EVENT RECAP: Byrd Hosts Fall Open House

Thursday night, C. E. Byrd High School held the 2nd of two informational sessions geared toward 8th graders in Caddo Parish.

The “Meet the Jackets” meetings were a way of introducing future high school freshman to the City of Byrd by showing them the school, giving them insight on what it is to be a Yellow Jacket and telling them what Byrd offers that no other school in the parish offers (like the most extra curricular activities and clubs).

During the first half of the meeting, attendees were greeted by Principal Gerry Badgley (a former student Byrd student and teacher).

Then, after a clever media presentation in the auditorium, the class of 2013 (and their family members) were invited to walk around the school, stop by one of the many club tables set up in the main building, and participate in a pep rally (below) that featured all 3 of the school’s cheerleading squads, the band and the danceline.

It was a late homecoming celebration for me. As a Byrd high alum, I was excited to bring my 8th grader (my niece) to the school and show off my alma mater (as well as sing it during the pep rally).

A product of a mother who graduated from Captain Shreve, she's die-hard about going to Shreveport, but I wanted her to know there were other (better) options.

And even though I may not have changed her mind, I was happy to know that the spirit of the City of Byrd was still alive – as shown in the attitudes, excitement and faces of the many students who took time out of their schedules to help with the events.

I also learned that K-BYRD, the station that started my interest in journalism, is back in operation; and the school had added clubs we never had, like the Nature Club, and the Tech Club (which designs and operates Byrd website).

Byrd really has a lot to offer, and -- as you can see -- they breed some dedicated alumni!!! (just like LSU lol -- GEAUX TIGERS!)

This is not the last of the information meetings. Byrd will host a larger one (for 8th graders, transfers, etc) on February 8, 2009. Applications to Byrd’s Math/Science program will be available at that meeting.

Learn more about Byrd High School academics, clubs and admissions policies by going to www.cebyrd.com

{p.s. the pic above is the only billboard left standing after some controversy a few weeks ago, click here for the story.}