RESERVE – The St. John the Baptist School Board recognized the school district’s outstanding school support employees of the year at a meeting.  

Three winners were selected to represent elementary, middle school and high school personnel. They include Elementary Outstanding Support Staff of the Year Carolyn Young, a paraprofessional at Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet; Middle School Outstanding Support Staff of the Year Jo Ann Byers, the cafeteria manager at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary; and High School Outstanding Support Staff of the Year Teckla Holder, a paraprofessional at East St. John High School.

Young started her paraprofessional career in St. John Parish in 1988. She has worked on the campuses of East St. John Elementary and Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet school.

In a letter of recommendation, Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet Principal Glenn Chenier said, “Mrs. Young works tirelessly to meet the needs of all students, especially those under her immediate supervision. She has offered her guidance to our school’s In-School Suspension Program to ensure all requirements for the effective implementation and operation are met. During an evaluation of our program earlier this school year, our I.S.S.P. received a perfect score in compliance with all mandates.”

“Mrs. Young realizes that all students can learn. Her daily routines reflect that belief. She is remarkable and outstanding; she fulfills our school’s vision, which is to be the best in the state. Her actions and words are reflective of that vision while personifying our faculty’s motto: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work,” Chenier said.

Byers started her career as a lunch technician at East St. John High in 1994. She has worked at Fifth Ward Elementary and Lake Pontchartrain Elementary where she is currently the lunch manager.

Lake Pontchartrain Elementary Principal Margaret Hastings said in her letter of recommendation, “Ms. Byers worked tirelessly with the Free/Reduced lunch form applications, securing for Lake Pontchartrain the highest percentage since I have been principal: 90-percent free and reduced lunches for this school year.”

“This year my cafeteria staff has completed its duties in a positive and supportive manner, and I contribute this achievement to the respectful leadership of Ms. Byers,” Hastings added. “As a person, Ms. Byers is kind and respectful. She makes it her business to be friendly to everyone, thereby becoming a blessing to those she meets. Never once have I observed a negative or critical spirit displayed by Ms. Byers. She has truly been an asset and excellent addition to the staff.”

Holder began working in St. John the Baptist Parish in 1997 as a paraprofessional. In addition to that job, Holder has been the cheerleading coach at East St. John High for the last 20 years.  

In a letter of recommendation, East St. John High School Principal Patricia Triche said, “Her dedication to our students extends far beyond the normal school hours as she has to be in attendance at all athletic events and summer camps.  She spends endless hours with our girls to ensure their safety and excellent performance for our school.”

“Ms. Holder is also our senior class sponsor. She is responsible for coordinating all senior activities leading up to graduation. She is also responsible for making sure all details are coordinated and in place for our graduation ceremonies. Ms. Holder also takes the lead in organizing our annual senior class trips,” Triche said. “Students who are alumni of East St. John High are always coming back to see her because she has always been such an integral part of their memories while here. Ms. Holder has wonderful rapport with our faculty and staff as well as our students.”