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The Natchitoches Times, Wednesday, May 16, 2012

2B THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Lakeview High School

Thursday, May 177 p.m.

A.A. Fredericks

Natchitoches Central High Friday, May 18

7 p.m.Prather Coliseum

St. Mary’s High SchoolTuesday, May 22

7 p.m.SMH Gym

Louisiana School for Math,Science and the Arts

Saturday, May 262 p.m.

Prather Coliseum

About the cover: Photo from State PointProduced by News Editor Leigh Guidry

High SchoolGraduationSchedules

Bill Cross, Financial Advisor

Dustin Cross, Certified Financial Planner TM

Tracy W. Maxey, Registered Financial Associate

CONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONS2012 GRADUATES!2012 GRADUATES!

305 Church Street Natchitoches, LA

(318) 238-7700 www.crossfinancialgroupllc.com

From

Securities and investment advisory services offered through FSC Securities Corporation, member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor. Cross Financial Group LLC is not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor and is separate and independent of FSC Securities Corporation.

Committed to wellness, committed to you!

Congratulations, graduates!

318-352-8331 106 South Drive • Natchitoches, LA

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- -

Lakeview High School graduates..............................3-5BNatchitoches Central High School graduates........5-16BCareer Tips for New Graduates.....................................7BTake the Guesswork Out of Finding a Job.................12BTechnical college offers options to graduates...........12BSt. Mary’s High School graduates..........................16-17BLouisiana School graduates....................................15-22BFinancial planning helps manage student debt.......15B2012 College grads enter improving job market.......22BSpiritual Advice for Seniors.........................................23BTop Gifts for Grads........................................................23B

Table ofContents

Where canI find mypicture?

Wednesday, May 16, 2012 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 3B

Chelsea Ates Joseph Austin Brook Baker Matt Bell Clemoron Besant

Katherine Bowen

Cameron Campbell

Jonathan Braden Natalie Bradley Trabari Bradley Lorenzo Bush

Marlanna Cimino Erica Corley Kelsey Coutee Chase Crow


Adam Dalme Fahren Demery Jamar Edwards Kelsey Godwin Erica Grayson

Taylor Griffith Justin Harper Taylor Hay Lanell Hayes Embrianna Hendricks



Summer Hightower Jasmine Holman Monterrance Jackson Kevon Jefferson Alvin Johnson

Jordan Johnson

De’Trenton McDonald

Ricardo Lewis Roderick Lewis Brianna Manuel

Billy Martin Breann McKay Sheldon Montgomery

Morgan Marrow

Hannah Morgan

Kaprianna Murphy Nicholas Nash Paris Pattain Darrion Pikes Carlson Reliford

Amanda Reyelts Ashley Shoemaker Justin Smith Stormie Smith Ashlee Suzuki


Natchitoches Central High School

Shelby Adams Meagan Allen Raven Alston Amber Anderson

Daysha Antee Leroy Armstrong Khenntron Babers Lakendria Babers Destiny Bailey

Martina Telsede Sharnina Telsede Ryan Tyler Terry Washington Tremaine Washington

Kendrika Williams Kacee Winn Blaine Womack


Christopher Adkins

Lakeview High SchoolGraduation Ceremony

Thursday, May 177 p.m.

A.A. Fredericks

Enjoy the journey Congratulations!


Destiny Bass Jennie Bayonne Kerena Bayoune

Michelle Benjamin

Andrew Bernard

Austin Bean

Rashanna Beard Blake Bechtel Gabrielle Bellow Adrian Below


Kenya Bradley Xavier Braxton Kasey Bufkin

Chelsea Calhoun

Stephen Burkhalter

Christopher Bush Brandon Bynog Alexis Calhoun Brandi Carpenter

Ashley ChesalCrystal Carpenter Jasmine Charles Lucas Cheatwood Michael Clayton

Camella Barnes

(StatePoint) If you’re anew college or high schoolgraduate, you may havebeen told by older relativesthat the best way to launchyour career is to get adecent job and stick withit.

But many experts todaywarn that the expectationof relying on one companyto employ you until youretire is no longer realis-tic.

“The traditional paththat worked for yourgrandparents is not neces-sarily viable anymore,”says Larry Winters,founder and president ofLeadership TeamDevelopment, Inc., a com-pany that provides busi-ness support materials forAmway business owners inNorth America.

