Top educators, students in River Parishes honored

Published 12:00 am Monday, September 13, 1999

ANNA MONICA / L’Observateur / September 13, 1999

LAPLACE – The River Parishes Council of the New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Partner, BellSouth Mobility, sponsored an awards banquet last week to honor outstanding 1998-99 principals, teachers and students of the year in St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes.Those honored were recognized for their accomplishments and academic achievements.

At the “Shining Stars in Education” event held Sept. 1 at Belle Terre CountryClub, keynote speaker Jack Brancewicz of Junior Achievement spoke of giving positive messages to our young people so they could impact the community in the same way. He also issued the challenge to get more involved in theireducation and to better prepare them for their post education careers. Inaddition, “by recognizing these shining stars, we encourage others,” he said.

Taking part in the program and the presentation of awards were Gail Kelley, River Parishes Council; Lisa Klein Philippi, education committee; Jack Kinealy, Bellsouth Mobility; and River Parish school superintendents Dr. Rodney Lafon ofSt. Charles Parish, Dr. Edward Cancienne of St. James Parish and ChrisDonaldson of St. John Parish. Honorees, guests and local businessrepresentatives were present.

Awards given by the schools varied. A special committee made therecommendations, and winners were chosen by top school administration.

Receiving awards from St. Charles were Kelley Kass, primary teacher; FlorenceTapley, elementary teacher; Lisa Perrin, middle school teacher; and Cherie Mitchell, high school teacher of the year.

Honorees from St. James. were Whitney Dupuy, elementary school student;Ashley McClung, junior high school student; Amy Waguespack, high school student; Catherine Bourgeois, elementary school teacher; Debra Coleman, junior high school teacher; Julie Folse, high school teacher; Morris Mitchell, elementary principal; John Brass, junior high principal; and Terry Mullen, high school principal of the year.

St. John recipients were Danielle Champagne, elementary school student,Artrena Radcliffe, middle school student; Danielle Louis, high school student; Anita Rodriguez, elementary school teacher; Laura Lipps, junior high teacher; and Michael Coburn, principal of the year.

The New Orleans Regional Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting a favorable business environment and supporting the growth and development of business in the parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St.Charles, St. James and St. John. Its vision is to encourage quality education,good citizens and good career people.

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