Published on: August 31, 2026
BATON ROUGE, LA – The 2026 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:
Abigail Lasseigne
Abigail works at Oak Point Fresh Market in Greenwell Springs, LA. She graduated from Central High School with a 4.01 GPA and will attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the fall. She plans on becoming a social worker.
Autumn Foster
Autumn works at Hi Nabor Supermarket in Baton Rouge, LA. She is a 2024 graduate of St. Michael the Archangel High School, where she was a three-time Patrick Taylor Foundation Scholar. She will attend Baton Rouge Community College in the fall, with plans to transfer to a four-year University and become a registered nurse.
Brooklynn Ellis
Brooklynn works at Bet-R Neighborhood Grocery in Baton Rouge, LA. She is a graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School. She attends Louisiana State University and majors in Biology, Pre-Med.
Colt St. Germain
Colt works at Pierre Part Store in Pierre Part, LA. He graduated with a 4.25 from Ascension Catholic Diocesan Regional School as a Member of the National Honors Society. He attends Louisiana State University A &M College, majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
Connor Poirrier
Connor works at Fremin’s Food and Furniture in New Iberia, LA. He graduated from Southside High School as a member of the Varsity Baseball Team, earning All-District (3-5A); First Team Catcher and LBCA All-Region (Region7); and Catcher honors during his senior season on the varsity baseball team. He attends Nunez Community College and is majoring in Business Technology and is a member of the Pelicans Baseball team.
Connor Segura
Connor works at Mill Side Market in New Iberia, LA. He studied at South Louisiana Community College, earning a degree in Business Management. He will attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette majoring in Engineering Technology.
Edison Nolde
Edison works at Alexander’s Heritage Market in Gonzales, LA. He graduated from St. Amant High School with a 4.63 GPA. He is attending Louisiana State University to major in Mechanical Engineering.
James Breaux
James works at Breaux Mart Supermarkets in Metairie, LA. He graduated from Jesuit High School, where he was part of the Junior ROTC Program. He is attending Louisiana State University in the fall and will be studying Mechanical Engineering.
Jayden Berteau
Jayden works at Whitehall Grocery in Maurepas, LA. He graduated from East Ascension High School, where he was a member of the varsity football team and the National Honor Society. He is attending Southeastern Louisiana University in the fall to major in Construction Engineering.
Lola Lee
Lola works at Calvin’s Bocage Market in Baton Rouge, LA. She graduated from Baton Rouge Magnet High School and was a member of the Thespian Club. She is attending Louisiana State University in the fall, and majoring in Biology, Pre-Med.
Mikaela Teetrick
Mikaela works at Murray’s Superette in St. Amant, LA. She is a graduate of St. Amant High School, where she was on both Color Guard and Winter Guard, a member of the Beta Club and Thespian Club. She is attending Louisiana State University in the fall and is majoring in Computer Science.
Sophia Lobell
Sophia works at Murray’s Superette in St. Amant, LA. She graduated from St. Amant High School with a 4.39 GPA. Sophia is an Umpire on the Ascension Parish Baseball team. She will be attending Louisiana State University in the fall, majoring in Pre-Nursing.
Associated Grocers, Inc. is a full-service wholesale distributor to more than 200 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.
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