LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish leaders and officials publicly celebrated the Rev. Donald R. August, pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church, during  Tuesday’s Council meeting.

August was recently recognized as Outstanding Citizen of the Year by American Legion post 383.

“It is a pretty humbling experience,” August said. “There are so many people who are worthy of this type of award. Thank God, maybe our work is not in vain. Someone is noticing. We don’t do what we do to receive recognition or reward from anyone. We do it because that’s what is in our heart.”

American Legion post 383 named August citizen of the year in February for all of his outreach efforts in St. John The Baptist Parish.

Parish President Natalie Robottom started the recognition presentation by listing August’s most recent involvement in St. John.

“This award acknowledges members of the community who exhibit selflessness and commitment to service extraordinary efforts without monetary compensation and someone who goes above and beyond in leadership and service,” she said.

August has been pastoring Rising Star Baptist Church in LaPlace for 20 years, is chairman of the Emotional and Spiritual Needs Committee on the Long Term Recovery Group, is a mentor at East St. John High School for the Brother’s Keeper organization, an instructor for East St. John High school Fellowship of Christian Athletes and chairperson of Citizens Advocacy of Natural Culture Resources.

“When he was elected as pastor of a church, his goal was not just to pastor a church, but to come back and make a difference in the community; and that he has done,” Robottom said.

August said his focus is to build a positive impact on his community.

“We do realize that St. John Parish has a lot of challenges,” August said.

“The only way to address the challenges that we are facing is by focusing on positive outlooks and attitudes.”

Council members also took their turn giving acknowledgement to August.

“They picked the right guy,” Councilman Lennix Madere said. “Just look at his impact on his neighborhood and his hands-on involvement and interaction he has with his young members alone. It says a lot.”

Councilwoman Cheryl Millet said, to August, “you are a true citizen of St. John the Baptist Parish and thank gosh St. John the Baptist Parish has you.”

— By Gladys Davis Mulkey