Connection, Community & Care in Pictures
Our May gathering was built around three simple but powerful ideas: that meaningful change begins with connection, grows through community, and endures because people choose to care for one another.
Scholarship Winners with Jeff and Jeanne Geoffray: (L-R) Trina Clark, Marley Marsalis, Justin Green, Nicole Andry, Ahrianna Vicks
These photographs capture that spirit—from the joyful reunions of Adult Education Center graduates to conversations among board members, scholarship winners, families, supporters, and the many new friends we welcomed along the way. They celebrate two remarkable honorees whose lives embody those values: Sister Judith Therese Barial of St. Mary's Academy, joined by her longtime colleague Sister Cecilia, and New Orleans Career Center's Terrance Payne.
Sister Judith Therese Barial (Honoree), Terrance Payne (Honoree)
We were equally honored by the presence of civil rights icon Dr. Leona Tate and her granddaughter, a beautiful reminder that the courage of one generation inspires the next. We were also grateful for the support of Councilman Matthew Willard, whose attendance reflected the importance of preserving this history while investing in opportunities for New Orleans' future.
Dr. Leona Tate (Leona Tate Foundation for Change, Inc.)
We also extend our thanks to the journalists who helped share these stories beyond our gathering, including FOX 8's Thanh Truong and Verite News reporter Tammy Barney.
Finally, we thank the entire New Orleans Career Center team for opening their doors to us and helping strengthen a partnership rooted in opportunity, with special appreciation to Claire Jecklin for her gracious hospitality and leadership. We hope these images convey not only the memories of a wonderful day, but also the growing community that is carrying forward the legacy of the Adult Education Center by investing in one another—and in the generations still to come.
Joyce Armstead, Gwendolyn Shepherd, Gail Grant, Amelia Waters, Dorothy Payton, Sylvia Cheatham, Sandra O'Neal, Shirley Rondeno (AEC Alumnae)