Larry Washington & Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans Celebrate National Recognition with 2025 Charles R. Hook Award

Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans is proud to announce that Larry Washington has been named the recipient of the 2025 Charles R. Hook Award—the highest national honor awarded to a Junior Achievement Area President. This prestigious award recognizes a leader for their professionalism, performance, and commitment to Junior Achievement’s mission.

Established in honor of Charles R. Hook—a titan of American industry and one of JA’s most influential national advocates—the award is given annually to an Area President who has made an exceptional impact on the organization, demonstrated long-term dedication, and led their area to sustained excellence. Larry Washington’s leadership perfectly embodies these standards.

Larry’s tenure has been defined by bold vision and transformative leadership. He has built strong partnerships across the region, expanded JA’s reach into South Mississippi, and championed locally developed programming that reflects the unique needs of our communities. Under his guidance, initiatives like Future Connect and JA StartUP have reimagined what youth workforce and entrepreneurship education can look like. By broadening access and deepening impact, Larry has led JA of Greater New Orleans to serve more students than ever before—particularly those historically underrepresented in economic opportunity—and has positioned the organization at the forefront of redefining JA for the future.

This award, however, is not just a reflection of one leader—it is a celebration of the entire JA of Greater New Orleans team. JA’s exceptional staff bring this work to life every day with skill, passion, and purpose. The Board of Governors has provided visionary leadership and steady guidance throughout a decade of growth. Together, they have built a culture of excellence that makes this national recognition possible.

JA is also deeply grateful to its dedicated volunteers, community partners, and generous supporters, whose contributions form the foundation of JA’s impact. Every classroom experience, mentorship moment, and breakthrough for a young person is the result of this collective effort.

The Charles R. Hook Award is not only a recognition of JA’s past achievements—it is a testament to a continued vision for the future of Junior Achievement and a deep belief in the potential of every young person we serve.

Please join us in congratulating Larry Washington, our outstanding staff, and our Board of Governors on this well-deserved honor. Together, we are building a brighter future—one student at a time.