ERIK SANZENBACH / L’Observateur / May 30, 2000

LAPLACE – Students, faculty and staff of LaPlace Elementary School have bid a fond farewell to three very dedicated and much-loved employees.

Assistant Principal Felton Collins, first-grade teacher Rosemary Bolotte and custodian Cora Lee Mitchell are all retiring at the end of this school year, and a ceremony honoring their contributions to the school was held in front of LaPlace Elementary Thursday. Also in attendance were St. John SchoolSuperintendent Chris Donaldson, and assistant superintendents Herbert Smith and Wilbert Ocmond.

The three educators have a combined total of 92 years in the St. John Parishschool system, and by the reaction of students and fellow faculty members these three will be sorely missed.

Collins has been involved with teaching children for 34 years. Seventeen ofthose years have been spent as assistant principal of LaPlace Elementary.

A 1965 graduate of Southern University, Collins’ first teaching assignment was at Second Ward High School. He then got a master’s degree in education,and in 1980 was appointed assistant principal of Reserve Junior High. In 1983he was transferred to LaPlace Elementary, where he has been ever since.

Collins’ daily walks around the school are a common sight to all students and teachers. He always has a wave and a smile for everyone.Courtney Millet, principal at LaPlace Elementary, said Collins’ advice and wisdom will be missed. She recalled the first day she met Collins and after afew moments of conversation, Collins said, “I think that you and I will make a good team.”Millet said the only good thing about Collins’ retirement is that someone will get his parking spot.

Teacher Jane Bozeman got choked up and started crying during her testimonial to Collins. She wrote a poem about Collins, which she read to theaudience. Then Bozeman presented Collins with a plaque. In addition, Bozeman announced that an oak tree will be planted in front of the school to “symbolize Mr. Collins’ strength.”Collins said he plans to travel in his retirement.

Asked if he had any favorite moments in his career, Collins replied, “All of it has been great. I wouldn’t change anything. I’ve loved every minute of it.”Also honored at the ceremony was Bolotte, a first-grade and special education teacher. A 33-year veteran teacher, Bolotte has spent 20 yearsat LaPlace Elementary.

Bolotte started out as a librarian in the school system after getting a degree in library sciences in 1966 from Nicholls State. In 1967 she got hercertification and started teaching first grade at John L. Ory. After getting her master’s degree Bolotte was transferred to Garyville in 1972 and then to LaPlace Elementary in 1979.

Not only does she teach, but Bolotte has also served as the school’s assessor of new teachers and coordinator of training for student teachers.

Millet said without Bolotte’s knowledge of special education there will be a big gap at LaPlace Elementary.

Mitchell has been the custodian at LaPlace Elementary for 25 years, and from the reaction of some of the students her cheerful demeanor will be missed.

Millet lamented Mitchell’s retirement by saying, “Who is going to help me find my keys?”

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