Local leaders, experts devote time to encourage student excellence

In a commendable show of community engagement, the recent Social Studies Fair held at Natchitoches Magnet, featuring 4th-8th grade students, welcomed a panel of esteemed judges who generously devoted their time to evaluate and support the budding historians and social scientists of tomorrow.

The event, held on Nov. 9, saw a diverse group of judges from various backgrounds, including local leaders, educators, and professionals with expertise in social studies-related fields. Their collective goal was not only to assess the students’ projects but also to inspire a passion for learning about the world’s past and present.

Among the judges were Natchitoches Parish School Board President Billy Benefield; Northwestern State University Professors Benjamin Forkner, Shane Rasmussen, Dr. Dylan Solice, and Kristen Walker; former Dean of the College of Business at NSU Dr. Margaret Kilcoyne; and community professionals Belle Farley, David Parish, Jonathan Settle, Mickey Stroud, and Toni Stroud. Their valuable insights and engagement provided students with a broader understanding of the significance of their projects.

The Magnet community extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Social Studies Fair judges for their commitment to education and their willingness to invest time and knowledge in the development of the next generation. Their involvement not only enriched the fair but also left a lasting impact on the students who participated.