Dan Forman founded LOOP in 2004 on the belief that the lessons children learn in the outdoors can help them rise above the cycle of dysfunction and violence that plagues New Orleans. Thousands of students benefitted from the adventures Dan offered them. He believed in the future of New Orleans and the power of the outdoors to transform lives. His legacy of service and leadership lives on in our program long after his sudden passing in 2012. To honor him and to continue his legacy, the staff and board members at LOOP NOLA created the Dan Forman Memorial Leadership Award in 2018. It will be an annual award given in March to one participant and one class that embodies the leadership, passion, and joy of the outdoors that made Dan who he was.
Student Award Eligibility
- Students in fifth to 12th grade from any private or public school or nonprofit partner are eligible.
- Student must have participated in two or more LOOP NOLA programs in the current school year.
- Student must actively reflect the qualities of good leadership, a passion for helping others, and a joy of the outdoors.
- Student should have participated in at least one volunteer service project for his/her community during the school year.
- Student must be nominated by a school, teacher, partner administrator, or LOOP NOLA program staff member. Student nominee’s school must approve nomination before it is finalized and submitted.
- Student must be in good academic and disciplinary standing as defined by the school or nonprofit and in good standing with LOOP NOLA staff.
Class Award Eligibility
- Fifth to 12th grade classes from any public school or nonprofit partner are eligible.
- Class must have participated in two or more LOOP NOLA programs in the current school year.
- The winning class’s students should be supportive of one another’s unique strengths, show respect to each other, themselves and the environment, and enjoy being outdoors.
- Class must be nominated by a school teacher/administrator or LOOP NOLA program staff member.
- The winning class must be in good academic and disciplinary standing as defined by the school or nonprofit and in good standing with LOOP NOLA staff.