Natchitoches, LA, February 3, 2026: The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that the 2026 President’s Award will be dedicated to Claire Prymus in recognition of her leadership and lasting impact through the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center, which concluded operations in 2025.

Under Prymus’ leadership, the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center operated with a clear mission to build community and provide access to social and economic success for residents facing barriers to education and employment. Guided by the vision of “Transforming Lives and Building Community,” the Center served disconnected youth and adults seeking to reenter or advance in the workforce by addressing both skill development and the systemic challenges that often prevent long-term success.

The BDJ Center offered HiSET preparation, Work Readiness Training, and Industrial Readiness Training (IRT), all supported by comprehensive case management. Participants also received access to essential resources including professional attire, food assistance, legal aid, housing support, and behavioral health services, ensuring that obstacles outside the classroom did not hinder progress inside it.

Innovation and adaptability were hallmarks of the Center’s work. Expanded curriculum offerings emphasized skills vital to today’s workforce, including digital literacy, time management, conflict resolution, financial management, and résumé development. Strategic enrollment improvements further strengthened outcomes by requiring Work Readiness Training prior to IRT participation, better preparing students for technical training and employment.

Collaboration was central to the Center’s success. Prymus fostered strong partnerships with regional and industry leaders to connect education directly to opportunity, including the development of industry-based certifications and employer relationships that provided guaranteed interviews for graduates. Volunteers and partners, including Northwestern State University, RoyOMartin, Weyerhaeuser, International Paper, SWEPCO, the Louisiana Workforce Commission, and hundreds of local residents, played a critical role in supporting participants and building a culture of accountability, encouragement, and community.

Over a seven-year period, 510 participants enrolled in BDJ Center programs. Of those participants, 70% earned nationally recognized certifications, 80% received assistance with job placement, and 85% accessed critical support services. As of June 2025, 58% of graduates were gainfully employed. Beyond the numbers, the Center’s work created ripple effects that strengthened families, neighborhoods, and the broader Natchitoches community.

While the workforce development program has concluded, the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center continues to pursue its mission through future initiatives, including the upcoming Healthy Behaviors Initiative, which will address food insecurity through the revitalization of the Legacy Community Garden. Individuals interested in assisting financially or through volunteering can reach out directly to learn more.

The dedication of the 2026 President’s Award recognizes not only Claire Prymus’ leadership, but also the enduring legacy of the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center and its role in creating pathways to opportunity, dignity, and self-sufficiency for hundreds of Natchitoches residents.

The community is invited to join the celebration as Prymus and other outstanding businesses and individuals are recognized at the 2026 Go Natchitoches Awards Banquet. Registration is now open at GoNatchitoches.com/Awards.

The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation. The Chamber is committed to championing business, connecting community, and cultivating growth in Natchitoches Parish.