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Regular Session, 2012 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 121
BY SENATOR JOHN SMITH
A RESOLUTION
To commend Gerald Wayne Laughlin, principal of DeRidder High School, upon being
selected as Beauregard Parish High School Principal of the Year and on thirty-eight
years of dedicated service.
WHEREAS, the Principal of the Year award emphasizes the vital contribution that
talented leaders make in motivating and supporting their schools to become effective centers
of student learning as winners are judged on specific criteria, including leadership skills and
commitment to academic excellence; community leadership; respect of students, parents,
and colleagues; affiliations with educational organizations and demonstration of a superior
ability to provide instructional leadership to teachers and students of all backgrounds and
abilities; and
WHEREAS, Gerald Wayne Laughlin, principal of DeRidder High School, earned a
bachelor's degree in 1973 and a master's degree +30 in 1990, all from McNeese State
University; and
WHEREAS, his professional experience includes service as teacher and coach at
Mamou High School from 1973 to 1982; Kaplan High School from 1982 to 1988; DeRidder
High School from 1988 to 1992; Abbeville High School from 1992 to 1996; and a second
term at DeRidder High School from 2003 to 2005; and
WHEREAS, his career in school administration includes being principal at Gueydan
High School from 1996 to 1997, Kaplan High School from 1977 to 2003, and DeRidder
High School since in 2005; and
WHEREAS, Gerald Wayne Laughlin is a member of the Beauregard Association of
Principals, the Louisiana Association of Principals, and the National Association of SR NO. 121 ENROLLED
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Secondary School Principals and has served on the Southern Association Review
Committee, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association's Sports Seasons Committee and
Sportsmanship Committee, and the Beauregard Parish Discipline Committee; and
WHEREAS, he is a member of the DeRidder Chamber of Commerce and Ludington
Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, he has been honored as Vermilion Parish Principal of the Year in 2001
and in 2011 was selected as Beauregard Parish High School Principal of the Year.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby commend Gerald Wayne Laughlin, principal of DeRidder High School, on
being selected as Beauregard Parish High School Principal of the Year and on thirty-eight
years of dedicated service.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Gerald Wayne Laughlin.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE