Schools name teachers, paraprofessionals of year

St. John Primary and St. Theresa Middle schools recently named teachers and paraprofessionals of the year for 2012, school officials said.

Paula Bourgeois was named the Paraprofessional of the Year for St. John Primary, officials said in a news release.

Bourgeois is the wife of Randy Bourgeois and mother of Randy and Jeanette Bourgeois. Paula Bourgeois has been a kindergarten instructional assistant at the school for eight years.

School officials said in the release that faculty and staff say she is always willing to help anyone with anything. Bourgeois is “very caring” and always gives a 100 percent “with a smile,” the release says.

Rochelle San Soucie won St. John Primary Teacher of the Year honor. San Soucie, the wife of Paul San Soucie and mother of Miles and Rhianna San Soucie, has taught at St. John Primary for five years and has seven years teaching experience.

“Rochelle’s peers noted that through strength, patience and understanding, she builds character and confidence in her students while instilling the importance of empathy and respect for others,” the release states.

Becky Kelley was named St. Theresa Middle School Paraprofessional of the Year. Kelley is married to Eric Kelley and is the mother of Jeffrey Kelley. She has been working at St. Theresa Middle for three years.

“She is always willing to help and allows the students to share in all of her creative activities,” the news release says.

“She is a real asset to our school. The library club is a perfect example of how she excites kids and brings interest into everyday activities.”

Penny Saucier won the Teacher of the Year award for St. Theresa Middle.

Saucier is the wife of Buddy Saucier and the mother of Lauren and Steven Saucier. She has been teaching at St. Theresa Middle for 10 years.

School officials said in the release that Saucier goes “above and beyond” what is required to make sure students, even ones she does not teach, learn.