Dear Faculty, Staff, Students, and Natchitoches Community,

It is with gratitude that I announce my departure as President of Northwestern State University (NSU) to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the University of Louisiana System, where I will also serve as a senior advisor to President Gallot. Serving Northwestern State University for the past 25 years has been an immense pleasure and a profound honor.

These mixed emotions are a direct reflection of my incredible time at NSU and the opportunity to build upon these successes on a statewide level. Higher education is at a crucial juncture – one in which universities must rapidly and aggressively innovate to ensure we meet the needs of all learners and bring positive, impactful growth to the communities and economies we serve.

I have seen the benefits of this mindset firsthand over the past few years at NSU, and I am eager to do so in service to the other universities that comprise the UL System. Serving in this capacity is an honor and a distinguished opportunity. With my decades of experience within the UL System and commitment to advancing student success across Louisiana’s public higher education institutions, I am excited to collaborate with President Gallot in innovating and re-envisioning the future of higher education in our state.

Reflecting on my time at NSU, I am thankful for the incredible memories and the growth we have achieved together. From capital outlay initiatives to significant expansions in our academic programs, our university’s momentum is undeniable.

Here are just a few reasons why I believe NSU is on a positive trajectory and shines brightly as a premier regional institution dedicated to the personal and professional success of our students:

• Our graduates excel in critical fields such as healthcare, STEM, business, and education. They are filling essential workforce gaps and propelling industry advancements, creating high-paying jobs, enhancing Louisiana’s economic competitiveness, and strengthening national security.
• Our esteemed Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts continues to evolve, serving as the cultural heartbeat of our campus and a hub of activity for Natchitoches and the surrounding region. Our graduates consistently make their mark in various fields: as music educators and performers in schools across Louisiana and on stages worldwide, as journalists navigating an ever-evolving media landscape, as actors and dancers on Broadway, cruise ships, and theaters globally, and as artists and designers shaping the visual world.
• We have made tremendous strides in recruiting and retaining high-quality students. Enrollment applications continue to rise, with ACT scores and GPAs of incoming freshmen surpassing the state average.
• The NSU Foundation secured $7 million in private contributions, leading to transformative contributions across campus. This generosity, coupled with a 16% return on our endowment, fuels our historic growth.
  Investments such as the Entrepreneurial Innovation Center, a partnership with Louisiana School for the Math, Science, and the Arts, will serve as a hub for entrepreneurial activity in northwest Louisiana. Meanwhile, funding from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation will alleviate nursing shortages, with the potential of helping us contribute over 1,000 nurses to the state by 2032.
• Speaking of our nursing programs, they continue to excel – with a 100% job placement rate for graduates in 2023 and exceptional NCLEX pass rates of 99% for BSN students and 98% for ASN students.
  Our new School of STEM includes five departments focused on interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring NSU remains a leader in STEM education.
• Our teacher preparation programs rank among the top five in Louisiana for Praxis® Elementary Education pass rates.

The list can go on and on. Our collective accomplishments in innovation, student success, and community impact are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, students, graduates, and expansive network of 61,000 living alumni. Together, we continue to make NSU a beacon of excellence and a premier research institution.

I am both proud and excited about the future of this extraordinary institution. I am proud because of our 140-year legacy of excellence in higher education and our lasting impact on countless lives and the broader community. I am excited because of the future I see ahead – one that I will continue to be part of, albeit in a different way that will enable me to support the exciting futures of all the institutions that comprise the UL System.

President Gallot will share more information with the NSU community in the coming weeks as I begin my transition into my new role with the UL System.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your 20th president. I am deeply grateful to the NSU community for your support and look forward to witnessing and contributing to the continued success of this remarkable institution.

Steadfast and True,

Dr. Marcus D. Jones
President
Northwestern State University

When the text message arrived on my watch I could tell that it was a photo. I looked down and the words “Kathryn sent an image” flashed by in an instant. I was at work while she was at home so I just assumed it was a photograph of one of our pets doing something they shouldn’t be doing, which happens quite often.

It was a particularly busy day at work so I pressed on with my tasks. A moment later my watch buzzed. And it buzzed again. Glancing down, no surprise to me, it was my daughter again. She was “text stalking” me until I acknowledged whatever the current emergency was. It was at this moment that I internally pondered if I ever read the book “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” to her as a child. Hmmm. Probably too late since she will be a senior in high school this fall.

Note to self, add this to the list of life lessons to cover this next school year.

Her stalking worked. I opened my phone to see what all the ruckus was about. Right before my eyes was a carefully taken photograph of a bagel toasted to perfection. Between the sliced bagel was an exquisitely placed fried egg, fried bacon and melted cheese. It was such a cool picture, it almost looked like a stock photo from a menu. Did she order this? Nope. It was neatly placed on a plate that I would soon see laying around the house somewhere.

I asked if she cooked that for herself. I could see the pride in her response, “Yes ma’am, all by myself”.

Being the concerned mom, and insurance agent, that I am… I quickly surmised that the bacon was prepared in the air fryer, so need to worry about safety measures. But, had I taught her to fry an egg yet? I couldn’t verify how she learned that but I know she has watched me fry an egg hundreds of times. Once I praised her efforts I returned to my work and didn’t think about the perfect bagel again.

That was until I washed dishes later that night.

Soon after supper my daughter returned to her room to watch her favorite show while I cleaned the kitchen. All of the dishes were receiving my very best “lazy girl had a long day” washing until I ran across a tiny soup pot that appeared to have oil and fried egg particles inside of it. To be clear, this tiny pot is known as the pot one would heat one can of green beans or a can of Spaghettios. It’s the smallest pot that comes in a set. I was so concerned, surely not, did she fry an egg in a soup pot?

I called out her name. She slowly and begrudgingly made her way to the kitchen with a very labored “what” response. Not wasting any time, I asked her if she fried an egg in a soup pot. Looking at me as if I were asking her to confess to a crime, she confidently affirmed my investigation was in fact correct. I honestly couldn’t decide if I was proud because she “made do and made it happen” without asking or if I was concerned because of the things I have not taught her yet.

Immediately I praised her skills and just told her that small skillets were awesome too.

At the same time it totally reminded me of God’s goodness and provisions. He always provides for his children even when we don’t deserve it or expect it. Sometimes we don’t even recognize what he has done for us because while we may be waiting on a skillet to come our way, he has had the soup pot waiting in the cabinets the entire time. While the soup pot got the job done just fine, we would have preferred a skillet.
God’s gifts do not always look the way we expect them to. God’s ways are not our ways, he is way more adventurous and clever than that!

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the Heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9

The addition of Stephen F. Austin to the Southland Conference for the 2024-25 academic and athletic year has changed the 2024 Northwestern State football schedule.

The Demons still will play five home games and seven on the road and all adjustments to the schedule are contained within October and November as announced by the conference office Thursday morning.

NSU will begin Southland Conference play by traveling to Stephen F. Austin on Oct. 5, replacing what was a home SLC opener against Lamar. The Demons’ Southland home opener now will be Oct. 12 against Texas A&M-Commerce.

Northwestern State’s Homecoming contest remains scheduled for Oct. 26, but the opponent has changed as the Demons will face Lamar instead of UIW. That game will end a stretch of nine straight weeks of play for the Demons, whose open week moves from Oct. 12 to Nov. 2 on the new schedule.

The other changes to the schedule involve a pair of road games with Southeastern and Nicholls as those two flip spots on the Demons’ schedule. NSU now will travel to face the defending SLC champion Colonels in Thibodaux on Oct. 19 and will head to Hammond to face Southeastern on Nov. 9.

