The freshmen for Northwestern State have been among the best groups in the history of the school, and they were rewarded, earning both of NSU’s superlative awards, the Southland Conference announced Friday. 

Sanaria Butler has done nearly everything in her first season at NSU. After being named Women’s Most Outstanding Performer during the SLC championships, she added to her laundry list of accomplishments, earning the Women’s Athlete of the Year. 

Butler scored 30.5 points in the championships after collecting a gold and three silvers.  

As if that wasn’t enough, Vanessa Balde, took home Freshman of the Year honors. Balde earned three gold medals, including one in the 100-meter hurdles. 

It is the second consecutive season NSU has picked up the women’s freshman of the year award after sprinter Maygan Shaw earned the honor in 2022. 

In four events, Butler is ranked in the top three in the SLC this season, including finishing at the top spot in the 400-meters and is a member of the 4×100 relay team. 

The pairing led the Lady Demons to a second-place finish in the SLC outdoor championships this past weekend. 

In the 400, Butler ran a 52.22 at the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational, which was a personal record, school record, meet record and complex record, but followed that by doing one better. She ran the event at a 52.19 the following week at the Michael Johnson Invitational to break her own personal and school record. 

Butler and Balde are each on the 4×400 team that ran a conference-best and school record of 3:35.77 at the SLC championships. 

The pair was joined by Sian Weller and Maygan Shaw. 

Butler also finished second in the SLC in long jump (20-0.25) and third in the 200-meter dash (23.66) and would have the second-best triple jump performance at the SLC championships, but the wind was too big of a factor in her 42-0.75 jump. 

In addition to the 4×400 relay team, Balde also ran a leg on the 4×100 relay team that earned the gold with a time of 44.99 to begin the final day of running events at the SLC championships. 

She was joined on the team by Shaw, Aarika Lister and Lynell Washington. 

Her 13.46 in the 100-meter hurdles also earned her a gold and a first team All-Conference nod. 

Overall, NSU collected eight gold medals and first team recognition. The other five were collected by Washington (100m), Shaw (400), Madison Brown (pole vault), Djimon Gumbs (shot put) and Diamante Gumbs (discus). 

Djimon Gumbs, the Men’s Most Outstanding Performer during the SLC championships, earned All-Conference recognition three times. In addition to being named first team in the shot put, he garnered second team in the discus and third team in the javelin, despite the latter not being a main event of his. 

Not only did the women’s relay teams find the podium, but the men’s relay teams did so as well, each claiming the silver medal and a spot on the second team. 

The 4×400 relay team of Desmond Duncan, Cyrus Jacobs, Galen Loyd and Destine-Unique Scott ran its best time of the season to conclude the SLC championships, clocking in at 3:08.57. 

The 4×100 team of Zachaeus Beard, Simon Wulff, Cyrus Jacobs and Dylan Swain also grabbed the silver with a time of 39.54. 

Also earning silvers and a spot on the second team are Randy Kelly (high jump) and Andrew Gilreath (long jump). 

Seven NSU student-athletes grabbed bronze medals as well and a third team spot. Shaw continued a strong season with one in the 200-meters. She was joined with bronzes by Weller (400h), Wulff (200), Scott (400), Ashley Duffus (javelin), Adam Lindo (long jump) and Tarajh Hudson (discus). 

Hudson was a part of a Demon sweep in the men’s discus, as Diamante Gumbs won gold, Djimon Gumbs the silver and Hudson the bronze medal. 

Around 20 student-athletes from NSU are in Canyon, Texas, on the campus of West Texas A&M for the Last Chance Meet in attempts to go to the region prelims. 

Several local citizens were joined by Mayor Ronnie Williams, Council Members Rosemary Eli and Betty Sawyer-Smith, city officials and a contingent from Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) in a public meeting to present plans for flashing yellow traffic signals in Natchitoches Thursday, May 11 at the city council chambers.

The signals are part of a federal mandate from the Federal Highway Administration to increase traffic safety at intersections with dedicated turn lanes. In the present system, there is a green arrow, allowing traffic in the dedicated left turn lane to make the turn as the opposing traffic lanes have a red light. When the arrow goes away, there is a solid green light meaning motorists may turn left, but do not have the right of way.  Unfortunately, too many drivers were seeing the green light and falsely assuming they had the right of way, resulting in needless accidents. 

The new system will only be for the dedicated left turn lanes. Like the old system, there will be a solid green arrow and a red light. In addition, there will be a solid yellow arrow which means “prepare to stop” and a flashing yellow arrow meaning “Yield, turn with caution.”  Studies by the Federal Highway Administration have shown this new system greatly reduces accidents caused by people turning left at intersections when they do not have the right of way. 

