Diocese honors Holy Cross teacher

Holy Cross Pre-K3 teacher Sherrel Landry was recognized as a 2014 Inspirational Teacher of the Year by the Catholic Schools Office of the Houma-Thibodaux Diocese.
She, along with two others in the junior high and high school divisions, were recognized Sept. 2 prior to the annual diocesan Educators Conference, attended by all of the Catholic school teachers and administrators in the diocese.
Landry has been a teacher at Holy Cross Elementary since 1997, according to Principal Amanda Talbot.
“After dedicating many years to the educational, social and spiritual growth of young children, this is a well-deserved recognition for Mrs. Landry. The Holy Cross elementary school community is extremely proud of her accomplishments,” Talbot said.
Diocesan Superintendent of Schools Marian Fertitta said an inspirational teacher in a Catholic school is defined as one who “witnesses to the life of Christ, has the ability to see Christ in students, incorporates Gospel values, teaches life skills, values and respects students, impacts students’ achievements, is compassionate and understanding, goes above and beyond what is required and never gives up on a student.”
Mary Alice Fuhrer, a parent who nominated Landry, said in nominating Landry, “She ignites an interest in God within the children she works with. With her, it’s not about being ‘good or bad’ or ‘behaving or misbehaving.’ She teaches her young students to live the Golden Rule.
“Some may not think that a Pre-K teacher’s role is as important as an upper grade educator, but for us it certainly is,” Fuhrer continued.
“For many families, Pre-K is their child’s first experience with school. In Pre-K, there is such an important foundation to be developed, not only in the children’s minds, but in their hearts. This teacher exemplifies a perfect balance between instruction and nurturing of her students,” Fuhrer said.