Natchitoches Junior High announced its new Student Council Advisor, Charlotte Lovelace Turner, who has been a Natchitoches Parish School Board educator since 2009 at George L. Parks Elementary/Jr. High, Natchitoches Jr. High-FRJ, and East Natchitoches Elementary. She has been a student council advisor for 16 years.
Turner has been married to her husband, Anthony, for 14 years. Together, they share four children: Anthony, Adrianna, Andrea, and Aubrey.
Turner has shown her talent and passion as a servant leader in multiple roles. Turner is a product of Shreveport and began her long history of service and leadership as an executive board member of the Captain Shreve High School Student Council. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Dillard University, Turner maintained her role as a campus ambassador for the university. She also holds a master’s degree in English Literature from Northwestern State University and an Educational Leadership certification.
The Natchitoches Junior High Student Council will restore its membership with the Louisiana Association of Student Councils (LASC) during the 2025-26 school year. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with other student leaders across Louisiana. It is Turner’s strong belief that encouragement and developing leadership qualities in students will be the cornerstone of the culture of NJH. Student council members will be expected to lead by example, demonstrate self-reflection of their collective actions, and develop decision-making skills as they affect school policies for students.
Principal Bobby Benjamin emphasized the vital role of the student government in preparing young citizens for the future. “Teaching our students the democratic process through the participation of electing their peers to represent our school is one of the most important lessons we can offer,” said Principal Benjamin. “Student government serves as a microcosm of our nation’s unique system of public elections. By participating in these elections, our students learn firsthand the purpose and power of democracy, helping them become better citizens and future leaders.”
Students interested in joining the Natchitoches Junior High Student Council will be elected by the NJH student body. The candidates are required to have at least a 2.5 GPA and complete an application with a statement explaining their reasons for running for office. Potential candidates will then present themselves to a committee selected by the school’s leadership team comprised of faculty members, students, and parents. Finally, candidates will present their campaign speeches to the student body before schoolwide elections take place. The school’s leadership team will appoint a committee comprised of faculty members, parents, and teachers to nominate each candidate to begin the election process.