These new lights have already been installed in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Monroe, Lake Charles and in parts of Shreveport. Natchitoches, Covington, and Houma are next on the DOTD’s list. One major benefit for Natchitoches, aside from increased traffic safety, will be that as the new lights are installed, worn or damaged traffic lights will be replaced by DOTD, a major help to our budget.

Nine students at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) were inducted into the French Honor Society on Tuesday, May 9. The chapter is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French, and local sponsor is LSMSA Associate Lecturer of French Dr. Nathalie Malti.

Students who maintain an A average in all French courses and a B average overall are eligible for membership after their third semester of French. The aims of the society are to stimulate interest in the study of French, to promote high standards of scholarship, to reward scholastic achievements, to create enthusiasm for and understanding of Francophone culture and civilization, to promote and perpetuate international friendship. The motto of the society is “Avoir une autre langue, c’est posséder une deuxième âme,” which translates to: “To have another language is to possess a second soul.”

Inductees are Joey Chen (’24) of Leesville; Errol Chouest (’23) of Larose; River Costello (’23) of Baker; Joy Dong (’23) of Lake Charles; Sarah Green (’24) of Luling; Claire Gremillion (’23) of Abbeville; Aysa Jordan (’24) of Opelousas; Chloé LaCarriere (’24) of Baton Rouge; and Kushal Upadhyay (’24) of Leesville.

Other members include Adé Adjignon (’24) of Baton Rouge; Tadgh Bowman (’23) of New Orleans; William Brown (’23) of Jeffereson; Emma Cecchini (’23) of Denham Springs; Emma Circello (’23) of Livonia; Ashley Green (’23) of Houma; and Isabella Leslie (’23) of Lake Charles.

LSMSA is a tuition-free, residential, public high school for high-achieving rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities. The LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families in need. For more information about the Louisiana School or to apply for the upcoming school year, visit www.LSMSA.edu.

Get ready for a summer of fun and learning at the Natchitoches Parish Library! This year’s Summer Reading Program (SRP) theme is “All Together Now,” focusing on kindness, friendship, and unity. And it’s not just for kids – teens and adults can join in on the fun too! Early sign-up begins May 15 and will be available on the NPL’s home page at natlib.org. Everyone who registers before Sunday, June 4, will be entered for a Kindle Fire tablet drawing, courtesy of the Friends of the NPL.

For children, ages 0 to 11, the library offers programming that lets young readers explore this year’s theme and story concepts in a meaningful way. By combining active and passive programming, kids of all developmental levels can learn, create, and experiment while having fun. After logging every two hours a child reads or is read to, they can pick up their earned “brag tag” from any friendly library staff member at the Children’s Desk. With their sixth tag, they will also receive a special SRP t-shirt and an entry into the children’s grand prize drawing. Plus, for every two hours of reading logged after, they will earn another entry into the grand prize drawing!

Teens, ages 12 to 17, are covered at the SRP too! At this unique stage of life, teens are working to gain independence, seeking excitement, and trying to figure out who they are and whom they want to be. The library can help with all of that. With teen-friendly programming and spaces, instruction on using library resources independently, and opportunities to volunteer on projects, teens can gain some independence while also having fun. And for every two hours of reading, up to 12 hours, they’ll earn a prize, the sixth prize being an SRP-themed tote. At 12 hours teens, and for every two hours after that, they will also earn an entry for the drawing at the end of the program.

Adults, don’t feel left out – summer reading is for you as well! Whether you are a busy parent, retired, or just looking to try something new, the library has something for you. All summer long, you can attend special library programming for adults, explore new interests, and interact with others. Plus, it’s a great model for kids enrolled in the program. For every two hours read each week, adults will earn an entry into a weekly prize drawing, and entries carry over from week to week. On the sixth and final week, there will be a grand prize drawing – so keep reading all summer long to increase your chances!

Don’t miss out on the fun and learning this summer at the NPL’s Summer Reading Program. Join your community for “All Together Now” and make new friends while improving your reading skills! For more information on the SRP schedule of events, visit natlib.org and follow the NPL on social media.

OPENING DATE: Mon. 05/01/23
CLOSING DATE: Continuous
SALARY: $33,000.00 annually
JOB TYPE: Unclassified
LOCATION: Natchitoches, Louisiana

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Northwestern State University is currently accepting applications for a Student Accounts Specialist-Lead. This leadership role is responsible for controlling cash and other payments received. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

To Apply: Submit a letter of application, resume, and complete contact information for three professional references to: apply@nsula.edu

The successful candidate will be subject to a background check, as a condition of employment.

