Northwestern State University showcased its leadership in advancing rural workforce development through artificial intelligence, drone technology and advanced manufacturing at the Louisiana Rural Economic Development Summit, hosted by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana September 8-9 at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville.

The summit brought together leaders in business, education, technology and government to address opportunities and challenges facing rural communities. Featured speakers included representatives from META, Louisiana Central, the Louisiana Board of Regents and Louisiana Main Street.

NSU highlighted its commitment to preparing Louisiana’s rural workforce with cutting-edge technology and industry partnerships.

NSU alumnus Monty Chicola, president of Real Vision Software, participated in a panel on artificial intelligence, underscoring how AI-driven solutions are shaping industries across Louisiana and creating new career pathways for rural communities.

Connie D. Baker, Advanced Manufacturing Program liaison for RoyOMartin, shared insight on how NSU’s Advanced Manufacturing Program equips students with high-demand technical skills. Through its unique academic/work rotation model, students gain both classroom knowledge and direct industry experience, strengthening the regional workforce pipeline.

JD Cox, coordinator of NSU’s Advanced Remote and Geospatial Operations (ARGO) Lab, delivered a keynote presentation demonstrating the university’s drone technology and its applications in workforce training, research and rural development. The program provides students with marketable skills in aviation safety, logistics and public safety applications, while supporting industries in central Louisiana.

Collectively, these initiatives position NSU as a leader in preparing students with future-ready skills that foster economic growth and opportunity across rural Louisiana.

NSU’s delegation to the summit included faculty, staff, students and alumni representing multiple disciplines. Participants included Danielle Cabrera, NSU recruiter for Central Louisiana; Samantha Grant, NSU Marksville campus coordinator; Jennifer DePriest, Region 6 STEM coordinator; Adelaide Soileau and Travis Mitchell of NSU’s ARGO Lab; students from the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health (CONSAH), and Laurie Morrow, Gwen Fontenot and Danielle Cobb of NSU’s Office of Economic Development and University Advancement.

The university’s collaboration with the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe continues to play a vital role in regional economic and workforce development. In May 2023, NSU and the Tribe formalized a five-year Memorandum of Understanding designed to expand educational opportunities, provide first-generation scholarships and support adult learners through continuing education. The agreement builds on NSU’s American Indian Opportunity Plan, which provides tuition waivers for citizens of federally recognized tribes.

“The Louisiana Rural Economic Development Summit reflects the collaborative spirit that is vital to the growth of our region,” said Morrow, executive director of the NSU Foundation. “Northwestern State University is proud to highlight how our programs in artificial intelligence, drones, and advanced manufacturing are preparing Louisiana’s rural workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.”

The two-day summit emphasized the importance of collaboration among higher education, industry, and community partners to strengthen the economic vitality of rural Louisiana.

For more information on NSU’s role in regional economic development initiatives, visit http://www.nsula.edu.

Meet Motley,

At almost 3 years old, this adorable and playful terrier mix is ready to find his forever family.

Motley’s had a rough start, but he’s always shown his true colors; loving, loyal, and full of fun. He’s a ladies man and gets along great with female dogs. He’s also a cuddle bug who’s happiest when he’s close to those he trusts.

Motley’s got the perfect balance of fun and chill. He knows “sit” and “down,” loves engaging with his humans, and will keep you smiling with his silly antics.

If you’re looking for a loyal, quirky companion, Motley could be the one for you!

If you are interested in fostering or adopting handsome Motley, please reach out to FAUNA (Friends All United For Natchitoches Animals) at npfauna@gmail.com or visit our website: npfauna.org

Nepal burned.

The hives of the old regime became the fodder for the fire and passion of the Gen-Z, the young Phoenixes of Nepal. Afterward, they diligently went about sweeping ashes of corruption and sprucing up the streets, engaging in the restoration of peace and normalcy in Nepal.

The old pseudo-Communists and closet-Fascists and other sundry parties were no more. The leaping tongue of Agni consumed them all; all the political parasites turned into ashes, figuratively.

A handful of righteous figures along with the Gen-Z leaders prevailed in having Sushila Karki, the Chief Justice known for her incorruptibility and honesty, agree to become the interim Prime Minister of Nepal. And she became the first woman at the helm of the country.

