By LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / June 30, 1999

LAPLACE – The LaPlace Rotary Club has honored two St. John the BaptistParish citizens for their exemplary work and community spirit.

Debra H. Schum, who has completed three years as principal of East St.John High School, was presented the President’s Citation for a deserving public servant at a club banquet Saturday night.

Rotarians also honored Toni Thornhill Meyer, president of River Parishes Travel Center, as Citizen of the Year.

1998-99 President Ann Tatje observed, “Public education really doesn’t get much recognition. I was pleased overall.”The club also recognized Dr. John Paul as Rotarian of the Year, RandySmith as Rookie of the Year, Sallie Herrle and Pat McTopy as Paul Harris Fellows, and Shots for Tots as Project of the Year.

Schum, born in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., has been a parish resident for 22years. She holds a master’s degree in education. She worked as a mathteacher for 19 years, starting at Reserve Junior High, then moving to East St. John High.Her career also has included four years as president of the St. JohnAssociation of Educators, being a member of the board of directors for the Louisiana Association of Educators and being a National Education Association-certified trainer in gender equity.

Schum’s accomplishments as ESJ principal include increased enrollment, addition of new educational programs, implementation of a school uniform policy and more students on the honor roll.

The school held its first-ever Academic Pep Rally in May to recognize new honor roll students and those with perfect attendance. In 1998, $1.7million of scholarships were offered to graduates and, in 1999, $2.1million of scholarships were offered.

Meyer graduated from the St. John Parish public school system andattended Northeastern Louisiana University in Monroe and Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond. She started River Parishes Travel in1978.

Meyer currently serves as a small business advisor to the Small Business Committee of Sen. Mary Landrieu. During the summer 1998 she served asone of two delegates to the Congressional Small Business Summit.

Meyer has also been active in the St. John Curriculum Design Team, St.John Job Shadowing Program, Bring Your Daughter to Work Day and Ground Hog Day, all aimed at a commitment to education in the community.

The Rotary Club also presented its 1999-2000 slate of officers, including President Bobby Hymel, Vice-President Harold DeGruy, President-Elect Ann Kuss, Past President Ann Tatje, Secretary Sallie Herrle, Treasurer Jim Hornsby and Sgt.-at-Arms Jolyn Johnson.Club Service chair is Dean Torres, Vocational Service chair is Michael Coburn, Community Service chair is Barbara Jacob and International Service chair is Mike Norton.

Board members also include Dennis Murphy, Mark Gyan, Owen Sand, Dean Torres, Barbara Jacob, Michael Coburn and Randy Smith.

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