LOCAL

Dutchtown Primary, Donaldsonville educators named semifinalists for state awards

Staff Report
Dutchtown Primary School teacher Kelly Landry is a 2024 Teacher of the Year state semifinalist.

The Louisiana Department of Education announced its 2024 Teacher and Principal of the Year semifinalists and New Teacher of the Year finalists, which included Ascension Parish's Kelly Landry of Dutchtown Primary School and Marvin Evans of Donaldsonville High School.

The 57 teachers and principals represent schools and systems across the state.

Donaldsonville High School Principal Marvin Evans is a 2024 state semifinalist for Principal of the Year.

“Schools across Louisiana are beginning to make significant gains thanks to the commitment of our teachers and principals to remain focused on what matters most - improving academic outcomes,” State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley said in a news release.

All Teacher and Principal of the Year semifinalists and New Teacher of the Year finalists will be honored at the 17th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, which will be July 22 at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. The event is co-sponsored by Dream Teachers.

Louisiana Teacher of the Year Semifinalists

  • Ascension Parish: Kelly Landry
  • Avoyelles Parish: Dannon Dauzat
  • Bossier Parish: Cory Craig
  • Bricolage Academy: Ronnika Allen
  • Caddo Parish: Janet McCrevan
  • City of Monroe School District: Kody Chase
  • East Baton Rouge Parish: Kylie Altier
  • Evangeline Parish: Timothy Comeaux
  • Franklin Parish: Jessica Parker
  • Grant Parish: Erin Melton
  • Iberia Parish: Bernadette Fruge
  • Iberville Parish: Devante Williams
  • Jefferson Davis Parish: Aerial Storer
  • Lake Charles Charter Academy: Kayla Hebert
  • Natchitoches Parish: Michelle Shirley
  • Ouachita Parish: Brittany Ellis
  • St. John the Baptist Parish: Tariane Placide
  • St. Mary Parish: Chasity Toups
  • St. Tammany Parish: Kellee McClain
  • Tangipahoa Parish: Dennis Pevey
  • Vernon Parish: Christopher Deon
  • Warren Easton Charter: Ryan Gilbert
  • The Willow School: Richard Martin
  • Zachary Community School District: Sandra Saye-Foucqueteau

Louisiana Principal of the Year Semifinalists

  • Allen Parish: Jennifer Doucet
  • Ascension Parish: Marvin Evans
  • Beauregard Parish: Mark Weldon
  • Bienville Parish: Scott Canady
  • Bossier Parish: Michael Pedrotty
  • Calcasieu Parish: Jose Cobian
  • Cameron Parish: Lindsey Fontenot
  • DeSoto Parish : Barry Carter
  • Jefferson Parish: Monya Criddle
  • Lafayette Parish: Tia Trahan
  • Lafourche Parish: Ragan Lorraine
  • Lincoln Parish: Jennifer Martin
  • Lincoln Preparatory School: Gordan Ford
  • Livingston Parish: Jason St. Pierre
  • Plaquemines Parish: John H. Vanison, Jr.
  • Rapides Parish: Tracy Vorrice
  • St. Charles Parish: Shannon Diodene
  • St. James Parish: Angie Poche
  • St. Landry Parish: Mitchell Fontenot
  • St. Martin Parish: Wanda Phillips
  • Terrebonne Parish: Blaise Pellegrin
  • Vermilion Parish: Sonya Louviere
  • West Baton Rouge Parish: Taya Loupe
  • West Feliciana Parish: Karolyn Taylor

Louisiana New Teacher of the Year Finalists

Elementary:

  • Bossier Parish: Camille Cole
  • Livingston Parish: Payton Onellion
  • St. Landry Parish: Rebecca Spears

Middle:

  • Livingston Parish: Phoenix LeBlanc
  • Plaquemines Parish: Emily Barker 
  • Zachary Community School District: Tristan George

High:

  • Bossier Parish: Brad Winstead
  • Calcasieu Parish: Spencer Butts 
  • West Baton Rouge Parish: Anthony Felder