The Louisiana Department of Education is proud to announce the 2026 finalists for the School Health Service Provider of the Year, Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year, and School Physical Activity Awards. These exceptional school health providers, support staff members, and schools demonstrate a commitment to student success, health, and well-being, and represent the very best of Louisiana’s education community and the vital role schools play in supporting students academically, physically, and holistically.
School Health Service Provider of the Year Award
The Louisiana Department of Education recognizes that student health plays a vital role in education and that school health providers are a critical link in ensuring health service delivery to students. Through the School Health Service Provider of the Year program, the Department recognizes and celebrates some of the state’s most exceptional school health providers. This program provides an opportunity to acknowledge providers who demonstrate superior health services in schools and support the expansion of those services.
2026 School Health Service Provider of the Year Finalists
- Meredith LeJeune Woods, Jefferson Davis Parish | Nurse (RN, LPN)
- Lacie Thomas Fontenot, Livingston Parish | Speech-language Therapist
- Abby Comeaux Russell, Ouachita Parish | Physical Therapist
- Mary Margaret Hildebrand, Ouachita Parish | Occupational Therapist
- Chere' C. Richards, Plaquemines Parish | Licensed behavioral health provider (LCSW/LMSW, LPC, psychologists)
Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year Award
The Louisiana Department of Education recognizes that school support staff play a vital role in a school’s academic success. Through the Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year program, the Department recognizes and celebrates some of the state’s most exceptional support staff. This program provides an opportunity to acknowledge individuals who go above and beyond in service to their schools and communities. These staff members may include clerical or custodial personnel, food service workers, maintenance staff, paraprofessionals, school bus drivers, teacher aides, or any other employee who is not required to hold a teacher’s certificate as a condition of employment.
2026 Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year Finalists
- Alexis Huckabee, Bossier Parish, Benton Intermediate School | Food Service Worker
- Krista O'Quain, Calcasieu Parish, Vincent Settlement Elementary | Clerical
- Krista Townley-Moss, City of Monroe Schools, Neville Jr. High School | Paraprofessional
- Jordan Barfield, Franklin Parish, Gilbert School | Clerical
- Colette Alleman, Lafourche Parish, Career Magnet Center | Clerical
- Michelle Robichaux, Plaquemines Parish, Boothville-Venice Elementary School | Clerical
- Richard Aaron Spring, St. Tammany Parish, Creekside Junior High | Paraprofessional
- Nikki LeBeouf, Terrebonne Parish, Ellender Memorial High School | Paraprofessional
- Lisa Cazes, West Baton Rouge Parish, Brusly Upper Elementary | Paraprofessional
- Cesar de Leon Mazariengos, West Feliciana Parish, West Feliciana High School | Food Service Worker
School Physical Activity Award
The Louisiana Department of Education recognizes that healthy, physically active students are better prepared for academic success. Through the School Physical Activity Award program, the Department recognizes and celebrates exemplary public elementary and secondary schools that implement outstanding physical activity programs. This program provides an opportunity to acknowledge schools that promote physical activity throughout the day, including physical education, before- and after-school activities, activity during the school day, family and community engagement, and staff involvement.
2026 School Physical Activity Finalists
- Dawn Lobell, Hynes Charter School Corporation, Edward Hynes Charter School (PK3 - 8)
- Dr. Rainey Lasigi, Tangipahoa Parish, Roseland Montessori School (PK - 8)
- Megan Noel, Zachary Community School District, Zachary Elementary School (3 - 4)