OPPORTUNITY: Student Account Specialist – Lead  – Click Here

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT – Click Here

Northwestern State University’s Army ROTC Demon Regiment made history as the program’s first female Infantry officer was commissioned Thursday, May 11. Second Lieutenant Taylor Paige Dixon is a 2019 Alumna of Shreveport’s Southwood High School where she was the captain of the soccer team and member of the National Honor Society. 

2Lt Dixon performed superbly during her tenure at NSU, earning a three-year national Army ROTC scholarship. She excelled in the classroom, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Magnum Cum Laude, with a 3.8 grade point average. She was a member of Blue Key Honor Society among other extracurriculars.

In ROTC, she was selected to be commissioned into the active Army and is a distinguished Military Graduate, an honor recognizing the top 20 percent of Army cadets nationwide. She made history at her alma mater, being the first female from NSU’s Army ROTC to be selected for one of the hardest and most sought-after branches in the Army, the Infantry. Second Lieutenant Taylor Paige Dixon will report to the Infantry School at Fort Moore in June for the Infantry Officer’s Basic Course. She will then go on to the Army’s Ranger and Airborne schools before becoming an Infantry platoon leader.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes all the best to 2Lt Dixon as she takes her place in the defense of our nation. 

By Kevin Shannahan

This past Thursday, I had the privilege of covering Northwestern State University’s Army ROTC Commissioning ceremony. NSU joined colleges from across the country as men and women of every race and background “…do solemnly swear that I will defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…”  A Commissioning ceremony is a celebration of America at its best.

This accomplished group of young men and women have excelled in the classroom and in their military studies. All four lieutenants were selected for the Active-duty Army and two are Distinguished Military Graduates. Two of the new officers are graduating with honors. Second Lieutenant Taylor P. Dixon made history as NSU’s first female Infantry officer. 

The ceremony and oath are short and simple, a rite of passage as old as America that will continue as long as our Nation endures; each generation taking its place in the hard, dangerous-and necessary-work of the defense of our country. The oath is to the Constitution, suited to those who would lead an Army protecting a society of free men and women. From Saratoga, through Gettysburg, Belleau Wood, Bastogne, Pusan, the Ia Drang Valley, Mosul, Kandahar and any number of miserable, dangerous places, citizen-soldiers have carried America’s faith and honor against her enemies. 

All over America, young men and women such as these four lieutenants from NSU will be entrusted with our nation’s most precious resource, the lives of the men and women under their command. It is an awesome and humbling responsibility. No one can see the future. We do not know from whence trouble will come, only that it will. When it does, the finest young men and women this nation has to offer will rise to meet it.

Of the thousands of officers commissioned through ROTC, most will serve as reservists; some will go on full time active duty. Others, like General and Secretary of State Colin Powell, will go on to great things from a humble beginning. Most will return to civilian life in a few years, their lives enriched by their service. Located in colleges across America, ROTC is a huge force for social mobility.

When I stood during the National Anthem and watched the ceremony, the years melted away. It was once again a fine summer’s day in “…this eighth day of June in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and eighty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two-hundred and ninth…” at a small college in Georgia where I was commissioned in the Air Force. The subsequent thirty-eight years have been quite an adventure. I have no idea where my college diploma is, but my commissioning certificate is framed and hanging in my den. Godspeed Lieutenants Cade Davis, Taylor Dixon, Jimmy Lara and Michael Shamblin!

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating the event photography. The officers and their families are welcome to download any the wish with our compliments. 

MYRTLE BEACH, South Carolina – Natchitoches native Maria Bienvenu made a stunning debut in college track and field in 2021, then had a huge challenge in 2022.

Thursday, the St. Mary’s graduate, who helped the Lady Tigers win a 2020 state championship in basketball, recorded another milestone on her road back from elbow surgery last year. She broke the Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Championships meet record in the women’s javelin with a winning throw of 173 feet, 5 inches.

Bienvenu, the daughter of Russel and Amy Bienvenu, only began throwing the javelin after the state championship basketball season in her senior year at St. Mary’s. Tutored by Corwyn Aldredge, who during his competitive days at SMHS in 1981 broke a national high school javelin record owned by Terry Bradshaw, Bienvenu showed great potential competing in the district, regional and state meets for the Lady Tigers.

She received a scholarship to throw for the Ragin’ Cajuns and after a fall of training, was a freshman sensation in 2021. Bienvenu capped her college debut by earning second-team All-America honors with a 12th-place finish at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, throwing 175-1.

The next spring, she threw 175-9, ranking in the NCAA’s top 10 before experiencing elbow problems at the Texas Relays that halted her season and ultimately required major “Tommy John” surgery a year ago in Birmingham. It required months of rehabilitation but she was up to the challenge and made that obvious in her first competition this spring with a 168-1 throw.

She’s been consistently impressive this spring and rose to the occasion Thursday at the conference meet to win the Sun Belt Conference javelin crown.

