A.E. Phillips Laboratory School (AEP) is honoring the lives of Annie Mollie Weinstein Richardson and her son, Cole Richardson, with the addition of a new memorial Bullpup statue on campus.
The statue was created to reflect the vibrant personalities of Annie and Cole, both known for their boldness and creativity. For the Richardson family, the Bullpup serves as a lasting tribute to two lives that made a meaningful impact on their family and community.
“We wanted Mom and Cole to be remembered for the vibrant lives they lived,” Taylor Richardson Burt said. “They were both bold and full of energy, which is what we tried to bring to life when designing this Bullpup.”
The connection between the Richardson family and AEP spans generations. Taylor and Cole both attended AEP as children, and now Taylor’s two daughters attend the school.
“A.E. Phillips and Louisiana Tech have both been such a special place for our family,” Burt said. “Cole and I both attended AEP, and it was some of the best days of our lives, where great friendships were made. My husband Alex and I have enjoyed watching our girls have the same experience at AEP.”
The University also played a role in reigniting Annie’s artistic passion.
“My mom rekindled her passion for art by taking several classes through Louisiana Tech’s School of Design while we were at AEP, and I know they shaped her into the artist she was,” Burt added.
The connection to art continued with the designing process of the statue. Adam Cook, Louisiana Tech graduate and University Communications graphic designer, designed and painted the Bullpup, bringing the Richardson family’s vision to life. Cook has designed several University murals, where his vibrant artwork adds cohesive character to spaces throughout campus.
Now sitting in the courtyard of AEP, the Bullpup creates a visual connection to Annie and Cole’s legacy for the students who learn and create in that space.
“We were honored to receive this gift,” Dr. Jenny Blalock, AEP director, said. “We placed our new Bullpup outside of the art room and will allow students to vote on his name soon. We want students to have a happy learning environment, and this statue is a great addition to our courtyard.”
The meaningful gift was made possible through the generosity of the AMWR Memorial Foundation, whose foundation account is held at Argent Financial. Adding to the support behind the project, Courtesy Chevrolet of Ruston, owned by the Rob Feron family, generously sealed the Bullpup at no cost.
“We hope this Bullpup inspires everyone who sees it to dream boldly, create freely, and have the confidence to become all they were created to be,” Burt said. “Our family would like to thank AEP and Louisiana Tech University for giving us this opportunity to honor Mom and Cole in such a special way at a place our family holds dear to our hearts.”