BY KYLE BARNETT

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – “The kids today are more eager to learn than they used to be,” said Kathy Hauk, fourth grade teacher at St. Joan of Arc Academy in LaPlace.

This year besides receiving the distinguished teaching award at SJA, Hauk also saw the school yearbook dedicated to her.

Hauk is a lifelong resident of Reserve and started her career as an educator after attending St. Mary’s Dominican College and Nicholls State College. She taught her first year in public school and is now celebrating her 40th year as a teacher and her 39th year at St. Joan of Arc, although retirement is not in sight.

“I still love being here for the kids, and I feel like I should still be here,” said Hauk.

“I just love being with kids, seeing them learn and grow. When you first get them they are young and fresh. At the end of the year they have matured.”

In addition to her teaching duties, Hauk is also involved with extra-curricular activities such as the School Improvement Self-Study Committee and Textbook Adoption committee, as well as sponsoring the 4-H club, religion fair and the accelerated reader committee.

“The distinguished educator’s award is given to people who have demonstrated excellence over a long period of time,” said Principal Larry Bourgeois. “Ms. Hauk was given the award on the basis of her involvement and years of dedication and just being an outstanding teacher.”

Hauk will receive the award at the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, in an official award ceremony as part of the liturgy for Catholic Schools Week. Along with the distinguished educator award, St. Joan of Arc will award two students and an alumnus.

“It is just kind of like a thank you, a recognition for outstanding service,” said Bourgeois.