VILLE PLATTE — Pauline Toussaint, media lab secretary for Evangeline Parish Schools, has been named one of ten finalists for the Louisiana Department of Education’s prestigious Outstanding School Support Employee (SSE) Award. She will be honored during the June 3 Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) meeting, where the overall state winner will be announced.
This marks the second year that Evangeline Parish has competed in this category. Last year, Tonya Soileau, of Pine Prairie High School, was also selected as a state finalist—an impressive demonstration to the quality of support staff within the district.
Toussaint’s nomination followed a district-wide selection process in which support employees at individual schools and departments voted for the most outstanding candidate. Pauline emerged as the overall district winner, leading to her nomination for the state award. The final phase of the competition includes a rigorous statewide application to be submitted.
Superintendent Darwan Lazard praised Toussaint’s lifelong dedication to education and her unwavering professionalism. “I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Toussaint personally, professionally, and in the community for several decades,” said Lazard. “She served as my personal secretary when I was principal at James Stephens Elementary. I can confidently attest to her loyalty, kindness, and energetic work ethic. Her professional, welcoming, and willing dedication has left a lasting impact on our schools. Over the past 36 years, her contributions have enriched teaching and learning across the district. Her extensive experience has helped promote a dynamic and compassionate educational environment.”
Toussaint’s impressive career includes 13 years as a reading lab technician, seven years as a school secretary at James Stephens Elementary, and the past 16 years as a media lab secretary.
A proud former student of Grambling State University, she earned her associate of arts degree in information systems in 1984. Always a learner and a leader, Toussaint is known for her dedication to improving educational technology. She ensures teachers and students have access to vital technology tools that enhance lesson delivery and classroom engagement.
Pauline’s impact extends far beyond the school walls. Sharon Fontenot, curator of the Louisiana Swamp Pop Museum and former employee of the Ville Platte mayor’s office, reflected on her long-standing community partnerships with the LSU Ag Center and the City of Ville Platte.
“Toussaint’s media expertise and creativity played a significant role in shaping educational exhibits at the museum,” said Fontenot. “Through the Y.O.U. (Youth Opportunity Unlimited) mentoring program, she opened doors for students to explore colleges, military bases, and government institutions—places many of them had never dreamed of visiting. Thanks to her leadership, more than 800 youth ages 15–17 graduated from 12 sessions of the program.”
Evangeline Parish Schools proudly celebrates Pauline Toussaint’s recognition as one of Louisiana’s finest school support employees—a well-earned honor for a lifetime of service, excellence, and heart.
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