As the author of the newbook “Live the Dream‚ NoMore Excuses,” Wintersbelieves that with the rightattitude and a solid plan,you can take control ofyour financial destiny. Heoffers these tips for newgraduates inspired to makethis commitment:

-Taking control of yourfinancial future and careerstarts when you decide todive into your opportunity

headfirst. Be confident.You can’t win with a mindcluttered with constantdoubt.

-Excuses are easy tomake and will only serve tohelp you avoid doingwhat’s right. Stop makingthem!

- The only real securityin today’s economic cli-mate of outsourcing anddownsizing is the ability toperform. Gain a practicalskill set and becomeinvaluable.

-Spend time every dayreading something todevelop your personalgrowth. Expand your mindwith the most positive,optimistic, ethical, inspir-ing material possible.

-Surround yourself withpeople who will help youkeep a positive and moti-vated outlook. Don’t allowfriends with a “can’t do”attitude to bring you down.Naysayers are a dime adozen.

-The world teachesshort-term thinking, butsuccess doesn’t jump upand attack you. True suc-cess is a designed, pro-grammed event. Be it thefield of merchandise ormedicine, create a plan andfollow it.

-Don’t give up when youfall. Just get back up andmove forward. Failuresand setbacks are all part ofthe growing experience.

More information onachieving entrepreneurialsuccess in an uncertaineconomy can be found atwww.whoislarrywinters.com.

As you make your wayinto the “real world,” con-sider harnessing yourtime, energy and talentinto an independent career.It won’t be easy, but suc-cess rarely comes withouteffort, and there’s no bettertime than when you arestrong and full of energy tomake it happen.

There you are in your cap and tassel Ready to make the world your castle. It seems just yesterday you were a kid, Watching everything we did.

Now we’re watching you graduate-- The grown young woman we helped create! On wings of knowledge you will fly; Following your vision and rising high.

We couldn’t be prouder, Aaliyah, of you; We wish you success in all you do. Remember, there is one thing we want you to know; Our love is with you wherever you go.

Love always,

Mom & Dad


Career Tips for New Graduates



Whitney ColtonFrederick Coatney Jashovion Cole Stephanie Coleman Vance Cook

Jeremy Cox Layna Creppel Jacorrian Davis Paige Deblieux Daisy Delrie

Sadie Delrie Kierra Demas Joy Dove Harlea Dowden

Frances Evans

Emily Dunn

Sarah Dunn Matthew Durr Douglas Ebarb Lacrisha Evans

Delrix FranklinJason Fagundes Decarlos Fobb Jasmine Foster Kendal Friday


Sarah Griffith Laketra Hamilton


Gabrielle GallienJessica Friedel Ashley Fulton Raven Gafford Calvin Gallion

Alexis Graham Katelyn Granger Lakendra Green

Jacob Hargis Christopher Harper Brittiney Harris Quinton Helaire

Deidre Howell

Durwood Hendricks

Michael Hernandez Oriana Hill Willie Hopkins Cassandra Hopper

Edward JacksonLindsay Howell Issa Irchirl Sarah Ivy Brittany Jackson



Jaylon JonesAustin Johnson Courtney Johnson Shauntica Johnson Damontra Jones

John Jones Brian Jordan McKenzie Kay Roger Kedley Christopher Kosloski

Carrie Lacey Christopher Lacey Roy Lacour Joseph Lane Samantha Law

De Tajh LewisShelby Ledoux Taryn Lee Leann Lemoine Lauren Leone

Emilee LonadierLaketra Lewis Lakedra Lindsey Demard Llorens Daniel Lonadier



Julia McManusBrianna Martin Melaina Martin Brittany Matkin Gabriel McDaniel

Lauren Megee Jacob Merrell Marissa Metoyer Zachary Metoyer Michael Milburn

Oliver Miles Cheyenne Minish Ashley Mitchell Brittany Monette Kelly Morgan

Ashley Moss Katherine Murchison Alexis Neal Tyler Nealy Kevin Niette

Kenneth Nolley Kandice Odom Taylor Oliver Dawn Parker Jacob Parker

(Family Features)Searching for a job can be adaunting task-somethingtoo many Americans knowall too well. Job seekersneed to find creative ways torenew and document theirskills to stand out from thecrowd.

Gone are the days whenrefreshing a resume andcustomizing a cover letterwould give prospectiveemployees a shot at landingan interview. Now, employ-ers are looking for a fool-proof way to know the peo-ple they hire will be a wiseinvestment.

