St. Bernard Parish Hosts Community Recognition Celebration 2026

St. Bernard Parish Hosts Community Recognition Celebration

The St. Bernard Parish School Board recently hosted its annual Celebrating Our School Community Banquet, an event honoring outstanding achievement and commitment in public education. More than 400 people attended the celebration held at Chalmette High School.

After the national anthem, the presentation of colors, an invocation from School Board Vice President Dr. Katherine Lemoine, an incredible performance by the NP Trist Middle School Choir’s LMEA Competition piece “You Do Not Walk Alone”, and a warm welcome from Superintendent Doris Voitier, School Board president Diana Dysart addressed those in attendance.

"Tonight, we gather to celebrate those individuals whose tireless efforts truly bring unity to our community and to pay tribute to all of you who change the lives of our students each day,” said Dysart. "On behalf of the Board, we thank you for your contributions and your dedication. We hope you enjoy the food and fellowship with the friends and family around you."

School Board members then recognized each of the 11 students of the year. Those outstanding youngsters included seven elementary students, three middle school students, and one high school honoree. Those recognized were:

- Arabi Elementary | Bentley Hume

- Arlene Meraux Elementary School | Xincheng Ruan

- Chalmette Elementary | Julia Magundayao

- J. F. Gauthier Elementary School | McKenzie Neumeyer

- Joseph J. Davies Elementary | Kali Serigne

- Lacoste Elementary School | Lenna Moynan

- W. Smith, Jr. Elementary | Sentell Aisola, Jr.

- Andrew Jackson Middle School | Grace Dewey

- N. P. Trist Middle School | Jack McMullin

- St. Bernard Middle School | Abram Hill

- Chalmette High School | Jackson Nunez

Voitier congratulated these students and honored their parents.

"The eleven recognized tonight are representatives of all who make our daily efforts worthwhile. For their parents who are here this evening, thank you for your guidance, unconditional love, and support."

A touching tribute - a video honoring the district’s retirees - followed. Voitier thanked the individuals who were showcased for their years of dedicated service. Among them was Mr. Wayne Warner, Chalmette High School’s longest-serving principal, whose name drew a particularly emotional response from the room. As he was called to the stage, the audience rose in a heartfelt standing ovation - a powerful testament to the countless lives he has shaped over his remarkable career at Chalmette High.

"For these individuals joining us tonight – loyalty, perseverance, and allegiance are not just words, they are values. We thank them for their service and wish them the best of luck in the new chapters of their lives.”

Those retiring included:

• From Arabi Elementary 

Christina Blum

Cassandra Williams

Karen Coombs

Michelle Ingraffia

Rachel Carlisle

• From Arlene Meraux Elementary 

Melinda Hall

• From Chalmette Elementary 

Deborah Scarpero

• From JF Gauthier Elementary 

Jill Gaillot

Angel Guerra

Shannan Mahler

Darline Serigne

Lisa Young

• From Joseph Davies Elementary

Mary Ann Johnson

• From Lacoste Elementary 

Lisa Collins

Anne Marie Nunez

• From NP Trist Middle

Mary Collins

• From St. Bernard Middle

Sandra Nuccio

• From CF Rowley Alternative

Tammy Boudreaux

• From Chalmette High School 

Debbie Ruiz

Jennifer Johnson

Annette Gallardo

Wayne Warner

• From our Transportation Department 

Richard Ragan, Jr.

Ricky Smallwood

Dawn Lala

• From our Administrative Office

Yvette Caillouet

Conrad Browne

Kathy Tedesco

The St. Bernard Parish School Board also honored a very special individual - Ms. Janice Anderson - who has dedicated five decades of her life to the school system. To commemorate that commitment to service, a tree will be planted in her honor.

"As is our tradition for several years now, we will plant a tree in front of the Cultural Arts Center for Ms. Anderson, who’s reached this monumental milestone,” said Voitier. “May these trees serve as hope for future generations of school employees and those who are called to shape the young people of our community.”

During dinner, guests also enjoyed a video recording of “One Day More” by the CHS Voices’ recent production of Les Misérables, as well as live music provided by CHS Talented Music. Then, the awards continued with Deputy superintendent Mary Lumetta at the podium.

"Each year, I am both honored and humbled to present these next awards,” said Lumetta. "In many ways, our school people are the heart of our community, and we are truly blessed to have so many passionate and compassionate leaders in our schools.”

