The 2026 Southwestern Province (SWP) Kappa League Conference wasn’t just an event—it was a high-octane takeover of New Orleans, LA. From February 27–28, 2026, the hallowed grounds of Dillard University served as the launchpad for a new generation of leaders who balanced serious achievement with the undeniable spirit of the Big Easy.
The Road to Greatness
The journey began with a “unity rally” at the Dallas Alumni Chapter frat house. Richardson Plano (RP) Leaguers and advisors shared a moment of fellowship before boarding three massive charter buses. After a powerful prayer for traveling grace, the students settled in for a night of gaming, music, and brotherhood as they cruised toward Louisiana.
Friday: Big Easy Flavors & Campus Knowledge
The crew hit the French Quarter at daybreak, ready to fuel up. After a quick pivot from a “bumpy” restaurant experience to a superior breakfast spot, the Leaguers were charged and ready. The day was a deep dive into excellence, featuring tours of Dillard University and Xavier University.
As the sun set, the conference officially kicked off at Dillard’s Dent Hall. From intense basketball games to a high-tech video game truck, the energy was electric. The night reached a peak with a group trip to Dave & Buster’s, proving that these young men play just as hard as they work.
Saturday: Blueprints for Success
Saturday was all about the “7 Phases” of Kappa League growth. While many students participated in the vital “Learn to Live” seminar with Brother Merrill Merricks, a select group of future aviators—Ryan Hughes, Jeremy Hill Jr., Gavin Gaines, and Warren Ware—hit the tarmac at Lake Arena Airport for a VIP tour of the Air Traffic Control Tower and small aircraft.
The afternoon saw the Leaguers rotating through a “Success Matrix” of seminars, including:
- The Future is Here: Cutting-edge sessions on AI and DJing.
- The Executive Path: College 360, Financial Literacy, and Career Vision.
- The Balanced Man: Critical discussions on Mental Health.
- Even a Q&A with Olympic Silver Medalist and a High Jump Record Holder Hollis Conway
A Night of Stars and Stakes
The evening shifted to the Student Union for a Dinner Cotillion, where “Executive Presence” was on full display. Then, the stakes got high:
- The $6,500 Power Hour: In a stunning display of hustle, the conference raised over $6,500 in less than 60 minutes. RP Leaguers Gavin Gaines and Evan Fossett were recognized in the Top 10. Evan Fossett absolutely dominated, winning the RPA KL Fundraising challenge and walking away with $100 in cold hard cash!
- Victory Wings: To cap off the night, the group headed to WeDat, owned by Brother Greg Tillery, for the best wings in New Orleans.
2026 Awards: The Richardson Plano Domination
When the dust settled, the Richardson Plano Kappa League had once again made a “bold statement” by sweeping major categories:
| Award | Recipient |
| SWP Leon W. Steward Award | Amare Sanchez |
| Social Action Community Service Award | RP Kappa League (1st Place) |
| Student of the Year (9th/10th Grade) | Ryan Hughes (1st Place) |
| High School Student of the Year | Evan Fossett (4th Place) |
| Math Competition | RP Kappa League (2nd Place) |
A Brotherhood of Mentors
None of this would be possible without the dedicated guidance of our advisors. A huge “Yo!” to Brothers Kevin Burnett, Eric Gaines, Tony Taylor, Jeremy Hill, Charles Ware, and Brandon Hutchinson. Their tireless work—and their own moments of fellowship and laughter—provided the blueprint for the students to follow.
As the buses rolled back to Texas, the Leaguers left New Orleans with more than just trophies—they left with the powerful connections and wisdom to continue their journey toward excellence.
Until next year—keep striving, keep leading, and keep achieving!