At a March 13 banquet, St. Charles Parish Public Schools announced this year’s Teachers of the Year winners.
Diana Mascarella of Luling Elementary School is the elementary Teacher of the Year. Kathryn Wilken of Albert Cammon Middle School is the middle school Teacher of the Year, and Kristie Gough of Hahnville High School is the high school Teacher of the Year. The winners of the district-wide competition will now compete at the state level for Louisiana Teacher of the year.
Mascarella said she was in complete shock when her name was called at the banquet.
St. Charles Parish Public Schools celebrates the 16 Teachers of the Year for their respective schools at a March 13 banquet sponsored by Shell Norco. Bottom row (pictured left to right): Holly Dauzat, Madaline Evers, Diana Mascarella, Jordan Dauphin, Bridget Summers. Middle row (left to right): Lacy Trosclair, Heidi Pizani, Katherine Martinez, Kathryn Wilken, Mona Wexler, Jill Clement. Back row (pictured left to right): Ashley Cotton, Haley Frickey, Monique Guitterrez, Kristie Gough, Wayne Sentilles.
“I couldn’t believe that it was my name they called,” Mascarella said. “I felt excitement, disbelief, but also validation that all my hard work is evident to others. I love what I do, and I pour my heart into it every day, but to be recognized at this level was overwhelming in the best way possible.”
A first-generation college graduate, Mascarella has a master’s in teaching from the University of New Orleans. She’s been teaching first-grade at Luling Elementary for 12 years.
“I still love it just as much as I did when I started,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve learned that teaching is never just about academics – it’s about building relationships, creating a safe space, and helping kids believe in themselves.”
Kathryn Wilken, the middle school Teacher of the Year for the district, teaches writing, Louisiana history, and English/language arts to eighth grade students at Albert Cammon. Outside of the classroom, she guides students through the Pirate Peers Mentors program and student council. She is also head coach of the girls’ soccer team.
Wilken, an LSU graduate, has a bachelor’s in history and a master’s in teaching. She is an alumna of the LSU Tiger Band. Wilken said she strives to foster in her students a desire for knowledge.
“I believe in making personal connections with students to create an inclusive environment that empowers all students to succeed,” she said. “Every student should have a teacher that encourages them to strive for continual growth.”
Wilken said her students and fellow staff members keep her motivated to continue teaching.
“Seeing my students overcome challenges and grow both academically and personally inspires me to keep giving my best,” she said. “Their enthusiasm and perseverance remind me why I should continue to teach each and every day, and the administration, faculty, and staff at Albert Cammon Middle School are simply amazing.”
Kristie Gough, the Talented Art teacher at Hahnville High School, said she felt like she was in a dream when her name was called as the high school Teacher of the Year.
“Never did I think I would be the Teacher of the Year for Hahnville, but then to be named the district high school teacher of the year is just wild,” she said. “I still don’t think it has really set in yet. I think I might wake up soon. But I’m honored to represent Hahnville and St. Charles Parish plus the visual art teachers.”
Gough has been teaching for 30 years. A graduate of Louisiana Tech, she began teaching at Hahnville High School in 1999. Teaching visual art at Hahnville High, Gough implemented digital graphics, Advanced Placement Art, animation and photography, ceramics, glasswork, drawing and painting classes.
“When I started there the interest in art was very low, but with the implementation of several types of art, it quickly grew,” Gough said. “I felt I needed to challenge myself more as a teacher, so when the Talented Art teacher retired, I shared my interest and was moved into that position. I am still doing that today.”
Gough said most of her great moments in her career come from watching students discovering their talent for art.
“They find that one thing that makes them have confidence in themselves,” she said. “I feel that everyone deserves a chance and the respect to be heard and seen. We are all given talents to make this world better. And everyone makes mistakes, but we need to learn from those mistakes and grow from those experiences.”
In addition to the district winners, 13 teachers were honored as the Teacher of the Year for their respective schools. They are Holly Dauzat, Madaline Evers, Jordan Dauphin, Bridget Summers, Lacy Trosclair, Heidi Pizani, Katherine Martinez, Mona Wexler, Jill Clement, Ashley Cotton, Haley Frickey, Monique Guitterrez, and Wayne Sentilles.
