Author: Emily Gautreaux

Louisiana Offers Free College Courses for Teachers

The Louisiana Department of Education has recently announced they will be offering free college courses to qualifying teachers in Louisiana. They have announced that  “an application for the BESE Tuition Program for Teachers, which will allow public school teachers to enroll in courses at any regionally accredited college or university, as well as some private universities, in Louisiana at the state’s expense.”

According to the article released on the Department of Education’s website, “The application prioritizes teachers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, and those accepted to participate in the program who will be taking STEM-focused coursework will join a newly created cadre of educators called STEM Fellows, who will work with the Department and the LaSTEM Council to further STEM initiatives across the state.”

For more information and how to apply, click here.

For more articles similar to this one, click here.

Why Saint Charles Avenue Changed America?

Nola.com recently released an article stating, “The PBS series “10 that Changed America” will kick off its second season at 7 p.m. Tuesday night (July 10) with “10 Streets that Changed America,” and it will include a trip down New Orleans’ Saint Charles Avenue.”

The article discusses the importance of this well-known street in New Orleans that was put into operation in 1835. St. Charles Avenue is recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operated street railway.

For more information, click here.

For more articles similar to this one, click here.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Delish.com is well known for sharing some of the most tasty and popular recipes that are searched for on the internet. Which is why is it no surprise when the Lemon Garlic Shrimp recipe is featured on their website. This recipe is not only appetizing and easy on the taste buds, it also takes less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook. The full recipe, with pictures and video included, can be found here.

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp. butter, divided

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tbsp. dry white wine (or water)

Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil. Add shrimp, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes and cook until shrimp is pink, 3 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in remaining tablespoon butter, lemon juice, white wine, and parsley.
  3. Serve

For more recipes like this one, click here.

Nicholls Alumni Making a Difference

Heather Benoit, a former Nicholls Alumni and public-school teacher fills a need as the Executive Director at the Wallace Community Center in Raceland. In the article written by Houma Today, it is said that, “When Benoit came to the center it was really just getting started. She began with the after-school program, Beyond the Bell, where students from the nearby Raceland Elementary and middle schools could come to get help with homework and participate in enrichment programs.”

Heather saw a need in the community for programs like, Beyond the Bell, and worked to make sure those needs came to fruition.  “When kids get out of school, they’re often home alone. But by providing a safe environment for them to study not only for school, but also for life, they can grow up to become successful members in the community,” she said.

Benoit grew up in Thibodeaux, Louisiana and later received her bachelor’s degree in education from Nicholls State University followed her master’s in curriculum and instruction with a specialty in reading. She began working at Bayou Christian Academy and then Thibodaux Elementary. The article talks about how Heather began working at the Wallace Center by stating, “when work started to become more of a chore than a passion, Benoit left the school system in search of something new. After interviewing for the executive director position at the Wallace Center, she knew that is where she was meant to be.”

This Nicholls Alumni’s passion for teaching and making a difference in the lives of others is second to none. She is thrilled to be surrounded by those who share that passion with her. Heather says, “There are so many people doing great things in the community. It’s humbling to be around them.”

For more information on the changes that Heather Benoit is making for the greater good of the community, click here.

For more stories similar to this one, click here.

The Perfect Way to Explore Kansas City

Looking for a hidden gem in the mid-west? Kansas City is the place for you. It’s not always the first place you think of when deciding where to travel to next, but when you go there, you leave wondering why you haven’t been sooner. The New York Times recently wrote an article about the best way to explore modern Kansas City, and believe it or not, it’s by Streetcar. As stated in the article, “Yes: Kansas City has a trolley. And not one of those old-timey trolleys that doesn’t go much of anywhere and goes there slowly. The one in Kansas City is sleek. Modern. Has air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.It runs a real route — 2.2 miles from end to end, then back again — through the heart of downtown.” So not only can this streetcar take you through all of downtown Kansas City, but it’s also free!

For more information on travel tips and exciting things to do in Kansas City, click here.

New Digital Version of Louisiana Driver’s License

Nola.com recently released an article announcing, “A new smartphone app offers a digital version of the Louisiana driver’s license, allowing motorists and others an option aside from carrying a physical license”.

This is great news for those of you who happen to be in a position where you misplace your wallet, and/or ID, and possibly get pulled over, or need it for any other reason. The article states, “The digital license will be accepted by state police, but official acceptance at restaurants, bars and by the Transportation Security Administration is pending approval, according to the online portal for LA Wallet. The portal did not indicate whether local police agencies, such as the NOPD, would accept the digital licenses.”

For more information on the new app, click here.