Sandwiched between India and China, the two humongous buns of landmasses, Nepal, a sizzling slab of land stretched from east to west under the Roof of the World.

Now is the time for the Bhai-Bhai duo of India and China to back off from their policy of soft hegemony.

Free is Nepal – untouched, unmolested, and unconquered since time immemorial. But corrupt through and through due to its very own “namak haram” (disloyal, traitors) Nepali people.

So, from the brave new world of America, my home away from my old country of Nepal, I send my benediction for the rebirth and renewal ushered by the young Phoenixes of Nepal.

Peggy Lou Snyder was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1909. Peggy Lou’s adventures in the entertainment industry began when she was just six weeks old and her parents brought her onstage in a play in which they were performing. Peggy Lou’s father, Roy Hilliard Snyder, was an actor and director at the Princess Theater in Des Moines. Her mother, Hazel, was a musical comedy actress. Roy and Hazel adopted Roy’s middle name, Hilliard, as their professional last name. At three years old, Peggy Lou got her first speaking role in a comedic play called “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch.” When not in school, Peggy Lou was working on the stage with and, as she got older, without her parents.

In 1930, Peggy Lou and her parents moved to New York City for more acting opportunities. In August of that year, she began a brief and troubled marriage with comedian Roy Sedley. In 1931, Peggy Lou appeared in her first film entitled “Musical Justice,” in which she fittingly played the wife in a divorce hearing. It was her first of many films. In 1932, Oswald, an attorney who decided he enjoyed playing his saxophone and singing with his band more than practicing law, met Peggy Lou when she was the mistress of ceremonies at a New York night club. Soon thereafter, the band leader hired Peggy Lou to share vocal duties in his band. “It was strictly a business arrangement initially,” Peggy Lou later explained, but when her marriage ended, she married the band leader. In the following year, Peggy Lou made her radio debut.

Peggy Lou was a star of every entertainment medium of the era. She was performing on stage, on recordings, and on radio with her husband, and she was also acting in Hollywood films. Her schedule was hectic. In 1936, her schedule grew more hectic when she had her first child, a son named David. Four years later, she had a son named Eric. Peggy Lou struggled to balance her career and family. Something had to give. Between 1931 and 1944, in addition to her other performances, Peggy Lou had appeared in 19 films. Then, Peggy Lou and her husband decided that she would pause her film career, and they would focus more on their family. Before you judge her husband too harshly, it was he who came up with a plan in which the whole family could spend every day working together. Twenty years later, she said, “I’m Lucky. How many actresses get the chance to work with their family every day?” It was a whole new adventure.

You may not remember Peggy Lou for her film career which included roles in Hollywood classics such as “Follow the Fleet” with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, “Cocoanut Grove” with co-star Fred MacMurray, and “Honeymoon Lodge,” which also featured her husband. You have probably never heard the names Peggy Lou Snyder or Peggy Lou Hilliard, but for 22 years, she entertained millions of people on radio and television as America’s favorite mother. You see, Peggy Lou’s most notable adventures began when she, under her lifelong stage name, created with her husband a radio show which evolved into a television show called “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.”

Sources:

1. The Cedar Rapids Gazette, August 29, 1976, p.40.

2. The York Dispatch, October 4, 1994, p.2.

3. The Des Moines Register, December 24, 2000, p.19.

4. “Harriet Nelson,” IMDb.com, accessed September 7, 2025, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0384948/?ref_=tt_cst_t_2.

The City of Natchitoches would like to advise the public that Raphiel Street and Stella Street will be closed Sept. 15-16.

This street closure is due to contractors completing water line tie-ins. Please adhere to detour signs during this time. When traveling near the work zone, motorists are advised to exercise caution and observe all warning signs.

For more information, contact the City of Natchitoches Utility Department at (318)357-3850.

The City of Natchitoches announces continued construction work on Myrtle Drive and Virginia Avenue, as well as the upcoming start of work on two other streets in the City system.

Cement-treated base construction is taking place on Monday, September 15, 2025, on Myrtle Drive and will continue on the adjacent section of Virginia Avenue on Tuesday, September 16. It is anticipated that new asphalt surfacing will be constructed on both of these streets later this week.

