Author: Emily Gautreaux

Louisiana High School Seniors Earn National Merit Scholarships

An article from The Advocate announced recently that thirty-four of the forty Louisiana scholarships awarded so far as part of the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program are on their way to some very deserving high school seniors from the New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette areas.  These winners were announced Wednesday, May 13, 2020 joining the other seven who were announced April 21.

Additional winners for the National Merit Scholarship program are expected to be announced June 3 and July 13. At the culmination of this year’s competition, over 7,500 students nationwide will have won National Merit Scholarships.  The 2020 competition will award students with scholarships totaling more than $30 million.

The most recent round of National Merit Scholarships were for $2,500 each, and all but one was financed by the organizers of the National Merit scholarship program. The scholarships that were announced on April 21 were funded by corporations and ranged anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per year.

Two New Orleans high schools, Jesuit and Ben Franklin, led the way statewide in scholarships in the first two rounds, at six and four recipients, respectively.

Baton Rouge found three of its high schools tied for three scholarships each – those schools being Catholic, Baton Rouge Magnet, and St. Joseph’s Academy.

Two Lafayette area schools, Ascension Episcopal School and Southside High, are home to one recipient each.

The winners of this year’s National Merit scholarships were drawn from a pool of 16,000 semifinalists and 15,000 finalists.  This pool came from the over 1.5 million high school juniors who took the PSAT in October 2018.

Details on all the Louisiana winners are below – congratulations and we wish you all the best in the future!

New Orleans Region National Merit Scholarships:

Dominic T. Allain, Salmen High in Slidell; Christopher N. Barron, Northshore High in Slidell; Andre R. Bourque, Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts in Natchitoches; Tomaso H. Dire, Ben Franklin High; Olympia R. Baldwin Edwards, Ben Franklin High; Mary Grace Foster, Lusher Charter School in New Orleans; Charlotte L. Fowler, Ursuline Academy in New Orleans; Emily C. Gibbons, Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy in Westwego; John M. Gunaldo, Jesuit High; Salma Ashraf Heram, Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy in Westwego; Thomas S. Levy, Jesuit High; Milan Mardia, Jesuit High; Hayes T. Martin, Jesuit High; Christian T. Nguyen, Jesuit High; Amanda L. Phillips, Fontainebleau High in Mandeville; Dominic J. Stoner, Jesuit High; Hayley E. Sumich, Mt. Carmel Academy in New Orleans; Joseph V. Wagner, Ben Franklin High; Charlotte C. Williams, Isidore Newman School in New Orleans; and David Y. Zhang, Ben Franklin High.

Baton Rouge Region National Merit Scholarships: 

Sophie K. Faircloth, Denham Springs High; Nicholas M. Fanguy, Catholic High; Celia A. Kiesel, Episcopal High; Joshua J. Langlois, Catholic High; Sara G. Mayeux, St. Joseph’s Academy; Krishna R. Pochana, Baton Rouge Magnet High; Adam Lowery Reid, Episcopal High; Shreya V. Reshamwala, St. Joseph’s Academy; Stewart A. Roeling, Catholic High; Amy E. Ruckman, Baton Rouge Magnet High; Thuc Nhan N. Tran, St. Joseph’s Academy; and Cindy Y. Zheng, Baton Rouge Magnet High. Nine are residents of Baton Rouge. Of the other three recipients, Faircloth lives in Denham Springs, Mayeux is in Prairieville and Reid is in Gonzales. All but Faircloth attend schools in Baton Rouge.

Lafayette/Acadiana Region National Merit Scholarships:

William W. Brien, Ascension Episcopal School; Dylan C. Davis, Southside High.

For more education related information, click here.

 

 

This Ain’t Your Mama’s Mac and Cheese

Thanks to Serious Eats for giving us 17 new ideas to “think outside the box” when it comes to everyone’s favorite cheesy noodle dish – mac and cheese. Sure, the boxed stuff will work in a pinch and it definitely has a nostalgic feel at times, but with options like this, gone are the days of feeling trapped with the humdrum of powdered or liquid cheese over noodles.  And everyone loves options, right?  We’re sharing our favorites below with you – let’s get to it!

Ultra-Gooey Stovetop Mac and Cheese

This recipe is the best homemade recipe if you’re looking for something close to the box style mac and cheese you grew up with.  The key to getting that gooey texture is to use cornstarch, evaporated milk, and eggs. American cheese helps too, but you could always experiment with a more flavorful melty cheese – we’re thinking cheddar, pepper jack, fontina, young Swiss, Gruyere, Muenster, young provolone, and/or young Gouda.

