Jan Marie Coquat

Jan was the most vibrant teacher I have ever known. You could hear her down the hall even when the door was closed. She made you feel that your child was the most gifted and special student in her class. Jan could always make you smile and you truly knew she loved and cared for "the best students and faculty you could ever work with". We will miss her energy and love for all. We will also all keep a part of her with us always.

Watching Jan's face light up when I walked by her classroom and hearing her shout, "How's Cameerrooon?" will always bring a smile to my face. She was so much more than a Spanish teacher to my daughter, Cameron. She was her mentor, confidante, and friend; and her influence has shaped the path of Cameron's life. I consider myself extremely blessed to have known Jan and she will forever be a part of my life as I watch Cameron put all of Jan's advice to good use.

Jan Coquat was an unforgettable presence at Perrin High School. Her positive outlook, energetic personality, and dedication to teaching created a welcoming environment for both students and teachers. Her "joie de vivre" was contagious, and she had a great story for every occasion. But most of all, she had the uncommon ability to make people feel truly heard and appreciated. Her concern for Perrin students was evident every day; she constantly encouraged them to challenge themselves and expand their interests. I am fortunate to have taught with Jan these past ten years, and I will remember her as a friend and mentor.

Mrs. Coquat was both an amazing person and an inspiring teacher. If I had to pick just one word to describe her, it would be VIBRANT. She was just the type to exude enthusiasm and vitality; she never wasted a single day as a teacher, ballerina, licensed cosmetologist, team roper, or anything else for that matter. Mrs. Coquat was my teacher for four years at Perrin. She taught me Spanish, of course, but every single day I would learn a little something extra from her. In fact, the single best piece of advice I have ever been given came from her and her days of being a ballerina instructor: "When things go wrong, just smile. No matter what has happened, if you smile big enough, the judges might not even notice." So, although it may be difficult, although the world has lost a truly beloved teacher, let us think about our fondest memories of Mrs. Coquat and smile for her while the blossoms still cling to the vine.

Ms. Coquat was my English and Spanish teacher my junior year in high school at Millsap. She was a truly neat lady who was enthusiastic about everything she did. She was a wonderful teacher and it is truly sad that students have lost such a neat teacher.

Jan was truly a remarkable person. She was such a wonderful teacher and my son's Jeremy and Jordan thought so very much of her, I love hearing "Ms Coquat stories" I will miss her dearly and feel very blessed to have known her and been touched by her, she always put a smile on your face and made you feel like your kid was the most incredible student she ever had! The world and especially Perrin High School was so lucky to have had Jan around, the world be a much happier place with more like her.