Gena Morgan Asevado and Monica Jill Manale were honored by Chevron and the Saints for their commitment to the development and education of the youth in the New Orleans.
Asevado, a native of S. Bernard, is the science teacher for all sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students at N.P. Trist Middle School in Meraux, La. Having earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of New Orleans, Asevado is currently working towards her Ph.D. in education from UNO, as well. As the national academic games coach for middle schools in St. Bernard Parish, she is a three-time middle school Teacher of the Year in her district.
"It's a great honor and we really appreciate the Saints and Chevron recognizing us today," said the 23-year teacher. "It means a lot for the Saints and Chevron to honor teachers like this because of how hard we work. "
Asevado credits her own teachers for her desire to become a teacher.
"I had wonderful teachers growing up," she said. "My senior level English teacher really inspired me to want to give back to my community and was a great role model to me. I just felt very inspired by the wonderful teachers that I had in the public schools in St. Bernard Parish."
Manale, who teaches English Two at Chalmette High School, also teaches in her home Parish of St. Bernard. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from UNO and was named the school's Teacher of the Year. In addition to the honor at Chalmette High School, Manale was also named St. Bernard Parish High School Teacher of the Year.
"Tonight is so special because it's our home team honoring us for the work that we do," she said. "We're both grateful to Chevron and the Saints for recognizing us, especially on this great night where Drew Brees made history."
Manale, who started her career in the healthy industry, made a career change 11 years ago to education.
"I was a nurse for 20 years and left the industry to become a teacher," she said. "I had great teachers and role models growing up and I also taught nursing for a while, and I just loved the teaching aspect."
