By Hannah Richardson, Lifestyle Editor
Family and friends of Dylan Poche and John Hunter Owens gathered around the flagpole at Natchitoches Central High School (NCHS) Wednesday, Aug. 7 for a dedication ceremony of two memorial benches constructed in their honor.
Poche and Owens were both on the NCHS Fishing Team, in 2016 and 2019 respectively.
“We keep these two young men in our minds and remember them,” said NCHS Principal William Gordy. “Mrs. Owens, we didn’t have an opportunity to give [Owens] a high school diploma so I would like to present you with it.” Gordy then handed the John Hunter Owens’ mother, Becky Owens, with his diploma. “If there is anything Natchitoches Central can do for you, just let us know.”
Poche graduated from NCHS with honors in 2015, enrolled at NSU and joined the fishing team in the hopes of eventually becoming a professional angler. Poche tragically lost his life Jan. 31, 2016.
Hunter Owens, 17, of Robeline was a member of the 2019 NCHS fishing team. He lost his life Feb. 26 of this year in an auto accident.