Bacon-Jalapeño Stovetop Mac and Cheese

If you love bacon and spicy food like we do, this mac and cheese is here to make your day… or night.  Make sure to cook your smoky, meaty bacon in fresh pickled jalapenos and save those brown bits.  Leftover bacon fat can substitute some of the butter in the recipe to add an even smokier flavor.  Once served, top with any leftover bacon/jalapeno goodness.

Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Who doesn’t love buffalo chicken wings?  Anyone?  Now, imagine that same delicious buffalo flavor combined into melty, creamy mac and cheese.  This dish seems really versatile too – comfort food but also game day food. Good as a side dish or a main course, and it keeps well so you can save some for lunches for the week!  Don’t forget the blue cheese panko topping.

Green Chili Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Warning! This one could get spicy.  We’re talking chilies three ways – chopped canned green chilies (or freshly roasted ones for the adventurous), salsa verde, and spicy pepper jack instead of the usual cheddar.  Throw in a store-bought rotisserie chicken if you don’t feel like cooking one at home, and head south of the border for this hot take on your favorite cheesy pasta.

Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese

We’ve all had cheeseburger dip, whether at a family gathering or a company potluck. It’s basically beef, cheese and Ro-Tel cooked up together in a slow cooker.  But what would happen if we added noodles?  This macaroni recipe answers that question.  If you’re looking for a little more heat, try using spicy Ro-Tel, or diced green chiles/pickled jalapenos.

Fully Loaded Pizza Macaroni and Cheese

You could just substitute the everyday cheeses used in mac and cheese with mozzarella and some parmesan, but if you’re going for pizza mac and cheese, why stop there?  For the “fully loaded” effect, let’s load this one up with sausage, pepperoni, black olives, tomatoes, basil, and peppers.  With all the pizza toppings out there, the combinations really are endless.

Cornbread-Coated Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese Wedges

Have a ton of leftover pulled pork and mac and cheese? This recipe solves that exact problem. It’s so simple too – sandwich pulled pork and mac and cheese together, then fry them up in cornbread batter to open up a whole new world of flavor.  You’re going to want to serve this one with any extra barbecue sauce you have on the side.

For more delicious recipes, click here.

Deadline & Filming Locations Expanded for Louisiana Film Prize

Big news announced recently from the Shreveport Times confirmed that the Louisiana Film Prize is extending their deadlines and their shooting zones for the 2020 competition.  This decision was made as part of an effort to help the state of Louisiana continue its success and hopefully gain momentum in building a sustainable independent film community.  Details on the extensions and the competition are below!

Shooting Zone Extension:  While the Louisiana Film Prize typically limits the shooting zone to northwest Louisiana, this year the entire state of Louisiana will be eligible to get in on the action.  Once registered at lafilmprize.com, anyone with a short film produced within the borders of the state of Louisiana and in line with the rules (details below) is eligible to compete for this year’s $25,000 prize – this prize is the largest cash award offered for a short film in the world!

Deadline Extension:  The original deadline of July 11, 2020 for rough cuts has been extended a full month to August 11, 2020 to account for some of the downtime native independent filmmakers may have experienced during the COVID-19 health crisis.

“Our goal is to help filmmakers and parishes from all over the state continue to evolve and build their creative economies after we are allowed to go back to work,” said Gregory Kallenberg, executive director of the Prize Foundation and creator of the Louisiana Film Prize. ”For 2020, in this unprecedented health crisis, Team Louisiana Film Prize is thrilled to share what we’ve built in northwest Louisiana, and to welcome filmmakers from all over the country to shoot a short in the most accommodating indie film state in the country.”

“Louisiana’s filmmakers are incredibly resilient. Their resourcefulness and passion for creative work is second to none,” said Film Prize filmmaker liaison Chris Lyon. “We will be working with partners across the state to ensure that as many filmmakers can safely participate in the competition as possible and usher in a new era of storytelling for Louisiana.”

An announcement of the top 20 films that will compete in the Prize Fest 2020 are to be announced on Friday, August 28, 2020. They will be shown at the Prize Fest 2020 event, which is currently scheduled for October 2-4, 2020, in Shreveport. A list of important dates for the Louisiana Film Prize 2020 can be found here.  Note that organizers are preparing plans to adhere to guidelines from officials during the ongoing health crisis, focusing on allowing attendees of the festival to experience the festival safely.

Through the nine years that the Louisiana Film Prize has been running, more than 800 short films have been created by more than 6,000 local cast and crew, which is roughly the equivalent of that of 100 feature films. The program has also brought approximately $20 million in economic benefit to northwest Louisiana.  This year’s changes will likely bring in even more, and to other areas of the state with the extension of the filming zones and deadlines.

