For the first time in the 133rd history of the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Ca., Louisiana will be prominently featured with a stunning float of its own.

The float will depict the spirit of the Bayou State showcasing moss-draped cypress trees, a Cajun fisherman in a pirogue, sculptured magnolias, pelicans, crawfish, crabs, and powdered sugar covered beignets.

An iconic wrought-iron balcony and French Quarter-style lamp posts will also be highlighted on the Louisiana Tourism float. American Idol winner and Louisiana music ambassador Laine Hardy and the Hot 8 Brass Band will perform mid-parade on a stage in front of the Louisiana tourism logo “Feed Your Soul.”

The Rose Parade® will be broadcast on New Year’s Day to 37 million viewers across the world. The television event will air live in the Caribbean, Latin America, Armenia and on the Armed Forces Network.

NATCHITOCHES:
Roy Cagle, Sr.
December 3, 1941 – December 21, 2021
Service: Tuesday, December 28 at 2 pm at Jennings Chapel Congregational Methodist Church in Marthaville

Dr. Susan Dollar
December 19, 1959 – December 20,  2021
Arrangements TBA

Charles Dwight Vienne, Sr.
March 29, 1939 – December 19, 2021
Service: Thursday, December 23 at 11 am at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

WINN:
Vikkie Lynn (VanHoozen) LaFollette
January 25, 1967 – December 19, 2021
Service: Wednesday, December 22 at 11 am in the Chapel of Kinner & Stevens Funeral Home

Carolyn Kay Kerry
January 6, 1950 – December 18, 2021
Service: Wednesday December 22 at 2 pm at The Family Church in Winnfield

In 2012, the Louisiana Legislative Session enacted The Early Childhood Education Act  that began a uniform accountability system for publicly funded early childhood  programs. With this system, Louisiana early childhood programs are rated on a scale  from 1-7. The rating categories are 7.00-6.00 Excellent, 5.99-5.25 High Proficient, 5.24- 4.50 Proficient, 4.49-3.00 Approaching Proficient, and 2.99-1.00 Unsatisfactory. These  ratings are based on rigorous observations conducted by trained early childhood  educators using the nationally renowned Classroom Assessment Scoring System  (CLASS) tool. Research has found that Pre-K classrooms with higher CLASS ratings  result in better prepared kindergartners. 

Sabine Parish Early Childhood Network is comprised of prekindergarten classrooms  located on each school campus, as well as, four classrooms serving children birth to  age 4 at Faithlynn’s Learning Academy. For the 2020-2021 school year, Sabine Early  Childhood Network had an average score of 6.04, an overall Excellent rating for the  network. This score represents an increase of 0.34 from 2019-2020 average score.  Converse High School, Many Elementary School, Negreet High School, and Faithlynn’s  Learning Academy all received Excellent ratings. Ebarb High School, Florien High  School, Pleasant Hill High School, and Zwolle Elementary School received High  Proficient ratings. All early childhood in Sabine Parish scored in the highest two tiers of  the state’s accountability system.  

Dr. Sara Ebarb, Sabine Parish Superintendent, stated, “These ratings are evidence of  the high quality instruction our PreK children are receiving in Sabine Parish. We are  very proud of our PreK program, our teachers, staff and our early learners.”

A Sabine Parish woman is in jail in connection with a stabbing incident in Natchitoches on Wednesday evening according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

On Wednesday afternoon, December 15, at approximately 5:50pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Bureau of Patrol responded to NATCOM 911 Center reports of a stabbing incident at an apartment complex in the 100 block of La. Hwy 3191 in Oak Grove near Natchitoches.

Deputies arrived on scene shortly thereafter, discovering a 19-year-old female sitting in the rear of a vehicle suffering from a stab wound to the neck and other injuries.

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS responded to the scene.
The victim was transported from the scene by EMS to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center with a non-life threatening stab wound to the neck and other injuries.

Deputies processed and photographed the crime scene in addition to gathering information for an offense report.

Detectives assigned to the NPSO Bureau of Investigations also responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses.

During the investigation, detectives learned the incident was possibly drug related and it involved the victim and another female identified as 20-year-old Kelsey M. Sepulvado of Sabine Parish.

Sepulvado fled the scene in what was described as a black Toyota Camry bearing a Louisiana tag.

A law enforcement (BOLO) message was issued by NATCOM 911 Center to all patrol units and surrounding law enforcement agencies.

The investigation continued.

Natchitoches Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force Agents were summoned to assist in the investigation.

Agents obtained a search warrant signed by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge to search the victim’s apartment.

During a search, agents seized a small bag of suspected marijuana.

On Thursday, December 16 at approximately 11:00am, Sepulvado turned herself into detectives at the NPSO Bureau of Investigations Office.

