Louisiana A+ Schools at LSU Named Community Partner of the Year by Volunteers In Public Schools

BATON ROUGE, LA — Louisiana A+ Schools (LAA+), a statewide arts-integrated birth to 12th grade teachers housed at LSU, has been named Community Partner of the Year by Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) during the 2025 Apple Awards. The honor recognizes  
LAA+ for its outstanding commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through creativity, collaboration, and community engagement.

LAA+ was celebrated for its deep and sustained partnerships with Baton Rouge public schools, including its transformative work at Progress Elementary and The Dufrocq School, both located in Baton Rouge. The program’s innovative approach to whole-school arts integration and teacher training has helped create vibrant learning environments that inspire both students and educators. Mary Nunnery-Williams, Manager of School and Community Relations for LAA+, accepted the award. 

Adding to the celebration, Ariane St. Julien, principal of Progress Elementary, was surprised with the announcement of her selection as the VIPS Principal of the Year. Her dedication to student success and commitment to arts-integrated learning has made Progress Elementary a model of educational excellence in East Baton Rouge Parish. 

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized by VIPS for our work alongside dedicated educators like Ms. St. Julien,” said Bethany Hager, Director of Louisiana A+ Schools at LSU. “This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared belief that every child deserves a creative, engaging, and supportive learning environment.” 

The 2025 Apple Awards ceremony featured a jambalaya dinner and special remarks by East Baton Rouge Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. LaMont Cole and WAFB anchor Matt Williams. 

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About Louisiana A+ Schools
Louisiana A+ Schools (LAA+) is a network of schools dedicated to fostering a whole-school approach to teaching that weaves the arts into the fabric of school culture, curriculum, and community. The program emphasizes arts-integrated learning as a powerful tool to enhance academic performance and student engagement.

Visit Louisiana A+ Schools website.

 

About the College of Human Sciences & Education 
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, and the School of Social Work. CHSE has two model demonstration schools, the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool, enrolling birth to age four and the University Laboratory School enrolling Kindergarten through grade 12. The college also has four centers and institutes: the Early Childhood Education Institute, the Healthy Aging Research Center, the Leadership Development Institute, and Social Research & Evaluation Center. The college is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and aims to improve quality of life across the lifespan.

Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education website.