LULING, LA – May 25, 2026
Hahnville and Destrehan graduates honored for perseverance through health and injury challenges.
Two Hahnville High School graduates and one Destrehan High School graduate have been selected as recipients of the 2026 LJB Legal Scholarship, a program created by local attorney Loyd J. Bourgeois to recognize students whose lives have been shaped by serious injury, illness, disability, or other significant health challenges. This year’s recipients are Olivia Whitaker and Ryleigh Charpentier of Hahnville High School and Glorianne Bundick of Destrehan High School. Each student will receive a $2,000 scholarship to support their college education.
Scholarship Program Continues to Grow
The LJB Legal Scholarship was first awarded in 2024 to a single graduating senior. In 2025, the program expanded to provide one scholarship to a Hahnville High School graduate and one scholarship to a Destrehan High School graduate.
Applicants were required to submit a 300- to 500-word essay responding to the prompt, “How a Serious Injury or Health Challenge Has Impacted Me or Someone I Love.” According to the LJBLegal team, this year’s submissions made selecting recipients especially difficult.
“Our scholarship asks applicants to share deeply personal experiences about injury, disability, and perseverance,” said Bourgeois, founder of Loyd J Bourgeois Injury & Accident Lawyer. “This year, the essays were so powerful and inspiring that choosing just two winners felt impossible for our team. Then we realized, ‘Hey, we make the rules, let’s give three.’”
“At LJBLegal, we understand the profound impact a disability or serious injury can have on an individual and their loved ones,” Bourgeois said. “Every day our team sees the resilience it takes for families to move forward after difficult medical challenges. We are proud to recognize students like Olivia, Ryleigh, and Glorianne, who have shown determination, compassion, and perseverance while pursuing their goals.”
2026 Scholarship Recipients
Olivia Whitaker
Olivia Whitaker plans to attend Nicholls State University, where she will study kinesiology and work toward becoming a strength and conditioning coach. At Hahnville High School, Whitaker participated in soccer, track, Beta Club, Interact Club, and swimming coaching while also competing in basketball, softball, and tennis throughout her life.
Ryleigh Charpentier
Ryleigh Charpentier will attend Southeastern Louisiana University to major in nursing before pursuing a physician assistant degree at University of New Orleans. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, earned ACT Scholar recognition, completed Medical Assistant certification training, and graduated from River Parishes Community College with an associate degree while still in high school.
Charpentier also balanced Advanced Placement coursework, band participation as a flute player, and talented music programs alongside her healthcare training and college studies.
Glorianne Bundick
Glorianne Bundick will attend Emory University, where she plans to study business with a concentration in entrepreneurship and music with a concentration in vocal studies. During her time at Destrehan High School, Bundick distinguished herself academically, artistically, and through community service.
Her accomplishments include participation in LMEA All-State Honor Choir, ACDA All-State Honor Choir, District Honor Choir, and Parish Honor Choir. She also earned Superior ratings in International Thespian Society musical theatre competitions and appeared in productions including “Mamma Mia,” “Hadestown,” “Shrek the Musical,” and “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.”
Bundick additionally served as a section leader in varsity and treble choir, founded Career Compass, earned the Biliteracy Seal, completed more than 200 hours of community service, and graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Supporting Students Through Adversity
The LJB Legal Scholarship was created to support students whose lives have been affected by serious injury, disability, or long-term health challenges, whether personally or through someone they love.
“At Loyd J Bourgeois Injury & Accident Lawyer, we are deeply invested in our community and the future of its youth,” Bourgeois said. “Education can open doors and create opportunities, especially for students who have already faced difficult obstacles. We are honored to support these outstanding young people as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”
Learn more about the LJB Legal Scholarship program and future application opportunities at LJBLegal Scholarship Program.
About Us
Loyd J Bourgeois Injury & Accident Lawyer (LJBLegal) is a Louisiana personal injury law firm serving clients throughout the River Parishes and surrounding communities. The firm represents individuals and families affected by car accidents, trucking accidents, serious injuries, maritime accident, and wrongful death. Through community initiatives like the LJB Legal Scholarship, the firm supports educational opportunities for local students facing significant life challenges.
Contact Information
Name: Loyd Bourgeois
Title: Founder and Personal Injury Attorney
Email: info AT ljblegal.com
Phone: 504-372-1444
