In early September, after multiple rounds of teacher voting, Madame Le Thanh was named “Teacher of the Year” in front of all Loretto Academy’s high school students in the school’s chapel. 

Two weeks after landing in El Paso from France, Madame Le Thanh worked at Loretto Academy for the French Alliance then became a full time French teacher just two years later. 

Madame said, “When Mrs. Tovar, Loretto Academy’s principal, announced that they were going to award a special teacher, I thought I was going to win something for my field day costume. 

I thought I’m gonna win, I’m gonna win, because that’s just my playful mind! 

And when she said teacher of the year I was like, oh, it’s gotta be Mrs. Lockhart, and when they said my name I just thought, why not Mrs. Lockhart?” 

She put her hands on her lap and said, “Mrs. Lockhart is like a role model and I look up to her. 

I believe she represents the best teacher, but I was also happy for myself because after fifteen years I was acknowledged as being a really good teacher.

My next thought was how I had needed the flowers I was handed by Mrs. Tovar for my house.” 

With a smile on her face Madame said, “I even told my mom and she was super proud of me.” 

She walked towards and pointed to the cross in her room and said, “That cross was my grandmas and I feel that she watches over me here and I know she would be proud of me too.” 

Madame sat back down and said, “I have stayed here at Loretto so long for my students; I love the kids and the environment. 

It’s a great place to teach. 

I could go to public schools, but I don’t think I would be happy; I’d rather make less money and be happy when I go to work. 

I just hope I can make my school proud of what I do.” 

Madame Le Thanh has dedicated herself to Loretto for over fifteen years and she continues to be a light for many students. 

With every lesson plan and school event, Madame is ready to put her 100% effort into everything she does; her passion for her culture and teaching shows Loretto Academy everyday how she was the right fit for “Teacher of the Year.”