Block High School alumnus marks Homecoming with library donation

Block High School marked Homecoming Week with a special donation from author and 1999 graduate Jamie McCaskill, who donated a signed copy of his memoir, You Can Take the Boy Off the River, to the school library.

The signed book was presented to BHS Principal Amanda Parker at the homecoming court presentation. Although McCaskill was not in attendance, he said having the donation recognized during Homecoming made the occasion especially meaningful.

Born and raised in Jonesville, McCaskill grew up on Front Street and attended Block High School while working at Sonic. His memoir recalls the family members, friends, neighbors, school experiences and memorable local characters who shaped his upbringing in Catahoula Parish.

“Block is part of my story,” McCaskill said. “I love knowing that a book about a kid who grew up on Front Street, worked at Sonic and walked those same halls will now be sitting on a shelf in the Block library.”

McCaskill said he hopes a student might one day pick up the book, recognize a family name or familiar place and realize that their own memories of growing up in Catahoula Parish are also worth preserving and sharing.

McCaskill now lives in Ohio with his wife, Jennifer. He is a Christian minister and author and hosts Sermons in the Park, an online ministry featuring sermons and Bible teaching. He remains closely connected to Jonesville and Catahoula Parish through the Herron and Mc-Caskill families.

McCaskill also has a coloring book inspired by his fiction series, The Preacher Chronicles, scheduled for release in November. One of its illustrations includes a hidden Easter egg created especially for Catahoula Current.