The Jefferson Business Council, an organization of 58 owners and chief executive officers of major businesses in Jefferson Parish, awarded the initial Lucien Gunter Excellence In Teaching Award to Melissa M. Sallinger at the Jefferson Parish Public School System Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony and Luncheon held on May 18th, 2017. The late Mr. Gunter was a long time executive director of the Jefferson Business Council and a strong proponent of establishing a quality system of public education in Jefferson Parish.
Ms. Sallinger is an 11th grade Algebra II and Leadership teacher at Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School. Her work in creating several new programs benefitting 11th and 12th grade students aimed at achievement of higher ACT scores and helping those who achieved low scores. She also was instrumental in a student recognition lapel pin program which honors student achievement in addition to her outstanding classroom instruction. Ms. Sallinger is a nominee for State Teacher of the Year. A plaque was presented to Ms. Sallinger along with a contribution of $1,000.00 on her behalf to Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School to be used for the benefit of students at the school.
Chairman of the Jefferson Business Council, Mickal Adler, presented the award to Ms. Sallinger and emphasized in his comments the extreme importance of the Jefferson Parish Public School System to the economic well-being and quality of life of Jefferson Parish. The JBC also presented plaques to Doha Mosrie, a teacher at Harold Keller Elementary School, and La Donna M. Smith, a teacher at Stella Worley Middle School, recognizing their nominations for State Teacher of the Year.
For more information contact Tony Ligi, Executive Director of the Jefferson Business Council at 504-289-3023 or t.ligi@ligilawfirm.com.