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LRAEF Awards $60k to Scholars
Mar 11, 2025
The Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation (LRAEF) is investing in the future of the hospitality industry by awarding $60,000 in scholarships to its 2025 LRAEF Scholars Class. These scholarships provide vital support to Louisiana students pursuing careers in the restaurant, foodservice, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Honorees will be recognized at Serving the Future: Celebrating Careers in Hospitality, presented by BRG Hospitality, on March 19 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:
- Isabella Russell, University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Second-Year Recipient)
- Jonathan Bush, Drexel University
- Payge Oller, Louisiana State University
- Rontrevius Foreman, Louisiana Culinary Institute
Additional Distinguished Scholarships
- Jim Funk Scholarship: Christina Davis, University of New Orleans (Second-Year Recipient)
- Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management Scholarship: Taralyn Stephens, University of New Orleans
- Louisiana Seafood Scholarship: Scott Siebert Jr., Nicholls State University
LRAEF Scholars
The following students are also receiving scholarships to further their education in hospitality:
- Christopher Polito, Nicholls State University
- Hezekiah Harnsberry, Culinary Institute of America (San Antonio, TX)
- Jayce Tillman, Nicholls State University
- Layla Odle, Louisiana Culinary Institute
- Makala Henry, Delgado Community College
- Melissa Webb, University of New Orleans
- Raven Ross, University of New Orleans
- Trevor Dieudonne, California Polytechnic State University
- Whitney Revader Myers, University of New Orleans
- Olivia Jarreau, Nicholls State University
Industry Support Makes It Possible
These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of 2025 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.”
For more information on the LRAEF Scholars program and how to support future scholars, visit www.LRAEF.org.