So now that you’re considering all that prize money, get your equipment, cast/crew and creativity and get filming.  Looking for the rules?  Check them out in detail here, and good luck!

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

 

 

Is 2020 The Year of The Road Trip?

According to TravelingLifestyle.net, these are the top ten places to visit around the Land of the Free, Home of the Brave if you’re planning a summer holiday this year. From beach holidays, hiking, road trips or camping, there’s something beautiful and fun for every type of vacationer, and it looks like 2020 may be the year of the road trip.  Let’s get packing, but first, make sure you have proper safety measures in place and learn which states are open for visitors!

US Road Trip

If you’re like us, deciding on one spot to visit can be difficult. Nearly all destinations require some sort of road trip to get to – so why not make the whole trip into one big road trip?  Consider planning a route to take in sights on the west coast, east coast, or even cross country.  RoadTripUSA.com provides a great list of the 11 most popular routes.

Los Angeles, California

If you’re looking for fun in the sun this summer, check out beautiful LA.  With so much to do and see, including beaches, theme parks, movie studios, sports and Hollywood tours, you’re certain to be able to find something suitable for everyone and within a reasonable budget.  Other locales nearby to check out include Malibu, Orange County, San Diego and Santa Barbara.

New York City, New York

Take a bite of The Big Apple (once it’s safe), one of the most sensational cities in the world with a spirit unlike anywhere else. Check out the Empire State building, Central Park, and various shops or theatrical productions.  If city life isn’t your speed, check out nearby beaches, including Coney Island, Orchard Beach and Robert Moses State Park.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando is a perfect road trip from Louisiana and a great family destination for a summery holiday.  Not only is Orlando the home of Disneyland, for kids and big kids alike, but they also offer tons more attractions including SeaWorld and Universal Studios. If you get tired of all the theme parks and attractions, you’re just a quick drive to some of the most beautiful beaches and state parks the states have to offer.

San Francisco, California Road Trip

This friendly, cultural city is a well-suited destination for a laidback summer vacation.  A few highlights to enjoy while there are the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, cable cars and Fisherman’s Wharf.

Ocean City, Maryland

With its 9 mile long beach, “OC” is a classy vacation destination. Looking for rest and relaxation, complete with culture, restaurants and community events in a friendly/safe environment?  Look no further than Ocean City.  We hear the 4th of July celebration is like no other!

Nashville, Tennessee Road Trip

Famous for its vibrant live music and food scene, Nashville is one of the most fun and lively vacation destination spots to be found. You’re going to love the friendly Southern laid back energy of this destination.

Portland, Oregon

Looking for a splash more green on your road trip holiday?  Check out Portland – a great spot for a family summer with a combination of outdoor beauty and city buzz.  Portland boasts a very cool culture, including a thriving culinary scene, unique markets, beautiful parks and huge bookstores.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

If lighthouses, beaches, seafood and quaint villages are more your speed, you’re going to love Cape Cod. This hook-shaped peninsula is like nowhere else in the country and is perfect for those that prefer to lay back and soak it in or go out exploring.

Boston, Massachusetts Road Trip

Full of history and culture, Boston is a great vacation destination for the warmer months of the year.  Check out one of their legendary sports teams or gorgeous parks, or go exploring in their museums, markets, and walking trails.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

 

 

UL System Drops Returning Adult Tuition

On Tuesday, May 5, 2020, Jim Henderson, UL System President, announced that the University of Louisiana System will lower its tuition immediately to a flat-rate price of $275 a credit hour for returning adults.  This tuition drop, which is nearly a 45% decrease in original price, will apply across the system’s nine schools.

The decision to reduce adult tuition was reached as part of an initiative to encourage adults who haven’t yet completed their degree(s) to return to school.  It is part of the system’s “Compete Louisiana” program, which was started in 2019 in the hopes of boosting the percentage of Louisianans with a college degree to 60% by 2030.

Results of a study conducted by the University of Louisiana system showed that approximately 653,000 adults in Louisiana had achieved some college credits, but not earned a degree.  Henderson relayed that tuition price was the main reason that these former students were unable to complete their degrees.  With this reduced cost incentive, students are anticipated to feel encouraged to return.

Henderson said that, with the burden of paying for college shifting from state appropriations to students through tuition and fees, “we have substantially priced so many would-be college graduates out of the market. Because of price, they’re unable to get that credential that will open so many doors. It’s about taking a consumer-driven mindset and not to make a college education a commodity or a product because it’s really so much more than that… focusing on the needs of the student rather than the institution.”

