Amy LeLeux knew what she wanted to do with her life from a young age.

She was born in Abilene, Texas, where her dad was stationed in the Air Force, but grew up in Vinton.

Growing up, she enjoyed teaching and helping the children around her.

“I babysat, helped with younger family members and friends, taught Sunday School and Bible School,” she recalled. “This inspired me to become an educator.”

The energy of the youth is infectious, she said, and it was her goal to help young people harness that energy to learn and grow.

“Younger children are full of curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. … Their enthusiasm is contagious and inspiring. Their imaginations have endless possibilities, which helps them to create the best stories,” she said.

LeLeux learned from the example that was set for her when she was a student.

“I had some wonderful teachers who had a positive impact on my education and influenced my career.”

After she graduated from Vinton High School, she attended McNeese State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education in 1999.

She has 16 years of teaching experience under her belt.

She’s previously taught pre-K, third and fifth grade at Little Cypress Elementary in Orange, Texas, Maplewood Elementary, and Vincent Settlement Elementary. For a period, she put her career on hiatus to stay home when her children were young and subbed at Sulphur schools.

Now, she is in her seventh year at Our Lady’s School in Sulphur, and her fifth year as a kindergarten teacher.

Day to day, she is sustained by the “a-ha moments” she witnesses in her students.

“When they have successfully completed a task, understood a concept, met a goal,” she explained. “The excitement and pride they display is so fantastic and rewarding.”

LeLeux’s students thrive in her classroom because she creates a secure and welcoming environment where students feel loved and accepted.

“I believe that in keeping a safe and loving classroom, my students feel free to express themselves and will continue to flourish.”

Most of all, she teaches each student that learning is a lifelong mission.

“Education is an open book with no ending in sight,” she said. “ It is ongoing and constantly changing. No matter our age, we continue to learn and expand our minds.”