The St. Bernard Parish School Board recently hosted its annual Celebrating Our School Community Banquet, an event honoring outstanding achievement and commitment in public education. More than 400 people attended the celebration held at Chalmette High School.
After the national anthem, the presentation of colors, an invocation from School Board Vice President Diana Dysart, and a warm welcome from Superintendent Doris Voitier, School Board President Katherine Lemoine addressed those in attendance.
“Tonight, we gather to celebrate those individuals whose tireless efforts truly bring unity to our community and to pay tribute to all of you who change the lives of our students each day,” said Lemoine. “On behalf of the Board, we thank you for your contributions and your dedication. We hope you enjoy the food and fellowship with the friends and family around you.”
School Board members then recognized each of the 11 students of the year. Those outstanding youngsters included seven elementary students, three middle school students, and one high school honoree. Those recognized were:
- Arabi Elementary | Jesse Malone
- Arlene Meraux Elementary School | Alydia Hemstreet-Moss
- Chalmette Elementary | Parker Casbon
- Joseph J. Davies Elementary | Aubri Fernandez
- J. F. Gauthier Elementary School | Jolie Duhe
- Lacoste Elementary School | Dominick Shreve
- W. Smith, Jr. Elementary | Laci Banks
- Andrew Jackson Middle School | Lily Lozes
- N. P. Trist Middle School | Ramy Dali
- St. Bernard Middle School | Briget Raimundo
- Chalmette High School | Trey Meyers
Voitier congratulated these students and honored their parents.
“The eleven recognized tonight are representatives of all who make our daily efforts worthwhile. For their parents who are here this evening, thank you for your guidance, unconditional love, and support.”
Each school honored a volunteer, as well as an outstanding support employee for their selfless contributions and support of the school system.
Volunteers honored were:
- Arabi Elementary School: Erin Owens
- Chalmette Elementary School: Emi Rice
- Davies Elementary School: Theresa Nunez
- Gauthier Elementary School: Terri Lopez
- Lacoste Elementary School: Krystle Shreve
- Meraux Elementary School: Angie Hemstreet
- Smith Elementary School: Lloyd Green
- Andrew Jackson Middle School: Adaline Palmisano
- St. Bernard Middle School: Meg Ruiz
- Trist Middle School: Jamie Fonseca
- Rowley Alternative School: Nicole Rochat
- Chalmette High School: Rachel Kessling & Kenneth Sierra
The outstanding school support employees represent various departments like transportation, maintenance, custodial and secretarial. Those recognized for their contributions were:
- Arabi Elementary School and Kolud Hinnawi
- Chalmette Elementary School: Lendall Stevenson
- Davies Elementary School: Ann Robin
- JF Gauthier Elementary School: Destiny Ducote
- Lacoste Elementary School: Lisa Collins
- Arlene Meraux Elementary School: Kayla Thonn
- W. Smith Jr. Elementary School: Janice Santiago
- Andrew Jackson Middle School and Kandis Hunt
- St. Bernard Middle School: Ciarika Winding
- NP Trist Middle School: Nina Alvarez-Varnado
- CF Rowley Alternative School: Miranda Rogers
- Chalmette High School and Angela McCormick
- Central Office: Kim Raimer
- Maintenance/Transportation: Alvin Bailey
A touching tribute — a video honoring the district’s retirees — followed. Voitier thanked the individuals who were showcased for their years of dedicated service.
“For these individuals joining us tonight – loyalty, perseverance, and allegiance are not just words; they are values. We thank them for their service and wish them the best of luck in the new chapters of their lives.”
