United Way of Acadiana announces 2024 Teacher Awards finalists

Zane Hogue
·2 min read

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — We all remember our favorite teachers who impacted us growing up. On Thursday, United Way released the names of the finalists for the 2024 Teacher Awards. These awards recognize teachers from across Lafayette Parish who carry on that legacy of impacting students.

“They worked tirelessly for our students every day,” Allison Dickerson of United Way said. “And this is just an opportunity for us to come and reward them and recognize them for all of their hard work and everything that they do just to make sure our students come to school ready to learn and they continue to support our students.”

Educators nominated for 2024 Teacher Awards honored with surprise visits

United Way of Acadiana and Love Our Schools have come together this year to honor teachers that inspire the next generation, from elementary to high school.

Teachers and staff members were named finalists for the four categories of awards: elementary, middle, high school and the inspirational, which includes anyone from bus drivers to athletic directors and even social workers.

The finalists include:

Elementary school category

  • Raegan Abshire, Prairie Elementary School

  • Beth Bolinger, Woodvale Elementary School

  • Hannah Briggs, J. Wallace James Elementary School

  • Alyse Etie, St. Cecilia Catholic School

Middle school category

  • Hailey Gauthier, Edgar Martin Middle School

  • Maya Harness, Paul Breaux Middle School

  • Brian Langlinais, Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School

  • Garrison Turner, L.J. Alleman Middle School

High school category

  • Jill Ardoin, St. Thomas Moore Catholic School

  • Dixie Gaspard, Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy

  • D’yonne Jones, Carencro High School

  • Melanie Lowry, Lafayette High School

  • Kelly Brandt, Lafayette High School

Inspirational category

  • Asia Freeman, Lerosen Preparatory School

  • Paula Graffeo, J. Wallace James Elementary School

  • Linda Robin, Acadiana High School

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“Today is unbelievable,” Langlinais said. “Made me realize how deep my faith is in this school and how energetic this school is and what it has done for me. Just lift me up every day.”

“Very honored that people have recognized bus drivers because they say we’re the first ones to see the kids in the morning and the last ones to see them when they get off,” Robin said. “And we appreciate being honored for that.”

As educators anticipate finding out who the winners are in each category, Briggs said being nominated reminds teachers of why they started and helps them to continue making a difference in the lives of their students.

“Teachers need to hear every so often you’re doing a good job, keep going,” Briggs said. “It’s a marathon and it’s just a really good thing to feel and hear and know.”

The winners of the teacher awards will be announced March 1 during half time of the UL men’s basketball game against Southern Miss at the Cajundome.

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