Published on: September 2, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA – The 2025 Associated Grocers GMRA Scholarship Fund recipients were recently announced. The Associated Grocers/GMRA partnership scholarship program benefits students working within Associated Grocers retail member stores. The Grocery Manufacturers Representatives Association (GMRA) is a nonprofit organization formed in Louisiana to bring grocery manufacturers and retailers together. Each scholarship awarded is for a period of eight consecutive semesters (fall and spring only) for a maximum award of $13,000. The first two scholarships received will be $500, the second two will be $1,500, the third two will be $2,000 and the final two will be $2,500, given the recipient meets the criteria for continuation of scholarship.
This year, we congratulate the following outstanding students:
Mackenzie Rush (left)
Mackenzie works at Bedico Supermarket in Pontchatoula, LA. She graduated from Pontchatoula High School as Summa Cum Laude and attends Southeastern Louisiana University.
Cierra Smith (right)
Cierra works at Delaune’s Supermarket in St. Amant, LA. A graduate of St. Amant High School, Cierra was a member of the basketball team and was a cheerleader. She attends Louisiana State University, majoring in biological sciences, to become an Orthodontist.
Tommy Bracey (left)
Tommy works at Hi Nabor in Baton Rouge, LA, and attends Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) and is pursuing a degree in Psychology. As a graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School, he served on the school’s Bowling team and is an active volunteer with Joni and Friends, serving annually at their Family Retreat and events throughout the year.
Brayden Degueyter (right)
Brayden works at Benny’s Supermarket in Opelousas, LA and attends the University of Louisiana at Lafayette majoring in mechanical engineering. Through his a dual enrollment program at LSUE, he was able to graduate from Port Barre High School at sixteen. Brayden is certified in Adobe apps such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.
William Daugereaux (Left)
William works at Rod’s Supermarket in Church Point, LA. He is a graduate of Northside Christian School and attends the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Maddix Fremin (Right)
Maddix works at Fremin’s Food and Furniture in New Iberia, LA. She is a graduate of Catholic High in New Iberia, LA, where she was a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society and also served as Co-Captain of the Varsity Soccer team. Maddix attends Louisiana State University in the fall.
Hailey Sumich (Left)
Hailey works at Oak Point Fresh Market in Greenwell Springs, LA. She is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, where she served as Senior Class President and was Captain of her Volleyball team. Hailey attends Louisiana State University and is pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy.
James Green (right)
James works at Alexander’s Harvest Market in Geismar, LA. He is a graduate of Dutchtown High School. James attends Louisiana State University and majors in Accounting.
Associated Grocers, Inc. is a full-service wholesale distributor to more than 180 independent retailers spanning the Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Arkansas regions. Associated Grocers provides retail operations support and solutions to its members, which allow independent supermarkets to compete with the national chains while providing their unique hometown flavors and fast, friendly service.