Members of the American Society of Italian Heritage recently gathered at the Clarion Inn & Suites Conference Center for fellowship, food and fun as they honored St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Deputy Eugene Alexis with their annual Rising Star Award. Since 2003, the north shore group has given the award to an outstanding deputy who has worked for the Sheriff's Department for three years or less.

A group of Society members chooses the award winner from anonymous letters that describe three deputies' commitment to the force and their community, but does not state their genders or identities. Once a winner is chosen, the Sheriff's Office reveals the name of the deputy.

The night included passed hors d'oeuvres, a generous buffet, drinks and music, as well as the presentation to Alexis of a plaque listing his name with the other Rising Star Award winners, a commemorative clock, and $500. Guests had the chance to win an iPad donated by Crosscountry Mortgage, Inc., along with other prizes.

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Source: http://www.nola.com