Sonja Bailes, Bossier Schools Communications and Media Officer
Their 49-game losing streak is over and the Plain Dealing High Lions are getting figurative high-fives from throughout the state after winning last Friday’s football game in a 22-0 shutout against Pine Prairie. It was the Lions’ first win since October 21 and the celebrations continue.
Today, school administrators, PDHS Head Coach Jerry Byrd and three of his football players — Ja’Marion Baker-Shepard, Jerry Harris and Antonio Taylor — were in for a surprise when the Louisiana Governor’s office coordinated a presentation at Town Hall. They were presented with an autographed football helmet from LSU Head Coach Lane Kiffen and his coaching staff.
That wasn’t the only surprise, though.
A post-game interview with PDHS senior Ja’Marion Baker-Shepard caught the attention of Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College Chancellor Dr. Jayda Spillers. Ja’Marion revealed his intentions to attend trade school after graduating to become a welder. He wasn’t expecting what would come next from that media interaction. Dr. Spillers presented Ja’Marion with a welding helmet and a $1,000 scholarship to make his future dream a reality.