Nederland honors Reaud honorees

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Williamson
DeLaCruz

Amy Champagne, a 4th grade teacher at Highland Park Elementary; Shirley DeLaCruz, a 9th grade teacher at Nederland High School; and Bill Williamson, an 8th grade teacher at CO Wilson Middle School, have been selected to receive the 2022 Reaud Excellence in Education Award from the Beaumont Foundation of America. They were chosen from a list of nominations submitted by schools located throughout the Southeast Texas area.

“These teachers have over 60 years of classroom experience. It is no surprise that three of our teachers were chosen for this prestigious award,” said Dr. Stuart Kieschnick, Superintendent of Schools for Nederland ISD. “Their dedication to the students of Nederland ISD is unmatched and we could not be more proud of them. They are all role models on their campuses and within our school community. We look forward to recognizing them further at the gala.”

The Wayne A. Reaud Excellence in Education Award was created to celebrate and recognize superior contributions of teachers whose leadership and dedication inspire a spirit of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities. The three Nederland ISD educators are among 15 teachers who will be recognized at an awards gala hosted by the Beaumont Foundation on May 17. The honored teachers “exemplify the highest standards and practices of the teaching profession” and will each be honored with a crystal obelisk, a portrait and $10,000 at the gala.

The awards provide public acclaim and financial rewards to teachers furthering excellence in education throughout Southeast Texas.

“Education is the key to a better future and great teachers are the key to education. Our winners are outstanding representatives of excellence in education,” Wayne A. Reaud, Chairman of the Beaumont Foundation Board, remarked.

The 2022 Reaud Excellence in Education Recipients are:

Wendy L. Francois-Richard, Fletcher Elementary School, Beaumont ISD

Amy Champagne, Highland Park Elementary School, Nederland ISD

Tammi Halliburton, Little Cypress Intermediate School, Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD

Kelly Joy Lietzke, China Elementary School, Hardin-Jefferson ISD

Ann McMahon, Newton Elementary School, Newton ISD

Bill Williamson, C.O. Wilson Middle School, Nederland ISD

Tammy Taylor, Vidor Junior High School, Vidor ISD

Courtney Courts, Kountze Middle School, Kountze ISD

Lindsay Jeansonne, Jasper Junior High School, Jasper ISD

Jenny Dang Nguyen, West Brook Senior High School, Beaumont ISD

Dr. Carkenda Griffin, Memorial High School, Port Arthur ISD