By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LULING – The Rotary Club of St. Charles Parish recently held its annual New Generations Forum for students in the parish at the school board office in Luling.

The annual event brings together leaders from education, health care, law enforcement, government and business to answer questions from area youth. This year’s panelists included Tim Vial of the Parish President’s Office, Judge Lauren Lemmon, Superintendent Dr. Rodney Lafon, Fred Martinez of St. Charles Hospital, Steve Milligan of Dow St. Charles, Michael Hecht of GNO Inc. and Capt. Pat Yoes of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Brad Grundmeyer of Cox Communications moderated.

Said Lafon to the crowd of students in attendance, “I’m very happy to see you here and very happy about the questions you asked.”

According to Rotary Club of St. Charles President Tanya Colee, students involved in Interact clubs at their schools come up with questions for the panelists and encourage the participation of their classmates. Any student who wishes to attend may do so.

She said the project is part of Rotary’s dedication to serving local youth.

“It’s all about growing the leaders of tomorrow,” she said.

The event serves another more subtle purpose, however.

Said Colee, “It gives the youth a chance to find out what Rotary does.”