Moving Forward

Talented students are part of what makes the Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts in Opelousas one of the best performing schools in the state, but it also requires strong leadership from the faculty and school administration, and plenty of hard work by the students.

So says Karen Olivier, who was honored as the St. Landry Parish High School Principal of the Year during ceremonies at the school board’s April meeting. Olivier has been MACA principal since 2012.

Other St. Landry Parish principals recognized were Kellie Rabalais, Elementary School Principal of the Year, Palmetto Elementary; and Ramica Robinson, Middle School Principal of the Year, Krotz Springs Elementary. The board also recognized Breanna Prudhomme, Elementary Teacher of the Year, Park Vista Elementary; Shonia Pipes Bates, Middle School Teacher of the Year, Park Vista Elementary; and Kayla Bernard-Powell, High School Teacher of the Year, Opelousas High School.

Olivier, who was surrounded by seniors from the school when she spoke to the board, said she wanted to clarify a misconception about the magnet academy.

“So many people think that because we have talented students that our students don’t have to try to make the grade, that they are automatically smart. Our students can perform; they are great. But they have to apply themselves to get the grades. It doesn’t come easy for them.”

For the past two years MACA has earned an A in the state’s accountability program and posted growth in both years. The school was opened in 2005 to educate talented St. Landry Parish students in grades 7 through 12. It offers a complete curriculum of core subjects such as math, English, social studies and science, but also provides instruction in six talent areas: drama, dance, creative writing, visual art, chorus and band.

In the principal’s message posted on the school’s website, Olivier says she believes there are two reasons that MACA students tend to excel academically.

“First, they are able to participate in something that they are really good at each and every day, their talent area” she said.  “Second, MACA offers a team of teachers and staff members that are second to none.”

In accepting the Principal of the Year honor, the Eunice native recognized her father, J.W. McManus, who was in attendance.

“I want to share the fact that there is my inspiration. He is the greatest leader I have known and I have looked up to him all of my life and he is the reason why I am the way I am,” she said. McManus is retired Louisiana State Police captain.

Olivier taught math at Eunice High School for 13 years and in several Opelousas schools, before moving to MACA, first as its assistant principal.