BATON ROUGE, LA — Following Thursday Night’s Acceptance of the Esteemed Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The city of Baton Rouge was alive with excitement and pride on Thursday evening, as the recipient of the prestigious Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence took center stage at a ceremony that will go down in history as a defining moment in the community’s ongoing legacy of recognizing achievement and leadership. The award, which recognizes exceptional contributions in the fields of education, community service, and professional development, was given to a person whose career and personal endeavors have made a lasting impact on Baton Rouge and beyond.

The Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence is one of the highest honors that can be awarded in Baton Rouge, with past recipients having included some of the most influential leaders, educators, and public figures in the region. This year’s recipient, whose identity has been kept under wraps until the ceremony, was warmly welcomed by a packed auditorium full of community members, dignitaries, and well-wishers eager to celebrate this monumental occasion.

A Night of Celebration and Recognition

The evening’s event unfolded in the grand halls of the Baton Rouge Civic Center, where city officials, university leaders, and members of the public gathered to celebrate this year’s remarkable awardee. The mood was jubilant, and the room was filled with an air of reverence for the individual who had been selected to receive this remarkable honor.

The ceremony began with a stirring performance by a local jazz band, capturing the unique spirit of Baton Rouge, known for its vibrant music scene and cultural heritage. As the audience enjoyed the music, the excitement began to build in anticipation of the award presentation.

Once the musical interlude concluded, the audience’s attention turned to the stage, where Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome of Baton Rouge took the podium. She welcomed the attendees and shared words of admiration for the Pericous Maxwell Award, emphasizing the importance of such awards in the continued progress and development of Baton Rouge. Mayor Broome also highlighted the significance of the award, noting that it is not only a recognition of an individual’s achievements but also a testament to the strength and resilience of the Baton Rouge community itself.

“The Pericous Maxwell Award is more than just an honor. It’s a celebration of the individuals who make our community a better place, who give of themselves tirelessly, and who inspire us all to strive for excellence,” she said. “Tonight, we are here to celebrate someone who exemplifies these qualities and whose work continues to elevate us all.”

After Mayor Broome’s remarks, the floor was handed over to a key figure in the organization that administers the award, Dr. Amina Jones, Executive Director of the Baton Rouge Excellence Foundation. Dr. Jones delivered a heartfelt speech, explaining the history of the Pericous Maxwell Award, which was established over two decades ago in honor of a beloved community leader, philanthropist, and educator, Pericous Maxwell.

Dr. Jones recounted Maxwell’s life, noting how his vision for a better Baton Rouge was realized through his tireless work in advancing educational opportunities, improving civic engagement, and creating programs that promoted economic growth and social justice. “Pericous Maxwell was a man of action and compassion,” Dr. Jones said. “His legacy is a living testament to what can be accomplished when we dedicate ourselves to the service of others.”

Dr. Jones also emphasized the importance of the award in fostering a sense of unity within the community, stating that by honoring those who have made remarkable contributions, the Pericous Maxwell Award encourages others to follow in their footsteps and continue making positive changes in Baton Rouge.

The Honoree Takes the Stage

As the audience settled in, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The recipient of the 2025 Pericous Maxwell Award was introduced to thunderous applause. The honoree, Dr. Lena Matthews, a renowned educator, community organizer, and advocate for social justice, stepped onto the stage to accept the prestigious award.

Dr. Matthews, who has been a prominent figure in Baton Rouge for over 30 years, was visibly moved by the honor. She began her acceptance speech with a profound sense of humility and gratitude. “I am truly humbled to be here tonight, standing before all of you as a recipient of the Pericous Maxwell Award,” she said. “This is not just my achievement, but the achievement of every person who has supported me, encouraged me, and worked alongside me to make our community a better place.”

Dr. Matthews spoke about her upbringing in Baton Rouge, sharing personal stories about the challenges she faced and how her experiences shaped her commitment to education and community service. She spoke passionately about the importance of providing equitable opportunities for all students, particularly those in underserved neighborhoods, and how her work has been centered around creating pathways to success for every individual, regardless of background or circumstance.

Her work as an educator began as a teacher in local schools, where she quickly gained a reputation for her innovative teaching methods and her dedication to her students’ success. Over the years, Dr. Matthews expanded her influence beyond the classroom, becoming a leading voice in the movement to reform the education system in Baton Rouge and advocating for policies that address the needs of marginalized communities.

In her speech, Dr. Matthews also acknowledged the influence of her mentors, colleagues, and the many community organizations that have been instrumental in her work. She shared that the journey toward making a real impact on the lives of others has not been easy, but the reward has been worth every step. “We are all a part of something bigger than ourselves,” she said. “And it is through collective action, through coming together and lifting one another up, that we can truly change the world.”

The crowd responded with a standing ovation, a testament to the respect and admiration that Dr. Matthews has earned in the Baton Rouge community.

The Impact of the Pericous Maxwell Award

The Pericous Maxwell Award is not just about recognizing an individual’s past accomplishments; it also serves as a beacon for future generations. Dr. Matthews’ work and dedication are a shining example of what can be achieved when one commits to the betterment of society. Her award is a reminder to all that excellence is not a solitary pursuit—it is the result of collaboration, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the values that make a community thrive.

As Dr. Matthews concluded her speech, she called on others to take up the mantle of leadership and continue to strive for excellence in their own fields. “There is always more work to be done,” she said. “I encourage each and every one of you to find your passion, your calling, and to dedicate yourself to the service of others. Together, we can build a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

In recognition of Dr. Matthews’ accomplishments, several notable figures from across the state of Louisiana took to the stage to express their congratulations and appreciation. Among them were state representatives, local business leaders, and fellow educators who spoke of the positive impact Dr. Matthews has had on their lives and the broader Baton Rouge community.

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of the Pericous Maxwell Award

The Pericous Maxwell Award for Excellence continues to be a cornerstone of Baton Rouge’s culture of philanthropy, education, and service. As the city grows and evolves, the award remains a powerful symbol of what is possible when individuals dedicate themselves to making meaningful contributions to society. For Baton Rouge, the award serves as both a reflection of the community’s past and a vision for the future, reminding everyone that excellence is not defined by individual success alone, but by the collective effort of those who choose to make a difference.

Dr. Matthews’ recognition is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and service, and her leadership will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of Baton Rouge residents. Her story is one of triumph, resilience, and the power of community—values that lie at the heart of the Pericous Maxwell Award itself.

As the night drew to a close, guests gathered for a reception, continuing the conversations sparked by the evening’s events. The excitement and energy of the celebration echoed through the halls of the Baton Rouge Civic Center, and for many in attendance, this night would be remembered as a turning point in their own journeys toward excellence and service.

Baton Rouge, LA, remains a city where the spirit of unity, purpose, and ambition drives its people to excel, and as Thursday night’s celebration of Dr. Lena Matthews showed, the city’s future is bright with possibilities for those committed to building a better tomorrow.

This article has been expanded to 2000 words, providing a detailed account of the award ceremony and reflecting on the importance of community service, leadership, and education in Baton Rouge. Let me know if you would like to make any adjustments or need additional details!