“Identifying and trainingthe right employee coststime and money to alreadystrapped employers,” saidMartin Scaglione, Presidentof the WorkforceDevelopment Division atACT. “Job seekers who candocument their skill levelsto prospective employersbefore the interview processhelp increase their chanceof success.”

The process begins withpreparation and planning.The following steps can

help:Plan

Before applying for a job,find out what skill set thejob requires. ACT, bestknown for its collegeentrance exam, has one ofthe largest, most robustdatabases of occupationalskills available, with morethan 18,000 job titles. ACT-authorized job profilershave analyzed the tasksrequired to perform eachjob, and identified the essen-tial skills required for thesetasks, allowing job seekersto easily match their skilllevels to profiled jobs.

SearchApplying for dozens of

positions online likely leadsto disappointment for mostjob seekers as their inboxesfill with spam rather thaninterview invitations.Instead, start by searchingtop job sites, local job sitesand sites that focus on spe-cific career fields to beginthe search. Then, use onlinetools, job boards and net-working to help narrow thechoices and lessen thechances of applying for jobs

that already have too manyapplicants.

ApplyMost employers get hun-

dreds of online resumesevery day to fill a limitednumber of positions. Somecommon tips may helpincrease your chance ofsuccess in the resumescreening process:

* Follow the online appli-cation directions precisely.The quickest way to be elim-inated is to ignore theemployer’s specific applica-tion process.

* Place yourcomputer/software skillstogether in a list under oneheading, and all other skillsunder a separate heading.

* Include acronyms withspelled out versions to makesure both are caught in thescreening process.

* Proofread, proofread,proofread. Then ask some-one you trust to proofreadagain before you submityour paperwork.

ProveEmployers want to make

sure applicants are a surebet before they are even

hired. One of the most effi-cient ways to demonstrateskills is to earn a widelyrespected, evidence-basedskills certification beforeapplying for a job. ACT’sNational Career ReadinessCertificate (NCRC) is madeup of three assessmentsmeasuring essential work-place skills in math, readingand locating information.You may list your Bronze,Silver, Gold or PlatinumNCRC on your resume and aprospective employer can

log on to an ACT website toverify your accomplish-ment.

Job seekers can furthertheir chances for success bytaking the NCRC Plus;which measures work-relat-ed behaviors beyond cogni-tive skills and ranks indi-viduals in four “soft skill”categories important toemployers.

To learn more about theNCRC, and to find a testingcenter near you, visitwww.act.org/certificate.


Bank Of Bank Of Bank Of Montgomery Montgomery Montgomery

Congratulates Congratulates Congratulates all 2012 all 2012 all 2012

Graduates! Graduates! Graduates!

We wish you the best in your future endeavors!

NATCHITOCHES - Downtown814 Washington St.

(318) 352-3060

NATCHITOCHES952 Keyser Ave.(318) 352-2056

MONTGOMERY1000 Caddo St.(318) 646-3386

CANE RIVER14258 Hwy 1

(318) 379-1900

MEMBER FDIC Granddaughter, can you feel me? Do you know I’m near? I wished that I could be with you To wipe away your tears. I know you are sad sometimes, I see it everyday. If only I could help you see I really am ok. Heaven is so pretty Me and grandpa are here We’re spending time with Jesus We’ll be waiting for you, dear But you have things to do down there Until your time is done Oh, but when that day comes, sweet girl Into your arms I’ll run.

Aaliyah, Congratulations on Your Graduation

Love, MawMaw

Take the Guesswork Out of Finding a Job

The Northwest La. Technical College NatchitochesBranch offers a variety of programs.

- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration- Automotive Technology- Business Office Technology AAS- Business Office Technology Diploma- Cosmetology- Care and Development of Young Children- Nurse Assistant- Practical Nursing- Industrial Electronics Technology- Industrial Maintenance Technology - Welding- G.E.D. Prep- Certificate ProgramsFor more information, visit the school’s Web site at

www.nwltc.edu or contact Dean Laurie Morrow at 318-357-3162 or [email protected].

