Webster Youth Leadership

04/30/2026

We appreciate Amber McDown/Minden Press-Herald for her coverage and pictures at the event!

Minden Press-Herald | Youth Leadership graduates 19 students from across Webster Parish https://press-herald.com/youth-leadership-graduates-19-students-from-across-webster-parish

04/29/2026

Yesterday was a proud day for our Chamber as we celebrated the graduation of our 2026 Webster Youth Leadership class. 🎓

This group has grown so much over the past year, and we truly can’t wait to see where life takes them next.

A big thank you to Mayor Nick Cox for reminding us all that great leadership starts with strong character. And to Mia Feaster and Hayden Gregg—thank you for sharing your experiences and highlighting the incredible accomplishments of this class.

To the families, educators, and administrators—thank you for investing in these students and showing up to support them. It means more than you know.

The future is bright. ✨

Class of 2026 Graduates:
· Teal Austin – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Ella Durden – Glenbrook School
· Mia Feaster – Minden High School
· Layla Garrett – Minden High School
· Hayden Gregg – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Josh Hasty – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Emma Herring – Minden High School
· Kaylee Johnson – Doyline Panthers
· Amelia Lott – Glenbrook School
· Maggie Mandino – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Ava Martin – Minden High School
· Joe McGraw – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Adleigh Moore – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Scarlett O’Glee – Glenbrook School
· Meredith Robinson – Lakeside Jr./Sr. High School
· Angel Stewart – Minden High School
· Brody Walker – Glenbrook School
· Kyla Whitt – Glenbrook School
· Topher Wilson - Minden High School (not pictured)

04/28/2026

Congratulations to Webster Youth Leadership student, Angel Stewart! ✨

Angel was presented as a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Debutante. They held their Cotillion Ball on April 11, 2026. We are so proud of you, Angel!

04/27/2026

Congratulations to our Webster Youth Leadership student, Teal Austin! Incredible accomplishment!

Big recognition for Lakeside Senior Teal Austin! 🧪⚛️

Teal has been selected as a recipient of the Outstanding Young Women in Chemistry award from Iota Sigma Pi, the National Honor Society for Women in Chemistry. This honor highlights her academic excellence and achievement in the field of chemistry.

We are proud of you, Teal, and excited to see what the future holds!

04/15/2026

Session 8: Parish Government Day

Today’s session gave our group a deeper understanding of how parish government operates and the many offices that serve the residents of Webster Parish. From elected officials to public service departments, students learned how decisions are made, services are delivered, and how these roles impact our daily lives. It was a great opportunity to see the connection between leadership, service, and community.

▪️Speaker Mike Johnson
We began the day hearing from Kathy Babers, who shared insight into the work being done at the federal level and how it connects back to our local communities. It was a great perspective on how different levels of government work together.

▪️Bossier Webster Parish District Attorney
Assistant District Attorney Chance Nerren spoke with the group about the role of the DA’s office, the justice system, and how their work helps maintain safety and accountability in our parish.

▪️Webster Parish Clerk of Court
Students learned about the importance of record keeping, legal filings, and how the Clerk of Court’s office plays a vital role in the judicial system.

▪️Webster Parish Registrar of Voters
At the Registrar’s Office, the group met with Registrar Angela Hall, and gained a better understanding of voter registration, elections, and the importance of civic participation.

▪️Webster Parish Police Jury
Jim Bonsall, President of the Webster Parish Police Jury, shared how they serve as the governing body of the parish, making decisions that impact infrastructure, budgets, and overall parish operations.

▪️Lunch at Under Dawgs
The group enjoyed lunch together at Under Dawgs, taking a break to connect and reflect on the morning’s experiences.

▪️Webster Parish Libraries
The library visit highlighted the wide range of resources and programs available to the community, far beyond just books, serving residents of all ages.

▪️Webster Parish Assessor
Students learned how property is assessed and the role this office plays in supporting parish revenue and services.

▪️Webster Parish Office of Community Support
We wrapped up the day learning about programs and services designed to support individuals and families in need throughout the parish.

