Off The Hook Launches Moreaux Family French Immersion Scholarship to Preserve Louisiana’s French Heritage

Off The Hook Restaurants is proud to announce the launch of the Moreaux Family French Immersion Scholarship, a new initiative designed to support Louisiana students pursuing French language education and cultural immersion through the renowned French Immersion Program at Université Sainte-Anne in Nova Scotia, Canada.

As a Louisiana-born and family-owned company, Off The Hook has always celebrated the traditions, flavors, and culture that make Louisiana unique. From Cajun cuisine and Gulf seafood to music, storytelling, and community, Louisiana’s identity is deeply connected to its French and Acadian roots. The Moreaux Family French Immersion Scholarship was created to help preserve that heritage by investing in the next generation of cultural ambassadors.

Supporting the Future of French Language and Culture in Louisiana

The scholarship provides financial assistance to Louisiana students attending the internationally recognized Université Sainte-Anne French Immersion Program, one of North America’s premier French language immersion experiences.

Located in Nova Scotia, the program offers participants the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in French language, culture, and community through intensive coursework, cultural activities, and daily interaction with native French speakers.

By supporting participation in the program, Off The Hook hopes to strengthen connections between Louisiana’s French heritage and the Acadian communities whose history helped shape the state’s culture.

Announcing the Inaugural 2026 Scholarship Recipient

Off The Hook is honored to announce that Mikaylah Thornton has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Moreaux Family French Immersion Scholarship for 2026.

Thornton is a Mass Communications major at Nicholls State University pursuing minors in French and Creative Writing. Her academic interests reflect a passion for storytelling, language, and cultural preservation—values that closely align with Off The Hook’s mission and commitment to Louisiana communities.

Through the immersion program, Thornton will have the opportunity to strengthen her French fluency while gaining firsthand experience with the Acadian culture that continues to influence Louisiana’s traditions, language, and way of life.

A Scholarship Inspired by Family Heritage

The scholarship is deeply personal to the Moreaux family.

Off The Hook founders Alvin and Lee Moreaux were born and raised in the Lafayette area and grew up speaking Cajun French as their first language. Their connection to Louisiana’s French heritage was shaped not only by the communities they grew up in, but also by the influence of their father, Melvin Baudoin, whose passion for preserving French language and culture left a lasting impact on the family.

Baudoin was a strong advocate for French language education and cultural exchange throughout Louisiana. He actively supported French immersion efforts through Nicholls State University and regularly welcomed French-speaking visitors into his home, believing that meaningful cultural connections were one of the best ways to preserve Louisiana’s unique heritage.

Today, that same commitment continues through the next generation of the Moreaux family, including Off The Hook CEO Paxton Moreaux, as they work to ensure Louisiana’s French and Acadian traditions remain vibrant for years to come.

Investing in Louisiana Communities and Culture

At Off The Hook, community involvement extends far beyond the restaurant walls. Supporting local schools, community organizations, Louisiana seafood, and cultural traditions has always been central to the company’s mission.

The Moreaux Family French Immersion Scholarship represents another meaningful investment in Louisiana’s future by helping students deepen their understanding of the language and heritage that continue to shape the state today. 

"We believe preserving Louisiana culture requires more than celebrating it!  It requires investing in the people who will carry it forward," said the Moreaux Family. "We are proud to support students who are passionate about language, history, and cultural connection."

Preserving Louisiana’s French and Acadian Legacy

Louisiana is home to one of the most unique cultural identities in the United States, with deep ties to French, Acadian, and Cajun traditions. Through initiatives like the Moreaux Family French Immersion Scholarship, Off The Hook hopes to encourage more students to explore their heritage, strengthen their French language skills, and become future leaders in preserving Louisiana culture.

As Off The Hook continues to grow across Louisiana and beyond, the company remains committed to honoring the values, traditions, and communities that have helped shape its story.

To learn more about the French Immersion Program at Université Sainte-Anne, visit Université Sainte-Anne French Immersion Sessions.