From a Metro Council member to several volunteer organizations, the Zachary City Council dedicated much of its Aug. 27 meeting to honoring those who have made a difference in the community.

First up was Brandon Noel, who represents the Zachary area on the parishwide Metro Council and recently was named mayor-president pro tempore.

“It is the very first time in the history of our parish that Metro District 1 has held the mayor pro tempore seat,” said Zachary Councilwoman Ambre DeVirgilio.

Noel, who previously served on the Zachary City Council, said he was surprised when his fellow Metro Council members selected him for the position.

“I actually nominated someone else for the role, and it ended up coming full circle to me,” he said. “I am very thankful for my colleagues’ trust in me.”

zac honors Brandon Noel.jpg

Metro Councilman Brandon Noel speaks to the Zachary City Council Aug. 27.

Noel assured Zachary officials that he will continue to make time to help them.

“It doesn’t change what I do for you all,” he said. “I’m still here for you. My office is open, and I’m willing to do anything I can to help you represent your constituents, which are in turn my constituents.”

Next, several volunteer groups were recognized.

“Thank you for all that you do for our community,” DeVirgilio told the volunteers. “And I hope that this message tonight gets out — that others can join us. Even if it’s a small role, we all have work to do, and this helps build our community and create a sense of closeness. This is what keeps Zachary the small-town community that we love.”

DeVirgilio and Councilman John LeBlanc presented certificates to the groups. Those recognized included:

  • The Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival Committee, which works year round to plan the event. This year’s festival was held Aug. 10.
  • Organizers of the Zachary Back to School Family Day, a celebration featuring numerous activities. It took place Aug. 17.
  • The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, which honors the work of the civil rights leader by organizing events such as an annual scholarship ball and school supply drives.
  • Zachary’s Elementary PTO, or ZEPTO. Members fundraise, volunteer in schools, coordinate uniform drives, provide teacher grants and more.
  • The Zachary Charity League, which focuses on service and fundraising. One of the group’s projects involves packing healthy snacks for more than 200 local students every week.
  • The Zachary Men’s Club, a civic group that contributes to many community causes. The organization recently hosted a back-to-school event that provided sweatshirts to 300 students.