As a result:

Kelsey M. Sepulvado, 20, of Many, La. was arrested, interviewed, transported and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Aggravated Second Degree Battery.

Sepulvado was released on 12/17/2021 on $10,000.00 bond set by a 10th Judicial District Court Judge pending a court appearance.

Detective D. Sowell is lead investigator in the case. If you have any information, contact the NPSO Bureau of Investigations at 357-7830.

MANY, La – Many PD arrested Phantom Maxie yesterday for two counts of resisting by flight, failure to pay child support, and 3 counts of possession of drug paraphernalia

For the seventh straight year, Northwestern State athletics has broken its department record in the Graduation Success Rate, which measures the percentage of NSU student-athletes who graduate within a six-year window.

NSU graduated 87 percent of its 2014 freshman cohort, which is the latest data available.

The 2014 cohort accounts for all student-athletes who started and finished their academic careers at NSU and any student-athletes who transferred into NSU from other institutions.

The Demons 2013 freshman cohort set the previous record at 84 percent.

“The continued academic success of NSU Athletics, and in record-setting fashion, has been accomplished in the same way as competitive wins – with a team effort,” said NSU athletics director Greg Burke. “From our coaches to the academic/compliance staffs to our faculty, and of course through the due diligence of our student-athletes, making the grade is a staple of our athletic department and is one of which I am very proud.”

One major factor in the three percent uptick is the men’s and women’s track/cross country programs, both of which graduated 81 percent from the 2014 class.

The men posted a 62 percent in the 2013 class after scores in the 50s for the previous three reports.

The women scored a 73 for the 2013 class.

Tennis and volleyball posted perfect 100 scores.

Four other programs graduated 90 percent or better from the 2014 group, including softball (95), soccer (92) and men’s and women’s basketball (92).

Football earned its second straight score above 80, checking in with an 82 in the 2014 cohort.

The Division I Board of Directors created the GSR in response to Division I college and university presidents who wanted data that more accurately reflected the mobility of college students than the federal graduation rate. The federal rate counts any student who leaves a school as an academic failure, no matter whether he or she enrolls at another school and graduates.

Also, the federal rate does not recognize students who enter their graduating school as transfer students.

The GSR formula removes from the rate student-athletes who leave school while academically eligible and includes student-athletes who transfer to a school after initially enrolling elsewhere.

This calculation makes it a more complete and accurate look at student-athlete success.

PHOTO:  Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

by Roy Lang III

In a conversation with the Journal, University of Louisiana System president Jim Henderson backed Grambling president Rick Gallot a week after Henderson received a letter — purported to originate from the football team, but not linked to any specific players — stacked with complaints and aimed directly at Gallot.

The letter, first reported by HBCUsports.com, was signed by “The 2021 Grambling State University G-Men” and claimed Gallot was the “main contributor to the decline” of Grambling football, a program that “used to be the Black Notre Dame and icon of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).”

Three main areas of concern outlined in the letter (dated Dec. 7) to Henderson, the Louisiana Board of Regents, senator Katrina Jackson and representative Patrick Jefferson were: Misappropriation and diversion of funds for the football program, a failure to provide a safe environment and a failure to provide, promote and support proper athletic staff.

“Issues in the football program are dealt with by the coach, the athletic director and the president, if necessary,” Henderson told the Journal. “Some of the safety things (mentioned in the letter), that’s been a focus for Grambling for some time. The Facilities Master Plan includes some state-of-the-art security upgrades.”

Upon receipt of such “anonymous” letters, Henderson said the process is to immediately contact the subject – in this case, Gallot. In terms of action, Henderson deferred to Gallot, who was named Grambling president in 2016.

Consequently, Gallot says he’s put the wheels in motion for an investigation.

“On the field or in the classroom, the safety of each student is paramount,” Gallot said in a statement provided to the Journal by the university. “As a result, I’ve asked the Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics (Trayvean Scott) to investigate the issues raised in the claim to ensure no GSU athletics staff member has allowed any student-athlete to perform in an unsafe environment or situation.”

In October of 2013, the Grambling football team staged a week-long strike that forced the forfeit of a game against Jackson State. The strike resulted from issues with the school’s rundown facilities, long bus trips to road games and personnel decisions under then-school president Frank Pogue.

Eight years later, a letter complained about ramifications from declining meal and travel budgets, a feeling of insecurity due to recent school shootings on campus and a revolving door (four athletic directors during Gallot’s tenure) at the top of Grambling’s athletic department.

The group behind the letter also voiced support for former head coach Broderick Fobbs, who was fired in November despite a 54-32 record and two Black College Football National Championships with the Tigers.