Cold-planing work to remove the existing asphalt surfacing on Ouida Drive is anticipated to be performed later this week, followed by cement-treated base construction.

Removal and replacement of deteriorated sections of concrete curb-and-gutter is expected to begin on
Brahma Drive by middle of this week.

While these construction activities are ongoing, residents should expect minor inconvenience and
temporary short-term access delays. While traveling through these work sites, motorists are urged to
exercise caution and to obey all warning signs and flagger instructions.

This work is part of the City’s FY 2023 Louisiana Community Development Block Grant Street Improvements project, which also includes ongoing concrete pavement replacement work on J.C. Deblieux Drive that should wrap up later this week. The contractor is Regional Construction, LLC, of Natchitoches.

For more information, contact the City Engineer at (318) 352-3877.

Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Provencal Police, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #4, US Forest Service and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry responded to NATCOM 911 Center reports of a an unoccupied structure and woods fire on Sept. 13 around 6:47 pm on WH Taylor Road south of the Kisatchie community according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The structure and several acres burned. There were no reported injuries.

Responding units on scene were: NPSO Deputies, two Provencal Police units, 20 Natchitoches Parish Fire District #4 firefighters, US Forest Service with a dozer and LDAF with a dozer.

At 8:36pm, the fire was contained and under control. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Twenty-five New Leases Filed Since Last Report

Oil and gas exploration activity in Natchitoches Parish continues to show momentum with seven additional leases filed at the Parish Clerk’s office since our last comprehensive report on the region’s energy sector revival.

The new filings add to the over 232 leases recorded since January 1, 2025, demonstrating sustained interest from energy companies in the parish’s position within the prolific Haynesville Shale formation. This steady pace of activity confirms that the initial surge we documented earlier this year represents an ongoing trend rather than a temporary spike.

Geographic Expansion Continues

The recent lease activity maintains the geographic diversification pattern we previously identified, with companies showing interest beyond traditional hotspots along the borders with DeSoto, Red River, and Sabine parishes. Areas around Robeline, extending toward Marthaville and the Shady Grove region along Highway 6, continue to attract exploration interest.

Legal Advisory Reminder

Property owners considering lease agreements should consult with experienced oil and gas attorneys before signing any documents. These complex contracts have long-lasting implications for mineral rights, royalty payments, and property use.

The continued filing of new leases demonstrates that Natchitoches Parish remains an active and attractive destination for energy sector investment.

A quick review of the Natchitoches Parish Clerk of Court records shows that twenty-five (25) leases have been filed in the Parish records since August 29, 2025. (The NPJ pulled a list of leases from the Public Records in Natchitoches Parish online service – Attached)

The Natchitoches Parish Council meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will take place in the Council Board Room, #211 on the 2nd Floor of the Courthouse.

Agenda for tonight’s meeting:

PAID CONTENT

The City of Natchitoches announces that the intersection of East Fifth Street at Bienville Street is expected to be re-opened to traffic in late afternoon on Monday, Sept. 15.

This intersection has been closed since Sept. 2 for the replacement of the existing deteriorated asphalt pavement with new concrete pavement.

The concrete work, completed on Sept. 12, required a 72-hour cure time before vehicles could be allowed on the new concrete slab. Also, temporary tie-ins to the adjacent streets needed to be constructed before the intersection could be re-opened to traffic.

This work is part of the City of Natchitoches 2025 Street Rehabilitation Program, which also includes base reconstruction and re-surfacing work on East Fifth Street from Royal Street to just north of Bienville Street, and also on a section of Woodyard Drive located west of Ouida Drive.

The contractor is Apeck Construction, LLC from Anacoco.

For more information, please contact the City Engineer at (318) 352-3877.

On this National Police Woman Day, Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Stuart Wright and Chief Deputy Darrel Winder proudly recognize and honor the dedicated women serving within the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

“Our female deputies and staff members play a vital role in every bureau of this agency,” said Sheriff Wright. “Their professionalism, courage, and commitment to public safety make a difference every day in the lives of the citizens we serve.”

