WHO WE ARE

The CE Byrd Alumni Association was established in September 1986, and by August 1987, we received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS, making donations and memorials tax-deductible. From the start, our mission has been to preserve the school's rich history and traditions for both graduates and current students, maintain a database of alumni, and provide support to enhance Byrd’s standing as a premier educational institution.

Our early initiatives included the Coach J.D. Cox Roast, the successful Ultimate Reunion in June 1987, and the first “Hall of Fame” Luncheon. In 1994, a fundraising drive transformed a bleak concrete area near the cafeteria into a beautifully landscaped space in honor of former Assistant Principal Charles Ravenna. Hundreds of alumni then worked on Ultimate Reunion II, a three-day event in 1996 that brought thousands back to "The Hive."

Since then, the Alumni Association has continued to support Byrd, sponsoring its 75th birthday celebration and raising $109,000 to refurbish the auditorium with new drapes, curtains, carpeting, lighting, and a sound system.

Currently, we are planning a yearlong celebration for Byrd’s 100th anniversary and are actively raising funds to support faculty, student life, and facility improvements. If you’d like more details on our specific projects, please reach out to us. The Alumni Association also continues to host special events, including Hall of Fame inductions, fundraising through the Give For Good campaign, maintaining the school's landscaping, maintaining scholarships and providing information for class reunions.

Exciting new initiatives include reinstating the Letterman’s Association, which will select the next Hall of Fame class in 2025, and hosting the 1st Annual Letterman’s Association Golf Tournament. With your support, even more exciting things are ahead!

Letter from the President​

Dear Byrd Family,

What a year we just had! The Centennial Celebration was a powerful reminder of the strength of the Byrd community—an unforgettable series of events filled with pride, tradition, and connection. Thank you for being part of it and for helping us honor 100 years of excellence.

Over the past year, I had the opportunity to meet so many Yellow Jackets, and the energy and support from this community were truly inspiring.

This year, we’re focused on carrying forward the momentum. Our goal is to ensure that the renewed pride in C.E. Byrd High School continues—not just in spirit, but through real, lasting improvements to our campus and our reputation throughout the city.

Other local high schools have stepped up in recent years by enhancing their facilities and actively marketing themselves to prospective students. There’s no reason Byrd—with our legacy, community, and resources—shouldn’t be leading the way.

That’s why we’re setting a bold goal: to significantly increase enrollment over the next four years. We’ll get there through strategic marketing and outreach that showcases what makes Byrd the premier high school in Northwest Louisiana.

We’re also making critical upgrades on campus. Our most urgent priority this year is the renovation of Byrd’s weight rooms—a $175,000 project that will provide modern, functional spaces for all of our student-athletes. The Letterman’s Association has this work underway, and we welcome your support to help make it a reality.

In addition, the Alumni Association remains committed to investing in educational excellence and faculty support. From managing scholarship programs that help relieve financial pressure on students, to funding classroom technology and beautification projects, to celebrating our teachers through appreciation efforts—we're working to make sure every student and teacher at Byrd feels supported and valued.

And that’s just the beginning.

By the end of the year, the Alumni Association will be fully supporting the relaunched Jacket Pride campaign—with the ultimate goal of constructing a brand-new field house. After several quiet years, the campaign is back—stronger, more focused, and ready to meet Byrd’s biggest needs. This is our most ambitious effort yet and one that will impact generations of Yellow Jackets to come. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Let’s move forward with purpose. And let’s continue investing in The City we all love.

