LAPLACE — In an effort to recognize a handful of women that have contributed so much to St. John the Baptist Parish over the years, a celebration is being held in their honor.

The St. John Library System is hosting its inaugural “Celebrating Women from Our Community.”

Kearston Poche’, administrative services coordinator for the System, said 18 women will be honored for the accomplishments and contributions they have made and are making to the community. The women come from various backgrounds, Poche’ said, adding all have a united commitment in servicing the community.

“Celebrating Women from Our Community” begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the St. John Central Library, 2920 U.S. 51 in LaPlace.

To keep things a surprise for those honored, the library isn’t releasing their names at this time.

“At the ceremony the women being honored will receive a surprise, but we don’t want to say what it is,” Poche’ said. “The women were chosen by each of the supervisors at the library branches. They got together and picked the women that they thought made a difference in the community.”

While library supervisors picked the women, they are not library employees, just women doing good work in St. John.

JoAnn Proctor, central library branch supervisor, started working on the event early in the year so it could take place during National Women’s History Month, Poche’ said.

“Students from West St. John High and East St. John High School are interviewing the honorees so they can introduce them at the program,” Poche’ said. “The school district and the library system are working together.”

All are invited to the event, Poche’ said, adding there will be refreshments and the attire is business casual.