Chief Deputy Winder added, “We are proud of the women of the NPSO who contribute their skills, dedication, and compassion to protecting and serving Natchitoches Parish. Today we honor their service and thank them for the impact they make in our community.”

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office extends heartfelt gratitude to all women in law enforcement, both locally and across the nation, whose service and sacrifices help keep communities safe.

This was no ordinary college fair held on Sunday, September 14 at the LSMSA. Harvard, Yale, Princeton and each of the other members of the Ivy League were in attendance as were MIT, Caltech, and Rice for a total of 37 top-tier colleges and universities from all over the country. This unique program was put on by Yale University’s admissions office as part of the STORY (Small Town Outreach, Recruitment and Yield) program in which representatives from top selective colleges and universities come together to travel to rural areas which are not commonly visited in the normal course of events.

Four hundred and seven students and their families took advantage of this wonderful opportunity to meet with the college and university representatives. The event started with presentations on different types of colleges & universities, financial aid, applying to colleges and other topics. The attendees then went to the LSMSA’s gym where they met with the various representatives.

This year’s fair is the second visit for the group. The fair represents a life-changing opportunity for the young people of our area. Quite simply, there is no other place in the entire state of Louisiana in which one can meet with admissions officers from such an impressive array of institutions. Central Louisiana is indeed fortunate to have such an opportunity.

The Journal Services Family would like to thank the staff of the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts for hosting the fair and graciously inviting all interested families to attend. We would also like to extend our thanks to the young men and women from each of the superb colleges and universities who took time from their busy schedules to visit our state.

DENTON, Texas – The Northwestern State tennis  team closed out its first fall competition Sunday at the the Diving Eagle Invitational hosted by North Texas with a standout performance from junior Honoka Umeda, who captured the B Draw championship, while three other Lady Demons earned singles victories in Sunday’s Round of 16. 

Umeda capped her strong weekend by defeating UT Arlington’s Vanja Cado 6-2, 6-3 in the B Draw final. 

“Honoka stayed focused throughout the entire match,” said third-year head coach Marcos Morelli, who led last spring’s team to a share of the Southland Conference championship. “She followed the right process all weekend and kept improving with each match she played.” 

In the main singles draw, junior Maria Farina and senior Zoi Spyrou each delivered steady performances.  

Farina topped North Texas’ Lilly Schultz 7-5, 6-1, while Spyrou earned a 6-3, 6-4 decision over UTA’s Elizaveta Mladentseva. 

With Umeda, Farina, and Spyrou all picking up wins on Sunday, Morelli emphasized the value of veteran leadership. 

“It’s important for our upperclassmen to set the example,” he said. “Their ability to perform on the court and lead off it provides a standard for our newcomers to follow.” 

VOLLEYBALL: The Demons showed some competitive strides Friday and Saturday in Denton, capping tournament play Saturday when they lost in four sets to the North Texas Mean Green (25-18, 23-25, 25-19 and 25-13) at the UTA-UNT Classic.

Friday, after opening the event being toppled by the Little Rock Trojans 3-0 (26-24, 25-15 and 25-13), the Demons (1-11) took undefeated UT-Arlington s to five sets before falling 3-2 (25-15, 19-25, 25-17, 21-25 and 15-13).

NSU remains on the road for three more matches until beginning Southland Conference play Sept. 25 in Prather Coliseum against UIW.

CROSS COUNTRY: In the first regular season home races for Northwestern State in a decade, it was appropriate that the most veteran members of the teams took center stage and led the way in the Pre-SLC Meet previewing the course that will be used late next month in the 2025 Southland Conference Cross Country Championships.

John Klein, a fifth-year senior, placed 10th in a stacked race full of Southland Conference members, clocking a personal-best 19:07.25 in the men’s 6K on Friday evening. That led a group of six Demons.

On the women’s side, it was Lalaina Wood, who ran a 16:23.42 in the women’s 4K, also leading a group of six, as she finished 24^th overall.

“It is really great to be able to run at the home course,” head coach Payten Vidourek said. “I am satisfied with how the men and women ran today. There is a lot of room to improve for us, but it was a solid first race on the home course.”

Klein’s run was his third consecutive top 10 finish after finishing second and third in his first two meets of the season.

