Students asked to keep principal’s legacy alive

St. Charles Parish Public Schools celebrated the life of a beloved principal, co-worker and friend on Friday, Dec. 4.

Nicole C. LeBeauf, 41, lost her battle with cancer on Nov. 29 leaving behind many students and friends who mourned her loss during the ceremony at R.K. Smith Middle School where she had been the principal since 2007.

“I have never in my life felt such genuine passion and steadfast enthusiasm,” R.K. Smith Administrator Sam Buhler said of LeBeauf.

The centerpiece of the celebration was a large portrait of LeBeauf surrounded by flowers, which represented each student in the school.

LeBeauf, who often referred to the students as “my children,” was heralded as an excellent educator by everyone who spoke at the celebration.

David Schexnaydre, a teacher at R.K. Smith, said that every decision she made was for the benefit of the children.

“This school is going to make it, these students are going to make it, these teachers are going to make it, and it’s because of her,” Schexnaydre said. “She will never be gone; she will live on through the students and the teachers. When you see a teacher coming in early, staying late and going above and beyond to help a student, she’s not gone, that’s her.”

Merlyna Adams, principal of St. Rose Elementary School, said that it was always LeBeauf’s dream to be principal at R.K. Smith.

“If you truly want to honor her, you will always do your best,” Adams said to the students.

Rodney Lafon, superintendent of St. Charles Parish Schools, also charged the children with keeping LeBeauf’s legacy alive.

“She can continue to make a difference through how successful you are,” Lafon said to the students.

After the ceremony, the students each released a balloon in memory of LeBeauf and watched it fly away as they walked to their busses.

After LeBeauf’s loss on Sunday, co-worker Trina Douglas, an 8th grade math teacher at the school, said that LeBeauf was an inspiration.

“I have been teaching for 22 years and when she came here two years ago, she really helped me to become rejuvenated and excited about the teaching profession all over again,” Douglas said. “It’s immeasurable the way we’re going to miss her. Things will never be the same around here. She is a person who is going to be very difficult to replace.”