Claresse Pugh
March 27, 1980 – May 5, 2024
Service: Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11am at Mary Evergreen Baptist Church – Grand Cane
Alfred Ford
June 11, 1955 – May 6, 2024
Service: Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10am at Zion Hill No.2 Baptist Church – Mansfield
Matt Vines
Two individuals and two relay teams returned to DeSoto Parish with the moniker state champions attached to their name after the LHSAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at LSU this past week.
Logansport’s Jamarcus Jones (100 meters), North DeSoto’s Javonte Taylor (triple jump), the Mansfield girls 4×100 relay and the Logansport 4×200 relay all captured event championships in their respective classes.
The three programs combined for 15 medals.
Mansfield adds pile of medals to its relay title
Mansfield’s LaJordan Boykins edged her opponent at the tape on the anchor leg of the 4×100 relay as the Lady Wolverines (49.43) clocked .06 seconds ahead of Acadiana Renaissance Charter.
Teammates Germanee Robertson, Zakhia Austin and Trinity Ford set Boykins up for the final leg of the Class 2A relay championship.
Mansfield added seven other medals as the boys’ and girls’ programs accounted for more than half of DeSoto Parish’s haul.
The relays were especially good to both the Wolverines and Lady Wolverines.
The girls’ 4×200 (Ty’Aira Ford, LaBrasia Ross, Robertson and Boykins) claimed silver with a 1:46.26.
The boys’ 4×100 (Amoriyan Mayweather, Jaden Youngblood, Jaylyn Howard and Ian White) took home silver with a 43.25.
Both 4×400 relays captured bronze. The girls (Boykins, Austin, Aria Hamilton, Ross) clocked a 4:12.62 with the boys (Patrick Duncan, Youngblood, Mayweather, White) finishing in 3:27.99.
Ross, just a freshman, added a 400 meters bronze with a 59.86.
Boykins found the podium again in the 200, taking bronze with a 25.34 (missed silver by .002 seconds).
The Mansfield boys hurdles were an anticipated medal source, and Ian White claimed bronze in the 300 hurdles (39.38) with teammate Jaden Youngblood finishing fourth (39.59).
Youngblood (14.67) and White (14.69) placed fourth and fifth, respectively, in the 110 hurdles.
Austin added a fourth in the 100 meters (12.72) and fifth in the long jump (16-10.75).
As a team, the Mansfield girls placed fourth with 42 points and the boys seventh with 30 points.
North DeSoto’s Taylor repeats as champion, but different event
Javonte Taylor stood atop the high jump program this past year, but in 2024, he took home the Class 4A triple jump championship.
Taylor leapt 45-6.5 to capture the triple jump crown.
The junior medaled in the high jump again, this time taking bronze with a clearance of 6-4.
North DeSoto claimed two other medals with another handful of performances that finished just off the podium.
Yazmin Furgerson took silver in the discus (115-9).
Dylan Compton broke his own school record and finished third in the 800 meters (1:58.19).
Compton was part of a fourth-place 4×800 relay (8:13.21) that included Lake Bates, Chaz Martinez and Gavin Shirley.
The girls added three fifth-place finishes with Taylor Clark (12.20 in the 100), Macaylah Tingle (2:30.18 in the 800) and Mikayla Mondello (115-1 in the javelin).
As a team, the boys finished eighth with 26 points and the girls 15th with 14 points.
Logansport wins two titles, three medals at state
Logansport was the only DeSoto Parish program to win multiple titles, taking the boys 100 meter and 4×200 relay titles in Class 1A.
Jamarcus Jones won 100 gold with a 10.59, edging out closest competitor by .11 seconds. D’Avery Robinson scored one point with a sixth-place finish, running 11.03.
Logansport captured the 4×200 title by an eyelash as the foursome of Omarius Colbert, Robinson, Kaiton Packett and Jones finished in 1:28.93, just .01 seconds ahead of Southern Lab.
Jones just missed the podium in the 200 meters with a fourth-place finish, clocking a 22.18. Robinson made the final and finished ninth (23.33).
The 4×400 relay took home a bronze with a 3:30.95 run by Packett, Joseph Powell, Colbert and Robinson.
For Breanna James of Stonewall, a desire to serve her country dovetailed with her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Northwestern State University. James will graduate this week with a Bachelor of Science and commission as a 2nd lieutenant through NSU’s ROTC program. She has assessed Adjutant General’s Corps and will continue service in the Louisiana Army National Guard. Her initial assignment will be with the 528th Engineer Battalion in Monroe.
James’ family has a tradition of service in the U.S. Army and Navy.
“My Pawpaw always told me stories growing up of his experiences in the military and of my great grandparents, so I developed a very deep admiration for the men and women who served our country,” she said. “I always felt a strong calling to be a part of something greater than myself and to push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of.”
James graduated from North DeSoto High School in 2019 and enrolled at NSU as a first-generation college student. In 2021, she joined the Louisiana Army National Guard to become a 68W Combat Medic. She is the first woman in her family to serve in the military. She decided to join NSU’s ROTC program as soon as she completed Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
“Before joining ROTC, I had heard multiple accounts of how outstanding the program was at NSU,” she said. “I knew that by joining NSU’s ROTC program, I would have the opportunity to develop into a great leader and achieve my goals of becoming an officer in the United States Army.”
When she was appointed as Cadet Company First Sergeant in the battalion, James led physical training sessions in the morning and formations throughout the week and coordinated with other cadets for the football games we worked during the fall semester. Later, she received more administrative roles where she formulated and sent out weekly training orders and operation orders. She also learned to plan and execute weekly labs and other events, growing her leadership skills.
She participated on teams such as Ranger Challenge, Color Guard and intramurals, as well as RSO events such as parades, paintball, water balloon fights, game and movie nights, potlucks and obstacle courses.
“Although our ultimate goal is to become commissioned officers in the Army, our cadre and other administrators in the program have always ensured that we have an awesome time in ROTC as we develop into leaders. In doing so, we forge bonds through our team-building activities and events that will last a lifetime.”
While at NSU, James’ most notable mentors were the cadre in the ROTC program, LTC Joshua Drake, MSG Michael Blakely, CPT Joseph Davis and Reeves Flurry.
“They have not only developed me as a leader, but they have also guided me in achieving my goals academically, physically and professionally,” James said. “I would not be the leader that I am today without them, so I am very grateful for their direction and support during my last few years in college.”
When James first joined the National Guard, her initial unit assignment was with the 2-108th Cavalry Squadron in Shreveport where she has served over two years.
“I am excited for my assignment with the 528th Engineer Battalion in Monroe. Once I complete the 12-week Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, I will serve as an Adjutant General Officer at my new unit.”
James has been accepted to graduate school at LSU-Shreveport where she will pursue a master’s degree in healthcare administration. She will complete BOLC and drill at her unit as Adjutant General Officer, which is a human resources officer for the U.S. Army.
“With my HR background that I will earn as an officer in the Army and my background in healthcare as a civilian, I would love to eventually advance to working in the HR department in the healthcare industry,” she said.