The letter concluded: “It is an honor to represent Grambling as G-Men and we deserve better from our university.”

Gallot is confident the university is headed in the right direction.

“Unfortunately, anonymous letters are often used by groups averse to change or lacking awareness of the detailed business operations of an institution,” Gallot’s statement said. “As we have intensified our efforts to progressively protect and advance our brand, we continue to pursue actions against unlicensed vendors, and individuals and groups raising money in the name of the institution without appropriate authorization. These actions often lead impacted entities feeling disgruntled and contrary.

“For 120 years, Grambling State University continues to build on the foundation of educational excellence that fosters an inclusive experience of worth and belonging while discovering your own greatness. Over the last several years, the institution has implemented successful best practices to improve its physical and financial health, resulting in three consecutive years of favorable results in its annual financial audits, each with zero findings. Valuable partnerships have also made it possible to lift the quality of campus facilities made available to all students including student-athletes.”

Henderson voiced unwavering faith in Gallot and the eight other school presidents, but maintains he continues to provide Grambling support in its mission to improve on the fields of sport and off.

“I’m focused on getting all of the resources we can possibly get to, reinforce some of the great progress already been made at Grambling – in both academics and athletics,” Henderson said. “It’s not merely having faith in our presidents, it’s faith in continual correspondence and communication.

“I’m on those campuses a couple of times a year. The presidents are the CEOs of the universities. I think we have nine of the best we’ve ever had at these universities.”

In his statement, Gallot continued to encourage Tigers to voice their concerns.

“It’s common for students to routinely stop by my office, email, or send direct messages via social media. I keep an open-door policy because their concerns will always remain a priority to the success of Grambling State.”

The Natchitoches Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect that removed an envelope of money that was left on the counter at Whataburger.

Earlier this month officers with the Natchitoches Police Department were notified that on December 1, 2021 a customer was paying for their meal at Whataburger and accidently left behind an envelope containing money on the counter. Officers were able to review video surveillance and observed an unknown white female remove the envelope. After the unknown white female removed the envelope she then left the restaurant.

If you recognize or know this person please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or Detective William Connell at (318) 238-3911. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $2,000 for the arrest of an offender.

Corporal John Greely
Public Information Officer
Natchitoches Police Department

The Natchitoches Police Department is investigating an accidental shooting that took place Wednesday afternoon.

On December 15, 2021 around 5:28 p.m., officers with the Natchitoches Police Department were dispatched to the 400 block of Hedges Street in reference to a juvenile suffering from a single gunshot wound. Upon officers arrival they located a vehicle that was travelling with the juvenile victim and escorted them to the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Detectives were able to determine that the juvenile was playing with the firearm when he accidentally shot himself in the arm.

The juvenile was later released from the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and was arrested for illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile.

The Natchitoches Police Department would like to remind everyone to follow these basic firearm safety tips.

• Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
• Keep all firearms pointed in a safe direction.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
• Know your target and be aware of your surroundings.
• Know how to properly operate your firearm.
• Store your firearm safely to prevent any unauthorized use.

If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101 or if you have additional information in regards to this investigation please contact Detective Rudolph Glass at (318) 357-3878. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.

How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:

You can also report a tip anonymously by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $2,000 for the arrest of an offender.

Corporal John Greely
Public Information Officer
Natchitoches Police Department

December 17, 2021

SABINE:
Jerrie Lynn Gregory Walker
February 15, 1953 – December 14, 2021
The family will have a private service at a later date.

NATCHITOCHES:
Cora Lee “Dootsie” Baker McNeely
July 11, 1940 – December 15, 2021
Service: Tuesday, December 21 at 10 am at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

WINN:
Kathy Fallis
July 13, 1952 – December 15, 2021
Service: Monday, December 20 at 1 pm at Welcome Home Baptist Church

James Brandon Cockerham
July 13, 1979 – December 15, 2021
Service: Monday, December 20 at 1 pm at Hurricane Creek Cemetery

Denise Verret Thompson
February 21, 1961 – December 18, 2021
Service: Tuesday, December 21 at 1 pm in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel

Our Many High School Tigers made it to the dome! Though they aren’t coming home with a win, they played their hearts out in an incredible game to match an incredible season. The Sabine Parish Journal is honored to continue to put the spotlight on the players that made the season possible. Help us congratulate Sabine Parish’s own Boys of Fall as we introduce you to the next round of Tiger Players! 

Without further ado, The Sabine Parish Journal brings you the Tiger Football Player Spotlight: Round 3!

Javon Phathong #97: Sponsored by mother Amanda Phathong and father Billy Bussey

                              “Three reasons why I like bring on a team sport is because one you can                                                  build a  bond with other people, you can learn how to work together and lastly                      you can push people be great after high school.”

