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"I love serving my community, specifically through opportunities when I can make people laugh."

Cecilia Cody, a senior at Destrehan High School, serves as President of the Hispanic Honor Society and is a member of the Desty Darlings Dance Team. She is also a student entrepreneur and the owner of Cece Sketched It!. Driven by leadership, creativity, and academic excellence, she aspires to make a meaningful impact through a future career in the medical field.

“Throughout my life, I have felt empowered and supported by this school district, and I want nothing more than to give back to the community that raised me and helped shape who I am today."

Maya Morel, a senior at Hahnville High School, serves as President of the International Thespian Society and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is also the founder and chair of the SCPPS District Arts Steering Committee. Passionate about the arts and leadership, she aspires to make a lasting impact as a future theatre teacher.

"I have always liked helping others because seeing others succeed makes me feel like I am succeeding by helping them."

Mignon Matherne is a fifth grader at R.J. Vial Elementary School involved in Talented Theatre, band, and choir. Outside of school, she participates in gymnastics and enjoys creating art through acting, singing, crocheting, drawing, and painting. She loves animals and is passionate about using her creativity to help others and make a meaningful difference in the world.

“I will keep trying my best, helping others, and being a positive role model so I can continue to make my family, my school, and myself proud."

Bryn Gardere, a fifth grader at Norco Elementary School, is a member of both the 4-H Club and Beta Club. She loves sports and is especially passionate about softball, and she also enjoys creating art through drawing, painting, and coloring. Family is very important to her, and she strives to be a positive role model by leading by example. 

“I want to keep learning, helping others, and working hard to reach my dreams. I believe if we are kind and fair to everyone, we can make the world a better place."

Aniyah Logan, a fifth grader at Ethel Schoeffner Elementary School, serves as Treasurer of the 4-H Club and is a member of the Parish Honor Choir. She also participates in band and the Talented Theatre program. She is passionate about dance and is committed to promoting kindness and standing up against bullying so that every student feels safe and valued.

"I want to be a teacher so that way kids can be smart and kind, like how my teachers are teaching us."

Annalise Ward, a fifth grader at Luling Elementary School, is a member of the Cubettes Dance Team, participates in choir, and is involved in 4-H. She is passionate about caring for the environment and promoting kindness, and she is committed to standing up against bullying. Through her involvement at school, she hopes to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Jackson Degenhart, a fifth grader at Lakewood Elementary School, serves as a captain of the football team and is a member of the robotics club. He also participates in band and choir, showing a strong interest in both academics and the arts. Through his involvement at school, he enjoys learning, teamwork, and leadership, and dreams of one day becoming a commercial airline pilot.

"Through my faith, I have learned how to love others and support my family, friends, and community."

Landon Lirette is an eighth grade student at R.K. Smith Middle School involved in the Talented Art and Talented Theatre programs and is a member of Beta Club. He also serves as a Wetland Watchers Station Leader, demonstrating leadership and a strong interest in environmental stewardship. He values the support of his family, which has helped shape his creativity and commitment to learning, and he aspires to one day become a civil architect.

“My journey from Mississippi to Louisiana has shaped who I am and the interests I’ve developed. I put a lot of effort into my academics and my relationships as I aspire to become a neuroradiologist, guided by intelligence, compassion, and empathy.”

Kenidee Miranda, an eighth grader at J.B. Martin Middle School, is a member of the District and State Honor Band and Choir. She is also involved in both Beta Club and 4-H and serves as a Brand Ambassador for Billionaire Decisions Luxury Apparel. While she is enthusiastic about pursuing a future career in the medical field, she is equally passionate about music, particularly the clarinet, and hopes to continue performing as a musician.

"I always strive to maintain a positive attitude because having a positive outlook leads to a domino effect."

Audrey Cody, an eighth grader at Harry Hurst Middle School, serves as Co-Captain of the Runnerettes Dance Team and is a member of Beta Club. She is also involved in the Talented Art and Talented Theatre programs and is known for her positive attitude and encouragement of others. She is deeply passionate about dance and the arts.