For ticket information, log onto NSUTickets.com or call 318-357-4268.

2024 Northwestern State Football Schedule

Date                     Opponent                                         Location

Aug. 29                at Tulsa                                               Tulsa, Oklahoma

Sept. 7                 Prairie View A&M                           Turpin Stadium

Sept. 12               at South Alabama                          Mobile, Alabama

Sept. 21               Weber State                                     Turpin Stadium

Sept. 28               at SE Missouri                                  Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Oct. 5                   *at Stephen F. Austin                   Nacogdoches, Texas

Oct. 12                 *Texas A&M-Commerce            Turpin Stadium

Oct. 19                 *at Nicholls                                       Thibodaux

Oct. 26                 *Lamar                                                 Turpin Stadium

Nov. 9                   *at Southeastern                            Hammond

Nov. 16                *McNeese                                         Turpin Stadium

Nov. 23                *at HCU                                              Houston

*denotes Southland Conference game

Four Natchitoches Central High School students scored impressive perfect scores on the LEAP 2025 test this spring. In the fall their banners will be added to the existing ones hanging in the atrium.

English I: Aiden Cooper

English II: Macyn Lacour, Kale Doffitt, Nathan Collinsworth

Three Natchitoches Central High School students joined the ACT 30+ Club this spring. To qualify, the students must achieve an ACT composite score of at least 30. New banners celebrating their scores will be added to the others currently hanging in the NCHS atrium.  They are Adam Guillet (30), Anna Hobart (31), and Isaac Young (35).

Northwestern State University named 749 students to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester.  Students on the Dean’s List must be enrolled full time and earn a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.99.  

For questions regarding the Dean’s List, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357-6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.  

Students listed by hometown are as follows.  

Abbeville – Aniya Martin;  

Abita Springs – Sarah Jenkins;  

Addis – Troy Alexander, Erin Bayham;  

Alabaster, Alabama – Antwon Fegans;  

Alexandria – Markeyla Anderson, Peyton Bordelon, Ashton Brodnax, Mya Brown, Elizabeth Cook, Danielle Dauzat, Penny Davis, Emilie Duncan, Kamille Fuselier, Meghan Goss, Faith Hilliard, Juanita Hobson, Breanna Kirts, Brandon Michot, Hailey Rachal, Alissa Roberts, Madeline Simpson, Erica Smith, ARminie Tanner, Campbell Williams;  

Allen, Texas – Taylor Spitzer,  

Alma, Georgia – Jessica Mikell;  

Alvin, Texas – Alexander Wohllaib;  

Anacoco – Lindsey Alligood, Alana Blanchard, Dani Carver, Mallory Cooley, Loryn Gross, Hunter Rabalais;  

Anna, Texas – Alexis Ortega;  

Arkansas City, Bahamas – Bernesha Knowles;  

Arlington, Texas – Samaya Wesson;  

Atlanta – Matthew Carter;  

Atlanta, Texas – Cademon Larson;  

Atlanta, Georgia – Kobe Stewart;  

Azogues, Eduador – Erick Cabrera;  

Ball – Cameron Ducote, Amber Ford;  

Barksdale AFB – Paige Shelton;  

Basile – Riley Craton;  

Bastrop – Samantha Bryan;  

Baton Rouge – Ebenezer Aggrey, Kenneth Austin, Charlysse Casma, Tasha Foster, Christian Gamer, Hana Hart, Jalivia Johnson, Tyler Mayers, Kristina Simon, Chadwick Smith;  

Belleville, Illinois – Kierra Lair Johnson;  

Benton – Micah Ballard, Leighanne Ballew, Allie Denton, Jimmy McDonald, Tara Moore, Kirsten Perry, Lynsey Plunkett, Megan Risher, Natalie Sullivan, Colleen Steward, Avery Tullos, Emily Whitecotton;

Bienville – Saragh Holzem, Lindsay Macynski;  

Big Sandy, Texas – Tristan Davis;  

Bossier City – Jan Amutan, Aliyah Burke, Danielle Burton, Daniel Coleman, Jasmine Covington, Chase Creamer, Asia Dudley, Manuel Duque, Taylor Fuller, Colby Grayson, Hannah Gribble, John-Michael Head, Haley Henderson, Haley Hicks, Christian James, Skyla Johnson, Maria Lara, Gabrielle Lawrence, Ebony Layton, John Lewis, Jonathan Limones, Sophia Livers, Natalie McCoy, Jaden McCoy, Trisella Bryn Mendoens, Dylan Merrow, Brooke Moradel, Emily Murphy, Madelyn Murphy, Connor Norcross, Heyshla Perez Vega, Alyssa Reeves, Kalyah Rushing, Elizabeth Stewart, Isabella Vaughn, Kamryn Whatley, Ashley Woodfin;

Boyce – Jace Aslin, Lindway Harris;  

Breaux Bridge – Monte Singleton, Anastacia Strate;  

Bridgewater, Massachusetts – Conner Mackie;  

Brooklyn, New York – Amy Barnett;  

Broussard – Emilie Barbier, Saige Trahan, Kaitlyn Washington;  

Butte, Montana – Robyn Mcdougall;  

Campti – Luke Greer, Jason Smith;  

Carencro – Carley Handy, Terrell Woodard;  

Cartagena, Colombia – Alessandra Coneo, Valentina Restrepo, Tatiana Wing Lam Wu Wu;  

Celing, Texas – Laney Roos;  

Chalmette – Kyron Angeletti;  

Cleveland, Mississippi – Dextyania Russell;  

Cloutierville – Harlee Manry;  

Colfax – Destiny Broadway, Shondriana Gaines, Dalton Wade;  

Colleyville, Texas – Mitchell Williams;  

Colorado Springs, Colorado – Neko Martinez-Vasquez;  

Concordia, Kansas – Tahisha Thompson;  

Conroe, Texas – Kennedy Reynolds;  

Converse – Cameron Craig, Drake Friday;  

Cotton Valley – Haley Sandlin;

Cottonport – Kallie Madrigal;  

Coushatta – Ethan Cole-Morgan, Meagan Corley, Emily Fletcher, Carlena Henry, Elizabeth Hughes, LaFrances Jones, TaMya Tarry, Abby Williams;  

Covington – Rain Clark, Cullen Goscienski, Savannah keller, Abigail Lacour, Sierra Marcev, Lynn Nunez, Kelsey Penny, Drake Pooler, Evan Scherer;  

Creole – Amberlee Saltzman;  

Crosby, Texas – Millasia Archangel;  

Crowley – Connor Benoit, Kiara Davis;  

Denham Springs – Rhett Bordelon, Abbigail Delanoix, Micah Dugas, Karlee Wysinger;  

Denton, Texas – Tessa Gerwig;  

DeQuincy – Susan Cinton;  

DeRidder – Sierra Blackmon, Lance Corry, Tayleigh Gudiardo, Trevon Henry, Brady Jett, Hannah Kennedy, Andrey Loria Calvo, Tabitha Maddox, Jenna Mullican, Logan Penrose, Kamryn Purdue, Gabriella Rivera, Grecia Simon;  

Destrehand – Rebecca Scott;  

Deville – Lona Aucoin, Marissa Bianchini, Mitchell LeBlanc, Gregory McNeely, Paige Ratcliff, Maxwell Sanders, Jacee Smith;  

Dodson – Caroline Boyett, Summer Gorham, Casey Thomas;  

Downsville – Brandon Carter;  

Dry Prong – Patience Christen, Layla Fletcher, Caitlynn French, Colton Mayo, Cameron Remrey;  

Duson – Emilie Comeaux;  