NSU will hold commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 and at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 9 in Prather Coliseum. The ceremonies will also be streamed online. Details and answers to Frequently Asked Questions are available at www.nsula.edu/graduation. The Commissioning ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 9 in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom.
Information on NSU’s ROTC program can be found at www.nsula.edu/rotc.
Matt Vines
STANLEY – Stanley baseball’s historic season came to end Friday as Quitman used an early surge to snatch an 8-1 win in the Division V Non-Select quarterfinals.
The No. 4 seed Panthers (21-7), who were making their first quarters appearance since 2015 and were looking for their first semifinals trip since 2004, couldn’t dig out of the early hole.
Quitman (17-10) scored four first-inning runs and built an 8-0 lead.
Stanley could have avoided trouble in the first inning after a pair of leadoff singles, but three consecutive errors accounted for the four runs.
Quitman added another pair of runs in the third inning, both coming via error. Stanley committed six errors in total.
All six runs allowed by Stanley starting pitcher Jace Gooden were unearned as he allowed four hits and one walk with five strikeouts in 2 2/3 innings.
Logan Maroney allowed a pair of runs in 4 1/3 relief innings.
Stanley’s only run came in the sixth inning when the Panthers drew four walks, the final one by Gooden, to score a run.
The Quitman starter Logan Ponder issued the first three walks before giving way to Ian Tilley. Ponder allowed just one run on two hits with four walks and four strikeouts.
Stanley couldn’t do further damage against Tilley, who threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings in relief.
A document appeared mysteriously on my desk in the middle of another crazy week. I thought I would share the contents of this document:
“My instructor in Sabbath-keeping was not a professor or a spiritual director, but a foreman at the East Chicago Inland Steel plant named Mike Paddock. His wife was treasurer of the tiny congregation I served as a student pastor, and she wrote my salary check twice a month. Mike would deliver it along with two dozen eggs and a shopping bag full of tomatoes, cucumbers and honey dew melons.
Mike’s seminar on Sabbath-keeping occurred on a summer Saturday morning when he saw my car at the church. “What the hell are you doing here on a Saturday morning?” he asked me. “Well,” I stammered, “I’m here being available to the congregation. I’m pretty much gone all week, at school, so Saturday, I’m here in case anyone needs me.”
“Let me tell you something, Mike said. “Nobody needs you today. If they do, they’ll call you. Nobody wants to see you today. They’re busy. They’ll see you plenty tomorrow. So go home. Cut your grass, wash your car, sit in your yard, and play with your kids. Get outta here.” I did what he said and have tried to abide by it ever since.”
In Practicing Our Faith, Dorothy Bass writes, “Americans need rest, and they need to be reminded that they do not cause the grain to grow and that their greatest fulfillment does not come through the acquisition of material things. Moreover, the planet needs a rest from human plucking and burning and buying and selling.”
In Genesis, God is busy creating for six days and then takes a day off. This is a different kind of God, a God who rests, a God who says, “I’m not going into the office tomorrow. I’ve put in long hours every day all week and tomorrow I’m putting up my feet and enjoying what I’ve accomplished. This is a life changing way of thinking: work is not finished until it is enjoyed in rest. There is a lesson in grace here—the world does not depend of our activity; we do not have sole responsibility for the grain growing, or any responsibility for the sun rising or setting.
Poet Wendell Berry takes a walk every Sunday morning and then goes home and writes a Sabbath poem. In one poem he describes how we ache and sweat in our daily labors:
“and yet no leaf or grain is filled
by work of ours; the field is tilled
and left to grace, that we may reap.
Great work is done while we’re asleep.”
God rested. Do you?
Matt Vines
The North DeSoto baseball playoff run ended in the quarterfinals as the No. 9 seed Griffins fell in two games at No. 1 seed Lutcher.
The Griffins dropped decisions of 5-1 and 10-0 to end their season with a 24-10 record.
The rest of the Division II Non-Select bracket has undergone a degree of turmoil as Lutcher will face No. 12 Iowa in the semifinals with No. 6 North Vermilion and No. 10 Pearl River battling on the other side of the bracket.
North DeSoto was without head coach Bo Odom, who was hospitalized with a ruptured appendix according to a Shreveport Times report. Odom coached through the pain in North DeSoto’s second-round series win against Rayne.
Lutcher 5, North DeSoto 1
The Griffins hung with Lutcher early, answering an early run to tie the game 1-1 in the third inning.
Cole Cory singled in Blake McFerren, who doubled in the previous at-bat and stole third.
But Lutcher took control with four runs in the bottom of the third and never looked back.
A Quinn Smith single and Brock Louque double set the stage for two runs to score on two passed balls for a 3-1 edge.
A bases-loaded walk and fielder’s choice rounded out the scoring for the 5-1 advantage.
North DeSoto pitcher Caleb Roles kept the door open for the Griffins by holding Lutcher to just three hits in six innings, all of which came in the first three innings. But the control issues (four walks) and timely hitting allowed Lutcher to produce its offense.
Lutcher starter Marshall Louque scattered five hits and struck out nine.
Lutcher 10, North DeSoto (five innings)
Lutcher left no doubt as to the outcome of the series with seven runs over the first two innings.
The Bulldogs piled up 12 hits against North DeSoto starter Trysten Hopper and reliever Kaleb Carter in the win.
After two runs in the first inning, Lutcher plated five second-inning runs.
Blake McFerren recorded North DeSoto’s lone hit against Lutcher starter Smith.
Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. was atop Mystic Dan at Churchill Downs, moving in the pack of thoroughbreds, aggressively watching, and with a plan.
The pair was on the inside on the second turn, just sitting there, going with the flow of things, waiting for a spot to open.
It did.
And Mystik Dan shot through it.
He’s not overly anything for a thoroughbred except athletic and smart. And he’s plenty of those.
Suddenly the crease was there and Hernandez and Mystik Dan poured themselves through it, and when they did, things went up a notch at the Shreveport home of Wayne and Kim Smith.
That was only a few days ago — the first Saturday in May, a pretty big day the horse racing world — and the feeling hasn’t left since the moment Kim and Wayne and two other couples, all close friends, saw with their own eyes and hearts that Mystik Dan, a sort of relative to them all, was going to make a legit run for the roses at the Kentucky Derby in Louisville.
Which he did. A photo finish champion. Winner’s Circle. Garland of roses.
Winner winner chicken dinner.
“We’re still on cloud nine at the Smith house,” Wayne said.
“The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” — and counting. Because Saturday, everything came up roses for Smith’s sister Sharilyn and her husband Brent, co-owners with a tiny group of partners of Mystik Dan, the Man and the Dan of the hour.
“Such a neat story,” said big brother Wayne. “(Sharilyn and Brent) own the mom; they bred her four years ago and now here we are, four years later, and they’ve got the winner of the 150th Kentucky Derby. Incredible.
“When I think about Brent and Sharilyn, just how humble they are and how genuine they are … they’re givers and for this to happen for them, it just makes me so proud of them and happy for them. At the end of the day, it couldn’t have happened to a better group (of owners).”
