Red River Junior High School announced Dakayla Thomas as its 2025 New Teacher of the Year. Though this is her first year in the classroom, Thomas has already made a lasting impact on her students and school community through her compassion, dedication, and enthusiasm for education.

A graduate of Mansfield High School, Thomas went on to attend Prairie View A&M University and Northwestern State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Science. She credits her decision to pursue teaching to the educators who inspired her along the way. “My past teachers showed me so much love and encouragement throughout my years of schooling,” she shared. “They are the reason I chose this path — to give back that same care to my own students.”

Thomas says she is deeply thankful to Red River Parish for giving her the opportunity to begin her career at Red River Junior High. “This has allowed me to provide the same motherly compassion to my students that my teachers once gave to me,” she said.

She believes that teaching is one of the most meaningful professions in the world. “Education is the catalyst for human progress,” she explained. “It shapes individual lives and the future of the world.”

When reflecting on her first year in the classroom, Thomas said the most rewarding part has been seeing her students grow in confidence and resilience. “Witnessing students overcome obstacles, develop self-esteem, and gain confidence in their abilities has been incredibly gratifying,” she said.

With her passion for teaching and her heart for students, she represents the very best of what Red River Junior High strives to celebrate — excellence, empathy, and a commitment to helping every student succeed.