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The Louisiana Department of Education has announced the teachers, principals, and early childhood leaders who were semifinalists and finalists for the state’s overall honorees, including two from the River Region parishes.  

LDOE announced semifinalists for Teacher and Principal of the Year and finalists for Early Childhood Teacher, Leader of the Year, and New Teacher of the Year.

​​Hollie Folse from Paulina Elementary in St James Parish and Rebecca Matherne from New Sarpy Elementary in St. Charles Parish were named state semifinalists for Principal of the Year.

Matherne, a graduate of Hahnville High School, assumed the role of principal at New Sarpy Elementary in 2019. Prior to that, she served as an assistant principal at Norco Elementary School and R.K. Smith Middle School. 

She has taught special education, served as a math coach, and facilitated teaching and learning for a curriculum, instruction, and assessment department in St. Charles Parish Public Schools. She has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University.

Folse has taught middle school to regular and special education students within St. James Parish and has served as the principal at Paulina Elementary School for over 15 years.

“Louisiana’s educators play a vital role in shaping the future of students and our state,” State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley said in the announcement. “These outstanding teachers, principals, and early childhood leaders exemplify excellence in education and a deep commitment to student success. We are proud to celebrate their achievements.”

Finalists for Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year will be announced in May. Overall honorees for all awards will be revealed in July at the 19th annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Gala.