Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
Creativity took center stage Tuesday, April 7, as Bossier Schools hosted the 2026 I3 Red Carpet Awards, honoring student achievement across a wide range of artistic disciplines during a patriotic-themed celebration titled “Freedom’s Canvas: Saluting Inspiration, Imagination and Innovation.”
The ceremony, held at the conclusion of the three-day I3 Art Expo, recognized more than 130 first-place student winners and showcased the depth of talent across Bossier Parish Schools. This year’s theme paid tribute to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, inspiring students to reflect on independence through visual art, writing, film and design.
The event was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ally Real Estate, along with a wide network of community partners and sponsors. Organizers noted that more than 7,100 people attended the expo, which featured student exhibits, performances, competitions and interactive learning experiences.
Additional sponsors included City of Bossier City, Bonvenu Bank, Cyber Innovation Center, Willis Knighton Health System, Bossier Federal Credit Union, SWEPCO, Optimum, BOM, Louisiana Tech University, LSU Shreveport, Ochsner LSU Health, Bossier Parish Community College, Raising Cane’s, Film Prize Junior, Bossier Parish Police Jury, Bossier Press-Tribune, Brookshire’s, Hand Construction, Visit Shreveport-Bossier, Air Reading, Amplify, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, Pepsi, CSC Productions, Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation and Bossier Chamber of Commerce.
Community partners supporting the event included the Bossier Arts Council, Bossier Parish Libraries, STARBASE Louisiana, Sci-Port Discovery Center, Keep Bossier Beautiful and Shreveport Regional Airport.
Superintendent Jason Rowland praised both students and educators for their dedication.
“This event is a celebration of what happens when creativity meets opportunity,” Rowland said. “Our students continue to inspire us with their imagination and talent.”
Among the evening’s highlights were the Sponsor’s Choice Awards, which recognize student work selected directly by community sponsors.
Top sponsor award recipients included:
The Bossier Press-Tribune Calvin Jackson Literary Award was presented to Stephon Jackson, a fifth grader at Plain Dealing, for his poem “My Brother, Calvin Jackson, Jr.”
The City of Bossier Mayor’s Choice Award went to Levi Procell, a third grader at Sun City Elementary, for his mixed media piece “Hamburger.”
Bonvenu Bank honored Candace Olsen, an eighth grader at Greenacres Middle School, for her drawing “Avis.”
Willis Knighton Health System recognized Sara Menanno, a senior at Benton High School, for her artwork “Riley Green.”
Cyber Innovation Center selected Emma Furth, a senior at Benton High School, for her 3-D art entry.
Optimum awarded Sawyer Sprague, an eighth grader at Benton Middle School, for her drawing “Atmosphere.”
SWEPCO recognized Rebecca Alexander, a senior at Benton High School, for her artwork “Frog.”
Bossier Federal Credit Union honored Tinzley Greene, a fourth grader at Legacy Elementary, for her drawing “Enchanted Forest.”
BOM selected Carter Gonzales, a fourth grader at Kingston Elementary, for his drawing “USA Godzilla.”
Bossier Parish Community College awarded Luke Hale, a seventh grader at Benton Middle School, for his artwork “Round Up.”
Louisiana Tech University recognized Lauren Stern, a senior at Parkway High School, for her anatomical heart illustration.
LSU Shreveport honored Allie Greene, an eleventh grader at Haughton High School, for her drawing “Down Under.”
Ochsner LSU Health selected Charlotte Tolar, a third grader at Kingston Elementary, for her drawing “Turkey Time.”
Raising Cane’s awarded Olivia Edwards, a seventh grader at Greenacres Middle School, for “Doggie Days.”
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Ally Real Estate presented its Red Carpet Award to Kylee Thornton, a fourth grader at Curtis Elementary, for “Happy Birthday America.”
Additional honors included the I3 Director’s Award, presented to Abrielle Schlatre, a ninth grader at Parkway High School, and the Superintendent’s Award, given to Berlynn Plante, an eleventh grader at Benton High School, for her drawing “Rover.”
The ceremony also recognized student filmmakers in partnership with Film Prize Junior, awarding top honors in editing, acting and best film categories.
As the evening concluded, district leaders thanked the many educators, volunteers and sponsors who contributed to the success of the event and announced plans for next year’s theme: “The Greatest Show on Earth.”
With continued community support and a growing platform for student expression, the I3 Art Expo and Red Carpet Awards remain a cornerstone of arts education in Bossier Parish.