Seven high school graduates from Webster Parish are set to bolster their college funds with scholarships from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, courtesy of Sheriff Jason Parker.
“We have some funds available from our D.A.R.E. program, and there’s no better way to use those funds than to help our parish’s graduates achieve their goal of higher education,” Parker stated.
While many scholarships are traditionally awarded during graduation ceremonies, Parker emphasized the importance of recognizing deserving students who may not have received larger stipends. “It’s a privilege for us to recognize these young people and to offer them our support and best wishes,” he said.
Parker added that the scholarships are a way to show ongoing support for the students. “I want them to know we’re always thinking about them and we’re here to help no matter where they are,” he said. “They’re always our kids, and we’re very proud of them.”
The recipients of the scholarships are:
- Izayla Harris of Doyline High School, who holds an impressive athletic record including multiple state championships. She has accepted a full track scholarship to Alcorn State University in Mississippi, where she plans to major in physical therapy.
- Brandon Bell from Lakeside Jr/Sr High School, who graduated with a 3.90 GPA and will attend the University of Louisiana-Monroe to major in criminal justice, aspiring to become a law enforcement officer.
- Chase Sentell from Glenbrook School, who graduated with a 4.0 GPA and plans to attend LSU to pursue an undergraduate degree in business, followed by an MBA/Juris Doctorate dual degree program.
- Gabrielle Cooper from North Webster High School, who will attend LSU to major in general business. Her long-term goal is to work as a corporate Human Resources specialist, aiming to obtain a master’s degree.
- Gavin Marshall from North Webster High School, who will attend Northwest Louisiana Technical College in the fall. He hopes to remain in Webster Parish after graduation and work for a railroad or other local company.
- Jordan Tanner from Lakeside Jr/Sr High School, who graduated with a 3.9 GPA and has been accepted by both Louisiana Tech University and LSU-Shreveport. She will major in business/marketing design.
- Raelyn Miller from Minden High School, who plans to attend Bossier Parish Community College to pursue an education in the X-Ray technical field.
These scholarships aim to assist these promising students in their pursuit of higher education and future careers.