Tony Dugas has spent much of his career in education championing for marginalized youth and families.
Before becoming the principal of O’Keeffe Middle School, Dugas spent time working with students and their families throughout the country.

Born in California and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Dugas says his own experiences in school first piqued his interest in becoming an educator.

“There were a lot of educators who cared about me and did what they could, but I just think I came out of high school not fully prepared and that’s why I actually went into education,” he said. “My goal was to not let what happened to me happen to other kids. I think too many kids walk across the stage and yet they walk out of school without the skills they need.”