Sharilyn is a Captain Shreve High and Louisiana Tech business graduate (1989), a former Tech College of Business Distinguished Alumna of the Year and a valued member of the Dean’s Advisory Board. Wayne graduated just a few years earlier, and if his name sounds familiar, it’s because he was the Tech Basketball program’s leader in assists for more than 30 years, a four-year starter at point guard on teams that went to a pair of NCAA Tournaments and an NIT.
Those old competitive juices were flowing Saturday when Mystik Dan headed down the stretch, stride for stride with Sierra Leone and Forever Young. It doesn’t matter that the next time Wayne Smith gets on a horse will be the first time: competition is competition.
“Lot of excitement,” he said. “I thought about when we won at Lamar (in 1984) to end their (homecourt) win streak (at 80 straight) and win the (Southland Conference) tournament, and then Reunion Arena (a loss in the Regional Semi-Finals in 1985). I guess for Mystik Dan, it’s like winning the national championship.
“You can only dream of something like this happening, and when it does, you’re grateful knowing it couldn’t have happened to a better team,” he said. “The Smith Family didn’t have a lot when we were growing up; I was born June 29, 1964, and Sharilyn was born June 28, 1968. She was my birthday present back then.”
And now, little sis has given him another present. One that he can’t open, but on that can’t ever be closed, either.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
DeSoto Parish Schools announced Monday that Tamela Phillips has been appointed as the Supervisor of Human Resources.
As an educator for twenty-eight years, spending 16 in the classroom and 12 as an administrator, Mrs. Phillips has enjoyed watching students grow into young adults who move on to college or the workforce. For the last five years, she has served DeSoto Parish as the Principal at North DeSoto High School, where she has thoroughly enjoyed working with the staff and students. Her favorite times in the building are visiting classrooms and witnessing the work done by teachers and students on a daily basis. She has also enjoyed the many hours cheering on the Griffins in many sports and extracurricular events, as they are an important part of high school. Mrs. Phillips is most proud of the work done by students and teachers and the steady growth of NDHS during her tenure, and looks forward to seeing that growth continue in the future.
While Mrs. Phillips loves the students and staff of NDHS and will miss them tremendously, she is excited to step into a new role in DeSoto Parish Schools. “I am excited about the opportunity to work at the district level and strive to support principals with staffing and working to have a positive impact on teacher recruitment, retention, and new teacher support.”
Mrs. Philips will assume the role of Supervisor of Human Resources effective July 1, 2024.
Source: DeSoto Parish School Board Facebook page
I love my dear home of Louisiana and am often proud of it, but never more so than this past week as Governor Jeff Landry, Attorney General Liz Murrill and Louisiana Superintendent of Education, Cade Brumley, announced that the new Biden Title IX rules are unconstitutional, an overreach of federal law and dangerous for biological females. The rule change formalizes the Biden Department of Education’s redefinition of the meaning of “sex” to include “gender identity.”
Attorney General Murrill stated that these new Title IX regulations are intended to “remake American societal norms through the classrooms, lunchrooms, bathrooms, and locker rooms of American schools.”
Louisiana sued the Biden Administration immediately in federal court.
A.G. Murrill recounted the law’s history, stating that Title IX was passed to “prevent and protect against pervasive discrimination against biological women.” After highlighting the heavy-handedness of the new regulations, she clarified the ultimate point: “The term ‘sex’ has always been understood to mean biological sex” but now it has been perversely broadened to include “gender identity.”
The new regulations are benignly entitled “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance.” However, the effects they will have on young females are reckless and dangerous.
As I have noted before, transgender proponents argue that boys who identify as girls actually are girls. No, they’re not. And they are definitely not biologically—males clearly have physical advantages over females—and in physical sports, gender and biology really do matter.
The fact that this has even become a disputed matter is a testament to how unhinged, morally, and ethically, our nation has become. At a time when Americans are frequently told to ‘follow the science’ science is here rejected with the resulting unfairness to female competitors.
This insanity was first advanced in 2022 when President Biden made a striking departure from the previous position on Title IX and issued an order entitled Preventing and Combating Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation. The order states in pertinent part that “[a]ll persons should receive equal treatment under the law without regard to their gender identity or sexual orientation.” This language may sound like it is grounded in a concern for “equality,” but it is not.
Conversely, the Trump Administration specifically reaffirmed the position that public school districts may exclude students from athletic teams based on “gender identity” and could require students to use bathrooms based on biological sex, rather than gender identity.
Again, the real tragedy is that all of the progress of Title IX for females is now threatened by the transgender agenda, which seeks to allow biological males to compete in girl’s and women’s sports.
Let’s also remember that sports and athletics play an integral role in the development of young girls who will be robbed of the opportunity for that growth and development—and athletic scholarships which may be their only chance at college—if forced to compete with biological males.
As tennis great, Martina Navratilova, has said, ““[T]here will always be significant numbers of boys and men who would beat the best girls and women in head-to-head competition. Claims to the contrary are simply a denial of science.”
And let’s not forget that the national Left—as distinguished from the honorable opposition living in Louisiana—constantly screech about “toxic masculinity.” But may I suggest that there is no more damaging and dangerous form of so-called toxic masculinity than transgenderism.
I also note that numerous other states, including Arkansas Governor, Sarah Sanders, joined in the condemnation of the Title IX “revisions,” issuing an executive order directing her state’s schools to defy the Biden Administration’s expansion of Title IX. She asserted her state’s commitment to preserving the traditional understanding of sex as an “immutable characteristic of the human body” firmly “rooted in biology and the created order.” (The Epoch Times, C. Pearson, 5-2-24). Sanders asserts that “government should celebrate, not erase, sex differences by providing proper protections for them.” She concluded that the Biden Administration “has rejected reality and chosen to appease their left-wing base and advance a radical gender ideology over students’ safety and best interests.” (Id.)
Let’s end this gender delusion and confusion.
The 10th Amendment of our U.S. Constitution provides Louisiana with every right to push back against and reject such federal encroachment into these matters of state control, including the intrinsic meaning of gender, biology, health, and life. I am proud our state is doing so.
Royal Alexander
By: Kaylee Nelson
The Logansport Friends of the Library hosted a successful 90+ Celebration on Friday, April 19th, to honor the senior citizens of the community. The event took place in the library’s meeting room, which was adorned with silver swaths, balloons, and a photo booth area. The Friends provided refreshments, including cakes, sandwiches, and other delicious treats.
Over 45 guests were captivated by the humorous speech delivered by Mr. Dean Register, which filled the room with a mix of quiet laughter and guffaws. The joy on the guests’ faces was palpable as they reconnected with long-lost friends and shared stories, making the event a truly heartwarming experience.
The celebration was a tribute to the invaluable contributions of senior citizens who are often forgotten in the community. The Friends of the Library took the initiative to recognize these elders, who always have a good story to tell. Thanks to the Friends’ hard work and dedication, the event was a resounding success.
The 2024 NW Region Master Cattleman Class has come to an end.
The class wrapped up the ten week course with Dr. Ashley Edwards with the LSU AgCenter presenting on Beef Cattle End Product. Dr. Edwards taught the class about quality and yield grades along with how to market beef successfully. She also discussed the differences between inspected and non-inspected beef.
Mr. Loyd Dodson discussed the purpose of the Louisiana Beef Industry Council.
