Kennedy Library honors Katrina officials

BOSTON, May 22 (UPI) -- The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston honored two local officials for helping victims of hurricanes and Katrina.

Mayor Bill White of Houston and School Superintendent Doris Voitier of St. Bernard Parish, La., were given Profile in Courage Awards in ceremonies at the Kennedy Library Monday, the Boston Globe reported.

"In the midst of the immense devastation and despair brought on by Hurricane Katrina, they rose to the challenge," U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., said in a statement, the Globe reported. "I know that President Kennedy would be proud of them today."

"By honoring our actions during Katrina, you celebrate a different kind of courage, the courage to undertake and complete a daunting task with compassion, competence and endurance," White said.