The Natchitoches Parish School Board is proud to announce the graduation of its first-ever LEADS Leadership Academy cohort, marking a major milestone in the district’s commitment to cultivating strong, effective school leadership.

Launched during the 2023–2024 school year, the LEADS Leadership Academy was designed to develop future school and district leaders through a rigorous two-year program that included leadership training, job shadowing, and real-world assignments—all aligned with national leadership standards.

Eight outstanding educators successfully completed the program, demonstrating dedication, growth, and a shared goal of building stronger schools through visionary leadership.

LEADS Academy graduates, pictured left to right, are:
Kathy Noel (Academy Leader), Jaime Gilmore, Chase Stepp, Antavious Roberson, Davin White, Brian Williams, Latonzia Beavers, Andrea Penrod, Robert Carnline, and Ben LaGrone (Academy Leader).

The School Board also extended a special thank-you to Academy Leaders Ben LaGrone and Kathy Noel for their guidance and mentorship throughout the journey.

This first graduating class represents the future of educational leadership in Natchitoches Parish—where strong leaders truly do mean strong schools. Congratulations to all!

Dear Goldonna Community,

Reba contacted me last week and asked if I would like to include a letter to the community in the Goldonna News column in the Natchitoches Parish Journal. Truth be told, before she asked, the letter was already in the beginning stages of creation in my brain.

I’m going to begin by saying that just as a church is not made of the building where the members meet, a school is not housed within the building that holds the students. As children learn, knowledge grows and becomes intrinsic. It becomes a natural part of the learner; an extension of themselves. A long time ago, when asked where someone went to school, they would say that they “received their education” from a specific school. Our education is taught to us; given to belong for a lifetime within us and planted like a seed that continues to grow with nurture and care. Yes, we work hard for it. Some harder than others; however, the reward is just as sweet and the possession of the knowledge is just as valuable, regardless of the physical location where that seed was planted.

The physical site of GES has been a cornerstone of the Goldonna community for over a century. The site may be closing its doors as an educational institution; however, there is a saying that when God closes a door, another one opens. There is much truth to that saying. Our current students closed the door at GES on May 22, but they will go on to experience new academic and athletic opportunities as they walk through open doors by attending other schools like Fairview Alpha and Lakeview, and our teachers will continue making a positive difference in the lives of many, many more children.

Throughout this second half of the school year we began each week with a Monday Message powerpoint from the principal. Each Monday in the powerpoint, students who had met their goals from the previous week were recognized, important announcements were made, students and teachers were given a reminder of what our school goals for the year were, etc. What spurred the beginning of this weekly routine was that my husband decided that we should begin having a weekly book study on John C. Maxwell’s The Complete 101 Collection: What Every Leader Needs to Know at home with our two sons. Each week we would read a chapter and take turns leading a discussion on key points from that chapter. So what began as a new practice in our home turned into something that I felt could benefit my students.

One of the main veins that runs throughout this book is that you are in control of your success. Your attitude is a very powerful weapon and must be treated and used carefully. Attitude is not permanent! The author drives home the idea that YOU are in control of the changes in your attitude, thus putting the fate of your success directly in your own hands. Who you are today is a direct result of choices that you made yesterday.

Dr. Seuss wrote a book called Oh the Places You Will Go! A favorite quote of mine from this children’s book is “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” In a nutshell, you decide your direction toward success.

In closing this school year, I encourage everyone to celebrate the education they have received as GES Wildcats and the education they will continue to receive in the future at their new schools. Remember that we decide our direction toward success with our own actions and attitude. My hope and prayer is for the continued growth and success of the children of Goldonna as they transition into FAE Wildcats or LHS Gators. And don’t ever forget, that it is ALWAYS a great day to be a Wildcat!

Cori Beth Manuel

A routine patient transport turned into a moment to remember when Rachel Green, a driver for Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC), helped ensure the safe arrival of a newborn baby with the help of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

While transporting an out-of-town patient in one of NRMC’s non-emergency vehicles, Green kept calm and professional when the unexpected happened — the baby simply couldn’t wait. Thanks to quick coordination and an escort from deputies, the patient arrived safely at the hospital, where she delivered a healthy baby girl shortly after.

NRMC praised Green for her composure and dedication, calling her a shining example of the hospital’s commitment to excellence in every situation.

“We’re so proud of Rachel for showing exemplary NRMC excellence and grateful for strong community partnerships that help us deliver outstanding care when it matters most,” the hospital shared.

Pictured are Rachel Green (left) and NRMC Logistics Manager Sonja Hall, holding the newest—and tiniest—member of the NRMC story.

Artist Edgar Cano was selected to receive two significant grants, a regional award and an international award, both created to recognize the talents of visual artists and enable them to devote more time and energy into creative endeavors.

