Good morning, Monroe.

SYAA will perform 'Chop to the Top' from The SpongeBob Musical at KEDM Studios on Saturday, Feb.

28 with additional showtimes on Sunday, March 1, Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8. The performance presents a fresh take on a Bikini Bottom tale as locals enjoy a heroic musical story.

ULM Hawkeye will celebrate Student Press Freedom Day on Thursday, Feb.

26, to raise awareness about the challenges facing student journalists and uphold free speech. The campus paper recently returned from the Southeast Journalism Conference at Georgia Highlands College, where it won several awards.

University of Louisiana at Monroe and the Louisiana STEM Center hosted the 2nd annual rural STEM day — where over 200 students explored hands-on activities in science, tech, engineering and math.

Organizers said the event helped students learn outside the classroom and plans to bring more students next year.

The Louisiana Department of Education named three area students—Jake Elliott Creel of Drew Elementary, Kaejha Mary-Anne Christine Stewart, and Melissa An Le—as finalists for Louisiana Student of the Year based on academic success and leadership.

Their review process, including interviews, writing samples, and portfolio evaluations, will lead to spring recognition.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will launch in Ouachita Parish when families join a kickoff event at the Children’s Coalition on Monday, March 2 at 2 p.m. The national program aims to boost early literacy (using local SRTC funds).

Family Solutions Counseling Center is set to host its third annual Addictions Conference to help address the rising need for addiction training and treatment as Louisiana continues to rank among states with high drug‑related deaths.

Organizers said more details will be released soon.

Discover Monroe-West Monroe launched the Battle for the 50-50 Ball to mark its 50th anniversary and welcome para-athletes ahead of the NWBA Championship on March 19-22 and March 26-29 at the West Monroe Sports and Events facility plus community groups may submit short videos showing how they support the parish.

Fashion Fusion 2026

7-10 p.m. — Monroe Civic Center — Benefit entry — Fashion meets dance in a runway show supporting local cancer patients.