Mr. Justin Morris and Adam Young with Southern Ag Credit talked about their organization and how they can help in agriculture land financing.
Nineteen cattle producers from DeSoto, Caddo, Bossier, Bienville, and Red River parishes along with one producer from Nacogdoches County completed the 10 week course and received their certificate and official gate sign at the conclusion of the class.
A special thanks to all of our participants and speakers for making this class happen. Thank you also to the Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Southern AgCredit, and Mr. Trey Hall with Double Back Catering.
DeSoto Master Cattleman participants:
Submitted by Joshua Salley
“It was finally the weekend. Spring turkey season had arrived and all Neal Windley of Norfolk, Va., wanted to do was get to his farm, change into his camouflage and get into the woods. What he found when he arrived not only put a halt to his weekend of hunting, it also cost him thousands of dollars in repair and prevention.
“Windley’s hunting camp was demolished. Windows were broken, a television and other items were missing and the once clean and comfortable house had been turned into a disaster area. Sadly, that was not the first time this had happened. Vandals had trashed his camp two other times. Sweeping up glass and filling out police reports were not what he had in mind when he and a good friend originally bought the land in the early 1990s.”
The above report was part of a news release I received from the National Wild Turkey Federation. The report from the NWTF gives sobering evidence that all too often, hunters head for camp after a long hiatus to find just what Neal Windley found.
The first thing I did after reading the NWTF press release was call a fellow club member to see if he’s checked on our camp lately. He no doubt heard my sigh of relief when he reported he was there this past weekend, and everything was as we had left it.
The second thing I did was call the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s office to talk with Steve Rogers who was investigator at the time to see if there have been incidences of hunting camp vandalism and/or theft recently.
“It happens here from time to time. It seems that things will be quiet and then we’ll get three or four reports in a week. It’s like a rash; it spreads when it breaks out,” said Rogers. There are several things hunting camp owners can do during the off-season to keep criminals from trashing or stealing from your hunting camp, according to Rogers.
“First, if your camp has a locked gate, be sure to keep the gate locked. This won’t necessarily prevent theft but it makes it harder for thieves to cart off large items.
“Another important thing is don’t leave valuable items, such as 4-wheelers, guns, cookers, lanterns, etc. at the camp. Take them home for the off-season.
“I’d also suggest that you or somebody in your hunting club check on your camp regularly. Also, you might get a neighbor who lives near the camp and who you trust to keep an eye out for what may be going on when you’re not there. One of the problems we have,” Rogers noted, “is that we’ll get a report in the fall when hunters arrive at the camp and it may have been broken into in late spring.
“Make an inventory of everything of value in your camp, just like you should be doing in your home. Write down serial numbers, description of each item, and where practical, put some identifying mark on the item in a concealed area so thieves won’t be as likely to find and remove it. I’d also suggest taking photos of valuable items to aid in identifying them should they be stolen,” said Rogers.
Some other suggestions offered by the NWTF is to make the local authorities aware that the camp will be unoccupied for a designated period of time. Another suggestion is to leave keys to your property’s gates with someone in authority to help them watch your place while you are away. Make sure you have insurance and make sure it includes boats, ATVs or any item that may not be covered under a standard homeowner’s or renter’s policy.
Put identifying marks or recognizable numbers on tree stands and blinds. This can help law enforcement agents identify these items in the field if they are stolen. Follow these suggestions and you stand a better chance of finding your hunting camp this fall just as you left it…..except of course for dirt dobber nests and a mouse or two.
Greetings, valued library patrons and friends! As the director of DeSoto Parish Library, I’m thrilled to share some exciting developments and upcoming events with you. Our library continues to grow as a vibrant hub for learning, creativity, and community interaction. The mission of the library is simple: we are a service institution which seeks to inform, educate, entertain and culturally enrich the lives of all people, from early childhood to senior citizens, through the use of books and other materials, technological innovations, facilities and professional services.
We meet that mission by provides a collection of over 100,000 books, magazines, audios and videos. That number does not count the thousands of items available through our online collections provided through Hoopla and Overdrive. Readers can find best-selling fiction as well as the classics. A variety of nonfiction books are also available ranging from history, current events, travel and biography to science, religion, languages, the arts, hobbies and self-help. The Young Adult Collection focuses on the interests of junior and senior high school students with popular fiction, college and career information, and books on their
favorite subjects and current interests. Younger readers can select from a wonderful selection of materials in the Children’s Collection — board books for babies, picture books, classics, and a non-fiction collection providing information on special interests and school-related topics.
Every day we are adding a diverse range of new books, audiobooks, and e-books to our collection. Whether you’re into mystery, romance, history, or science fiction, there’s something for everyone. If you cannot find the item you are looking, let ANY of our staff know and we will make every effort to obtain the item.
Our library is more than just a place to borrow books; it’s a community center where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together. We’re committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. Our staff is always here to help you find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a book recommendation, research assistance, or simply a quiet place to read.
As we enter this new season, I want to thank each of you for your continued support. The success of our library depends on the wonderful people who use our services and contribute to our community. I look forward to seeing you at the library and at our upcoming events. If you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas for improving our library, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to serve you, and your feedback is invaluable to us.
Happy reading!
Sincerely,
Delbert R. Terry
Library Director
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Doyle, Lareginald
B M 39
Fugitive Warrant/arrest
Bossier City
Wayne, Shretha Shrell
B F 40
Fugitive Warrant
Logansport
Sanders, Kailey
B F 26
Entry on or Remaining in places or land after being forbidden
Warrant Desoto Parish
Mansfield
Weathers, Laura Louise
W F 48
Fugitive Warrant
Attempted Aggravated Battery
Mansfield
Brown, Cornelius T
B M 43
Warrant Desoto Parish
Mansfield
Daughtry, Slyvester
B M 45
Manufacture/Distribution of CDSII
Possession of CDSII
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Shreveport
West, Chad Quintin
W M 44
Driving Roadway Lane Traffic
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of CDS II
Shreveport
Brown, Carl Wayne
B M 63
Driving Roadway Lane Traffic
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of CDS II
Crawford, Ragan Daniel
Simple Criminal Damage
False swearing for purpose of violating public health or safety
Pleasant Hill
Reed, Alijah Richard
B M 22
Domestic Abuse Battery-Child endangerment
Shreveport
Robertson, Tracy
B M 53
Theft of Livestock
Mansfield
Ebey, Casey B
W M 42
Battery of dating partner
Stalking
Keithville
Waddle, Skylar Wayne
W M 18
Simple Criminal Damage to Property
Pleasant
Rivers, Chad W
W M 49
Fugitive Warrant
Zwolle
Whitaker, Demetria Diona
B F 30
Warrant Desoto Parish
Mansfield
Jackson, Robert Wayne
W M 43
Warrant Desoto Parish
Logansport
Turner, Christian
B M 28
Possession of CDS II
Speeding
Warrant Desoto Parish
Mansfield
Flowers, Malcolm Jamal
B M 35
Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon
Obstruction of Justice
Mansfield
Doran, Jamie Lynn
W F 35
False Swearing for purpose of violating public health or safety
Gloster
Thomas, Shermaine Perez
B M 21
Fugitive Warrant
Shreveport
Sanders, Dominique
B M 35
Disturbing the Peace
Mansfield
Sepulvado, Mikkah
W M 33
Driving under suspension
Careless operation
Zwolle
Abraham, Jermarkis Rashad
B M 20
Driver not licensed
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Mansfield
Richardson, Cordero
B M 36
Aggravated Battery
Mansfield
Goss, Horrace
B M 50
Operating vehicle while intoxicated Third Offense
Driving roadway lane traffic
Off-Road Vehicles
Mansfield
Any high school students looking for a summer job? A local cattle ranch is looking for help this summer with mowing, weedeating, mending fences and tractor work. Must be able to provide own transportation and be willing to work. If interested contact Josh Salley at the 4-H office. 318.872.0533 or jsalley@agcenter.lsu.edu
All locations of the DeSoto Parish Library are gearing up to kickoff their Summer Reading Program.
