The Livingston-Tangipahoa Advocate 02-25-2026

South Live Oak celebrates Blue Ribbon status

Education

Trey

state Department

school

South

with their Living Literature scene from the book ‘Matilda.’ They are going to the state BETA competition Feb 23-24.

BY RICHARD MEEK

Contributing writer

Recognition of the past met at the intersection of the present Feb. 13 at South Live Oak Elementary School.

Staff members, parents and former and current students met in the gym to celebrate South Live Oak’s recognition as a U.S Department of Education National Blue Ribbon School. The award is the highest honor a school can achieve and marks the first time Live Oak, which opened in 1993, has been honored.

The award recognizes schools for their overall academic excellent excellence.

“To be honored as a Blue Ribbon school is humbling and inspiring,” Amy Savage, the school’s second principal in its 33-year history, said after the unfold-

ing of the Blue Ribbon banner

“It is recognition of what happens inside of our classes each and every day,” she said. “We know it is a collective effort of the school community that enables us to succeed.”

Savage, who has taught at the school for 32 years and at 17 years is the longest sitting principal in the school district, thanked parents for trusting their children with the staff, for encouraging them and “standing beside us as true partners in their learning.”

“Students, you are the reason we do this work every day,” she said “Your desire to learn and excel inspires us.”

Savage recalled the saying that “good is the enemy of great” and boasted that at Live Oak the staff refuses to be satisfied with good, conceding that would be easier Rather, she said success has already been attained and as a group

the staff and administration continue to seek improvement for their students.

“Rigor is embedded into our culture, and we hold the unwavering belief that every child is capable of greatness,” she said. “Our school will never be good enough. Our students deserve great, and that is exactly what we will do.”

Jody Purvis, superintendent of Livingston Parish Public Schools, expressed his pride to the students and the staff. He said Live Oak is one of eight schools statewide to be honored. Purvis praised the dedication of the staff, noting that everything they do is intentional to help the students set expectations high and provide the support necessary to succeed.

BETWEEN FRIENDS

Casting for a Cause planned

A bass fishing tournament benefiting Child Advocacy Services is set for March 7 at Boopalous Bar and Grill in Springfield.

The East Livingston Kiwanis’ inaugural Casting for a Cause starts at 7 a.m. and goes until 2 p.m. Entry fee is $125 per team.

Boil & Berries Crawfish Cook-off coming to Springfield

Boil & Berries Crawfish Cook-Off Fundraiser coming to Springfield from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 18 at Fayard Field. Bracelets for the event are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Kids 3 and under are free. You’ll get to sample from all the crawfish pots and strawberry desserts. The day includes crawfish cookoff, strawberry dessert bake-off, strawberry patch contest, Hungarian treats and cultural performances, strawberry-eating contest for kids, music, vendors and inflatables.

Livingston schools kindergarten registration begins March 2

Fayard Field is at 32127 Church St., Springfield.

All proceeds benefit the Árpádhon Hungarian Settlement Cultural Association to help preserve our Hungarian heritage.

Interested in participating in crawfish cook-off or dessert bake-off, call (225) 278-3770 or (985) 974-6883. Interested in being a vendor call (225) 955-8239.

Livingston Parish Public Schools will begin accepting online registrations for incoming kindergarten students for the 2026-2027 school year on March 2. A child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30 to register for kindergarten. Online registration is available at https://www.lpsb.org/ parent_resources/registration_ info/register_for_kindergarten_2026-2027. Parents will be asked to provide the following child’s birth certificate, Social Security Card, immunization records, parent/guardian ID and proof of residency Currently enrolled Pre-K students are automatically rolled over and do not need to register Once a child is registered, schools will contact parents regarding kindergarten screening and a parent meeting. More information about the registration process, visit https://www.lpsb.org/ parent_resources/registration_info. Pre-K application open in Livingston Parish

Livingston Parish Public Schools is accepting applications for pre-kindergarten enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year across the district.

A child must be 4 years old on or

BY RICHARD MEEK Contributing writer

Amy Spence sat back, taking a moment to admire her work, the colors creating a kaleidoscope on a

BLUE

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He also praised the involvement of the Watson community

“In order for success to happen we have to work together, and we could not be prouder of the partnership we have with you and because of the trust you put in us,” he said, adding that being honored as a Blue Ribbon School is testimony that something special is happening “inside the walls.”

