Shreveport Educator Among BCBS Foundation’s Angel Award Honorees

Next month, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation will honor 10 Bayou State residents who have gone above and beyond for our state's children.

One of those being honored is from Shreveport. Dr. Ruby Scroggins is the principal of J.S. Clark Elementary School, where she "has worked to break down the educational barriers created by poverty by establishing reliable access to food for her students and their families."

According to a BCBS of Louisiana Foundation news release, this year's honorees were chosen from a record number of nominations from across the state. Each Angel will receive a $20,000 grant to the charity of his or her choice.

"Each of our Angels began their work by making the courageous decision to do something simple to help a child. Their work simply grew from there," said Foundation President Michael Tipton. "We hold these people up because we want to show everyone how everyday goodness takes hold and spreads in a way that completely changes the future for our children."

The stories of each Angel will be told at an invitation-only presentation ceremony Monday, October 17, at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel.

Here are the other award-winners:

Gerard Barousse, Jr., of New Orleans - founder and chairman of the Bayou District Foundation, the lead organization in the planning and development of Columbia Parc in New Orleans.

Sonya Brown of Harvey - a social worker who has become a nationally-recognized advocate for young people in foster care, particularly those who are 'aging out' of the system. She founded Project18.

Loren Carriere of Opelousas - founded Hope for Opelousas, a ministry that is focused on community development, educational support, neighborhood outreach and intentional, positive relationships.

Keith Hester of West Monroe - a physical therapy technician who goes above and beyond to help children overcome seemingly impossible odds on the road to self-sufficiency.

Teri Hrabovsky of Jefferson - she and her husband, Brian, have fostered over 50 kids and build One Heart NOLA, a network of volunteers and donors who are ready to provide necessities for foster families at a moment's notice.

John Lombardo of Thibodaux - one of the youngest Angels, he has rigorously pursued a life of service of children through the Thibodaux Kiwanis Club and as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children.

The Foundation also honors BCBS employees each year. The 2016 'Blue Angels' are Billie Jean Davis-Lomas and Glenda Chappell. The Foundation will make a $5,000 grant to Black Data Processing Associates in their names.