By BROOKE GOLDMAN

LAPLACE – At Thursday’s St. John Parish School Board Meeting, many people and events were recognized.

“Tonight we honor our country through prayer and the national anthem,” said Michael Coburn, Superintendent of St. John Parish Schools.

The Godchaux Grammar cafeteria was adorned in patriotic decorations made by the students at LaPlace Elementary School from their patriotic tribute that took place on Monday morning.

Senior at East St. John High School, Myron Keller, led everyone in the pledge of allegiance. Keller won a $500 scholarship to attend the Junior Statesman Summer School Program at Princeton University last summer. He participated after his junior year from June 25 to July 20, 2001.

The program costs $3,100. Through donations and scholarships he exceeded these costs.

Teri Noel, Principal of John L. Ory Communication and Arts Magnet School received the honor of Principal of the Year by the elementary and secondary school board.

She was awarded a plaque and a banner to hang in the school.

“The true backbone of any school is the principal,” said Coburn.

Noel thanked the Parish and the school board for this award.

“I want to thank Lowell Bacas since I taught under you. You provided a good role model for me. I also thank my staff,” said Noel. “In front of every principal is a fantastic staff. I have 20 outstanding teachers.”

Six teachers from different public schools in the parish received teacher grants from River Parishes Education Initiatives.

Brandy Dickerson, a teacher at East St. John High School will use the money for testing supplies in her environmental science class.

She will also use it for an ecosystem project.

The board’s new policy regarding sick leave replaces unlimited sick leave.

Employees now receive 90 sick days within a six year period.

Teachers will also receive a raise making this Parish the sixth highest paying in Louisiana.

The Parish is looking to repair the gym floor at East St. John High School.

Peter Montz, the parish’s purchasing agent, received a quote from Covington Flooring Company around $23, 232.

The board approved this measure.

Montz has also been looking into prices for fixing parking lots at West. St. John Elementary School, LaPlace Elementary School and East St. John High School.

The quote from Barriere Construction was $253,000.

Montz and the board discussed using a local company to lower the cost and replacing the idea of using asphalt with cement since it will last longer.

St. John High School’s stadium to Rudolph Danville Stadium was also approved.

It will be dedicated to this living man on October 26.