Stonewall Library will hold theirs on Wednesday, May 29 at 10am. Pelican’s will be on Thursday, May 30 at 1pm, followed by Logansport and Mansfield hosting theirs at 2pm. Lots of fun activities are planned. Contact your local branch for more information.
Two sessions of a driver education course will be offered through Northwestern State University’s Office
of Electronic and Continuing Education in June and July. The first session will be taught on June 3-6. The deadline to register is May 17. A mandatory parent meeting will be on May 21 at 6 p.m. in South Hall on the NSU campus. The second session will be held on July 8-11. The deadline to register is June 21. A mandatory parent meeting will be on June 25 at 6 p.m. in South Hall on the NSU campus. This course will consist of 30 hours of classroom instruction and at least 8 hours of practice driving (behind-the-wheel instruction). Participants will receive a certificate verifying successful completion of the course. Proof of age must be supplied for those taking the course. They must be 15 years old on or before April 2 to
be eligible to enroll in this class. For more information or to register for NSU non-credit programs, go to
checkout.nsula.edu or call (800) 376-2422 or (318) 357-6355.
In remembrance and honor of those who served, all locations of the DeSoto Parish Library will be closed Memorial Day, Monday, May 27.
Earl Wayne Spano
September 7, 1961 — May 4, 2024
Service: Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 10am at St. Joseph Catholic Church – Mansfield
Michael “Mario” Chamberlin
September 14, 1958 — May 4, 2024
Service: Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 10am at St. Joseph Catholic Church – Mansfield
Denver Leon Ebert
December 25, 1935 — May 4, 2024
Service: Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 11am at Frierson Baptist Church – Frierson
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury will hold their regular meeting Monday, May 6 beginning at 5pm. The meeting will be held in the Police Jury Meeting room.
ADMINISTRATIVE
1. Adopt the 2024-2025 Operating Budget for the DeSoto Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission
2. Authorize the President to a sign Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Village of South Mansfield for reflective stop signs and a chlorine shack for the Sewage System (TS ARPA Funds)
3. Authorize the President to sign the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
BUDGET AND FINANCE
1. Authorize the purchase of constructing an new compactor site in the Town of Stonewall.
2. Authorize hiring the services of a dietician as required by Department of Corrections and amend the budget in the amount of $17,500.
BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES
1. Amend the Jail Budget Capital for the upgrade of cameras at the Detention Center in the amount of $97,000 (State Contract)
2. Update on the DeSoto Parish Media Center
3. Discuss and take action on purchasing the property located next to the Registrar’s Office for the appraised value
PARKS AND RECREATIONAL
1. Discuss plans on developing a Sports Complex at the Industrial Park (Airport)
POLICY AND PROCEDURES
1. Update the Policy for Holiday Schedule
ROAD
1. Authorize Road Department to do install and repair the driveway at Water Moccasin Outdoors off
Hwy 171
2. Authorize the President to sign a Resolution to declare certain moveable property surplus to be included in the June 1, 2024 auction. (Old Pipes and culverts at the Road Department)
3. Authorize the process of closing/abandon Bice Road
4. Authorize the President to sign a Resolution accepting ownership of whatever rights the State of Louisiana, through the Department of Transportation and Development, may own, with the exception of any and all mineral rights, in and to the following described property and agrees to accept all future rights, obligations and liabilities, including, but not limited to, all future operation, maintenance, and repairs associated therewith, for its operation and maintenance as a parish road (Park Road)
5. Approve the E911 naming of Gin Lot Private Lane off of Hwy 5 in Grand Cane.
INSURANCE
1. Accept the proposal for Self Insured, authorizing the finance department to set up a trust bank account and trust fund per proposal requirements and authorize the Jury to assess a management fee for entities under the DPPJ Health Insurance umbrella
ZONING
1. Discuss and take action regarding zoning
NEW BUSINESS
1. Recommends authorizing the President to sign a Resolution to declare certain moveable property surplus to be included in the June 1, 2024 auction. (Old Pipes and culverts at the Road Department)
2. Recommends accepting the proposal for Self Insured, authorizing the finance department to set up a trust bank account and trust fund per proposal requirements and authorize the Jury to assess a management fee for entities under the DPPJ Health Insurance umbrella
The KTAL NBC 6 News Team is hosting their annual Salute the Badge Banquet on May 7 at Bally’s in Shreveport. This year they have chosen DeSoto Deputy Nolan Perot to honor for his outstanding commitment to community service.
“This is the type of Community Policing we just love to see.” said the news team as one of the reasons Deputy Perot was selected to be honored for the 2024 Banquet.
The program was created to honor law enforcers, firefighters and E-M-Ts from all throughout the
Ark-la-tex for the good they do that the public doesn’t often hear about.
DPJ congratulates Deputy Perot for a job well done!
Source: DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Facebook page
Matt Vines
The #FightForFour ended Saturday as the North DeSoto softball team couldn’t win its fourth straight state championship as No. 2 seed Lutcher pieced together big innings to deal the No. 1 Lady Griffins a 9-4 loss Saturday.
But coach Tim Whitman had a simple message for his team that won 30 games this season and was nationally ranked – the last one won’t define a season or a career.
The seven seniors were key to four straight title game appearances, three championships and a 131-17 overall record.
North DeSoto has made it look almost easy as no current player had ended a North DeSoto season without a ring on their finger heading into Saturday’s championship game.
“The expectations have been and will always be playing for a state championship,” Whitman wrote in a Facebook post. “This group has made that seem easy over the last four years, when as we have seen this year, it’s not easy.
“I still hurt mainly for these kids … But this senior class leaves as one of the most decorated of all time. Hopefully we’ve taught them bigger lessons than just winning and losing — like how to work hard, how to set goals and go after them.”
Lutcher 9, North DeSoto 4
North DeSoto made some early noise on the base paths while pitcher Laney Johnson basically shut Lutcher down for the first three innings.
But one swing of the bat in the fourth inning changed the entire complexion of the game.
After collecting a single and a pair of walks, Lutcher’s Blaire Clement hit a grand slam to highlight a five-run fourth inning and break the scoreless tie.
North DeSoto responded with two runs in the bottom of the fourth starting with a Peyton Miller solo home run, the Lady Griffins only long ball of the day.