Eagle River, Arkansas – Jordan Todd;  

East Wenatchee, Washington – Kora Fry;  

Edgard – Sonte Pierre;  

Effie – Peyton Johnson;  

Elizabeth – Halie Thielepape;  

Elmer – Layla Chandler, Rebekah Durison, Katelynn Riggs, Alexas Suttles;  

Elton – Hannah Macato;  

Erath – Kelbi Mills;  

Ethel – Jenny Desselle;  

Eunice – Kyra Davis, Christie Sonnier;  

Farmersville, Texas – Slade Thomas;  

Fisher – Katelynn Sargent;  

Florien – Leighton Anderson, Alexis Brooks, Skye Buentello, Lauren Dees, Cesaleigh Hall, Makenna Landry;  

Forest Hill – Stella Srisawang;  

Fort Johnson – Danielle Adams, Morgan Bain, Angelisa Dobbins-Taylor, Emily Donelson, Kayla Janice, Eric Lewis, Lindsey Moser;

Frederick, Colorado – Chase Prestwich;  

Freeport, Texas – Jerrilee Shadden;  

Fresno, California – Madison Moles;  

Friendswood, Texas – Ashlyn Svoboda;  

Frierson – Joshua Bouriaque;  

Georgetown, Texas – Raymond Honshtein;  

Gibsland – Xaivion Haulcy;  

Glenmora – Sarah Brown, Katie Dupre;  

Gloster – Michelle Latin, Paige Lindsey;

Goldonna – Stormy Carpenter;  

Gonzales – Nichelle Hall;  

Grapevine, Texas – Griffin Howe;  

Gray – Rae Cortze;  

Greenwell Springs – Destiny Brown, Jordyn Ponvelle;  

Gretna – Malonnie Evans;  

Hamburg, Germany – Vanessa Balde;  

Hammond – Suzanne Blake, Erika Williams;  

Haslet, Texas – Jordan Bray;  

Haughton – Julie Daniels, Chloe Dettrey, James Grooms, Hannah Gurtner, Shannon Henderson, Braydon Kelley, Jillian Kerneen, Marissa Rowsey, Jacob Webb;  

Henderson, Nevada – Hailee Cunanan;  

Hineston – Melissa Tadlock;  

Hockley, Texas – Makenna Tryon;  

Holden – Matthew Hughes;  

Holly Springs, North Carolina – Kylie Morris;  

Hornbeck – Joshua Corley, Cody Jarrell, Logan Lawrence, Jessica Mendoza;  

Hot Springs Village, Arkansas – Nicholas Soileau;  

Houma – Jessica Barker, Ramiyah Rounds, Elizabeth Schreve;  

Houston – Jasmin Dixon;  

Indialantic, Florida – Isabella Ruggiano;  

Iowa – Kimora Harrison;  

Jacksonville, Arkansas – Heather Tienda;  

Jarreau – Emily LaGrone;  

Jena – Kary-Ana Jones, Ryan Kirkham, Madison Moss, Kevin Patterson, Robin Perrin;  

Jenkintown, Pennsylvania – Kolbe Burrell;  

Jennings – Brea Baca-White, Rebecca Gotte, Olivia Habetz, Loren Higginbotham, Dillon Humphries, Margaret Martinez;  

Jonesboro – Georgia Robbinson, Adriana Singleton;  

Jonesville — Tere’A Barber;  

Kaplan – Mallory Hargrave, Mia Primeaux;  

Katy, Texas – Hayden Barrios, Anna Hebden, Syddah Shults;  

Keithville – Taija Atkins, Claire Garceau, Cierra Hay, Walker Holland, Brayden Kilgore, Megan Martin, Rachel Mckinney, Lauren Moushon, Taylor Myers;  

Kenner – William Madere;  

Kilgore, Texas – Daynie Edwards, Madeline Horton, Kennieth Lacy, Kirk Marchus Ybanez;  

Kingwood, Texas – Breanna Burrell;  

Kumamoto, Japan – Honoka Umeda;  

La Cadière D’Azur, France – Célian Depernet;  

Lafayette – Sydney Alleman, Shalestria Hopkins, Caroline Nelson, Sarah Newman, Maudry Nichols, Stephen North, Damari Padilla, Aleysia Trahan, Mia White, Petra Williams;  

Lake Arthur – Dylan Leblanc;  

Lake Charles – Johnathan Allen, Darian Blanchard, Katelyn Bonnette, Mackenzie Brown, Dylan Freeman, Kassie Piatt, Austin Pugh, Morgan Schlotfeldt, Tabitha Yokum;  

Lake Providence – Meredith Hensley, Mary Wise;  

League City, Texas – Daniel Burroway;  

Leander – Lindsey Boswell;  

LeCompte – Curry King, Natalie Mathews;  

Leesville – James Bell, Kaitlyn Caillier, Mirleine Desir, Hannah Dowden, Shyla Fiesel, Lorri Finkemeier, Damien Gill, Alessia Gomez, Rachel Hillman, Marvin Mackey, Nathaniel Meins, Jesse Miller, Jacob Mount, Layla Mouton, Natalie Norris, Allyce Richards, Elizabeth Rindahl, Rebecca Smith, Ashlan Stephens, Dana Tatum, Craig Weir;  

Lewisville, Texas – William White;  

Livonia – Lexie Amond;  

Logansport – Logan Chadwish, Ian Shahan;  

Lumberton, Texas – Olivia Harrison;  

Madison, Mississippi – Rachel Alston;  

Madisonville – Bailey Cartwright, Cassidy Marsh;  

Mamou – Logan Reynolds;  

Mandeville – Graham Christ, Ainsley Rusca, Joseph Tucker;  

Mangham – Austin Coon;  

Mansfield – Shaniyah Blaze, Mckayla Courtney, Lamar Montgomery, Valentina Puac;  

Mansura – Logan Bordelon, Gabrielle Jacobs;  

Many – Haley Broxson, Shiley Cartinez, Shania Collier, Roger Dew, Christopher Ezernack, Kaitlyn Johnson, Lila Laroux, Jada Lee, Shelby Leone, Levi Miller, MaKynli Miller, Masen Starks, Hilary Williams, Olivia Williams, Alaina Wright;  

Maringouin – Victoria Cope, Chelsea Favroth, Dylan Lablanc;  

Marksville – Caleb Barton, Devontre Francisco, Hunter Hicks, Chelsa Lachney, Mia Rodriguez;  

Marrero – Nina Ovalle;  

Marshall, Texas – Samuel Bailey, Kelsie Campbell;  

Marthaville – Morgan Wyatt;  

Maurice – Denae Landry, Brooklyn Orr;  

Melissa, Texas – Erika Shotlow;  

Merryville – Rebecca Munley;  

Metairie – Austin Anderson, Clifford Gordon, Raleigh Lusignan, Daniel Wellmeier;  

Milton – Alexander Bourgeois;  

Minden – David Adkins, Ashlee Blanks, Jada Franklin, Arianna Gill, Adrianna Maddox, Morgan McCanliss, Madison Smith, Tyliayah Smith;  

Monroe – Tyler Bonial, Shamya Mabry, Gabirel Parker, Mary Pleasant, Keshawn Reed, Elizabeth Russell, Sarah Smith, Shemicka Wade;  

Montgomery – Justice Gongre, Kemasia Nash, Kieler Soape, Gabrielle Simon;  

Montz – Cale Arceneaux;  

Morgan City – Kaitlyn Waguespack;  

Mount Hermon – Santana-Lin Lewis;  

Naples, Texas – Bailey Thomas;  

Nassau, Bajamas – Tarajh Hudson, Carnitra Mackey;

