Junior Auxiliary installs officers, presents awards

Junior Auxiliary of East St. Mary recently selected new board members for the 2014-15 year. The installation took place at the Auxiliary’s annual banquet held May 21 at Cafe Jo Jo’s in Morgan City.
Two members were also recognized for their efforts and achievements as volunteers to the organization. Margaret Theriot was named Provisional of the Year and Laura Cloutier was named Outstanding Member.
Board members installed were Alita Boudreaux, membership chairman; Julie Domino, recording secretary; Kathy LaRocca, parliamentarian; Margaret Theriot, corresponding secretary; Laura Cloutier, president; Jackie Blakeman, vice president and Sarah Theriot, treasurer.
Several new members were inducted during the banquet. Before becoming a new member a woman undergoes a 6-month training period and must complete a minimum of 24 services hours for the organization.
New members inducted were Alita Boudreaux, Britni Robicheaux, Stacy Caldwell, Brandy Fryou, Katie Louviere, Margaret Theriot, Laine Mayon, Danielle Holt and Stephanie Doiron.
Junior Auxiliary is a national non-profit organization that encourages members to render charitable services that are beneficial to the general public, with particular emphasis on children.
The East St. Mary Chapter of Junior Auxiliary was chartered by a group of caring, enthusiastic women in 1995 and continues to grow and thrive, the Junior Auxiliary news release said. Volunteers work throughout the year on a variety of projects that focus on local children and families in need of assistance.
The East St. Mary Chapter is part of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries, a non-profit organization founded in 1941. The association has more than 13,500 active, associate and life members in 101 chapters. NAJA’s slogan is “Care Today — Character Tomorrow.”