Those retiring included:
- From Transportation Department
- Geralyn Russo
- From Maintenance Department
- Barbara Cosse
- From Arabi Elementary
- Patricia Gould
- From Arlene Meraux Elementary
- Jonel Perez
- Debra Taylor
- From JF Gauthier Elementary
- Dianne Smith
- From Joe Davies Elementary
- Theresa Nunez
- Lolita Major
- Kelly Croll
- Michelle Smith
- Janis Fontenot
- From Lacoste Elementary
- Gloria Childress
- Harriet Broussard
- From W Smith Jr. Elementary
- Martha Kennedy
- From NP Trist Middle
- Sharon Bruno
- From Chalmette High School
- Kenneth Bonura
- Thomas Woodin
- Elveria Hill
- Kim Campbell
- Kirk Buuck
- Pomla Rhodes
- Kevin Kelly
- Denise Lips
- Jody Crout
- From Administrative Office
- Barry Lemoine
- Denise Pritchard
This year, the St. Bernard Parish School Board also honored those very special individuals who have dedicated their lives to the world of education — educators who have served for over five decades. To commemorate that commitment to service, a tree will be planted to honor each recipient.
“We will plant a tree in front of the Cultural Arts Center for each of our employees who reach this monumental milestone, and a personalized marker will be displayed on each,” said Voitier. “May these trees serve as hope for future generations of school employees and those who are called to shape the young people of our community.”
Those honored for fifty years of service included:
- Michael Scallan
- Millicent Soroe
- Deborah Gaudet
During dinner, guests also enjoyed music provided by the CHS Jazz Band and the CHS Voices. Then, the awards continued, and Deputy Superintendent Mary Lumetta was at the podium.
“Each year, I am both honored and humbled to present these next awards,” said Lumetta. “In many ways, our school people are the heart of our community, and we are truly blessed to have so many passionate and compassionate leaders in our schools.”
She then focused on the district’s teachers of the year.
“Their passion and commitment are meaningful and impactful,” said Lumetta. “Each of these dynamic dozen has a gift – one of love, commitment, and dedication.”
The teachers honored were:
- Arabi Elementary | Amanda Falgout
- Arlene Meraux Elementary | Justin Reed
- Chalmette Elementary| Jodie Georgusis
- Joseph J. Davies | District-winner and state semifinalist Caroline Miller
- J. F. Gauthier | Jennifer McCloskey
- Lacoste Elementary | Candice Perez
- W. Smith, Jr. Elementary | Kyuntia Caffrey
- Andrew Jackson Middle School | Aleshia Riley
- N. P. Trist Middle School | District-winner Gabrielle Smith
- St. Bernard Middle School | Lesley Campo
- Rowley Alternative | Jawyan Banks
- Chalmette High School | District-winner Monica Hentze
As it does each year, the banquet ended on a high note with one student from each school honoring a Parent of the Year. Students read their winning essays on camera, paying tribute to the love and support received from parents, grandparents, and other relatives who helped raise them through some difficult situations. Parents and guardians honored included:
- Rashelle and Corey Hume, Arabi Elementary School
- Aimee Wilson, Arlene Meraux Elementary School
- Azyah and Adnan Saeed, Chalmette Elementary School
- Jordan Mitchell, Joseph Davies Elementary School
- Dondrea Stokes, J. F. Gauthier Elementary School
- Marleen Mayfield, Lacoste Elementary School
- Marion Augustin, W. Smith, Jr. Elementary School
- Lynn Dean, Andrew Jackson Elementary School
- Rachel Higginbotham, N. P. Trist Middle School
- Tara Mankin, St. Bernard Middle School
- Kathryn Morales, Chalmette High School
Superintendent Voitier congratulated the night’s winners once more and introduced the district’s new theme for the upcoming school year—Strong Roots, Bright Futures. During her heartfelt remarks to staff and community members, she reflected on the district’s journey over the past two decades and the resilience and unity that have shaped its foundation. “This beautiful facility is a symbol of our shared commitment to education, community, and growth,” Voitier said. “So this coming year, we honor the past and look to the future with our theme, ‘Strong Roots, Bright Futures,’ which reflects the foundation we’ve built and the promise of even greater things to come. A great reminder that we can learn character from trees, values from their roots, and change from their leaves. We look forward to celebrating this new theme while sharing the vision and effort to ensure our continued success.”
School Board Member Carly Jackson closed out the night by offering the benediction. “God, we pray for guidance and wisdom in preparing our young people for the challenges and leadership of tomorrow. It is in your name that we ask these things. Amen. Thank you and good night.”