“It was a solid effort, I would say,” Klein said. “I was definitely a bit too excited there at the beginning and got out kind of hot at the beginning of the race, but I’d like to think I closed pretty well there at the end. But overall, it was a good effort, a good pre-test.”

“I am feeling OK,” Wood said. “I always try to do better. I had a goal in mind that I did not achieve, but a PR is a PR, and it just motivates me to keep pushing harder and reach the goals I set for myself.”

By JASON PUGH, Northwestern State Sports Information Director

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Northwestern State football team’s second visit in as many weeks to a Power 4 conference opponent played out much like the first.

Just like last week at Minnesota, the overmatched Demons were snowed under by a first-quarter offensive output as Cincinnati scored five times in the first stanza en route to a 70-0 victory inside historic Nippert Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

“You want to compete every time you go out,” second-year head coach Blaine McCorkle said. “You want to learn, and you want to get better. That’s what I wanted our guys to do today. You look at the game – our guys didn’t tackle very well. We were a very poor tackling team. We didn’t wrap up. We didn’t run our feet. We didn’t do what we’ve been coached to do.

“Other than that, the last two weeks, we’ve done what we’re supposed to do. We’re going home, and we’re getting ready for Prairie View A&M.”

Bearcat quarterback Brendan Sorsby tossed five touchdowns in the first quarter, including a 21-yard strike to Joe Royer on the fourth play of the game that set the tone for Cincinnati’s fast start.

Sorsby finished 15-for-15 for 253 yards and six total touchdowns, adding a 23-yard rushing score in the second quarter.

The Demon offense struggled to sustain drives in the opening quarter, leaving the Northwestern defense to defend short fields. The final three Cincinnati (2-1) scoring drives of the first quarter covered a total of 117 yards.

Northwestern began to find its offensive footing at the end of the first quarter, putting together its longest drive since the Aug. 28 season-opening victory against Alcorn State.

The Demons collected their initial first down of the game on quarterback Abram Johnston’s 7-yard run on a second-and-1 and kept the drive going on an 11-yard pass to tight end Luke Carter and an 8-yard Kolbe Burrell rush that converted a second-and-5 and moved Northwestern to the Cincinnati 35-yard line.

A pair of incompletions and a 2-yard loss pushed the Demons out of field goal range and end the deepest first-half push into Bearcat territory.

Northwestern made another bid to crack the scoreboard across the third and fourth quarters.

Thanks to a face mask penalty on a third down and a fourth-down conversion run by Myion Hicks, the Demons built an 11-play, 44-yard march that came to an end at the Cincinnati 31 as the Bearcats stood up and denied Northwestern a second successful fourth-and-1 run.

A week ago against Minnesota, Northwestern’s longest drive lasted six plays and its longest by yardage was 15 yards.

Similarly, the Demons cut down on their turnovers. A week after losing the turnover battle by three after committing four turnovers, Northwestern had the game’s lone giveaway – a first-quarter fumble at the Demon 30 that led to Sorsby’s fifth and final touchdown pass – an 8-yard pop pass to Isaiah Johnson.

“We ran the ball in spots a little bit better,” McCorkle said. “I believe we have an offense that, at our level, will be able to run the ball, move it and do some things. I’m excited to see them play against our level of competition pretty quick.”

The Demons return to action when they cap a three-game road trip next Saturday with a matchup at Prairie View A&M.  Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.

Contact Jason at pughj@nsula.edu

By LORI LYONS, Journal Sports

Lakeview High School head football coach Lawrence Seawood was heading into a big box store Saturday morning, looking for supplies for his team’s upcoming homecoming week.

And he was searching for answers after the Gators (0-2) suffered their second lopsided loss, this one to Cedar Creek 64-6.

“It seemed promising going in, but they have a lot of community support, a lot of kids have bought into their program,” Seawood said. “We came up with a game plan. We came out pretty strong, but It’s one of those situations where they just had more numbers and it weighed down on us.”

The Gators did one touchdown when quarterback Gavin Spears connected with Joey Miller on a 23-yard slant.

Seawood said he is seeing improvements in his team.

“I saw a lot of our kids making adjustments without me having to tell them,” he said. “I’m seeing a lot of kids’ character as far as being able to have the right mindframe. They keep playing hard. They’ve got a lot of fight in them.”