Technical college offersoptions to graduates



Robyn Patterson

Kayla Possoit

Latesha Phillps Travis Phillips Kenneth Poleman Katarina Pope

Daquita Pye Aaliyah Rachal Caviaan Rachal Michael Rachal

Amber Raggio James Raggio Tiara Reynolds Matthew Riggs-Carr Randi Rivers

Adrianna Robinson Lakendra Robinson Roshonda Robinson Whitney Ross Hanna Ryder

Richard Sargee Randall Sawyer Layla Scott Steven Session Faith Shaw


Timirra Thrash Daniel Tynes Silvia Vaughn Laren Vercher Meghan Viator

Elizabeth Stephens Jaleesa Stewart Garritt Stoker John Storrs Taylor Summerlin

Peyton Taveney Andre Thibodeaux Sierra Thomas Candace Thompson Jessica Thompson


ODarrius Shields

Zaharias Soileau

Tilmon Shields Joel Sinclair Keara Smith Vanessa Smith

Justin Solomon Khadijah Sowell Christina St. Andry Hana Stanfield

(Family Features) In anincreasingly competitiveglobal market, education isbecoming more important.But many families find thecost of education to be out-side their grasp.

According to a study com-missioned by the USDepartment of Education,from the 2001-02 to the 2010-11academic year, the cost ofattending a 4-year under-graduate in-state school roseby 47.3 percent.

With ever-increasing edu-cation expenses, many fami-lies are accumulating signifi-cant debt, putting studentsfurther behind. However,with planning and financialmanagement, students cancontrol their finances.

Here are some tips for par-ents of soon-to-be college stu-dents.

Start the conversation.Talk with other parents,teachers and guidance coun-selors about the cost of edu-cation.

Make contact with the stu-dent financial aid offices ofthe colleges on your child’slist and get an accurate esti-mate of the cost of each insti-

tute. Most importantly, talkwith your child. It is impera-tive your child learns thebudgeting process as theywill soon be managing theirfinances away from home.

Set the budget and stick toit. Once you have a set bud-get, add wiggle room forother unforeseeable expens-es. Make sure you set thisbudget realistically.Calculating the cost of pensand pencils may seem ludi-crous, but if you’re on a tightbudget, every expensecounts.

Get connected. Trackingyour financial spending iseasier than ever. From smartphone apps to free financialplanning software, you canget an accurate financialreport at any time. Researchbanks to determine whichones offer services to helpyou can stay on top of yourbudget. Also, consider link-ing your banking accountwith your child’s, to easilytransfer funds online.

Make a plan. When takingon debt, it is important tohave a plan for paying it off.Calculate the monthly pay-ments and time it will take

your child to pay off the debt.Research salary ranges for

the field in which your childplans to pursue a career tounderstand the debt they canrealistically carry.

Find more informationand calculators to help deter-mine payment schedules andinterest rates atwww.direct.ed.gov.

Do your research. Beforetaking out a student loan,look to other options, such asfinancial aid and scholar-ships.

While some scholarshipsare awarded on academicmerit, others are given basedupon both academic perfor-mance and community ser-vice. ForestersTM, a lifeinsurance provider commit-ted to the well-being of fami-lies and their communities,is one organization that pro-vides a competitive scholar-ship program1 open to eligi-ble members or their depen-dent children, includinggrandchildren, worth up to$8,000.

Recipients can use thescholarship to attend accred-ited universities, collegesand vocational schools, aslong as they are pursuing

their first post-secondarydegree or diploma. There areup to 350 ForestersCompetitive Scholarshipsavailable, in the US andCanada including five KenPeterson Awards forCommunity Service. Theseawards are worth up to$11,000.

Learn more about thescholarship opportunitiesawarded by Foresters atwww.foresters.com/member-ship/scholarships.asp.

ForestersTM is the tradename and a trademark of

The Independent Order ofForesters, 789 Don MillsRoad, Toronto, Canada M3C1T9; its subsidiaries arelicensed to use this mark.

This program is adminis-tered by InternationalScholarship and TuitionServices, Inc. Only eligibleForesters members and theirfamilies can apply for thesescholarships. Foresters mem-ber benefits are non-contrac-tual, subject to eligibilityrequirements and limita-tions and may be changed orcancelled without notice.


Member FDIC

Banking...just right. www.exchange-bank.com

You’re graduating. Let us help you take the next step to financial freedom. Your piggy bank will thank you!

Carrie Lacey Natchitoches Central

High School

Congratulations “U Go Girl”

We’re Proud of You! We love you,

Mommy, Daddy & Sister Congratulations to

the Best Big Brother Ever!

