Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) is proud to announce that two of our exceptional physical education teachers, Coach Margaret Soprano from Prairie Elementary and Coach Addie Cassidy from Judice Elementary, have both been honored with the 2024 Louisiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (LAHPERD) Teacher of the Year Awards!
Coach Soprano received the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year Award, while Coach Cassidy was recognized as the Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. These prestigious awards celebrate educators who go above and beyond in promoting health, fitness, and sportsmanship, and who serve as positive role models for their students.
Coach Soprano's dedication to fostering a love of physical activity, personal health, and teamwork in her students earned her this well-deserved recognition. She stands out for her ability to connect with students of all abilities, motivating them to reach their fullest potential both in and out of the gym. Her passion for physical education and her innovative teaching style have made a lasting impact on the Prairie Elementary community.
Reflecting on her recognition, Coach Soprano shared:
“I am honored and humbled to receive the LAHPERD Elementary PE Teacher of the Year Award. I love teaching PE and I am blessed to work with an exceptional faculty, as well as teaching some pretty amazing students! In my position, it's easy to live by the quote, "Do what you love and love what you do."
Coach Cassidy has long been a driving force at Judice Middle, where her dedication to instilling a love for physical activity in her students is unmatched. Her ability to make physical education fun, engaging, and accessible for all students has left a lasting impact on her school community. Coach Cassidy states:
"There's nothing more rewarding than seeing students light up with excitement when they master a new game or push their limits in an activity. That's the joy of teaching PE."
Both award recipients will be celebrated during the LAHPERD Awards Luncheon on November 8, 2024, in Baton Rouge, where they will officially receive their awards. This recognition places them among an elite group of educators who have made substantial contributions to health and physical education in Louisiana.
LPSS is immensely proud of Coach Soprano and Coach Cassidy for their incredible achievements. Their hard work and dedication are making a meaningful difference in the lives of their students, and we congratulate them on this well-deserved honor.