Maddie Stringer scored on one of three Lutcher errors to cut the deficit to 5-2.
The Lady Griffins scored on another error when Sasha Falls crossed the plate, tightening the score to 5-3 in the fifth inning.
But Lutcher added two runs each in the sixth and seventh innings to create enough distance from the powerful North DeSoto bats.
Clement hit her second home run of the day to start the sixth inning before another run scored on a wild pitch to widen the lead to 7-3 and end Johnson’s day.
The North DeSoto ace allowed seven runs (five earned) on seven hits and three walks with five strikeouts.
As a pitcher, Clement mostly stayed on the right side of the fence just the one earned run (four total) on seven hits and one walk with eight strikeouts.
Raegan Henderson scored North DeSoto’s final run on an error after a Peyton Miller single, but Miller was thrown out at second base to end the game.
Miller (2-for-4) and Johnson (2-for-3) recorded multiple hits for North DeSoto.
North DeSoto 11, North Vermilion 1 (5)
The Lady Griffins blitzed North Vermilion with a four-run third inning and a six-run fifth inning to run away with the semifinals win.
North DeSoto got runs from across the lineup as leadoff Mia Norwood and nine-hole hitter Sasha Falls each recorded a team-high two RBIs.
Seven different players recorded North DeSoto’s 10 hits with Raegan Henderson (2-for-3), Peyton Miller (2-for-4) and Laney Johnson (2-for-3) leading the way.
Johnson allowed just one hit and one walk with her one unearned run in five innings.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2024
SHREVEPORT – Brian Crawford described himself as a hyperactive child that struggled in school to the point where high school graduation wasn’t a given.
Crawford did find that educational focus when he attended college for the first time at age 32, earning four college degrees along with a number of certifications.
Now a senior vice president at Willis Knighton, he’s challenged himself in a number of careers that included being a paramedic, the Shreveport Fire Department Chief, and the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Shreveport in addition to a variety of volunteer service opportunities.
Crawford will share nuggets of his journey as part of the commencement message at LSUS’s graduation on May 10 at Brookshire Grocery Arena.
“I learned through college that you didn’t have to be the smartest person to begin and later excel at higher education – you just needed to be determined, self-disciplined and to make learning a priority,” said Crawford, an LSUS alumnus. “Each degree and work experience (good and bad), like investments, compounds over time and becomes a greater and greater asset of knowledge from which to draw, regardless of what job you’re performing.”
Crawford excelled in his emergency medical service roles with his “perfectionist personality,” but then Shreveport Fire EMS Chief Richard Lazurus encouraged Crawford to pursue a college degree.
“He also said I needed to have a combination of different work-related knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as an advanced education if I ever wanted to become the fire chief,” Crawford said. “I didn’t understand it at the time, but (Lazarus), and later fire chief Kelvin Cochran and Tom Dark (current Shreveport Chief Administrative Officer) would change my life over the next 10 years.
“They guided and pushed me into other city roles, taught me about municipal finance, budgets and strategic planning. My personality also needed to soften and integrate more compassion and empathy in my leadership style and decision making.”
Crawford also took Lazarus’ advice of diverse work experience to heart, becoming Shreveport’s Fire Chief before moving into general city administration.
But his professional roots were in patient care from his days as a ground and flight paramedic, so when the opportunity surfaced to serve in the Willis Knighton administration, Crawford didn’t hesitate in 2018.
“I had partnered with Willis Knighton throughout my time as (fire chief and chief administration officer) to improve emergency and patient care initiatives in the community,” said Crawford, who uses his community relationships in Strategic Partnerships, External Affairs and Community Engagement duties. “That, coupled with my work there as a flight medic, allowed me to become familiar with senior leadership.
“Believing in this mission and getting to work with an incredibly talented and dedicated group of individuals throughout the organization seemed like a perfect fit when I left public service.
Already carrying three college degrees when he began with Willis Knighton, Crawford needed more formal education to overcome a learning curve in a new administrative career. He pursued his Master of Health Administration at LSUS.
The 2021 graduate said it’s been a keen investment of time and energy.
“From the time I enrolled at LSUS in 2019 through today, there has honestly not been a day that I haven’t used my MHA degree to help me better serve our patients, residents, employees, partners and community,” said Crawford, who also has an organizational management degree from Wiley University and an industrial psychology masters degree from Louisiana Tech University. “The knowledge I gained from the LSUS MHA program has been a game-changing difference maker in my ability to navigate the sometimes complex healthcare industry.”
It’s not just through his formal roles that Crawford has cared for, and about, his community. He’s a board member for the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, the Providence House, Volunteers for Youth Justice, and the Independence Bowl Foundation.
He also serves on the national Department of Commerce NTIA’s First Responder Network Authority Board of Directors and is a past vice chair of the Louisiana State Police Commission.
The son of a Barksdale Air Force airman, Crawford relocated back to Shreveport-Bossier after living in California, Japan, Delaware, and Virginia.
“Regardless of where we lived, there was one place we always called home – Shreveport-Bossier,” Crawford said. “We moved home and ever since believed it is the best place to live and raise a family.
“There are beautiful, caring and incredibly unselfish people throughout this region, and they are in every neighborhood where they work, raise families, worship, play, give, and live their best lives. That’s why Willis Knighton continues to work every day to improve the health, lives, and welfare of the people in this community.”
In a world filled with distractions and noise, the simple act of picking up a book holds remarkable power. As we celebrate the arrival of spring, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the profound impact that reading can have on our lives.
Books offer us a ticket to adventure, allowing us to escape the confines of our daily routines and immerse ourselves in new worlds. Whether exploring distant galaxies, delving into the past, or experiencing the magic of fictional realms, books have the extraordinary ability to transport us beyond the con fines of our reality.
One of the most remarkable aspects of reading is its capacity to foster empathy and understanding. As we delve into characters’ lives from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we gain valuable insights into the human experience. Through literature, we walk in the shoes of others, broadening our horizons and cultivating compassion for those whose lives may differ from our own.
Books are a treasure trove of knowledge, offering endless opportunities for learning and growth. Whether you’re exploring a new subject, honing a skill, or seeking inspiration, there is a book waiting to guide you on your journey. From non-fiction titles that expand our understanding of the world to fiction al narratives that spark our imagination, each page turned brings us closer to personal enlightenment.
In an increasingly digital world, books remain a source of connection and community. Whether discussing your favorite novels with fellow book club members or bonding with family over bedtime stories, books uniquely bring people together. Libraries serve as hubs of community engagement, providing a space where individuals from all walks of life can come together to share their love of reading.
As we embrace the arrival of spring, let us recommit ourselves to the joy of reading. Whether you’re rediscovering an old favorite or diving into a new literary adventure, let each page turn be a reminder of the transformative power of books. So, pick up a book, lose yourself in its pages, and discover the magic that lies within.
Happy reading!
Warm regards,
Delbert Terry
Library Director
Source: DeSoto Parish Library Newsletter
Matt Vines
North DeSoto boys tennis player Colt McFerren qualified for the state tournament in the first year of the program.