Henderson went on to explain that the Compete Louisiana initiative makes business sense.  While a majority of the system’s courses generally ranged from $400 to $500 per credit hour, the lowered price of tuition will not result in “a loss of revenue in any way”.  This is because the number of expected students returning will produce a sufficient total revenue that will offset the discounts.  In essence, the program will pay for itself and the universities will earn at least a portion of the remaining tuition they did not receive when the former students dropped out.

“They cannot come to us on a traditional model,” Henderson said. “They can’t come to us in a traditional time, our traditional place or at our traditional price. But if we can come up with a way to leverage our collective capacity, served at a lower cost than ever before, and certainly offer them a price that’s much more accessible, much more affordable, then that’s going to grow everybody from a financial perspective and from a mission perspective.”

Former students qualifying for the returning adult tuition program will have immediate access to the lowered tuition rate, including the UL System’s upcoming summer coursework.  While the campuses of their system remain shut down amid the coronavirus pandemic, schools are preparing plans for a return in the fall semester.

In order to qualify for the Compete Louisiana initiative and receive the lower tuition rate, students must meet three qualifications:

  • Must be a Louisiana resident
  • Must have earned some college credit but no degree
  • Must be out of school for at least two years.

Tuition prices for regular students remain unchanged. Former students can access the program through CompeteLA.org.  Schools in the UL System include: Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State University, Nicholls State University, McNeese State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Northwestern State University of Louisiana, University of New Orleans, and University of Louisiana at Monroe.

For more education related information, click here.

 

 

Recipes from Around the World At Home

Tired of the same-old weekly menu or scouring Pinterest to switch things up?  Not to worry because HuffPost has put together 8 of the easiest recipes to break out of the rut your evening menu may be in.  Take a trip around the world with these fresh and EASY new recipes and broaden your culinary horizons while treating your taste buds to a whole new world of flavors.

  1. Crispy Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks with Mango Chutney

This crispy tandoori chicken is really easy to make – the magic is in the overnight marinating.  The marinade consists of yogurt, citrus and spices.  That’s it!  Then either grill or broil the chicken and serve with the fruity, tangy mango chutney, which is also super simple to make. You can even use leftover chutney thinned with water to glaze chicken or duck for other tasty dishes.

  1. Easy Thai Curry Shrimp

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this delicious meal that is less than 30 minutes away with just a few staples from your pantry. Plump shrimp, simmered in a rich and fragrant herb-infused coconut sauce, are sure to have your family impressed. Make sure to serve this exotic new menu offering with jasmine rice and get ready to add this one to your rotation.

  1. Asian BBQ Chicken

Imagine a mix of Chicken Teriyaki and the flavors of India combined.  It sounds a little out there, but is actually kid-friendly and simple to perfect. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, marinated in soy sauce, brown sugar, fresh lime juice, oil, garlic, ginger, and spices, is what makes this recipe pop.  You can find the key ingredient, Garam Masala, an aromatic South Asian spice blend at most large supermarkets.

  1. Grilled Moroccan Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce

This recipe combines ground beef (or turkey for a healthier alternative) rolled with warm spices, fresh herbs, and garlic, then grilled until charred.  We know, we know – meatballs aren’t usually for the pit, but with the right consistency, they grill great!  The delicious yogurt sauce also balances the weight of the meatballs.  Serve this one over couscous!

  1. Vietnamese Shredded Chicken Salad

Take a stroll on the lighter side with this easy dinner salad that tastes like it’s straight out of a Vietnamese market.  Shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped veggies and a simple whisked dressing is all that stands between you and a sensational Southeast Asian dining experience.

  1. Chicken Curry

For a quick crowd pleaser, this 30-minute curry dish is the ticket.  Simply thinly slice chicken, sautée with curry powder, then simmer in an aromatic and semi-sweet curry sauce, and finish with green peas and cilantro. The potential for switching this one up is limitless with different proteins and curries. Be sure to serve with basmati rice no matter how creative you get.

  1. Thai Minced Chicken Lettuce Cups

You’ve been warned!  These are going to be a hit. With the bold flavors of ginger, lime and chili pepper, combined with a prep time of 30 minutes, these lettuce cups are a quick way to take your taste buds on a trip to the other side of the globe. Try not to eat them all while you cook this recipe from around the world.

  1. Stir-Fried Szechuan Green Beans with Shiitake Mushrooms

Proteins always get the spotlight – let’s give the veggies a shot with this quick and delicious, authentic Szechuan green bean dish. Whether as a different side dish or a vegetarian main course, these greens are tasty! We’re gonna have these with some jasmine rice or stir-fry noodles. Yum!

For more delicious recipes from around the world, click here.