Bienvenu will compete later this month at the NCAA East Regionals, aiming for a top 12 finish to return her to the NCAA Outdoors in early June.

Photo:  courtesy UL Lafayette Athletics

While the Northwestern State baseball team will stand on a couple of ceremonies this weekend, the final home series of the 2023 season holds plenty more importance than that of good feelings.

The Demons host longtime rival McNeese in a three-game Southland Conferences series that begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Brown-Stroud Field. All three games of the series, which also includes a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee and a 1 p.m. Sunday series finale, will air on ESPN+.

As has become custom, the Demons (25-21, 10-8) enter the final two weeks of the conference season within striking distance of the conference lead. With six games to play, Northwestern State sits two games back of league-leading Nicholls.

“This is the most fun time of the year – playing for things,” seventh-year head coach Bobby Barbier said. “Playing for a championship, tournament seeding, all those things. You’ve got kids who are graduating and in an exciting time for them. Other guys who haven’t graduated are finished with school and kind of get the pro baseball life. It’s a good time for us.”

The Cowboys (31-16, 11-10) have won three of their past four games, including taking two of three from Lamar in their last weekend series. McNeese leads the SLC in victories and in winning percentage in all games and will become the first team to complete its league slate.

In addition to hosting alumni of the program, this weekend marks the final set of home games for a quartet of NSU seniors. The Demons also have a large contingent of players who have at least one year of eligibility remaining past this year who already have earned their undergraduate degrees.

Among the 11 NSU players who took part in spring commencement exercises Wednesday and Thursday were eight who have a year remaining on their collegiate athletic clocks. Seven of those players are fourth-year juniors – the lone exception being Saturday’s starting pitcher Alex Makarewich (5-4, 5.11), who earned his degree in three years.

Because of the COVID-19-affected 2020 season, all but one of NSU’s graduating juniors – relief pitcher Dawson Flowers — has spent at least three seasons in a Demon uniform.

“Personally, I’ve probably grown closer to more guys on this team than I have any other team because of that – the time we got to spend together,” Barbier said. “It will be tough for us because you only get to coach this team, this collection of players, once. It will be tough when it gets to the end. Hopefully, there is a lot of baseball left before the end.”

The results of the next two weekends will determine how much time the Demons have remaining, but the first challenge for Northwestern State comes in the form of Grant Rogers, the reigning Southland Conference Pitcher of the Year and a midseason All-American by D1Baseball.com who is 10-0 with a 2.00 ERA.

NSU defeated Rogers a season ago, touching him for seven runs (four earned) in 2 1-3 innings in a 16-12 Demon win in the series opener in Lake Charles.

“It’s a big test for us, but I think we’ll be ready for it,” Barbier said. “We’ve faced some really good guys in the league and on other teams we’ve played before. It comes down to executing pitches, and the reason he is where he is because he’s done that a bunch of time. We like our guy on Friday night. We like Cal (Carver). He can really execute pitches too. It will be a good fight.”

Carver (5-3, 4.93) is one of the four true Demon seniors and one of the 11 who graduated this week. He will take the mound in Friday’s series opener, making the 43^rd start of his NSU career, which will tie 2016 All-American Adam Oller, who has spent parts of the past two seasons with the Oakland A’s.

Carver needs 13 strikeouts to establish a new school career record. The left-hander from San Antonio, Texas, already has moved into the top 10 in career innings pitched this season (252 1-3, 9^th) and is two wins away from a three-way tie for ninth in school history.

Offensively, Carver’s mirror image has been outfielder Jeffrey Elkins, who broke the program’s career home run record April 29 against Nicholls. In addition to his home run record, which stands at 34, Elkins owns top-10 career marks in RBIs (131, 5^th), runs scored (154, T-6^th), at-bats (717, 7^th), doubles (42, T-7^th), hit by pitch (32, T-7^th), games played (204, 10^th) and hits (192, 10^th).

With seven more runs scored this season, Elkins would move into a three-way tie for 10^th on NSU’s single-season list.

“They’ve both been really good students,” Barbier said. “They’ve been good teammates. They’ve done what we’ve asked them to do over the course of their four or five years. It’s neat to see them achieve some personal goals. Their teammates are happy for them, and it will be cool to honor those.”

Series Probables:

Friday: McNeese RHP Grant Rogers (10-0, 2.00) at Northwestern State LHP Cal Carver (5-3, 4.93)

Saturday: McNeese RHP Bryson Hudgens (0-0. 0.00) at Northwestern State RHP Alex Makarewich (5-4, 5.11)

Sunday: McNeese TBA at Northwestern State RHP Drayton Brown (4-6, 6.06)

Multiple conference champions and NCAA Tournament performers as well as a reigning Southland Conference Player of the Year highlighted the Northwestern State student-athletes and athletic staff members who graduated across three ceremonies Wednesday and Thursday.

