PATTERSON — On Tuesday evening, the Patterson community celebrated Patterson Junior High School Principal Lauren Rentrop, who was named Louisiana Principal of the Year, with a parade. 

Cheerleaders, dance groups and a band made their way down Main Street near Newman's Shopping Center during the parade, which was followed by a reception at Patterson City Hall.

"As classroom teachers, all of that hard work and dedication that we pour into everything that we do, it's the same thing on the side of administration. But I want to be very clear: I would not be here today if it wasn't all of the fantastic teachers and support staff that we have at Patterson Junior High," Rentrop said.