Hynes Charter Schools CEO Awarded Prestigious Palmes Académiques by the Consul General of France in Louisiana

Hynes Charter Schools CEO Michelle Douglas Awarded Prestigious Palmes Académiques by the Consul General of France in Louisiana

Douglas given award for contribution to French education, language and culture in Louisiana as one of the first French immersion programs in state

Hynes Charter Schools CEO Hynes Charter Schools CEO Dr. Michelle Douglas was recently awarded the prestigious Palmes Académiques by the Consul General of France in Louisiana, Nathalie Beras. The ceremony took place at the French Residence, Résidence de France on Prytania St.

“It is a great honor to receive the Palmes Académiques Award,” said Dr. Douglas. “Hynes was a pioneer of French immersion programs in the state and we are proud to partner with the Consulate General of France in the instruction of our students.”

Hynes is a Louisiana Department of Education World Language Certified School that offers a French Immersion program at its Lakeview and UNO Campuses for grades K-5th. Hynes was also recently recognized as a Label FrancEducation school, an official international accreditation granted to schools offering a French bilingual program and awarded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its Agency for French Education Abroad. 

The Palmes Académiques annually recognizes those who have rendered eminent service to French education and have contributed actively to the prestige of French culture.

“We are very proud to present Michelle Douglas with the prestigious Ordre des Palmes Académiques that will recognize Dr. Douglas’ accomplishments in French education and bilingualism,” said Jacques BARAN, Cultural Attaché, Consulate General of France in New Orleans. “Dr. Douglas was awarded this distinction, alongside two other incredible women who are dedicated to civil society and their educative communities, and who are working to maintain a healthy environment for future generations.”

Napoleon first created the Palmes Académiques as an honorary title to recognize members of the University in 1808.  The academic palms became a decoration in 1866, under Napoléon III, at which time the honor was also extended to non-teaching persons who had rendered illustrious service to French education. Thus, the academic palms is the oldest non-military French decoration.

Dr. Douglas was given the award with two other recipients: Latoye Brown and Michelle Haj-Broussard.

Pictured left to right: Recipients of the Palmes Académiques, presented by the Consul General of Francein Louisiana: Michelle Haj-Broussard, Hynes Charter Schools CEO Michelle Douglas, Consul General of France in Louisiana, Nathalie Beras and Latoye Brown.

Pictured front row (l-r): Hynes Charter Schools Janine Murry, Mary Batson, Hynes-UNO Principal Brittany Smith, Hynes Charter Schools CEO Dr. Michelle Douglas, Consul General of France in Louisiana Nathalie Beras, Hynes Charter Schools CAO Anne Kramer, Hynes-Lakeview Principal Dawn Lobell, Hynes Charter Schools HR Generalist Celine Godfrin.  Back row: Chuck Douglas, J B Gervreau, Hynes French teacher Gerard Coulon, Hynes CFO Leon Mathes, Dr Cassandra Youmans, Board Member, Jacques Baran, Cultural Attache’ Consul General of France in Louisiana.