Tangipahoa Parish recognizes Hammond student and entrepreneur Libby Hernandez

Parish President David Miller recognized Libby Hernandez at the Tangipahoa Parish Council meeting on June 9 for finishing as a national place-winner in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy.

Miller said Hernandez was one of the parish students who competed nationally through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy and that she earned scholarship awards. He noted Hernandez received a $24,000 scholarship to Rochester Institute of Technology and a full-tuition scholarship to the Golisano Institute; he also said she received a cash prize but did not announce the amount.

Why it matters: The recognition highlights a local youth entrepreneurship program and the parish’s involvement in youth development initiatives.

What Hernandez said: Hernandez told the council her business, Fresh Dump, offers monthly commercial dumpster-cleaning services to help restaurants and other businesses avoid health-code violations and sanitation fines. “My business is a commercial dumpster cleaning service,” Hernandez said. “The name of my business is Fresh Dump.”

Council reaction: Council members and parish staff praised Hernandez and encouraged her to grow her business. Parish staff said the Northshore Young Entrepreneurs Academy chapter, sponsored locally, has produced multiple students who have competed nationally.

Ending: Miller and staff presented Hernandez with a certificate and posed for photographs; parish officials encouraged residents to watch for future local Young Entrepreneurs Academy participants.