On May 29, 2026 during the VCHS President's Banquet, Ms. Gayle Moore Westly '69 was honored as our 2026 Alumnus of the Year.
A proud graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School, Class of 1969, this year’s Alumna of the Year, Ms. Gayle Moore Westley, has dedicated her life to faith, education, service, and the advancement of students throughout Terrebonne Parish. Her lifelong commitment to Catholic values, academic excellence, and community outreach has impacted generations of students, families, and educators across South Louisiana, making her a truly deserving recipient of this honor.
Raised in the faith community of St. Lucy Catholic Church and educated at St. Lucy Catholic School, Gayle developed a deep commitment to service at an early age. Over the years, she faithfully served her parish as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, church bulletin coordinator, and church cleaner. She also served seven years as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of Peter Claver, exemplifying a life grounded in faith and ministry.
Following her graduation from Vandebilt Catholic, Gayle attended a summer program at University of Oxford, in Oxford, England in 1969. She then returned to the states, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education and Social Studies from Xavier University of Louisiana in 1973. She later pursued graduate studies at Nicholls State University, continuing her lifelong dedication to education and professional growth.
Gayle’s teaching career began with service to the Dulac community through a preschool developmental program from 1973 to 1974. She later coordinated foster care awareness activities. Gayle began her career in classroom education as an American History teacher in 1986, teaching at Terrebonne High School, South Terrebonne High School, and H. L. Bourgeois High School. She went on to continue her career as an influential educator at Montegut Middle School, where she just completed her fifty-first year in education. Her passion for American history and social studies inspired countless students throughout her career.
A recognized leader in education, Gayle served in multiple leadership roles with the Terrebonne Council of Social Studies, including Vice-President, Secretary, and Board Member. In 1980, she was named a Top Five Finalist for Louisiana State Teacher of the Year, an early recognition of the extraordinary impact she would continue to make in the classroom. Throughout the years, she earned numerous honors, including the Young Woman in America Award, Inspirational Teacher of the Year honors in 2005, 2007, and 2026, the Regional Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award, the Outstanding Social Studies Teacher Award from the Louisiana Council for Social Studies, and the Outstanding Teacher Award from South Louisiana Bank in 2025.
Her contributions to education extended far beyond the classroom. Gayle served as Director of the Terrebonne Parish School District Summer School Tutorial Program, coordinated career education studies through a five-year state grant, and worked as a consultant for the textbook Louisiana Adventures in Time and Place published by McGraw Hill and National Geographic Society. In 2000, she served as a Teacher Intern in the office of U.S. Senator John Breaux in Washington, D.C.
A passionate advocate for preserving local history and culture, Gayle volunteered as a writer for the Houma Courier, highlighting the accomplishments of African Americans in Terrebonne Parish. She also served on the advisory board for the “Finding Your Roots” Museum and was honored with a recognition display in 2017 as an Outstanding African-American Educator.
As Vandebilt Catholic High School’s Alumna of the Year, Gayle is recognized not only for her professional achievements, but also for her unwavering faith, servant leadership, and enduring commitment to education and community. Her remarkable legacy continues to inspire students, educators, and fellow alumni alike.