-J. Phathong

Javon is a talented and dedicated addition to the Many High School Tiger Football Team. With a strong work ethic and drive to improve, he recognizes the importance of practice and consistency when it comes to being the best at something you love. Javon believes that when you’re a Tiger Football Player, the community is looking to you as a leader, so its important to do your best and represent the team well.  

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?
“Some aspects of football that get me most excited are playing on Friday nights and building a bond with my teammates.”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?
“In my opinion one thing that makes a good football player is practice.”

3. What player do you or did you look up to?
“A player I look up to is Aaron Donald”

4. What is your favorite part of the game?
“My favorite part of the game is practice.”

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player
“My most favorite players were Roy Miller and Jemimah Hill”

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
“Three reasons why I like bring on a team sport is because one you can build a bond with other people, you can learn how to work together and lastly you can push people be great after high school.”

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?
“It inspires me to do good at all times because I am representing my team.”

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?
“Being an athlete makes me a better student because you have to do good in school to play sports.”

JJ Anderson #30: Sponsored by Jessica Peterson-Anderson

                                “A great football player has the mentality of a warrior and understands                                                   all aspects of football on both offense and defense, as well as possessing the                         physical skills to excel in the sport.”

-J. Anderson

JJ has played football for four years now and says that he plans on playing for another eight years. To him, football is his life and he dedicates much of his time to improving his skill to be the best at the game he loves. JJ looks up to his other team members and loved that as a team they could get the chance to go to the dome.

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?
“The competitiveness usually involved with the game along with the physicality of the game.”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?
In my opinion, a great football player has the mentality of a warrior and understands all aspects of football on both offense and defense, as well as possessing the physical skills to excel in the sport.

3. What player do you or did you look up to?
Right now I look up to Micah Parsons, a rookie NFL linebacker who is on his way to breaking league records. He is the 13th linebacker in NFL history to have 10 sacks as a rookie. One day, I wish to break records of the same sort.

4. What is your favorite part of the game?
“My favorite part of the game is a really aggressive defense with very physical type players. Physical defense wins games.”

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player
“My favorite player is Blake Matkin. Not only because he can play both sides of the ball and outdo the competition but he came to me when I was an early freshman and gave me tips on how to be an all around better player.”

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
“One reason I love being part of a team sport is the strong relationship is built. Another reason is that it teaches you how to work together with others to become one unit. The third reason is it helps the players learn to accept defeat and to use that to be better.”

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?
“People usually look up to athletes, so if I become a better person maybe others will want to better themselves as well. It takes one spark to start a fire.”

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?
“Being an athlete gives me motivation to be a better student because being an athlete has helped me learn that I want to be the best at everything I do, these past few years I have developed competitive mindset.”

Tylen Singleton #2: Sponsored by mom Christy Butler

                          Being an athlete makes me want to do good because this is what I love and                              younger kids look up to us. Just like I did when I was younger.

-T. Singleton

Tylen loves being part of the Many High School Football Team and has lookup up to the players since he was a kid. He believes in the teamwork and dedication it takes to reach a major goal like playing in the dome as a high school football team. Being part of a hardworking team has kept Tylen focused on the future by allowing him to see the things he is capable of and teaching him to work consistently until he reaches his goal. 

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?
I get most excited about defense

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?
Coachable, teamwork, dedication

3. What player do you or did you look up too?
Isiac Davis and Cadilliac Rhone

4. What is your favorite part of the game?
Defense trying to get a 3in out.

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player
Isiac Davis and Cadillac Rhone

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
Brotherhood
Teamwork
The connect between us players and coaches

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?
It makes me want to do good because this is what I love and younger kids look up to us. Just like I did when I was younger.

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?
It keeps you motivated in the classroom just like on the field. Also keeps us focused on the future.

Chase Higginbotham #34: Sponsored by Nichol’s in Many

“I believe pride, passion and mentality make an excellent football player”

-C. Higginbotham

Chase has played for the Many High School Football Team for two years now and still loves the fireworks and the win as much as the first time he stepped out on the field. He believes that tenacity and drive are what make a player incredible and he works to be just that player. Brotherhood and the memories created are two of the things Chase has loved about being a Tiger and he plans to continue making memories with his team of brothers throughout high school.

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?
“I get most excited about the fireworks and when we win the game.”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?
“The pride, passion and the mentality.”

3. What player do you or did you look up too?
“London and Terrence Williams”

4. What is your favorite part of the game?
“When we get a touchdown and to hear the fans.”

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player
“Terrence, London, Ethan and Evan Williams”

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
“The good times, the music and the brotherhood. Meeting new people and having fun!”

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?
“It makes me want o do good in school and make good grades.”

