Leadership
Laurent R. Thomas, Principal
Before becoming the Principal at Lakeside in 2013, I was an assistant principal at Duplessiss Primary for 5 years. I started working in Ascension in August 1999. I worked at Lake Elementary, Galvez Primary, and Gonzales Primary. I did my administrative internship at Lowery Primary. I also worked as a PK teacher in New Orleans in 2002-2003.
I was lucky to be able to travel the world in my capacity of teacher for French as a foreign language and English teacher. I lived and worked in France, England, India, and Hungary.
I did most of my studying in France. Once in Louisiana, I went back to studies and I received a M. Ed. in Education Leadership and an Educational Specialist in Reading/Literacy from LSU. I am also an ABD student in Educational Leadership PhD program (All But Dissertation) as I decided to put my PhD studies on hold for the time being.
I was the Ascension Parish Teacher of the Year in 2006 and Principal of the Year in 2020.
Fun fact: People have been calling me Mr. T. since I started in the parish!
Education has been my passion and I believe I have a duty to make a difference in the world.
A positive attitude is key!
Stephanie Hazelwood, an experienced educator with a diverse background, has been named assistant principal of Lakeside Primary.
Hazelwood began her career in Georgia and South Carolina before moving to Louisiana. In 2009, she joined Ascension Parish, where she has dedicated the past 15 years to the district.
She started her district teaching career at St. Amant Primary and later moved to Duplessis Primary. In 2019, Hazelwood transferred to Lakeside Primary, where she has served as a mentor and master teacher for the last five years.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Berry College and a master’s degree from Southeastern Louisiana University.
Hazelwood is married to Zachary, and they have two children, Anna and Nolan.
“I am incredibly thankful and grateful for this opportunity. I deeply appreciate the board's confidence in me and the support from those who encouraged me to pursue this leadership role. Lakeside Primary holds a special place in my heart, and I am thrilled to continue my journey as a Buck. I am excited about all the great things we can accomplish together at Lakeside,” said Hazelwood.
Stephanie Hazelwood,
Assistant Principal
Post
LAURENT THOMAS
We are so excited to welcome our students on our campus every single day. Our faculty and staff are always ready to welcome your child in a safe environment and to provide them with rigorous and high-quality education.