For today’s #SundaySpotlight, the Lafourche Schools Spotlight shines brightly on Kesha Eymard.
Kesha is a first-year teacher with the Lafourche Parish School District and teaches U.S. history and civics at South Lafourche High School, where she graduated in 2021. She graduated summa cum laude from Nicholls State University in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education with a concentration in social studies.
Earlier this school year, Kesha was selected as the District’s high school-level New Teacher of the Year, and she was recently named as a finalist in the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) 2027 New Teacher of the Year awards program, which recognizes teachers with less than one year of experience who are already demonstrating excellence in the classroom as well as a commitment to student success that exemplifies Louisiana’s teaching profession. As a state-level finalist, Kesha will be honored at the 20th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala which will be held at the World War II Museum in New Orleans in July. She will also receive a complimentary ticket to the 2026 Teacher Leader Summit and will be featured with other finalists in a session at LDOE’s New Teacher Experience Summer Kick Off.
“Ms. Kesha Eymard brings fresh energy, innovative ideas, and a passion for making a difference that can be felt across the entire campus,” said Alison Chiasson, SLHS principal. “She sets high standards, and inspires both students and colleagues through creativity, dedication, and a willingness to go above and beyond. She is an amazing reminder of the powerful impact great teaching has on student success.”
As a new educator, Kesha has thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with the students and staff of her alma mater.
“What I enjoy most about working with students is watching their growth and seeing them build confidence as they learn,” she said. “I love forming positive relationships in the classroom where students feel supported and comfortable. I also want them to feel free to be themselves without worrying about being judged.”
“I appreciate working with my colleagues because of the collaboration and shared commitment to helping students succeed,” she added “I have always valued teamwork, and the history department at SLHS prides itself on working together to ensure success for all students.”
While her New Teacher of the Year accolades highlight her professional excellence, the true measure of Kesha’s first year in education is found in the personal connections she has already forged with her students.
“One of the most meaningful moments of my career so far was receiving a letter from a student who told me she wanted to become a teacher because of me,” Kesha shared. “That is something I will never forget. It reminded me that sometimes the students who say the least are the ones who feel your impact the most. Some students need a teacher, some need a role model, and some just need a consistent, caring adult. That is what you sign up for as a teacher, and it is the best part of the job.”
Please join us in celebrating Kesha as she competes for Louisiana’s New Teacher of the Year. Her journey from LPSD student to award-winning educator serves as a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of a great teacher. We are incredibly grateful she has chosen to share her passion and heart with the students of Lafourche Parish.
#lpsdproud #SchoolSuperstar