Ouachita Green, a local nonprofit, umbrella organization for Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful, Keep Monroe Beautiful, Keep West Monroe Beautiful and soon to be formed, Keep Sterlington Beautiful held their annual Awards Luncheon. This is our opportunity to spotlight some of the individuals, organizations and businesses that support the clean and green message of litter abatement, education, recycling and beautification of Ouachita Parish. Each year we ask residents to make nominations in several different categories. The winners were announced and celebrated thanks to our corporate sponsor, Drax Biomass and title sponsor, Graphic Packaging International.
Our special guest speaker this year was United States Senator Bill Cassidy. We were honored that he chose to spend his time in northeast Louisiana honoring our award winners.
Law Enforcement Impact Award- Recognizes law enforcement personnel, including Justices of the Peace, Constables, Judges & Code Enforcement Officers, who successfully enforce state, parish or city litter & illegal dumping laws. This Wildlife and Fisheries Field Technician, while representing the United States Navy, volunteered over 1,000 hours of community service to the Town of Sterlington. On his own personal time, at his own expense, he provided lawn care, maintenance and regular cleanup of highways and streets to make Sterlington a safe and comfortable environment. Thank you, Nick Freeland! We honor your service to our country and our local community.
Business Difference Award- Recognizes businesses that dedicate time, creative resources, special projects, volunteerism, financial donations and/or in-kind donations through Ouachita Green. A progressive firm providing a wide range of civil engineering and land surveying services since 1969. Lazenby & Associates, Inc. proudly serves Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi. They are proud supporters of Ouachita Green all throughout the Parish at Leaders Against Litter, volunteering at cleanups, supporting our intern program, our golf tournaments and most other projects. Congratulations to Lazenby and Associates for being named our Small Business Difference Awards Winner 2024.
Larger Business Difference Award- Recognizes businesses that dedicate time, creative resources, special projects, volunteerism, financial donations and/or in-kind donations through Ouachita Green. This business is one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet care products. They have over 130 facilities worldwide. The Monroe Plant 8011 is the largest paperboard converting facility in the world employing over 300 full-time employees. The West Monroe Mill is also the largest in its worldwide operation with paper conversion and employs over 700 full-time employees. They are teaming up with Ouachita Green with cleanups and donations. Our Larger Business Difference Award winner is Graphic Packaging International.
Youth Impact Award- High school senior or younger, who shows character, determination, & focuses on community outreach & volunteerism though Ouachita. This particular young person was one of the youngest Ouachita Green interns this past year. He has volunteered at just about every event Ouachita Green was part of last school year. He was supported by his brother and parents. He has a wonderful attitude, is a hard worker, encourages others and is usually smiling. Obeonte’ Brown is the Youth Impact Awards Winner for 2024
Community Champion Award- Presented to an individual, group or organization that shows fortitude, leadership, as well as community engagement in preserving the natural beauty of our area, protecting the environment, preventing blight, leading litter abatement efforts and environmental education.
Ouachita Parish Police Jury President, Shane Smiley presented the Ouachita Parish Community Champion Award: She is one of the most faithful volunteers at area cleanups and events. She encourages her friends to volunteer with her. She always has a great smile and sweet attitude. She has volunteered for years and loves making her community better for her family and yours. The Ouachita Parish Community Champion is Kathryn Etheridge.
Monroe Mayor, Friday Ellis presented the Monroe Community Champion Award- She was selected Teacher of the Year for Wossman High School & Monroe City Schools last year. She is a member of the Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful Board. Has worked tirelessly alongside her students at Water Sweep, America Recycles Day and Household Hazardous Waste events as well as hosting several cleanups a year around Wossman. The Monroe Community Champion is Michelle Manuel.
West Monroe Mayor, Staci Michell presented the West Monroe Community Champion- They frequently volunteer in the community and part of “Team Red, White and Blue” that regularly assists us with removing rubber ducks from the river during Ouachita RiverFest. They are avid outdoors enthusiasts and are big supporters of West Monroe parks – you can see them regularly at Restoration, Kiroli or Highland Park Wetland Trails. We love their passion for our community and value their support. The West Monroe Community Champions are Jack and Betty Armstrong!
James Poe Award- Recognizes individuals for their efforts & commitment to furthering & preserving natural beauty, protecting the environment, abating litter & educating the residents of Ouachita Parish through their efforts with Ouachita. This person is a board member of Ouachita Green, Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful. She has been a part of every major cleanup, she’s instrumental in all fundraising efforts, she’s been a part of roadside cleanups. In baseball she’s called a utility player- the person who can do it all, encourages others, makes everyone around be better. This year’s James Poe Award goes to Angie Robert.
SUMMARY:
Who: Ouachita Green, an umbrella nonprofit umbrella organization for Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful, Keep Monroe Beautiful, Keep West Monroe Beautiful and in the formation process, Keep Sterlington Beautiful.
What: Ouachita Green Awards Luncheon
Where: Senior Center, 1800 North 7th Street, West Monroe, LA
When: Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Why: Recognizing local individuals, organizations & businesses that help keep Ouachita Parish Clean and Green
Sponsors: Corporate- Drax Biomass. Title-Graphic Packaging International
Winners: Law Enforcement Impact Award- Nick Freeland
Business Difference Award- Lazenby & Associates
Larger Business Difference Award- Graphic Packaging International
Youth Impact Award- Obeonte’ Brown
Ouachita Parish Community Champion - Kathryn Etheridge
Monroe Community Champion- Michelle Manuel
West Monroe Community Champion- Jack & Betty Armstrong
James Poe Award- Angie Robert
For more information contact Sheila Kay Downhour, Executive Director of Ouachita Green at sdownhour@ouachitagreen.org or (318) 355-5622.
