Parents, we made it!

August 11, 2025

TOGETHER WITH

☀️SBC! School is back in session this week, so I hope you plan on heading out a few minutes early today!

I get asked often about why I decided to start this newsletter, and one of my biggest reasons for starting On the Bright Side was to shine a light on the amazing people who share our community.

That’s why I’m so excited about our new segment, “Meet Your Neighbor.” It’s all about celebrating the folks (from kiddos to elders) who make this place special. Got someone in mind? Send us their story - we’d love to share it!

In this edition, we’ll shine light on:

After school program that offers transportation AND a karate class
Tips for the school year (whether you’ve got kids or not)
Koi Gift Card, anyone?

Let’s get our shine on! ☀️

Partnered with Karate USA

If you’re looking for one of the best after school programs (in Caddo), look no further! Starting August 13, Karate USA’s 2025–2026 After School Program is ready to give kids more than a place to go after the bell rings, it’s a place to grow and learn how to do a roundhouse🥋. One of the most helpful features this program provides is transportation from these schools to the dojo:

AC Steere Elementary
Fairfield Elementary
South Highlands Elementary
Eden Gardens
University Elementary
Riverside Elementary

This program blends fun, fitness, and life skills in a safe, nurturing environment. Kids enjoy weekly martial arts lessons, arts & crafts, games, and activities designed to build confidence, focus, discipline, and leadership. And here’s the best part: this isn’t just “after school care.” Parents often see improved behavior at home, better grades, and a boost in self-esteem that sticks.

Speaking from experience, I can say this program truly makes a difference. The skills and confidence kids gain here will last a lifetime.

_{Ready to feature your local business? Send it}_here_!

Meet Your Neighbor

🌟 Spotlight Local of the Week: Qualan Jefferson 🌟

Meet your neighbor, Qualan Jefferson from Stonewall. At 13 years old, he is proving that hard work, vision, and heart can make a big impact. A straight-A student, he excels in football, wrestling, and track while also pursuing his passion for the outdoors and self-sustainability. This year, Qualan planted a garden with over 20 varieties of fruits and vegetables (all grown and cared for by him) and even built a chicken coop to protect his flock.

Beyond his personal achievements, Qualan has a big heart for service. He regularly mows lawns for elderly neighbors free of charge, showing that kindness matters just as much as success. Every morning, he starts his day with a devotional and shares uplifting messages on Instagram (@qualan2_2030) to inspire other kids and teens.

His next big goal? Writing a devotional book specifically for teens, making it relatable to their real-life challenges and opportunities. (We’ll keep y’all posted on that!) Qualan isn’t just a student or athlete- he’s a leader, a dreamer, and a vital local for our next generation. Keep it up, Qualan!

_{Submit your nomination}_here!

Back-to-School Survival Tips (Even if You Don’t Have Kids) 🎒

🚦 Slow down in school zones- yes, even if you’re late for work.
⏰ Leave earlier- buses are basically moving roadblocks.
🛒 Grocery shop before 3 PM, unless you like fighting for the last Lunchables.
📅 Check school calendars- parades, games, and events = traffic surprises.
🤫 Enjoy midday peace- prime time for errands and quiet coffee runs.
Most Important!! Brace for morning moods- we’re NOT just talking about the kiddos; if you see a frantic parent throwing socks and shoes in the back seat at a red light, mind ya business.

Teachers! I want to THANK YOU for doing one of the toughest jobs that genuinely makes the world go ‘round. Good luck this year!

_{Be a part of the sponsor squad}_here!

☀️ This Week’s Happy Highlights

Loyola Athletes are Winning in a Big Way!

This summer, Loyola’s baseball and football teams joined forces for a day of service in Bossier City, rolling up their sleeves to clean the grounds and pick up trash. We’re proud of these young men for showing the same dedication off the field as they do in the game. Good luck this year!

🏈 Ar’Darius Washington Pays It Forward

Former Evangel football star and Baltimore Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington just made a big play off the field, hosting a back-to-school drive at Common Ground Church in Shreveport. The event packed backpacks, lifted spirits, and made sure local students are ready to win this school year.

🎯 BPSO’s Kids Shoot for Youth Charities is On!

The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with local youth for its first-ever “Kids Shoot for Youth Charities” sporting clay competition, happening Saturday, October 18 at the Youth Shooting Range in Plain Dealing. Proceeds benefit fantastic organizations like St. Jude, March of Dimes, Shriners Children’s, Gingerbread House, and Easter Seals. Whether you sign up as a shooter, team, or sponsor, there’s a place for you in this feel-good community event!

For registration, sponsorship details, or more information, please contact:

· Deputy James Lonadier (318) 210-9253 or [email protected]
· Dana Brossett (318) 965-3525
· Deputy Mary Kerry (318) 965-3409

✍🏼 Side Notes and City Talk

🔹 After 12 years leading Caddo Parish athletics, Anthony Tisdale is making a big career move. See where he’s going and who’s replacing him.

🚒 Honor first responders by joining the YMCA’s 9/11 Stair Climb on September 11- climb 110 flights to pay tribute. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today!

🖼️ Photographer Ron Brown's new exhibition, "This Is Us," opens August 21 at the Southern University Museum of Art in Shreveport, offering intimate portraiture that celebrates the authenticity, emotion, and depth of everyday Black life.

🎤 Ever wonder what goes on when city council considers new ordinances? You can peek behind the curtain! Check out today’s City Council agenda and follow along @ 3PM as Shreveport leaders discuss local policy and decide what’s next.

Ever thought about owning a coffee shop? ☕️ By Faith Coffee House is up for grabs in Grand Cane, and it’s open and running smoothly until the sale closes! Interested? 📞 Call Alicia at (318) 510-9219.

💡 Bright Side Smarts 💡
Test your SBC smarts and win!

Here’s how it works:
📅 We post a local fun fact every weekend on our Facebook page.
❓ On Monday, we drop a trivia question here in the newsletter.
🎁 Answer right = You could win!

Trivia Winner: Caitlynn Traylor
Last Weeks’s Answer: SOBO Cafe’s built a community space called The Latte Room!

Congratulations! Thank you for playing!

This Week’s Question:

Koi Asian Fusion’s owners are well-known in Shreveport- do you know which other local favorite restaurant they run?

👉 Not following us on Facebook? Click here to catch the Friday facts! Good luck!

🎉 This Week’s Upcoming Events

Please let me know if your child’s school is still cool enough to hold one of these epic dance-offs

Click here for this week’s list of events!

LIVE MUSIC LINEUP 🎶

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Have a Blessed Week, SBC!

Love what you got this week? Share it with the friend you re-enacted N’SYNC music videos with 20 years ago.

James 1:2