Natchez – Reagan Davis, Madison Simms;  

Natchitoches – Samantha Austin, Kaylee Baugh, Mariya Bayonne, Da’Keavah Bell, Jordan Bevels, Abigail Bevill, Cameron Bienvenu, Logan Boline, Gracie Borders, Stephani Bradley, Hannah Branam, Sophia Brossett, Vy Bui, Josue Bustillo Aguero, Adriana Chaj Hernandez, Patrick Coffey, Ana Corrales Santos, Starkeia Davis, Laura Dov, Ashley Duffus, Eli Dyjack, Hannah Ferguson, Gabriela Forero Salcedo, Eve Naun Galeas Antunez, Alexx Gibson, Djimon Gumbs, D’Tashawua Harrison, Triniti Hays, Rafael Hernandez Olmeda, Rannon Jett, Robert Jordan, John Killian, Christian Lawson, Grace Lemoine, Logan Lonadier, Destin Lopez, Daryl Martin, Hailey Martin, Lakira Mcgaskey, Maci Messenger, Flynt Nelson, Sebastian Oviedo, Madison Pellegrin, Kenneth Ratliff, Tianna Rock, Lexie Roos, William Shields, Makayla Taylor, Malorie White McCauslin, Mary Williams, Mya Williams, Roland Williams, Calvin Willis, Jalen Wilson, Brian Young;  

Naylor, Georgia – Jerome Riley;  

New Iberia – Arianna Astorga, Addison Camors, Makynli Delcambre, Amaaz Eugene, Rowena Saensane;  

New Llano – Iris McNeely, Dyamond Smith;  

New Orleans – Jaeda Barrett, Valerie Hallot, Lynell Washington;  

New Roads – Gracie Gunter;  

Noble – Rebecca Hardee, Selena Rodriguez;  

North Little Rock, Arkansas – Kareame Cotton;  

Oak Grove – Alexis Aarons, Abb Chop, Elizabeth Sykes;  

Oakdale – Kristen Ardoin;  

Oberlin – Linsey Fontenot;  

Opelousas – Gabrielle Bellard, Abigayle Guillory, Cole Lafleur, Malaya White;  

Oxford, Mississippi – Merrill Overbey, Emily Senatore;  

Palm Harbor, Florida – Kennedy Rist;  

Palmetto – Erica Janice;  

Pearland, Texas – Sabrina Lopez;  

Pflugerville, Texas – Evan Wilson;  

Phenix City, Alabama – Jessica Ross;  

Pierre Part – Gabrielle Jones, Brooks Leonard, Bryce Leonard, Elise Vidrine;  

Pineville – Andrew Benoit, Jack Blair, Whitney Brevelle, Tori Charrier, Laurel Dickinson, Zachary Dubroc, Cristy Garcie, Peter Gorham, Emily Hamilton, Hannah Mackey, Curtessa Morrow, Kylee Mott, Alaina Parham, Sterling Player, Ashlyn Saucier, Eva Scallan, Kirstyn Smith, Rilee Smith, Kara Speir, Mallory Speir, Karly Stansell, Kevin Thomas, Brittany Williams;

Pitkin – Shannon Boone, Donald Nolen, Dalton Maricle;  

Plaquemine – Christa Berthelot, Deidra Jones, Keidra Young;  

Pleasant Hill – Skylie Harris;  

Point, Texas – Bailie Ragsdale;  

Pollock – Mia Kilpatrick, Cassalyn McCully, Caroline McManus, Lillian Perry;  

Ponchatoula – Christina Bardwell, Hannah Davis, Madeline Falgout;  

Port Allen – Maleah Smith;  

Port Barre – Camrynn Sonnier;  

Pottsboro, Texas – Taylor Williams;  

Prairieville – Faoth Colligan, A;yssa Toney;  

Provencal – Jesse Foshee;  

Quitman – Makenna Cates, Aysia Leonard, Bailey Welch;  

Quito, Ecuador – Javier Laya Villalonga;  

Raceland – Jude Oliva;  

Rayville – Abigail Chevalier;  

Richmond, Texas – Lathen Buzard;  

Ringgold – Jack Stanley, Dakota Weathers;  

River Ridge – Cameron Bruno, Adam Carter;  

Robeline – Meagan Ammons, Georgia Dowden, Savannah Edwards, Abby Flynn, Jarrett Fulton, Chase Johnston, Sean Mitcham;  

Rotan, Texas – Ryleigh Denton;  

Ruston – Libe Benuelos, Elena Pigg, Sha’Taylor Reed;  

St. Amant – Jaycee Templet;  

St. Francisville – Brycen Kennedy, Jon Sturgeon;  

St. James – Celia Denham;  

St. Martinville – Brianna Mouton;  

St. Petersburg, Florida – Gabriela Marshall;  

Saline – Kiley Hough, Hannah Leggett;  

San Antonio, Texas – Katelyn Chung;  

San Pedro Sula, Honduras – Oscar Andres Carballo Torres, Allison Flores Reyes, Mario Gomez Orellana, Kevin Juarez Lopez, Rafael Melgar Caceres, Manuel Riego Fernandez, Annie Rivera Contreras;  

San Vicente Del Raspeig, Spain – Andrea Fernández García;

Sarasota, Florida – Julia Pinho Magno;  

Schaumburg, Illinois – Robert Everett;

Scott – Gavrella Marceaux, Konnor Thibodeaux;  

Shady Shores, Texas – Dawson Marrs;  

Shreveport – ShayAnna Beatty, Mia Belanger, Sharye Belcher, Shepherd Benson, LaShaun Bolden, Jenna Bonnette, Amarriyah Boykins, Joan Catanese-Adams, Natalie Christy, Trelecia Combs, Jillian Duggan, Rhosunda Early, Chanler Everage, Morgan Feliciano, Destiny Ferguson, Kendall Fuller, Gabrielle Green, Precious Harris, Camry Heath, Olivia Horrell, Kierra Jackson, Kathlyn Jensen, Donald Johnston, Haven Jones, William Joyner, Bethany Kendall, Jacqueline Martinez, Caiden Matthews, Aaron Meadows, Christian Meiki, Chandler Milligan, Jewell Molina, Jakaiya Pipkins, Danlee Poole, Alexis Puckett, Gabriel Puckett, Ariel Rhodes, Raelyn Robinson, Anderson Roblow, Ragan Rounds, Nathaniel Sanders, Niya Sims-Houston, Shanae Smith, Stone Smith, Keleigh Stamper, Colin Stevens, Halie Stevenson, Lorien Thomas, Tynia Tilmon, Mia Virgilio, Ava Ward, Amyah Washington, Gailen Watson, Andrew Wesley, Tranya White, Haley Wiggins, Katharine Williams;

Sikes – Brandi Tolbert;  

Simmesport – Katee Feduccia;  

Singer – Jayna Hamilton;  

Slidell – Valena Rosemond, Khali Sylvester, Jake Trapp, Zachary Wilkinson;  

Spring, Texas – James Starnes;  

Stonewall – Sydney Barnes, Eloise Boudreaux, Christopher Compas, Aly Delafield, Madison Jones, Anessa Morris, Breanna Murphy, Madison Pender, John Sepulvado, Raven Williams, Samantha Wilson;  

Sugar Land, Texas – Justin Dysarz;  

Sulphur – Leslie Israel;  

Sulphur Springs, Texas – Hannah Hughes;  

Tegucigalpa, Honduras – Ronald Zaldaña Sánchez;  

Terrytown – Cortelina Encalada;  

Thibodaux – Corinne Boudreaux, Janie Naccio, Ava Schorr;  

