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LRAEF Awards $60,000 to Scholars
Mar 24, 2026
The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is investing in the future of the hospitality industry by awarding $60,000 in scholarships to its 2026 LRAEF Scholars Class. These scholarships provide vital support to Louisiana students pursuing careers in the restaurant, foodservice, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Honorees were recognized at Serving the Future: Celebrating Careers in Hospitality, presented by BRG Hospitality, on March 18 in New Orleans.
Recognizing Excellence: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Scholars Award
The Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers Scholars Award, the LRAEF’s most prestigious scholarship, grants $5,000 to four exceptional students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the hospitality industry. Priority was given to ProStart students who have earned the Certificate of Achievement.
This year’s recipients:
- Gabriel Salgado, John Ehret High School
- Isabella Russell, University of Louisiana, Lafayette
- Johnathan Bush, Drexel University
- Olivia Jarreau, Nicholls State University
Additional Distinguished Scholarships
- Jim Funk Scholarship: Evangeline Vang, Ponchatoula High School, will attend Delgado Community College.
- Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management Scholarship: Taralyn Stephens, University of New Orleans
- Louisiana Seafood Scholarship: Payge Oller, Louisiana State University
LRAEF Scholars
The following students are also receiving scholarships to further their education in hospitality:
- Aaliyah Robinson, John Ehret High School
- Adyson Doty, Chalmette High School
- Angel Loving, Independence High School
- Christopher Polito, Nicholls State University
- Jailah Joseph, East Ascension High School
- Ja’lynn Lamark, Chalmette High School
- Jayce Tillman, Nicholls State University
- Victoria Dozar, Albany High School
- Melissa Webb, University of New Orleans
- Trevor Dieudonne, California Polytechnic University
Industry Support Makes It Possible
These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of the LRAEF’s Annual Partners: Joe W. & Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation, Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Acme Oyster House, Auto-Chlor Services, Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, Sysco, Zea Rotisserie and Bar, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation and BRG Hospitality.
Investing in the Future of Hospitality
“The LRAEF is dedicated to supporting the next generation of restaurant and hospitality professionals, and we are grateful for the industry’s unwavering generosity,” said Jonathan Baynham, LRAEF Executive Director. “The contributions from our partners and the commitment of these students showcase the bright future of Louisiana’s hospitality industry. It is an honor to invest in their education and career success.”