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?
“Makes me want to get good grades.”

Colin Perkins #26: Sponsored by Parents, Demarious and Melissa Perkins

“My favorite Many High School Football player is My dad, Demarious Perkins #34”

-C. Perkins

Colin has played football for four years now dedicating two years to the Many Junior High Team and two years to the Many High School Football Team. He loves the hype of the crowd and the excitement it brings to the players each and every game. Colin gets most excited about winning close games when they have to go out and play their hearts out. 

1. What aspects of Football do you get most excited about?
“I get most excited when we win games and the crowd get hype.”

2. What, in your opinion, makes an excellent football player?
“Physicality, Pride, Passion and Mindset”

3. What player do you or did you look up too?
“Tackett Curtis because he works his hardest at everything he does.”

4. What is your favorite part of the game?
“Winning close games.”

5. Who was or is your most favorite Many High Player
“My dad, Demarious Perkins #34”

6. What are three reasons you like being part of a team sport?
“Having fun, Teammates and winning games”

7. How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?
“It inspires me to work for what I want.”

8. How does being an athlete make you a better student?
“Inspires me to do better in school for the younger kids to look up to.”

BOM is proud to sponsor the Many High School Baseball Team. Pictured left to right: Dagen Knippers, Keaton Oxley, and BOM’s Kayla Sepulvado. 

Sabine Parish Basketball Scores

Monday December 13

GIRLS

Starks 53 (7-11)
Pleasant Hill 48 (5-11)

BOYS

Starks 64 OT (4-11)
Pleasant Hill 60 OT (9-5)

Tuesday December 14

GIRLS

Oak Hill 82 (16-4)
Ebarb 42 (7-11)

Converse 61 (3-11)
Downsville 41 (2-13)

Florien 44 (20-1)
Hicks 41 (15-4)

Zwolle 56 (13-5)
Hornbeck 44 (8-8)

Leesville 62 (5-6)
Many 53 (4-3)

BOYS

Ebarb 58 (5-11)
Oak Hill 14 (0-15)

Pleasant Hill 68 (10-5)
Stanley 45 (5-11)

Converse 71 (6-7)
Downsville 40 (4-10)

Florien 77 (9-8)
Hicks 49 (12-7)

Zwolle 59 (12-4)
Hornbeck 49 (13-1)

Many 78 (1-0)
Leesville 67 (3-5)

A Major League Baseball draft pick, conference titles, gold medals and school records are scattered among the accomplishments of the 40 Northwestern State student-athletes who earned their college diplomas Wednesday and Thursday at Prather Coliseum.

Those 40 individuals graduated either in the summer or fall and were honored in a joint event.

Former NSU pitcher Levi David was drafted in the ninth round by the New York Mets this June after making the All-Southland Conference Team in 2021. His 15.34 strikeouts and 5.02 hits per nine innings ranked third nationally.

David is also the only student-athlete graduate to earn Summa Cum Laude status, graduating with at least a 3.9 GPA. Seven other NSU student-athletes graduated Magna Cum Laude (3.7 GPA or higher) or Cum Laude (3.5 GPA or higher).

Former baseball teammate Tyler Smith, who is ninth in NSU history with 23 home runs, tied the program single-game record with three home runs in a 2019 win against No. 6 Arkansas and was a member of the 2018 NCAA Tournament that won a game in the Corvallis Regional.

Two track athletes also headline this graduating group as Diana Granados and Janiel Moore have combined for seven Southland Conference golds.

Granados has run a leg on three 4×400 and one 4×100 relay championship squads and is poised to be a conference championship threat in two individual sprints as a senior.

Moore will attempt to defend her 60 hurdles conference title this indoor season and add to her pair of relay golds. She ran leg on NSU’s 4×400 indoor record of 3:41.29, which took gold at the 2020 Indoor SLC Championships.

Soccer forward Kalee Williams knows about conference title trophies.

The Southland Conference third teamer played a key role in NSU’s offense and pressure package as the Lady Demons won their second-ever SLC regular season title and third-ever SLC Tournament title and NCAA Tournament Appearance.

The addiction studies and psychology major finished her career with eight goals and 10 assists in three years as an attacker after being a starting defender as a freshman.

A pair of basketball players will finish distinguished careers this spring.

Larry Owens, a general studies graduate who is the first in his family to obtain a college degree, is on pace to eclipse 800 points and 500 rebounds in his career.

LaTerrance Reed, a business administration graduate, is one of the better 3-point shooters in recent NSU history, making 107 at a 37 percent clip.

All-Southland Conference softball outfielder Elise Vincent will pursue a career in the medical field with her applied microbiology degree.

Among the 12 current and former football players graduating, linebacker Kyle Moore tallied 133 tackles and three interceptions in his career.

