Ouachita Parish School System is pleased to announce the newest Support Persons of the Year on the district level for the 2024-25 school year.
The awards were announced at the Employees of Distinction Banquet on Tuesday evening at the West Monroe Convention Center. Each school was represented with its Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year in attendance, along with their administrators and supporters.
In Elementary School, the Support Person of the Year is Drew Elementary Secretary Emily Snowden.
Her administration describes her as having a way of lifting everyone around her whether through professional support or compassionate care for students. She has exceeded expectations in her role, becoming a vital part of the school and community. Emily’s quick wit and wonderful sense of humor make her a joy to be around, creating an atmosphere of warmth and laughter even on the busiest of days. Emily is married to Justin, and they have three children.
Finalists for Elementary Support Person of the Year were Cathy Duke (Central Elementary), Delphia Goodson (George Welch Elementary), Ty Farmer (Highland Elementary), Phyllis Hill (Robinson Elementary) and Shanna Rose (Swartz Upper Elementary).
Ouachita Junior High Secretary Denise Scott was named the Support Person of the Year on the middle school level.
She is described as consistently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, dedication, and skill that go above and beyond for her school and community. Denise is always willing to step up when needed, whether it is staying late to ensure urgent tasks are completed or taking on additional projects outside her duties. As a team player, Denise is an invaluable asset to the school, the system, and the community.
Finalists for Middle School Support Person of the Year were Myeisha Holmes (Riser Middle) and Fred Matte (Sterlington Middle).
West Ouachita Paraprofessional Mary Lea Dunn was chosen as the Support Person of the Year for Ouachita Parish on the high school level. As the administrative assistant to West Ouachita’s Naval Junior ROTC program, Mary is described by administration as a person who loves all people unconditionally. She is a jack of all trades and her tireless enthusiasm and work ethic keep the program organized with military precision. She organizes all of the fundraising events and field trips, as well as maintaining the financial budget. Mary is a mentor for her students and through the love of her role in the school, decided to pursue her teaching degree. She hopes to impact even more students’ lives through a classroom setting.
Support Persons of the Year were nominated by their principals and voted on by their peers at the school level. They also went through an interview process before a panel of judges made up of school district and community leaders, as well as last year’s Support Person of the Year on their school level.
SUPPORT PERSONS OF THE YEAR:
Elementary: Emily Snowden, Drew Elementary
FINALISTS: Cathy Duke (Central Elementary), Delphia Goodson (George Welch ELementary), Ty Farmer (Highland Elementary), Phyllis Hill (Robinson Elementary), Shanna Rose (Swartz Upper Elementary)
Middle School: Denise Scott, Ouachita Junior High
FINALISTS: Myeisha Holmes (Riser Middle), Fred Matte (Sterlington Elementary)
High School: Mary Lea Dunn, West Ouachita High
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