Being recognized as 2020-2021 Allen Parish Teachers of the Year were Mahogany Babineaux from Kinder Elementary School, Kaylyn Fontenot from Kinder Middle School, and Amy Williams from Fairview High School. The recognition came as Allen Parish Superintendent of Schools Kent Reed presented each teacher a plaque donated by Sabine State Bank in Oakdale, the traditional golden apple inscribed with the teacher’s name and school, and a $100 check donated by Capital One Bank during Monday night’s school board meeting.
Babineaux has been a teacher for the past 15 years after receiving her bachelor of arts degree from McNeese State University. Currently, she is teaching Kindergarten at Kinder Elementary.
KES principal Jennifer Doucet wrote, “It’s difficult to find words to describe the wonderful teacher Mahogany is. She truly builds a community of learners in her classroom, and students are held accountable for their part in this community. Students know the goals they are working toward, whether academic or personal, and can articulate their progression toward these goals. Mahogany makes data-based decisions, keeping her students in the forefront of what drives her. Student success, in all facets, is what motivates this dynamic teacher. All would consider it time well spent to spend just a moment in her classroom.”
“In addition to being an outstanding teacher for her students, Mahogany is also a great support to her colleagues. She is willing to help any time she is asked, even so far as to model a teaching strategy in a teammate’s classroom.”
“The world of KES is a better place because of Mahogany Babineaux. We are so privileged to call her ‘ours’!”
Fontenot is 5th grade social studies teacher. She has been in the classroom for 17 years after receiving her bachelor of arts degree from McNeese State University and her school librarian certificate from Northwestern State University.
“Kaylyn Fontenot has been a valuable asset to Kinder Middle School as she shares her talents with her peers and students,” wrote principal Marcia Miller. “Her positive attitude and willingness to grow her teaching skills through self-motivation has been an inspiration to others around her. She is always one of the first to volunteer for activities both during school hours as well as after school. She keeps an open line of communication between her classroom, students and parents. She balances her family and work with great ease and confidence. Her classroom is always open to observers. She is a member of several leadership teams and works closely with stakeholders making wise decisions for our school to achieve high goals. Students adore her and she is a good role model for them to follow. We are fortunate to have such a great teacher helping lead our school.”
A FACS, CTE, and Fine Arts teacher at Fairview High is Williams, who has been an educator for 21 years. She received her bachelor of elementary education and family consumer science from McNeese State University.
“It is an honor to have Amy as part of our staff at FHS, said principal Jade Welch. “She works diligently every day to ensure students are exposed to various skills needed to be college and career ready once they leave our school. Amy is a team player at our school and is always willing to help both teachers and students in any way that she can.”
“It is Amy’s commitment to teamwork, student growth, and her students’ well-being that makes her a phenomenal educator. Because I value Amy’s impact on students here at Fairview High School, I am convinced that she deserves this honor.”
Superintendent Reed congratulated the teachers of the year and said, “Their hard work and dedication to the students of our parish does not go unnoticed.”
These three teachers were chosen by a district selection committee to advance to represent the parish on the regional level. The other teachers competing on the district level were: Elizabeth High – Mea Dillehay (Elementary), Elizabeth High – Krista Davis (Middle), Elizabeth High – Danielle Young (High), Fairview High – Dorothy Cloud (elementary), Fairview High –Christin Duplichan (Middle), Kinder High- Tyler Strother, Oakdale Elementary – Amanda Linder, Oakdale Middle- Heather Cross, Oakdale High – James McKay, Oberlin Elementary – Lynette Smith, Oberlin Middle – Kayla LeJeune, Oberlin High – David Willis, and Reeves High – Stephen Melville.
