Natchitoches Junior High School’s JAG members recently participated in its 19th Annual Student Development Competition, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges.” This event showcased the talents and skills of JAG members from across the state of Louisiana.

Representing Natchitoches Junior High with remarkable creativity and passion, JAG member Kyren Burton competed in the Art Category. The competition provided members with the opportunity to express their artistic abilities while interpreting this year’s powerful theme. Kyren’s artwork stood out among the entries, earning him 1st place in his category.

Kyren’s artistic expression captured the essence of breaking barriers and fostering connections, reflecting the values and goals of the JAG program. His dedication and talent shone brightly, making his school and community incredibly proud.

A copy of Kyren’s winning artwork and his thoughtful description are included, further demonstrating the depth of his creativity and interpretation.

Congratulations to Kyren Burton on this outstanding achievement! His success serves as an inspiration to fellow members and a reminder of the positive impact of artistic expression.

The Natchitoches Junior High School JAG program continues to empower students, providing opportunities for growth, leadership, and achievement.

Description: In my hometown of Natchitoches, Louisiana, many young people face challenges in school and preparing for their future. Through JAG, we’ve gained valuable skills and support to help us overcome these obstacles. For this year’s art competition, I wanted to show this idea by creating a mixed-media piece using pen and ink and watercolor. My artwork depicts a bridge being held up by several hands, inspired by the Church Street Bridge in Natchitoches, symbolizing the support young people in my community need. The hands were modeled after students from my local JAG chapter and are surrounded by empowering words that reflect the best qualities of the students in Natchitoches Junior High School’s JAG program. Written in the sky above the image are the words, “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges.” I believe that with the help of our local JAG program, we are doing just that—providing the support necessary for young people in our community to succeed.