40 Emerging Leaders Win Life-Changing Scholarships from Posse Partner Schools
In January, Posse New Orleans celebrated the selection of 40 exceptional young leaders as its newest Posse Scholars—chosen from nearly 800 nominees across the city for their academic and leadership potential.
The announcement was marked by an awards ceremony at the National World War II Museum, where Posse New Orleans Advisory Board Chair Rick Rizzo reflected on the rigor of the selection process and the promise each Scholar represents.
“We put you through a rigorous process to ensure we’re identifying individuals with unlimited potential—people who are truly special and capable of creating meaningful impact,” he said. “These universities want you to make a difference, and we’re confident you will.”
That potential is already being matched with opportunity. Case Western Reserve University, Providence College, Tulane University, and Villanova University collectively awarded $10.8 million in leadership merit scholarships to this year’s cohort—bringing the total scholarship funding earned by Posse New Orleans Scholars to more than $123 million.
Welcoming 10 of the new Scholars to Villanova University, President Father Peter Donohue reflected on the transformative impact Posse students have had on campus life.
“As much as we strive to share our community with you, you have shared so much of your own community with us,” he said. “I can say without hesitation that, in the many years we have had Posse on campus, Villanova is a better place because of Posse New Orleans.”
For the students themselves, the moment represents not only recognition but also belonging.
“As I go through college, I know I won’t only have my family—I’ll also have this amazing group of people,” said Iryeanne Tobias, a member of the newest Posse at Tulane University. “I’m so grateful to have y’all.”
As they prepare to begin their college journeys, these 40 Scholars carry with them not only significant financial support, but also a powerful network—and the expectation that they will lead, contribute, and create meaningful change in the years ahead.
