Local education group transitions to new leadership By Jacob Batte Staff Writer Published: Sunday, January 18, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Last Modified: Sunday, January 18, 2015 at 12:41 a.m. A local organization that raises money to give grants to classroom teachers in Terrebonnes public schools has begun the new year with new leadership. Yolanda Trahan, longtime director of the Terrebonne Foundation for Academic Excellence, retired at the end of 2014 after 15 years with the nonprofit. The decision to step down was a family one, Trahan said. Her daughter and two grandchildren live in Austin, Texas. While she and her husband wont be relocating to the Lone Star State, she said retirement offers them a chance to visit more often. Its time to turn the reins over to someone else. It gives us more flexibility to travel and other things weve been putting off and want to take advantage of while were in good health. Awarding nearly $1 million in grants to Terrebonne public schools is Trahans proudest accomplishment, she said. That impacted about 45,000 students. To say what do I consider my greatest accomplishments, any time we help our youngest citizens, what were doing is growing a stronger and more vibrant community for our future, she said. It was always a job to be able to go into a classroom and see our grants in action. There was an excitement in the students eyes. Trahan organized and led the groups 5K Run for Excellence and Cajun Food Festival, which has taken place in downtown Houma for 14 years. Its the community that has made the event what it is, she said. Its definitely something Im very excited to see that has continued. Angie Rome Walsh, a Terrebonne native and retired public school teacher, started Monday as the organizations new director. A 22-year veteran in Terrebonne Parish schools, Walsh said she became more involved in the foundations work following her retirement in 2012. I always believed in what they stood for and what they wanted to accomplish, she said. Walsh said she has already begun preparing for the next festival as well as the groups annual celebration highlighting students and the teachers who inspire them. She also hopes to implement new fundraising ideas. Ill be able to focus a lot of my efforts after I meet with the School Board. Then we can see where are we headed, Walsh said. If I could get out there and attract a younger generation to what our mission is, well be on a good road, and were making headway in that.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 02:29:02 +0000
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