2021 Louisiana Youth WEBINAR DEDICATION

2022 LiFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNER

About Norma Jane Sabiston

Norma Jane Sabiston, who passed away from a sudden illness on December 4, 2020, was a trusted advisor to Presidents, Senators, Congressmen, Governors, and Mayors. However, she would tell you her most important legacy will be the hundreds of young leaders she mentored during her extraordinary 40-year career at the center of public policy in Louisiana and Washington, D.C.

To honor this extraordinary legacy, through your generosity, annual scholarships to the University of New Orleans and the Louisiana Youth Seminar will be awarded in Norma Jane’s name to distinguished students with a demonstrated record in leadership and academics.

Norma Jane and LYS

Norma Jane Sabiston came to the Louisiana Youth Seminar as a student participant (delegate) in 1972 in the summer before her senior year at Abramson High School.  Out of the approximately 150 participants, NJ was elected as the “Most Outstanding Delegate”.  She was selected as one of five students chosen to return to LYS the next summer on LYS staff as a Counselor.  She served as Counselor from 1973-1976.  NJ served as Staff Assistant in from 1977-1979 and then as Program Director from 1980-1983.  She is a member of the 5 Year club and the LYS Hall of Fame.  Since 1984, NJ served continuously on the Board of Directors or the Advisory Board focusing on Fund Development and the Recruitment of students from the New Orleans area.  

Norma Jane Sabiston loved her home state, her family and the Louisiana Youth Seminar.  Since the summer of 1972, she dedicated her time, her talent and her resources to LYS and the youth of Louisiana.  She has served in many, many capacities!  Each and every year NJ came back to LYS, during the third week of July to experience the Louisiana Youth Seminar and to celebrate her July 20th birthday with her LYS family and friends.  Norma Jane  made so many lifelong friends during her years at LYS – friends who today celebrate her life and her legacy. The LYS Board of Directors voted to dedicate the 2021 LYS in honor of our beloved Norma Jane Sabiston.

The funds donated to LYS in honor of our friend Norma Jane will go toward the Norma Jane Sabiston LYS Scholarship Fund and will be used to annually sponsor student to LYS.  The students will be selected by the Sabiston family based on their leadership potential and their embodiment of the NJ spirit.