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Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans held its annual celebration on Thursday, October 7, from 6-8 p.m., at Morton’s, The Steakhouse. The 7th class of achievers include the most influential, ethical and successful young people (40 years old or younger) of the local business world.

This year’s Rising Stars are: Kurt D. Buchert, founder and CEO of GreenBean Foam Insulation, LLC; McKenzie Coco, founder of FSC Interactive, LLC; John Harris, chef and owner of Lilette; Nicolas R. Perkin, co-founder and president of The Receivables Exchange, Inc.; and Matthew G. Schwartz, principal and co-founder of Domain Companies of Louisiana.

The event featured food from Cake Café, Fat Hen Grill, Lakeview Harbor, Mandina’s, Mondo, Santa Fe Café, The Grill Room at the Windsor Court Hotel, Toulouse Gourmet Catering, Vega Tapas and Whole Foods Market, not to mention drinks from Crescent Crown Distributing and Republic National Distributing.

Every guest was a star that night as they enjoyed the music of the Bucktown Allstars and entertainment from a strolling magician, a caricature artist and a tarot card reader.

Much-desired auction items included a Saints signed team ball, Hornets signed team ball, a Drew Brees signed and framed print and a seven-day Mexico stay at Casa Piazza.