As part of the ceremony, the school’s Beta Club choir performed two patriotic songs, and the national anthem was performed by Live Oak High School Student of the Year Rachel Henry and Live Oak Middle School Student of the Year Landry Seals. South Live Oak Elementary student Olive Bailey led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Shortly after the ceremony, parents gathered at a reception and students returned to their classrooms sporting a newfound pride. Savage told The Advocate the award was a combination of the efforts of teachers, parents and staff. “I think it takes a commitment, and we have very little turnover at our school,” she said. “We have had the same

SALZER

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(Dupuy), about a month ago,” Salim said. “Obviously, the first step was to put a really strong coaching staff together, and I feel like we’ve done that.” That staff includes former Live Oak and Mandeville High head coach Hutch Gonzales, who will serve as the team’s offensive coordinator Other offensive coaches, all with Springfield ties, will be Bobby Johnson, Kevin Henderson and Cambel Palmer Conerly Goodly who was a decorated defensive back while playing at Southeastern Louisiana University from 2022 to 2025, will be the team’s defensive coordinator There are more Springfield ties with the rest of the defensive staff with the

AROUND

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before Sept 30 to qualify Round 1 of the online Pre-K application period opened Feb. 1, and runs through May 1. The online application can be accessed at http://applytolppsearlychild schoolmint.com. Documents needed to complete the application include the child’s birth certificate, the child’s social security card, immunization records, the parent’s or guardian’s ID, proof of residency (which must be verified through current utility bills), and proof of income (which must be verified with two

retention of assistant Russel Lopper, newcomer Tom Rocap and Matthew Savoy

Salim will also retain Shelby Billiot while adding Blake Fornea as strength coach and Haleigh Schwaibold as athletic trainer

Filling out the staff was just the first part of Salim’s four-point plan.

“The second thing was to install discipline and have accountability,” he said. “The third is

current consecutive paycheck stubs) for every working adult 18 and older or proof of SNAP benefits for the child.

Anyone needing assistance completing the online application can visit district staff members on Friday, April 17, at the Livingston Parish Public Schools Professional Development Center, at 17457 Wes McLin Road, Suite F, Livingston, 70754.

Staff members will be available with laptops to assist from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. that day Parents or guardians who attend this help session should bring copies of the required documents. More information about the application process is available as www.lppsearlychildhood.com or on Facebook at Livingston Parish Early Childhood.

staff in place for years and have relationships with our students that lead to success.”

Savage learned of the award in January 2025 but could not inform her staff until September. When hearing the news , she was thrilled that the efforts of her staff were going to be recognized, saying they deserve the accolades.

“This is family, this is my purpose,” she said.

Former teacher Terrie McClure, who retired at the end of the 2025-26 school year after more than 30 years at Live Oak, praised the family culture that founding principal Patty Davis instilled and Savage has continued.

“It is a place you do not get up and dread coming to work,” she said. “It is more than just curriculum, it is more than just showing up every day and teaching. It is pouring your heart into a job you love.”

“You are here for the long haul, and when these kids work their way into your hearts, they are there forever.”

Also in attendance were Davis and Trey Folse of the Louisiana Department Education.

getting our kids to come out and play football again. There are a lot of kids on campus that we’ve recruited so we can turn things around.

“Fourth is community involvement so we can start packing the house again.”

For now, Salim has a full plate as he makes plans for spring practice, which will take place once baseball season ends. He says he would have it no other way.

Student rodeo coming in this month

The Southeast Louisiana Junior and High

School Rodeo is Feb. 27-March 1 at LamarDixon Expo Center in Gonzales.

Action starts at 7 p.m. Feb. 27, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 28, and 9 a.m. March 1.

Rodeo athletes in fifth through 12th grades from all of Louisiana will compete. Admission is $10. A weekend pass is $15. Kids 5 and under are free.

Sicilian festival seeks vendors

The Independence Sicilian Heritage Festival is March 13-15. The festival is looking for food and craft vendors. Visit indysicilianfest.com to see forms.

“I love baseball, and I love competing in football,” Salim said. “This morning, I had a 6 a.m. meeting with the football coaches, and then I’m out here this evening with baseball. I love it. When I’m out here on the (baseball) field, I’m locked in and nothing else matters.”

Email Charles Salzer at livingston@theadvocate.com.