Jacket Pride Always,
Kenneth Favrot President,
C.E. Byrd Alumni Association
Class of 2001

OUR MISSION​

Foster a vibrant community among graduates, unite alumni in support of our alma mater, empower volunteers to engage in activities that enhance the educational experience and promote the enduring legacy of CE Byrd High School.​

OUR VISION

Be the preeminent high school alumni association in creating lifelong commitments to our alma mater

OUR VALUES
  • ​Service to Alumni - Volunteering our time and efforts to serve the needs of our alumni
  • Jacket Pride - Continue the Pride that has been an integral part of The City and ensure that in continues in perpetuity. Be a beacon to remind Yellow Jackets that we all belong to something BIG​
  • Traditions - Maintain the long standing traditions, ensure Byrd's history is remembered and create new traditions 
  • ​Excellence - Collaborate with the school to ensure that our services are best used in a manner that furthers school excellence

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD

Officers
  • President - Kenneth Favrot '01
  • Vice President – Jeff Pearson '02
  • Secretary – Marilyn Smith Prothro ‘80
  • Treasurer – Chris Eldredge
  • Corresponding Secretary – Elizabeth Oglesby Eldredge ‘79
  • Parliamentarian – Ronnie Parnell ‘64
  • Historian - Brent Latin '07
  • Past President – Torie Chrichton '07
  • Executive Director – Charles C. Allen ‘53
Board Members
  • Andrew Emery '10
  • Gerald Badgley ‘76
  • Christina Raines '07
  • Jay Harper '01
  • Bill Emery '63
  • Johanna Derbonne '80
  • Jamie Burke '07
  • Jaye Bird '07
  • Jennifer Earnest '01
  • Laird Evans ‘64
  • Merrilee Leatherman ‘60
  • Ben Rachel
  • Tara Jefferson Robinson '98
  • Shelvia Grant '05
  • Tracy Prestwood ‘85
  • Trent Siskron '97
  • Tracy Young '93
Honorary Board Members
  • Doug Rountree ‘68
  • Lynne Fitzgerald ‘61
  • Mary Alice Rountree ‘68
  • Tem McElroy ‘61
​Honorary Alumni
  • Lynda Rowland
  • Mary Teekell
  • Donna Dickson Courtney

Alumni Association Projects

  • $10,000 for equipment to set up KBYRD, Byrd’s closed circuit video system studio.

  • $37,000 for the C. E. BYRD HIGH SCHOOL sign at the Line Avenue/Kings Highway intersection including landscaping, lighting, and a sprinkler system.

  • $116,000 Ravenna Courtyard and perpetual care.

  • $13,000 for lot and removal of house next to Byrd.

  • $40,000-50,000 landscape front of school and install sprinkler system.

  • $7,000 to remodel Foyer

  • $17,000 to install French doors across front of school and side door on southwest entrance.

  • Seed money (which was repaid) for writing and publishing “Glimpses of the City of Byrd”, a 208 page coffee table book.

  • $52,500 for computers in library and additional software and research towers (this was before the school bought computers for the schools).

  • $5,000 for computer and programs for art department for computer graphic training.

  • $3,000 for individual keyboards for use by students in the classroom.

  • $109,000 refurbishing the auditorium, including new carpet, repair of chairs, new stage drapes, new window drapes, refurbish piano, new sound and lighting systems.

  • $20,000 in matching grants for teachers to attend workshops.

  • Alumni match $250.00 of each grant a teacher wins.

  • $300 to $1,000 for funding of five scholarships a year. Scholarships are funded by endowments.

  • $15,000 spent to repair a riding lawnmower, heavy duty blower and edger.

  • $10,000 for video history of the school.

  • $10,000 for fencing and landscaping of newly constructed parking lot on Kings Highway. Lot was given to Byrd by Kings Highway Christian Church and Walgreen’s.

  • $25.00 for a memorial book in the library for deceased faculty members.

  • $5,000 for office computer and set up web page.

  • $10,000 for video security cameras.

  • $500.00 a year for advertisement on digital sign at baseball stadium.

  • $600.00 for bricks for newly constructed brick walkway. 

  • $10,000 for an Entrance Column to the Athletic Complex.

  • $10,000 to help purchase a house on Kings Highway for parking.

  • Replaced office furniture in Alumni office.

  • $3,000.00 for a Billboard highlighting achievements of students.

  • $17,500 for AP Student Scholarships