Caddo Parish School Board recognizes students, highlights partnerships that awarded scholarships and college credit

The Caddo Parish School Board used its May 20 meeting to honor a large number of student achievements and to highlight district partnerships that provide scholarships, hands‑on research and college credit.

"We have a packed house today and it's because we have so many students to recognize," Superintendent Burton told the board as presentations began. The meeting's program included student leader recognitions, the SMART (Science and Medicine Academic Research Training) program, Willis‑Knighton Health Occupations scholarships, a Calumet STEM scholarship announcement, and the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership graduates.

District staff announced a record number of high school students who completed associate degrees through a partnership with Southern University at Shreveport: "The 43 outstanding Caddo Parish students have already reached a major milestone," a district presenter said, and the work was noted as "at no cost to their families." Speakers credited the partnership with giving students a head start on college and career pathways.

Willis‑Knighton recognized participating seniors and awarded scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500 to students seeking further study in health fields. Calumet announced four $1,000 STEM scholarships after a regional application and interview process; Brian Marcinkas, plant manager at Calumet’s Shreveport refinery, introduced finalists and named Arjan Desai (planned Duke University enrollment) and Shelby Owens (planned University of Tennessee enrollment) as scholarship recipients.

The district also recognized students in the SMART biomedical research program, which the presenter said has involved more than 200 participants since its start in 1997 and connects high‑schoolers with LSU Health Shreveport investigators for yearlong research experiences.

The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce introduced the inaugural youth leadership class and thanked school partners for participation; Chamber president Dr. Tim Magner said the program helped students "see the opportunities that are here" and build peer and community connections.

In the business portion of the agenda, the board placed the memorandum of understanding between David Rains Community Health Centers and the school district on the consent agenda; staff said the MOU would add clinic services and require annual parental consent procedures.

What happens next: scholarship awards and program partnerships will continue through summer and next school year; staff said parental consent for on‑campus David Rains services will be handled annually through the student handbook process.

Sources: presentations and statements recorded during the Caddo Parish School Board meeting, May 20, 2025.