Michelle Richard Chiasson will serve as the new principal of E. D. White Catholic High School, effective July 1, 2011. Her appointment was approved by the E. D. White Advisory Council and officials of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. She will become the second woman to serve as principal of the school since its opening, replacing Myra Luft who will retire at the end of the school year.
Chiasson, a 1986 graduate of E. D. White, earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Social Studies Education from Louisiana State University in 1989 and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Nicholls State University in 2007. She joined the faculty at E. D. White in 1991 and has served as teacher of social studies and English, club moderator, Student Activities Director, Admissions Director, and Academic Assistant Principal.
Active in the faith community, she serves as a lector, Eucharistic minister, stewardship committee member, and pastoral council member at St. Genevieve Catholic Church. She is a participant in the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Coindre Leadership Program, an intense program of spiritual formation, under the direction of Br. Francis David, S.C. She facilitates faculty formation seminars at St. Joseph Seminary in Covington, Louisiana, for new faculty members, and she attends the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Tri-Province Conferences, which are held for school leaders of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart schools.
"My love for E. D. White runs deep," stated Chiasson. "I am more proud than ever to be a graduate of E. D. White because it continues to provide faith formation and a strong academic foundation for its students. As a parent of E. D. White students, I am grateful for the experiences that my children have had in their spiritual journey. As a faculty member, I am in awe at the tremendous support given to our school by the parents and community. Throughout the last 20 years, I have had so many students enter my life and my heart and leave an everlasting impression."
Lester Bimah, vice-chairman of the Advisory Council, stated, "Because of David Boudreaux's vision to take part in the Coindre Leadership Program, Michelle Chiasson is well-trained and qualified to handle her new responsibilities. We are very blessed to have someone with her capabilities heading E. D. White." The chairman of the Advisory Council, Dr. Maria Cruse, added, "With Michelle Chiasson's enthusiasm, energy, and dedication, E. D. White Catholic High School can look forward to a very bright and exciting future!"
Chiasson, daughter of Judge and Mrs. David Richard, is married to Judge Mark Chiasson, and the couple has three children.