It was a full day of learning, giving our group a greater appreciation for the many people and offices working together to serve Webster Parish each day.

Next stop…graduation! 🧑‍🎓

04/13/2026

We are so proud of TWO of our Webster Youth Leadership students for representing our community so well. Congratulations to Ava Martin and Scarlett O’Glee!

Congratulations!!

03/26/2026

Congratulations to two of our Webster Youth Leadership students, Joe McGraw and Hayden Gregg, on your recent awards and both becoming a FBLA Nationals Qualifier!

03/19/2026

Session 7: Emergency Services Day

Yesterday’s session gave our group a firsthand look at the people and departments who work every day to protect, serve, and respond when our community needs them most. From public safety communications and emergency preparedness to law enforcement, fire protection, and EMS, students gained valuable insight into the many roles that keep Webster Parish safe.

▪️ Webster Parish Communications District E-911
We began the day learning about the critical role E-911 plays in emergency response. Students got an inside look at how calls are received, dispatched, and coordinated, and how important communication is during emergency situations.

▪️ The Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
The group also learned more about local emergency preparedness and the work being done behind the scenes to help our community respond to disasters and unexpected events. It was a great opportunity to better understand planning, coordination, and public safety efforts on a larger scale.

▪️ Minden City Court
Students had the opportunity to sit in during court proceedings and hear how cases are handled. This gave them a unique perspective on the judicial process and how the court system functions at the local level.

▪️ Ward Marshal’s Office / Minden Police Department
The group toured the department and learned more about the work of local law enforcement. We are also grateful to the Ward Marshal’s Office / Minden Police Department for providing lunch for the group during the day.

▪️ Pafford Emergency Medical Services
At Pafford EMS, students explored ambulance operations and equipment and got hands-on demonstrations of life-saving skills, including intubation. This stop offered a powerful look into the fast-paced and highly skilled work of emergency medical services.

▪️ Minden Fire Dept.
During our visit to the fire department, students learned more about the daily responsibilities of firefighters and the equipment they use to respond to emergencies. As we were wrapping up, the department received a rescue call, giving the group a real-time look at how quickly firefighters gear up, mobilize, and head out to render aid.

▪️ Webster Parish Sheriff's Office
Our final stop gave students the chance to tour the department, meet Sheriff Jason Parker, and ask questions about leadership and law enforcement. Students also participated in a hands-on activity using “drunk goggles,” which simulate the effects of impaired vision and coordination. This exercise served as an impactful reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and poor decision-making.

We are incredibly thankful to each of these departments and agencies for taking the time to invest in our group and share more about the work they do. Emergency Services Day was a meaningful and eye-opening experience that gave students a deeper appreciation for those who serve and protect our community every day.

03/19/2026

Our students had a great time learning from Pafford Emergency Medical Services!

02/11/2026

Session 6: Business & Industry Day

Today’s session gave our group an up-close look at the industries that drive our local economy. From workforce training to large-scale manufacturing, the students experienced firsthand how business and industry create jobs, support families, and fuel growth in the Greater Minden area.

▪️Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College - NLTCC
We started the day touring the Minden campus and learning about the trade programs offered right here in our community. From technical certifications to workforce training, students gained insight into the many career paths available locally and the strong demand for skilled workers in our region.

▪️Bienville Lumber Company
Next, we visited the largest sawmill in Louisiana. Watching the process from raw timber to finished lumber was incredible. They process enough lumber each day to build six houses — wow! It was fascinating to see the operation from start to finish.

▪️Fibrebond
Our final stop was Fibrebond, where the group enjoyed lunch from Smokin’ J’s before touring the facility. Students saw buildings in production from start to finish, visited the newly established electrical school, observed ongoing construction projects and building expansions, and toured the brand new production facility. The level of innovation and growth happening there is remarkable.

The economic impact these businesses — and so many others we didn’t have time to tour — have on our community is significant. We are thankful this group had the opportunity to see firsthand what happens day to day in the industries that keep our local economy strong.