Brought To You By Rapides Parish School Board; Written by Mary Helen Downey
Tioga High School recently took center stage as it welcomed the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) for a special stop on its statewide Bridging Success Tour. The event, held on May 13, gave community leaders a firsthand look at how local schools are preparing students for life after their graduation.
From welding and carpentry to emergency medical training and auto tech, students proudly demonstrated skills that could lead to solid careers right after high school. The tour, created in partnership with The Orchard Foundation, puts a spotlight on career and technical education (CTE) programs that give students hands-on experience in fields that are in high demand.
Guests included business leaders from Crest Industries, RoyOMartin, and Hayes Manufacturing, along with local higher education partners from CLTCC and LSUA. These organizations shared how their partnerships with area schools are helping to grow the local workforce.
A student panel brought the day to life, with students sharing personal stories about how their CTE programs are helping them plan for the future. Their energy and pride made it clear: learning here goes far beyond textbooks.
State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley, BESE members Lance Harris and Sandy Holloway, and school system leaders from across Central Louisiana attended the event. They toured classrooms, spoke with students, and saw how public schools in Rapides Parish are connecting education to opportunity.
The Bridging Success Tour continues across the state, with a goal of ensuring all students have the chance to thrive in school, work, and life.