All told, 50 current and former student-athletes and staff members completed degree requirements in both undergraduate and graduate fields.

Four members of the 2021 Southland Conference regular-season and tournament championship soccer teams collected their undergraduate degrees, headlined by two-time first-team All-Southland Conference selection Hallie Field, who posted a perfect 4.0 grade point average while double majoring in accounting and business administration. Field earned all-conference honors in all four of her seasons, including third-team honors as a freshman in 2019 and second-team acclaim as a senior.

She also was a three-time, Academic All-Southland Conference first-team selection.

Field was one of two multi-time all-conference picks from the 2021 championship team who graduated this week, joining Jayme Haynes, who earned third-team honors as a junior in 2021 and second-team All-Southland acclaim as a senior in 2022.

Goalkeeper Chloe DeShazer gave the soccer program a trio of all-conference graduates, earning second-team honors in 2022, her lone season in Natchitoches.

Three members of the 2022 Southland Conference regular-season women’s tennis championship squad earned degrees with one picking up a second NSU degree.

Patrycja Polanska collected her master’s degree in clinical psychology, graduating with a 4.0 GPA while Mariella Minetti (summa cum laude) and Dorota Szcygielska (cum laude) both earned degrees in business administration with concentrations in finance.

The reigning Southland Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Year DeMarcus Sharp finished his degree in general studies with a concentration in social science. He graduated alongside teammate and second-team All-Southland honoree Ja’Monta Black, who graduated with the same degree.

Softball’s Makenzie Chaffin earned her degree, graduating with a 4.0 GPA in biology with a biomedical concentration, just days after being named to the All-Southland Conference second team.

A pair of all-conference selections – left-handed pitcher Cal Carver (business administration) and second baseman Daunte Stuart (electronics engineering technology) — were among the 11 Northwestern State baseball players who earned their degrees in the spring semester.

A trio of Northwestern State track student-athletes added the title graduate to a plethora of all-conference honors, headlined by 10-time All-SLC honoree Destine-Unique Scott, who owns a pair of first-team All-SLC awards as well as five second-team and four third-team nods. Aarika Harding-Lister is a two-time all-conference honoree with one being a first-team selection. Alexus Harris, a member of NSU’s first-team 4×400 relay squad, rounded out the so-honored graduates.

Of the 50 athletic department personnel honored this week, 26 graduated with at least a 3.0 GPA.

Spring 2023 Athletic Graduation List (50)

Baseball (11)

1. Cal Carver: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration
2. Gabe Colaianni: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Honors: Honor Roll
3. Augustus (Gus) Collins: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Science; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science
4. Andrew Cossio: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Science; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minors: P.E., Sport and Leisure Management and Social Science
5. Dawson Flowers: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Honors:  Summa Cum Laude
6. Ethan Francis: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Finance; Honors: Magna Cum Laude
7. Jake Haze: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Finance; Minor: Accounting; Honors: Magna Cum Laude
8. Broch Holmes: Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Liberal Arts; Minor: Business Administration; Honors: Honor Roll
9. Cole Horton: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Honors: Honor Roll
10. Alexander Makarewich: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Industrial Engineering Technology; Honors:  Summa Cum Laude
11. Daunte’ Stuart: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Electronics Engineering Technology;  Concentration: Electronics; Honors:  Honor Roll

Men’s Basketball (5)

1. JaMonta Black: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Science; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science
2. Cedric Garrett: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology
3. Demarcus Sharp: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Science; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science
4. Devin White (former student-athlete): Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Science; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Computer and Natural Science; Minor: Social Science
5. Eden Zelenbaba: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Computer Information Systems; Concentration: Cyber Security; Honors: Cum Laude

Women’s Basketball (1)

1. Sharna Ayres: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology

Football (9)

1. Cedric Anderson (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science
2. Javon Antonio: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Science; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science
3. Johnathan Daigle: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Concentration: Pre-Physical Therapy; Honors: Cum Laude
4. James Patrick Heard (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Concentration: Pre-Physical Therapy; Honors: Summa Cum Laude
5. Garrison Johnson: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Science; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science
6. Jacob Kiser (former student-athlete): Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Science; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science
7. Gakerreon McDonald (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Criminal Justice
8. Matthew Pajinag (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Minor: Chemistry; Honors:  Magna Cum Laude
9. Teeshaun Turpin (former student-athlete): Master of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Homeland Security

Soccer (5)

