Brittany M. Shackelford-Lopez is a dedicated social studies teacher at Alexandria Senior High School. She wears many hats, including being an instructional coach, mentor teacher, student council advisor, community engagement coordinator, and newly appointed Title I chairperson. She is currently pursuing a master’s in educational leadership at LSU Shreveport to further her impact as a leader.

Brittany is passionate about equity in education, supporting teachers’ professional growth, and fostering strong school-family-community partnerships. Her leadership focuses on collaboration and empowerment, ensuring every voice is heard and every student can thrive.

Beyond her school role, she also serves as the tribal secretary for the Clifton Choctaw Tribe of Louisiana. At home, she’s a devoted wife to her husband Christian and a loving mom to their daughter, Olivia Claire.

Chief Dylan Derbonne has served as the Chief of Fire Communications for the Alexandria Fire Department and has made transformative improvements over the past year. Under his leadership, the department’s communication division has seen significant upgrades, particularly in 911 call processing times. Thanks to his innovative approach, the efficiency of call dispatching improved from 75% to 93%, with an average dispatch time of just 64 seconds. These enhancements have led to faster firefighter response times and better emergency outcomes.

Chief Derbonne also introduced advanced communication technology that allows precise location tracking of 911 callers, further enhancing the department’s ability to handle emergencies in real-time. His commitment to public safety and forward-thinking initiatives make him a strong candidate for the Kiwanis Club Firefighter of the Year Award.

Kiwanians of the Year 2024-2025, Judge Greg Beard and Richard Broadwell, were honored for their dedication and service.

Recent Kiwanians of the Year are:

2024-2025 Richard Broadwell and Greg Beard
2023-2024 Bill Halliburton
2022-2023 Darren Green
2021-2022 Richard Broadwell
2020-2021 Suzy Halliburton
2019-2020 Keith Hillman
2018-2019 Bill Halliburton and Darren Green
2017-2018 Dave Curry
2016-2017 Darren Green
2015-2016 David Lind
2014-2015 Kerry LaBauve
2013-2014 Bill Halliburton

Story by Jim Leggett

Bill Foley, a seventh grade teacher at Brame Middle School, was recognized as Teacher of the Year Tuesday, 6/18, by the Kiwanis Club of Alexandria. 

Foley, a first-year teacher, is a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was accompanied to the club’s meeting by his mother, Dorothy Cogburn, whom he said provided his love for education. 

He will teach seventh and eighth grades next year at Carter C. Raymond Middle School in Lecompte. 

His education includes bachelor’s degrees from LSU and Northwestern State University and a Master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. 

He is part of a unique program which pairs a new teacher with no experience with a veteran teacher to impart life experience and knowledge to young students. 

He said that education has always been a first love in his life even as he spent most of it in nuclear propulsion and nursing, the latter of which is one of his college degrees. 

Foley was introduced by Mollie Fontenot, acting director of Middle, Middle Magnet and Montessori Schools, Rapides Parish School Board. 

Kiwanis International recognized the four generations of the Wellan family in our club with a nice post on their website. Here’s a photo collage showing all four Wellans. Hunter’s great grandfather, Louis, was a charter member of the club from 1937 until his death in 1956.

(Select image to view Kiwanis International post)