Football’s 12 graduates led the way with men’s and women’s track combining for 10 graduates.

Total Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 Athletic Department Grads: 40

Summer 2021 Athletic Graduation List (Participating in Fall 2020 commencement) (12)

Baseball (2)

Levi David (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Finance; Honors: Summa Cum Laude
Tyler Smith (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science

Football (2)

Damian Thompson (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration
Floyd Turner (Former Student-Athlete; Also participated in Men’s Track): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration

Soccer (2)

Karoline Guidry (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Science in Nursing; College: Nursing & School of Allied Health; Major: Nursing; Honors: Magna Cum Laude
April Trowbridge (Former Student-Athlete): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology, Clinical (Perfect 4.0 GPA!)

Softball (2)

Baleigh Derouen (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Science in Nursing; College: Nursing & School of Allied Health; Major: Nursing; Honors: Honor Roll
Elise Vincent (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Applied Microbiology; Concentration: Environmental & Applied Microbiology; Honors: Summa Cum Laude

Men’s Track (2)

Mike Alukunyang (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Honors: Honor Roll
Javin Arrington: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science

Administration (2)

Quinton Thibodeaux (Former Graduate Assistant/Football): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
Christian VanBuren (Former Graduate Assistant/Sports Performance; Former Football Student-Athlete): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Health Promotion

Fall 2021 Athletic Graduation List (28)

Baseball (1)
Evan Daigle (Former Student-Athlete): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration

Men’s Basketball (2)

Larry Owens: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: P.E., Sport and Leisure Management
LaTerrance Reed: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Marketing; Honors: Honor Roll

Football (10)

Joshua Clarke: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science
Braylon Daigle (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Industrial Engineering Technology; Honors: Honor Roll
Cayden Dunn (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Criminal Justice
Shamond (L.C.) Greenwood: Bachelor of General Studies; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: General Studies; Concentration: Social Science; Minor: Social Science
John Aaron Howell (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Science in Nursing; College: Nursing & School of Allied Health; Major: Nursing; Honors: Magna Cum Laude
Jacob Logan (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Marketing
John-David May (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Criminal Justice; Honors: Cum Laude
Quinton Mitchell (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science
Kyle Moore: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Industrial Engineering Technology; Honors: Honor Roll
Trevor Morgan (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Honors: Honor Roll

Soccer (4)

Amy Dill (Former Student-Athlete and Student Worker): Master of Education; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Educational Technology Leadership; Concentration: Educational Leadership Technology K-12
Sydney Normand: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; College: Nursing & School of Allied Health; Major: Nursing; Honors: Honor Roll
Kaymi Wheeler: Bachelor of Science; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Biology; Concentration: Biomedical; Honors: Honor Roll
Kalee Williams: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Addiction Studies & Psychology; Honors: Cum Laude

Men’s Track (2)

Austin Simoneaux: Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Concentration: Management; Honors: Honor Roll
Cole Spooner: Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: History; Minor: Social Science; Honors: Magna Cum Laude

Women’s Track (5)

Nadia Carney (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Concentration: Pre-Physical Therapy; Honors: Cum Laude
Taylor Finley: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Child and Family Studies; Concentration: Child Development & Family Relations; Minor: Social Science; Honors: Honor Roll
Diana Granados: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Honors: Honor Roll
Janiel Moore: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Psychology; Honors: Honor Roll
Marlee Paulk (Former Student-Athlete): Bachelor of Science; College: Business and Technology; Major: Business Administration; Minor: Accounting; Honors: Cum Laude

Volleyball (1)
Bryce Potter: Bachelor of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Exercise Science; Honors: Honor Roll

Administration (3)

John “Bud” Denega (Former Graduate Assistant/Sports Information): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
Kyle Jobe (Former Assistant Coach/Soccer): Master of Science; College: Education & Human Development; Major: Health and Human Performance; Concentration: Sport Administration
James Stanfield (Student Worker/Video): Bachelor of Arts; College: Arts and Sciences; Major: Communication; Concentration: Journalism, Broadcasting, and DM Production; Minor: Photography; Honors: Magna Cum Laude

PHOTO: Chris Reich/NSU Photographic Services

By Tommy Rush

Have you ever noticed that Christmas smells different than any other season of the year? I’ve always enjoyed the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree and the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg in a fresh baked pumpkin pie. I’ve always enjoyed the smell of a fire burning in the fireplace at Christmas. Someone told me recently that these specific smells are actually smells of love that have a way of reminding me of some of our best memories.

