I started teaching and coaching in St. Tammany Parish 24 years ago. I moved into administration in 2011 which allowed me to serve in some incredible Northshore communities and schools. As an Administrator I served as the Assistant Principal at Salmen High, Principal at Boyet Junior High, Principal at Lakeshore High, and Supervisor of Administration in Central Office. I was named Principal at Mandeville High two years ago this Spring. My wife Leslie and I moved from Lakeview in New Orleans to Mandeville 12 years ago and built and flipped houses on the side throughout that time. I was born in Houma, LA and my family moved to Metairie in 1980 where we lived for the remainder of my life. I’m a 1995 graduate of East Jefferson High School and attended McNeese State University on a full football scholarship. In 2005, I earned my master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Leslie Monson and I have been married for 15 years and have two children, Ford 13, and Darby 11. We’ve lived in Mandeville for the past 13 years and attend Church of the King. Leslie is the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications for Tulane’s Freeman School of Business.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am the Principal at Mandeville High School. I love interacting with the students and continuing to build on the incredible school Mandeville High is for our community.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
527 for a great steak, La Carettas because who doesn’t love Mexican Food, Abita Brew Pub – “Best Spinach & Artichoke Dip around”, and Dave and Jerry’s Sandwich Shop
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
23 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Jack Saux who was my Oncologist when I was diagnosed with cancer. My children were small when I was diagnosed and always got a kick out of seeing a real “pirate” on some of my checkups.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie of all time is the timeless classic, “Roadhouse” staring the late, great Patrick Swayze. I can always get lost in reruns of The Office too!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
At Mandeville High, we say “Seas the Day.” Every day, you do two things: You get better or you get worse. You never stay the same. Fight every day to get better. At the end of the day, if you did everything in your ability to get better, you will “Seas the Day!”
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I love to shop at Saia’s in Mandeville. It just feels old school when you walk in and they have a wonderful selection of steaks.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters. He’s an absolute rockstar and seems down to earth. I love music, even though I cannot play it! We would pick up a sandwich at Dave and Jerry’s and head over to the Dew Drop or Ruby’s to watch some live music.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I’m blessed that I have had the opportunity to meet so many incredible families and be a part of the many communities served across St. Tammany. Being an integral part of both the East and West sides of our parish is pretty special. That’s my favorite things about St. Tammany – the feeling of family and connection is an incredibly unique quality.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I plan to still be the Principal at Mandeville High where I look forward to handing a diploma to both of my children.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m an incredible DJ. Give me a few minutes to put together a mix and good times will follow, guaranteed.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The quality of life we have in Mandeville. I try not to brag too much so people will stop moving here!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My two kids. They are both extremely hard workers who are passionate at what they put their minds to. I strive to be a source of inspiration for them through the way I conduct myself.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Laughs, Relaxation, and Blessings
