Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
The Commission for Women of Bossier City’s mentees traded their classrooms for a hands-on history lesson on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 as they boarded a bus for an educational field trip exploring the rich heritage of Shreveport-Bossier.
The tour, designed to immerse students in local history and culture, included stops at the LSU Shreveport Pioneer Heritage Center, the Bossier Parish Library History Center, and Benton Heritage Village—three locations dedicated to preserving the stories and legacies that shaped Northwest Louisiana.
Between destinations, the mentees enjoyed a lunch stop at Maggio’s/Cumberland Farms, providing a moment for reflection and fellowship as they discussed the morning’s discoveries.
This unique outing was part of the Commission for Women of Bossier City’s Mentorship Program, which pairs accomplished local women leaders with outstanding female high school seniors from across the parish. The program, now a long-standing tradition, selects two or three seniors from each high school in Bossier Parish to participate in a year of personal and professional growth opportunities, community engagement, and civic education.
Commission members say the trip was designed to connect history, leadership, and community service—core themes that reflect the mentorship program’s mission. By walking through preserved homes, historic artifacts, and curated exhibits, the students were able to see firsthand how Bossier Parish has evolved and how leadership and community values have been passed down through generations.
At the LSUS Pioneer Heritage Center, mentees explored authentic log cabins and artifacts from the 1800s, gaining insight into Louisiana’s early settlers and their resilience. At the Bossier Parish Library History Center, they learned about how the parish’s people, industry, and culture have transformed over time. Finally, the Benton Heritage Village offered a glimpse into daily life in the 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring restored buildings that tell the story of the region’s growth and preservation.
The Commission for Women’s mentorship program, which operates under the City of Bossier, focuses on empowering young women to become leaders in their communities through education, networking, and service. Mentors include professionals from government, business, education, and nonprofit sectors who help guide the students through real-world experiences such as civic tours, leadership luncheons, and now—educational excursions like this one.