Over the course of two surprise-filled days, Love Our Schools honored 15 outstanding educators and support staff as Education All-Star [loveourschoolsfoundation.org] Finalists, recognizing their extraordinary impact on students, campuses, and the Lafayette Parish School System.
Love Our Schools visited campuses across the parish to surprise each finalist with a personalized celebration recognizing their dedication, leadership, and heart for public education. These finalists were selected for one of three distinguished honors: Hall of Fame, Breakout All-Star, or All Heart.
2026 Education All-Star Finalists
Hall of Fame – Elementary
- Amy Word — Westside Elementary
- Annette Bodin — Milton Elementary
- Latoya Rideau — Corporal Michael Middlebrook Elementary
Hall of Fame – Middle School
- Britney Bonnet-Taylor — Acadian Middle School
- Steven Poulan — Carencro Middle School
- Mireille Mouton — Carencro Middle School
Hall of Fame – High School
- Emily Benoit — Ovey Comeaux High School
- Mason Denux — Ovey Comeaux High School
- Sara Mulligan — Southside High School
Breakout All-Star (Teacher with 1-3 years of experience in the classroom)
- Mark Mouton — Carencro Middle School
- Harley Dupre — Southside High School
- Emily Weber — Edgar Martin Middle School
All Heart (Recognizing amazing support staff)
- Katy Twiner — Carencro Bob Lily Elementary
- Wilton Allen — Southside High School
- Ali Cantrell — Milton Elementary / Middle
The winners in each category will be announced during the Ragin’ Cajuns Men’s Basketball game halftime Friday, February 7 at 3:00 PM.
“Education All-Stars is about more than awards, it’s about gratitude,” said Love Our Schools’ Executive Director, Millicent Nugent. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate these finalists and to recognize the thousands of educators and support staff who fuel our public schools in Lafayette Parish every single day. Their work shapes lives, strengthens our community, and builds our future.”
