NEW ORLEANS - The King and Queen of Zulu 2015 are proud New Orleanians, born, raised and educated in the city they will reign over Tuesday as Zulu presents a "Salute to the Founding Fathers of Zulu."
Andrew Peter "Pete" Sanchez was educated in the New Orleans public school system, graduating from McDonogh #35 Senior High before receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Southern University in Baton Rouge in 1979. He received an MBA from the University of Phoenix in 2009.
Sanchez's business acumen was developed as a salesman for Armstrong World Industries, a manager and trainer at Lever Brothers Company and a franchise owner at Church's Fried Chicken. He currently works as a consultant with Sherman Strategies LLC.
Sanchez follows a family history in the Zulu organization. His father was a former member and character, while his mother and sister were former members of the Zulu Shadows Float Club.
Sanchez has been recognized for his work with Toys for Tots, the Mayor's Advisory Council and the Zulu Service Club. He is a commissioner of the New Orleans Board of Zoning and was appointed to the Cultural and Historical Committee by Mayor Mitch Landrieu in November
Sanchez said he's most excited about the Soulful Warriors tradition.
"It's always a tradition of the club where the Soulful Warriors salute the king and the queen before boarding the float, and if there's one thing it's to have the Soulful Warriors salute me Mardi Gras morning," he said.
The Queen of Zulu is Dr. Janice T. Sanchez. She was likewise educated in the New Orleans public school system, graduating from Booker T. Washington Sr. High before moving on to the University of New Orleans, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. She received a Master's Degree in Administration and Curriculum from Nicholls State University and was awarded a doctorate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
"I wish that we can have a great, safe Mardi Gras ride," Janice Sanchez said.
Dr. Sanchez serves as an instructional coach at Benjamin Franklin Elementary Math and Science School. Dr. Sanchez has been honored as an NOPS Teacher of the Year and has appeared in Who's Who Among America's Teachers.
"All students can learn when they actively take part in activities that allow them to construct their knowledge," she said.
