Teacher Feature

By: Caroline Mathias

The JCCS Upper School gained four new staff members for the 2024-2025 school year. Just as a new student may feel starting at a new school, teachers who start a new job may feel excited but also a little intimidated adjusting to a new environment. Let's give a warm welcome to these new teachers as we add them into the John Curtis Family! Read below to get to know each of these teachers a little bit better.

Coach Rizonn Hendricks

How long have you been teaching?

This is my 3rd year as a teacher!

2.What did you do before coming to Curtis?

Before coming to JC I was a teacher and coach at East Jefferson High School.

3. Where did you go to college? What did you study?

I ran track at Wayland Baptist University then transferred to Sam Houston State where I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology. I am currently earning my Master’s of Arts in Sports Coaching from Ball State University. I plan to apply to a doctoral program afterwards.

4. What is one thing you are looking forward to this upcoming school year?

One thing I am looking forward to is competing against the best of the best...I can’t wait to continue the winning tradition and bring home a 21st State Track and Field Championship back to John Curtis.

5. What is one piece of advice you would give your students?

...trust the process. Life is full of ups and downs and it is important to embrace the bad times because they are the true test of character. God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers.

Mrs. Lauren Allen

How long have you been teaching?

6 years

What did you do before coming to Curtis?

I taught Spanish and French.

Where did you go to college? What did you study?

I went to the University of Southern Mississippi and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. SMTTT!

What is one thing you are looking forward to this upcoming school year?

I am looking forward to getting to know my fellow faculty members and students, having a productive year in the classroom, and getting to experience John Curtis traditions!

What is one piece of advice you would give your students?

Give 100% in all things and never give up. Hard work and consistency beat talent everyday. Isaiah 40:31

FUN FACT: She has two boys who joined her at JCCS this year in 3rd and 4th grade! They are excited to be a part of the John Curtis family!

mrs. Robin Bourgeois

1.How long have you been teaching?

I have been teaching for 8 years.

2. What did you do before coming to Curtis?

I taught in Jefferson Parish schools prior to working at John Curtis. I have taught all grades from 2 - 9th.

3. Where did you go to college? What did you study?

I graduated from the University of New Orleans with a degree in marketing and a minor in business administration. I obtained alternative teacher certification through the State of Louisiana Department of Education.

4. What is one thing you are looking forward to this upcoming school year?

I hope my students discover the joy and excitement in reading, and I can’t wait for the meaningful conversations we’ll have about the stories we read together!

5. What is one piece of advice you would give your students?

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible” ~Audrey Hepburn

FUN FACT: She was born in the late 1900s.

Coach Andrew Nicola

1.How long have you been teaching?

This is my seventh year as a high school teacher.

2. What did you do before coming to Curtis?

I was a high school teacher in Indiana for two years. Prior to coming to Curtis, I was an American Sign Language and Health teacher at Brother Martin for five years. Before that I Coached collegiately for 10 years in...wrestling.

3. Where did you go to college? What did you study?

I attended Indiana University for my undergraduate degree. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I also have three Masters degrees a Master of Arts in Education from Cumberland University, a Master of Science in Athletic and Sports Business Administration from the University of Central Missouri, and a Master of Arts in High School and Collegiate Athletic Administration from Concordia University.

3. What is one thing you are looking forward to this upcoming school year?

...meeting all of the students and helping each of them in any capacity that I am able to help. The icing on the cake will be winning the first wrestling team state championship in school history!

4. What is one piece of advice you would give your students?

Treat others as you expect to be treated. You can't go wrong with an attitude of gratitude!

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