Catherine Puerta DeLee, a DeQuincy native now living in Alexandria, has established the Dr. James and Catherine Puerta DeLee Scholarship through the McNeese State University Foundation.
The scholarship is designated for DeQuincy High School graduates majoring in elementary education, and the first student award will be made during McNeese’s fall 2026 semester.
Catherine graduated from DeQuincy in 1951 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from McNeese, a Master of Education in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University along with a Master’s Plus 30 Graduate Hours. She taught in elementary schools in Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge and Rapides Parishes. She also taught college classes at McNeese, LSU, Louisiana Christian University and Northwestern State University.
Her late husband, James, shared her passion for education. He graduated from LSU with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education in Elementary Education and earned Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Southern Mississippi.
James taught elementary grades in Plaquemines, East Baton Rouge and Calcasieu Parishes while his collegiate teaching career included Louisiana College, McNeese, LSU and Northwestern State University. He also served in the Louisiana State Department of Education as supervisor of elementary education and as the director of teacher education and certification. James retired as Professor Emeritus from LSU of Alexandria.
