3 minute read
Sweet Louisiana Sunshine
Written by Dayne Commander | Photos by Johnny Chauvin
Local SONIC Locations Support Teachers One Sip at a Time
This summer, grabbing a cold drink at your neighborhood SONIC does more than quench your thirst—it helps fuel the future of education in Tangipahoa Parish.
Now through August 31, local Pray SONIC locations are offering a limited-time drink called Sweet Louisiana Sunshine—a refreshing blend of cherry limeade and orange juice. But it’s more than just a tasty summer treat. Every dollar from every cup sold goes directly toward sending local teachers and school administrators to train at the nationally recognized Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Supporting education and literacy in our community is at the heart of what we do,” said Lori Moresi, Marketing Director for Pray SONIC.
“Through the Sweet Louisiana Sunshine drink, we’re honored to stand with Tangipahoa Parish schools and help provide opportunities for teacher growth and development.”
This is the third summer the drink has been offered, inspired by Louisiana’s state song You Are My Sunshine and rooted in a desire to give back locally. The idea first sparked when Moresi heard Ron Clark speak at a SONIC convention. “He was absolutely electric,” she recalled. “It lit a fire in me to bring that energy home…I was like, Sign me up!”
The Ron Clark Academy is recognized for transforming the way teachers approach education, offering fast-paced, engaging workshops that focus on creativity, trust, and fostering student connection. The cost for the two-day experience is $2,500 per person, and the goal is to send as many local educators as possible this summer, and even more in the years to come.
The impact is already being felt. Two local teachers—Jaquita Williams and Kenyetta Smith—had the opportunity to attend and shared that it completely shifted how they teach and connect with students.
“I took three major things away from Ron Clark—making magical moments for students, making students feel valued, and most importantly, how to turn problems into opportunities,” said Williams. “We’re beyond the basic classroom setting. We have to be creative.” After returning, she gave her phone number to every student she teaches. “Now I have kids calling just to say good morning—and even grandparents asking for homework help.”
Smith agreed. “Education is a commitment. The summer is the hardest for me because I don’t know if my students are being fed or if they have someone spending time with them,” she said. A quote from the conference stuck with her: “If you’re going to be here, be here.” She also returned with strategies to help her school’s leadership team build trust with students and families around discipline and communication.
The fundraiser benefits teachers from a wide range of schools across Tangipahoa Parish, including public schools and private institutions like Lighthouse Boys Ranch, Courtney Christian School, Holy Ghost Catholic School, Oak Forest Academy, St. Joseph Catholic School, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Trafton Academy.
For over 45 years, Pray SONIC has been a part of this community, serving not just meals and drinks, but real, lasting care for the people who live here. This drink is a simple, powerful way for customers to support that mission. It’s more than a refreshing summer drink. It’s a way to stand behind the educators shaping our children’s futures. With every sip, you’re helping send local teachers to worldclass training, bringing fresh energy, creativity, and compassion back into Tangipahoa Parish classrooms.