Learn something new

Be sure to visit southeastern.nbsstore. net/life-long-learning-livingston-center to find and register for classes such as chair yoga and Zumba, watercolor, stained glass and technology subjects.

Cornhole in Walker

Play cornhole every Friday at the Walker Community Center The weekly tournaments are $10 for the lower division and $20 for the upper division. For information, call (225) 305-7183. Send news and events to livingston@ theadvocate.com by 4 p.m. Friday or call (225) 388-0731.

Readers Club soars in popularity

Community news report

The Livingston Parish Library’s Readers Club continued to grow in popularity in 2025, drawing more than 800 participants and eclipsing 28,000 logged books

Readers Club is the Livingston Parish Library’s year-long reading challenge for adults ages 18 and older It runs from Jan. 1- Dec. 31 of each year and awards participants for reaching reading milestones within that year

Participants can read or listen to books of their own choosing, and they can also complete Monthly Challenges based on a particular theme.

In 2025, approximately 840 parish library patrons registered for Readers Club, and they logged approximately 28,749 books, a singleyear record. Readers Club members also completed 1,453 monthly challenges, another record for the system.

Since Readers Club was introduced in 2022, members have read more than 91,000 books.

Readers Club stats by year:

n 2022: 15,573 books; 451 month-

ly challenges

n 2023: 20,355; 801 monthly challenges

n 2024: 26,839 books; 1,180 monthly challenges

n 2025: 28,749 books; 1,453 monthly challenges

2026 Readers Club

Registration is officially open for the 2026 Readers Club challenge, and patrons can register online or at their local Livingston Parish Library branch.

The Livingston Parish Library

Members of the Livingston Parish Library’s Readers Club gather for the annual reception Jan. 27 at the

uses a web-based program called Beanstack to track progress for all its reading challenges, including Readers Club. Readers Club members must log their books into Beanstack for them to be counted. Rewards are given for the following milestones:

n 25 books (bronze) n 50 books (silver) n 75 books (gold) n 100 books (platinum)

Monthly challenge and drawings

The 2026 theme for Readers Club is Color Me Read, with each month highlighting a different color

This year, the Livingston Parish Library has Barnes & Noble at Juban Crossing as a sponsor As part of this sponsorship, Barnes & Noble will donate a $25 gift card each month that will be the raffle prize for those who complete that month’s monthly challenge. This

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their tight bond forged out of love.

“(Harvey) is sweet, kind and I enjoy spending time with her,” Spence said. The two friends spend nearly every weekday together but Thursdays are perhaps their favorite when they visit Brushfire Art Studio in downtown Denham Springs and work on their pottery projects. From glasses to vases, they carefully craft their works under their own watchful eyes, making sure the pieces match their vision. Each work can take up to three weeks to complete but when finished to their satisfaction the piece will be given as a gift or kept for themselves.

On a recent Thursday Spence was working her artistic magic on a vase she was creating for her mother, which gave the work its own special meaning. She was filled with pride being able to create a pottery piece for perhaps the most important person in her life.

“It comes from the heart when you make it yourself,” Spence said.

“This means a lot for

them, helping them with their motors skills and gives something to do,” Jean Harvey, Brittney’s grandmother, said. “It helps with their coordination, gets them out of the house and makes them feel useful they make these items and give them as gifts.” Jean Harvey said getting Spence and Harvey and other special needs adults out of the house is important because if not they will stagnate. Harvey said the girls need to be challenged daily and on this particular day, shortly after the lunch hour Spence and Harvey had already been to the gym for stretching and a tone class before working on their pottery

“I look forward to coming here; it relaxes me and I like the atmosphere,” said Brittney Harvey, who has been diagnosed with terminus syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects a person’s hands, making it even more difficult for her to work on her pottery projects.

“I like talking and visiting with friends and that means a lot to me,” she said adding the creativity also helps clear her on mind

“I like picking out the different colors, the different pieces,” she said.

Spence, who has been

diagnosed with Down syndrome, a more common genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome, said she loves the people at the studio, loves to paint and hang with friends. Her colorful work is reflective of her love of reds and purples.

Spence’s creative talent extends beyond pottery as she also creates her own greeting cards.

Jean Harvey and Susie King, who works with Spence, said the ladies engage in structured activities with other special needs adults at last four days a week. She said the following Monday would include working out, line dancing and aquatics.

