By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
The spotlight shone brightly on over 160 student artists as the 2025 I3 Red Carpet Awards celebrated creativity, innovation, and talent at the Hilton Garden Inn Bossier City on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
The annual event, which highlights student achievements in visual arts, digital media, filmmaking, literary work, woodworking, welding, and more, provided an evening of recognition and surprise honors. Each first-place winner received a prestigious I3 Art Expo medallion, along with special gifts from Raising Cane’s, one of the event’s key sponsors.
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the presentation of the Sponsor’s Choice Awards, where local businesses and organizations selected standout pieces that resonated with them personally. Unlike traditional first-place awards, these honors were given based on emotional impact rather than technical ranking.
Among the night’s standout winners was Maxwell Johnson, a fifth-grader from Waller Elementary, who received the Calvin Jackson Literary Award for his poem, “Kindness Matters.” The award, now in its fourth year, was created in memory of Calvin Jackson, a young writer whose dream was to share stories with the world.
The Mayor’s Choice Award, personally selected by Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler, went to Taylor Green, a senior from Airline High School, for her artwork, “Louisiana Gator-Day Night.”
Other distinguished winners included:
Allie Garner, Benton Middle School – “Mardi Gras Lady” (Bonvenu Bank Award)
Penny Johnson, Greenacres Middle School – “Not So Silent Night” (Willis Knighton Award)
Caroline Fielder, Platt Elementary – “Hippo” (Bossier Federal Credit Union Award)
Muyeng Heng, Bossier High School – “Louisiana Jazz” (Optimum Award)
Devon Doty, Elm Grove Middle School – “Bakowski Bridge of Lights at Night” (SWEPCO Award)
Brian Le, Benton High School – “Serenity at Dusk” (Berkshire Hathaway I3 Red Carpet Award)
The final awards of the evening were presented by Bossier Schools Superintendent Jason Rowland and I3 Director Christy Bucker. Rowland’s Superintendent’s Award was given to Brian Le for his captivating painting, “A Reverie in the Stars.”
“I want to commend all of our student artists,” Rowland said. “Your creativity is truly inspiring, and your work embodies the spirit of I3 – Inspiration, Imagination, and Innovation.”
The success of the event was made possible by the support of sponsors, educators, and community members. Organizations such as Berkshire Hathaway Home Services/Ally Real Estate, Raising Cane’s, and Louisiana Tech played key roles in ensuring the students received recognition for their hard work and talent.
As the curtains closed on the 6th annual I3 Art Expo, students and attendees left inspired, already looking forward to the 2026 event. The I3 Red Carpet Awards continue to be a testament to the artistic brilliance of young creatives in Bossier Parish.