LSU: Two local LSU-Baton Rouge students who graduated Dec. 20 were recognized at a ceremony with Dr. F. King Alexander, president and chancellor of LSU, for having straight A’s throughout college. They are Caroline Boley, a graduate of Captain Shreve High School, and Hunter Hopkins, a graduate of Byrd High School. They received the University Medal, LSU’s highest academic achievement. Boley received a bachelor of art from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences with plans to be a history teacher, and Hopkins received a bachelor of science degree from the College of Science. He will attend medical school.

LSU: Caroline Boley, Hunter Hopkins

Aesclepius Bal: Queen Sherry Martin stood on stage with her back to the audience and made a dramatic entrance to the floor of the CenturyLink Center at the Krewe of Aesclepius Bal Masque and Tableau held Feb. 1. Victor Crusan as Caesar Flickerman from the “Hunger Games” emceed the more than two-hour presentation that included such characters at The Joker, Captain Nemo, Captain America and Miss Marvel. Court members threw beads and items that lit up. Former queens gathered for a photo on the steps just before Louisiana Crossroads provided post-bal music.

Centaur Bal: The Krewe of Centaur, Shreveport’s LSU: Caroline Boley, Hunter Hopkins largest krewe with more than 650 members, hosted their Mardi Gras Grand Bal XXIII Feb. 8 at Shreveport Convention Center. This year’s captain was again Corky Bridges. King Centaur XXIII is Doug Kochenderfer, and this year’s queen is Cindy Watson. The 2014 Duke and Duchess of Food are Eric Enkey and Rhonda Turner. The Duke and Duchess of Fun are Kevin Gonsoulin and Lanya Bernard. Duke and Duchess of Frolic are Michael Ostendorff and Heather Johnson. The Duke and Duchess of Fantasy are Trey Tomasek and Michelle Woodruff. The Krewe of Centaur Parade rolled through the streets of Shreveport Feb. 22 with 40 floats and more than 100 parade units with a crowd estimate of more than 350,000 people.

Susan’s Closet: Young ladies could purchase pre-owned formal dresses at an event hosted by the Northwest Louisiana Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It was held Feb. 8 at First Baptist Church Gymnasium in Shreveport. Susan’s Closet is an annual fundraising event that aims to outfit high school and college age girls with beautiful dresses for their many special occasions like homecoming, pageants and prom. The dresses are $25 each, and all of the proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen.