By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Real estate agents from across the River Parishes recently gathered at Lace the Reception Place in LaPlace for the annual Saints Board of Realtors Awards luncheon.

A packed house of local realtors and public officials enjoyed food, music and dancing following the brief awards ceremony honoring area realtors who have excelled over the past year.

First on the list was Rookie of the year, which goes to a newly licensed agent and recognizes outstanding achievement in the agent’s first 12 months. The 2011 award went to Jenny Lendle of Keller Williams.

The next award was the Residential Emerald Award, which is given to the realtor who produced the most gross closed commission for residential rental property. The Emerald winner was Janina Kinler-Bellew of Keller Williams.

Next was the Residential Sapphire Award, which is given to the realtor who had the highest dollar volume for residential listings and sales. The Sapphire winner was Kim Catalano of Prudential Gardner.

The Residential Ruby Award, which is given to the realtor with the highest number of residential listings and sales was awarded to Kinler-Bellew.

Finally, the group presented the Residential Diamond Award, which is given to the realtor who produced the largest gross closed commission volume for residential sales and listings. The Diamond award was given to Nita Naquin of Latter & Blum.

In addition to the major awards, other realtors were given special recognition for achieving various levels of closed commissions. Those presented with the Gold Award were Regina Allemand, Barbara Blue, Marilyn Bonomo, Debbie Dean, Jan Garcia, Vicki Hatfield and Maye Landry, all of Prudential Gardner; Gregory Bunch of Keller Williams; Teresa O’Neil of Coldwell Banker; and Angelle Songy of Century 21 – Judy Songy & Associates.

Super Gold Awards went to Kim Catalano, Betty Dufrene and Vickie Mancina, all of Prudential Gardner; Malcom Falgoust and Dawn Forshag of Keller Williams; Wendy Benedetto and Nita Naquin of Latter & Blum; and Eliza Eugene of River Region Realty.

Finally, a 2011 Platinum Award was given to Janina Kinler-Bellew of Keller Williams.