Cano is assistant professor of art at Northwestern State University. He was selected as a 2025 State Fellow for Visual Arts by South Arts for its 2025 State Fellows for Literary Arts and Visual Arts in its flagship Southern Prize and State Fellowships program. He was also selected to receive a 2025 Individual Support Grant from the Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation of New York, which are awarded to artists worldwide.

In addition, Cano was named this year’s recipient of the Shawn and Linnye Daily Endowed Professorship at NSU, which funds faculty research, travel and professional development, as well as a faculty enhancement award from NSU’s College of Arts and Sciences, which provides funding for student and faculty research, travel and collaboration to bridge the liberal arts with several other disciplines.

The funds will allow him to participate in workshops in Iowa and in Veracruz, Mexico, along with activities related to personal learning and improvement as an art professor, he said.

Cano, a native of Mexico, has earned many awards in national and international competitions over the last two decades, and has shown work in solo and group exhibitions.

“These distinctions reinforce my dual role as a committed visual artist and educator devoted to excellence and lifelong learning,” Cano said.

Established in 2017, the Southern Prize and State Fellowships program was created to bring more visibility to the artistic talent to the Southeastern region of the U.S. The program was expanded in 2024 to support literary arts and annually awards a total of $80,000 to nine visual artists and nine literary artists from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Alongside the State Fellowship award, each selected artist has a chance to compete for the Southern Prize awards.

Cano is among the 18 State Fellows to be awarded unrestricted cash prizes of $5,000 each. This year’s fellowship class will now compete for the larger Southern Prize for Literary Arts and Visual Arts awards, which grant an additional $25,000 for the winner and the $10,000 for the finalist, as well as a residency at an artist retreat space. For additional information on the Southern Prize and State Fellowship programs, visit southarts.org.

The Adolph and Esther Gottlieb Foundation has been making individual support grants since 1976 to painters, sculptors and printmakers who have been creating mature art for at least 20 years and who are in current financial need. These awards are distributed worldwide intended to recognize the talents of many individuals around the world who have dedicated long careers to making art.

Cano and each of the other 19 artists selected was awarded a cash grant of $25,000 this year. These individuals were selected from a group of 865 applications from 58 countries by a panel of five advisors who are themselves art professionals and who have no affiliation with the Gottlieb Foundation. More information on the Gottlieb Foundation grant recipients is available at gottliebfoundation.org/2025-grant-recipients-1.

Cano works in many mediums, including colorful large scale works with mythical elements, fine details and ambiguous themes. He routinely participates in juried national and international competitions and won many awards over the past two decades. His sweeping, cinematic compositions reflect his beginnings as a professional artist in Mexico when he was creating backdrops for theatre productions. He has also completed some impressive murals, including an exterior visual titled “Beginning and End” for the Instituto de Investigaciones Jagüey (Jagüey Research Institute) in San Martin de las Piramides, Mexico.

Since Cano came to NSU to complete his master’s degree in 2021 and joined the faculty in 2022, he has immersed himself into the community through portrait work and local exhibitions. He was designer for the mural at the Ben D. Johnson Education Center titled “Seeds of Hope,” a celebration of Natchitoches’ agricultural heritage that was completed by a community of volunteers.

Information on Cano is available at edgarcanostudio.com. Information on NSU’s Department of Fine and Graphic Arts is available at nsula.edu/art.

The officers and members of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church warmly invite the community to join them in celebrating their Annual Ushers Program on Sunday, June 8 at 1 PM.

This special service will be held at the church in the Bermuda Community of Natchez, Louisiana, and will feature Rev. Albert Gillie, Pastor of St. Martha Baptist Church, as the honored guest speaker. He will be joined by his choir and church family to help mark the occasion.

The program is a cherished tradition at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, recognizing the dedication and service of the church’s ushers. Attendees can expect a spirit-filled afternoon of worship, fellowship, and celebration.

“We thank you in advance for your prayers and presence,” said Deacon Gabriel Petite, Usher President, on behalf of the St. Paul Usher Department and the entire church family.

For additional information contact Rosa Shields at 652-0753.

Rotarian with the Program Joe Sers welcomed Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr. to the June 3 Rotary luncheon at Merci. The Mayor shared a PowerPoint on completed, ongoing, and upcoming projects in Natchitoches. Pictured from left are Sers and Mayor Williams ( Photo by Dr. Ron McBride).

The Natchitoches Police Department would like to warn social media users (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat etc.) about several fake posts that have been circulating on their platforms. If you see any questionable posts please verify the validity of the content. These posts are false and can lead to unnecessary fear and anxiety in our community.

We have been able to confirm that this is not an active Natchitoches Police Department case and we would like to thank the public for bringing this to our attention.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101. 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.

