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
Donella Wagner, a custodian at Raintree Elementary in St. Mary Parish Schools, was named the 2025 Louisiana Outstanding School Support Employee of the Year. Wagner 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
Sue Lyn Simpson, a physical therapist with Ascension Public Schools, was named the 2025 Louisiana School Health Service Provider of the Year. Simpson 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 six schools as finalists for the Louisiana School Physical Activity Award. Those schools and principals are:
- Bossier Parish | Plantation Park Elementary | Rachel Stroud
- Claiborne Parish | Homer High | Alexandria Feaster
- East Feliciana Parish | East Feliciana STEAM Academy | Kimberly J. Glascock
- Livingston Parish | South Live Oak Elementary | Amy Savage
- Orleans Parish | New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy | Alexis Long
- St. Tammany Parish | Bonne Ecole Elementary | Julie Lupo
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 June 3 and during a celebratory reception at the Old State Capitol.
For more information, visit the LDOE’s awards webpage. Questions may be directed to excellenteducators@la.gov.