Honoring Service: Two Local Seniors Earn Independence Bowl Scholarships

Willis Knighton Health and the Independence Bowl Foundation are celebrating the 20th year of their partnership by recognizing two standout students whose academic accomplishments and community service set the pace for their peers in Caddo and Bossier Parishes.

This year’s Willis Knighton and Independence Bowl Community Service Scholarships, now increased to five thousand dollars each, have been awarded to Captain Shreve’s Ishmael Swiney and Benton High School’s Avery Claire Brignac.

Celebrating Two Decades of Shreveport-Bossier Impact

What began as a simple effort to encourage volunteerism has now provided ninety five thousand dollars in scholarships to area students. Each year, one senior from Caddo Parish and one from Bossier Parish are selected based on academic strength and a clear commitment to serving the community.

READ MORE: Independence Bowl Chair Sets Record Straight on Bowl Participation

Swiney and Brignac will be honored during Bowl Week and recognized at the 49th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Tuesday, December 30 at 1 p.m.

Caddo Parish Recipient: Ishmael Swiney

Swiney brings an impressive resume that blends academic achievement with meaningful leadership. With a 4.02 GPA and a course load filled with Honors and AP classes, he has earned a place in the National Honor Society and PTSA Distinguished Scholars while also receiving an Oratory Public Speaking Award.

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At Captain Shreve, Swiney has been a steady presence in student leadership. His roles range from Freshman Class President to Vice President and President of the G.L.U.E. Initiative.

His service extends throughout Caddo Parish as well. As a 4 H Ignite Ambassador, he represented Louisiana at a national conference in Washington D.C. He also helps guide middle school students through the Caddo DA Leadership Academy, designing workshops centered on leadership and civic engagement.

Bossier Parish Recipient: Avery Claire Brignac

Brignac’s 4.4 GPA underscores a remarkable high school career, highlighted by her participation in both the Talented and Gifted Programs and her four year run as the top ranked student in her class. She has received a Dean’s Scholarship at Ole Miss along with several academic honors.

Her involvement stretches across Benton High School and the Bossier community. She has served through Random Acts of Kindness, First Priority, Student Council, Beta Club and the National Honor Society.

Her work with Vicki’s School of Dance, Cypress Student Ministry and mission opportunities, including KidzKamp and a trip to Merida, Mexico, reflects a heart for service both locally and abroad.