L’Observateur / May 17, 2000

LAPLACE – Entergy and St. John Parish officials showed their appreciation tothe young women that made up this year’s “Teach for America” teachers for St. John Parish recently. There was a big fish fry out at the Entergy officeon Airline Highway, and all the teacher volunteers were honored for their hard work and dedication.

Teach for America is sort of like the Peace Corps in which recent college graduates volunteer their services to teach for two years in needy school districts.

Entergy Customer Service Manager John Adams said, “These young people are very dedicated. They come down here using their own money and teachwithout any expectation of compensation.”This year St. John Parish hosted over 20 teacher volunteers throughout theSt. John public school system. Most of the volunteers were involved in specialeducation classes.

Adams, who is also a board member of Louisiana Teach for America, said,”In the spirit of true giving, these young people leave their homes and dedicate two years of their lives to teaching students in needy areas.”Also attending the dinner was Sarah Usdin, executive director of Teach for America.

“It’s companies like Entergy that help us do what we love,” said Usdin, “teach children in needy areas who deserve the best in an education.”Parish President Nickie Monica and St. John School Superintendent ChrisDonaldson also made special presentations to the volunteers and thanked them for their contributions to the education of the parish students.

Several St. John Parish Council members and St. John School Board memberswere also present to join in the festivities.

Adams said, “Entergy is proud to show our gratitude to these outstanding young teachers who provide such a positive impact in the parish.”

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