State honors leaders advancing student support, fitness, and healthy habits in schools
(BATON ROUGE, LA) - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) today recognized outstanding education professionals from across the state who help create the conditions for student success. The LDOE announced overall state honorees for school support employees and school health service providers, and celebrated schools leading the way in student physical activity.
Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year
Richard Aaron Spring, a paraprofessional at Creekside Junior High in St. Tammany Parish Public Schools, was named the 2026 Louisiana Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year. Spring plays a vital role in supporting both students and staff and was selected from a group of exceptional finalists representing school systems across Louisiana.
The Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year program honors support staff—including clerical staff, custodians, food service workers, maintenance staff, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and aides—who go above and beyond in their service to schools and families.
School Health Service Provider of the Year
Lacie Thomas Fontenot, a speech-language therapist with Livingston Parish Public Schools, was named the 2026 Louisiana School Health Service Provider of the Year. Fontenot was selected from a group of dedicated finalists for her exemplary contributions to student health and wellness.
Professionals eligible for School Health Service Provider of the Year include occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed practical nurses, and licensed behavioral health providers (LCSW/LMSW, LPC, and psychologists).
School Physical Activity Award
The LDOE also recognized three schools as finalists for the Louisiana School Physical Activity Award. Those schools and districts are:
- Edward Hynes Charter School Lakeview Campus | Haynes Charter School Corporation
- Roseland Montessori School | Tangipahoa Parish School System
- Zachary Elementary School | Zachary Community School District
The Louisiana School Physical Activity Award recognizes elementary and secondary schools that are implementing an outstanding physical activity program. An exemplary school for this award must demonstrate physical activity throughout the day, including physical education classes, physical activity before and after school, physical activity during school hours, family and community engagement activities, and staff involvement.
All honorees were recognized at the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meeting on April 15 and during a celebratory reception at the Old State Capitol.
For more information, visit the LDOE’s awards webpage. Questions may be directed to [email protected].