Dan Forman Leadership Award
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 benefited 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 was an annual award given in March to one participant who embodies Dan’s leadership, passion, and joy of the outdoors.
2025 Dan Forman Memorial Leadership Award
We are now accepting nominations for the 2025 Dan Forman Memorial Leadership Award. Nominations must be received by 5pm on Friday, May 16th, 2025.
Participant Award Eligibility
Students in 6th 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 2024-2025 school year
Student must positively reflect the qualities of good leadership, a passion for helping others, and a joy of the outdoors
Student must be nominated by a school or nonprofit teacher or administrator or LOOP NOLA non-directorial staff member
Student must be in good academic and disciplinary standing as defined by the school or nonprofit and in good standing with LOOP NOLA staff
Dan Forman Memorial Leadership Award winner will receive
A commemorative award
A 3-hour custom outdoor program for their class or team at no cost to their school
A pizza party for their class at the end of their program
Nomination Process
Individuals wanting to nominate a student will fill out and submit the Nomination Form online by 5:00pm on Friday, May 16, 2025. Limit 3 nominations per person.
Selection Process
The LOOP NOLA directorial staff and board members will review all nominations and decide on award winners. Winners will be notified by the end of May 2025 and the custom program will occur in the 2025-2026 school year.
2019 Dan Forman Memorial Leadership Class Award Winner: Opportunities Academy
The board and staff members of LOOP NOLA are proud to announce that Opportunities Academy is the 2019 Dan Forman Memorial Leadership Class Award winner! Opportunities Academy participated in nine LOOP NOLA outdoor programs this school year including hiking, canoeing and camping-based activities. The award is given to a LOOP NOLA class who embodies the passion for the outdoors, leadership, and teamwork of LOOP NOLA’s founder Dan Forman, who passed away in 2012.
