CRESCENT CITY


BY EVA JACOB BARKOFF
Contributing writer
The cost of higher education is almost impossible to afford for many families. But New Orleans resident
Jaron Barnes and his family won’t have to worry
After getting accepted to several universities and colleges around the country, including LSU and Southern University in Baton Rouge, Clark Atlanta University, the University of New Orleans and Loyola University New Orleans, Barnes received a total of $2 million dollars in scholarship offers.
Ultimately, he chose Loyola.
“My first choice was Southern so I could experience living somewhere else,” said Barnes, 18, a 2025 graduate of The Rooted School in New Orleans. “But my parents wanted me to stay closer to home, to attend a smaller university
“When I found out I received a full scholarship to Loyola, I couldn’t believe it. And when I had a chance to take a tour of the school, I fell in love with the school.”
His full-ride scholarship includes tuition, fees, room and board, books and other materials.
Kaitlin Karpinski, executive di-
Pets may need sunscreen to shield them from UV rays
As
use sunscreen to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. What some may not know is that pets need sunscreen, too. It’s true. Just as with humans, dangerous UV rays can be harmful to pets. Dogs and cats are also susceptible to sunburn and can even get various types of skin cancer I know it’s challenging to keep sunscreen on the kids, and now I’m telling you the pets need it as well. Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors are at risk, and some pets are more vulnerable than others. Therefore, they should have limited exposure to the sun and be protected when they are outdoors with a pet-friendly sunscreen. Yes, there is such a thing
Here are a few tips on when and where pets need to be protected.
DOES MY PET NEED SUNSCREEN?: Whether a pet needs sunscreen can depend on many factors, such as how much time they spend outside, the part of the day they are outdoors, and the color and thickness of their coat. The lighter the coat, the more dangerous the sun can be. If a pet has a light-colored coat or a relatively thin coat it is a good idea to apply sunscreen as a precaution anytime they will be outdoors on a sunny day, even in the winter White dogs with pink noses are considered the most vulnerable
WHAT AREAS NEED PROTECTION?: When applying sunscreen to a pet, the areas that need it most are the ears, belly (which often has little hair), and the tip of the nose. These are the places most likely to get the most exposure and burn easily
NOT ALL PRODUCTS ARE EQUAL: Not all sunscreens are created equal and most human
rector and school leader at Rooted, said the high school, which has about 155 students, is a public charter with open enrollment for ninth through 12th grade students who live in Orleans Parish. The school receives funding through the Minimum Foundation Program and is a program of the Louisiana Department of Education, providing funds as a block grant.
“The school prepares students for a personalized pathway to financial freedom by ensuring students graduate with a job offer in one hand and a college acceptance letter,” Karpinski explained. “One way to college
is through the Early College Academy at Rooted School at Southern University in New Orleans. They can earn 60 credit hours toward an associate’s degree beginning in the ninth grade.
“Students can also enroll in technology classes and earn credentials that lead to careers in 3D printing, video game design, digital media and automation.”
Growing upon, Barnes said he enjoyed watching television, listening to music and playing with his friends. But as he got older he began
The International School of Louisiana’s annual International Day Second-Line Parade in New Orleans celebrated the diverse backgrounds of the school’s staff — 200 members from more than 33 countries — and students, marking the culmination of a yearlong exploration of various nations and cultures by its language immersion students.
Twenty-two nurses received their nursing pins May 19 at Nunez Community College. The Student Nurses Association Award, for the member with the most volunteer points, went to Kristy Carter, who also won the Academic Achievement Award for the highest GPA in the class.
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to think more about what his future may hold. And at The Rooted School, he learned something right away
“As soon as I got there, I knew I had to focus on my studies and work hard,” he said. “I was lucky because I had teachers who I could go to and ask for help, which helped me reach my goals.”
Barnes, who graduated this year with a 3.8 grade-point average, said he always had an interest in music, graphic design and fashion.
“I enjoy designing clothes and love all genres of music,” he said. “In 2020, I decided I wanted to design clothes. I have made street clothes which are like jeans and shirts as well as ties and blazers. In fact, I made my own blazer for my prom.”
He’ll soon have his own clothing-design website.
Barnes, the son of Nikkia Patrick and Jaron L. Barnes, said his parents have “always been supportive, giving me pep talks when I needed them.”
Patrick said Loyola was a perfect fit for her son.
“I wanted Jaron to stay close to home and attend a university that was on a smaller scale compared to other school he applied for,” Patrick said. “When we visited Loyola, I had a good feeling that the school was a holistic community, one that would celebrate Jaron’s accomplishments and his well-being as a student.” Karpinski said Barnes is consistently “crushing it.”