1. Chloe Deshazer: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Science; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science
2. Hallie Field: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Accounting and Business Administration; Minor: Computer Information Systems; Honors: Summa Cum Laude (Perfect 4.0 GPA!)
3. Samantha Hanking: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Honors: Magna Cum Laude
4. Jayme Haynes: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Honors: Cum Laude
5. Madeline Scott: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Concentration: Pre-Physical Therapy; Honors: Summa Cum Laude

Softball (2)

1. Makenzie Chaffin: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Minor: Chemistry; Honors:  Summa Cum Laude (Perfect 4.0 GPA!)
2. Kathryn Marshall: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Finance; Honors: Honor Roll

Tennis (3)

1. Mariella Minetti: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Management; Honors: Summa Cum Laude
2. Patrycja Polanska (former student-athlete): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Clinical Psychology (Perfect 4.0 GPA!)
3. Dorota Szczygielska: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Management; Honors: Honor Roll

Men’s Track (4)

1. Keagan Broussard: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Science; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science
2. Seonghyun Park: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Honors: Honor Roll
3. Destine-Unique Scott: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Science; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: P.E., Sport, and Leisure Management; Honors: Honor Roll
4. Kavacion Webster: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Science; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: P.E., Sport, and Leisure Management

Women’s Track (4)

1. Aarika Harding-Lister: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical
2. Alexus Harris (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Honors:  Cum Laude
3. Portia Harris (former student-athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Honors:  Magna Cum Laude
4. Akira Phillip: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Honors: Honor Roll

Volleyball (1)

1. Riley Daniel: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Honors: Magna Cum Laude

Administration (4)

1. Marc-Ale Augustin (Graduate Asst./Sports Medicine): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Health Promotion
2. Breah Hurd (Graduate Asst./Sports Medicine): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
3. Marcos Morello Desanzo (Asst. Coach/Women’s Tennis): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
4. Thomas Taylor (Director of Operations/Baseball): Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Science; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science
5. Colin Vedros (Student Worker/Sports Information and Marketing): Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Science; Major: Communication

The LA Lightning 9U baseball team are the USSSA Bossier City Invitational Champions. The team went undefeated all weekend at Tinsley Park in Bossier.

Pictured: Paul Errington, Cole Gentry, Liam Mahloch, Matt Gandy and Cody Hough. Middle Row: Carson Gentry, Jax Errington, Liam Mahloch, Ryne Williams, Murphy Linebaugh, Callen Bertrand, Carter Powell and Carter Hough. Front Row: Cohen Gandy and Gavin Key.

TONIGHT kicks off the 26^th annual Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival on the Cane River Waterway Commission main stage at 7:00pm with Elton Live! (The Elton John Experience) Followed by The Purple Madness (A Tribute to Prince) at 9:00pm.

Saturday is packed full of fun with 3 stages offering a wide variety of bands of different genres, including; Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs, Deep Water Rehab, Klockwork Band, Jenny & Kelli plus many more.

Last but certainly not least, you’ll enjoy a “Double Shot of Country” with headliners; Mark Chestnutt and Tracy Byrd, along with Louisiana native CUPID.

Check out the times and stage location of your favorite bands here.

See full line up
https://www.natchjazzfest.com/lineup-2023      

Purchase tickets here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/26th-annual-natchitoches-jazzrb-festival-tickets-520954377567

Nineteen students representing the Class of 2023 recently graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School during the one hundred and thirty fourth Commencement ceremony for the school.  The ceremony was held in the evening of Sunday, May 7th in the school gymnasium.  Bishop Robert Marshall and Superintendent Tommy Roque were in attendance representing the Catholic Diocese of Alexandria.  Father Irion St. Romain, Chancellor, Principal Stephen Wren, along with the faculty and staff of St. Mary’s, were also present for the evening.

Class Valedictorians reflected on lessons learned, values taught and class bonds during their years at St. Mary’s.  Valedictorians maintaining a 4.0 grade point average, while taking honors and dual enrollment courses, were Reaves Hogg and Adam Parker. 

In addition, the following awards were presented during the ceremony: 

The American Legion Patriotism Award was given to Russ Hillhouse by the Gordon Peters Post of Natchitoches. This award is given to one male student who has set an example of patriotism, loyalty, and leadership. 

The American Legion Auxiliary Award was presented to Clary Smiley.  This award is given to a graduating senior girl who has demonstrated outstanding characteristics in Americanism, leadership and citizenship. 

The Louisiana Sheriff’s Honorary Membership scholarship was given to Trent Middendorf.  This program has awarded 63 scholarships in the state of Louisiana. Sheriff Stuart Wright with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office is an affiliate of the Honorary Membership Program and is able to award three scholarships to students from Natchitoches parish. Trent is the overall winner of one of these three scholarships. 