The Natchitoches Police Department would like to notify the public of City Ordinance Section 23-1 Registration and restrictions related to canvassers, solicitors and peddlers. With the summer months approaching and with the recent storms that have affected our city several vendors have come to our area to sell their products in our neighborhoods. Solicitors who have a permit are allowed to knock or ring the door bell of a dwelling within the city limits between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.; unless the residence had a no solicitor’s sign posted.

The City Ordinance states that:
Sec. 23-1. – Registration and restrictions related to canvassers, solicitors and peddlers.
(a) Definitions. As used in this section:

(1) Canvassing, soliciting or peddling, unless expressly provided for otherwise, means traveling from residence to residence within the City of Natchitoches, without having a previous appointment to visit the residence or residences visited for the purpose of exposing or offering for inspection or sale, goods, wares, merchandise, foodstuffs or any other property, tangible or intangible, or services, or for the purpose of taking or attempting to take orders for the purchase of goods, wares, merchandise, foodstuffs or other property, tangible or intangible for future delivery. “Canvassing”, “soliciting” or “peddling” also means the soliciting of funds or other property for charitable or other purposes anywhere within the City of Natchitoches.

(2) Canvasser, solicitor or peddler means any person who engages in canvassing, soliciting or peddling.
(b) Registration required. The requirements of this Section are in addition to the requirements for an occupational license set forth at section 19-17 and 19-18 of this Code of Ordinances, and the registration required herein shall be in addition to the requirement to obtain an occupational license.
Before any person may engage in canvassing, soliciting or peddling in the city, as defined above, he/she shall apply for and be granted an itinerant solicitation license as provided below.
(c) Each applicant for an itinerant solicitation license shall, not less than five (5) nor more than fifteen (15) days prior to the commencement of canvassing, solicitation or peddling, furnish the city tax collector with the information set forth in subsection on forms provided by the city tax collector.

Application for an itinerant solicitation license shall include:

(1) Evidence of issuance of a valid and current itinerant vendor license (under section 19-17 of the Code of Ordinances) and sales tax registration to the applicant.
(2) Name, age and physical description of applicant.
(3) Complete permanent and local address of applicant.
(4) Name and address of the person, firm, corporation or association for whom the canvassing, soliciting or peddling is presently being made and any other person, firm, corporation or association for whom the applicant has solicited during the past three (3) years.
(5) A general description of the nature of the business and the goods, services or wares to be sold or otherwise sufficient to identify the subject matter of the canvassing, soliciting or peddling in which the applicant will engage.
(6) The names of all other municipalities in which the applicant has conducted canvassing, soliciting, or peddling activities during the past twelve (12) months.
(7) Whether the applicant has ever had a permit revoked, and if so, provide the time and place of such revocation.
(8) Whether the applicant has ever been convicted of a felony violation including the time and place of such conviction.
(9) The proposed dates and times of the canvassing, solicitations or peddling.
(10) The make, model, year, color and license plate number of automobile(s) used by the applicant during the period of canvassing, solicitation or peddling within the city.
(11) Number of applicant’s driver’s license and state of issuance.
(12) An identification badge to be worn by the applicant in a conspicuous manner, said badge to be submitted for review and approval by the city tax collector. Submission to background check, if requested, by the police department for the purpose of determining the criminal record, if any, of the applicant. Applicant will be responsible for any fee associated with the background check and shall cooperate with the police department, as necessary, to complete any background check requested by the police department.

(d) Issuance of an itinerant solicitation license; duration.
(1) Issuance of itinerant solicitation license. Not more than five (5) days after completion of the application form provided above, the mayor or his/her authorized representative, shall, except as otherwise provided herein, issue an itinerant solicitation license to each applicant unless it is determined by the mayor or his authorized representative:

i. That the applicant has misrepresented his identity or intention or made a false, misleading or deceptive statement in providing the information required above.
ii. That the applicant has been convicted, during five (5) years preceding the date of application, of a felony considered to be of a nature to present a danger to a city resident.
And upon payment of a fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) except that no fee shall be required for those persons excluded as a charitable, religious or educational organization as in the state’s statutes

(2) Duration. The itinerant solicitation license issued hereunder shall not be transferred or assigned or used by any person other than the one (1) to whom issued and shall be valid for a period of one (1) year.

(e) Display of itinerant solicitation license; return. Each registrant shall wear the identification badge approved by the city in a conspicuous manner at all times when in the city. Each registrant shall carry the itinerant solicitation license at all times when in the city and shall exhibit it to any resident or municipal official upon request. All itinerant solicitation licenses issued in a calendar year shall be void on and after December 31 of that year.

(f) Trespassing in violation of posted signs. No person while engaged in any for-profit canvassing, solicitation or peddling, shall knock at the door or ring the bell of any home, apartment, apartment building or other dwelling unit in the city upon which is displayed at the entrance a notice indicates no canvassers, no solicitors or no peddlers allowed, or which otherwise clearly purports to prohibit canvassers, solicitors or peddlers on the premises, unless such canvasser, solicitor or peddler is or has been invited upon the premises by the owner, lessee or occupant thereof.

