By BEN LUNDIN

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – In commemoration of the local men and women who used their local education to better the world, the St. John Parish School Board announced it will honor its outstanding alumni in August with a Hall of Distinction.

The School Board began accepting nominations for its most prominent alumni to be inducted this month, and will announce its first group of Hall of Distinction members in August.

&#8220There are some remarkable people out there who started their ascent with a good education in our public school system. It’s important that we recognize these people, and in turn, applaud our system for doing a great job in helping so many become successful,” School Board Member Russ Wise said.

Nominees must have graduated at least five years ago from one of the St. John Parish Public High Schools, East St. John High, West St. John High, Leon Godchaux High, Fifth Ward High, Edgard High and Second Ward High. They should be an outstanding member of their career field, recognized by the general population and respected by their peers for promoting society and benefiting others.

A screening committee must acknowledge the honor and prestige they bring to the St. John Parish Public School System.

Alumni can be nominated posthumously.

Nomination forms are available at East St. John High, Leon Godchaux High, the central school board office and on-line at www.stjohnk12.la.us.

&#8220We believe positive role models are extremely important in today’s world, and these graduates of the St. John the Baptist Public School System should be held up as models for today’s students,” School Board Member Russ Wise said.