Or Any Other Instrument Necessary, To Convey The Acceptance And Approval Of The City Of Natchitoches To The Exemption.

Approve And Acknowledge The Second Payment To City Personnel Under That Appropriation Of Funds Authorized By Ordinance 25 Of 2022 For Personnel And To Otherwise Provide With Respect Thereto.

Advertise And Accept Bids For The Purchase Of A Digger Derrick Truck For The City Of Natchitoches Utility Department (BID NO.  0659)

Prepare And Submit An Application To The Louisiana Department Of Health (LDH), Office Of Public Health, (OPH) Agency For The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (“DWSRF) Lead Service Line Replacement Grant

Advertise For Bids For Building & Sitework Improvements, Public Works Building, 1608 Texas Street, Natchitoches, La (BID NO. 0660)

Advertise And Accept Bids Consisting Of Runway 17-35, Taxiways, And Apron Rehabilitation, Airport Improvement Program No. 3-22-0034-030-2023 (BID NO. 0658)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next scheduled City Council meeting will be April 10, 2023.

The ACTION Unit, also known as Addressing Criminal Trends by Involving Our Neighborhoods, has continued to be a huge crime deterrent during their first three months in service. 

Below are a few examples of what the ACTION Unit has done to better our community:

• 39 arrests for several criminal offenses
• 17 arrests for drug related offenses
• 1 arrest for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• 117 field contacts with individuals out on the streets late at night in high crime areas
• 47 warrants served
• 26 citations for traffic offenses
• 64.5 grams of marijuana 
• 20 ecstasy tablets
• 3 grams of methamphetamine

The ACTION Unit is composed of several highly motivated officers and deputies who are primarily tasked with locating and arresting the individuals responsible for the recent increase in shootings.  ACTION will also focus on other criminal activity such as felony warrants, burglaries, street level narcotics, violent crimes against citizens and other offenses affecting the quality of life in Natchitoches.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101.  Remember all information given shall remain confidential.  

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388.  All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $2,500 for the arrest of an offender.

Mayor Williams is pleased to announce the Summer Youth Employment Opportunity for Natchitoches youth ages 16-18. The City of Natchitoches is looking for youth to fulfill duties such as litter abatement, administrative tasks, and lawn care maintenance (if 18), among other responsibilities. Gainful employment with the City of Natchitoches will occur during the months of June and July with a tentative start date of Monday, June 5. 

Interested youth may apply for an opportunity to work for the city of Natchitoches during the summer by retrieving an application from City Hall at 700 Second Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 or apply online at www.natchitochesla.gov/content/youth-summer-employment-natchitoches.

For more information, please call the Natchitoches City Hall at (318) 352-2772.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announces the first of two projects to install the flashing yellow left turn arrow traffic signals in the central region.

The first project (Part 1) includes the installation of the foundation, mast arm, and signal work for 30 locations in Natchitoches, Avoyelles, Sabine, Vernon and Winn Parishes. These upgraded signals will only be installed at intersections where a protected left turn (left turn arrow) and designated left turn lane already exist.

Locations for flashing yellow left turn arrow signals in Natchitoches include:

LA 1 BUS (Hwy 1 South) @ LA 494 (Keyser)
LA 6 BUS (University Pkwy) @Caspari St.
LA 1 BUS/LA 494 (Keyser) @ LA 1 BUS (S. Williams Ave.)
LA 6 BUS (University Pkwy) @ Sam Sibley/Howell St.
LA 6 BUS (University Pkwy) @ 2nd St./Central Ave.
LA 494 (Keyser) @ East Fifth St.
LA 1 BUS (Texas)/LA 3191 (Texas St.) @ LA 1/LA 6
LA 6 BUS (University Pkwy)/LA 1223 @ LA 6 BUS (Jefferson St.)
LA 494 @ Walmart

Currently, the contractor for the $2.8 million project is installing concrete foundations for the new mast arms that hold traffic signals at various locations. Motorists can expect to see the new signals operational in the next few months.

The second project (Part 2) – anticipated to go to bid in April 2024 – includes signal upgrades in Rapides Parish. Please note that letting dates are often subject to change based on a variety of factors.

Flashing yellow arrow signal indications feature a flashing yellow arrow, in addition to the traditional red, yellow, and green signals.

When illuminated, the flashing yellow arrow allows waiting motorists to perform a left-hand turn after yielding to oncoming traffic.

Oncoming traffic has a green light, so drivers must wait for a safe gap in the oncoming traffic before turning.

Flashing yellow arrow signals provide more opportunities for motorists to make a left-hand turn and reduce delays when traffic is light.

Motorists will eventually encounter the new flashing yellow arrows on all state-maintained traffic signals across Louisiana where a protected left turn already exists, as part of a federal standard for implementation of the signals.

For more information on flashing yellow arrows, click here. To watch a video explaining the operation of the new signals, click here.

Lyn Rollins, a Pineville native and Northwestern State alumnus, was the radio voice for NSU Athletics (1992-2002) before becoming a statewide sports television broadcaster best known for his work with LSU sports since 2003. In today’s Billy West Live podcast, Rollins talks about his early days as a TV sports reporter at KALB in Alexandria and his distinguished career in sports broadcasting. Lyn, a Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame 2018 inductee as a journalist, also assesses LSU baseball and the Tigers’ prospects for 2023.

Photo courtesy Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame

This afternoon the Natchitoches Central Lady Chiefs will take on the Lady Vikings of Airline for the District 1-5A softball championship.

The showdown along the Highway 1 Bypass takes place at 5:30 on the NCHS campus.

