LAKE CHARLES – Saturday's McNeese Southland Conference basketball double-header between McNeese and Nicholls has been designated Teacher Appreciation Game where all Calcasieu Parish School Board teachers can purchase a general admission ticket for just $5.
 
The Cowgirls will tip-off at 1 p.m. followed by the Southland Conference Champion Cowboys at 4 o'clock.
 
The event is sponsored by Manuel Builders.
 
Tickets can be purchased at the Jack Doland Field House now through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and then on game day at the Legacy Center ticket office starting at 11:30 a.m. while supplies last. An official and current CPSB I.D. must be presented when purchasing.
 
"I'm really excited to continue our partnership with (Superintendent) Dr. Shannon LaFargue and the Calcasieu Parish School Board to be able to host another Teacher Appreciation night which is something I couldn't be prouder to do," said McNeese Director of Athletics Heath Schroyer. "The great resource our community has is our children. Period. Our teachers play a significant role in developing not only the work force of the future but the leaders of tomorrow."
 
CPSB Teachers of the Year will be recognized during the men's game. Those able to be in attendance for recognition will be Dr. Suresh Chirugru, Teacher of the Year from LaGrange High School; Skyler Johnson, New Teacher of the Year from College Oaks Elementary; and Madison Pitre, New Teacher of the Year from F.K. White Middle School.
 
"The chance to recognize the Teacher of the Year and New Teachers of the Year during the game is also a huge honor for me," said Schroyer. "I couldn't be more excited for Saturday.
 
"I'd also like to thank Manuel Builders for their continued support of this partnership. They truly care about this community and I couldn't be more excited to have them on board with this vision."
 
CBSP teachers are encouraged to purchase tickets during the week as the contest is expected to be another sellout.