Natchitoches Leadership Through Athletics Committee (NLTAC), Natchitoches Parish Library (main branch) and Krewe of The 9-Mardi Gras krewe co-hosted the inaugural L’Jarius Sneed “X’s and O’s” Math Challenge on Oct. 26 at the Natchitoches Parish Library.

 

Natchitoches Parish 4th, 5th and 6th grade students participated in the exciting, challenging activity. Dr. Leigh Ann Myers, professor of mathematics at Northwestern State University and Rubix Cube specialist, shared the history/theory of the popular and complex hand held puzzle with the students and parents. The Cube marked its 50th anniversary earlier this year.

 

The contest is part of an award concept named to honor former Louisiana Tech academic and football standout, L’Jarius Sneed. Created by the NLTAC and sanctioned by Sneed, the award is the L’Jarius Sneed Leadership Award (designed for a senior-year noted Natchitoches Parish football player)-Math Challenge for elementary students. A native of Minden and former member of the Kansas City Chiefs (2023 and 2024) Championship teams, he is now a member of the Tennessee Titans (first season) football team.

 

“It is always good to see our youth compete and achieve in school and in the community. Especially in math,” said Jane Sneed, L’Jarius’ mother. She represented Sneed at the 10 am competition.

 

Pictured: John Taylor, first place winner; Jane Sneed (Sneed’s mother) Symone Jackson, second place winner; and Kolbe Darbonne, third place winner. Taylor is a student at East Natchitoches Elementary School and Jackson and Darbonne are Natchitoches Magnet School students. The students received wooden trophy designed plaques-donated by the industrial engineering technology department at Northwestern. In December, they will be honored with a pizza and sweets party.