Tickfaw – Daniel Ridgel;  

Tioga – John Liggin;  

Tullos – Bailee Williams;  

Tyler, Texas – Hannah Hubner;  

Urania – Rachael Smith;  

Ville Platte – Ian David, Samuel Marcantel;  

Vivian – Alex Dominick, Gavin Kendrick;  

Waco, Texas – Kasey Neimeier;  

Wahiawa, Hawaii – Kayla Thompson Reynolds;  

Walker – Lane Lusk;  

Washington – Nyah Lynch;  

Waxahachie, Texas – Mckenzie Ryer;  

Welsh – Garren Hebert;  

West Monroe – Darinesha Blanson, Sarah Cobb, Tyler Melna;

Westwego – Asatiari Moore;  

White Oak, Texas – Olivia Sipes;  

Winnfield – Karly Avant, Richard Bishop, Hayley Duke, Michael Duke, William Glover, Christine Harrel, Ella Price, Emily Shecton, Landon Thompson, Tracey Walker;  

Winnsboro – Zachary Cooper;  

Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico – Jessica Parra Serena;  

Zachary – Charles Heard, Garilyn London, Isabelle Plauche;  

Zwolle – Olivia Crittenden, Madasyn Ebarb, Kelsie Etheridge, Landon Malmay, Taylor Rivers, Alexis Sepulvado;

Mission: The Women’s Resource Center of Natchitoches exists to educate and empower individuals to make life-affirming choices.

General Description: The Executive Director is responsible for implementing the strategic goals and objectives of the WRC, assisting the Board in fulfilling its governance function, and to give direction and leadership toward the achievement of WRC philosophy, mission, vision, strategies, and its annual goals and objectives.

Position Described: The Executive Director is a full-time employee of the Women’s Resource Center. They must maintain and support an open commitment to Jesus Christ, promote the sanctity of human life, be an active member of a local church, and agree with the WRC principles and statement of faith.

Compensation: This is a full-time position; salary depends on qualifications and is in line with salary guidelines established by the Board of Directors.

Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university is preferred.

• Two (2) years of accounting experience. 

• Excellent verbal skills, writing skills, ability to communicate well with Center personnel, Board of Directors, funding resources, public media, agencies of local government, and have expertise in public speaking. Some travel is required.

• Personnel management experience and demonstrated ability to maintain strong working relationships with employees, volunteers, public agencies, and organizations serving the community.

• Practice excellent time management and balance multiple functions.

This job description may change without notice. EOE

Please email resume and cover letter to Board of Directors President, Buddy Wood, at buddywoodb276@outlook.com.

The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred early Monday morning off of Grace Avenue.

Natchitoches Police Department officers were dispatched to the area of Grace Avenue and Dixie Street on May 27 around 1:55 am in reference to gunshots in the area.  While officers were responding they were notified by Police Communication Officers that a vehicle crashed on Washington Street near Texas Street and driver was suffering from several gunshot wounds.  Officers were able to render aid to the victim while other first responders were arriving on scene.

Detectives with the Natchitoches Police Department arrived on scene and while speaking with officers were able to develop information about the suspect.  With that information investigators located, Shaliya County, (B/F, 22 y.o.a of Natchitoches) at her residence where she was arrested without incident for attempted second degree murder.  She was placed in the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.

The victim was transported to a hospital in Rapides Parish where they are listed in stable condition.  

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Shermaria Lewis at (318) 238-3914.  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 $3,000 for the arrest of an offender.

Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. cordially invites the public to attend the Inauguration Ceremony in his honor as he officially takes the Oath of Office for Mayor of the City of Natchitoches. Due to anticipated adverse weather conditions, the ceremony has been relocated to the Natchitoches Events Center and will commence at 6 PM on Friday, May 31. 

Search and rescue teams with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Sabine Parish Fire District responded to a fatal boating incident in Sabine Parish on May 28.

The body of Macy Richard, 27, of Opelousas, was recovered by the search and rescue teams from Toledo Bend Lake shortly after responding to the incident. Search and rescue teams recovered the body of Jerilyn Hebert, 57, of Opelousas, from Toledo Bend Lake around 4:30 p.m.

According to the survivors, five customers chartered a fishing boat with a fishing guide on Toledo Bend Lake. The wind and waves quickly picked up around 11:50 a.m. and a wave hit the pontoon boat causing it to capsize sending all six people into the water. The guide was able to call 911.

When LDWF agents arrived on the scene they found three of the customers and the guide clinging to the capsized vessel and were able to pull them onto the LDWF vessel around 1 p.m.

The bodies of Richard and Hebert were turned over to the Sabine Parish Coroner’s Office to determine official causes of death.

The U.S. Coast Guard will be the lead investigative agency for this fatal boating incident.

Photo: File Photo

The pool at Northwestern State University Recreation Complex will open at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 2. Hours will be 2-7 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.  The pool will be closed Mondays.  

NSU faculty/staff memberships are available for $160 (individual) and $200 (family).  NSU students with a current student ID can swim for free. Public memberships are available for $200 (individual) and $240 (family.) 

Swimming lessons will begin June 4.  All levels and ages are welcome.  Small group lessons are $55 per individual.  Private lessons $125.  For more information or to sign up, contact Paula Ray at (318) 357-6300 or email rayp@nsula.edu.  Office hours are 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.  

Information on the NSU Rec Complex is available at https://www.nsula.edu/reccomplex/.   

The Village of Natchez is applying for a grant under the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Community Development Block Grant Program for the purpose of drainage and flood protection improvements under the Louisiana Watershed Initiative Program. The Village is interested in procuring the services of an administrative consulting firm to prepare the application package and to administer and implement the project if it is successful in being funded.

The procedures for the selection of this firm will be in accordance with the procurement requirements of the Disaster Recovery CDBG Program. All responses received will be evaluated in accordance with the selection criteria and corresponding point system that is identified in the request for proposals package. That package also identifies the scope of services to be performed by the selected firm.

The Village of Natchez will award the contract to the respondent obtaining the highest score in the

evaluation process.

Interested parties are invited to secure a proposal package from Pamela Harvey, Village Clerk at 181 Main Street, Natchez, Louisiana 71456, (318) 352-1414. The response to this request must be hand-delivered or mailed to the above-named person at the above-named address in such a manner that it is received no later than 2 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024.

The Village of Natchez is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage all small and minority-owned firms and women’s business enterprises to apply.

Village of Natchez

Patsy Ward Hoover, Mayor

Northwestern State University announced the names of 583 students who were named on the Spring 2024 Honor List. Students on the Honor List must be enrolled full-time at Northwestern and have a grade point average of between 3.0 and 3.49.

For questions regarding the Honor Roll, contact the NSU Registrar’s Office at (318) 357- 6171 or email registrar@nsula.edu.  

