Surprising Sept. 2026 HCSD Teacher of the Month

(October 28, 2026) – Today, we had the honor of surprising an amazing educator with our September 2026 District Teacher of the Month Award. Mrs. Heather Cates received a certificate of recognition, a $50 gift card, teacher supplies, and balloons from Mrs. Marcy Duresseau of the Huntington Learning Center.

With 20 years of dedicated service in the Harrison County School District, Mrs. Cates has made a lasting impact on education and the lives of countless students and future educators. She spent the first 11½ years of her career in elementary education at Woolmarket Elementary and D’Iberville Elementary before beginning an exciting new chapter in 2018.

Today, Mrs. Cates serves at the Harrison County Career & Technical Center, where she teaches and mentors aspiring teachers through the Educator Preparation Program, helping prepare the next generation of educators to enter the classroom with confidence and passion.

Mrs. Cates holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and is a National Board Certified Teacher.

“I have always believed I was meant to be a teacher. I am incredibly grateful to have spent my career working alongside some of the best educators in Mississippi!”

Congratulations, Mrs. Cates! We are so thankful for the difference you make, the future teachers you inspire, and the legacy you continue to build in HCSD!