The Mayor’s Award was presented to Reaves Hogg.  This award is given to a senior who demonstrates outstanding leadership and community service to St. Mary’s, the City of Natchitoches, and the State of Louisiana.

The Superintendent’s Award was presented to Olivia Gillis.  In 2012, Mr. Thomas Roque established the Superintendent’s Award which is given each year to a graduating senior who has exhibited resilience and perseverance. 

The Michael Andrews Memorial Scholarship was presented to Anna Peluso.  This award is given by the Andrews family in memory of their son who graduated from St. Mary’s. The recipient of this scholarship possesses similar characteristics of Michael:  perseverance, drive, and dedication to the all around educational experience obtained at St. Mary’s. 

Reaves Hogg was recognized for completing the required 60 hours of coursework towards receiving the Associates Degree in General Studies from NSU.  The degree will be conferred at the end of the summer and the official diploma will be received in August.  Reaves is the first St. Mary’s student to receive the Associate of General Studies. 

The Mr. and Miss SMS award was presented to Mason McCart and Anna Peluso.  This award is given to the male and female students selected by the faculty and administration to represent the best of the St. Mary’s student body.  The selected students are thoroughly involved and represent St. Mary’s Catholic School by their virtues of integrity, courage, compassion, service, and humility, both inside and outside of the school.

The Bishop Martin Award was presented to Adam Parker.  This award is given to a student that has led by example, attempted to maintain and exhibit Catholic Christian values, and have taken advantage of the religious foundation offered at St. Mary’s to reach their full potential spiritually, academically, and physically.

This group of students had a class average ACT composite score of 24.6, with 19% of the class scoring 30 or above.  Two students will be continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level for football and wrestling.  Students will be attending Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tech University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Notre Dame, Southern Arkansas University, Texas Wesleyan University and Tulane University.  The Class of 2023 was offered over $1.4 million dollars in scholarships.

St. Mary’s is a Catholic, co-educational college preparatory school that educates students from preschool through twelfth grade.  It is a ministry of the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church.

Pictured: Gabby Meziere, Meredith Methvin, Caroline Godfrey, Anna Peluso, Olivia Gillis, Clary Smiley, Anna Marie McClung and Cylie Braud.  Back row:  Logan Watson, Kolton Norsworthy, Mason Melder, Russ Hillhouse, Reaves Hogg, Trent Middendorf, C.J. Smith, Chase O’Con, Jace Carpenter, Adam Parker and Mason McCart.

My father-in-law is always telling me that I’m a “good ole boy,” but “that there’s just not much demand for good ole boys.” Well, I have a group of anglers that I travel with for the tournament trail we follow who would all fall into the good ole boy category. As far as anglers, they are all very good, but as people, they are even better! Today I’ll give some insight into what makes good travel partners for bass fishing.

First and foremost, you must trust those who are in your inner circle. You see, bass fishermen are a fickle bunch and not many can be trusted, especially in terms of fishing information. You can’t have anyone with any sort of criminal record. You need good guys who have Christian values… guys that if you get in a bind, will come to your aid the minute you call. These are the kind of guys I run with, and I appreciate each and every one of them. Now don’t get the wrong impression here! Each of us wants to stomp a mud hole in the others in our group when it comes to fishing and winning a tournament. We are all very competitive, but at the end of the day, we all pull for each other as well.

Here’s a good example of what makes great travel partners. I was on my way back from a tournament at Lake Palestine and headed east on I-20 just outside of Longview, Texas, when I noticed smoke coming off one of my boat trailer tires. I pulled over to check it out. Sure enough, it was an angler’s worse fear…no not a flat tire, but worse…a wheel bearing had gone out. Seconds later, to my surprise, one of my travel partners called to see how I did in my tournament and was on his way back from a Lake Fork event. It was none other than Cole Garrett! I told him my situation and he wanted to know my location because he wasn’t too far behind me and he thought he had an extra wheel assembly I could use to fix my wheel.

Shocked that he would even have such a part, I sent him my location, and 20 minutes later he pulled up behind me ready to assist. Long story short, after careful inspection of the situation, we realized we didn’t have the right tools to fix the problem, so we just removed the wheel. I came back to Shreveport on three wheels and dropped it off at my boat dealer (The Boat Shop). This is why I love tandem axle boat trailers…you can always come in on three wheels if you must, but you might have to take it a little slower.

Now even though Cole couldn’t fix my problem, just the fact that he thought enough of me to try and help anyway, meant the world to me. Even though he was tired after three or four days of hard fishing, he still took the time to try and help a friend. That’s what makes someone a good travel partner…someone who will drop whatever they’re doing to try and help someone else!