McFerren drew a first-round match with Teurlings Catholic’s Drew Theriot, falling 6-3, 6-0, in Monroe.
He punched his ticket to the state tournament by finishing as a quarterfinalist in the Division II Region I tournament.
Colt was the only male on the North DeSoto team, which featured five female players.
Three fishing tandems qualify for Northwest LA Championships
Three North DeSoto fishing pairs finished in the top 50 of the Northwest Louisiana High School Fishing League standings to qualify for the organization’s championships.
B.T. McMillian and Conner Roberts finished 15th in the Angler of the Year standings, with Grayson Rayford/Tripp Rogers (21st) and Nicholas Hunt/Colton Moore (27th) finishing near or above the middle of the qualifying pack.
The championships are May 18-19.
Each tandem fished four events in the league season.
The final event was this past weekend on Lake O’ The Pines.
Hunt/Moore were the top North DeSoto pair with a 33rd-place finish in the 67-angler field.
They bagged five fish weighing 9.16 pounds.
McMillian/Roberts took 40th with 7.90 pounds on three fish, with Rayford/Rogers placing 56th with a 3.26 weight on two fish, which included a one-pound penalty.
Reeve learned as a child how to survive. When he was a child, his parents recognized that there was something different about Reeve. He was highly intelligent but struggled with social interactions. He was unable to make friends, failed to understand social cues, became lost in his own thoughts, became obsessed with certain interests, and was unable to understand empathy. During conversations, Reeve would often stop mid-sentence and get a glazed look. He would pause, sometime for minutes, while his thoughts were processing. Sometimes he would continue the sentence where he left off as if nothing had happened. Other times, he would simply walk away. Reeve, the smallest child in his elementary class, was constantly targeted by bullies who enjoyed punching him in the face. As an adult, Reeve said, “If you have never been punched in the nose, you have no idea how it affects you the rest of your life.”
His mother thought he was a genius, but his father saw his awkwardness as a weakness. Reeve’s father often used physical and mental torture against him. Reeve’s father constantly berated Reeve and called him useless, an idiot, and, one that stuck more than the others, stupid. Although never officially diagnosed, Reeve was born with a neurodevelopmental disorder known as Asperger Syndrome. On the autism spectrum, someone with Asperger’s Syndrome is considered “high functioning.” Reeve’s father thought Reeve just needed toughening up.
When he was twelve years old, Reeve’s father sent him to a wilderness survival camp. At camp, counselors gave the children a small ration of food and water. The children were allowed, then encouraged, to fight the other children for their rations. The bigger, stronger kids thrived after beating up and stealing the food and water from the weaker ones. Reeve, small and socially awkward, was one of the weaker ones. At the end of the first week, the boys were divided into two groups and ordered to attack. The stronger team took the food and water from the weaker team. The children on both teams were left battered and bleeding. Every few years, a child died during the wilderness survival camp. Rather than altering the mission of the wilderness survival camp for safety, the counselors used the deaths as warnings. “Don’t be stupid like that dumb [expletive] who died last year,” they would say, “Don’t be the weak dumb [expletive].” When Reeve returned home from camp, he had lost ten pounds.
In college, Reeve still struggled to make friends, but he used his ability to concentrate for long periods of time to his advantage. He wrote a business plan for an electronic book service similar to the e-books many of us now read. Following college, Reeve, along with his brother and another student, founded a company that became known as Zip2 whose product was internet-based city guides with maps and directions. Most of us use this technology on our mobile phones to get directions. In February 1999, the founders sold Zip2 and Reeve received $22 million. In the following month, Reeve co-founded an online banking service and email payment company now called PayPal. Three years later, the founders sold PayPal to eBay for $1.5 billion in stock, and Reeve received $175.8 million. From there, Reeve cofounded two other companies which have become successful.
Despite what his father thought, Reeve was not worthless. He certainly was not stupid. Reeve still struggles with social interactions and refers to ideas that he disagrees with, even some of the ideas of his own employees, as stupid. “Adversity shaped me,” he claims. Reeve said the time at the wilderness survival camp taught him some necessary skills which have helped him run SpaceX and Tesla. Reeve is the middle name of Elon Musk.
Source: Walter Isaacson, Elon Musk, (New York, New York, Simon and Schuster, 2023).
(SHREVEPORT, Louisiana) – May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and CHRISTUS Cancer Center is hosting its 33rd annual skin cancer screening event in partnership with Dermatology & Skin Surgery on May 14.
The free event is set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the CHRISTUS Cancer Center at Highland Medical Center, 1453 E. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop. Appointments are limited. Individuals can preregister by calling (318) 681-6231.
The event provides an opportunity to be screened by a physician who can answer questions about irregular shaped moles, dark skin spots or areas that could become problematic. The screening takes just a few minutes with results immediately available.
“Skin cancer concerns can come with some scary sounding diagnoses like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma,” CHRISTUS Oncology Medical Director Dr. Scott Boniol said. “But we are willing and able to offer support from diagnosis to treatment and long-term follow up.”
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. It is estimated that 8,290 people will die from melanoma, the deadliest type, in 2024.
Sherry Shephard
Public Relations Specialist
CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier
C: (318) 230-1820
sherry.shephard@christushealth.org
Northwestern State University’s Department of Military Science, LTC Joshua Drake and senior military faculty hosted the Spring 2024 awards program April 25 to honor Reserve Officers’ Training Corp cadets for academic, military and leadership achievements. ROTC’s mission is to recruit, educate, develop and inspire cadets with a focus on academics. Information on NSU’s Department of Military Science and the ROTC program is available at https://www.nsula.edu/rotc/.
The awards program provided a forum to recognize graduating seniors.
Cadet Peyton Bordelon of Alexandria will graduate and commission with a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and a minor in military leadership. Working to become a Medevac pilot and flight officer, he will train to fly the UH-60 Black Hawk as an Army aviator in the Louisiana Army National Guard.
Cadet Jatwon Burkes will graduate with a Bachelor of General Studies degree with double minors in military leadership and social science. He serves with 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment at Fort Johnson.
Cadet Loren Higginbotham of Jennings will graduate and commission with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major concentration in marketing and a minor in military science. He has assessed Infantry and will serve on active duty, U.S. Army.
Cadet Breanna James of Stonewall will graduate and commission with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She has assessed Adjutant General’s Corps and will continue service in the Louisiana Army National Guard. Her initial assignment will be with the 528th Engineer Battalion in Monroe.
Cadet Andrew Wesley of Shreveport will graduate and commission with a Bachelor of General Studies with a major concentration in computer and natural science and a minor in military leadership. He has assessed Chemical Corps with the U.S. Army and will serve on active duty. His initial assignment is with the 3-2 General Support Aviation Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade “Talon,” 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Humphreys, South Korea.
During the awards program, Cadet Ariel Rhodes of Shreveport took the Oath of Enlistment, administered by LTC Joshua Drake. By choosing to contract, Rhodes demonstrates physical fitness, academic excellence, and the desire to serve in the U.S. Army.
Cadet awards are as follows.
