LRA Education Foundation

On May 15, the Chalmette High School ProStart Program Management Team was invited by Jason Jones, Region VP of Sales, to Sysco of New Orleans' Harahan location for their accomplishments at Nationals. They were greeted by more than 170 employees, who listened in on the team's experiences in Baltimore. Afterwards, the ProStart students were given a tour of the warehouse.

Kelly Billeaudeaux has spent 15 years changing futures as a ProStart Program Educator, and this year has been no different. Her students at the SOWELA Technical Community College - Jennings Site have had a variety of opportunities to showcase their skills, from catering their school board's Agronomy Luncheon to serving breakfast to the Jeff Davis Chamber of Commerce!

ProStart Program classes at Doyle High School have had an exciting first year! Students along with ProStart Educator Jill Netterville were treated to a tour of Louisiana Culinary Institute with multiple instructional demos and a lunch catered by professional chefs.

The LRAEF School Support Fund grant made it possible for Doyle High School to purchase brand new equipment for the classes, which was crucial to the multiple events they catered this year.

The Greater Baton Rouge Chapter President Brad Watts and VP Megan Klock presented a check for $3,600 to the EBR Career & Technical Education Center - CTEC ProStart Program. These funds were raised as a result of the Restaurant Takeover held at Ruffino's Restaurant - Steaks, Seafood, Italian, a unique dining event where ProStart students designed the menu, prepared the dishes, and gained valuable real-world experience by running the restaurant for lunch.

West St. John High School ProStart classes hosted "Taste of Our Pathways," a hospitality showcase luncheon, on May 5. ProStart Program Educator Chef Lorenzo Edwards challenged his classes to create their own unique Cinco de Mayo menus to be voted on. The winning team's four courses highlighted a variety of Hispanic flavors.

During National Teacher Appreciation Week, we proudly recognize our LRAEF ProStart Educators across Louisiana. They are more than teachers—they are mentors and industry professionals who bring real-world experience into the classroom and inspire students to pursue careers in hospitality.

Through their passion and hands-on instruction, they build confidence, open doors, and help shape the next generation of restaurant and hospitality leaders.



Tabasco | ProStart Program

Yesterday, ProStart Program students from W.D. & Mary Baker Smith Career Center toured the premium catering operation at Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium in Lafayette. There they met the culinary team of Bon Temps Catering & Events along with their Executive Chef Alexis Indest, who shared insights about the catering and culinary industry.

It's National Teacher Appreciation Week!

We’re proud to recognize Louisiana’s 2026 ProStart Educator of Excellence, Jacob Gillett! Through his leadership at Sulphur High School, he has transformed his ProStart Program into a powerhouse of culinary training, preparing students to be truly “restaurant ready.”

Thank you, Chef Gillett, for your passion, dedication, and commitment to shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals.