New Iberia

Prepare and present a speech, four to five minutes, around this central idea: “Healing the World with Optimism” 

Open to participants under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2020 

New Iberia Optimist Club contest Judging (Tentative): Friday, February 26, 2021 

Regional and World Championship Contest:  July 21-23, 2021, St. Louis, MO 

Two New Iberia Optimist Club scholarship up to $200.00 plus local recognitions! 

In addition to developing skills for written and oral expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a major college scholarship. 

For more information: Contact Marty Lejeune (337) 380-7336, optimistclubofni@gmail.com 

Please note: Official Rules and Application forms can be found here. 

LaNEXT Magazine Digital Edition Now Available

Louisiana NEXT is making the digital edition of their annual magazine available to schools and students. School systems and schools can share this link with middle or high school students.

LaNEXT is an annual magazine that provides a unique, comprehensive source of information and guidance to high school students. It offers insight, tools, and encouragement to students as they develop their educational and career goals. This includes information on choosing a career, jobs, salaries, and education and training options for a variety of career tracks, as well as financial aid and scholarships and details on the college application process.

Virtual FAFSA Night

LELA will be hosting a FAFSA Night through a Zoom presentation on Tuesday, November 17 from 6:00-7:00. Please try to attend online, especially if you have questions about the FAFSA. Remember that it is a graduation requirement to complete the FAFSA. I will send the link to the Zoom Meeting on Monday Nov. 16. Please check back here or the Seniors 2021 Google Classroom for the link.

IMPORTANT SENIOR INFORMATION

Wherever you plan to continue your education after high school, as early as possible, visit the institutions’ website and familiarize yourself with as much information as possible. Make sure you are, “In the Know” with applying to post-secondary institutions. Since the majority of students only attend two days a week, you may use the other days to attend preview days at universities/colleges.
Here are some of the things that are necessary for success as you plan for post-secondary opportunities:

• Apply to Universities/Community Colleges/Technical Colleges or any post-secondary institution as soon as possible.
• Know your deadlines-deadlines at Universities exist for things such as Scholarships, Housing, and Orientation Schedule (This is where freshmen schedule their class for the Fall Semester)
• Some Universities have separate scholarship applications; some combine the scholarship application with the admission application-know the difference each school may have a different procedure!!
• Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) (225-219-1012) or (800-259-5626)
• To check your TOPS GPA, visit the TOPS Tracker on the LOSFA Website. You will need to see Ms. Fontenot or Mr. Clark to get your Louisiana Secure ID (LASECID). Either you can stop by our office, call, or email to retrieve that information needed for login.
• FAFSA-Required for graduation-the earlier you fill out this form the better Parental tax information from 2019 is required to fill out this form. Application Opens on October 1st .
• LELA Louisiana Education Loan Authority-If you have questions about filling out the FAFSA you can contact LELA at (844 GOFAFSA) or (225-923-0020)
• University Scholarships-What is the application process? When is the application deadline?
• Local Scholarships-these will be posted on the NISH Website in pdf. Students can print from this link.
• National Scholarship Search Engines- Fastweb.com, Scholarships.com
• Educational Talent Search is an informational program, which assists students by helping them to better understand their educational opportunities and options after graduation. The Educational Talent Search Counselor, Mr. Doffoney (337-482-5104) is a resource for seniors.

FAFSA INFO

Hi Seniors!!!! The FAFSA (Free Applications for Federal Student Aid) is now open for the Class of 2021. This is the application to receive any type of financial aid (grants, loans, TOPS, some scholarships). The college or university you are applying to also needs this form to determine if you qualify for financial aid when you start college. Also, completion of the FAFSA is a graduation requirement. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. and click on New to the FAFSA Process. Click on the Link below and you will a step by step process for filling out the FAFSA. Make sure you fill out the 2021-2022 application. There will be a Financial Aid Zoom Meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 6:00. I will send the link for this meeting at a later date. Please don't hesitate to call (337-365-5246), email (fefontenot@iberiaschools.org), or text (469-554-9956) me with any questions or concerns.

FAFSA-Required for graduation-the earlier you fill out this form the better Parental tax information from 2019 is required to fill out this form.  Application Opens on October 1^st.

1. FSA ID – first step to completing FAFSA – A parent or gaurdian / preparer and student must create a FSA ID – E-mail and cell phone number for each is required.
2. www.FAFSA.ed.gov – click start here and follow prompts

FAFSA Resources

• What you need to complete the 2020-2021 FAFSA
• Lela FAFSA Completion Guide and Workbook
• Lela College Planning Checklist for Seniors
• Lela Parent Guide to Planning & Paying for College
• Common FAFSA errors to avoid
• LOSFA Info Sheet

​Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) (www.osfa.la.gov) (225-219-1012) or (800-259-5626)

• To check your TOPS GPA, visit the TOPS Tracker on the LOSFA Website.

LELA Louisiana Education Loan Authority (www.lela.org)-If you have questions about filling out the FAFSA you can contact LELA at (844 GOFAFSA) or (225-923-0020)

Upward Bound sessions will begin on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. The sessions will be offered in-person on the campus of NISH. Contact Mrs. St. Julien in guidance for more information.