It is the most wonderful time of the year, especially for 24 Bossier Parish educators whose classroom dreams came true today. They were awarded $60,000 in grant funding as part of the Sydney Biedenharn Educators Endowment.
The endowment was established 11 years ago by the Biedenharn Foundation to carry on the legacy of Sydney Biedenharn, who taught in Bossier Parish and whose children attended schools in Benton. Her passion for teaching continues to be paid forward through the work of hundreds of Bossier Parish educators who have received a portion of the $575,000 invested to date in Bossier Schools.
“Over the years, the generosity of the Biedenharn Foundation has given our teachers valuable resources needed to enrich the educational experiences that inspire and shape young minds,” said Bossier Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland. “Sydney Biedenharn was a life-long learner and we consider it a great honor to remember her in such a way that fosters a brighter future for countless students. The impact her life continues to have on Bossier Schools is immeasurable.”
Elementary winners of the 2024-25 Sydney Biedenharn Educators Endowment are: Tamara Harville and Megan McEntee, Benton Elementary; Jennifer Young, Benton Intermediate; Jocelyn Graham and Jenny Clark, Kingston; Rachel Gifford, Plain Dealing Elementary; Kendall Garner, R.V. Kerr; and Keith Rhodes and Cailey Davis, Platt Elementary.
Middle school recipients include: Victoria Hampton, Elm Grove Middle; Crystal Wood, Haughton Middle; Melanie Scruggs and Jason Edwards, Plain Dealing; and Michael Shelton, Rusheon.
High school winners are: Kevin Brimage and Heather Middlebrooks, Airline; Kelly Birdsong, Benton; Regina Digilormo, Julie Malone and Gray Young, BPSTIL; Deanna Glaze, Haughton High; and Cati Wall, Plain Dealing.
Those receiving grants in other Bossier Parish programs are: Danielle Chandler, who serves multiple schools; Randy Smith, Activating Inquisitive Minds (AIM); and Meagan McMillian, Bossier Parish Talented Arts Program (TAP).
You can view photos of the event HERE