Cadet Jan Amutan of Bossier City – President’s List (4.0 GPA), ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, PMS Commendation Medal, Knights of Columbus Award,
Cadet Peyton Bordelon – Dean’s List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, Silver Medal Athlete, Color Guard Certificate, Leadership Excellence Award
Cadet Brendan Campbell of Pearland, Texas – President’s List (4.0 GPA), ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, PMS Commendation Medal, Top MS III Cadet/Superior Cadet Award, Award of the Military Officers Association of America, Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate, Make Yourself at Home Award, Harris Family Scholarship
Cadet Kyra Cole of DeRidder – Veterans of Foreign Wars Award, ROTC Honors, Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate
Cadet Miguel Flores of Ball – Dean’s List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, Gold Medal Athlete, Recruiting Certificate
Cadet Megan Franchino of Santa Rita, Guam – PMS Athletic Award, Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War Award, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence, Cadet Honors, Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate, Leadership Excellence Award, RSO Public Relations Officer
Cadet Todd Gladish of Willis, Texas – Dean’s List ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, PMS Commendation Medal, PMS Achievement Medal, Silver Medal Athlete, Military Order of the Purple Heart Leadership Award, Color Guard Award, Recruiting Certificate
Cadet Loren Higginbotham – Top MS IV Cadet/Superior Cadet Award, American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award, ROTC Honors, Major General Erbon Wise Touchstone Award, Recruiting Certificate, Happy Camper Award
Cadet Christian Holmes of Shreveport – National Sojourners Award, Recruiting Certificate, Leadership Excellence Award
Cadet Camryn Huff of Leesville – Dean’s List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, PMS Commendation Medal, PMS Recruiting Award, PMS PT Attendance Award, Lion’s Club Award, Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate, Outstanding Service Award/RSO Vice President, Leadership Excellence Award, Helping Hand Award
Cadet Breanna James – Dean’s List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence, AUSA Military History Award, Recruiting Certificate
Cadet Jaylon James of Stonewall – Dean’s List, Bronze Medal Athlete, American Legion Military Excellence Award, Recruiting Certificate
Cadet TaLayja Jefferson of Natchitoches – Cadet Scholar, Recruiting Certificate, Ground Assault Award
Cadet Angelina Jones of Lafayette – Dean’s List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate
Cadet Ethan Jones of Montgomery – ROTC Honors, Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate
Cadet Grace Kerney of Barksdale AFB – President’s List (4.0 GPA), ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, PMS Commendation Medal, PMS PT Attendance Award, Military order of Foreign Wars Award, Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate, Outstanding Service Award/RSO Secretary, Leadership Excellence Award, Airborne Cadet Award
Cadet Demarkus Lawson of Fort Johnson – President’s List (4.0 GPA), ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, Military Order of the World Wars, Recruiting Certificate, Nellie Marshall D’Ray Educational Scholarship
Cadet Jemena Leopoldo-Hodge of Vivian – Society of the War of 1812 Award, ROTC Honors, Cadet Scholar, Recruiting Certificate
Cadet Caiden Matthews of Shreveport – Dean’s List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, PMS PT Attendance Award, AUSA-ROTC Award, Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate, Leadership Excellence Award, Heroes of the Battlefield Honor
Cadet Miriam McDaniel of Natchez – ROTC Honors, Recruiting Certificate
Cadet Jacob Mullican of DeRidder – Dean’s List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, PMS Commendation Medal, PMS PT Attendance Award, Silver Medal Athlete, Top MS I Cadet/Superior Cadet Award, AMVETS – ROTC Award, Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate, Leadership Excellence Award, Heroes of the Battlefield Honor, RSO Representative, PT Stud Award, Ruck Yea Award
Cadet Kaleb Prince of Zwolle – Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate, Lost and Found Award
Cadet Ariel Rhodes – Silver Medal Athlete, Cadet Honors, Military Order of the World Wars, Recruiting Certificate, Leadership Excellence Award
Cadet Jackson Sabbides of Pineville – Sons of the American Revolution Award, ROTC Honors, Color Guard Certificate
Cadet James Shelton of Lafayette – Cadet Honors
Cadet Molly Stelly of Lafayette – ROTC Honors, Military Order of the World Wars, Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate
Cadet Devonte Tanner of Leesville – Dean’s List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, USAA Spirit Award, Joker Award
Cadet Layla Theriot of Gheens – Dean’s List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, PMS Commendation Medal, PMS PT Attendance Award, Sergeant York Award, Top MS II Cadet/Superior Cadet Award, Daughters of the American Revolution Award, Color Guard Certificate, Outstanding Service Award/RSO President, Leadership Excellence Award, Heroes of the Battlefield Honor, Nike Award, Jeanice Leadership and Excellence Scholarship
Cadet Hannah Tingle of Natchitoches – ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence
Cadet Lawson Turner of Haughton – Dean’s List, ROTC Honors, PMS Scholastic Excellence Award, Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry ROTC Award, Cadet Recruiting Award, Leadership Excellence Award
Cadet Andrew Wesley – PMS Academic Award, PMS Commendation Medal, Bronze Medal Athlete, Reserve Officers Association Award, Cadet Honors, Recruiting Certificate, Leadership Excellence Award, Andrea Rene Cespedes “Above the Best” Scholarship
Cadet Jeremy Wade of Shreveport – ROTC Honors, I’m Here Award
Cadet Colton Wood of Ragley — PMS Commendation Medal, PMS PT Attendance Award, Color Guard Certificate, Recruiting Certificate, Outstanding Service Award/RSO Treasurer, Leadership Excellence Award, Heroes of the Battlefield Honor, GPS Award, Malcolm Daisy Scholarship
Cadet leadership for the Fall 2024-Spring 2025 academic year will be as follows.
The incoming Battalion Commander will be Cadet LTC Caiden Matthews.
The Executive Officer will be Cadet MAJ Jan Amutan.
The Command Sergeant Major will be CDT CSM Jaylon James.
Cadet CPT Brendan Campbell will be the Administrative Officer.
Cadet CPT Christian Holmes will be the Recruiting Officer.
The Operations officer will be Cadet MAJ Damarkus Lawson, assisted by Cadet 1LT Todd Gladish.
Cadet CPT Jemena Leopoldo-Hodge will serve as the Communications Officer.
The Physical Training Officer will be Cadet CPT Lawson Turner.
The Color Sergeant will be Cadet 1LT Todd Gladish.
Cadet CPT Ethan Jones will be the Company Commander and the Battalion Logistics Officer.
Cadet Layla Theriot will serve as the Company First Sergeant.
Platoon Sergeant of First Platoon is CDT Sergeant First Class Jacob Mullican.
Squad Leader, First Squad, is CDT Staff Sergeant Grace Kerney
Squad Leader, Second Squad, is CDT Staff Sergeant Kyra Cole
Squad Leader, Third Squad, is CDT Staff Sergeant Molly Stelly
Platoon Sergeant of Second Platoon is CDT Sergeant First Class Camryn Huff.
Squad Leader, First Squad, is CDT Staff Sergeant Colton Wood
Squad Leader, Second Squad, is CDT Staff Sergeant Megan Franchino
Squad Leader, Third Squad, is CDT Staff Sergeant Ariel Rhodes