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At a recent St. James Parish council meeting, Parish President Pete Dufresne recognized two local residents for their outstanding service.

Cooper Rougee
Parish President Pete Dufresne recognized Cooper Rougee for his act of community service in helping to clean up the Lutcher Park. Cooper is a 6-year-old entering the first grade at Paulina Elementary. He is an outdoorsman, an athlete and is caring, good-hearted and intelligent. He loves applying the leadership skills he has learned in Paulina Elementary’s “Leader in Me” program to everyday life.

Cooper’s mom, Amber Rougee, said “He really enjoys seeing others around him happy and helps with chores whenever it is needed — either at home or in the community.”

Grayling Brown
Parish President Pete Dufresne also recognized Grayling Brown, affectionately known as “Beaver”, for winning the National Silver Sneakers Member of the Year Award.
Beaver is a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. As a disabled Marine veteran, he served his country in the Vietnam War. He is active in the community, his church and advocates to end racial inequality.

Beaver is dedicated and committed to living a healthy lifestyle and can be found walking or running on the levee or local track, working out at the Gramercy Anytime Fitness club and the St. James Parish Recreation Gym, attending fitness classes and taking Yoga classes to keep himself balanced, centered and grounded.

For Beaver, fitness provides benefits physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. It brings him great joy to inspire others in fitness and in life.

“Class is not the same if Beaver is not there,” an instructor shared. “Leave it to Beaver to make this world a better place with his infectious laugh, humor and smile.”