Taking the prize for serving others and doing outstanding work in St. Charles

Rachelle Johnson didn’t expect recognition for doing her job as administrative assistant in the St. Charles Parish Department of Waterworks, but it was still an honor to receive the award.Not only is Johnson the first to receive the Outstanding Service Award for the South Central Region of the Louisiana Conference on Water Supply, Sewage and Industrial Waste in the Waterworks Department, it is the first award of its kind presented for the first time this year.

“This award I hold very dear to my heart as I have been in the position of corresponding secretary since 1998,” she said. “The amount of hard work and dedication that goes behind the title is rarely noticed, but to be recognized by key authorities in the field of water feels absolutely amazing and makes you want to continue your role in your key position.”

And Johnson has done just that.

“I enjoy what I do and the interaction with the public as well as the people I work with so this award just adds to the great things that I do in my work environment on an everyday basis,” she said.

Johnson believes she won the award because her hard work and dedication to the South Central Region of the Louisiana Conference on Water Supply, Sewage and Industrial Waste.

Her dedication to her work has spanned her years with the St. Charles Parish waterworks department.

In 2004-05, she also won the Outstanding Woman of the Year award in from the Louisiana Conference on Water Supply, Sewage and Industrial Waste in recognition of her demonstration of ability and leadership in conference activities and to the encouragement of other women.

Johnson’s commitment to serving others is evident in her work.

Since starting with the department, she’s come to love her job and her work with no plans on leaving until she retires – and she has 12 years left.

“I enjoy talking and working for people,” she said. “There’s not one person I will turn away. I can’t guarantee you I can answer your question, but I will give it 100 percent and more … and more than likely it’ll be answered. If not, I will send you to the right person.”