Acadia Parish Teachers of the Year

Acadia Parish teacher of the year finalist were honored during a Tuesday, November 10 luncheon at Chef Roy’s in Rayne.

John E. Bourque, Acadia Parish Superintendant, opened the annual event by welcoming school board staff members and faculty honorees by recognizing each of the finalists from the individual campuses.

School board president Lynn Shamsie lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Serving as mistress of ceremonies was the supervisor of elementary education, Margaret Jones, along with Keith Cahanin, principal at Branch Elementary School, who delivered the invocation.

Providing the guest address was Sarah Habetz, Louisiana counselor of the year, with remarks from Teachers of the Year, Erica Thibodeaux, Richard Elementary School’ Johnette Privete, Richard Elementary school named middle school honoree; and Kevin McMurray of Midland High School.

Finalist recognized during the event were:

Elementary - Karen Latiolais, Branch; Tekoah Reiners, Central Rayne Kindergarten; Melva Guillory Church Point; Rhonda Courville, Crowley Kindergarten; Jennifer Cockerham, Evangeline; Regina Steen, Iota; Amanda LaGrange, Martin Petitjean; Tonya Breaux, Morse; Brenda Savko, North Crowley; Kasey Guchereau, Ross; Paulette Camel, South Crowley; Jeanette Link, South Rayne.

Middle - Betty Sam, Armstrong; Julie Smith, Branch Elementary; Leeann LeBouef, Church Point; Nickie Miller Crowley; Lisa Wriborg, Egan Elementary; Amanda Link Estherwood; Marla Zaunbrecher, Iota; Linda Lawson, Mermentau Elementary; Amber Sonnier Theriot, Mire Elementary.

Secondary - Robert Wimberley, Church Point; Jennifer Marceaux, Crowley; Regina Gonzales, Iota; Daniel Adams, Rayne.

Sponsors included Bank of Commerce, First National Bank, Lafayette Federal Schools’ Credit Union, Evangeline Bank and Trust, G&H Seed Company Quality Equipment, Teacher’s Pet and Chef Roy’s.