Rotary Club of St. Bernard Honors Katherine & Barry Lemoine For Service Above Self

Rotary Club of St. Bernard Honors Katherine & Barry Lemoine For Service Above Self

Service Above Self is at the heart of the Rotary Club and recently its St. Bernard Chapter honored two residents for their tireless contributions to the community.  First up was the Rotarian of the Year Award, presented by Board member Joey DiFatta. The award recognizes the person who represents all of the things the organization holds dear - service, compassion, leadership, and civic pride. This year’s honoree was Dr. Katherine Lemoine, the Vice President of the St. Bernard Parish School Board, the outgoing President of the Louisiana School Boards Association, and the Program Chair of the Teaching and Early Education Program of Nunez Community College.

In his remarks, DiFatta highlighted Dr. Lemoine’s strength as an educational leader and her commitment to St. Bernard. “This year’s winner stands up for what is right and good in our parish, and doesn’t let politics stand it the way. She is able to put that aside and focus on doing good things for our community.” 

A St. Bernard native, Dr. Lemoine said her love of education and service were instilled in her by her parents,  Kevin and Tara Karcher  “My mom and dad have always been my biggest role models,” she said.  “They never wanted to be in the spotlight, but have spent their lives helping others.  I’m so honored to receive this award and grateful to the Rotary Club of St. Bernard for this honor.  We truly are a small, but mighty group here in our community and proud to be a part of it.”

Dr. Lemoine was also named as a  Paul Harris Fellow.  Named after the  Rotary’s founder, this award is the highest honor given by the organization.  Dr. Lemoine also had the honor to present her husband The Community Service Award for his numerous and ongoing contributions to St. Bernard.

A writer, educator, and community leader, Barry Lemoine has dedicated his adult life to promoting the parish, documenting its post-Katrina recovery, and sharing the good news of St. Bernard through his stories, columns, workshops, and productions. “He has helped generations of students and is always giving of his time, wanting to shine a positive light on St. Bernard,” Dr. Lemoine said. “Barry also runs a non profit, giving opportunities in the arts for the young and young at art. He is such a giving, loving and caring person and is committed to making our parish a better place.” 

She also referenced his recent work as an advocate for the Family Violence Program in St.Bernard, raising funds and awareness for a cause that has truly impacted his family.  “He could choose to stay behind the scenes and wallow in that pain, but instead, he stepped up to make a difference and a positive impact for this cause.  This is just another example of what an exceptional person he is.“ 

In addition to their work as educators, the Lemoines have also been honored as Citizens  of the Year by the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce and as the Man and Woman of the Year by the St. Bernard Business Professional Women’s organization.  Together, they have also hosted the annual Rotary Spelling Bee each year, and have served as  Board Members for the Old Arabi Neighborhood Association and the Voices Foundation.

In his closing remarks, Incoming Rotary President Sean Warner described the Lemoines as very deserving recipients. “Congratulations again to Katherine and Barry and thank you for all you do. Thank you all for being with us today, including our newest member Carly Creason, and let’s all continue working together for the betterment of St. Bernard.”