St. Mary’s coach Kedrin Seastrunk also is looking for answers after his team fell to Red River 20-14.

“This one hurt a little bit,” said Seastrunk, who has many personal connections to the Red River team. “This one, I don’t even want to talk about.”

The Tigers (0-2) were ahead 14-12 in the fourth quarter before Red River scored on a 50-yard touchdown with 6:32 remaining. The Bulldogs then converted a two-point conversion to make it 20-14. St. Mary’s had one more possession but were forced to punt following an incompletion on third down.

Chalin Gandy rushed for 82 yards on 12 carries and scored on a 16-yard run in the first half and a14-yard run in the second half.

“They just wore us down,” Seastrunk said, adding his roster includes 26 players. “We are playing beat both ways.”

They’ve also played against bigger schools in their first two games.

He’s proud of their effort.

“Looking at those fellows in the eyes, they gave me everything they had,” he said. “There wasn’t nothing I could have asked them for. The coaches had a great strategy. We had a good game plan. Everybody was in position. They just scored off of two missed tackles. We make that tackle, we’re not having this conversation.”

By MATT VINES, Journal Sports

SHREVEPORT – The Natchitoches Central fanbase has undoubtedly seen a more well-rounded team as the Chiefs attempt to scale the District 1-5A football mountain this season.

But NCHS ran into a team who could be atop that mountain Friday as Evangel built an early lead en route to a 63-42 shootout win.

The Eagles (1-1) constructed an insurmountable 34-7 lead early in the third quarter, but the Chiefs (1-1) got the offense going in the second half to close the score.

NCHS scored five second-half touchdowns including four in the fourth quarter to make sure Evangel couldn’t coast to a victory, but the Eagles’ offense was up to the task by answering the majority of those scores.

The Chiefs did threaten late when Jeremy Lowe forced a fumble that Landon Lucas scooped and scored to slice Evangel’s lead to 48-35 in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles had an answer to keep NCHS at bay.

“Our offense was able to create some explosive plays in the second half, and we scored on all of our drives except one,” said NCHS coach Brad Laird. “The mindset of this team will continue to grow with the understanding of what we are capable of doing in all three phases.

“We have shown what we’re capable of, and we’re practicing and playing with consistency and having the right mindset of who we can be.”

NCHS outpassed Pop Houston and Evangel’s high powered offense 376 to 358 yards, but the difference came on the ground where the Eagles racked up 257 yards to 96 for the Chiefs.

Evangel ran the ball more with the lead throughout the game, but NCHS connected on explosive pass plays to score or set up touchdowns, especially in the second half.

Quarterback Owen Smith threw for 322 yards and four touchdowns with his favorite target being Jordan Carpenter (four catches, 132 yards, one touchdown).

Carpenter was somebody else’s favorite target on a trick play that set up NCHS’s first score.

Smith threw a backwards pass out wide to K.J. Newton, who unleashed a throw to a streaking Carpenter for 54 yards. Carpenter also broke a tackle on a short pass for a 68-yard gainer later in the game.

Few can match the firepower of Houston and his assorted weaponry as the four-star recruit threw for 389 yards and rushed for another 116, accounting for five touchdowns overall.

Running back Damari Drake broke long runs, sometimes reversing his field to gain 188 yards on just nine carries.

“Earlier in the game, Evangel was able to extend drives with short-yardage conversions, including a fourth-and-one and a fourth-and-two,” Laird said. “In the second half, they were able to match our scores and create some big plays.”

Contact Matt at sports@journalservicesllc.com

Robeline native and Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts student Emmett Nelson has been selected for membership in the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), an international organization recognizing top academic achievers.

Membership provides lifetime access to learning experiences, resources, scholarships, and career preparation opportunities designed to support students in their academic and professional pursuits.

Nelson’s journey to LSMSA began during his freshman year at Natchitoches Central High School, when he attended the McGrath Math Competition on the LSMSA campus. Captivated by the school, he pursued admission independently, navigating the application process himself and securing the required documentation. His determination stemmed from a desire for a more rigorous education, stronger community connections, and the benefits of LSMSA’s residential learning environment.