As anglers, we follow tournament trails all over the region, and no matter how new or old your boat is, there will be times when you need assistance. Having good travel partners is essential to making life less stressful and it puts your mind at ease. Even though we all have top of the line bass boats, it’s kind of like owning a motorhome. It’s not a matter of if something will break, but when. The group of guys I travel with…Brett Hortman, Adrian James, and Cole Garrett are all great anglers in their own right. But as people, they will do whatever they can to help in any way possible, no matter what situation or problem may arise.

So, if you’re looking to hit the road and follow a tournament trail, make sure you have some good ole boys you can trust that will always have your back no matter what comes up. Till next time good luck, good fishing and don’t forget your sunscreen.

Sheriff Stuart Wright announced that Trent Middendorf of Natchitoches Parish has been named the recipient of an academic scholarship from the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program for the 2022-2023 school year.  He resides in Natchitoches and plans to attend Louisiana State University. His field of study is Finance with a minor in Sports Studies.  Trent’s parents are Zachary and Alexandra Middendorf.

The Sheriffs’ Scholarship is made possible by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Honorary Membership Program (LSHMP).  Louisiana Sheriffs provide scholarships to graduating high school students from each parish where the Sheriff is an affiliate of the Program.

Qualities such as academic achievement, leadership, and character are considered in making selections of Sheriffs’ scholarship recipients.  The only limitations are that applicants be permanent residents of Louisiana; scholarships be utilized in higher education within the State; and students must be enrolled as full-time, undergraduate students.  Scholarships will be awarded in sixty-four parishes throughout the state.

“Hailey Poydras and Cenaiya Ratliff were named as alternates and will receive an academic scholarship from the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office,” according to the Sheriff.

In closing Sheriff Wright said, “Academic awards by the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Scholarship Program to Louisiana students demonstrate what the LSHMP is all about.  This is one of our finest accomplishments.  It invests in Louisiana’s future and gives something back to our community.  This would not be possible without the kind and generous support of Natchitoches Parish’s Honorary Members. ”

The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) will hold its 39th commencement ceremony to honor the class of 2023 on Saturday, May 20 at 2 p.m. in Northwestern State University’s Prather Coliseum. Serving as guest speaker is Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Louisiana’s Commissioner of Higher Education.

Working with the Louisiana Board of Regents, Dr. Reed leads the state’s talent development efforts, focused on increasing educational attainment, erasing equity gaps, and increasing prosperity. To reach the state’s goal of doubling the annual number of credentials awarded by 2030, she focuses on transformational policies and deep collaborative engagement in line with Regents’ talent imperative. In support of that vision, Louisiana’s institutions are focused on strengthening the state’s education-to-employment pipeline, accelerating student success, reskilling and training those seeking new career opportunities, finding solutions through research and discovery, and contributing significantly to the state’s post-pandemic economic recovery.

“I am honored to serve as the commencement speaker for LSMSA and look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of some of Louisiana’s most talented high school graduates,” said Dr. Reed. “It took hard work and determination to reach this point and I know big things lie ahead for each of them. I can’t wait to applaud their success and recognize the family and faculty who have been right there, lending support.”

In 2022, Governor John Bel Edwards named Reed as Chair of the Louisiana Cybersecurity Commission. A nationally recognized student advocate, she has led the Colorado Department of Higher Education, served in President Barack Obama’s administration as deputy undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Education, and led the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

LSMSA is a tuition-free, residential, public high school for high-achieving rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities. The LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families in need. For more information about the Louisiana School or to apply for the upcoming school year, visit www.LSMSA.edu.

OPENING DATE: Mon. 05/01/23
CLOSING DATE: Continuous
SALARY: $30,000.00 annually
JOB TYPE: Unclassified
LOCATION: Natchitoches, Louisiana

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Northwestern State University is currently accepting applications for a Student Accounts Specialist. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions are filled.

To Apply: Submit a letter of application, resume, and complete contact information for three professional references to: apply@nsula.edu

The successful candidate will be subject to a background check, as a condition of employment.

OPPORTUNITY: Student Account Specialist (2 Positions) – Click Here

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT – Click Here

West Fraser’s Joyce sawmill is hiring for an Operator Apprentice, which is an entry-level general labor role with the expectation that self-motivated individuals will advance into progressively skilled positions.

With our highly competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits, you will get:

• Benefits starting Day 1
• Wellness Pay Program
• Competitive starting pay
• On-the-job training 
• A culture that strongly believes in promoting from within
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k with company match
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid vacations and holidays

If you are ready to build your career in a company that thrives on growth, a safe work environment, rewarding work, challenge, and opportunity, come build your career with us at West Fraser: www.westfraser.com/careers

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please apply through our online application process as resumes will not be accepted at the site. No phone inquiries, please.  Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check, a drug screen test, and a physical.