Outstanding citizens honored

Every year, we honor people in the parish by selecting them as outstanding citizens, young people and deputies.

This year, a much larger number of such people in the parish were honored, mainly because of outstanding accomplishments in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

St. Charles Rotary Club selected Mona Bagot as 2005-06 Citizen of the Year. She lives in St. Charles but is vice president of administration at Metropolitan Hospice in New Orleans.

The day of the storm, she helped move some 168 patients in terminally ill condition to higher floors at the hospital to keep them out of the rising waters. There she stayed, tending to their needs until a boat rescued them four days later.

After reaching safe ground, she continued to care for her patients and other victims in their area of evacuation. She did the right thing at the right time, which is her philosophy of life.

Usually, Sheriff Greg Champagne selects one Deputy of the Year. This year, he honored his entire force as Deputies of the Year.

Why?

Again, because of service beyond the call of duty after Hurricane Katrina left much of the parish devastated. They served long hours and worked feverishly to help storm victims while maintaining order.

The sheriff said he could not select just one deputy when so many did outstanding jobs.

The Rotary Club also has honored 2005-06 Young People of the Year from the east and west banks. They are Kyle Roussel and Sami McCune.

Roussel, a student at Hahnville High School who is interested in an extended career in music, has contributed many hours as pianist and organist at churches and hospitals. His aim in life is to teach students about the opportunities offered with an education in music.

McCune has been a leader in a variety of activities at Destrehan High School. She has received many awards.

Even with the expanded list of top citizens, there are many more in St. Charles Parish who would well deserve the honor. We salute them all.