LEADERSHIP & SERVICE AWARDS
2024-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Alex Person
President-Elect
Shelvia R. Davis
Secretary Carolyn Murphy Thompson
Treasurer Kristin Johnson
Asst. Treasurer Amy Trammel
Nominating Chairman
Sustainer at Large
Angela Hamilton
Heather Courtney
Sustainer Advisor Vickie Meadows
Communications Vice President Jessica Martin
Community Vice President Ashley F. Morgan
Community Asst. VP Lindsey Brown
Fund Development VP Emerie Eck Holtzclaw
Fund Development Asst. VP Emory Bray
Membership Vice President Courtney McBee
Membership Asst. VP Jessica Latin
2024-2025 COMMUNITY ADVISORY BOARD
The JLSB seeks out members of the community to serve as advisors lending their expertise in a variety of areas to the League. The JLSB was fortunate to have the following distinguished community leaders serve on the 2024-2025 Community Advisory Board.
Laura Alderman, Executive Director, Step Forward
Sonja Bailes, Public Relations Liaison, Bossier Parish School Board
Renee Ellis, Community Engagement Specialist, Caddo Parish Public Schools
Kristi Gustavson, Chief Executive Officer, Community Foundation of North Louisiana
Amy Heron, Vice President and Chief Development Officer, CHRISTUS Health System Foundation
Martha Marak, Executive Director, Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana
Chuck Meehan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Volunteers of America of North Louisiana
Clay Walker, Director of Juvenile Services, Caddo Parish
2024-2025 PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Each year, the President’s Award was presented to a member who exemplified the spirit of the Junior League—an individual whose leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment left an undeniable impact on our organization and our community.
In 2025, it was my great honor to recognize someone who not only served the League with exceptional grace and dedication but also stood beside me, lifted me up, and helped shape this journey in ways I will never forget. The 2025 President’s Award was presented to Carolyn Murphy Thompson, Secretary of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier.
Carolyn was a force. From the moment I met her years ago, I was struck by her poise, her quiet confidence, and the strength she carried into every room. Over time, I watched her from afar—admiring how she volunteered with purpose and led with authenticity. I had no idea then how much her path would one day intertwine with mine. But this year, I had the immense privilege of working closely with her—and it changed everything.
Carolyn was more than a League leader. She was a pillar. In moments of challenge, she stood beside me in unity. When I doubted myself, she stood behind me, encouraging me forward. And in times of exhaustion, she stood in front of me—shielding me with her support so I could breathe, reset, and rise again.
Her impact was hard to put into words. Carolyn was my sounding board, my strategist, my truth-teller, and, above all, my friend. She stood in the weeds with me, laughed with me through the chaos, and reminded me—time and time again— why we do this work.
Her ability to lead with strength and heart not only shaped this year for me but also left a lasting impression on the League as a whole. The Junior League was always about more than service. It was about the relationships, the growth, the transformation that happened when women empowered each other. Carolyn was that empowering presence in my life, and I will forever be grateful for the time we led together.
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS & CORPORATE SPONSORS
2024-2025 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
The strength of the Junior League lay in the passion and dedication of its members—women who led with vision, served with heart, and uplifted their communities without hesitation. In 2025, we proudly recognized a member whose quiet commitment and extraordinary contributions left a lasting mark: Kristina Glass, our 2025 Volunteer of the Year.
From the very beginning of the League year, it was clear that Kristina was someone special. As a longtime board member, I had the honor of participating in many discussions about this award. Yet never had the decision been as unanimous—or as early—as it was this year. By mid-fall, our board knew without a doubt who the recipient would be. Kristina’s work was already speaking volumes.
What set Kristina apart was not just her work ethic, but the heart behind it. She consistently showed up, put in the time, and gave her all—never seeking attention or applause. Her efforts touched nearly every corner of the League, from internal operations to community-facing initiatives. Her placement this year impacted not just our membership, but also the broader community. In fact, it was the praise from community partners and Sustainers that solidified her selection: they noticed her attention to detail, her creativity, and her ability to bring excellence to every project she touched.
Behind the scenes, Kristina quietly took on additional responsibilities when needed, stepping into roles without being asked and never seeking credit. She was the kind of volunteer who made everyone else’s job easier simply by doing hers with excellence, grace, and humility. I had personally never worked alongside someone more organized, thoughtful, and genuinely kind.
In an organization built on leadership, Kristina led not with a title, but through action. Her love for the League, her commitment to service, and her servant-hearted leadership style made her an inspiration to us all.
