Dr. Bill Christophe: Education in Action

Tonight, I had the honor of returning to my former school , where I once served as Director of Bands and Assistant Principal , to attend their Band Recognition & Awards Banquet.

During the evening, I presented and gifted a 5-string Fender Jazz Bass guitar to a talented young musician heading to college to pursue a degree in music education.

Moments like this remind me that leadership isn’t just about positions; it’s about the impact that continues long after you leave the building.

Hoping this bass becomes more than an instrument… hoping it becomes an opportunity. 🎸

Programs like Youth Challenge are not expenses… they are investments.

Investments in discipline.
Investments in education.
Investments in future leaders.

Proud to see the impact the Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program continues to make across our state.

Grateful to see continued support for the mission at Camp Beauregard and for the staff and soldiers who work daily to help change lives.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

This week, we recognize the educators who show up every day with purpose, patience, and a commitment to shaping the future. Teaching is more than a profession, it’s a calling that requires resilience, adaptability, and heart.

To every teacher making a difference in classrooms and communities: your work matters, your impact is lasting, and your influence reaches far beyond what you may ever see.

Thank you for all that you do.

🇺🇸 Pops on the River is back! 🎆

Join the Rapides Symphony Orchestra for 'Courage' — a powerful evening of patriotic favorites and community celebration at the Alexandria Riverfront Amphitheater.

Featuring special guests Sherman Desselle and The Victory Belles !

✨ Saturday, April 25 | 7:30 PM
✨ FREE General Admission

Bring your lawn chairs, your friends, a picnic, and your red, white, and blue — and enjoy one of Central Louisiana’s favorite traditions.

Reserved tables for 10 available online for $350: https://www.rapidessymphony.org/courage

Decorate your table in your patriotic best and join our Table Decorating Contest!
We also encourage everyone to dress up — the more red, white, and blue, the better!

Admission to the zoo is FREE for all concert attendees!
Bring the family and enjoy an afternoon of music, community, and creativity with the Rapides Symphony.

Mardi Gras may be over, but Carnival of the Animals will keep the party going! 🎭🎶

Join us at the Alexandria Zoo for this FREE, family-friendly performance of Saint-Saëns’ beloved classic — complete with guest narrator Karen Riley Simmons and featured pianists Chialing Hsieh & Michael Young.

Admission to the zoo is FREE for concert attendees starting at 1:30 PM!

🎉 Learn more:https://www.rapidessymphony.org/carnival-of-the-animals

🗓 The 2026-2027 school calendar is now available for our families on our website!

Families can also subscribe to our district calendar via RSS feed and have events populate their iCal or Google calendars.
Access a printable version or subscribe here: www.rpsb.us/families/calendar

🎶 Calling young musicians! 🎶
The Rapides Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition is an incredible opportunity for youth and young adults to showcase their talent, earn scholarship prize money, and perform with a professional orchestra.

If you or someone you know is a serious musician between the ages of 10–25, don’t miss this chance. Applications are closing soon!

Supporting experiences like this is how we continue to grow music education and performance excellence in our region. 🎻🎺

‼️Applications are closing soon.
Don’t miss the opportunity to perform with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra and take home a cash prize.

For more information visit: https://www.rapidessymphony.org/education

Music that truly brings our community together. Join us for an incredible 2026 season and make the Rapides Symphony Orchestra part of your year. Season tickets & memberships are on sale now. 🎻 🎶

🎟️ 2026 Memberships are now available.
Join us and make the symphony part of your year. https://www.rapidessymphony.org/tickets-memberships

Education happens in moments like this.

When young people are given access to mentors, conversation, and community, growth follows. Proud to support opportunities that invest in our youth beyond the classroom.

📢 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT 📢
Come eat dinner with Judge David M. Williams next Tuesday at 6:30 PM!

This is a great opportunity for youth to connect, learn, and be inspired.
👥 All kids ages 11–24 are welcome to attend!

🍽️ Dinner will be provided, so please RSVP to help us make sure we have enough food for everyone.

👉 RSVP here:
https://forms.gle/tfPB8qPpCWiWJ5VJ7

We look forward to seeing you there!

Happy New Year!
Here’s to a year of continued growth, leadership, and impact in education. The work matters!! And so does how we show up to do it.