Abbeville — Jachristany Demouchet, Brooklyn Guerra, Christopher Richard;

Addis — Ashley Thomas;

Alexandria — Lexie Alberes, Sydney Bowie, Skylar Branton, Hannah Brown, Joseph Cain, Emmah Chenevert, Maggie Creamer, Anna DeSelle, Bianca Dixon, LaKeisha Dorsey, Leila Ford, Keontae Gaines, Aniya James, Jacob Kyle, Bre’Asia Lee, Faith Martin, Alyssa Monk, Marina Moorehead, Alivia Piotter, Kailyn Price, Cody Ruiz, Desiree Scott, Reshida Tate, Anthony Ugokwe, Kaylan Washington;

Alvin Texas — Teresa Garza;

Anacoco — Eric Flaherty, Aaron Green, Isabella McCall, Abby Nicholas, Christopher Pajinag, Matthew Pajinag, Hannah Womack;

Angie — Emma Lyons;

Anna Texas — Vicente Cuevas;

Antioch, California — Matthew Broad;

Arcadia — Cameron Jackson;

Argyle, Texas — Reagan Hamm;

Arleta, California — Guadalupe Cedillo Garcia;

Ball — Antionette Byrd, Miguel Flores;

Baton Rouge — Frank Carter, Briana Citizen, Kimberleigh Harris, Gabrielle Marcello, Jessica Pitcher, Quentin Ross, Kristina Wozniak;

Baytown, Texas — Kaden Garcia;

Beaumont, Texas — Omarion White;

Beckville, Texas — Covie Latham;

Belmont — Ian Gentry;

Benton — Cassidy Cloud, Grayson Gates Laci Hedgepeth, Niklaus Jordan, Amber Long, Savannah Mathews, Dean Sullivan, Reagan Weir;

Bethany — Lillian Cain, Jadyn Martin

Blanchard — Zymeria Thomas;

Bossier City — Terrel Broxson, Tamera Burney, Krystin Cassel, Dayton Cockerham, Makayla Cox, Molly Decker, Ashlynn Fiske, Madysen Frybarger, Marcus Glass, Delicia Glover, Layla Havis, Andrew Henry, Collin Hesson, Bryant Holmes, Ante Huynh, Tyler Jewell. Cing Kim, Abigail Lawrence, Keisha Leonhardt, Madisen Martin, Traterrian McCullough, Rontravion Mingo, Joel Mitchell, Jacob Morrison, Imani Moye, Reva Ott, Stacia Raudabaugh, Cayleigh Rice, Taylor Rochelle, Zachary Schoenborn, Quaaronee Smith, Jasqueline Staton, Aleksandra Strobel, Camden Stroughter, Bowen Vardeman, Abigail Whatley, Dunia Zeidan;

Boyce — Jessica Brown, Matthew Delrie, Olivia Melroy, Joseph Racina;

Breaux Bridge — Justice Price;

Broussard — Victoria Landry, Marquisha Plains, Dane Wallace, Marian Weber;

Buenos Aires, Argentina — Sofia Garcia;

Burgess Hill, Gabon — Adam Lindo;

Bush — Madelyn Jenkins;

Cali, Colombia — Maria Alzate Castaneda;

Campti — Jordan Hoppock;

Cartagena, Colombia — David Berrocal Barrios, Ronald Andrés Turizo Bueno;

Chalmette — Donald Mckinnies;

Chandler, Arizona — Rocco Gump;

Cheneyville — Dorcia Gillam;

Church Point — Jacia Charlot;

Cloutierville — Emma Masson, Imari Roque;

Colfax — Kinslee Boren, Emily Futrell, Gracie Smith;

Converse — Logan Carter;

Corinth, Mississippi — Zachary Patterson;

Corinth, Texas — Caroline Hilliard;

Cottonport — Chad Bernard, Desherica Pierite;

Coushatta — Alexia Adams, Chloe Boulas, Laynie Brown, Emily Hodge, Hailey Holley, Reagan Huddleston, Alicia Lewis, William Roberson;

Covington — Madison Calamari, Valerie Henderson, Daniel Sears;

Cypress, Texas — Sydney Rollins,

Dayton, Texas — Angelo Schibetta;

Delhi — MaKeisha Fair, Lyla Monroe;

Denham Springs — Alexandra Nikiforova;

Denton, Texas — Conner Bivins;

DeRidder — Preslie Phelps, Dorissa Tschetter;

Deville — Peyton Fuller, Macy Lejeune, Wyatt Paulk, Hailey Wiggins, Steven Wiggins;

Dresden, Tennessee — Brooklyn Webb;

Dry Prong — Rylee Bolen, Alayna Futch, Alayna Gauthier;

Dubach — Kiley Gatson;

Dubberly — Sarah Parnell;

Dublin, Texas — Coby James;

Edgard — Dominique Lewis;

Elizabeth — Emery Weldon;

Elm Grove — Skylar Bourque, Kaylee Thornton;

Euless, Texas — Jakai Morris;

Eunice — Aubrey Armstrong;

Florien — Laila Garner, MaCayla Herrington, Taylor Jones, Gracie Rutherford, Kagan Sandel;

Flower Mound, Texas — Kennedy Stone;

Forest Hill — Ethan Green, Isabela Rose McBride, Alicia Vargas;

Forney, Texas — Jesse McVicker;

Fort Johnson — Jatwon Burkes, Gabriel Grant, Jade Semernezski, Kathryn Whitesides, Hailey Williams, Tradevin Wilson;

Fort Worth, Texas — Joshua Pierite;

Franklin — Zyeria Anderson, Simone Besse;

Frierson — Elizabeth Bryant, Angelina Lee, Rachel Todd;

Galveston, Texas — Kelsey Bunch;

Geismar — Nicholas Stelly;

Gibsland — Madison Mullens;

Glenmora — Nancy Arias, Atziary Perez;

Gloster — Raven Fields, Hannah Gregg, Caitlyn Seaton;

Godley Texas — Dylan Dunn-Peacock;

Gonzales — KeShaun Bridgewater;

Grand Cane — Nickalas Wadsworth;

Gretna — Jasmyn McClendon, Alaina Pilgrim;

Gulf Shores, Alabama — Carmen Morales;

Hammond — Melissa Cochran, Leah Dominique;

Haughton — Kameron Burns, Quinton Coleman, Morgan Davison, Jacob Dupree, Taylor Eggleton, Kaitlyn Jackson, Nicklaus Lowery, Devin Smith, Kaylee Swart, Lawson Turner;

Haynesville — Cadence Flournoy;

Heflin — Kimberly Squyres;

Hessmer — Tenley-Parrish Bordelon, Ronnessa Green;

Hineston — Maria Juarez-Rubio;

Homer — Crystal Ford, Kemarion Ivory;

Honey Grove, Texas — Benjamin Castro;

Hornbeck — Brayden Corley, Sarah McDaniel, Adam Rhodes;

Houma — Brandi Autin;

Houston, Texas — Korey King;

Iowa — Catherine Armentor, Elizabeth Campbell;

Jamaica — Shakera Williams;

Jeanerette — Ray Johnson;

Jefferson — Spencer Bowden;

Jena — Ashlyn Alexander, Brooke Bergeron;

Jennings — Kenadie Cummings, Piper Dearing;

Joaquin, Texas — Jesus Bravo;

Jones, Oklahoma — Corbin Talley;

Jonesboro — Amber Melton, Zee Odom;

Jonesville — Sophie Cooper;

Katy, Texas — Jordan Gamble;

Keithville — Peytan Collier;

Kemah, Texas — Reaghan Thompson;

Kilgore, Texas — William Shupak;

Kranj, Slovenia — Tjasa Klevisar;

Lacombe — Abbygail Casnave;

Lafayette — Stephanie Barbo, Bianca Dominique, Karii Gautreaux-Gribanov, Shawn Johansen, Angelina Jones, Jennifer Pere, Anthony Richard, Meredith Weathers, Kylan Williams;

Lake Arthur — Blye Daniels;

Lake Charles — Hunter Becton, Caroline Franks, Brayden McKinlay, Katherine Rion;

Lancaster, Texas — Sir Michael Veasley;

Leander, Texas — Adam Alexis;

Lecompte — Isabelle Dunn;