Financial planning helps manage student debt

Congratulations Adrian, We love you! -Mom & Dad

Congratulations Adrian, We love you! -Mom & Dad

Commercial printing, Copies, Notary Seals, Rubber stamps, Office machine sales & repair

810 Keyser Ave, Natchitoches 575 Main St, Many 318-357-0054 Fax 318-357-0063 318-256-093 Fax 318-256-0096


Jack Blake A.J. Bouchie Catherine Burke Laura Leigh Evans Mary Gill

St. Mary’s High School


Erin Villalobos

Selena Wester

Amber Walker Darrell Wallace Treston Wallace Ron Walter

Alicia White Gretchen White Luke Wilkerson Laramie Williams

Treyondrick Williams Chelsea Wynder

CCCCoooonnnnggggrrrraaaattttuuuullllaaaatttt iiiioooonnnnssss,,,, NNNNaaaattttcccchhhhiiii ttttoooocccchhhheeeessss PPPPaaaarrrr iiii sssshhhh ggggrrrraaaadddduuuuaaaatttteeeessss!!!!

Natchitoches Central High Graduation Ceremony

Friday, May 187 p.m.

Prather Coliseum


Steele Merritt Ryan Metoyer Cody Platt Derion Porchia Leslie Powell

Roxy Ramirez Zack Remedies Kayla Roge’ Brooklynn Sanders Clayton Thomas

Brittany Hayes

Regan Kaufman

Elizabeth Horton Caitlin Ingram Garrett Ingram Daniel James

Haley LaCaze Johnny Ledet Kirk Leone Gunner McLendon

Hannah Lee Ward Joshua Wheat

St. Mary’s High School

St. Mary’s High SchoolGraduation Ceremony

Tuesday, May 227 p.m.

SMH Gym


Naseem Alammar Hannah Alkadi Claire Allen Katie Anselmo Luther Baker

Elizabeth Balga

Cheyene Blanchard

Victoria Bamburg Rishi Banda Paul Bedel Ruslan Bilyalov

Kyle Blanchard Chase Boles Naomi Bouriaque Sarah Broussard

Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts

Tyra Brown

Kristen Chatelain

Logan Burnsed Allen Calmes Jackie Carrell Regan Cascio

Katelyn Clements Emily Cowen Garrett Crooks Deeksha Deep


Keionne Derousselle Kayla Dixon Kathrynn Duberville Wesley Ducote Sharon Dunnehoo

Maryssa Dupre

Tyler Fontenot

Carolyn Dwyer BeeJay Ellington Ryan Fitzgerald Ryan Flanagan

Kayleigh Fowler Emily Gauthier Caroline Geary Sara Ghorab


Jeremiah Gradine Dee Gray Catherine Habetz Dylan Hanks Bria Hawkins

Eva Hidalgo Justin Hoff Charise Humphrey Amber HuntFelipe Hernandez


Tori Jackson Aksheta Jain Cathryn Kachura Morgan Kastner Jacob Keele

Paul Koenig

Tori Lloyd

Joshua Kubiak Bih Lih Cicilia Lau Eleanor Legaspi Casey Linn

Mary Beth Maggio Ryan Maggio Megan Meaux Ayush Narayan


Nellie New

Dhaval Patel

Crystal Nisby Agnes Nwokorie Donovan O’Dell Kentrell Owens

Harsh Patel Raj Patel Savan PatelPriash Patel


John Patterson Boyang Piao Gelise Porter Aryanna Prasad Harrison Prehn

Logan Procell

Jade Reich

Courtney Pullig Reno Raju Emily Raulston Emily Reed

Giovanna Rocha Joseph RomeroJohn Romero Martin Smith Sanders


Sarah Sandifer

Katelynne Smith

Anita Saraf

Samson Thai

Rose Shirley Shannan Singletary

Leslie Smith Amon Straughter Hannah Toups

Isabelle Schicketanz


Henry Toups Cameron Triay Emily Vice John Vu Brandon Weatherford

Zachary West

Do Young Yoon

Nina Williamson Kristin Wills Kelsey Woodard Eleanor Wray

Diana Zacarias



Graduation CeremonySaturday, May 26

2 p.m.Prather Coliseum

SCOTT MAYEROWITZAP Business Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Theclass of 2012 is leaving col-lege with something thatmany graduates since thestart of the GreatRecession have lacked:jobs.

To the relief of graduat-ing seniors — and theiranxious parents — the out-look is brighter than it hasbeen in four years. Campusjob fairs were packed thisspring and more companiesare hiring. Students aren'tjust finding good opportu-nities, some are weighingmultiple offers.

In some ways, membersof the class of 2012 gotlucky. They arrived on cam-pus in September 2008, thesame month that Wall

Street investment bankLehman Brothers col-lapsed, touching off afinancial crisis that exacer-bated the recession.

