LAPLACE — St. Joan of Arc Catholic School in LaPlace has been part of the Turners’ lives for a number of years.

Steven Turner, originally from Reserve, said his wife, Marie, graduated from the school, one of the couple’s children graduated last year and they have a fifth grader at the school now.

“St. Joan of Arc is a good Christian school,” Steven said. “It has provided a very good education, and I never thought twice about sending my kids there. It’s an all-around good school. Lots of people on my wife’s side of the family went there. It will always be a part of our lives.”

The Turners have spent years giving back to St. Joan of Arc, showing so much dedication that the couple was recently recognized with the school’s Distinguished Service Award.

Principal Jeffrey Montz said he couldn’t think of a time when he asked for help from the Turners and they said no. Montz said recipients of the Distinguished Service Award routinely volunteer and demonstrate the spirit of Christian service.

“The Turners were given the award during the Catholic Schools Week mass Feb. 5,” Montz said. “You can only win the award once. To be honest, we always need volunteers because we have many, many activities. I would like the community to know that St. Joan of Arc has benefited greatly from the Turners unselfish gifts of service to our school.”

Steven said he and his wife volunteer at the school’s Oktoberfest and have served as presidents of the Home and School Association.

“We are so involved with the school because we are trying to be examples for our kids,” he said. “We want them to learn to help other people. We get enjoyment out of helping. There are so many things that the school does. I filled in and subbed a few times and I would go into the office and help the receptionist.

“My wife was a room mom, which is like a room parent. She helped out a few times in the office too when they needed help with the phones and other things. Most of things we do, we do them together.”

Marie sad she has passion to help others and loves giving back to her alma mater.

“Volunteering and helping others has always been instilled in us at a young age,” Marie said. “I want to continue to volunteer and teach that idea to my children, hoping they will do the same thing.”

The couple felt honored receiving an award, but added they didn’t do it for the recognition.

“It was a great feeling, but we do it for our kids,” Steven said. “We do it because it’s something we want to do. We don’t do it to be recognized. It’s an honor to be able to help the school and all of the kids.”

Even after their youngest child graduates, the Turners said they plan to volunteer with the school and church.