Principals of the Year named in Vermilion Parish

There are tremendous teachers and faculty throughout the Vermilion Parish School System, which helps make it successful.
However, when looking at what makes everything go, don’t overlook the leadership at each school.
Three such leaders are honored as Vermilion Parish Principals of the Year. This year, the winners are Dozier Elementary School’s Andrea Ford, J.H. Williams Middle School’s Diane Comeaux and Gueydan High School’s Nadine Lepretre.
For Lepretre, this award is her in name only.
“Being chosen Vermilion Parish High School Principal of the Year is a great honor,” Lepretre said. “This award may say Principal of the Year, but it truly recognizes the hard work and dedication of the teachers and students at Gueydan High School. Running a school is not a one-person job. It takes a team of people and a whole community to support a school in reaching its goals every year.”
Vermilion Parish Superintendent Tommy Byler said Lepretre does a great job with a community that is different from others.
“Nadine has a different scenario than most running the districts only junior high and high school combo school,” Byler said. “This has a set of obstacles that most don’t understand.”
Comeaux has run various aspects of the education system during her career. This is undoubtedly a high point of that career.
“I am very excited and honored to be selected as Vermilion Parish Middle School of the Year,” Comeaux said. “I have held multiple roles during my time at J.H. Williams, beginning as a classroom teacher in 2014. I then advanced to Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and then Principal. This is my 4th year as the proud principal of J.H. Williams. I feel a sense of accomplishment for the dedication and hard work that I invest in our school every day, fostering a positive learning environment, supporting teachers and staff, and contributing to the school’s overall success.
“I am looking forward to the continued growth of our students.”
While pleased with the win, it is the students and everyone else at the school for whom Comeaux is pleased.
“I believe that having the Principal of J.H. Williams selected as the Vermilion Parish Middle School Principal of the year is a win for the school as well as the community,” Comeaux said. “This recognition has boosted morale, inspired a sense of unity and accomplishment, and contributed to a more positive school culture. This has gained positive attention for our school, showcasing our commitment to excellence in education.
“We are JHW proud!”
Byler said the JHW community should take pride in what Comeaux has helped the school accomplish.
“Diane has worked extremely hard to get JHW to a C status,” Byler said of the school’s letter grade from the state. “She has had to overcome major staffing issues and has kept her focus on getting the students to believe in themselves.”
Like her peers, Ford looks beyond herself regarding what the award means.
“This recognition is not only a personal achievement,” Ford said, “but a collective celebration that encompasses our entire school community’s dedication, hard work and collaborative spirit. I want to express my deepest appreciation to the outstanding faculty and staff at Dozier Elementary. It is truly a privilege to work alongside such a talented and passionate group of educators. Their unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality education for our students is nothing short of inspiring. Each day, I witness their dedication and genuine care for the well-being and success of every child who walks through our doors.
“This award is as much theirs as it is mine, a testament to the incredible team we have built together.”
Byler said Ford serves as a firm foundation at Dozier.
“Andrea is passionate about being successful and knows how to get all of her team on board,” Byler said. “Dozier had a great jump in school performance under her leadership.”
Ford said the school system shouldn’t be overlooked.
“We are fortunate,” Ford said, “to have a district that provides support and guidance necessary for schools to successfully educate and grow each individual student to their full potential.”
During her 21-year career in education, Ford spent time as a teacher at Eaton Park, worked in Central Office, and led Kaplan Elementary as principal for 10 years. Coming to Dozier four years ago meant something special for Ford, who attended Dozier as a child.
“Being an educator and principal of Dozier Elementary is an honor and a privilege that I do not take lightly,” Ford said. I am deeply aware of the impact that educators have on their students’ lives, and I sincerely hope that I can leave a lasting mark on our little Bobcats.”