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Each year, the Vermilion Parish School System has the tall order of naming Teachers of the Year.
It’s a challenge in that there are so many worthy of the honor. With that said, the challenge has been met, with the district honoring four across grade levels.
This year’s honorees are:
• Elementary Teacher of the Year - Daedra Howard, LeBlanc Elementary School
• Middle School Teacher of the Year - Katie Griffin, J.H. Williams Middle School
• High School Teacher of the Year - Devin Romero, Abbeville High School
• New Teacher of the Year - Briana Richard, Eaton Park Elementary
“Through passion, dedication, and a true commitment to students,” Vermilion Parish Superintendent Tommy Byler said, “these outstanding educators make a difference every single day. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping futures and inspiring excellence across our parish.
“Thank you for all you do, and congratulations on this well-earned honor.”
Howard, a third-grade teacher, is in her third year at LeBlanc. Her mission in the classroom is clear.
“I teach to create unforgettable moments,” Howard said.
For Howard, who said her perseverance, curiosity and creativity helped set her apart, this qualifies as one of those moments.
“Winning this award feels surreal,” she said. ‘It’s not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the incredible support system at LeBlanc.
“Showing the community what kind of dedication our school fosters is a huge point of pride for me.”
The LeBlanc community is certainly proud of Howard.
“Daedra Howard has an unwavering passion for teaching,” LeBlanc Principal DeEtte Bigot said. “The success of her students is due to the extraordinary effort that she puts into her classroom each day.
“This recognition is well deserved.”
Griffin appreciates the recognition, but it’s not only her name she is happy to see on the award.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be named Vermilion Parish Teacher of the Year,” Griffin said. “While I am incredibly proud of this recognition, the real praise belongs to J.H. Williams. It is a joy to come to work each day surrounded by supportive administration, wonderful coworkers, and the opportunity to be a part of our students’ lives.”
Griffin, the school’s librarian, among other titles, said she has been “blessed” to be at J.H. Williams for the past six years, and in Vermilion Parish for the past 14.
“I am blown away by the love and support I’ve been shown,” Griffin said. “I hope to continue making J.H. Williams and Vermilion Parish proud.”
Ryan Abshire, the principal at J.H. Williams, said Griffin continues to make the school proud.
“Congratulations to Katie on being selected as Teacher of the Year!,” Abshire exclaimed. “Katie truly wears many hats at JHW and takes pride in everything she does. She serves our school as librarian, test coordinator, sponsor of our B&G Club, and is a dedicated member of our PBIS team.
We appreciate her hard work, commitment, and heart for our students and staff. I am extremely proud to have Katie representing JHW as the Vermilion Parish Middle School Teacher of the Year.”
Romero shares that feeling about her own award.
“I was definitely surprised when they announced the award,” Romero said, “but I am so proud to represent Abbeville High. I love everything about this school, the staff, the students, and the community.”
That sentiment is a two-way street, as far as Abbeville High Principal Jenni Frick is concerned.
“Abbeville High School is proud to congratulate Devin Romero on being named both our AHS Teacher of the Year and the Vermilion Parish High School Teacher of the Year,” Frick said. “Her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to student success are evident every day in her classroom and throughout our school community. This well-deserved honor reflects the positive impact she has on our students and the pride she brings to Abbeville High School.
“We are truly grateful for her leadership and proud to have her represent AHS.”
Frick used passion when describing Romero. It’s appropriate, in that the word serves as an anchor for the teacher, who is in her 19th year at Abbeville High.
“You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive and the support,” Romero said.
That passion is what stokes Romero’s fire for the ProStart program she conducts at Abbeville High. It is a culinary and management program that prepares students for restaurant careers.
“Anyone who has spoken with me about the ProStart program in the community can see and feel the passion I have for my students and the opportunities they are given to show off their skills,” Romero said. “I am able to involve students that would never participate in extracurricular activities or be part of things on campus because of their lack of qualifications, and I love to help them find something they are good at, and they can shine like other students are able to do.”
Richard’s kindergarten students are many years away from even thinking about a career, but she is happy to be part of their educational process, especially at Eaton Park. This is Richard’s first year at the school.
“I feel so blessed to have found my way to Eaton Park because it is truly the place to be!” Richard exclaimed. “We have the best admin who offers so much encouragement and support. They celebrate even the small wins. The staff is truly one of a kind. The teachers here genuinely want to see their students succeed and become the best versions of themselves. I am the teacher I am because of the administration here and all the teachers who have welcomed me with open arms.”
Eaton Park Principal Amber Wyne said Richard has been a welcoming presence at the school, not only for staff, but for students and their families.
“She brings enthusiasm and professionalism,” Wyne said. “She ensures that students feel supported, challenged, and motivated to succeed. Her positive attitude and strong work ethic have made her a valued member of the Eaton Park Elementary team and a role model for both students and peers.
“Being named New Teacher of the Year is a testament to Briana Richard’s hard work and dedication to excellence in education.”
Wyne added that the school community “looks forward to the continued impact she will have on students and the school community for years to come.”
Richard is grateful for the impact Eaton Park has had on her in just this short time.
“I feel so lucky to get the opportunity to represent Eaton Park with this award because this school has given me so much more than I will ever be able to offer in return,” Richard said. They have given me purpose, believed in me when I did not believe in myself, and loved me on the hard days just as much as my good days. I wish everyone could experience Eaton Park. I have no idea what my life would have been like if we had not crossed paths. The atmosphere we are fostering here is something so special for both teachers and students.”

