A Tragic Loss for the Iberia Community
The Iberia community is mourning the loss of a beloved educator and leader after Dina Bourque, the popular principal at Iberia Middle School, died in a car accident early Thursday morning. Ms. Bourque, 56, died when the vehicle she was driving collided with a tractor-trailer at the intersection of US Highway 90 West Frontage Road and North Grand Prairie Road, according to the Iberia Parish Coroner's Office.
Bourque Was Known For Her Boundless Energy
Just hours earlier, Ms. Bourque had delivered a high-energy pep rally called "Out of This World" for Iberia Middle School students and teachers, who had dressed up in space-themed costumes. Donning a NASA astronaut costume herself, Ms. Bourque brought the bleachers "to their feet" with her infectious enthusiasm, a pep rally attendee recalled. Her boundless energy and ability to energize those around her had long been a signature of her leadership style.
"Dina had the students in a frenzy at the pep rally on Wednesday," said seventh-grade teacher Amy LeBlanc. "The kids were jumping up and down, cheering at the top of their lungs. Her pep rallies always brought such excitement and school spirit."
Tragically, Ms. Bourque's vibrancy and talent for inspiring others were cut short just hours later in the fatal collision.
Principal Bourque Was Passionate About Connecting With Students
Beyond her lively presence, Ms. Bourque was also known for her strong rapport with students and commitment to supporting them. Whether greeting students by name in the hallways, attending extracurricular activities, or dressing in crazy costumes for spirit events, she consistently made efforts to engage with pupils. This contributed to her reputation as a caring, involved principal who put students first.
"Dina always had a huge smile for every student she passed," said school counselor Ryan Dupre. "She really listened when speaking to them one-on-one. The kids felt comfortable opening up to her."
For faculty and staff, Ms. Bourque's door was always open. She provided mentorship for new teachers, led collaborative planning sessions, and empowered educators to bring forth fresh ideas.
Many credit her for fostering the sense of community and culture of excellence found at Iberia Middle School. Her tragic death leaves a void for the many lives she touched.
An “Outstanding Principal” Recently Honored
In recognition of her talents and achievements, Ms. Bourque was recently named Principal of the Year by the local school district. The honor acknowledged her skill at personalizing the learning experience for students and successfully leading complex school improvement initiatives.
Superintendent Dr. Lionel Hayes said this of Principal Bourque: “Dina defines what every principal should strive to be: present, compassionate, supporting, and solution-focused. She has a gift for bringing out excellence in students as well as faculty members. We were so thrilled to celebrate her outstanding accomplishments this year.”
While she has left a profound legacy in her local school system, Ms. Bourque's loss is still hard to bear. The district has brought in counselors to provide grief support for students and teachers impacted by the tragedy.
Crash Investigation Ongoing
According to an initial statement from local law enforcement, Ms. Bourque's vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer at a stop sign-controlled intersection early Thursday morning. The driver of the tractor, which was hauling sugarcane, apparently failed to yield.
While first responders pronounced Ms. Bourque deceased on site, the tractor driver survived and was transported to an area hospital in unknown condition. Additional investigation into the collision is underway, including toxicology testing of both drivers.
Conclusion: A Void For Staff and Students
The unexpected death of Principal Dina Bourque has shaken the Iberia Middle School community. Students have lost a fun-loving mentor who personalized their educational journeys. Teachers have lost an empowering leader and supportive coach pushing for excellence. Parents have lost a trusted partner in supporting their children's learning.
In the wake of Bourque's tragic passing, the school community will remember her lively spirit, rapport with students, and dedication to education. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she impacted over the years. Though the void feels immense right now, Ms. Bourque's inspiration will continue guiding students and faculty members at Iberia Middle School for years to come.
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