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DeSoto Parish Schools proudly announces that Mrs. Hillary Severin, a 5th grade math teacher at North DeSoto Upper Elementary, has been named a finalist for the 2027 Louisiana Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Department of Education.

“Hillary Severin is a perfect example of the DeSoto Difference in action,” said Superintendent Clay Corley. “By pairing high expectations with a genuine care for her students, she exemplifies the very best of our district’s core values. We are thrilled to see her dedication to student success recognized at the state level.”

Mrs. Severin brings more than 12 years of experience as a math educator, while bringing a wealth of knowledge to her role as a 5th grade math teacher and mentor teacher at North DeSoto Upper Elementary. Known for her reflective practice and student-centered approach, she uses data-driven strategies and innovative instruction to ensure all students grow and succeed.

Each year, the Louisiana Sheriffs’ Association (LSA) selects one graduating senior from each parish in Louisiana to receive a $1,000 scholarship. DeSoto Sheriff Jayson Richardson, who proudly participates in the program, believes strongly in investing in the future of DeSoto Parish students and personally funds two additional $1,000 scholarships each year — bringing that total to three local recipients in DeSoto Parish! These scholarships may be used however the student sees fit during their educational journey, whether for books, meals, clothing, supplies, housing, or other expenses.

This year’s selected winners are:

• Luke Odom Delafield — North DeSoto High School

• Caroline Grace Magee — Logansport High School

• Trace Allen Ogle — North DeSoto High School Congratulations to all three on this wonderful achievement!!

The mayoral election in Stonewall ended in a tie on election day on May 16, and if there is no filing for a recount, there will be a reelection on June 27. Since both candidates decided against a recount of votes, which would have cost $1,100, only the tie-breaker election will take place.

The current Mayor of Stonewall, Ken Kaffka, and the former Mayor of Stonewall, Randy Rogers, tied with 374 votes each on May 16, meaning that they either have to file for a recount or have another election on June 27, according to Kaffka.

According to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office, each candidate has until the end of the day on May 19 to file a request for a recount, which would then be completed on May 21, five days after election day.

Rogers said he was planning on filing for a recount. After the candidate meeting, both candidates decided against having the recount done.

Memorial Day is a time to remember the men and women who have died serving our country. This special day is not the only time we should remember them but the holiday underscores the importance of having a time to revere and respect people who are sacred to our country. They are our heroes who are buried across America and thousands on foreign soil that never made it back home. They left their families and friends to go to hostile places where they laid down their lives for us.

Take a moment and visit the grave of someone who died representing us. When you go take just a few moments and give thanks for that person who will be one of many, many thousands who have made what we have in America possible.

We take America for granted. We enjoy so much freedom, opportunity and protection. We are so far from perfect but nothing in the world is perfect.

On May 13, members of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office had the honor of speaking to the Mansfield Lions Club during their luncheon at the Clista Calhoun Center in Mansfield.

Representing DPSO were PIO Mark Pierce, Sgt. Kelby Pearah and Dy. Nolan Perot of the K9 Division, Sgt. Austin Whitten of the Drone Division, and Pilot Sam Wunder of the Air Support Division. K9 Karen and K9 Cujo were also in attendance and enjoyed meeting those present.

Throughout the presentation, deputies discussed how K9s, drones, aviation assets, and public information efforts often work together behind the scenes during dangerous or rapidly changing incidents. Topics ranged from public communication during emergencies, to how technology and specialized units assist deputies in the field, to the role K9s can play in school safety and law enforcement operations.

On May 12, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office had the opportunity to visit Joaquin High School and spend time with students across multiple grade levels, from Elementary through Middle School.

Students were able to see firsthand many of the specialized tools and divisions used by DPSO each day, including our new helicopter and drone from the Aviation Division, the Hydratrek Amphibious Vehicle and boat from the Marine Division, the DPSO Command Center, the Traffic Division Mustang, the SWAT Division BearCat, and a live K9 demonstration from our K9 Division.

One of the best parts of the morning was allowing students to not only ask questions, but also climb inside, explore, and interact with the equipment and deputies who use it in real-world situations. Events like these help build positive relationships with young people while giving them a better understanding of the many different ways law enforcement serves the community.

At the DPSO School Board meeting held on May 7 board meeting, we proudly recognized our May Employees of the Month: Support Staff of the Month — LaKeisha Smith, NDHS Teacher of the Month — Ketara Allen, MMS New Teacher of the Month — Amy Petriello, SHS Leader of the Month — Lindsay Burford, NDLE A special thank you to our community partners Aneca Federal Credit Union, Alera Group, MarketPlace Chevrolet Stonewall, and RBW Consulting for sponsoring and supporting this initiative. Your partnership helps us celebrate the incredible people making a difference in our schools every day.

Deputy Chief Phillip Daniels, who leads the DeSoto Parish Sheriff 911 Communications District, attended the week-long 2026 APCO/ NENA Symposium held at LIVE! Casino in Bossier City, where more than 400 public safety professionals from across Louisiana gathered for training, collaboration, and networking.

On April 27, Deputy Chief Daniels was honored with the President’s Award, chosen and presented by Louisiana APCO Chapter President LaQuita Collins. This recognition reflects his continued dedication to advancing public safety communications and supporting the 9-1-1 community.

DeSoto Parish Schools are proud to announce significant gains in early literacy for the 2025–2026 academic year, highlighting the district’s ongoing commitment to student success. Recent data from the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment shows measurable improvement in reading proficiency across kindergarten through third grade.

Districtwide results indicate that the percentage of K-3 students reading at or above grade level increased from 70% at the end of the 2024–2025 school year to 80% in 2025–2026— representing a notable 10-point gain.

“This growth reflects the strong commitment of our educators, students, and families to excellence in early literacy,” said Willa Smith, Supervisor of Student Learning.

Since The Enterprise prints before May 2, we can only wish all three teams good luck in hopes that they all move on to the State playoff games. DeSoto Parish is proud of these teams, as well as the Lady Wolverines of Mansfield, for making it to the playoff rounds.

North DeSoto Softball (#1) is scheduled to play Iota (#5) at 2:30 p.m. at Frasch Park on Field 16 on May 2.

Stanley Softball (#1) is scheduled to play Anacoco (#4) at 12:00 p.m. at Frasch Park on Field 17 on May 2.

Logansport Softball (#4) is scheduled to play LaSalle (#1) at 2:30 p.m. at Frasch Park on Field 18 on May 2,