“My parents’ hard work continuously inspires me and motivates me to do my best. I want to be successful in life, so I work hard with determination.”

Akshay Parasuraman, a fifth grader at St. Rose Elementary School, is involved in the Talented Art program and is a member of the Parish Honor Choir. Outside of school, he serves as a class leader in the International Tamil Academy Language program. He enjoys helping others through charitable work that supports individuals and families in need and has a strong love for animals.

“I hope to continue growing and making a difference, showing that any act of kindness, no matter how big or small, can leave a lasting impact and inspire others."

Aiza Aftab is an eighth grader at Albert Cammon Middle School. She serves as Art Club President, is a member of Beta Club, and participates in band, choir, and the Talented Art program. She is passionate about making a difference by helping individuals and families living in poverty and working to raise cultural awareness through her leadership and involvement.

“Playful learning, giggles shared, lifelong foundations"

Haley Frickey teaches Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten students at St. Rose Elementary School and has 7 years of experience. Fascinated by early childhood development, she pursued a degree in education to help build a strong learning foundation for students with exceptionalities. She strongly believes that in order to make progress academically, children need a foundation of independence in taking care of themselves and their things while at school.

“Special needs children bring me joy!"

Heidi Pizani teaches Pre-kindergarten at Allemands Elementary School and has 20 years of experience. She became an educator because of her love for children and her desire to make a difference in their lives, and her dream for her students is for them to be kind by sharing and caring.

“Shape futures, spark laughter, inspire greatness"

Wayne Sentilles teaches performance-based social studies at Destrehan High School and has 21 years of experience. Inspired by the teachers and coaches who served as role models throughout his life, their influence led him into the classroom, where he now strives to make the same impact on his students.

“Kids know when you really care!"

Mona Wexler teaches English Language Arts and Math to third and fourth graders at Ethel Schoeffner Elementary School and has 17 years of experience. Her dream for her students is to gain confidence and be successful. She believes success leads to taking chances and dreaming big!

“Teaching for a better society tomorrow"

Kathryn Wilken teaches English Language Arts at Albert Cammon Middle School and has 10 years of experience. She was inspired by incredible role models, like her teacher Mrs. Hildebrand, who made English literature come to life. Her dream for her students is for them to find a love for reading, no matter the genre, before they leave her class.

“Empowering minds, fostering growth, building confidence"

Diana Mascarella teaches Math at Luling Elementary School and has 12 years of experience. She believes learning never stops - for students or for herself. She believes each year brings new challenges and rewarding moments and that it's the small victories that make teaching meaningful.

“Unexpected path: shaping lives, inspiring futures"

Lacy Trosclair teaches eighth grade English Language Arts at R.K. Smith Middle School and has 17 years of experience. She initially pursued engineering but discovered a deeper passion for connecting with and inspiring students, wanting them to know that their hard work, persistence, open mind, and positive attitude can take them anywhere.

“Teach for His glory, their good"

Ashley Cotton teaches at New Sarpy Elementary School and has five years of experience. She dreams that her students will find joy in their ability to read, that they will be proud of the hard work they put into learning, and that they will look back and see that their classroom was filled with goodness, grace, accountability, and second chances.

“Show you care; they will soar!"

Jill Clement teaches reading and writing at Mimosa Park Elementary School and has 27 years of years of experience. Her dream for her students is that they will leave her room feeling confidence in themselves. She wants them to realize their potential and know that they are smart and capable, not only in academics, but in all aspects of life!

“An inspired, connected student is limitless."

Monique Guitterrez taught English Language Arts and Social Studies at R.J. Vial Elementary School and has 18 years of experience. She wants to show students that they are capable of anything they set their minds to. She believe it's important for them to understand that it's okay to make mistakes along the way because that's how we grow and learn.

“Molding minds and air-dry clay"

Bridget Summers teaches visual arts at Lakewood Elementary School and has 18 years of experience. She found her way into teaching after exploring different career paths. Her natural ability to work with kids, combined with her love for creativity, made teaching the perfect fit.

“Every student deserves a fair opportunity."

