By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson honored outstanding students and community leaders from Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District during the 2025 Community Awards Ceremony held this week. The event celebrated winners of the annual Congressional Art Competition and recognized recipients of the Congressional Commendation, a distinction reserved for individuals making extraordinary contributions to their communities.
“This was an extraordinary event—we love doing this every year,” Speaker Johnson said during the ceremony. “We give out awards to people who truly represent our communities well and do a lot of extraordinary work in all 20 parishes across the 4th Congressional District, which is the greatest district in America.”
The Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide visual arts contest for high school students, saw creative talent from across the region. First place was awarded to Grace Rougeau of Faith Training Christian Academy for her piece, Craw-Fever, which will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. The second through fourth place entries will be displayed in Speaker Johnson’s district offices.
2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners:
1st Place: Craw-Fever by Grace Rougeau, Faith Training Christian Academy
2nd Place: Glow of the Magnolia by Ava Agee, Airline High School
3rd Place: Serene by Samirah Etienna, South Beauregard High School
4th Place: Bayou’s Serenity by EMantyi Mosby, Airline High School
Staff Picks: Beauty of the Swamp by Jarei’Yuana Adams, Homer High School and In Loving Memory by Angela Smith, Simsboro High School
“It is so awesome to be here today. I worked really hard. It feels nice to get recognized,” said Ava Agee, whose painting was inspired by a visit to the New Orleans Museum of Art.
In addition to the art contest, the ceremony featured the presentation of Congressional Commendations to individuals nominated by their peers and communities for exceptional service and leadership. The honorees came from a wide range of backgrounds—educators, public servants, volunteers, students, and veterans—all united by a shared commitment to uplifting their parishes.
2025 Congressional Commendation Recipients include:
Allen Parish: Patsy Cavenah, founder of Lighthouse Ministries
Beauregard Parish: Kenneth Harlow, DeRidder Fire Chief
Bossier Parish: Natalie Davis, student advocate for girls’ wrestling; Brad Zagone, Fire Chief; James “Trey” Morriss and Warren Ward of Mission Operation Squirrel; Lane Calloway, BAFB Historian
Caddo Parish: Laurie Boswell, CEO of Holy Angels; Jacob Schneider, Eagle Scout and global youth agricultural leader
Bienville Parish: Deanna Curtis, child advocacy and justice volunteer
Claiborne Parish: Pat Abshire, Chamber President
Grant Parish: Bonita Armour, youth program creator
Jackson Parish: Wilda Smith, civic leader and volunteer
Lincoln Parish: Sam Mattox, Louisiana’s oldest living WWII veteran, turning 106 this year
Ouachita Parish: Roy Heatherly, Chamber President
Sabine Parish: Crystal Hable and Blake Byles, community service organizers
Union Parish: Axton Nolan, appointee to the U.S. Air Force Academy
Vernon Parish: Melinda Granger, teacher of 36 years
Webster Parish: Jerry Madden, veteran and past Minden Man of the Year
Speaker Johnson praised each honoree for their selflessness and dedication, underscoring the positive impact local leaders have on their communities. The annual ceremony continues to serve as a celebration of civic pride and community spirit throughout Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District.
Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune – Laurie Boswell, CEO of Holy Angels (left), is recognized by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (right) during the 2025 Community Awards Ceremony honoring outstanding leaders from Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District.
Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune – Speaker of the House Mike Johnson says the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the 2025 Community Awards Ceremony honoring Congressional Commendation recipients from Louisiana’s Fourth District.
Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune – Jerry Madden of Webster Parish (left), veteran and past Minden Man of the Year, is congratulated by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (right) during the 2025 Community Awards Ceremony honoring Congressional Commendation recipients from Louisiana’s Fourth District.
Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune – Brad Zagone, Bossier City Fire Chief (left), is recognized by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (right) during the 2025 Community Awards Ceremony honoring distinguished service across Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District.
Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune – Lane Calloway, Barksdale Air Force Base Historian (left), is honored by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (right) at the 2025 Community Awards Ceremony recognizing exceptional contributions across Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District.
Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune – Sam Mattox, Louisiana’s oldest living WWII veteran, turning 106 this year (left), is honored by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (right) during the 2025 Community Awards Ceremony in recognition of his remarkable service and legacy.
Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune – Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (left) congratulates EMantyi Mosby of Airline High School (right), who stands proudly behind her artwork “Bayou’s Serenity,” which earned 4th place in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition.
Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune – Ava Agee of Airline High School (left) stands beside her artwork, “Glow of the Magnolia,” which earned 2nd place in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition, as Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (right) congratulates her on her achievement.
Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune – Winning pieces of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District hosted by Speaker Mike Johnson.