EPSD teachers S.H.I.N.E.

Teachers and trainers from across the Evangeline Parish School District met for their annual mandatory Teacher of the Year training. Educators wearing blinking sunglasses and waving glowing swords symbolized their collective efforts to “shine bright” to help students find their way in an increasingly complex world.
Nineteen Teacher of the Year (TOY) school winners who were selected by their peers stood alongside trainers in the pictures. The blinking sunglasses were a playful gesture to illustrate how teachers and trainers “light up” the future for their students while the glowing swords signified their unwavering commitment to shaping the minds and dreams of tomorrow.
Lights from the sunglasses and swords represented knowledge of shared wisdom, relentless dedication, and transformative power.
Superintendent Darwan Lazard emphasized the profound influence teachers have on the future of students and the responsibility they have to do more than teach facts and figures. He gave examples of how Evangeline Parish teachers support one another by sharing wisdom, encouraging each other and promoting a spirit of oneness as they spark curiosity, fuel confidence, and shape the future. Grace Vidrine Sibley, EPSD Teacher of the Year coordinator, added “the symbolism of the acronym S.W.O.R.D. (Shaping Worlds of Radiant Dreams) ‘is rooted in the belief that every educator holds the power to light the way for students by helping them navigate obstacles, encouraging perseverance, and guiding them toward a future of boundless potential.”
Trainers from across Evangeline Parish School District gathered to “Illuminate the Path to Brighter Futures.”
The collaborative nature of the event also emphasized the critical role of teamwork. Chataignier Instructional Strategist Casey Fontenot, Chataignier Curriculum Coach Melissa Coreil, and Grace Sibley used the National Board Certification model to train attendees. Assistant Coordinator Katrina Ardoin, 2025 Middle School State TOY Finalist Jessica Capeseta, 2025 Elementary District TOY winner Jennifer Beth Brown, 2024 Middle School State TOY Semi-Finalist Tim Comeaux, and 2024 “Ms. Impact” TOY recipient Darla Wharton worked hand-in-hand with the group sharing insights, strategies, and experiences to create a nurturing and enlightening educational environment.
In an extraordinary display of unity and dedication, this year’s trainers and 19 school TOY recipients proudly displayed their blinking sunglasses and symbolic glowing swords in the photos.
The elementary attendees were Kalyn Bertrand (BCES); Connie Thibodeaux (CES); Melanie Soileau (JSMS); Amber Guillory (MES); Britni LeJeune (PPHS); Heather Fontenot (VES); Molly Lahaye (VPES); and Countney Bolles (WWS).
The middle school participants were Tracy Veillon (BHS); Jessica Shuff (BCES); Kristie Fontenot (CES); Joshua Ricks (EC); Sarah Manuel (ERA); Annie Edward (JSMS); Holly Denise Atchinson (MHS); and Rebecca (Becky) Arnaud (VES).
The high school participants were Sadie Guillory (BHS); Mitzi Fontenot (PPHS); and Rhonda Thomas (VPHS).
Many of them chose to compete before a team of TOY judges next Friday, October 4, to share how their educational lights shine. Three candidates will be selected as elementary, middle school, and district winners.