Nell Nolan: Junior League 100 Years, Junior Achievement Business, BK Design

Centennial Celebration

It was time to plan and 10 women huddled. The objective: to encourage positive growth and change in New Orleans. The year: 1923. After recruiting others, the localites joined the Association of Junior Leagues International (founded in 1921) and the Junior League of New Orleans came into existence in 1924 with 40 women dedicated to make a difference. Figures may vary a bit, but it “is the 11th largest League in the world,” out of 297. Voluntarism, development of the potential of women, and leadership training are integral to active membership. The purpose “is exclusively educational and charitable.”

Another purpose came to the recent fore. And that was “party.” Gracing the forest green cover of the invitation, and scripted in gold, was the lettering “Junior League of New Orleans, Centennial Celebration (1924-2024), A Roaring Twenties Gala.” Dozens formed the gala committee, including a slew of past presidents. The latter number tallied 40 and listed alphabetically on the invitation Wendy Beron, Ellen Coleman and Liz Creel, the gala’s chairing trio. The list continued with Shannon Able, Elizabeth Boh, Jeanne Boughton, Shannon Brice, Barbara Bush, Jennifer Couvillon, Katie Crosby, Wendy Dalovisio, Ninette Eastman, Kathy Eastman (the most recent, 2024, Sustainer of the Year), Leah Engelhardt, Ella Flower, Ruthie Frierson, Betsie Gambel, Ashley Geary, Julie George, Mary Frances Gleason, Alice Glenn, Gwathmey Gomila, Maria Huete, Kristen Koppel, Natalie Lanaux, Erin Luetkemeier, Ann Mahorner, Lynn Mann, Dee McCloskey, Wendy Michell, Anne Milling, Kristin Moore, Betsy Nalty, Laura Politz, Katherine Raymond, Sally Suthon, Melanee Usdin, Charlene Walk, Brandy Whisnant, and Alice Wright. Most were in attendance. One, Virginia Walker, was recognized posthumously. She always loved a good party.