Special to
L’Observateur

Six River Parishes high school seniors received academic scholarships at the recent Annual River Parishes Education Foundation Scholarship Dinner in LaPlace.

According to Norco Manufacturing Complex Communications Manager and Foundation President Rochelle Touchard, the foundation presented $18,000 in scholarships to St. Charles, St. James and St. John Parishes students pursuing a college degree or associate degree in process technology.

Scholarship Chair Mary Lou Sumrall presented the awards, acknowledging individual academic and extra-curricular accomplishments.

Recipients of scholarships for a four-year degree program included Jason Fogarty, Destrehan High School; Mallory Babin, Lutcher High School; and Joseph Williams IV, East St. John High School.

Process technology scholarships were awarded to Kevin Falgout, St. Charles Parish Satellite Center student; Phillip Chauvin, Lutcher High School; and Lionell Nabors, East St. John High School.

Established in 1993 as collaboration among River Parishes industries, educators and government officials to improve the quality of education, the River Parishes Education Initiative focused on parental involvement, career choices and the funding of teacher grants for enhanced classroom learning.

In 2010, the organization was re-structured as a foundation, awarding scholarships for the first time in the 2011-2012 academic year.

River Parishes Education Foundation Board Members are Mary Lynn Alltmont, Farol Clement, Dale Doty, Corey Faucheux, Felecia Gomez-Walker, Rochelle Touchard, Cindy Poskey, Julia Remondet, Mary Lou Sumrall, Audrey Templet, Heidi Trosclair and Tracy Zeringue.