When the 2024-2025 school year started, many Natchitoches Parish students were prepared for the exciting new year. The annual “Getting Them Ready” Back-to-School expo provided great opportunities for students and their parents-as free haircuts, school supplies, school and community information was shared in the main commons areas of the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center and Silhouette Barber Shop. Open to the public, snacks/sno cones, music, face-painting and inflatables were part of the three-and-one half hour setting that documented 126 families being assisted.

 

Natchitoches resident and recent Northwestern State University (department of music library) retiree, Diane Kay Blake Jones-was awarded by the “Getting Them Ready” Committee, the inaugural Martha Eugenia “Jean” Dumars Outstanding Community Service Award-for her many years of unselfish volunteer service to the Natchitoches community. Dumars was an active member of the committee-providing many nutritional, self-esteem and clothing opportunities for school aged children in the Natchitoches community until her death in May of this year. Community Partners included:

Pictured: Jalen Sturgis, the Rev.Jerald Danzell, Carlton Johnson, Jr., Diane Blake Jones, Debra Dumars, Daniel Dumars, Brianca Wilkinson and Tra’von Jones.