A visit to Top Golf or movie followed by lunch will highlight Tuesdays before taking a break on Wednesday Thursday, of course, includes a visit to Brushfire and Friday it’s back to the gym for line dancing and other physical activity

“They love their line dancing,” Jean Harvey said. “We have six or seven of our special needs adult participate in it and they love it.

“They are having fun but they are getting exercise.”

gift card can be used at any Barnes & Noble location or www.barnesandnoble.com. The drawings are open to those who read and log a book based on that month’s theme.

For more information on Readers Club, to view our monthly themes, or to register, visit www.mylpl.info/booksmore/reading-challenges/ readers-club/.

Community news report

The Livingston Parish Library surpassed 500,000 total circulation in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year that the library’s total number of checkouts eclipsed half a million. In 2025, patrons tallied approximately 523,297 checkouts. This achievement highlights the library’s commitment to the community

As a vital resource for knowledge and creativity, the Livingston Parish Library provides access to a wide range of materials, including physical books and digital items such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMusic and eVideos, a news release said. “Additionally, our patrons enjoy non-traditional items such as Learning Kits, Hobby Kits, Celebration Kits, tablets, board games, Cultural Passes, and much more,” the release said. The library is a hub of discovery and learning, catering to the varied interests and needs of the community

The Livingston Parish Library remains focused on enhancing the library experience with new resources, events, and services, striving to meet the evolving needs of patrons.

Brushfire employee Sophie Wax said the Thursday group

Livingston Parish 4-H Fashion Revue celebrates fashion

Community news report

“Once Upon a Runway” was the theme for the 2026 Livingston Parish 4-H Fashion Revue recently held at Southside Elementary in Denham Springs.

4-H members from across the parish participated in the event where contestants were required to sew a garment and turn in prior to the contest for them to be judged on construction.

The contestants then participated in the appearance judging where they wore their garments and modeled in a fashion show Eight 4-H members participated in five divisions.

Junior clothing winners

Aprons: first place, Lydia McMorris, Albany Upper Elementary

Skirts: first place, Raelyn Lehnus, Levi Milton Elementary Complete Outfit: first place, Aniley Strahan, Juban Parc Junior High; second, Adelise Lehnus, North Corbin Junior High

Senior clothing winners

“It’s Sew You”: Dresses first, Olivia Vulgamore, Walker High; second, Baylee Rowell, French Settlement High; third place, Gwendolyn Carlin, Livingston Parish Homeschool Club.

Just for Fun Division winners

First place, Baylee Rowell, French Settlement High; second and Jasmine Jones, North Corbin Junior High

Sew with Cotton Contest winners

Junior Winner, Lydia McMorris, Albany Upper Elementary and Senior Winner, Olivia Vulgamore, Walker High

SLU announces academic organizational alignment

Community news report

Southeastern Louisiana University has created a strategic organizational alignment that will take effect in fall 2026, according to university officials.

The changes were created after a series of discussions over several months with university deans, department heads and faculty members.

“These changes are designed to balance our resources more effectively and foster new synergies between our education, business, and health-related

disciplines,” said Southeastern Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Skipper “By streamlining our structures, we are ensuring that our programs have the dedicated leadership and resources necessary to meet regional demands.”

A primary driver of the shift is the evolution of Southeastern’s nursing programs, Skipper said.

“Spanning three campuses and four undergraduate pathways, in addition to multiple graduate programs, Nursing will benefit from a focused structure

to fully leverage regional partnerships and expand enrollment to meet the critical need for high-quality health care professionals,” he said.

Beginning with the fall 2026 semester, Southeastern’s academic colleges affected by the changes will be organized as follows:

n The College of Nursing: Dedicated to the expansion of the university’s nursing pathways.

n The College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences (CEHHS): Housing non-nursing health programs alongside education

and human sciences to create a holistic hub for professional development and community wellness.

n The College of Business: While the name remains unchanged, the college will benefit from the addition of health systems administration and sports management programs.

Southeastern President William S. Wainwright said these changes will create a structure that further connects academic disciplines to career-minded outcomes. “Southeastern is enacting changes that build connectivity that encourages

entrepreneurial thinking, connects talent to marketplace opportunity, and is a catalyst to innovation, educational outcomes, career opportunities and marketplace shifts,” he said “In today’s world we see change at speeds never imagined. Southeastern has structured these academic programs to ensure that both the university’s and students’ ability to be adaptable is paramount.”

