Knightly News

Attracting, retaining and supporting our high-performing faculty is a key component of student success and wellbeing and a priority in the school’s Strategic Plan. Each year, with the support of Patty and Carl Newton, Episcopal recognizes faculty excellence with the Newton Distinguished Faculty Award. The Newtons established the award because they believe that excellent teachers make a difference in students’ lives, and they are grateful for the positive impact that Episcopal teachers had on their children. Three Newton Distinguished Faculty recipients are recognized annually and awarded a stipend to support their continued professional development.

Please join us in congratulating this year’s award recipients!

Amy Arceneaux ’87
Lower School 3rd Grade Teacher

“With 35 years of devoted service to teaching, 32 of these years at Episcopal and always as a 3rd grade teacher, Amy is certainly worthy of this special recognition,” writes Lower School Division Head Beth Gardner. “Her dedication to students, the School, and to best practices in teaching and learning is remarkable.” Gardner points out that Amy’s connection to Episcopal is deeply rooted. Amy and her sister both graduated from Episcopal, her mother is a former teacher, her father served as a tutor and her daughter graduated in 2021.

In addition to a long history with the school, Amy is dedicated to Episcopal’s future. She is a National Board Certified Educator and consistently pursues professional development opportunities. She has served as a grade level lead and on the Heads Advisory Committee, and she is also a Eucharistic minister. “Visit a service, and you’ll see Amy greet each child approaching the chalice with love,” says Gardner. “Always, she quickly ‘reads’ the child’s comfort level, and in the moment, she gently teaches. She may lower or raise the chalice. She may gently guide their hand. This small but impactful act of love represents who Amy is – warm, kind, loving, and always teaching.”

Gardner describes Amy as a “beautiful representation of the Episcopal identity and the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge.”

Becky Milligan
Middle School 8th Grade English Teacher

“Students and colleagues respect Becky because of her unwavering devotion to young people,” writes Middle School Division Head Anne Dalton. “She shows up for the whole child. She is present beyond the classroom, cheering on students in their extracurricular pursuits and taking genuine interest in who they are becoming.”

Dalton describes Becky as curious, open and a lifelong learner. She points out that Becky teaches with skill, intention and creativity and selects texts that challenge students and broaden perspectives. “She leads with patience and calm,” says Dalton. “She holds high standards. She does not drift from them. Students respect her for it, and they rise to meet it.”

Dalton says Becky embodies everything the Newton Awards were established to recognize.

Veronica Hallock
Upper School Studio and Visual Art Teacher

“Since joining our faculty, Veronica has been an all-star in every sense of the word,” writes Upper School Division Head Dan Binder. “As a master of her discipline, she demonstrates a skillful and creative application of instructional techniques, transforming the art studio into a space where individual students are inspired to realize their full potential as both artists and human beings.”

Veronica teaches visual art courses in Middle and Upper School and is a lifelong learner. Binder points out that her positive influence extends well beyond the classroom walls. “As the driving force behind our yearbook, she undertakes the monumental task of capturing the very soul of the school year, documenting the spirit of Episcopal for generations to come.”

Binder says Veronica embodies the school’s mission to develop the whole child, body, mind and spirit, and is a model of excellence for her peers and a gift to her students.

Please join us in congratulating this year’s Newton Distinguished Faculty Award winners. Share a message with them in the comments section below.

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