been like stepping into a time machine for Louisiana Rep. Jane Smith as she was honored with "This Is Your Life" at BPCC. Hosted by the Norwela Council of Boy Scouts of America, the event is a fundraiser that also served to honor community leaders. Attendees raised over $13,000 for the council. "We've attempted to recognize leaders in our community. On behalf of the 5,000 families who enjoy boy scouting, we thank you," said Jerry Jones, president of the Norwela Council of Boy Scouts. Smith was the first woman to be receive the honor. Besides having her life's accomplishments listed, she was roasted by friends, family and peers.

"Thank you for approving my speech," joked former school board member and current state legislature seat mate Rep. Henry Burns. "If you know Jane, she told me how long I could speak and what I could speak about," joked former coworker Mary Margaret Ray. Julie Tauzin, a former Haughton High Stepper coached by Smith from 1982 to 1986, told the story about first meeting her sponsor. "When Jane Smith took over, we had all been hoping that the new sponsor would take it easier on us than others had in the past few years. But when we met Jane Smith, we realized that wasn't going to happen," said Tauzin. Smith soon turned the line into national award winners. Her strict discipline earned her the nickname "General Jane," a nickname that sticks with her today.

"It's no coincidence she has earned the nickname General Jane, she brings intensity and passion and a focus," said Gov. Bobby Jindal via video. Speaker also praised Smith for her dedication, work ethic and attention to detail, noting that she was the first woman high school principal in Bossier Parish when she took over at Haughton High School, the first female superintendent in Bossier Parish and the first woman to represent Bossier Parish in the legislature. Ray said of Smith being named the Bossier Parish Schools Superintendent that "it was probably the greatest move the school board ever made." Burns said of first meeting with Smith after she took over as Superintendent that "President was not out of the question." "Jane has given years of her life as a teacher, principal and superintendent to improve the quality of life for our children. She's been an educator and administrator, she's passionate about helping children and she continues that passion down in Baton Rouge," added Jindal.

Smith's daughter, Hillary Garner, became emotional when it was her turn to speak saying, "They say you become more and more like your mother as you age. I look forward to the next chapter. We come from a line of Godly women and I hope we can come to depict those women as we continue on." Smith took to the podium saying she was honored to be the subject of the ceremony and thanked her parents for instilling in her the work ethic she carries with her. She told the story about how her mother was sweeping the driveway outside their mom and pop grocery store one day. "I asked her what she was doing and she said, 'I'm praying without ceasing.' And I looked her like 'What in the world are you talking about?' but she was probably wondering how in the world she was going to give us the best life she could as a woman who had just lost her husband. As I've aged, I thought I've had such a wonderful life because of the wonderful times we had together and how she wanted me to have a successful life," said Smith. "God has blessed me, I know who my creator and redeemer is and that's made all the difference in my life. Scott Smith is my tower, a wonderful father and all the things I've been able to do I've enjoyed because he has enjoyed them with me," said Smith. Smith was presented with an award for the honor. The event is a yearly fundraiser.