Willis Knighton Community Service Scholarship Recipients Announced

SHREVEPORT, La. (Dec. 17, 2024) – This year is the 19th consecutive year that Willis Knighton Health and the Independence Bowl Foundation have partnered to present two local graduating seniors with the Willis-Knighton Community Service Scholarship, and this year’s recipients are Elizabeth Shoup from Caddo Parish Magnet High School and Katie Green from Plain Dealing High School.

In partnership with the Independence Bowl, Willis Knighton Health has been proud to honor students who have shown a steadfast commitment to community service over the past 19 years,” said Claire Rebouche, Vice President of Willis Knighton Health and 2024 Independence Bowl Foundation Chair. “Their efforts are doing a world of good.”

The scholarship awards $2,500 to one graduating senior each from Caddo and Bossier Parishes. The scholarships are awarded based on academic success and commitment to improving the community through service. The scholarship has awarded $90,000 to local students over the first 18 years of the program. 

Shoup and Green will be honored during Bowl Week in front of Independence Bowl Foundation sponsors, officials and the two participating universities at the Chairman’s VIP Reception and at the 48th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on Saturday, December 28 at 8:15 p.m. 

Shoup – the Caddo Parish recipient – is a very successful student, as she has a 4.89 current grade point average (GPA). This success in the classroom has earned her multiple honors and scholastic achievements – including being a National Merit Semifinalist and a Caddo Magnet Student of the Year Finalist this year. She has also excelled in Spanish – earning the Gold Medal in the National Spanish III Exam in 9th grade, Silver Medal in the National Spanish IV Exam in 10th grade and First Place in the District Literary Rally (Spanish IV) in 10th grade. Shoup has also been involved in many groups and organizations – including leadership positions in the Girl Up and PSAT Peer Mentor clubs. She has also been very involved in many classes, teams and productions at StageCenter’s School of Performing Arts.

Along with her many scholastic honors and involvement with a variety of clubs and groups, Shoup has also given back to her community in a variety of ways. She has spent numerous hours volunteering at StageCenter – serving as a Triple Threat Intern where she taught elementary students acting, singing and dancing, as well as helping with set building for productions. She also has served as a Community Bible Study Co-Leader for students from Caddo Magnet and C.E. Byrd, and she has spent many hours volunteering at Common Ground Food Pantry.

Green – Bossier Parish’s recipient – is also highly-successful in the classroom with a 4.20 GPA. She has earned A-Honor Roll all four years at Plain Dealing and throughout high school has earned recognition for Highest Test Scores in algebra, English and biology. Her long list of scholastic achievements and honors also includes the Bossier Youth Leadership honor in 11th grade, Academic Excellence Award in 11th grade and Plain Dealing Homecoming Queen this year. Green has held a multitude of leadership roles for clubs and organizations – serving as the President of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council and Yearbook Club; Vice President of the National English Honor Society, captain of the softball team and other leadership roles with the Lady Cubs Softball Team.

Green truly understands what it means to give back to her community, as she has spent countless hours volunteering her time. She volunteered for the AHEC Summer Program – helping nursing home residents make bird feeders, assisting hospital staff with daily rotations and assisting clinic staff with patients and maintenance.  She has also given much of her time to Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, the Lady Cubs Softball Team, Bossier Parish Courts of Praise, Northeast Bossier Fire District #5 and many other organizations.

The 48th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl kicks off on Saturday, December 28 at 8:15 p.m. CST between the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and No. 22 (CFP) Army West Point Black Knights. Tickets start at $20 and are on sale now at RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/Tickets. There is a bevy of ticket packages available – including individual tickets, group tickets, Pizza Hut Family 4-Packs, Small Business Fan Packs, premium options and more. For ticketing questions, fans can email [email protected] or call the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl office at (318) 221-0712.

Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl Week will also feature a great lineup of free, family events for local and traveling fans of all ages to enjoy. The FCA Breakfast will kick off the public event schedule on Thursday, December 26 at 7:30 a.m. at Riverview Hall. The following night on the eve of the big game, local and traveling fans will all gather in the East Bank District for the free Rally on the Red, presented by Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, Cardinaux Wealth and Heard, McElroy & Vestal – featuring the Mardi Gras Preview Parade, Battle of the Marching Bands, Fireworks Show and Free Concert featuring The Spazmatics. Finally, on game day on Saturday, December 28, the free public events will culminate with Coca-Cola Fan Fest from 3:30-7:30 p.m. in the Silver Lot outside of Independence Stadium – leading fans into the 8:15 p.m. kickoff of the 48th Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl.

For information on Independence Stadium rules and the clear bag policy, please visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com/stadium-rules. Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl fans can visit OpportunityLouisiana.com to explore why Louisiana businesses are positioned to win. 

ABOUT THE RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES INDEPENDENCE BOWL™

Established in 1976, the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl™ is college football’s 11th most historic bowl game. The 48th edition of the game is set for Saturday, December 28 at 8:15 p.m. CST on ESPN between the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs and No. 22 (CFP) Army West Point Black Knights. Huntsville, Ala.-based Radiance Technologies is the bowl’s title sponsor through the 2025 Bowl Season. The bowl’s conference, team, and television agreements also run through the 2025 season. 

The Independence Bowl Foundation is prevalent in the Shreveport-Bossier City area throughout the year, hosting events to help enhance the economic impact and growth of our community. The Mission of the Independence Bowl is to attract and provide quality, nationally recognized football competition oriented to the Ark-La-Tex region. For more information, visit RadianceTechnologiesIndependenceBowl.com or follow the bowl on Facebook, X and Instagram at @IndyBowl.