A special effort is going to be made in 2008 to recognize and reward individuals in the New Orleans area who have made significant contributions to the quality of education, especially science education, in their respective disciplines or districts.  Recipients of the recognition and appreciation awards are eligible for $500 in cash and a plaque.  Individuals who qualify for these awards may have taken steps to minimize the effects of Katrina, helped with recovery efforts, improved school relations with the community and/or industry, offered enrichment programs for peers, or demonstrated exceptional perseverance in spite of extreme difficulties. 

Extra Effort for Education Award Recipients

Dozens of teachers stepped up to the proverbial plate with their enthusiasm, leadership and focus on education in New Orleans and surrounding parishes after most of the area - and its schools- were devestated in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Each teacher was given a $500 grant, along with a plque in appreciation of each person's over-and-above-the-call-of-duty efforts.

Ann Smart          
Science Teacher/Science Department Chair
Cabrini High School
New Orleans, LA

Laura V. Petit              
Science Teacher                                           
Archbishop Shaw High School
Marrero, LA 

Janiece F. Mistich       
Science Teacher/Community Environmental Advocate
Tchefuncte Middle School
Mandeville, LA 

Steve Hess          
Physics Teacher/Wrestling Coach
Penn Manor High School
Millersville, PA 

Gwen Johnson   
Middle School Teacher
Our Lady of Prompt Succor School
Chalmette, LA 

Rebecca C. La Garde    
Science Teacher, 4th grade  
Jefferson Elementary
Jefferson, LA 

Deborah Lee Fox
Gifted Resource Teacher (Grades preK-5)
Jefferson Elementary
Jefferson, LA  70121

Paul Johnson     
Science Supervisor
Terrebonne Parish
Houma, LA 

Carol Hester        
Education Coordinator
Audubon Institute Zoological Gardens
New Orleans, LA 

Ms. Lee Frederick
Science Teacher, Grades 7 and 8
Club Sponsor, “Earth Protectors”
Madisonville Jr. High
Madisonville, LA 

Craig Howat        
Teacher
Luling Elementary
Luling, LA 

Cecelia E. Gillam
Science Teacher
Hahnville High School
Boutte, LA 

Wendy DeMers   
Teacher
Hynes Charter School
New Orleans, LA 

Marie Tizzard               
High School Science Teacher
Grace King High School
Destrehan, LA 

Mary C. Shoemaker     
Science Teacher/Director: Youth Rebuilding New Orleans
Metaire, LA 

Connie H. Gassen        
Curriculum Specialist 9-12
St. Charles Parish Schools
Luling, LA 

Dr. Jean Pinney 
Science Supervisor
New Orleans Recovery School District
New Orleans,  LA

Diane M. Roussel, Ph.D.       
Superintendent of the Jefferson Parish School system
Harvey, LA

Linda Tucker               
Environmental Science Teacher
Tara High School
Baton Rouge, LA 

Sheila Brown               
Science Department Chair
Pope John II Catholic High School
Slidell, LA 
                  
Cynthia Gabb
Middle School Science Teacher
Chalmette High School
Chalmette, LA

Conrad Brown, Jr.
Science Teacher
Chalmette High School
Chalmette, LA

Terri Jackson
Fifth Grade Teacher
LPPS  
Livingston, LA

Laura Congiardo
Chemistry Student
Professional Enrichment Coordinator
Community Activist
Loyola University, New Orleans

Laura Thomas
Chemistry Student
Community Outreach Program Developer/Supporter
Loyola University, New Orleans