In a fully packed room at the Bossier Parish School for Technology & Innovative Learning (BPSTIL), men and women dressed in uniform and their best attire greeted U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Johnson presented awards May 28 to outstanding Louisiana citizens from the Fourth Congressional District during the Spirit of Louisiana Award Ceremony.
“Servant leadership is a biblical admonition,” Johnson said. “When they asked Jesus who would be the greatest among you, he said, the servant of all is the greatest among you.”
Those recognized Thursday were individuals who exemplify servant leadership, community service, and dedication to public and civic life across Louisiana.
During the ceremony, honorees were presented with the Speaker’s challenge coin and a handshake from Johnson.
“I’m really pleased to recognize all these worthy individuals,” Johnson said.
“The award is just sort of giving recognition to the best,” Johnson said. “People who give their own lives and services to their communities, their state and the nation.”
Johnson ended the ceremony by acknowledging the United States’ 250th birthday, coming up on July 4.
“We are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the greatest nation in the history of the world, and we don’t take it for granted,” he said. “I know the leaders and servant leaders in this room and their families don’t take it for granted.”