I’ve never thought of specific aromas as smells of love, but I guess they really are. Whenever I smell Divinity and Fudge Candy cooking or Hot Apple Cider on a stove, immediately I’m reminded of my grandmother’s kitchen and her love for us at Christmas. Another smell of love is the last hug of the day from a just bathed grandchild in their pjs as they head to bed. The more I think about it, the more I agree that there really are a lot of things that smell of love!

In my lifetime I’ve been in a lot of old barns. I’ve never been in one that didn’t smell to some degree of fermenting silage, animal manure or rotten hay. Most people would never consider these specific smells as smells of love but those who believe God’s Word realize that is exactly what they are. It’s truly amazing that God entered the world as a baby, but even more amazing that He was born in a stable among cattle, hay and sheep. The first people given the privilege of laying their eyes on the Son of God other than Joseph and Mary was a group of smelly shepherds. Think about it – God gave this great blessing to the shepherds. Shepherds were people who were basically shut out and shut off from society in the first century. They were not even allowed to enter the temple because they were considered unclean. The story of the shepherds seeing Jesus first declares loud and clear the wonderful goodness and grace of God!

There was no Christmas tree, Christmas lights or chestnuts roasting on an open fire that first Christmas night. Just a baby in a feeding trough, surrounded by some animals, His parents, and some shepherds who most likely smelled a lot like sheep. And it’s great to know that the baby they saw lying in the manger that night is the reason we celebrate Christmas. The same joy they experienced is available to all of us who believe. May He fill your home this Christmas with the smells of His goodness, grace and love!

This week we celebrated a monumental family milestone. My oldest daughter graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Hospitality Management and Tourism with a 3.5 GPA.

Northwestern State University was a true blessing to her and our family. They offered so many opportunities that possibly would not have been afforded anywhere else. She was honored to volunteer with the American Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. She traveled abroad to Toulon, France where she was able to complete research for NSU and attended a world renowned hospitality institute and participated in a culinary class.

Lucky for mom, she would always share the tidbits of information that were collected along the way from her experiences and from her Professor, Connie Jones.

This is where I learned that my centerpieces were entirely too high for the Christmas table. They did not offer a warm conversational area that was inviting to my guests because they were taller than ten inches. All this time, I have been doing it wrong.

She also taught me that I should be using a spoon for each pot that I stir while cooking. This could cause cross-contamination and someone could die a slow and painful death due to the act of mixing foods at different stages of being cooked thoroughly.

I was also made aware that I was not cooking with fresh ingredients. I should be making my bread from scratch. My pasta should be hand-made for maximum taste, freshness and nutrition. How dare I make biscuits from a can? I must not love my family very much if I do not churn my own butter.

While my cooking and hostessing skills have taken a beating for the last few years I am forever grateful for the skills learned from my daughter. My Christmas hosting may need to be polished and shined. My Christmas may, on occasion, be cross-contaminated but my understanding of the true meaning of Christmas has never wavered.

My Christmases may not be perfect. But….

Our Christmases today, compared to the very first Christmas over 2,000 years ago, are very different. In the eyes the world, Jesus was born in a lowly manger under the light of a star because there were no rooms available in a hotel. He was surrounded by animals, his family and a few angels. He was born of virgin mother who was unwed. By all accounts, the King of kings was born into simplicity and humbleness.

It was the most perfect Christmas.

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” – Luke 2:6-7

The sport of tournament fishing offers many options of trails that an angler may participate in. But to fish more than one tournament trail is very draining, both mentally and physically. Most people think that bass fishing is a very relaxing sport. This might be true for the weekend warrior or all the crappie fishermen, but not for anglers that compete on a high level. There are times that tournaments seem to take all the fun out of fishing, as it turns into work. To be successful on any tournament trail, local or regional, you must be committed to time on the water. It’s just like any other sport…those that put in the extra time, are the ones that will be the most successful.

Tournament fishing takes a big toll on the body, especially after the age of 60. Based on my experience, it takes a little longer to recover from 5 or 6 straight days on the water. Even in good weather conditions with little to no wind, boat rides take their toll on the body. Some lakes are worse than others and present a big challenge even for the youngest of anglers. Lakes like Toledo Bend, Sam Rayburn or Texoma (north of Dallas) take boating to a whole other level. Each lake is laid out differently, but for Toledo Bend a wind straight out of the south or north means 3- and 4-foot waves. At Toledo Bend we call this “right down the pipe,” a direction you don’t want to see, especially on tournament day. For Sam Rayburn, high winds out the southeast or northwest mean a rough ride and can be very hard on a boat. I’ve seen waves so bad that anglers have had their trolling motors or electronic units knocked completely off the bow. I’ve seen anglers break bones and dislocate joints, not to mention the number of back injuries I’ve seen. Shoulder and knee surgeries, inflamed elbows and wrist issues are just a few of injuries that are common among anglers.

