Just days before they welcomed students back to the classroom, several teachers and other school employees were honored as the best in Zachary.
They received the awards during the Aug. 5 School Board meeting, which was held at Zachary High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Center to accommodate a large crowd of cheering family members and friends.
“They represent everyone, I know, at their schools so well,” said Superintendent Ben Necaise. “We appreciate all the work they do. It’s the least we can do is just recognize the effort, the time, the care that they give back to our kids and our community.”
The award recipients and their schools are as follows.
Zachary Early Learning Center: Kristen Payne, teacher of the year, and Tiffany Walls, support employee of the year.
Northwestern Elementary School: Rebecca Newman, teacher of the year, and Antoinette Lacey, support employee of the year.
Rollins Place Elementary School: Naomi Doll, teacher of the year; Raven Fowler, new teacher of the year; and Tess Rickets, support employee of the year.
Zachary Elementary School: Victoria Gainous, teacher of the year; Julia Elbourne Hooge, new teacher of the year; and Thelma Royal, support employee of the year.
Copper Mill Elementary School: Regena Beard, teacher of the year; Malaya Austin, new teacher of the year; and Latonyia Johnson, support employee of the year. Beard also was recently named Louisiana Teacher of the Year.
Northwestern Middle School: Alexis Johnson, teacher of the year; Anna Dupre, new teacher of the year; and Reagan Barton, support employee of the year.
Zachary High School: Derrick Barrow, teacher of the year; Julia Palmer, new teacher of the year; and Kelly Sanders, support employee of the year.
The district office also recognized support employees of the year. They include Jamie Ducote, maintenance; Jacqueline Staden, child nutrition program; Sandra Taylor, student support services; and Courtney Phelps, main office.