SHREVEPORT, La. – The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl donated $1,000 to 16 local educators during Bowl Week in December 2024, in conjunction with the College Football Playoff Foundation's Extra Yard for Teachers initiative.

The Independence Bowl donated $17,000 to local educators in 2024, including the $1,000 it donated on the Extra Yard for Teachers BIG DAY in September 2024. The 2024 donations bring the total to $102,000 since 2021.

Since 2021, the $102,000 has funded 132 local educators – reaching schools in Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, Red River and Webster Parishes – and impacted approximately 20,000 local students.

The 16 educators who received $1,000 donations during Bowl Week are listed below.

Stacy Berry – Haughton Elementary School

Shelby Brown – Blanchard Elementary School

Ashley Clements – Keithville Middle School

Julie Davis – Captain Shreve High School

Julie Eason – Southwood High School

Christene Griffith – Riverside Elementary School

Lori Harper – Parkway Middle School

Lagretta Hawthorne – Huntington High School

Ashley Hazelton – A.C. Steere Elementary School

Kathryn Hoffman – University Elementary School

Jacob Mainiero – C.E. Byrd High School

Dixie McCloud – Plantation Park Elementary School

Devin Rachels – Captain Shreve High School

Kimberly Searcy – Bossier Elementary School

In addition to the $1,000 donation, each educator received two tickets to the 2024 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl between No. 22/19 (CFP/AP) Army West Point and Louisiana Tech and had their names displayed at the game.