Man with Microphone
Jefferson Parish School Superintendent Dr. James Gray

Posse New Orleans Selects 61 New Scholars

Spring 2023 | New Orleans

In January, 61 Scholars from New Orleans were honored as the newest recipients of Posse Scholarships. The Scholars’ families, friends and alumni joined college representatives and Posse staff at Tulane University Bowers Auditorium to celebrate the beginning of their Posse journey.

“Most of these Scholars were born in 2005, the year that Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast region,” Posse New Orleans Director Sherdren Burnside said. “They are an inspiring symbol of our city’s beauty, brilliance, and resilience. We are encouraged by their leadership and proud to welcome them to the Posse family.”

The Scholars were selected via Posse’s Dynamic Assessment Process, which seeks to identify deserving young leaders, many of whom would be otherwise missed by traditional college admissions processes. This year’s class of Scholars was selected from a pool of over 600 nominees.

“Most of these Scholars were born the year that Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast region. They are a symbol of our city’s beauty, brilliance, and resilience.”

Shredren Burnside, Director, Posse New Orleans

Jefferson Parish Schools Superintendent Dr. James Gray joined to congratulate Scholars on their achievement. “I am proud of our Posse Scholars. Not only are they achieving academically, but they’ve shown tremendous promise as leaders,” said James. “Congratulations to these students along with their families, teachers, support staff and administrators for supporting their drive for excellence.”

The newest Posse cohorts are currently participating in Posse’s unique Pre-Collegiate Training program, which is designed to strengthen skills related to teambuilding, cross-cultural communication, academic excellence and leadership development.

"The Awards Ceremony is special because you get to see the life-changing impact of a Posse Scholarship on new recipients each year, while also meeting the families whose support was so important to the young leaders earning this honor," said Rick Rizzo, New Orleans Advisory Board Chair.