Among thousands of local educators, 16 are chosen annually to receive the prestigious Wayne A. Reaud Excellence in Education Award, earning their place at the annual awards gala and a $10,000 cash prize.
Created to celebrate and recognize superior contributions in the classroom, as well as their respective communities, the Excellence in Education Award is presented to teachers whose leadership and dedication inspire a spirit of learning in students of all backgrounds and learning abilities.
“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,” said Wayne A. Reaud, Beaumont Foundation board chairman.
Divided into five geographic regions within the Region 5 Education Service Center, an elementary, middle, and high school teacher is selected from each region, following an in depth nomination and application process.
A nominating committee of students and teachers at each campus are tasked with selecting the educator who exhibits dedication, knowledge, and skill, holding the highest standards for themselves and their students.
The 2023 Wayne A. Reaud Excellence in Education Award recipients for elementary schools are Judy Brownlie, Bridge City Intermediate School, Bridge City ISD; Beverly Dean, Newton Elementary School, Newton ISD; Randee Hodgkins, Sallie Curtis Elementary School, Beaumont ISD; Ashley Lofton, Port Neches Elementary School, Port Neches-Groves ISD; and Jenny McLaughlin, China Elementary School, Hardin-Jefferson ISD.
“We are over the moon with excitement at PNE, and Mrs. Lofton truly makes PNE the place to be,” said teacher Andrea Ballew. “She truly works magic in her classroom and in the lives of her students. Brinley isn’t just growing as a student academically, but also as a girl, learning to find her confidence and joy in life. Their teachers are the reason both my children loved their fifth grade year at PNE.”
Middle school winners were Kayla D. Conner, Woodville Middle School, Woodville ISD; Charles D. Dodson, Groves Middle School, Port Neches-Groves ISD; Miste Tyner Henderson, Marshall Middle School, Beaumont ISD; Robbi Hussey, C.O. Wilson Middle School, Nederland ISD; Karen L. Key, Kountze Middle School, Kountze ISD; and Michele Lee Moss, Vidor Junior High School, Vidor ISD.
High school winners were Tiffany Linh Nguyen, West Brook High School, Beaumont ISD; Vicky Hartt, Nederland High School, Nederland ISD; Elizabeth Wernig LeBoeuf, Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School, Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD; Stefanie Wright, Lumberton High School, Lumberton ISD; and Teri Wolfe, Buna High School, Buna ISD.
“I was literally in shock when I found out I had been chosen, there are so many good teachers here in Buna,” said Wolfe.
She added that growing up facing similar challenges as her students has allowed her to relate to many of them on a personal level, and encourage them to see the their true potential.
Now in it’s 22nd year of service, the Beaumont Foundation will host the annual Awards Gala honoring Wayne A Reaud Excellence in Education Award recipents Tuesday, May 16.
Surpassing more than $175 million in awarded grants, the Beaumont Foundation is committed to a broad continuum of giving across the United States through five program areas – children and youth programs, education, health care, social services, and foundation initiated grants.
— Barbara Davis, Staff Reporter