Vermilion Parish Teachers of the Year announced

Each year, the Vermilion Parish School System has the tall order of naming Teachers of the Year.
It’s a challenge in that there are so many worthy of the honor. With that said, the challenge has been met, with the district honoring four across grade levels.
This year’s honorees are:
• Elementary Teacher of the Year - Daedra Howard, LeBlanc Elementary School
• Middle School Teacher of the Year - Katie Griffin, J.H. Williams Middle School
• High School Teacher of the Year - Devin Romero, Abbeville High School
• New Teacher of the Year - Briana Richard, Eaton Park Elementary
“Through passion, dedication, and a true commitment to students,” Vermilion Parish Superintendent Tommy Byler said, “these outstanding educators make a difference every single day. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping futures and inspiring excellence across our parish.
“Thank you for all you do, and congratulations on this well-earned honor.”
Howard, a third-grade teacher, is in her third year at LeBlanc. Her mission in the classroom is clear.
“I teach to create unforgettable moments,” Howard said.
For Howard, who said her perseverance, curiosity and creativity helped set her apart, this qualifies as one of those moments.
“Winning this award feels surreal,” she said. ‘It’s not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the incredible support system at LeBlanc.
“Showing the community what kind of dedication our school fosters is a huge point of pride for me.”
The LeBlanc community is certainly proud of Howard.
“Daedra Howard has an unwavering passion for teaching,” LeBlanc Principal DeEtte Bigot said. “The success of her students is due to the extraordinary effort that she puts into her classroom each day.
“This recognition is well deserved.”
Griffin appreciates the recognition, but it’s not only her name she is happy to see on the award.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be named Vermilion Parish Teacher of the Year,” Griffin said. “While I am incredibly proud of this recognition, the real praise belongs to J.H. Williams. It is a joy to come to work each day surrounded by supportive administration, wonderful coworkers, and the opportunity to be a part of our students’ lives.”
Griffin, the school’s librarian, among other titles, said she has been “blessed” to be at J.H. Williams for the past six years, and in Vermilion Parish for the past 14.
“I am blown away by the love and support I’ve been shown,” Griffin said. “I hope to continue making J.H. Williams and Vermilion Parish proud.”
Ryan Abshire, the principal at J.H. Williams, said Griffin continues to make the school proud.
“Congratulations to Katie on being selected as Teacher of the Year!,” Abshire exclaimed. “Katie truly wears many hats at JHW and takes pride in everything she does. She serves our school as librarian, test coordinator, sponsor of our B&G Club, and is a dedicated member of our PBIS team.
We appreciate her hard work, commitment, and heart for our students and staff. I am extremely proud to have Katie representing JHW as the Vermilion Parish Middle School Teacher of the Year.”
Romero shares that feeling about her own award.
“I was definitely surprised when they announced the award,” Romero said, “but I am so proud to represent Abbeville High. I love everything about this school, the staff, the students, and the community.”
That sentiment is a two-way street, as far as Abbeville High Principal Jenni Frick is concerned.
“Abbeville High School is proud to congratulate Devin Romero on being named both our AHS Teacher of the Year and the Vermilion Parish High School Teacher of the Year,” Frick said. “Her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to student success are evident every day in her classroom and throughout our school community. This well-deserved honor reflects the positive impact she has on our students and the pride she brings to Abbeville High School.
“We are truly grateful for her leadership and proud to have her represent AHS.”
Frick used passion when describing Romero. It’s appropriate, in that the word serves as an anchor for the teacher, who is in her 19th year at Abbeville High.
“You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive and the support,” Romero said.
That passion is what stokes Romero’s fire for the ProStart program she conducts at Abbeville High. It is a culinary and management program that prepares students for restaurant careers.
“Anyone who has spoken with me about the ProStart program in the community can see and feel the passion I have for my students and the opportunities they are given to show off their skills,” Romero said. “I am able to involve students that would never participate in extracurricular activities or be part of things on campus because of their lack of qualifications, and I love to help them find something they are good at, and they can shine like other students are able to do.”
Richard’s kindergarten students are many years away from even thinking about a career, but she is happy to be part of their educational process, especially at Eaton Park. This is Richard’s first year at the school.
“I feel so blessed to have found my way to Eaton Park because it is truly the place to be!” Richard exclaimed. “We have the best admin who offers so much encouragement and support. They celebrate even the small wins. The staff is truly one of a kind. The teachers here genuinely want to see their students succeed and become the best versions of themselves. I am the teacher I am because of the administration here and all the teachers who have welcomed me with open arms.”
Eaton Park Principal Amber Wyne said Richard has been a welcoming presence at the school, not only for staff, but for students and their families.
“She brings enthusiasm and professionalism,” Wyne said. “She ensures that students feel supported, challenged, and motivated to succeed. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic have made her a valued member of the Eaton Park Elementary team and a role model for both students and peers.
“Being named New Teacher of the Year is a testament to Briana Richard’s hard work and dedication to excellence in education.”
Wyne added that the school community “looks forward to the continued impact she will have on students and the school community for years to come.”
Richard is grateful for the impact Eaton Park has had on her in just this short time.
“I feel so lucky to get the opportunity to represent Eaton Park with this award because this school has given me so much more than I will ever be able to offer in return,” Richard said. They have given me purpose, believed in me when I did not believe in myself, and loved me on the hard days just as much as my good days. I wish everyone could experience Eaton Park. I have no idea what my life would have been like if we had not crossed paths. The atmosphere we are fostering here is something so special for both teachers and students.”