Fellowship Christian Academy Student Places Top 5 in Statewide Competition

Zachary, Louisiana – The GGI Team presented to the Zachary Chamber's Leadership North group alongside Ella Kate, a Fellowship Christian Academy student who earned a Top 5 placement in the Louisiana StoryMap Competition with her project on "Alligator Farms."

Ella Kate's award-winning StoryMap explored Louisiana's alligator farming industry using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Her research revealed that with 4.5 million people and 2 million alligators in Louisiana, there's roughly one alligator for every two residents.

Mapping Louisiana's Alligator Operations

The student's project highlighted three notable operations: Insta-Gator Ranch in Covington, a family-owned business offering interactive tours with baby alligators; Gator Country Louisiana near Natchitoches, an educational park featuring alligators and other wildlife; and The Gator Chateau in Jennings, which combines tourism with alligator education.

Her research showed Louisiana hosts over 35 alligator farms as of 2019, serving purposes beyond commercial production. Ella Kate emphasized the ecological importance of alligators, noting they create "gator holes" for freshwater collection, support bird nesting sites, maintain fish populations, and prevent wetland vegetation overgrowth.

Expanding GIS Education

The presentation also highlighted GGI's plans to expand GIS course offerings in the Zachary area, connecting students with industry partners and building career pathways in geospatial technology. Ella Kate's project demonstrates how students can use sophisticated mapping tools to research and present stories rooted in their local communities.

Technology Meets Tradition

The success of Ella Kate's Top 5 placement showcases the potential for GIS education to engage students in meaningful research about their local economy and environment. As GGI expands educational opportunities, projects like this serve as models for using technology to explore Louisiana's unique cultural and economic landscape while developing valuable technical skills for future careers.

---

The GGI Team continues working with schools and community partners to expand geospatial education opportunities throughout the Zachary area, connecting students with industry professionals in the growing field of geospatial technology.