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NOLA Public Schools recognizes staff service, highlights car-giveaway partnership and honors deputy general counsel
Summary
The board recognized years of service, awarded an Excellence in Action honor to Deputy General Counsel Candace Richards Forest, and noted a student winner of a Toyota Corolla as part of a long‑standing partnership with Premier Auto Group.
The district used its May board meeting to recognize staff service and community partnerships. Superintendent Dr. Fatima Fulmore named Virgil Tiller as a five-year honoree (assistant principal at the Leah Chase School) and invited the board and attendees to join in the recognition of employees.
Fulmore and staff also highlighted a "stay in school" car giveaway event: 17-year-old Benjamin Vu, a Willow School senior, won a 2026 Toyota Corolla after being randomly selected from 49 eligible finalists for maintaining perfect attendance during his senior year. Fulmore said Vu plans to study electrical engineering at Louisiana State University and that the car will provide reliable transportation.
Fulmore thanked Premier Auto Group Toyota of New Orleans and Troy Duhan, noting this marks the 20th consecutive year of the district's partnership with the dealer. She also acknowledged personal contributions from board members who help reduce the financial burden on recipient families.
The meeting closed a recognition segment by presenting the Excellence in Action award to Deputy General Counsel Candace Richards Forest; Fulmore praised Forest's legal leadership, community honors (including a Dillard University 40 Under 40 award and a city business leadership recognition), and role across district legal services. Forest was invited forward to accept with family members present.
These items were presented as recognitions and celebrations; no policy votes or budget approvals were recorded during these segments.
