THE ZACHA Y
ADVOCATE& T H E A D V O C AT E.C O M
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W e d n e s d ay, A p r i l 15, 2026
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12TH YEAR, NO. 26
Zachary High’s Carlynn Vessel places third in the Baton Rouge Gallery ‘Real Life Experience’ Juried Student Art Show.
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER R. VINN
Zachary Broncos Ian Edmond pushes down the court with pressure from Ruston’s Jayden Anding during the Division 1 Non-select Finals at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles on March 14. PROVIDED PHOTOS
Zachary High’s Evan Selser places second in the Baton Rouge Gallery “Real Life Experience” Juried Student Art Show.
Zachary High art department shines at annual show Community news report The Zachary High School Art Department had a big night at the Baton Rouge Gallery on April 1. Two Zachary High students earned second and third places in the annual BR Gallery “Real Life Experience” Juried Student Art Show. Evan Selser placed second, and Carlynn Vessel placed third. The top three winners receive a cash award. The opening reception displayed over 100 pieces of work from over 200 entries in the East Baton Rouge Parish area. Zachary High had the largest number of selected entries from both East Baton Rouge Parish public and private schools. The show also features a teacher’s art section: Zachary High art teachers Megan Buccere and Lauren Conerly had pieces selected for the show. The showcase is open to the public through April 26 and is free of charge. Other Zachary students in the show include Marlee Ballmer, Gabriel Barnette, Jacoby Foster, Quinn Langley, Abigail Papenburg, Kai-li Thomas, Peyton Upton, John Varmall and Alisha Youngblood.
Zachary represented on 5A all-state team BY JACKSON REYES Staff writer
The Baton Rouge area was well represented on the LSWA Class 5A all-state team released Wednesday. On the boys side, Zachary guard Ian Edmond earned first-team honors. He averaged 19.7 points, three steals, three assists and three rebounds. He was critical in the Broncos’ path to repeating as state champions and was named outstanding player in the title game.
Central senior Jace Conrad was a member of the second team. He averaged 16.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Conrad helped guide the No. 6-seeded Wildcats back to the Division I nonselect semifinals. Denham Springs junior Jeremy Williams also earned second-team honors. He helped the Yellow Jackets reach the semifinals after he averaged 15 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals. Zachary coach Jonathan McClinton was named boys Coach of the Year af-
ter leading his team to a second straight state title and a 33-4 record. On the girls side, Zachary senior Ava Raymond was named outstanding player. She averaged 17.4 points, eight rebounds, three steals and two assists. Raymond was the lone returning starter to the Broncos and helped lead them to a second straight state title. She scored the game-winning basket against Slidell in the championship game.
ä See TEAM, page 2G
More titles and awards for Zachary sports The Zachary High powerlifting team, ning a state championship and Nilah’s efforts were amazing and I am so happy under Jason Davis, competed in the for them.” He further noted that “the East regional and State powerlifting tournament and provided some impres- hard work and dedication they showed will not be forgotten and we were so sive performances. lucky to have them (seniors At the East Regional, Gabby Anthony and Duhe) in the proAnthony and Megan Roussell won their weight classes and Nilah gram.” Davis then challenged Duhe came in second place. Annext year’s returners. “Now it’s up to Megan and others to thony broke the regional squat continue to build on that” Davis record with an amazing squat of said. 450 (the previous record was 405) The ZHS girls soccer team and broke the total record for Warren cleaned up with district honors. the three lifts with a total of 1055 Brady Trinity Spence was named Dis(the previous record was 985). ZACHARY She was also named the Women’s trict Offensive MVP. Joining SPORTS Most Outstanding Lifter. Spence on the First Team AllAt the state meet, Anthony District were Ava Lewis, Alyssa won the state championship and Lillie, Gracie Coronel, Laila EsDuhe finished fourth going nine for nine nault and Kaylee Parker. Second Team on her lifts and setting three personal All-District performers were Sophia records. Yes, that is Anthony’s second Hebert, Caroline Wilson and Taylon state championship this year (wrestling Spurlock. Head Coach Angie Mitchell in February). More on this incredible was named District Coach of the Year. athlete to come. ä See BRADY, page 3G Davis commented that “Gabby win-
PROVIDED PHOTO
Gabby Anthony shows her outstanding lifter award.
Lane Foundation to host event April 25 Leila Pitchford AROUND ZACHARY
The Lane Foundation is holding its first Bourbon, BBQ & Wine event from noon to 4 p.m. April 25, at the Lane Walking Track, on the campus of Lane Regional Medical Center, 6300 Main St., Zachary. Guests will have bourbon tastings, barbecue from local vendors, curated wine selections, and live entertainment throughout the event. This year’s entertainment lineup includes performances by The Dizzy! Duo, The Dad Band and the Southland Band. General admission wristbands are $50 each and provide access
to all tastings and entertainment. Attendees must be 21 years of age or older to purchase tickets and attend the event. Proceeds from the event directly benefit the Lane Foundation, supporting initiatives that advance patient care, expand services, and improve the overall health of the region. Tickets are available for purchase online at https://www. lanermc.org/bourbon-bbq-andwine.
Live at the Gazebo From 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., April
25, Bucket List will play at Downtown Live at the Gazebo. On May 9, Spring Chickens will play the event.
Compete in the lip sync show Registration and tickets are on sale for Zachary High’s fourth annual Lip Sync Battle on April 16. This event is open to anyone in the Zachary community on stage or in the audience. To purchase tickets, visit events.ticketleap.com/tickets/ zhs-choir-department/4th-annuallip-sync-battle.
Know a ZHS Hall of Famer? Zachary High Athletics is seeking help looking for information on former athletes. On Facebook, the school said, “We’re working to spotlight members of the Zachary High School Hall of Fame, and we want to make sure their stories are preserved.” Anyone with photos or information can email steven.crowder@ zacharyschools.org. Email Leila Pitchford at lpitchford@theadvocate.com.