The colleges of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Science and Technology; and Honors and Excellence remain unchanged.

SLU receives collection of military antiques

Community news report

In the closing weeks of the fall 2025 semester, Southeastern Louisiana University President William Wainwright accepted a donation of more than 500 military antiques, which will be housed in a new exhibit space in Fayard Hall, room 223, beginning this spring.

Garden party in Hammond to celebrate 20th year azalea garden

Community news report

“This is an enormous task,” Kattan said, “and it represents a significant gift to Southeastern.”

The gift has found a home in Fayard Hall thanks to Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Jeff Wright. It is being cataloged and managed by associate professor of military history Samantha Cavell and head of the Department of History and Political Science William Robison.

“Al Freyder had already earned our gratitude by bringing in pieces from his collection each semester and discussing them with Dr Cavell’s military history classes,” Robison said. “But his donation really goes above and beyond the call of duty I am quite literally stunned by his generosity.”

The collection of antique uniforms, helmets, camp items, swords and firearms was presented by Al Freyder III, a businessman from Franklinton, who has been a longtime friend of the Department of History and Political Science. Freyder spent more than 40 years building his collection, which spans centuries of the American military experience, from the War of Independence to Vietnam. The bulk of the collection focuses on World War I and World War II and includes an extensive selection of militaria from Great Britain, Germany, and the Soviet Union, as well as pieces from Finland, Italy and Austria. According to Joe Kattan, the CEO of appraiseitnow com, the agency responsible for valuing the collection the donation is notable.

PROVIDED PHOTO

Southeastern Louisiana University has received a collection of antique uniforms, helmets, camp items, swords and firearms from Al Freyder III, a businessman from Franklinton.

Freyder spent more than 40 years building his collection that will be on display this spring

Gathering from left, are Southeastern College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Dean Jeff Wright; History and Political Science Department Head Bill Robison, associate professor of military history Samantha Cavell; Freyder; and Southeastern President William S. Wainwright.

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden at the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station March 12. The celebration will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 21549 Old Covington Highway, Hammond. Refreshments will be provided for all guests. Established in 2006, the Margie Y. Jenkins Azalea Garden honors the legacy of Margie Y. Jenkins, a nationally recognized plantswoman and horticultural pioneer celebrated for her passion, generosity and decades of influence on the nursery and landscape industry Over the past 20 years, the garden has become a showcase of azalea diversity, a living resource for research and education, and a destination for Louisiana gardeners and visitors. The anniversary garden party will bring together friends, supporters, horticulture professionals and community members to commemorate two decades educational outreach, and the impact of Margie Jenkins’ work. Guests will have the opportunity to walk through the garden, connect with AgCenter faculty and staff, and experience the garden at one of the most beautiful times of the year

Community news report

The Hammond Regional Arts Center’s signature fundraiser, Art of the Cocktail, is set for Feb. 28 at the Hammond Regional Arts Center, 217 E. Thomas St. The event blends playful competition, immersive theming, and community celebration, all in support of arts and cultural programming throughout Tangipahoa Parish.

This year’s theme, “Golden Ticket,” features an evening where art, imagination and cocktails collide, a news release said. Tickets are available at www.hammondarts.org.

The program includes a cocktail tasting experience with creations from bars and restaurants across the region, each competing for the title of “Best Cocktail 2026.” Two awards will be presented at the end of the night — the People’s Choice Award, selected by attendees, and the Judge’s Award, determined by three

from

to 6 p.m., complimentary appetizer bites, and an additional vote for their favorite cocktails. The 2025 winners of both the People’s Choice (Truth Courtside Hookah Lounge) and the Judge’s Award (The SteaKhouse) are excited to return this year to defend their

“We are proud to honor Margie Jenkins’ remarkable contributions to not only Louisiana horticulture but to Southern horticulture,” said Dr Christine Coker, Station Coordinator “The azalea garden stands as a testament to her passion for plants and people.”

The event is free and open to the public. A special raffle will be held with proceeds going to support the Azalea Garden.

Inn, Nola Mia Pizzeria, Benteaux and The Depeaux. To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.hammondarts.org.

For more information, contact the LSU AgCenter Hammond Research Station at (985) 543-4125.