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The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) Board of Directors, through its Scholarship Fund, will award $60,000 in scholarships to 17 students. The LRAEF Scholars will be honored on March 6 during the annual “Serving the Future—Celebrating Careers in Hospitality” presented by Ecolab event in New Orleans.

The LRAEF Scholarship Fund was created in 2009 to provide financial support for individuals interested in furthering their education to support a career in culinary, hospitality, or related industries. Since its inception, the Scholarship Fund has awarded over $750,000 to deserving students.

This year marks a significant milestone as the LRAEF introduces the coveted Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers Scholarships. Valued at $5,000 each, these scholarships represent the pinnacle of recognition for four outstanding Louisiana students dedicated to building careers in the restaurant, foodservice, tourism, or hospitality sectors. The Raising Cane’s Chicken Finger Scholars are:

• Aronicia Hudson, University of New Orleans
• Rachel Cannata, Cornell University
• Alayna Moore, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• Kaleb Johnson, The Culinary Institute of America

"The LRAEF Scholars program empowers people of all ages to enter into the hospitality field or further their careers in the industry," stated Jonathan Baynham, Executive Director, LRAEF. "We are excited to welcome Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers to the LRAEF Scholars program and thank them for committing to the future of our industry."

The Jim Funk Scholarship, is named for the former LRA President & CEO who guided the creation of the LRAEF during his 30 years with the organization. The year’s recipient of the Jim Funk Scholarship is Abbey Warren. She is a third year LRAEF Scholar, attending the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University and will receive $5,000.

Through the LRAEF Scholars program, the University of New Orleans provides a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management scholarship. This year’s recipient is Jeremy Ledlow who will receive $5,000.

The Louisiana Seafood Scholarship was established through a generous gift from the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board. $5,000 is awarded to a qualified applicant who expresses an interest in cultivating, protecting, and promoting Louisiana seafood. This year’s Louisiana Seafood Scholar is Tammy Cecil, who attends the Louisiana Culinary Institute.

The LRAEF Scholars are individuals who intend to pursue a career in the restaurant, foodservice, tourism, or hospitality industry. ProStart students, who have or will receive the National ProStart Certificate of Achievement, are given top priority. The 2024 LRAEF Scholars are:

• Celli McDonald, Louisiana Culinary Institute
• Isabella Russell, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
• Jayce Tillman, Nicholls State University
• Trinity Anderson, Louisiana Culinary Institute
• Shelly Huff, University of New Orleans
• Christina Davis, University of New Orleans
• Samyiah Victorian, Nicholls State University
• Scott Siebert Jr., Nicholls State University
• Serena Holmes, University of New Orleans
• Katelyn Reuter, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

“Serving the Future – Celebrating Careers in Hospitality” also recognizes the LRAEF’s Annual Partners for the previous year. Special thanks to Ecolab, the Serving the Future Title Sponsor.

The 2023 LRAEF Annual Partners were: Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Baton Rouge Epicurean Society, Auto-Chlor Services, Acme Oyster House, Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Ecolab, Fore!Kids Foundation, Sysco, BRG Hospitality, Tabasco Brand, Atmos Energy, Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, Coca-Cola Bottling Company-UNITED, University of New Orleans HRT, NATCO Food Service, Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group, Brechtel Hospitality, PJ’S Coffee, Zea Rotisserie & Bar, QED Hospitality Republic National Distributing Company and MMI Culinary.