The Supriya Jindal Foundation for Louisiana’s Children Proudly Recognizes
Pamela Lemoine of Terrebonne Parish Schools
with this month’s FIRST LADY’S AWARD

The Supriya Jindal Foundation for Louisiana’s Children is proud to announce the recipient of the First Lady Award for the month of May is Pamela Lemoine of Terrebonne Parish Schools. This award is given each month to an outstanding individual who is making a positive difference in the lives of children in Louisiana. First Lady Supriya Jindal said, “After hearing of all the great things Pamela Lemoine has done for education in Terrebonne Parish, I am honored to present her with this award. Working in education for over 40 years, she has been creative in developing a First Grade Academy, a literacy symposium for teachers, and in receiving a federal grant to aid in professional development for aspiring leaders in Terrebonne Parish among other achievements.”

“Co-workers and friends of Lemoine describe her as a lovely, bright and compassionate woman who truly devotes her energy to making a difference in our schools. While she was instrumental in securing a federal grant to aid in professional development for Principals, her work in creating the First Grade Academy is truly extraordinary.” Jindal continued, “We look forward to honoring exceptional people throughout the year, and awarding one with a grand prize which includes airline tickets and hotel stay in a city of their choice.”

Lemoine began her educational career in her early ‘20s with a traveling military family, teaching in places such as Germany and Japan.  Mrs. Lemoine has over 40 years of experience in education and has served in Terrebonne Parish alone for 30 years.

Over the past several years, Lemoine has constructed a First Grade Academy, which gives kindergarten and first grade students who have failed a second chance at skill mastery. The impacts of the program are significant. In the Academy’s first year, students who participated achieved an 80 percent pass rate and as a result passed the 2^nd grade the following year. The goal is to ensure our kindergarten and first grade students truly master the fundamentals of reading, writing, addition and subtraction before they progress into the upper grades.

Described by Sharon Henry, Principal of Village East Elementary School in Houma as “one of the most forward thinking leaders in the parish,” Pamela Lemoine is an exceptional advocate for children in the Terrebonne Parish School District, as well as a great friend with a strong support system throughout the community.

When asked about Lemoine’s dedication, Dr. Lynn Singletary, Assistant Professor of Research in LSU’s Psychology Department and CEO of the Teaching Research Institute explained, “After meeting Pamela in the Fall of 2006, I really saw how much she cared about the kids- unlike anyone else I had ever met before. She is an educator-model for all of us, from preschool age to grown up professional age!”

Lemoine seeks to find innovative ways to make a difference in the lives of students and fellow educators. In the summer of 2008, she organized a three day literacy symposium to provide professional development opportunities for teachers at all levels. The symposium offered national, state and local presentations on effective techniques to improve literacy.

In 2009, Lemoine applied to the US Department of Education’s School Leadership Program and won a $3.1 million grant for leadership training. This was one of only seven grants awarded nationally.  This grant is focused on improving the leadership skills of current practicing principals and assistant principals, as well as others aspiring towards a leadership role.

Lemoine is a true example of the ultimate educator dedicating herself to students’ intellectual, social and emotional needs while maintaining a holistic approach in every endeavor. Myra Austin, Principal of Greenwood Middle School comments, “Through Pamela’s leadership, she has made our school system the best and has truly impacted the lives of our children. She is the most worthy recipient and has truly made this her life career.”

Phillip Martin, Superintendent of the Terrebonne Parish School Board, describes Pamela saying, “She is a tireless worker who is always working for what’s best and good for our children. She is a true example of someone who has worked extremely hard to get where she is today. As a member of Terrebonne Parish, I am truly honored and pleased to have Pamela chosen for this award.”

“Out of the many places I have been in my lifetime, I am truly blessed to work with such wonderful people in Terrebonne Parish,” stated Pamela, “They definitely gave me the support I needed to construct the First Grade Academy, which has significantly changed the lives of so many first grade students. It is so fulfilling to see this program have such positive effects on the students by allowing them to have another chance toward success in life.”

Ms. Lemoine will receive a certificate of appreciation, a gift basket from Raising Cane, 4-tickets to a New Orleans Hornets home game, a gift card from Chili’s Grill & Bar Restaurant, a gift card from Dillard’s, and a $100 gift card from Walmart.  At the end of the year, the monthly winners names will be placed in a drawing in which one winner will be randomly chosen to receive the grand prize which includes two airline tickets complements of AirTrans and a 4-night hotel stay in the continental U.S. city of their choice.

About The First Lady Awards

All award recipients have been nominated because they have shown devotion and kindness to the children of Louisiana.  If you would like to nominate someone for the First Lady’s Award, please visit www.jindalfoundation.org.

About the Foundation

The Foundation, a 501(c)3 non profit organization, seeks to aid Louisiana’s children in all aspects of education, with special emphasis on mathematics and the sciences, while also giving teachers new tools that will foster an innovative and enriching learning environment. The Foundation seeks to harness the power of technology in Louisiana classrooms, to emphasize the importance of science and math, and to help develop the Louisiana workforce of tomorrow.

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