Leesville — Tarina Berry-Hunter, Jenna Best, Dylan Carver, Autumn Clear, Avery Coffman, Chloe Dowden, Emma Durkes, Kylie Fleshman, Cassandra Hill, Jasey Hillman, Camryn Huff, Sophia Huson, Jennifer Kudla, Jennifer Olivieri, Amy Sporer, Madison Strickland, Devonte Tanner, Allison Weatherford, Jasmine Wilson;

Lena — Emily Rachal, McKenzlea Wise;

Little Elm, Texas — Tyron Hall;

Logansport — Jasmine Odom, Zachary Temple;

Longville — Emma Baldwin, Samantha Morris;

Lubbock, Texas — Braden Benton;

Madison, Mississippi — Xavier Davis;

Magnolia, Arkansas — Apiphinee Davis;

Mamou — Anne-Marie Bieber;

Mansfield — Jessie Cobb, Aaliyah Ford, Kemariya Thomas, Amber Youngblood;

Mansura — Tamira Deshautelle, Joy Jackson;

Manteca, California — Valerie Singh;

Many — Alizabeth Boyles, Kaiya Causey, Brooklyn Davis, Lexi Ezernack, Kristen Hammontree, Kheria Leshay, Emma Peace, Presley Pleasant, Erik Sandel, Joseph Yount;

Marksville — Kathryn Lemoine, Braysha Thomas;

Marshall, Texas — Kelton Russell;

Marthaville — Camryn Ford, Abby Powell;

Maurice — Eileen Ashley;

McLouth, Kansas — Olivia Kilgo;

Meadville, Pennsylvania — Carleigh Murphy;

Merryville — Ivy Collins, Haley Harrington;

Metairie — Madison Graf, Amiriea Smith;

Minden — Emma Dauzat, Makenlee McCall;

Monroe — Oscar Brown, Taylor Crain, Yolonda Gayden, Taylan McConnell, Taylar Mcconnell, Joella Page, Shrondrick Schiele;

Monterey — Tanner Burley;

Montgomery — Ashlyn James;

Moreauville — Rylee Adams, Sara Kimble;

Morse — Micah Trahan;

Nacogdoches, Texas — Valeria Almendarez;

Natalbany — Ronnia Cain;

Natchez — Devin Blake;

Natchitoches — Justin Aaron, Erica Babers, Arkeylius Brooks, Caleb Bunch, Ayden Butler, Jesus Calderon Pena, Alexandra Ciaccio, Kaniesha Evans, Phillip Evans, Crystal Fox, Joseph Gomez Martinez, Diamante Gumbs, Madison Hicks, Ella Hollier, Andrea Hudson, Justice Hunter, Kanika Irchirl, David Johnson, Cristal Jones, Jayveon Jones, TaKerria Kahey, Shakera Kirk, Justin Lee, Angel Maradiaga, Josephine Martinez, Noah Martinez, Elizabeth Maynard, Jennifer McKinney, Kyleb Mcmahon, Brittney Menard, William Morrison, Hyrianah Phillips, Madison Raymond, Jarell Remo, Brendan Ritter, Arionna Shelton, Carrington Solomon,Elaina Sonnier, Na’Riaya Sowell, Madelyn Spillman, Bayli Stoker, Madison Stuckey, Taylor Wagner, Charity Wamber, Brian White, Seth Wimberly, Alyrica Winder;

New Iberia — Amilee Parks;

New Llano — Angel Sanchez, Cameron Smith;

New Orleans — Taja Bolds, Cecelia Cousins;

Norco — Grace Pareti;

Oakdale — Taylor Charles, Alyssa Stanley;

Oberlin — Danielle Fontenot, Kellon McCleon, Amariah Mcmahon;

Opelousas — Morgan Heinzen, Hailey Hill, Marissa Howard, Chimani Murphy, Daijah Murphy, Daija Ware, Bailey Willis;

Palmetto — Daniya Rideau;

Parks — Landon Kately;

Pass Christian, Mississippi — Bryce Johnson;

Patterson — Savanna Richard;

Pekin, Illinois — Lauren Janssen;

Pineville — Jeannette Bentancourt, Korey Brossett, Amanda Coleman, Kaylee Cotton, Gabriel Ducote, Angel Hernandez, Taylor Kubes, Reagan Lewis, Jack Martin,  Jalen McQueen, Gracie Nugent, Raegan Prestridge, Aimee Sefcik, Jordan Sensat, Tyler Trahan, Katarina Transier-VanGossen;

Pitkin — Shelby Deason, Alexis Thetford, Caitlin Thetford;

Plainsboro, New Jersey — Jordan Brown;

Plaquemine — Hallie Doiron;

Pleasant Hill — Ty Russell;

Pollock — April Foster, Carley Pasche;

Port Arthur, Texas — Sanaria Butler;

Port Barre — Simone Guillory;

Port Bolivar, Texas — Harlie Purcell;

Prairieville — Ty Robin;

Princeton — Camryn Bowman, Natalia Olvera, Montana Powell;

Provencal — Morgan Maley, Mckenna Rowe;

Raceland — Hunter Brown;

Raleigh, North Carolina — Chase Johnson;

Rayne — Blair Gesch;

Rayville — Addison Jackson;

Reserve — Kallie Bourgeois;

Ringgold — Kaylee Cook;

River Ridge — Liam Cohen, Julia Kuchler;

Robeline — Andrew Austin, Nikolas Broadway, Kristin Bull, Tyler French, Christopher Paligo, Kilee Pickett, George Prince;

Rosepine — Brooke Didelot, Ava Manuel;

Rosharon, Texas — Deja Benjamin;

Ruston — Hope Alexander, Faith Miller;

St. Francisville — Brooke Straight;

St. Martinville — Juliana Delahoussaye;

St. Rose — Brooke Jones;

Saline — Racel Quintana;

San Pedro Sula, Honduras — Victoria Gomez Borjas, José Villeda;

Santa Rita, Guam — Megan Franchino;

Shreveport — Madison Adams, Christopher Allen, Chloe Anderson, Andrew Barnhill, I’yonna Berryman, Lyndsay Brown, Truc Vy Bui, Chelsea Calup, Jacob Cheramie, Jalin Colvin, Jaida Deal, Joscelin Douglas, Ariel Ellison, Hannah Fentress, Nicholas Fertitta, Colby Garrard, Alyssa Gordon, Sarah Green, Shaquoyia Hargrove, Kayla Harris, Julia Jenkins, Euneka Johnson, Valerie Langley, Madeline Lawhon, Andria Mason, Samuel McCray, Maria McIntyre, Hailey Mcknight, Noah Melvin, Katherine Odom,Thomas Perryman, Keith Procell, Emily Randall, Katherine Randolph, Labriska Rasco, Zariah Ray, Imari Robinson, Jiobahn Scott, Jillian Sexton, Jewel Smith, Christopher Spates, Asia Starks, Sadie Sutton DaKayla Thomas, Raven VanBuskirk, Colbi Washington, Charity Wesley, Kacy Young;

Silsbee, Texas — Braelon Bush;

Simsboro — Payton Netherland;

Singer — Ashley Wilson;

Slidell — Allie Barnhill;

Sorrento — Savannah Struppeck;

Springhill — Elicia Palmer;

Stonewall — Avery Ajlani, William Bates, Lily Carney, Hunter Hanson, Brianna Jacobsen, Courtney Johnson, Hayden Procell;

Sulphur — Gracie Ancelet, Hope Bourgeois, Haleigh Miller, Avery Myers, Isabella Ramirez, Elizabeth Tremie, Clayton Wallace;

Sunset — Kim Williams;

Taft, California — Ashley Prieto;

Tampa, Florida — Tavis Wilson;

Tegucigalpa, Honduras — Fernanda Morales;

