Elise H.P. Boutin is a senior English and publications teacher at Rayne High School in Acadia Parish, Louisiana. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a Master of Arts in teaching from McNeese State University and is working on a graduate certificate in professional writing at the University of Louisiana in Lafayette. After teaching 14 years, Boutin believes that connecting curriculum to experiences is the most important aspect of teaching students to become lifelong learners.

Boutin revived the Rayne, Alive! program — a student-produced YouTube channel. Students have worked with crews from the Lafayette news stations; they have even met celebrities and had them create intros for episodes. The program has built a culture on campus and within the community and helps students to recognize the opportunities that exist on campus and in the area.

Boutin started a Senior Project Fair for students to feature their capstone projects in the areas of academics, career and community service, and community members and business owners can walk through the fair and meet students. She also connects students to community activities through sponsoring the Interact club, which works directly with the Rotary Club of Rayne. Boutin also started a cross–country team. Runners participate in meets and 5k races and are welcomed by the local running community.

Students leave Boutin’s classroom prepared for their next step and are ready to, “Be a liver,” a lesson that reminds you to do what is right for yourself, even if no one else gets it.