Here is a statement written by Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White on who will be the temporary fire chief of Abbeville.
“The City of Abbeville announces the retirement of fire chief Jude Mire and the appointment of Doris Langlinais, Jr. as temporary fire chief, effective December 18, 2025.
Chief Langlinais will lead the department during the transition period while the city proceeds with the Civil Service testing and selection process for a permanent Fire Chief.
Chief Mire retires after 36 years of dedicated service to the Abbeville Fire Department and the community. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him the very best in his retirement.
Like many small communities, Abbeville faces unique challenges in continuing to provide reliable and high-quality fire protection services. These challenges include rising equipment and training costs, staffing and recruitment pressures, evolving emergency response demands, and the need to balance fiscal responsibility with public safety expectations. Addressing these realities requires careful planning, strong leadership, and a long-term vision for the department.
In a community our size, every decision matters. To continue providing reliable and professional fire services, we must be intentional about how we plan for the future. This transition period gives us the opportunity to ensure stability today while preparing the department to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
To ensure continuity of leadership and operations, the city has appointed Doris Langlinais, Jr. as Temporary Fire Chief. Chief Langlinais has 28 years of experience with the Abbeville Fire Department and is well respected for his leadership, operational knowledge, and commitment to public service. He has a strong understanding of both the department’s traditions and its future needs.
Chief Langlinais is well prepared to lead during this transition. He understands the importance of maintaining dependable emergency response today while continuing to invest in training, equipment readiness, and personnel development for the future.
The city reaffirms our commitment to moving the Abbeville Fire Department into the future while preserving the traditions, professionalism, and excellence that residents have come to expect. Emergency response operations will continue without interruption, and public safety remains a top priority.
Additional information regarding the Civil Service testing timeline and permanent appointment process will be shared as it becomes available.”

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 5, 2026 in First Baptist Church - Lafayette for Madelyn May Boyd Hoyt who died on December 22, 2025 at The Blake Assisted Living.
She was born on December 14, 1925 in Lecompte, LA. She lived in Elmer, LA until her marriage on August 21, 1949 to Wilber Sam Hoyt. After her marriage, she lived in Lecompte, LA until they moved to Lafayette in 1963.
She attended Louisiana College in Pineville, LA before transferring to Louisiana State University from which she received a degree in Home Economics Education in 1946. Before her marriage in 1949, she taught High School Home Economics in Dutchtown, Kinder, and Lecompte, Louisiana.
For 58 years she was active in Louisiana Garden Club Federation holding local and state offices. She was also a member of Chapter AT of the P.E.O. Sisterhood holding several offices, a charter member of Friends of Vermilionville serving as President for 15 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church and Olive Branch Sunday School Class. She held membership in two honorary Home Economics Societies; from Louisiana College her membership was in Kappa Omicron Phi and Phi Epsilon Omicron from LSU.
Reverend Scott McKenzie will conduct the funeral services.
Mrs. Hoyt, a resident of Lafayette, was the daughter of the late Jesse Boyd and the former Myrta Smith.
She is survived by Max Hoyt (Dianne), Fred Hoyt (Karen), and Ted Hoyt (Cecelia); 5 grandchildren, Boyd Hoyt (Claire), Richard Hoyt (Lindsay), Kristen Hoyt White (Seth), Casey Hoyt (Marnie), and Spencer Hoyt; eleven great grandchildren, Ellery, Reece, Dylan, Alex, Annie, Avery, Jackson, Julia, and Catherine Hoyt, and Everett and Anderson White; sister in law, Edna Mae Boyd.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilber Hoyt; parents, Jesse and May Boyd; brother, Jesse Boyd, Jr., and special cousin, Rosa May Thomas.
The family requests that visiting hours be observed at First Baptist Church on Monday, January 5, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Following the funeral service, burial will be at Alexandria Memorial Gardens at 2:45PM located on Highway 165 N of Woodworth, LA.
Pallbearers will be Boyd, Casey, Richard, and Spencer Hoyt, Seth White and Dr. Carter Boyd.
Memorial contributions may be given to the First Baptist Christian School, P.O. Box 3888, Lafayette, LA 70502, P.E.O. Continuing Education Fund, Chapter AT-LA, 107 San Mateo Dr., Lafayette, LA, 70503, or a charity of your choice.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family of Madelyn May Hoyt at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com
Madelyn May Hoyt and her family were cared for and entrusted final arrangements to Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA.

January 23, 1942 - December 17, 2025

Betty Dubois Herring, age 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 17, 2025. Her life was rooted in deep Catholic faith, quiet service, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Fr. Andrew Schumacher will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Lafayette. Burial will follow at Abshire Cemetery.
A visitation will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. with a rosary being prayed at 12:30 p.m.
She was the linchpin of her family, ensuring constant connection with extended family-including aunts, uncles, cousins-and with many close friends whom she cherished deeply and considered family.
A devout Catholic, Holy Cross Church was her spiritual home and constant place of worship. She dedicated 35 years to pastoral care as a Eucharistic Minister, faithfully serving her parish community with humility, compassion, and reverence for the Sacraments.
She is survived by her four children, Pamela Herring Zamora of Abbeville, Sandra Herring Landry (Reynold) of Lafayette, Russell "Rusty" Herring (Catherine) of New Iberia, and Michael Kyle Herring (Julie) of Lafayette; one sister, Rebecca "Becky" Dubois Carroll (Charlie) of Kaplan;14 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmy Lee Herring, to whom she was married for 59 years; her mother, Annie Mae Dubois; her father, Nores Dubois; her sister, Gwendolyn Dubois King; and her brothers, Nores Dubois Jr. and Donald Dubois.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan (337) 643-7276.