Educators gather to celebrate their achievements at the prestigious gala event in New Orleans.
The Louisiana Department of Education celebrated outstanding educators at the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala in New Orleans. Key winners included Regena Hartley Beard as Louisiana Teacher of the Year and Justin Wax as Principal of the Year. The gala recognized exceptional contributions from educators, reaffirming the state’s commitment to excellence in education and the vital role educators play in student success.
The Louisiana Department of Education celebrated the state’s top educators at the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala held at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. This prestigious event acknowledged the hard work and achievements of outstanding educators across Louisiana, with awards spanning categories that included Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Early Childhood Teacher of the Year, Leader of the Year, and New Teacher of the Year.
Regena Hartley Beard, who teaches fifth-grade science and sixth-grade robotics at Copper Mill Elementary in the Zachary Community School District, was honored as the Louisiana Teacher of the Year. Beard is recognized for her innovative teaching methods, holding both a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction with a STEM concentration from Louisiana State University Shreveport. She has been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and was named the Outstanding Science Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana Science Teachers Association. Beard also founded the robotics and coding club at her school, further demonstrating her commitment to engaging students in STEM fields.
Justin Wax, the principal of Denham Springs Junior High in Livingston Parish, received the title of Louisiana Principal of the Year. His leadership has significantly contributed to the school’s accolades, including recognition as a 2024 Top Gains Honoree and placements in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Middle Schools rankings for both 2024 and 2025. Wax earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a minor in leadership development from Louisiana State University, followed by a Master of Education in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University.
The award for Louisiana New Teacher of the Year went to Olivia Francois, a 10th-grade civics teacher at Dutchtown High School in Ascension Parish. An alumna of the same school, Francois has been acknowledged for her academic achievements and leadership potential during her graduate studies.
Brooklynn Johnson-Botley of Kinder Head Start in Allen Parish was named Louisiana Early Childhood Teacher of the Year, while Devonda Whittington-Warren from Explore and Learn Early Learning Center in Tangipahoa Parish was recognized as the Louisiana Early Childhood Leader of the Year. These awards highlight the impact of educators in the early stages of a child’s education and the essential role they play in a solid educational foundation.
The awards are designed to recognize the contributions of educators and school leaders who make significant impacts on student success and educational excellence in their communities. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley highlighted the crucial role that talented and dedicated educators play in supporting student achievement, reaffirming the state’s commitment to uplifting and honoring its educators.
The Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala represents an important tradition in Louisiana, bringing together educators, administrators, and community members to acknowledge and celebrate the significant role education plays in shaping the future. This annual event not only honors outstanding individuals but also serves as a reminder of the collective effort required to improve educational outcomes across the state.
As part of the celebration, attendees were encouraged to share their experiences and insights in education, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among Louisiana’s education professionals. The gala continues to inspire and motivate educators as they strive for excellence in their classrooms and beyond.
Honoring Excellence: Louisiana Educators Recognized
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