LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish Library system honored 18 of the community’s “Leading Ladies” in honor of National Women’s History Month on March 23.

Each honoree was selected based on their character, endless community contributions and their professional goal to leave a path for others and inspire them to seek directions so they may carve paths to leave for future generations.

Honorees included Parish President Natalie Robottom, District Attorney Bridget Dinvaut, Judge Madeline Jasmine, Judge Mary Hotard Becnel, attorney Nghana Lewis Gauff, Dr. Rachel Bezdek, Dr. Wendi De Frank, Dr. Quentina Timoll, Councilwoman Jaclyn Hotard, Precious Joseph, Shelia Baloney, Nora Pierre, Eliza Eugene, Natalie Tatje, Kim Bourgeois, Krisy Rice, Mary Belvin and Kristie Jackson.

The women come from various professional backgrounds with various interest, but all have a united commitment in servicing our community.

The honorees were interviewed by students from East and West St. John High Schools. The students included Ashley Tolbert, Paige Edler, Reginaldo Hilaire, Alize’ Roussell, Brett Bailey, Crystal Dabney, Lori Chen, Brianna Carter, Kayla Clayton, Whitney Joseph, Jordan Deloch, Lamore Boudoin, Neya Smith, Gabriella Villavicencio, Destiny Rodriguez, Heather Hebert, Kayla Stewart and Caleb Putman.

They were each given questions to ask the honorees and from there, formed an introduction to present each honoree with their awards at the event. The students personalized their delivery of the information from each honoree and left them impressed by their personalities and their attention to details.

Each honoree expressed their appreciation for having been chosen, and thanked the students and library system for their acknowledgement.

The event was well attended with honorees’ family and friends; and members of the community. Along with gifts to each honoree, Raising Canes donated lots of food, gift cards, key chains and lip balms to each honoree. Winn Dixie donated “Thank You” balloons, Matherne’s and Hymel’s Florist donated roses and a floral arrangement.

St. John the Baptist Parish Library officials Superintendent Kevin George, Heidi Trosclair, principals, students and staff members assisted students at participating schools.

Colbert Clark, Shirvelly Roussell, Nathan Joseph, Jan Herrington, the Rev. Neil Bernard, Gordon Taylor and the staff at the Central Library helped with participation, assistance and sponsorship.