Now let’s talk about the mental side of tournament fishing, which can be even tougher than the physical side. A lot of preparation goes into getting ready for an event. The internet has really created a great shortcut for information that’s important for each body of water. You can find previous tournament results, old and new fishing reports, and maps, not to mention the amount of info you can gain from YouTube videos. No one likes to brag more about their catch than bass fishermen and that’s where Google Earth, Facebook and YouTube videos will take your research to another level. Once on the water, you must apply what you’ve learned, but you can’t totally rely on this information to put you on the winning stringer. You must take this info and apply it to what you learn each day during your practice time. Very seldom can an angler repeat what another angler did to win an event. That’s why the sport is so mentally draining; you can’t always do what someone else has done. What the fish bite today, will not necessarily be what they’re biting tomorrow. Every day is a new day when it comes to bass fishing, but that’s what makes tournament fishing such a great sport. Most of the time, it’s unpredictable!

As you can see, tournament fishing is tough, but it can also be very rewarding, financially and emotionally. Nothing like the feeling of beating some of the best anglers in your region! Tournament fishermen are like a small cult or a band of gypsies…a group of anglers that have great respect for each other but can’t wait to kick the other’s butt at the next event. It’s a brotherhood of anglers who are stubborn, quirky, and intelligent, but most of all….competitive. To all my angling buddies, I look forward to the 2022 bass fishing season. Happy holidays everyone!

Steve Graf

During the summer, Dr. Calvin Phelps fell at his home and broke several ribs. He thought he was okay, but a few weeks later, he began to feel as if he might faint. He went to NRMC’s emergency room, and the ER physician listened to his lungs and did a chest X-ray. Dr. Phelps had a buildup of blood around his lungs related to the fall and his treatment with blood thinners.

The ER physician on duty called Dr. Warren Botnick with NRMC Pulmonology Associates to the ER to see Dr. Phelps. After examining Dr. Phelps, Dr. Botnick, a board-certified pulmonologist, tried to find his patient a bed at a hospital with a thoracic surgeon, but none of the hospitals he contacted had any availability due to the surge in COVID cases. So, Dr. Botnick consulted with a colleague in Shreveport, a thoracic surgeon, about Dr. Phelps’ needs. In agreement for the next steps, Dr. Botnick made arrangements for his new patient to remain at NRMC. He began treating him, removing over 2.5 gallons of blood from around his lungs over the course of several days while also giving him blood transfusions and medicines to prevent infections.

“When I went to the ER at NRMC, I knew right away that I was in good hands,” Dr. Phelps said. “I could not have asked for better care or treatment. They were wonderful, and I will never go to another ER or hospital again. When Dr. Botnick came into the ER and took over my case, he explained everything to me. The hospital was full, and so they kept me in the ER most of that first day, and then I had the treatments done in Same Day Surgery. Everyone was so nice and did such a good job. I am so very grateful to each of them.”

Dr. Phelps explained that Dr. Botnick has become not just his doctor but a friend. “Now, I look forward to going to his office for checkups. It is just a happy time when I see him. He correctly and appropriately assessed what had happened and made sure I came out of it. Even though the hospital was full with all the COVID, and he was the pulmonologist helping so many people, he treated me like I was the only one there. I don’t want to think about what could have been the outcome had I gone somewhere else. I will always go to NRMC from here on.”

SABINE:
Judy Veuleman
May 5, 1943 – December 14, 2021
No Service Information

Diana Blanchard Wedgeworth
November 17, 1952 – December 13, 2021
No Service Information

Preston Wayne Ellzey
February 2, 1967 – December 14, 2021
Service: Saturday, December 18 at 12 pm at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel

NATCHITOCHES:
Maria Conant Jones
November 30, 1955 – December 15, 2021
Viewing and Visitations: Sunday, December 19 from 10:30 am – 12 pm at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches

Tommy Boswell
July 1, 1947 – December 15, 2021
Service: Sunday, December 19 at 2 pm at Provencal Methodist Church

Cora Lee “Dootsie” Baker McNeely
July 11, 1940 – December 15, 2021
Service: Tuesday, December 21 at 10 am at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

Richard (Rick) Charles Nunnery
June 18, 1962 – December 10, 2021
Service: Friday, December 17 at 10 am at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Natchitoches

WINN:
Walter Lee Craig
December 29, 1933 – December 14, 2021
Service: Friday, December 17 at 1 pm at Midway Baptist Church

Congratulations to Many High School’s MaKynli Miller. She is the daughter of BOM’s Tiffany Miller. Today MaKynli signed with the Nicholls State University Softball Team. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Linda Guay, MaKynli Miller, and BOM’s Tiffany Miller.