On February 25, Shenandoah Elementary School Principal Carolyn Sauer was surprised at a school assembly when representatives of the Louisiana Parent Teacher Association (LPTA) presented her with the highest honor that it can bestow at the statewide level.  LPTA named Sauer the 2010 winner of its Honorary Life Service Award for outstanding contributions to education and community involvement.  She’ll also be recognized at the LPTA Convention April 10 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge.

Sauer (pictured, second from left) was presented with a certificate and a pin in the shape of the state of Louisiana from a group of PTA representatives:  (left to right) Susan Laborde, Louisiana PTA president; Michelle Heughan, current Shenandoah Elementary School PTA president; Julie Edmonson, 2007-2009 Shenandoah Elementary School PTA president; and Patty Cook, 2005-2007 Shenandoah Elementary School PTA president.

Cook, who is still active in the school’s PTA and is one of the LPTA office managers, said a PTA club can nominate someone for this high award by making a request to the state office.

According to the LPTA Handbook, “The Louisiana PTA Honorary Life Service Award is the highest honor that can be bestowed at the state level to a deserving person.  It is a fitting way to recognize someone for their contribution to children and youth.  The Honorary Life Service Award carries with it a special significance as an enduring symbol of outstanding service.”