DeQuincy High School has named Tiffany Havard as its 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year. Miss Havard has taught English II at DeQuincy High for twelve years. In addition to her teaching duties, Miss Havard is the head softball coach, having served as such for the past three years. Prior to becoming head softball coach, Miss Havard was the assistant softball coach for eight years.
When asked about what makes her passionate about teaching English, Miss Havard states, “All students, regardless of ability, should have a confident voice, and I hope to foster this throughout the year. If students leave my room with more empathy, a stronger voice, and conviction in their beliefs, I consider this a win.” When asked about her role as a coach and leader, she goes on to say, “I think it is so important for our girls to have a female leader. I want them to dream big and take up space in every room they enter. I want them to confidently take on any task at hand, and I believe softball can instill that in them.”
In the course of her twelve-year career, Miss Havard has presented at multiple district inservices and has helped write curriculum materials for district-wide use. She has also coached her softball teams to two straight quarterfinal appearances and a District Co-Championship and was named the 2025-2026 District 4-2A Softball Coach of the Year.
Prior to working at DeQuincy High, Miss Havard taught half of a year at South Beauregard High as the sixth grade English-Language Arts teacher and served as the high school assistant softball coach.
Miss Havard is a graduate of South Beauregard High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Millsaps College. While at Millsaps, she played softball and was a member of the Southern Athletic Association-championship softball team. She also attended Louisiana State University Eunice, where she played softball and was on the National Junior College Athletic Association-championship team.
In addition to secondary English, Miss Havard is certified to teach kindergarten through sixth grade.
Miss Havard makes her home in Lake Charles.
DeQuincy High has named Jenny Thibodeaux as its Support Person of the Year. She has served as the librarian’s secretary for the past seven years and has worked with the students of the DeQuincy area in various capacities for 36 years. In addition to her role as librarian’s secretary, Mrs. Thibodeaux has sponsored the Beta Club for the past twelve years and sponsors the Student Council.
When asked what she enjoys most about working at DeQuincy High, Mrs. Thibodeaux responds, “I enjoy working at DHS because the staff is FANTABULOUS and fun to work with! As being one of the oldest, I don’t feel like I’m treated in a special way. I love doing anything and everything for everyone! I try my best at what I’m given. DHS is MY FAMILY away from family!”
Mrs. Thibodeaux approaches her work with a good humor, a kind heart, and a willing hand to help anyone who has a need.
Mrs. Thibodeaux and her husband Craig make their home in DeQuincy, where they have two children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. When not working, Mrs. Thibodeaux enjoys spending time with her family and watching the Astros.