The Louisiana Department of Education announced the 2024-25 Louisiana Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year Finalists on Tuesday. Four finalists are from Beauregard, Calcasieu and Vernon parishes.

A total of 18 finalists were announced at the 2024 Teacher Leader Summit’s opening session in New Orleans.

“Each of these outstanding teachers and principles bring value to their profession,” said State Superintendent Cade Brumley said in a news release.

Hailing from the Calcasieu Parish School Board are La. Teacher of the Year Finalist Suresh Chiruguru and La. Principal of the Year Finalist Shonna Anderson.

Chiruguru teaches biology at LaGrange High School and Anderson is the principal at Molo Middle School.

“We are incredibly proud of both Dr. Anderson and Dr. Chiruguru. Their commitment to our students and our district is showcased in their work daily, and we are grateful for their ongoing dedication to this parish,” said Holly Holland, public information officer for CPSB. “They are both phenomenal representatives of the educators in our district, and they are incredibly deserving of this honor.”

From Beauregard Parish, Principal of South Beauregard Elementary S. Chad Schulz was named a Principal of the Year finalist. From Vernon Parish is the Principal of Hicks High School Jennifer Wilbanks.