Texarkana, Texas — Eyan Robinson;

Thibodaux — Cashona Brewster, Isabella Scamardo, Layton Zeringue;

Tontitown, Arkansas — Samuel Stephenson;

Trout — Mason Pittman;

Vidalia, Georgia — Jacob Holloway;

Villamaria, Colombia — Santiago Sanchez;

Ville Platte –Tavon Anderson, Caitlin Jack, Matthew Serice, Aliyah Soileau;

Vivian — Madison Cook;

Warren, Michigan — Samari Finney;

West Monroe — James Brian, Megan Marsh, Jarrett Thomisee;

Winnfield — Maggie Bruce, Aanaiya Herbert, Lucas Homan, Victoria Hubbard, Carolyn Lard, Kelli Leeper, Jordan Patterson, John Spikes;

Woodworth — Lluvia Guillot, Jonathan Magnano;

Zachary — Noble Broussard, LaShondra Brown, Alexis Callihan, Devin Naqvi,

Zwolle — Zachariah Carroll, Collyn Crow, Hannah Esthay, Christopher Faircloth, Kamron Parrie

POSITION: Supervisor of Accountability/Testing

QUALIFICATIONS: Louisiana Certification in Supervisor or eligible for an Educational Leader Certification according to Bulletin 746

SALARY: According to NPSB salary schedule

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 Months

DEADLINE: May 29, 2024; 4:00 p.m.

WHERE TO APPLY:
Linda G. Page, Director of Personnel
Natchitoches Parish School Board
P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
Email: lpage@npsb.la.
Phone: (318) 352-2358
Website: npsb.la

APPLICATIONS: Application packets must consist of a letter of application, resume’, original transcripts from institutions awarding degrees, a copy of Louisiana Teacher’s Certificate and three letters of reference.

Peggy Ruth Kerr Carr Plunkett, 88, of Natchitoches, LA, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 26, 2024.  She was born in Baton Rouge, LA, on Aug. 19, 1935.  Peggy graduated from Baton Rouge High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1957 and a Master of Education in Psychology in 1992, both from Northwestern State University.

Nursing was Peggy’s true calling, and she enjoyed a long, successful career helping others and leveraging her nursing education to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, and home health agencies.  She was a nurse educator, and prior to her retirement she wrote curriculums for LPN and EMT students.  She also worked part-time at the Natchitoches Women’s Resource Center.

Peggy was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches, where she enjoyed singing in the Chancel Choir and serving as Director of the Pumpkin Patch Program.  She was also active in Chapter I in the PEO Sisterhood where she served as President and was honored as a PEO Golden Girl for 50 years of membership. In June, she will be honored for 60 years of service at the State Convention. 

Peggy’s great passion was sewing. She won awards for heirloom dresses she made for her granddaughters. She also made quilts, curtains, and clothes for all her grandchildren and her friends.  She made custom stitched labels noting the priceless pieces were made with “Love by GramPeg.”  These items will be treasured for generations by all.  Peggy was also known for having a sweet tooth, and she always had a homemade pound cake on the kitchen counter.

Peggy’s kind heart and happy spirit captured the attention of Oprah Winfrey in 2002 when during the after-show portion of The Oprah Winfrey Show, Peggy invited Oprah to come visit Natchitoches stating, “Everyone in Natchitoches loves you”. Two weeks later, Oprah knocked on Peggy’s door, unannounced, and spent the day with Peggy touring Natchitoches and visiting a local nursing home. Oprah and Peggy rode in the Northwestern State University Homecoming parade as Grand Marshalls together, that afternoon, completely unplanned.  Oprah then featured Peggy on her show in the Fall of 2002 and as a result, both Peggy and Natchitoches became known nationally.   Everywhere Peggy went for many years after the show aired, people recognized her.

Peggy is survived by her children, Karen Carr Townsend and her husband, Bill of Natchitoches Patti Carr Weber of Keller, Texas; and Brent Carr and his wife, Andree’ of Keller, Texas; and the father of her children, Dr. Dan Baker Carr of Natchitoches.  She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Anne Townsend Zeichner and her husband Dr. Ben Zeichner of Aledo, Texas; William Clayton Townsend of Natchitoches; Rachel Carr Kozma and her husband Matt of Fort Worth; Andrew “Drew” Brent Carr of New York City; Davis Patrick Carr of Keller; Grace “Gracie” Anne Weber and Claire Marie Weber of Keller..  She was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Aubrey Anne Zeichner of Aledo, Texas.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents Mary Rebecca “Mamie” Kerr and Anthony Pettus Kerr, Sr.; her brothers Miller Patrick Kerr; Anthony Pettus Kerr, Jr. and Edward Flower Kerr and his wife, Audrey Miller Kerr; her sister, Juliet Kerr Thees and her husband, Al Thees; and her beloved husband Billy Paul Plunkett.

The family sincerely thanks Patty Linder, Suzone Cliburn, and Connie Linder for the amazing, loving, and generous care they provided to Peggy over the past two years; the nurses at Bristol Hospice Shreveport, specifically Patricia Williams and Shari Powell; and to Hospice of Natchitoches. The family also extends its gratitude to Ruby Efferson, Deborah Haskett, Deannda Bernstein, Estelle Casson, Cynthia Johnson, and Russel Bienvenu for the support and care they provided.

Services for Peggy Plunkett will be held at First United Methodist Church Crossroads Worship Center, Natchitoches on Saturday, June 1, 2024.  Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. with a Celebration of Life service beginning at 2 p.m. Graveside services will be held at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Winnfield, LA.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are William C. Townsend, Dr, Ben Zeichner, Matt Kozma, Andrew “Drew” Carr, Davis Carr and Russel Bienvenu.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First United Methodist Church at 411 Second St, Natchitoches, LA 71457.

By Jeanni Ritchie

Did you know it used to be considered in poor taste to smile in public?

In 1702, French priest and educational reformer Jean-Baptiste de La Salle published “Rules of Christian Decorum and Civility,” which advised against smiling and laughing, calling them ‘indecorous’ displays of emotion.

It wasn’t until the 1950’s that smiling in portraits became a common practice, largely due to advances in dentistry and a belief that smiling was contagious.

Created in 2018 by dentists Dr. Tim Stirneman and Dr. Jim Wojdyla from Compassionate Dental Care in Illinois, the motivation for the holiday is to get people to smile more.

Some famous smile quotes:

“You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile.” Charlie Chaplin

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” Mother Teresa

“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” William Arthur Ward

“Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day.” H. Jackson Brown Jr.

“If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it.” Andy Rooney

“Children learn to smile from their parents.” Shinichi Suzuki

On this final day of Mental Health Awareness Month, make sure you greet everyone with a smile!

Jeanni Ritchie is a mental health advocate and journalist from Central Louisiana. She can be found at www.jeanniritchie.com.

POSITION: District Truancy and Attendance Support Officer

QUALIFICATIONS:
• High School Diploma
• Previous law enforcement experience preferred
• Serve on the Student Services’ Team as a truancy
officer, meet with parents and students to improve
the attendance of students in Natchitoches Parish.
To support students by providing safe schools and
addressing all factors which may limit student
achievement.

DEADLINE: Wednesday, May 29, 2024; 4:00 p.m.

WHERE TO APPLY:

Linda G. Page, Director of Personnel
Natchitoches Parish School Board
310 Royal Street, P. O. Box 16
Natchitoches, LA 71458-0016
Email: lpage@npsb.la
Phone: (318) 352-2358
Website: npsb.la

APPLICATIONS: Application packet should consist of a letter of application, resume’, diploma or transcript, and two letters of reference.