Jordan Dauphin teaches Advanced TV Broadcasting at the Satellite Center and has four years of experience. She looks forward to her students showing growth in their independence, creativity, and communication skills - skills that will help them excel in their future regardless of what industry then plan to pursue. She believes if they are able to understand who they are and what they value, they'll be able to speak up for themselves, hone in on the things they enjoy, and change the things that they don't.

“Inspiring exceptional minds to discover more"

Katie Martinez teaches English at Harry Hurst Middle School and has 10 years of experience. She sponsors the Beta Club and the Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy at the school and has wanted to be a teacher since childhood - even teaching her Beanie Babies how to read!

“Inspiring and encouraging lifelong learners"

Madeline Evers is a literacy interventionist for third, fourth, and fifth graders at Norco Elementary School and has 8 years of experience. She credits her passion for reading from teachers who helped her pick books that interested her. Her dream for her students is to find their love for reading, and she hopes to expose her students to the genres and authors that may interest them.

“A lesson learned, a lifetime changed"

Holly Dauzat teaches sixth grade math at J.B. Martin Middle School and has ten years of experience. She has always wanted to be a teacher, inspired by the impact educators have on their students. Growing up in St. Charles Parish Public Schools, she was fortunate to learn from some of the very best, making her career choice an easy one.

“Educating to transform and to illuminate"

Kristie Gough teaches Talented Art and AP Studio Art at Hahnville High School and has 30 years of experience. She became a teacher for the fulfillment of shaping young minds and helping students grow into caring, problem-solving adults. Her dream for her students is to find the one thing that makes them happy while building their self-confidence.

Principal of the Year

Lisa Perrin, principal of Allemands Elementary School, has built a culture where students, staff, and families feel valued and connected. Her leadership is steady, collaborative, and rooted in relationships.

Secretarial/Clerical Employee of the Year

Carolyn Berger, a School Office Specialist at Destrehan High School, has an exceptional ability to multitask, ensuring that everything, from managing substitute teachers to organizing schedules, is handled efficiently. Her strong communication skills and commitment to teamwork are key factors in the school's success.

Physical Plant Services Employee of the Year

Germaine Steib, a dependable and dedicated General Maintenance Worker for the district, plays a vital role in keeping our schools and sites ready for students and employees every day. Whether setting up classrooms, assisting with construction projects, or ensuring the safety of the school environment, his efforts help create a positive space for students to learn.

Specialist Educator Employee of the Year

Leigh Baltazar, Destrehan High School's Staff Development Coordinator, is an outstanding leader who continuously supports staff and students with her clear communication and guidance. She plays a key role in organizing training sessions, mentoring new teachers, and ensuring the day-to-day operations run smoothly.

Professional/Technical Employee of the Year

Mendy Van Hoven, Director of Special Education at the Central Office, is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, ensuring every student receives the support they need to succeed. She leads by example, actively engaging with students, staff, and families and consistently strives to remove barriers that hinder student success.

School Administrative Support Employee of the Year

Jennifer Gonzales, the dedicated Assistant Principal at Norco Elementary School, is praised for her unwavering support and commitment to success. She's not afraid to get her hands dirty, stepping in to help with any task, even taking a pie to the face during school events to show her support and bring a little fun to the staff.

School Support Employee of the Year

Monica Bourgeois, a paraeducator at Allemands Elementary School, is an outstanding advocate for students and a leader among her colleagues. She collaborates seamlessly with teachers, parents, and staff to ensure students get the support they need, particularly in inclusive classrooms where she helps build trusting relationships with every child.

Transportation Employee of the Year

Gary Boye, a school bus operator in the district, goes above and beyond to ensure the safety, comfort, and happiness of his students. His dependability is unmatched; whether covering extra routes or assisting with field trips, he is always ready to lend a hand.

Child Nutrition Services Employee of the Year

Kelly Llewellyn-Thomas, the Child Nutrition Manager at Destrehan High School, has taken on the challenge of managing a newly expanded kitchen and cafeteria with dedication and enthusiasm. She is committed to using every opportunity to build team morale, making the cafeteria an enjoyable place to work and eat.