More than a dozen Bossier Parish teachers were the guests of honor and recipients of a combined $12,600 in classroom grants at an end-of-year luncheon hosted by the Optimist Club of Bossier City.

Over the past 26 years, the Optimists have awarded over $600,000 in teacher grants to enhance the educational experience for Bossier Parish students. The Bossier Parish Teacher Academic Grant Program was started by Optimist Club member Al Yantis whose daughter taught at Bossier Schools and needed books for her classroom.

Proud grant recipients this year are: Penny Asseff and Randy Smith, Cope Middle; Martha Claire Lepore, Parkway High; Jo Desselle, Elm Grove Middle; Anna Welch, Parkway High; Emory Bray, Elm Grove Middle; Molly Patterson, Kingston Elementary; Jaimee Mercer, Stockwell Place Elementary; Nicole Falcon, Bossier High; Brittany Scott, Curtis Elementary; Mallory Williams, Kingston Elementary; Erica Ernest, Elm Grove Middle; Kristina Glass, Elm Grove Elementary; and Anna Lee, Plain Dealing High.

Photos from the event can be viewed here: 2024 Optimist Grant Awards

Bossier Schools thanks the Optimist Club for its unparalleled community support. The organization truly lives up to its motto, “Friend of Youth.”

Bossier High School

Optimist Club of Bossier City Awards Thousands in Grants