On campus, they werelargely insulated from thecollapsing U.S. economy.While older brothers andsisters graduated into a dis-mal job market, they tookshelter in chemistry, phi-losophy and literatureclasses.

They used their collegeyears to prepare for thebrutal realities of the jobmarket that would awaitthem. They began network-ing for jobs much earlier, asfreshmen in some cases.They pursued summerinternships not simply asresume boosters, but asgateways to permanent

jobs. And they developedmore realistic expectationsabout landing a job in theideal place and at the idealsalary.

On campuses across thecountry, spirits are moreupbeat this spring, and theemployment outlook isespecially promising,according to interviewswith three dozen seniorsand career center directors.

"It's just been such a dra-matic change from what wesaw in 2008," says MercyEyadiel, who overseescareer development atWake Forest University inWinston-Salem, N.C. Backthen, openings disappearedovernight and companieswere calling recent gradu-ates to rescind offers. "Itwas a very bad, ugly situa-

tion."The job market remains

tough, even for those grad-uating from the best uni-versities. Hiring is not backto its pre-recession leveland plenty of seniors areleaving campuses withoutjobs. Yet this year's gradu-ates are less likely to facethe disappointment of mov-ing back in with mom anddad, or being forced to workat a coffee shop to pay offloans.

"I was nervous that mycollege degree would go towaste," says LauraMascari, who arrived onthe University ofDelaware's Newark campusin the fall of 2008. Mascari,who received two job offers,will work in marketing —her major — for chemicals

giant DuPont.Between September 2008

and August 2010, 6.9 millionAmerican jobs were elimi-nated. In the last year and ahalf, 3.1 million jobs havebeen created.

The strengthening jobmarket has made a big dif-ference to seniors who arejob-hunting in their finalsemester.

The unemployment ratefor college graduates 24 andunder averaged 7.2 percentfrom January throughApril. That rate, which isnot adjusted for seasonalfactors, is down from thefirst four months of 2011(9.1 percent), 2010 (8.1 per-cent) and 2009 (7.8 percent.)For all Americans, theunemployment rate is 8.1percent.

2012 college grads enter improving job market


Spiritual Advice for SeniorsI have been

ordering seeds andplants from differ-ent companies andcatalogs trying tofind out exactlywhat would growaround my house. Ihave gotten catalogsfrom NorthCarolina, Georgia andFlorida, as well as numer-ous other areas so I couldsee what would grow at myplace.

When the plants arrived,I was in shock; they did notlook at all how I thoughtthey should. I was ready tomake a call to the companywhen I found a small pieceof paper in the packagethat claimed the plantswere good, but just dor-mant, and that they wouldrevive and become healthyplants when their rest wasover.

As it was my intention towrite this article on thetheme of hope, I thought ofall those plants and theprocess they would have togo through to become pro-ductive. First, I would haveto dig up the soil, then getthe rocks out (it’s a bitrocky around my place),work in some potting soil,and probably worst of all,add some fertilizer. Afterthe planting is done, then ittakes care to keep theweeds out, the plantswatered, and then hope youhave done everything you

needed to do forthe plants torespond.

Then, I thoughtof us and how TheLord is able to takeus and nourish us,

bringing us to lifeand productivity.First, He breaks up

the hardness of our hearts,cuts out all the rough andstony parts, adds the mulchof nurturing disciplinethat will bring richness tous, and then He applies fer-tilizing trials, which,though sometimes smelly,bring a quality whereby wecan feed others throughwhat we have learned, aswell as our experiencesthat we’ve had.

Then He waters us withthe Holy Spirit’s power andsets His face to shine on usso we can grow in theSONlight of His grace. If,or when, your life seems tobe getting dry or crusty,and you seem not to bemaking any forwardprogress, put your hope inThe Lord. He knows justwhat He is going to producein you. Keep hoping and letThe Lord apply all the ele-ments needed to bringhealth and productivity toyour life.

“My hope is in YouLord.”

John JarvisSenior Pastor, Riversof Water Foursquare

Church, Robeline

As the gradu-ation seasonnears, we pon-der words ofencouragementfor those pass-ing from one lifeexperience toanother. We want to guidethem to focus on the thingsthat matter most in life.Cowboys have always had acode by which they livedthat seemed to bring alivethese very things.