The Lady Chiefs are fourth in the state Division I Non-Select power rankings with an 21-3 overall record while the Lady Vikings are No. 8 and are 18-6. Both are 6-0 in district play.

In their six district wins the Lady Chiefs have outscored their opponents 62-0.

Facing the same six opponents, the Lady Vikings have scored 65 runs while giving up 11 to their opponents.

It will be strength against strength in Northwestern State’s midweek matchup Tuesday night against Louisiana Tech. 

The Lady Demons (16-13, 3-3) have been hot offensively past two weeks with a .337 team batting average over the past six games and hosts a Lady Techster (19-12, 4-5) pitching staff that leads Conference-USA with a sub-2.00 ERA. 

First pitch for the final game in the home-and-home series between the two teams this year is set for 6 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+. 

Tuesday’s game is sponsored by Green Acres Car Wash located on Keyser Avenue in Natchitoches. 

“Tech has a really good pitching staff,” head coach Donald Pickett said. “That’s definitely one of the strong points of their team. They’re able to mix and match with their staff and have done a great job of holding teams down this year. We’ve got to be able to generate some runs and hopefully we’re able to build on what we’ve done offensively the past couple of weeks.” 

The offensive outburst for NSU began a week ago in Memphis when it exploded for 15 runs in a run-rule win against Memphis. That was part of a 21 run-25 hit day overall that carried over into the hit parade in Nicholls’ city this past weekend where the Demons totaled 29 hits in the three-game series. 

Three of the first five batters in the NSU lineup, including the first two in the order Bailie Ragsdale and Taylor Williams, had five or more hits on the weekend with a .500 batting average or better. Makenzie Chaffin was the third player to do it, behind a career day on Saturday where she had four hits and two doubles. 

Chaffin leads the team with a .376 batting average with four multi-hit games over the past six outings. 

“Our offense it starting to pick up some steam and hopefully we’re able to keep building on that,” Pickett said. “The way teams are producing this year we may have to have four or five runs a game to be successful through those conference weekends.”  

The Demon bats will be tested for the second time this season against the arm talent of the Lady Techsters. 

In the meeting two weeks ago, NSU was shutout 5-0 and held to just three hits in the game. Ragsdale used her speed to pick up two infield singles in the game but only advanced as far as second base, in the top of the first, in the game. NSU had just one hit over the final four innings of the game. 

Tech threw their top two pitchers in the game in Ruston, Brook Melnychuk and Mary Martinez who each have a 1.40 or lower ERA at this point in the season and were both below 1.25 when they faced the Demons earlier this month. 

The City of Natchitoches has been awarded $100,000 in grant funding from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program (ACP Outreach Grant Program). 

In August 2022, the FCC adopted an order establishing the ACP Outreach Grant Program to facilitate the promotion and awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) among eligible households. The ACP continues to play an integral role in helping to bridge the broadband affordability gap. 

The FCC is enlisting partners nationwide to serve as trusted community messengers and providing those partners with the funding and resources needed to implement innovative strategies to reach historically underserved and unserved communities. The ACP is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

“The City of Natchitoches is poised to be a trusted community messenger,” stated Mayor Williams. “We want to ensure the residents of Natchitoches are no longer an underserved population and are made aware of all the resources available to help them. Continuing to aggressively pursue funding for these initiatives ensures Natchitoches can compete with the growing technological capabilities of surrounding cities.”

The City’s Community Outreach and Grants Manager, Nicole Gray, identified and successfully applied for the ACP Outreach Grant. Her continued efforts to win grants for the City of Natchitoches help to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Eighteen French and Spanish students from the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) participated in Southeastern Louisiana University’s 40th Annual Foreign Language Festival on Friday, March 24.

LSMSA returned to the competition for the first time since 2019, with numerous students recognized for their performances:

Anastasia Adams-Giron (’24) of Alexandria – Spanish Recitation, Native Speaker – 2nd place
Blaise Albarez (’25) of Covington
Juliana Allemand (’23) of Thibodaux – Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking, Native Speaker – 3rd place
Lucia Allemand (’24) of Thibodaux – Spanish Translation, Native Speaker – 3rd place
Aiden Allgire (’24 of Port Barre – French Recitation, Level 1 – 3rd place
Leah Aranas (’24) of Lake Charles
Maci Bergeron (’23) of Ama – Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking, Level 3 – 3rd place
Tadgh Bowman (’23) of New Orleans – French Extemporaneous Speaking, Level 3 – 3rd place
Errol Chouest (’23) of Larose
River Costello (’23) of Baker
Trinity Hatten (’24) of Grayson
Grace Herpin (’25) of Lafayette – Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking, Level 2 – 2nd place
Mackenzie LaCombe (’24) of Prarieville – French Recitation, Level 4 – 1st place
Jaime Perdue (’23) of Prairieville – Spanish Recitation, Level 4 – 3rd place
Colin Perret (’25) of Hammond – French Extemporaneous Speaking, Level 1 – 2nd place
Joy Qiu (’23) of Houma – French Recitation, Level 3 – 1st place
Kushal Upadhyay (’24) of Leesville – French Recitation, Level 2 – 2nd place
Jessie Zaffron (’24) of Mandeville – Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking, Level 4 – 3rd place

LSMSA, a tuition-free, residential, public high school for high-achieving rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors, offers a variety of foreign languages, including Chinese and German. The school has a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities, and the LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families in need. For more information about the Louisiana School or to apply for the 2023-24 school year, visit http://www.LSMSA.edu.