Looking back at my school days, I get a little melancholy. My father was transferred frequently, and we didn’t get to stay at a school long enough to form life-long friendships. Once he retired from the Air Force, I was able to attend the same school all through high school. But, by then, I had learned not to get close to anyone because saying goodbye to them would be painful.

Not having strong ties to my alma mater, I felt unprepared to write the centennial story for Byrd High School, until I met some of the people behind the planning of the year-long event. You can imagine how amazed I was that many of these hard-working individuals didn’t attend Byrd. Yet, there they were, chairing a committee or volunteering in some capacity. Apparently, one doesn’t have to be a former student to be in love with this Shreveport institution. I almost volunteered on the spot. What’s more, you don’t have to be a student, past or present, to enjoy the events that are planned for early summer.

Centenary College, another Shreveport institution, is also celebrating a special birthday. 200 years. You’ll enjoy seeing photographs that have been archived at Centenary all these years. Being 200 years old isn’t the only reason to celebrate. Did you know that Centenary is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi? And it’s the only school in the Shreveport-Bossier City area that offers a 4-year degree in Music? And it ranks as a Top National Liberal Arts College in the U.S. according to the U.S. News & World Report? And it has a 94% medical school acceptance rate? Right here, in little old Shreveport, Louisiana.

Take your time with this issue. There is much to read and you may want to keep it as a souvenir. It’ll be like an early celebration of two, incredible Shreveport landmarks.