The Retired Educators Association of St. Landry Parish celebrated its annual Women’s History Month during a program held at LSU Eunice Acadian Center Thursday.
This year six local women were honored and recognized for their outstanding educational impact and dedication to the community. The 2019 honorees honored included Mary R. “Sis” Doucet, Johnnie B. Simmons, Elsie Semien, Oradel Hines, Mary Ellen Donatto and Joyce P. Haynes.
Mary Doucet was a special education administrator for the St. Landry Parish School Board and is a member of the National Association of the University of Women.
Johnnie B. Simmons serves as an active community volunteer and is a retired registered nurse.
Elsie Semien served as principal of South Street Elementary, and is an active member of the National Association of the University of Women. She serves as president of the St. Landry Federation of the University of Women.
Oradel Hines, a retired educator of St. Landry Parish, and is a member of the Retired Educator’s of St. Landry Parish.
Mary Ellen Donatto, a former principal at East Elementary, and currently a member of the St. Landry Parish School Board. Donatto, during her years as principal at East Elementary, was named State Principal of the Year.
Joyce P. Haynes, is a retired educator of St. Landry Parish and is a member of the St. Landry Parish School Board.
The Mistress of Ceremonies at the event was Dr. Savoynne Williams, president of the Retired Educators Association of St. Landry Parish.
The women were presented with awards and enjoyed a luncheon at the conclusion of the program.