Ms. Lumetta then called to the stage a volunteer, as well as an outstanding support employee from each school and building, thanking them for their selfless contributions and support of the school system. 

Volunteers honored were:

- Arabi Elementary School: Sherri Harris

- Arlene Meraux Elementary School: Madelyn David

- Chalmette Elementary School: Wanda Waguespack

- JF Gauthier Elementary School: Brandy Mackles

- Joseph Davies Elementary School: Karla Ramirez

- Lacoste Elementary School: Karyn Chambon

- W. Smith, Jr. Elementary School: Desiree Clements

- Andrew Jackson Middle School: Corey Hume

- NP Trist Middle School: Todd Jones

- St. Bernard Middle School: Kristy Michel

 - Chalmette High School: Joanna Ragas & Shannon Meyer

The outstanding school support employees represent various departments like transportation, maintenance, custodial and secretarial. Those recognized for their contributions were:

- Arabi Elementary School: District-winner Tresha Murphy

- Arlene Meraux Elementary School: Karen Guidry

- Chalmette Elementary School: Alexis Argo

- JF Gauthier Elementary School: Amber Beck

- Joseph Davies Elementary School: Dawnell Bartholomew

- Lacoste Elementary School: Rebecca Moore

- W. Smith Jr. Elementary School: Brandi Treadaway

- Andrew Jackson Middle School: Natasha Ballard

- NP Trist Middle School: LaKendra Hill

- St. Bernard Middle School: Nina Schultz

- CF Rowley Alternative School: District-winner Shelby Merritt

- Chalmette High School: District-winner Keijwanda Thompson

- Central Office: Angie Bertheaud

- Maintenance/Transportation: Lorraine Hernandez

Ms. Lumetta then focused on the district's teachers of the year.

"Their passion and commitment are meaningful and impactful,” said Lumetta. "Each of these dynamic dozen has a gift – one of love, commitment, and dedication.”

The teachers honored were:

- Arabi Elementary | Halima Jaber

- Arlene Meraux Elementary | District-winner Christina Crego

- Chalmette Elementary| Jonathan Palmer

- J. F. Gauthier Elementary | Joelle Powell

- Joseph J. Davies Elementary | Jodi Crifasi

- Lacoste Elementary | Shana Powers

- W. Smith, Jr. Elementary | Christine Perez

- Andrew Jackson Middle School | Kayla Halstead

- N. P. Trist Middle School | District-winner Casi Kieff

- St. Bernard Middle School | Aerin Marrione

- Rowley Alternative School | Jani Wells-Johnson

- Chalmette High School | District-winner and state semifinalist Kenneth Brown

As it does each year, the banquet ended on a high note with one student from each school honoring a Parent of the Year. Students read their winning essays on camera, paying tribute to the love and support received from parents, grandparents, and other relatives who helped raise them through some difficult situations. Parents and guardians honored included:

- Arabi Elementary | Markeda Haynes

- Arlene Meraux Elementary | Genesis Adriana Montero and Luis Marval

- Chalmette Elementary | Tangela Lemon

- J. F. Gauthier Elementary | Connie Gilmore

- Joseph J. Davies Elementary | Tatian Herrington and Ronald Jolly

- Lacoste Elementary | Shane and Kristina Evans

- W. Smith, Jr. Elementary | Christopher Bienemy and Cyntieal Williams

- Andrew Jackson Middle School | Dawn Wallace and Terry Acaldo

- N. P. Trist Middle School | Andre Jenkins, Sr.

- St. Bernard Middle School | Lilliana Cabrera

- Chalmette High School | Wei Ye and Xiu Zhen Zhong

Deputy Superintendent Lumetta congratulated the evening’s honorees and unveiled the district’s new theme for the upcoming school year – Powered by Learning. In her remarks, she spoke about the energy present in classrooms each day and the powerful moments that define student growth, from curiosity sparking understanding to hard work building confidence. “This new theme reflects the energy and momentum found in our classrooms each day – the moment when curiosity sparks understanding, when effort turns into confidence, and when a concept finally clicks for a child,” Lumetta said. “Like a lightbulb illuminating a room, learning has the power to open minds, inspire innovation, and help every student discover their potential. We look forward to celebrating this new theme while continuing to empower our students – and one another – to learn, to grow, and to lead.”

School Board Member Carly Creason closed out the night by offering the benediction. "God, we pray for guidance and wisdom in preparing our young people for the challenges and leadership of tomorrow. It is in your name we ask these things. Amen. Thank you and good night."