The Calcasieu Parish school system has honored three standout principals for the 2022-2023 school year. Kristi Russell, 47, has been honored as CPSB’s Elementary Principal of the Year and Jose Cobain, 39, was named Middle School Principal of the Year, both after only four years in their positions. Long-time administrator Eric Heinen, 48, was selected as the High School Principal of the Year.

Kristi Russell

Russell’s career path didn’t come as a surprise. Her inherent love for children made this clear. “I always knew I would do something in the field of education,” she explained. “I have always enjoyed being around children. I love interacting with them and enjoy their honesty.”

She was inspired to enter the education field at a young age by her third-grade teacher Kathy Phillips. “I was also blessed with amazing teachers growing up.”

After graduating from Sulphur High School, Russell went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in education, as well as a Master of Education in educational leadership.

She started her career at Our Lady’s Catholic School, where she taught for six years. She then moved into the Calcasieu Parish School System when she began teaching at Vinton Elementary School. After eight years there, she taught at E.K. Key Elementary for 3three years. Eventually, she moved up the ranks at E.K. and became their instructional coach and curriculum coordinator.

In 2017, she took on the role of assistant principal at Frasch Elementary. Two years later, she entered her current role as principal at Frasch.

During her time as an educator, and subsequent administrative leader, Russell has found joy in impacting students’ educational journey. “It’s beautiful to plant a seed in elementary school and then watch a child grow into a well-rounded productive adult,” she said. “It’s an honor to be a part of their journey.”

Her past students have been known to remember her while in public, proving the educational impact that she holds dear. “My favorite thing is when I run into former students and meet their families and hear of all the wonderful things they are doing,” she said.

Interacting with her students, past and present, is a highlight of her day. “They make the hard days easier,” she said. “When I see them achieving, laughing, smiling, and even when I see them overcome a struggle, it reminds me of my purpose.”

“It’s a great way to start the day!”

Russell has a deep appreciation for her peers. “I have learned so much from my colleagues over the last few years.”

For this reason, being named Elementary Principal of the Year is a meaningful moment for her.“It’s the best honor I have ever received because it came from my peers whom I respect so much,” she explained.“I am not going to say I am an exceptional principal because I know I have so many colleagues working as hard as I am.”

She attributes her success in the education field to her strong moral compass. “I have a strong sense of what is right and what is wrong. I always try to be fair and I’m OK with making tough decisions if I know it is in the best interest of all our students.”

At the root of her ideologies, she believes that ensuring students are taught a variety of skills is imperative. “My philosophy or core belief is that if we teach the whole child, all students can and will achieve at their highest personal level.”

Jose Cobain

Cobain has made it a mission to provide students with opportunities he did not have in his youth. “Growing up I was not a good student, and I feel that if I had had a mentor, I could have been more successful in school,” he explained. “I’m trying to find those students to help them grow.”

Unlike most, his desire to become an educator came later in his life. He joined the United States Army when he was young. After this period of his life, and one year of high school remediation, Cobain began to pursue his career in education. He is grateful for the path that his life took, but hopes to help students learn important lessons earlier than he did. “I loved my journey but would also like to help our young adults recognize the importance of an education earlier in life.”

He began his pursuit for a higher education by earning his Bachelor of Art in social studies education, followed by his Master’s in Education in administration. He began teaching in 2010 as a 7th grade social studies teacher at Maplewood Middle School. Six years later, he became assistant principal at Oak Park Middle School. In 2019, he was appointed principal of F.K. White Middle School.

He derives the most joy while witnessing his students engaged with their education.“I love seeing the students’ reaction when they are successful in any facet of their educational journey; from going to a chorus or band performance or having a Raising Cane’s English Class success party, I love being a part of these moments.”

Cobain ensures he remains engaged, as well. “I start every day by pulling reports from some of our programs to check on progress or goal attainment, and use these items to talk to students,” he explained. He makes these efforts to ensure every student feels seen. “I do this to show them that I want to celebrate their achievements, but also so that they know there is someone, aside from their teachers, that is checking on them.”

He stated that this attitude is the core of F.K.’s philosophy, which is “centered on improving students academically, socially and emotionally.”

Cobain attributes his success as a principal to the relationships that he maintains with his students, staff and community members. “It’s a team effort to try to teach and raise these young men and ladies. You cannot begin to teach and interact with students until you have built a relationship with them.”

His students enrich him. “They make me a better person and principal,” he said. “They remind me of how much support and help we all needed when we were younger and how important it is that we provide them the necessary support to be the great adults they will become.”

Cobain is deeply honored by this achievement, and is appreciative of the support that he has received from his fellow administrators. “The great part of this honor is that my peers and fellow principals voted for me to receive this honor.

“In no way am I an expert at what I do, and I learn so much from all the great administrators that I have had the pleasure of working with.”

Eric Heinen

High school was an exciting time for Heinen. He attributes this period as his primary motivation to be an educator to this time in his life. “The biggest influence was that I really enjoyed high school when I was younger.”

A pleasant high school experience wasn’t his only muse. “I have many influences that have inspired me to enter the education field,” he said. Much of his career inspiration stems from those who taught him. “I have had a deep admiration and respect for my past teacher that sparked my interest into becoming a teacher.”

He attended McNeese State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in health and human performance with his secondary teaching area in general science. He also furthered his education by earning his Master’s in education leadership from McNeese.

Prior to his run in education administration, Heinen taught physical education at Oak Park Middle School, and then physical science at DeQuincy High School and Vinton. He also spent time coaching football, basketball and track.

He entered administration 17 years ago when he became Vinton’s assistant principal. After 10 years in that position, he was promoted to principal.

Over the years, he has found that the best part of education is the people surrounding him. He has a deep respect for his fellow educators and administrators. “I truly believe that this profession has the best quality of people to be associated with than any other profession.”

The same principle applies to the students at his school. He believes that they are the foundation of Vinton’s success. “Vinton High School is the students that are in the building. The students are everything,” he said. For Heinen, the students are the greatest influence. “When they’re great, I feel great.”

For Heinen, the key to curating an efficient education is a “great environment with great people who will provide a culture that gives each student an opportunity to be successful.” He believes that his method is a success at Vinton. “I feel that both my staff and my students feel that I have their best interests in mind and that I do my best to look after them.”

Heinen is accepting this honor with the utmost humility. “I’m humbled to be named Principal of the Year and am actually a little embarrassed,” he said. “I kept it a secret.”

He is grateful for the opportunity to bring recognition to the entire town of Vinton. “The joy that I get is that the community of Vinton is proud and excited that their hometown principal has this honor.

“It’s an honor that is shared with the whole community of Vinton, not just me.”