El Dorado High School is proud to recognize our teacher of the month, student of the month, and classified employee of the month. All three of them lead the Wildcat Way and make EHS a better place. Thank you for all you do!
Teacher of the Month: LaPorsha Carter
Mrs. Carter is in her 17th year in education, her 7th at EHS. She is married and has three children; Taylor (a senior at EHS), Haylee (an 8th grader at Barton), and Devin (a 5th grader at Washington). Mrs. Carter says, she never wanted to be a Teacher. Growing up with her grandparents taught her to serve others, even when it isn’t convenient for you. Seeing the effect her grandparents' kindness and service had on her decision to be something bigger than herself. She says, that realization led me to education, where I get to be part of a system that supports, uplifts, and empowers others every day. I may not have set out to become a teacher, but I’m incredibly thankful to be on this journey.
Shawn Lamkin Beard, Special Education Director, shared that LaPorsha has a special way of connecting with her students—building trust, earning their respect, and showing them every day that they are seen, heard, and valued. To her students, she wears many “invisible hats”: sometimes she’s a therapist, sometimes a nurse, sometimes a mother, and always a safe haven. Her students no doubt realize she genuinely cares and wants them to succeed not only at school but in life. When a parent and student show up to my office specifically requesting LaPorsha to be the teacher, that speaks volumes to the positive impact she has made not only on the student, but the parent as well. I am not sure she even realizes the huge impact she has on the lives of these students daily.
She is a true bridge builder in education—always visible, always hands-on, and always going above and beyond not only for her students, but for her fellow teachers, too. She is truly an asset to students, their parents, El Dorado High School, and the special education department.
Mrs. Camacho said: LaPorcha goes above and beyond for both students and staff. She is very welcoming and is willing to lend a helping hand. Students rely on her guidance and support. She is outstanding.
Mr. Jameson said: It’s the things she does behind the scenes that make her amazing. She is one of the most beloved teachers at EHS. She doesn’t care who, what, when, or where she is needed; her heart is in helping people. The one thing that I hear most from students is that she is “real,” and coming from high school students, that is a compliment. I believe this is why she can connect with students that no one else can. EHS is a better place when she walks in every morning. To many of us at EHS, “Porcha” is so much more than a colleague, and she is so very deserving of this recognition.
Student of the Month: Samantha Huddleston
A senior at EHS, “Sam” is the student council vice president, a member of the National Honor Society, and will be honored before the football game Friday night for being in the top 5% of her class. She is also part of Horizons and volunteers in the nursery at her church. She is the daughter of Barton Junior High Librarian Sarah Huddleston and her husband, Bobby.
Mrs. Camacho stated that Samantha is an amazing student who is dedicated to being the best she can be. Sam always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She works hard and succeeds at pretty much anything she puts her mind to.
Mrs. Strickland says: Since she was little, Samantha has always gone above and beyond. She is not only a remarkable student but also an outstanding person. Samantha has the sweetest personality and the most caring heart. She truly embodies the Wildcat Way—resilient, responsible, and respectful. From the moment she walks through the doors of EHS, Samantha greets everyone with a smile and a willingness to help any Wildcat—student or staff. She is a shining example of what it means to be part of the Wildcat family, and we are so proud to recognize her as Student of the Month!
Mr. Jameson says: Sam is one of those students who makes everyone around her better. She is the epitome of the Wildcat Way. I remember Sam getting to Barton in the afternoons when she was in Kindergarten, and I’m proud of the young lady that she has grown up to be. She is one of my 7th-period office workers, and the workers often forget we can still hear their conversations, but Sam's true character, maturity, wisdom, and kindness continue to impress me.
Classified Employee of the Month: Valorie Jacobson
Mrs. Jacobson has been at EHS for 14 years. Serving in nearly every role, except Superintendent. She has been a long-term sub, floating sub, credit recovery, second chance, girls AC, and now she serves as a data processor (Eschool) and attendance officer for EHS. She has been married to her husband Jay for 37 years; they have 4 sons and a daughter, as well as 8 grandchildren. She loves spending time with her family and completing the many projects that she and Jay have going on.
Her colleagues say: If you need something done, ask Valorie. She doesn’t stop until she has a problem resolved, and we know she will find a way to make things happen.
Mrs. Jacobson is a workhorse and an Eschool wizard! She has helped me and kept me in line more times than I can count. I appreciate her more than I have probably told her.
Mr. Jameson says: Valorie makes my job so much easier; there isn’t a report or piece of data that I need that she can’t find. She is one of those people who is hard to find these days. She will be the first one in the building, ensuring everything is done before everyone else arrives, so she will be ready to help. Her willingness to do for EHS is one of the things I respect about her. There is nothing beneath her or “not her job.” She is willing to do anything, from cleaning floors to hall duty to lunch duty, and even answering the phones when needed.