Now a student at LSMSA, Nelson has embraced the academic challenges while adjusting to the demands of college-level coursework. He has set his sights on a future career as a counselor, with a focus on supporting young people with mental disorders and learning disabilities. His goal is to help students and their families navigate education and daily life, breaking down barriers that such challenges can create.

Founded in 2002 by Lewis and Claes Nobel, a member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, NSHSS serves more than two million members in over 170 countries. The society connects high-achieving students with unique opportunities in education, leadership, and career development.

The Natchitoches Central High School yearbook staff has been honored for its accomplishments in yearbook design and coverage and recognized by Balfour Yearbooks. The Natchitoches Central High School’s 54th edition of the Chinquapin was designed around the popular streaming app, Netflix, and featured in the 2025 edition of Yearbook Yearbook.

Yearbooks published by Balfour for the 2024 school year were evaluated in one or more of the following areas: theme development, layout design, photo content, secondary packages and cover design. For their outstanding yearbook achievement, Balfour features approximately three percent of yearbook staffs in Yearbook Yearbook. Natchitoches Central High School was featured for all of these areas!

Balfour Yearbooks, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a major publisher of yearbooks nationwide, providing printing services to elementary, middle school, high school and college yearbooks. Every yearbook featured can take pride in knowing their work will be a creative inspiration for student journalists across the country.

Pictured is this year’s yearbook staff from left to right. Kayden Woulfe, Izabella Smith, Balfour representative, Lisa Leopard, Olivia Egans, Layla Conway, Braxton Lambert, yearbook adviser, Eryn Spears, Maggie Jordan, Hailey Dulay, and Principal Micah Coleman. Not pictured: Isabella Stephens.
The yearbook staff members that created the 2024 award winning book were Harley Welling, Harlie Willis, Brayden Campbell, McKenzie Williams, Darlisha Jefferson, Maggie Jordan, Brooke Norsworthy, and Hayden Sellers.

The Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra will open its 60th with a concert titled “Adoration of Mother Nature and the Ascending Strength of the Earth” on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall.

The concert will feature a world premiere of American composer Dosia McKay’s “Earthrise.” Also on the program are works by Beethoven and Telemann. Dr. Douglas Bakenhus is musical director of the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets are$16.50 each and can be purchased online at nnssla.org. There is an added charge for buying tickets online. For more information, email  NSUsymphony@gmail.com.

Support for the orchestra is provided through the Friends of the Symphony. Season ticket packages start at $50 for an individual. Those 65 and older can buy two season tickets for $50. Support at the Patron level is $100 for three season tickets and $250 for four season tickets at the Benefactor level. A Gold Underwriter package is available for $500 which includes four season tickets and a one-eighth page ad in the concert program. For $1,000, Platinum Underwriters receive six season tickets, and a one-quarter
page program ad.

McKay, originally from Poland, composed this powerful work during the pandemic and then the Russian-Ukraine war. Instead of a grim, menacing piece she found herself “…chiseling a sonic space that gradually became more and more hopeful, idealistic and even triumphant. I kept envisioning Earth gathering strength and ultimately rising to overcome the darkness and the evil inflicted on her and her inhabitants.”

McKay composes music for the concert stage, film and modern dance. A versatile sound colorist, McKay in her recent compositions, has been drawn toward vibrant and rich sonic landscapes reflective of her own abstract paintings. Her portfolio includes works for symphony orchestra, chamber ensembles, choir, soloists, as well as electro-acoustic installations.

Notable performers of her work include the New York City Ballet Orchestra, The Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, the Knox-Galesburg Symphony, the North/South Consonance Orchestra of New York, the Polish avant-garde string quartet NeoQuartet, the Polish Orpheus Orchestra, the Asheville chamber music repertory company Pan Harmonia, the S.E.M. Ensemble, Spartanburg Philharmonic String Trio,  Asheville Ballet, baroque lutenist Will Tocaben and Argentine guitar virtuoso Sergio Puccini.

McKay is also a painter concentrating on portraiture and abstract expressionist imagery. She has published a collection of poems, short stories and essays on her blog Music Well. She has also released her debut novel, a psychological thriller, “the Flow.”