The Webster Parish School Board recognized several high-achieving students during its regular meeting Monday, August 4, at the school board offices in Minden. All agenda items were approved unanimously, with District 1 board member Margaret Edens absent.
The meeting’s focus was on celebrating student success across academic, civic, and leadership categories.
Rylee Hudson, a ninth-grade honor student and cheerleader at Minden High School, was recognized for winning first place in middle school public speaking at the Educators Rising National Conference held this summer in Orlando, Florida. Competing as an eighth grader from Webster Junior High School, Hudson earned top honors among students from across the country. Her family, including grandmother and Secondary Supervisor Linda Hudson, was present for the recognition.
Another academic standout, Eythan Gorum, a tenth grader at Minden High School and member of the school’s soccer team, was honored for earning a perfect score of 850 on the Algebra I LEAP 2025 assessment. Gorum’s Algebra I teacher, Coach Haynes Mandino, credited the student’s effort, calling him a “genius” and emphasizing the accomplishment as solely Gorum’s.
The board also recognized several students who represented Webster Parish at the 2025 Louisiana Boys State and Louisiana Girls State programs, sponsored by the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. These summer leadership experiences simulate state government operations and encourage civic engagement among high school students.
Hudson Smith, a senior at North Webster High School, was honored for being elected Governor, the highest office at Boys State. Smith is an honor student, president of the National Honor Society, and captain of the football team.
Topher Wilson, a senior at Minden High School, was recognized for being elected Commissioner of Insurance. A student council president and multi-sport athlete, Wilson was recently named Honorary Commissioner of Insurance by Louisiana Commissioner Tim Temple, who plans to visit Minden High in September.
Three students earned State Party Chair positions: Ava Martin, a senior and captain of the Louisi-Anne MHS Darlings; Jacob Jefferson, a senior, baseball player, and member of the MHS Band of Pride; and I’Xamien Sullivan, a senior and member of the MHS Band of Pride.
Board members praised all honorees for their achievements and thanked families and educators who supported their efforts. With only seven offices available at state, it is very impressive for Webster Parish to have won five positions.
In other business, the board approved the 2025–2026 Parent and Family Engagement Policy and the 2025–2026 Homeless Policies and Procedures. A change order related to athletic improvements at North Webster High School and McMahen Park was also approved.
Attorney Jon Guice addressed the board regarding legal concerns around paraprofessionals serving as bus drivers. Vice President Charles Strong requested that Superintendent Johnny Rowland assemble a team to evaluate the issue and present findings at a special meeting by late October.
During the School Community Liaison Report, organizers noted the recent Back to School Bash served nearly 1,500 students. Superintendent Rowland extended appreciation to local businesses and donors who supported the event.
“We want to thank all the area businesses and individuals who opened up their accounts again and gave to our school system. We couldn’t do it without them,” Rowland said.
The first day of school for Webster Parish students is Monday, August 11.
The next regular meeting of the school board is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Monday, September 8, at 1442 Sheppard Street in Minden. The public is invited to attend.
