An Evening of Leadership, Legacy, and What's Next

The ballroom at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans buzzed with conversation, laughter, and celebration as hundreds of business leaders, educators, community partners, and supporters gathered for the 2026 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame. Against the backdrop of Junior Achievement's milestone of one million students served, the evening honored extraordinary trailblazers whose vision, innovation, and commitment have shaped our region while the night also raised support for the next generation of entrepreneurs, professionals, and changemakers.

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere reflected both the significance of the occasion and the optimism that defines Junior Achievement's mission. Friends and colleagues reconnected, stories were shared across tables, and a spirit of generosity filled the room. Throughout the evening, honorees reflected on the mentors, opportunities, and experiences that helped shape their journeys, while attendees were reminded that great leadership is measured not only by personal achievement, but by the opportunities created for others.

This year's Business Hall of Fame Laureates represented a remarkable cross-section of leadership across Southeast Louisiana. Honorees included Benjamin G. Bordelon, President & CEO of Bollinger Shipyards; Dr. Rebekah Gee, Founder & CEO of Nest Health; A. Thomas Leonhard, Jr., CEO of HRI Hospitality & Communities; Aulston G. Taylor, President & CEO of St. Augustine High School; and Clark A. Todd, President & CEO of Blessey Marine Services.

The evening also celebrated Ronald V. Burns, Sr., Chairman & CEO of Global Parking Systems, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades of leadership and service. Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers was honored as the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust Business of the Year for its commitment to community impact and investment in young people.

While the evening celebrated accomplished leaders, one of the most memorable moments came from someone just beginning his journey.

Tarrel Brooks, a student at Frederick Douglass High School and the young person representing Junior Achievement's one millionth student served, took the stage to share his story. Speaking with humor and confidence, Tarrel reflected on the experiences that helped shape him and the role Junior Achievement has played in his development as a young leader.

"As a rising senior, I recently realized that I am officially entering the season of my life where I get the absolute joy of having the 'Where will you be in five years?' conversation," he joked, drawing laughter from the audience.

Looking back on his first experiences with summer camp and later with Junior Achievement's Trust Your Crazy Ideas Challenge, Tarrel described the power of finding a community where he felt welcomed, supported, and challenged to grow.

He recalled arriving at JA's entrepreneurship program feeling nervous, only to discover peers who would leave a lasting impact. The first team-building activity was the start of genuine, lasting connections," he said, "Every single moment since then has been defined by making those connections."

For Tarrel, being recognized as Junior Achievement's one millionth student carried a significance far beyond personal recognition.

"To me, it means I have the honor of representing one million students who came before me," he told the audience. "One million students who helped build something much bigger than any single person."

Drawing on a quote from Franklin D. Roosevelt, "We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future,” Tarrel reflected on how Junior Achievement has helped him envision his own future.

"JA has allowed me to meet some of the coolest people and learn from the very best, giving me the tools to develop myself into the kind of leader I've always wanted to be," he said.

His remarks served as a powerful reminder of why the Business Hall of Fame exists. While the evening honored leaders whose impact spans decades, it also celebrated the young people who will carry that legacy forward.

The event's success was made possible through the generous support of sponsors whose investments help Junior Achievement prepare young people for careers, entrepreneurship, and financial success.

Special thanks to Title Sponsor LCMC Health for its leadership and commitment to strengthening our community. Junior Achievement also extends sincere appreciation to the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust, Business of the Year Sponsor, whose support continues to create opportunities for young people across the region.

Additional thanks go to Entrepreneurial Sponsors Bollinger Shipyards and Hyatt Regency New Orleans for their partnership and support in making this year's celebration possible. Their investment, along with the generosity of many corporate and individual supporters, helps ensure that students have access to the experiences, mentorship, and opportunities that can transform lives.

As the evening came to a close, guests were reminded that reaching one million students is not a finish line; it is the beginning of a new chapter.

"The next million students are already out there waiting for the same chance I was given," Tarrel said. "A chance to dream bigger, build confidence, and see a future filled with opportunity."

The 2026 Business Hall of Fame celebrated extraordinary accomplishments, visionary leadership, and lasting impact. More importantly, it celebrated the future those accomplishments are helping create—one student, one opportunity, and one dream at a time.