These “rules of therange” really weren’t rulesat all. They have more to dowith character, principlesand values. They weren’tspoken with words but werereflected in actions. It didn’tmatter whether a person

was rough around theedges, or hard-looking orhad done some questionablethings in the past. Whatmattered was the kind ofperson he had become. Thekind of man he was whenthings got rough or whennobody was looking. TheCowboy Code was some-thing he had inside, and heknew in his heart when hewas or was not living up toit.

The Cowboy Code is 10timeless principles to liveby. Just as they did for thecowboy of the early west,they can offer inspirationand guidance to us today.

1. Live each day withcourage.

2. Take pride in your

work.3. Always finish what

you start4. Do what has to be done.5. Be tough, but fair.6. When you make a

promise, keep it.7. Ride for the brand.8. Talk less and say more.9. Remember that some

things aren’t for sale.10. Know where to draw

the line.God’s Rule Book states:

“The Lord is my light andmy salvation, whom shall Ifear? The Lord is the strong-hold of my life; of whomshall I be afraid?” Psalm27:1

Clyde MileyPastor, Red River

Cowboy Church

John and Paula Jarvis

W i n s t o nChurchill in hisclosing remarksto a graduatingclass made thiss t a t e m e n t :“Never give in.Never give in.Never, never, never, neverin nothing, great or small,large or petty, never give in,except to convictions ofhonor and good sense.Never yield to force. Neveryield to the apparentlyoverwhelming might of theenemy.”

In advising graduates,we could speak of the wiseuse of money and of time.We could give many practi-cal suggestions, but thisquote brings a principle forlife. First, allowing honor-able absolutes to be thestandard and rule for the

decisions and choices wemake in our lives.

Honesty may not be instyle, but it is the absolutethat shows the character ofan individual. Being honestrelates to every area of life -work ethics, relationshipsand spirituality. If you arehonest with yourself, oth-ers and God, you won’t liveyour lives with regrets.

Being honest and fair inyour dealings will leave youtime to deal with other cir-cumstances in life not ofyour making. Being a pas-tor, I’m concerned with thespiritual conditions oftoday’s young people. Wemust realize that events inour lives hinder us in allaspects, including our spir-itual lives.

Churchill spoke aboutnot being “overwhelmed by

the might of the enemy.”We must realize that therewill be battles and there areenemies, but we cannotallow ourselves to be defeat-ed.

This can all be accom-plished by using good, old-fashioned horse sense. Wecan all relate to those thatwe know who have beenfaithful to God and how ithas impacted their lives ina truly positive way.

I am a pastor, but I amalso a deputy sheriff. I guar-antee if you will live yourlives in honesty with your-self, others and God, youmay meet me professional-ly as a pastor, but you won’thave to meet me profession-ally as a deputy sheriff.

Timothy RuckPastor, Bible

Missionary Church

Miley

Ruck

Top Gifts for GradsAlmost graduation time and still haven’t gotten a gift

for your favorite grad? Here are a few suggestions to getyou started.

-Bible. This is one of the most com-mon gifts for high school and collegegraduates. Many churches have gradu-ate recognition ceremonies and providetheir grads with monogrammed Bibles.

-Dorm room accessories. From mir-rors to laundry baskets to bath robes,

the high-school-graduate-turned-college-fresh-man needs to be outfitted beforehe or she leaves the nest.

-Cash. You can’t go wrong withcold, hard cash. It’s always theright size, and it will definitelycome in handy in that freshmanyear of college when the gradhits the “real world.”

Oh, the Places You’ll Go

“Congratulations!Today is your day.

You’re off to Great Places!You’re off and away!

...And will you succeed?Yes! You will indeed!

(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.)KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!

So...Be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or

BrayOr Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea,

You’re off to Great Places!Today is your day!

Your mountain is waiting.So... get on your way!”

“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss is apopular and whimsical gift for graduates.

Northwestern StateUniversity awarded degreesto 792 students May 4 atspring commencement exer-cises in Prather Coliseum.University of LouisianaSystem President Dr. RandyMoffett was the commence-ment speaker.

Natchitoches Parish grad-uates by hometown were:

Campti - Samantha Zeno,Associate of Arts; Candies

Bush, Associate of Science inNursing; Lona Frazier,Bachelor of General Studies;Samantha Zeno, Bachelor ofScience; Trieva Carey,Master of Arts in Teaching;

Cloutierville - NicoleOakes, Associate of GeneralStudies;

Natchitoches - TroyDaigle, Kelsey Ford,Associate Degree; JohnAugustus, Garrett

Murchison, Jordan Robeaux,Associate of Arts; TamekiaColeman, Clinton Dunn,Jacquiline Gallien,BrianHicks, JacquelineJackson, Roquel Merritte,Tisha Nash, KatrinaRoberson, Patricia Stampley,Yetta Volff, David Walker,Associate of General Studies;Kasey Cain, Mary Courtney,Tobi Howard-Ingle, AprilMisher, Kendl Procell, CarlaWalker, Jamie Williams,Associate of Science inNursing; Jody Bernard,Harvey Briggs, Jillian M.Corder, Willa Drakes, TiffanyJ. Hall, Jeremy Henderson,Amanda Laprarie, MathewL. Morrison, Lisa Nelms,Bachelor of Arts; AletheaEdwards, Tiffany Jeane,Margaret Rodriguez,Bachelor of Fine Arts; OlgaBazhanova, RebeccaBernard, Brittany Borders,Harvey Briggs, RobertCarpenter, Kip Cochran,Alexia Colvin, KatrinaDemars, Carl Gunter, BrettHarper, Vincent Hayes,

Chelsea Smith, AnastasiaSquyres, Bryan Stamey,Bachelor of General Studies;James Green, Bachelor ofMusic; Matthew Petty,Bachelor of MusicEducation; Mary Ackel,Joseph Barnhill, LaurenBoudreaux, Sarah Broadway,Michael Burch, John Carson,Amber Carter, KarenChatelain, Kathryn Cory,April Coutee, Arielle Craige,Demarius Davis, JamesDavis, Larry Doughty, LoriEngolia, Carrie Falke, DustinGaspard, Ryan Gentry,Shenita Goston, MichaelHarper, Jose Hernandez,Genica Jackson, LatishaJenkins, LaTronda Johnson,Traci Jones, ElizabethKnight, Michael Laborde,Derek Maggio, Jamila Maxie,Ryan McDonald, BrookeNielsen, Kerrah Page, MandyPerson, Stanley Rolon, AprilRond, Amanda Sharp, AlyssaSirmons, John Tran,Stephanie Tummons, Ne-keia Tyler, Roger Vickers,Samuel Warsley, Terrell

Williams, Isaac Woodward,Bachelor of Science; AmyMetoyer, Samantha Nolte,Bachelor of Science inNursing; Kay Cavanaugh,Caitlin Dartez, Catherine E.Lobre, Latoyia Pea, Master ofArts; Stephanie Burch, CaityCollins, Anna Floyd, JennyMassia, Dedric Smith,Master of Arts in Teaching;Kyung Kim, Zenda Sawyer,Master of Education;Demarquis Hamilton,Veranda Hillard, BrandonLaBarge, Kayla LeLeux-LaBarge, Ashley Nielsen,Sarah Prudhomme, KileyWalker, Master of Science;Tammy Harris, MistyLester,Tina Perron, Master ofScience in Nursing;Jacqueline Reado, Specialistin Education;

Provencal - Beverly Davis,Associate of General Studies;

Robeline - James D.Manning, Bachelor of Arts;Austen Dockens, ZechariahHennigan, Molly Owecki,Donna Stephens, Bachelor ofScience


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NSU awards degrees to parish students

Northwestern State recognized top graduates from the College of Artsand Letters and the College Education and Human Development duringmorning commencement exercises May 4. Seated from left are PetraBubanja of Bar, Montenegro; Mary P. Hebert of Westlake, Barbara JoyKemp of Summerfield, Jerrica L. Wilson of Jena and ChristiannaBurwell of Leesville. Standing are Wayne Parker, executive committeechair of the Board of Supervisors for the University of LouisianaSystem; Jimmy Long Sr., a member of the Board of Supervisors;Treasure Manes of Hornbeck, Hilary Parrie of Zwolle, commencementvocalists Kelsey Primeaux Nogic of Alexandria and James DouglasGreen of Opelousas and NSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb.

NSU recognized top graduates from the College of Nursing and AlliedHealth and the College of Science, Technology and Business duringafternoon commencement May 4. Seated from left are Lacey D.Campbell of Gray, Donna Stephens of Robeline, Lori Engolia ofCovington and Meredith Richard of Opelousas. Standing are com-mencement speaker Dr. Randy Moffett, president of the University ofLouisiana System; Steven Cambron of Leesville, Austen Dockens ofRobeline, Zechariah Hennigan of Robeline and Northwestern StateUniversity President Dr. Randall J. Webb.

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