(g) Time limitations on canvassing, soliciting and peddling. No canvasser, solicitor or peddler shall knock on the door or ring the bell of any home, apartment, apartment building or other dwelling unit in the city prior to 9:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. in any given day.

(h) Revocation of itinerant solicitation license. An itinerant solicitation license issued under this chapter shall be revoked by the mayor, or his designee, for any of the following causes:
(1) It is subsequently determined that the registrant provided false, misleading or deceptive information in completing the application set forth in section (c), above, or has violated the provisions of this chapter.
(2) The registrant is convicted of a felony violation considered to be of a nature to present danger to a city resident.
(3) The registrant is convicted of a violation of any provision of this chapter.
Notice shall be given to the registrant in person or by certified mail of such revocation together with the reason for same.

(h) Reserved.

(i) Penalty. All parochial or municipal officers are hereby empowered and directed to cause all peddlers to exhibit their city license, if any; and, upon such peddlers failing to do so, and any person who violates the provisions of this section shall be punished in accordance with section 10-76 of this Code.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Captain Billy Meziere at (318) 352-3986 or the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101.

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.

The St. Denis Art League recently held its 57th Spring Festival.

Spring Court members included Ainsley Armstrong, Finley O’Con, Vivian Philen, Lucy Dupre’, Avery Williams, Dylan Perot, Campbell Morrow, Anna Hobart, Sydney Terrell, Georgia Kate Philen, Ainsley Weeks, Ava Gill, Breanna Hale, Queen Anderson Kelly, King Sidney Evans III, Lilyasta Laning, Bess Stewart, Kathryn Phelps, Vivian Fatheree, Brianna McConathy, Brooklyn Townson, Olivia Bryant. Destanee Stewart, Madison Dupuy, and Addison Evans.

Ushers for the Spring Festival were Emily Amberg, Camille Armstrong, Emma Bain, Alyssa Brewton, Mary Churchman, Peyton Faucheaux, Kennedy Griffin, Abby Reynolds, Kaylie Rhodes, Kendall Rhodes, Summer Rushing, Joelee Savell, Molly Smith, Lindsey Stewart, and Adelle Williams.

 

Gentlemen of the Court were Luke Johnson, Conor Jordan, Peter Kautz, Adam Guillet, Tatum Roberts, Peyton Mitchell, Chance Rushing, Yancy Spillman, Ross Lindsey, Barrett Waxley, and Rees Williams.

St. Mary’s Catholic School announces key changes in its athletic department leadership for the upcoming school year.

Coach Dennis Breland has been named Athletic Director and will continue to serve as Head Baseball Coach, a position he resumed upon returning to St. Mary’s last year. Coach Stacey Aldredge has been appointed Assistant Athletic Director, in addition to continuing her role as Head Volleyball Coach. Both coaches were part of the school’s staff this past year and bring a wealth of experience and leadership to their new roles.

A veteran coach with over 35 years of experience, Coach Breland was a key member of the Tigers’ coaching staff during the school’s 2011 State Championship and 2010 State Runner-Up seasons. Since Breland’s return to St. Mary’s, the program’s success has continued under his leadership as the Tiger baseball team secured the District Championship this spring. His extensive coaching career has produced numerous collegiate athletes and has been marked by excellence, leadership, and dedication.

Coach Breland holds a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana College (1987) and a Master of Education from Northwestern State University (2017). In addition to his coaching duties, he teaches upper-level mathematics at St. Mary’s and remains committed to both the academic and athletic success of the school’s student body.

Coach Aldredge made an immediate impact in her first year at St. Mary’s, leading the volleyball team to a district championship and the program’s first-ever win over a 5A school. Known for her strategic mindset, player development, and competitive drive, she has brought a new energy and culture of excellence to the program. Prior to joining St. Mary’s, she accumulated over seven years of collegiate coaching experience.

As a player, Aldredge was a four-year starter at Northwestern State University, where she earned All-Louisiana and All-Southland Conference honors. In 2011, she was named both the Southland Conference and Louisiana Sports Writers Association Freshman of the Year. She still holds NSU records for career kills (1,318) and total attempts (4,683)—including the top two single-season totals in program history.

Coach Aldredge earned her bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and a master’s degree in Sports Administration from NSU. She is married to former NSU standout tight end Justin Aldredge, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Finnley Jo, in July of 2023.

St. Mary’s is excited to have these two accomplished coaches leading its athletic program and looks forward to continued success under their guidance.

For more information about St. Mary’s, please contact the school office at (318) 352-8394 or http://www.smstigers.org.