The River Parishes Education Initiatives (RPEI) Board recognized eight educators from St. Charles and St. John Parishes, with grants for in-school projects, during a recent reception in Norco.

The $250 grants are designed to assist recipients establish or enhance programs emphasizing family and community involvement in the schools. &#8220RPEI’s commitment to education is reflected in our slogan, ‘Connecting Schools, Families, and Communities’,” says Lily Galland, RPEI board chair. &#8220Since 1990, the nonprofit organization has provided a diverse range of programs, workshops and financial assistance to achieve education excellence in St. Charles, St. John the Baptist and St. James parishes. These grants, recognizing creativity and initiative among our teachers, facilitate RPEI goals as well as those of area school systems.”

Beverly Harris, a member of the grant selection committee, and School-to-Career Coordinator for St. John Parish School System, congratulated the grant recipients and challenged them to continue to make a difference in their respective schools. Selection committee member Yvonne Gaspard, Director of Special Programs for St. Charles Parish School System, thanked the teachers for their enthusiasm, noting each grant features a unique method of improving the community through education.

&#8220River Parishes Education Initiatives is an organization -focusing on family involvement,” said St. John Parish School Superintendent Michael Coburn, who thanked the organization and congratulated the grant recipients. &#8220We have to get more families involved in our schools to achieve ongoing success and excellence. Teachers play the most important role in that goal and grants are an asset to support their outstanding efforts.”

Grant recipients include Dianna Burrell, Luling Elementary; Lanette Davis, LaPlace Elementary; Rosalind Davis, Fifth Ward Elementary; Tanya Faucheux, Fifth Ward Elementary; Allison Hnatyshyn, Albert Cammon Middle School; Jane Petit, Luling Elementary; Jackie Robert, Luling Elementary, and Flo Tapley, Ethel Schoeffner Elementary.

Established in 1990, the River Parishes Education Initiatives is a nonprofit coalition of parents, educational school boards, business and industry representatives, government officials, social agencies and citizens in St. Charles, St. John, and St. James parishes.