
The spotlight was on Paula Polito on Nov. 3, when she was honored with the Jefferson First Award at the Jefferson Community Foundation Gala Celebration presented by the Feil Family Foundation.
The foundation honored Polito’s 32 years in childcare. She is the owner of Beary Cherry Tree in Metairie, and serves as a contract trainer for Teachstone, a maker of Classroom Assessment Scoring System. Outside of the classroom, Polito is on the advisory board chair of Louisiana Department of Education, commission member for the Louisiana Early Childhood Care and Education Commission, advisory council member for Jefferson Ready Start Network and a board member for the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce.
The gala, held at Chateau Golf and Country Club, also featured video highlights of the year, including those from the Jefferson Ready Start Network and Jefferson Community Youth Leadership, which this event benefited. Music was provided by Abstract Productions.
The foundation’s mission is to connect philanthropy to critical community needs in Jefferson Parish. Executive Director Christine Briede noted, “We are proud to gather to celebrate 15 years of service in Jefferson Parish.”
Fun Fact: High-school students in the Jefferson Community Youth Leadership program made a presentation at the event.




