We are excited to announce that the winner of our 2023 New Orleans Mom Teacher of the Year is ::
Lori Lumpkin – St Andrew’s Episcopal School; New Orleans
{Nominated by :: Erik Alexander, Cat Bishop + Hundreds of other parents} Mrs. Lumpkin is pure magic. She radiates love, patience and dedication to her Kinderbear students at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. She leaves a trail of sparkle wherever she goes. Each child she has taught bears the special mark of her teaching and example that they will carry with them throughout their lives. Every parent lucky enough to have their child taught by her adores her and mourns their child’s graduation from Kindergarten, while feeling so grateful to have had the Mrs. Lumpkin experience.
From the “Weekly Growl” newsletter filled with beautiful pictures and reports, to beloved Kinderbear traditions, such as Teddy the Guinea Pig, Friday’s Kinderbear Reader, St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans, the Kinderbears on Parade, cooking activities, Bear-made Easter hats, Bear Scavenger Hunts, Chief-Executive-Bear of the week (complete with crown and special privileges), the Nesting Loft, Huggles, Bearmania week, Ice Cream and Alliterations, and so on, the Kinderbear year is magical with Mrs. Lumpkin. Our children truly grow and flourish academically, spiritually and emotionally under her loving care. Mrs. Lumpkin cherishes each child and highlights their strengths, while gently encouraging growth in areas where needed. A hug from Mrs. Lumpkin is something special indeed, even though they are given in abundance.
As parents we are grateful for the wonderful encouragement and advice she gives us, and forever cherish the keepsakes brought home by our Kinderbears, especially the handmade bear necklaces.
Mrs. Lumpkin is so dedicated to her Kinderbears that she drives over an hour each way, each school day, to lead her Kinderbears. Unfortunately, on a recent Friday morning while making her long commute to school, Mrs. Lumpkin was involved in a serious car accident that has left her with a long recovery. The entire school community is devastated, and her absence and pain hurts us all. Mrs. Lumpkin is herself devastated to miss out on the rest of the school year with her beloved Kinderbears and St. Andrew’s community. We know Mrs. Lumpkin will bounce back and return to her flock with flourish and sparkle, but in the meantime, we hope to show our eternal love and devotion by nominating Mrs. Lumpkin for Teacher of the Year.
Not only is Mrs. Lumpkin the 2023 New Orleans Mom Teacher of the Year, but she is also the winner of the fabulous prize package giveaway valued over $4,500 including:
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- You Are Loved cuff – in bronze – from Mimosa Handcrafted {value of $69}
- Dysport Treatment – Up to 50 units at the Metairie location from Sanova Dermatology {value of ~$800}
- $200 gift certificate to Symmetry Jewelers
- Four tickets to see “Bored Teachers” at the Mahalia Jackson Theater {value of $180}
- Four tickets to see Monster Jam 2023 in New Orleans {value of $140}
- $200 Wardrobe Refresh shopping spree from The Purple Tiger Boutique {value of $200}
- $75 gift card from Bra Genie
- Free Beans from Blue Runner for a Year, plus some branded pencils and highlighters {value of $250}
- Gift basket from PJ’s Coffee {value of $150}
- a $500 gift card from VCB Photography which covers a family session fee and $300 worth of prints/digital image package {value of $800}
- 8 class package from Momleta {value of $109}
- One order of an edible classroom activity (a holiday sugar cookie kit for the entire classroom) from The School Bakery {value of $250}
- $100 gift card to Rowan
- $75 gift card to Hello Sitter
- 45 minute customized facial treatment and 60 minute customized makeup lesson for the Teacher of the Year from About Face. To be used by 12/2023. Not exchangeable for cash value and it is non transferable. {value of $165}
- “New Orleans Flavors” 3 Bags Gift Box from Parish Coffee {value of $30}
- A personalized bag of the winners choice from Rosie Jean Designs {value of ~$66}
- $75 gift card from Modern Vegan Mom
- One copy of Goodnight Pothole from Pelican Publishing {value of $20}
- $200 gift card from The Boulevard
- Gift basket with $50 gift card and swag from Faubourg Brewing {value of $120}
- Lanyard and a wristband keychain from Lanyard Lovebirds {value of $40}
- Gift from Kendra Scott {value TBD}
- Summer Ready Giveaway includes a Retreat Tote, Ivory Floppy Hat, and a Wine Tumbler from Monogram Express {value of $100}
- Complimentary Treatment and Blowout + $150 in Aveda Products from Paris Parker {value of $250}
From all of us at New Orleans Mom, a HUGE thank you goes out to all of the teachers who have done such an amazing job this past year under such a challenging set of circumstances. Congratulations to all of those who were nominated!
Congrats to Mrs. Lumpkin! Wishing you a speedy recovery.