By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – This is somewhat of a landmark year for St. Peter School in Reserve as not only does the 2010-11 school year mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Catholic institution, but it also marks the beginning of Paula Amato Poche’s tenure as the school’s chief administrator.

Poche came to the school from another St. Peter, St. Peter Chanel, located just up River Road in Paulina. She spent 16 years there as both a teacher and assistant to the principal.

Poche holds a master’s degree in Education Leadership from Southeastern Louisiana University and said she is eager to put those leadership skills to use.

“I was ready to get out the classroom,” she said.

She may have been ready to get out the classroom, but she certainly did not want to leave the environs of Catholic schooling, where she has spent the entirety of her career in education.

“I’m a product of Catholic education,” said Poche, “It’s a ministry, but it’s also rewarding.”

She said she enjoys the opportunity to mold young minds both spiritually and academically.

Given her philosophical bent, Poche was an obvious fit for St. Peter School. And according to Bertha Triche, St. Peter School Board president, another factor played into the selection.

“The small-town atmosphere was in her,” said Triche. “Paula was the choice, hands down.”

The mutual respect and admiration has been evident already in Poche’s first weeks on the job.

“It’s definitely a group dynamic,” said Poche. “I feel I’m very supported by them.”

The support has allowed Poche to jump right into the thick of things. She came up with this school year’s motto, “We Remember. We Celebrate. We Believe.” She said she was inspired by the anniversary when she came up with the theme.

Also, she helped oversee the school’s latest event, the golf-cart drive-in, just days after officially taking her position on July 1.

Although Poche has received considerable assistance from the community, she does not take her move into upper-level administration lightly.

“It’s an awesome responsibility,” she said. “It’s going to be an exciting year.”

Part of the excitement lies in the challenge of leading the school during these tough economic times.

“They’re the same challenges every school has,” she said.

Poche said she is also looking forward to further integrating technology into the instruction at St. Peter.

No matter the challenges that lie ahead, Poche said she feels supported on all sides.

“I have a supportive husband and a supportive family,” she said.

She added that she feels support from above, as well. Her father, who passed away before he could see his daughter take on the responsibility of being principal, instilled in her the virtues that have allowed her to rise to such heights.

“He taught me that hard work is nothing to be afraid of,” she said. “I know he’s looking down on me.”

Someone else who is watching her from above is Monsignor Jean Eyraud, who founded the school on Sept. 1, 1930.

“We believe that he is guiding us,” said Triche.

Poche explained she will not only seek his guidance but continue the fulfillment of his dream.

“St. Peter School belongs to the community,” she said.