NORCO – Ronald St. Pierre, a long time St.Charles Parish School board member has been chosen as Grand Marshal of the 2004 Norco Christmas Parade.

This year’s theme is “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” and Mr. St. Pierre was “elated” to learn that he would lead the parade scheduled to roll on Sunday, December 5.

St. Pierre, a lifelong resident of St.Charles Parish was born in Destrehan, and has resided in Norco since 1953. He is a graduate of Destrehan High School and L.S.U. He is married to former Yolande Jacob and is the father of six children – Wayne St.Pierre, Yolande Charles, Louann Bombet, Susan Beil, Paula Lockhart and Ginger Stanley. “I’m most proud of my family and that I was blessed with

(See PARADE, Page 7A)

six wonderful children and a loving wife”, Mr. St. Pierre commented. “Norco has been, and is still, a wonderful place for raising a familyŠ. I’ve been lucky to live here, the people here are caring and the community bond is strong.”

St. Pierre retired from Shell Oil Company after 40 years of service and has worked with the following organizations: Sacred Heart School board, DHS Parents Board of Directors (President), Norco-Goodhope Volunteer Fire Department, St. Charles Parish Recreation Board of Directors (Treasurer), Selective Service Board, and the Boy Scouts of America. He has also been Grand Knight for two years and Financial Secretary for ten years in the local Knights of Columbus, Treasurer for the Bonnet Carre Rod and Gun Club, and President for two years of the Norco Lions Club.

Currently, St. Pierre is an active member of Sacred Heart Church where he serves in a number of capacities and is an active member in the Knights of Columbus Council 3634. He is Vice President of the Norco Civic Association, serves on the Council on Aging Board of Directors, is the Treasurer of both the Norco Lions Club and the St.Charles Council for Prevention of Child Abuse, and is a member of American Legion Post 195 and the River Road Historical Society.

With all of his years of service to these organizations, Mr. St. Pierre’s true legacy is the 28 years he served on the St. Charles Parish School board. St. Pierre stated that his years on the School board were some of the most rewarding of his life. He stresses that the vision set forth by the members, and the ability of the school board to work in harmony will forever be remembered. He was an integral part in the passage of the millage and sales tax that lead to the addition of facilities at Norco Elementary and throughout the parish. St. Pierre believes that the success of the school system is, in part, due to the board’s belief that “The school system is for the kids.”

St. Pierre has fond memories of past Norco Christmas parades; he remembers his entire family in Norco anticipating the December event and is happy to see it reestablished. “I was shocked to learn that I had been chosen Grand Marshal; it was a completely unexpected honor!” At times such as these, Mr. St. Pierre truly displays the meaning of Christmas in its truest sense- the spirit of giving. With all that he has given to the community, it is indeed time that Mr.St. Pierre has been given something back. And for one Norco resident who has continuously given the gifts of time and care to his community, it is indeed ‘beginning to look a lot like Christmas’.