The 2024 Life Achievement Award

Senator John Breaux


The 2024 Life Achievement Award in Honor of Roddy Richard recognizes Senator John Breaux's long and distinguished career in the U.S. Congress, representing the interests of Louisianians. Known as a centrist and a bridge between parties, as well as an expert in health care and energy law, Senator Breaux is not only our Life Achievement Award winner but also a cherished friend of the Louisiana Youth Seminar (LYS).

Born in Crowley, Louisiana, Senator Breaux is a proud native of the Acadiana area. He graduated from what is now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1964, the same year he married his wife, Lois. He earned his law degree from Louisiana State University in 1967 and then began his storied political career.

In 1972, at the age of 28, he was elected to the House of Representatives, becoming the youngest member of Congress at the time. He represented Louisiana's 7th District for 14 years before being elected to the United States Senate in 1986. In the Senate, he was a widely recognized bipartisan leader. In 1993, his Democratic colleagues appointed him Chief Deputy Whip, a position he held until his retirement.

Throughout his 32-year tenure, Senator Breaux was seen as a centrist in a divided Congress and was often sought out by Republican leaders for support on key votes. Conversely, he also served as a Democratic emissary, working to gather moderate Republican votes for Democratic proposals.

He held numerous key Senate committee positions and was instrumental in passing the 1996 welfare and health insurance reform bills. He was the main architect of the $400 billion Medicare Prescription Drug Modernization Act. As a senior member of the Finance Committee, Senator Breaux served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security and Family Policy. He also held positions on the Subcommittee on Health Care and the Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight. Additionally, he served on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Technology Committee, where he was a leader on telecommunications and transportation issues, as well as fisheries and ocean policy.

After retiring, he became a Distinguished Professor at Louisiana State University and a Principal and Director for Crossroads Strategies. He also led the "Ceasefire on Health Care" campaign, advocating for solutions for the uninsured.

Senator Breaux is a member of the Louisiana Athletics Hall of Fame, a LPB Louisiana Legend, and recipient of the US Senate’s Golden Gavel Award and the Panetta Institute Jefferson-Lincoln Award.

As a member of the LYS Hall of Fame and the LYS ‘71 Club, Senator Breaux has supported LYS as a donor, guest speaker, and advocate. In 1973, he encouraged delegates to get involved, saying, "The greatest reason that you should be involved is that we don’t have a perfect system, that we have room for improvement. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, especially because you are too young."

Whether 50 years ago or today, Senator Breaux knows that there are young leaders, like himself, capable and ready to make a difference. It is our hope that the 2024 delegation recognizes Senator Breaux’s tireless advocacy for Louisiana’s people, his example of service, and his ability to be a centrist leader in themselves.

2024 "No Man Is An Island" Award

Dr. Annie Wingate Spell


In 2012, LYS established the "No Man is an Island" Award to honor an outstanding delegate alumnus who exemplifies the ideals of LYS. Today, it is my pleasure to introduce Dr. Annie Wingate Spell, our 2024 awardee. Dr. Spell is being recognized for her exceptional professional accomplishments, overcoming challenges, and dedication to her community.

Dr. Spell is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana. She attended LYS as a delegate in 1996 before her Junior year at the Academy of Sacred Heart at Grand Coteau. Following high school, she earned a degree in psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she was awarded the university’s highest honor of 2002 Outstanding Graduate. Spell completed her doctorate in clinical psychology from Louisiana State University in 2007.  Then in 2010, Dr. Spell earned a masters degree in psychopharmacology from the California School of Professional Psychology.   

Her research on childhood responses to trauma, particularly following Hurricane Katrina, has been published in a parenting book and various academic journals. She operated a psychological services clinic in Lafayette, specializing in childhood and adolescents, often providing pro bono services to children in need.

In July 2013, as a child clinical psychologist with a newborn son, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Despite the serious prognosis and a severe reaction to chemotherapy, she achieved remission in January 2014. This experience profoundly influenced her life's mission and opened the door to her next chapter in tireless philanthropy and volunteerism.

Viewing her survivorship as an opportunity, Annie has dedicated herself to philanthropy and community service. Her efforts have supported organizations such as American Cancer. Society, Hearts of Hope, the Miles Perret Cancer Center, Autism Society of Acadiana, Acadiana Center for the Arts, Children’s Museum of Acadiana, United Way of Acadiana and many more. She has organized fundraising events, supported educational programs, and created initiatives for cancer survivors, demonstrating her commitment to community development.

Additionally, Dr. Spell co-chairs the Tides Medical Foundation which annually grants funds to worthwhile organizations that support patient access, youth development and community collaboration. Annie also served as Co-Chair of Lafayette Parish Mayor-President Monique Boulet’s transition team in 2023. The community has recognized her contributions through awards such as: ‘Supporter of the Year’ by the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana and the Nedra Andrus Lifetime Achievement Award by the Junior League of Lafayette.

Above all her community contributions, Annie’s, husband Joe, and their two sons, Foster and Tagg, are the highlight of her life.

Today, as we honor Dr. Annie Wingate Spell, we recognize her significant professional achievements, commitment to her community and journey through adversity, Dr. Spell has made an exceptional contribution to something greater than herself.

Feedback from LYS Webinar 2021

You all know that we love LYS, but don’t just take our word for it. Hear what this year’s participants had to say about their experience:

"The webinar really opened up my eyes to just how important keeping my cup full is so I can still fill up other people’s cups"

"I have learned how important it is to focus on the good things about yourself and the strengths instead of weaknesses"

"I will build up good communication and trust among my peers and reflect often on how we can grow to become better."

Thank You to All of the 2021 Guest Speakers!

Even though this year’s LYS was online, we still had the B-E-S-T speakers share some thoughts with us! Thank you for taking your time to join us!

  • Rob Wise

  • Dr. Jake Smith

  • Chancelier "Xero" Skidmore

  • Monique Marie Edwards

  • Dr. Jake Smith

  • Orhan McMillian

  • Mayor Friday Ellis

  • Melissa Thompson

  • Anasofia Aragon

  • Lily Collora