Seven Bossier Parish teachers’ classroom dreams will come true next school year, thanks to the generosity of the Optimist Club of Bossier City.
The Optimists once again lived up to its organizational motto “A Friend of Youth” by funding more than $15,000 for classroom projects to increase student engagement and learning through the annual Al Yantis Teacher Grant program.
Recipients of this year’s Optimist Club Teacher Grants received their awards at the May 22, 2025 Bossier Parish School Board meeting. They are: Christy Scott, Elm Grove Elementary; Emily Wilson and Emily Curry, Plain Dealing Elementary; Laurie Robbins, Literacy Facilitator at Meadowview and Waller; Ray Smith, Cope Middle School; Rhea Bumpus, Rusheon Middle; and James Johnston, Bossier High.
Since the Optimist Club of Bossier City began presenting the grant program in 1988, Bossier Parish educators have been awarded more than $600,000 to bring classroom enhancements and learning opportunities to life for students.
The 2025-26 Bossier Parish Teachers and New Teachers of the Year representing the district were also recognized and presented with plaques by the Optimists. District winners for Teacher of the Year are: Jennifer Allen, Benton Elementary; Crystal Wood, Haughton Middle; and Rachel Bryant, Benton High. District winners for New Teachers of the Year are Kristen Hackleman, Curtis Elementary; Michael Shelton, Rusheon Middle; and Emmitt Antwine, Haughton High.