2024-2025 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Investing in the future was one of the most rewarding things we did. In 2025, we proudly awarded scholarships to three outstanding young women whose achievements and character reflected the values of the Junior League.
Kaitlyn Christaw
C.E. Byrd High School → Southern University at Shreveport
Graduating with a remarkable 4.2 GPA and over 40 volunteer hours during her senior year, Kaitlyn proved herself to be both academically driven and service-minded. Her mentors in the MAGIC mentor program described her as “a strong and kind individual” whose determination would carry her far.
Aubrie Everett
Caddo Parish Magnet High School → Xavier University of Louisiana
Described by a mentor as someone whose “inner drive opened one-of-a-kind opportunities,” Aubrie consistently went above and beyond. Her quiet strength and natural leadership elevated those around her.
Brelynn Smith
Haughton High School → Louisiana Tech University
One phrase in Brelynn’s application captured the heart of the scholarship committee: “Be the light.” Despite facing personal hardship, Brelynn turned her challenges into fuel for service and inspiration. Her radiant positivity and resilience inspired everyone around her.
These young women represented the bright future of voluntarism—not just within our community, but far beyond. As they embarked on the next chapter of their journeys, we were confident they would carry the torch of service, leadership, and compassion wherever they went.
Kaitlyn Christaw, C.E. Byrd High School; Aubrie Everett, Caddo Parish Magnet High School; Brelynn Smith, Haughton High School
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Our League members invested their hearts and hands into community impact projects that aligned with our mission of promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities.
ACTIVE KIDS
In partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, members taught children about nutrition and other life skills. This project, led by Destiny Jamison, provided handson learning and created meaningful connections that encouraged healthier habits and stronger futures.
ARTIST FOR A DAY
At the Red River Revel, members helped children explore creativity by leading interactive art projects. This initiative sparked imagination and provided children with a joyful opportunity to experience the arts. This project was led by Quaya Ervin.
MAGIC
Mentoring Ambitious Girls to Inspire Change (MAGIC), led by Breonka Burnom, members served as mentors, offering encouragement, life skills, and support to local youth. This program built lasting relationships and empowered children to see their own potential.
RED APRON PANTRY
Housed in the JLSB office and led by Ro Morvant and Melinda Boncheff, the Red Apron Pantry provided food to families in the Highland community. This project addressed immediate needs while also reinforcing the League’s ongoing commitment to fighting food insecurity.
Through these initiatives, we touched the lives of countless children and families in Northwest Louisiana.
FUND DEVELOPMENT
1933 SOCIETY
The 1933 Society, our annual giving campaign, provides our supporters a more structured way to donate to the League. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of the more than 40 donors who supported JLSB and the 1933 Society this year.
Net Profit: $18,500.00
COOKBOOK SALES
Our longest-running source of income comes from cookbook sales. We are pleased to offer three unique books. The award-winning Mardi Gras to Mistletoe features 12 months of festivals, events, and more than 200 seasonal recipes. Revel, originally published in 1980 and reissued in a 20th anniversary edition in 2000, has sold over 50,000 copies and includes party menus for each of the four seasons. Finally, A Cooks Tour, originally published in 1964, features dishes elegant enough for fine dinner parties and casual enough for picnics and is truly a journey back into your grandmother’s kitchen.
Net Profit: $1,510.34
DESIGNER BAG BINGO
Our sixth in-person Designer Bag Bingo event was a huge success! Over 700 attendees filled the Sam’s Town Hotel and Casino ballroom for an evening of fun and fundraising. The sold-out event entertained our guests with dinner, 10 rounds of bingo for designer handbags, and dozens of raffle opportunities, including a beautiful 14kt white gold pave diamond bangle bracelet valued at $10,000 generously donated by corporate sponsor Sid Potts, Inc. We are thankful for the many sponsors who supported this event, including presenting sponsor Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers.
Net Profit: $51,420.70
GIVE FOR GOOD DAY
The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier partnered with the Community Foundation of North Louisiana to participate in Give for Good. This 24-hour online giving challenge raises unrestricted funds for nonprofits in our community. This day of giving celebrates local nonprofits and allows the community an opportunity to support these valuable programs and organizations.
Net Profit: $321.60
PUMPKIN PATCH AT PROVENANCE
Our 2024 Pumpkin Patch at Provenance was a great success. JLSB volunteers unloaded over 3,500 pumpkins to stock our Patch for the month of October! We raised funds through pumpkins sales and also invited the community to the Patch for fun family activities.
