Multiple LU alumni earn top teaching honors in Port Arthur ISD

Lamar University alumni have been recognized across Port Arthur Independent School District, with multiple graduates named 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year and Rookie Teachers of the Year at their respective campuses.

Five Lamar alumni earned Teacher of the Year honors. Lashea Antoine, a 2017 graduate with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences, was recognized as a first-grade teacher at Booker T. Washington Elementary School. Angela Dugay, who earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 1994, was honored for her work as a criminal justice teacher at the district's Career and Technical Education Center.

Angela Suitt, a 2011 graduate with a master's degree in elementary education, was named Teacher of the Year as a fourth-grade English Language Arts and Reading teacher at DeQueen Elementary School. Cindy Lopez, a 2021 graduate with a degree in interdisciplinary studies, was recognized as a third-grade math and science teacher at Tyrrell Elementary School.

Precious Boone, who earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in 2020 and a degree in family and consumer sciences in 2022, was honored for her work as a Head Start 3 teacher at Wheatley School of Early Childhood.

In addition, six Lamar alumni were named Rookie Teachers of the Year at their campuses.

Mahbubur Akash, a 2023 graduate with a master's degree in computer science, was recognized as a computer science teacher at the Career and Technical Education Center. Kedrick Rose, a 2025 graduate, was honored for his work as a fourth-grade math teacher at DeQueen Elementary School.

Maxine Beam, a 2021 graduate with a degree in human resources management, was named Rookie Teacher of the Year as a first-grade math and science teacher at Sam Houston Elementary School. Averie D. Mangioni, also a 2021 graduate in interdisciplinary studies, was recognized as a kindergarten teacher at Port Acres Elementary School.

Jaquor Pugh, who earned a bachelor's degree in university studies in 2023 and a Master of Business Administration in management in 2025, was honored as a fifth-grade math teacher at William B. Travis Elementary School. Sarah Runnels, a 2023 graduate, was recognized as a third-grade math and science teacher at Tyrrell Elementary School.

With alumni making a difference in classrooms across Southeast Texas, Lamar University's College of Education and Human Development continues to train future educators for meaningful careers in teaching. Learn more about available degree programs at http://www.lamar.edu/education.