Most Recent LEAD Projects 2024-2025
Sulphur High LEAD Council & the Sulphur Downtown Cultural District
The $20,000 donation from the Sulphur High School LEAD Council was used to support beautification of a key historic intersection near The Village Coffeehouse within the Downtown Sulphur Cultural District. Funds were used to purchase new fluted signature street signs marking the cultural district area, outdoor planters with native greenery and flowering shrubs from Taproot Landscape Management, and street banners to add a welcoming and visual appeal. The focal point of this revitalization effort is a custom mural
by local artist Morgan Allain depicting Louisiana culture and traditions in the city center. This project represents the pride Sulphur High students have for their community and council members hope these new enhancements serve as a catalyst for others to take pride in the cultural district as well. Furthermore, the project exemplifies the values behind the Just Imagine SWLA Strong Downtowns initiative, which cultivates a sense of place, supports local partnerships and sparks community pride.
Washington Marion High School LEAD Council & Ray D. Molo Middle School
The $20,000 from the Washington Marion High School LEAD Council program was used to build and stock a Teen Uniform and Hygiene Station at Ray D. Molo. This mobile station is a support system for students in need of school uniforms, socks, tennis shoes, undergarments and hygiene products, allowing students to focus on education and learning during the school year. Molo Middle School underwent a much- needed renovation in 2025. The LEAD Council planned a mobile station that can easily be moved to various locations and readily available to meet the needs of students. The LEAD Council also volunteered at Food for Thought food pantry to assist in the assembly of the purple bags which makes food available for students with food insecurity to have meals over the weekend days when they are not attending school.
Lasting Impact of LEAD on Students
By encouraging student engagement and success, these programs create opportunities for students to shine and pursue higher education. Many students, inspired by their experiences, have earned scholarships, advanced their high school leadership activities, started meaningful careers, and found ways to give back to their communities.
David Spicer, Sulphur High School LEAD Council 2017-2018
One of the first students to participate in the LEAD program, David was selected as Sulphur High Student of the Year, awarded a scholarship at MI, and was a Louisiana Governor’s Fellow in 2022.
Alicia Powell, Washington Marion High School LEAD Council 2022-2023
Alicia was selected as Washington Marion High Student of the Year 2022-23 and was awarded the Creating Opportunities for Recruiting Excellence scholarship at McNeese University.
Armund Wilson, Washington Marion High School LEAD Council & Ray D. Molo Middle School2023-2024
Voted Rising Sophomore of the Year, Armund has leveraged his LEAD leadership skills gained representing Calcasieu 4-H at the 110th 4-H University at LSU and as the 2025-2026 Louisiana 4-H State Parliamentarian.
LEAD Projects Through the Years
Sulphur High School
2017-2018
Free Little Pantries
Established three Little Free Pantries across the City of Sulphur to help bridge the gap of food insecurity to underserved communities.
2018-2019
City of Sulphur Traffic Mitigation
Provided for two radar speed signs for the City of Sulphur to use in high-traffic, high-risk school zones to increase safety for youth on a day-to-day basis.
Summer STEM Camp Scholarships
Provided 15 students with scholarships to attend summer TECH camps through the Calcasieu Parish School System
2019-2020
Care Help Sulphur COVID Response
Upgraded Care Help’s Resource center with a much needed renovation, and provided funding for the Backpack Blessing Program to feed nearly 500 students each week during the school year
2020-2021
LEAD Alumni Hurricane Relief Grants
As schools closed for extensive repairs following two major hurricane events, Woodside Energy repurposed LEAD funding offering hurricane relief grants to LEAD alumni’s families for their own recovery efforts.
2022-2023
St. Nicholas Center for Children STEPS Program
Partnered with the St. Nicholas Center for Children to fund equipment, scholarships and launch a new developmental program to help children with behavioral issues prepare for school and life situations.
2023-2024
Sulphur Senior Center
Revitalized senior center facilities and exterior and provided new equipment for social programs and the “senior social” squad to foster relationships throughout the community.
Washington Marion High School
2019-2020
JD Cliffton Partners in Parks Enhancements
Revitalized the Jessie D. Clifton Community Center & Park with an additional match grant from the City of Lake Charles’ Partners in Parks initiative
2020-2021
Epps Library Hurricane Rebuild
Refurbished Epps Memorial Library with new technology for video production, virtual reality, charging stations and STEM related activities.
2022-2023
Abraham’s Tent Food Pantry Expansion
Partnered with Abraham’s Tent to provide funding for kitchen equipment and items to improve storage and efficiency of meal preparation. Additionally, members served meals and provided hygiene Blessing Bags.
2023-2024
Big Brothers Big Sisters SWLA
Developed and lead small group mentoring sessions and created onsite food and hygiene pantries for students in need.
Deadline for Submission: Friday August 22
LEAD Program Form
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