Net Profit: $13,398.65
RED RIVER REVEL PEPSI SALES
The now world-famous Red River Revel Arts Festival was founded by the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier and given to the City of Shreveport in 1976 as a bicentennial gift. The Revel is held annually in October on the Shreveport riverfront and attracts thousands of visitors to the area. The JLSB continues to support the Revel by providing hundreds of volunteer hours selling Pepsi products during the festival. Another great year of festival attendance led to record sales in our Pepsi booths!
Net Profit: $13,424.76
Thank you to our 2024-2025
Kim Foret
Betty Henderson
Miramon Law, Inc.
LEAGUE LEADERS
Dr. Peggy Murphy
Connie C. Pierson
LEAGUE ADVOCATES
Margaret McElroy
Leslie Griffin Scott
Carolyn Murphy Thompson
Edie Broyles Williams
Nancy Hicks Broyles
Nancy Cosse
Gaye Eason Dean
Melinda A. Hernandez
Susan P. Adams
Katie S. Baker
Mrs. Tookie Barr
Mrs. Donna Brazzel
Lee O’Brien Davis
Roxann King Davis
Melissa Flores
Vickie Meadows
Ginny Murphy
Melanie Peacock
Tracy L. Prestwood
LEAGUE PARTNERS
Paula Frierson
Sarah Giglio
Lisa Hargrove
Anti-Pest/Michele Horton
Rachael James
Mary Jo Kayser
Hollisann J. Kent
Jodi Penn Rives
Susan R. Shelby
Saige Solomon
Jane Sugar
Ginger Lukacs
Peggy McClure Lyons
Sybil T. Patten
Lindsey Pennington, MD
Missie B. Poindexter
Mrs. Robert G. Pugh, Jr.
Michele Q=Petersen
Change A YEAR OF
As I reflect on the 2024–2025 League year, I am filled with pride, gratitude, and admiration for the incredible women who made up the Junior League of ShreveportBossier. Together, we accomplished so much for our community while also strengthening the foundation of our League for years to come.
This year’s leadership demonstrated vision, resilience, and collaboration as we navigated opportunities and challenges alike. I could not have been more honored to serve alongside such capable women.
The 2024–2025 year was a remarkable one for our fundraising efforts, which not only supported our mission but also deepened our connections with the community.
• Revel Pepsi – Led by Jessica Booth and Sara Beth Bump, Revel Pepsi remained our longest-running fundraiser and cherished partnership with the Red River Revel. Each year, our members devoted countless volunteer hours to selling Pepsi products at the Revel, and 2024 was no exception.
• Pumpkin Patch – A beloved hybrid of community project and fundraiser, the Pumpkin Patch returned in October under the leadership of Maddie Menefee. Throughout the month, JLSB members sold pumpkins, raising essential funds while also creating a fun and festive way for families to engage with the League.
• Designer Bag Bingo – Our largest and most exciting fundraiser of the year, Designer Bag Bingo, led by Katrina Sproles, brought a packed room of energy, laughter, and friendly competition. Women from across the region gathered for an evening of entertainment, camaraderie, and the chance to win extraordinary designer bags.
• 1933 Society Annual Campaign – Guided by the
Alex Person
President and Board, the 1933 Society Annual Campaign united Sustainers, past members, and friends of the League in support of our mission. The campaign provided critical funds that ensured our community projects and initiatives could thrive, reflecting the enduring strength of our League’s legacy.
Serving as President of the Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier for 2024–2025 was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. This year challenged me in ways I could never have anticipated and pushed me to grow not only as a leader but also as a person—learning to step into hard moments, make difficult decisions, and trust the process. I leaned on my incredible friends, the unwavering support of our Board and members, and my faith, which carried me through both the triumphs and the challenges. The League has given me so much more than an opportunity to serve—it has given me lifelong friendships, memories I will always cherish, and a community that I will carry in my heart forever. The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier will always be a part of my life, and I am profoundly grateful for every lesson, every laugh, and every shared moment along this journey.
Our League is strong, our mission is alive, and our future is bright.
With gratitude,
Alex Person 2024-2025 President Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier
MISSION: The Junior League of Shreveport-Bossier, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.
VISION: The Junior League: Women Around the World as Catalysts for Lasting Community Change.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: The Junior League welcomes all women who value our Mission. We are committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals, organizations, and communities.