“Jaron has earned As and Bs, taking both dual enrollment and technology classes,” Karpinski said “He had a paid internship at Baldwin and Co. (bookstore) while building his clothing brand. And socially Jaron is loved by his peers and adults alike.
“From the moment he arrived at Rooted, Jaron impressed us, and we haven’t stopped feeling this way.”
Barnes’ chosen major at Loyola is quite different from his love of music and fashion
“I am majoring in marine biology,” Barnes said “I enjoy going to the beach and fishing so I wanted to discover and learn more what lives on the ocean floor
“And I am certain music and fashion will always be a part of my life.”
The Florence Nightingale Award, presented to the nurse who demonstrates the qualities of the founder of modern nursing, went to Constant Alexander
The Spirit Award, presented to the class cheerleader, went to Terrance Johnson and Victoria Montoya.
Accept the reading challenge at New Orleans libraries
BY JANE LEGROS
Contributing writer
The New Orleans Public Library’s annual Summer Fun & Reading Challenge has begun, but readers of all ages — including adults are still encouraged to sign up. This year’s challenge tasks participants with reading a total of 800 minutes and completing a variety of library-related activities.
Participants get a free prize just for signing up. Kids get a free book of their choice, and adults can pick between a deck of cards or a New Orleans Public Library mug. Teens get to choose between a book or one of the adult registration prize options.
After reading for 800 minutes and completing activities, participants can pick up their completion prize — a canvas tote featuring illustrations by local artist Sean Clark
Visit summerfun.nolalibrary.org for more information.
Plus, summer at the library is jam-packed with free events for all ages. See below for a sampling, and explore the full programming calendar at nolalibrary.org or in the NOLALibrary app.
JUNE 11
Young Alligators and Louisiana Wildlife
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sunscreen cannot be used on pets. Make sure to use petsafe sunscreen that is specifically approved for a cat or dog, as some sunscreens that are OK for dogs are not OK for cats, and vice versa.
CHECK THE INGREDIENTS: For all pets, when choosing a sunscreen, make sure to avoid those containing PABA, zinc oxide and octisalate, or any other salicylates, especially in areas where the pet could reach and lick it off. Sunscreen for babies may be a good option to consider but it is always best to consult a veterinarian before applying any
Introduction, 11 a.m. to noon at East New Orleans Regional Library, 5641 Read Blvd., and from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Alvar Library, 913 Alvar St.
Get an up-close and hands-on intro to Louisiana wildlife. Touch and handle Louisiana wildlife furs and skulls, plus young live alligators. For ages 6-12. From Here to Yonder with Storyteller Mama SaBa, 11 a.m. to noon at Smith Library, 6301 Canal Blvd. Listen to Mama SaBa’s stories from around the world. For ages 6 and up. Stop Motion Animation for Teens, with New Orleans Video Access Center, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive
human medications to pets.
INDOORS IS BEST: It is a good idea to keep pets inside during the hottest parts of the day When they are outdoors, make sure there is plenty of shade available. If the family pet likes to sunbathe in a windowsill, be aware that they can still get sunburn there, too. Now is also a good time to remember that the ground is heating up and our pets’ paw pads easily burn, so we want to keep the walks to the early morning and evening times when the temperatures are cooler LOOK FOR SKIN CHANGES: If any suspicious spots or bumps appear on the pet’s skin, get them checked out by a vet to get a proper diagnosis. Most skin cancers are treatable if
Learn the basics of animation and storytelling through moving images. Work together to create a short film using stop-motion animations. This six-hour workshop takes place over two days. Register at events.nolalibrary.org Hooping for Health and Wellness With Hey Now Hooping, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive Learn to keep the hoop spinning on your waist and other ways to move the hoop using your hands. For ages 18 and up.
JUNE 12
Creative Mending Workshop with Ayanna, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave.
Events
JUNE 14: PetSmart Dog Days of Summer adoption event will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie. Meet adorable puppies and dogs from ARNO. All approved adopters will receive a coupon book from PetSmart and a new bed from ARNO. For more info, email info@animalrescueneworleans.org.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, visit www animalrescueneworleans.org
In this teen-led program, learn to creatively mend clothing, which can help save money, reduce waste and cultivate a spirit of creativity and self-reliance. For ages 11-18.
Make Some Noise: Upcycled Tambourines, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Library 1611 Fats Domino Ave. Create your own music makers from reclaimed materials. For ages 9-12.
House of Schlock “Little Shop of Horrors” (1960), 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd.
An afternoon of B-movie horror, trivia, and history in the style of the classic horror hosts.
JUNE 13
Fun at the Beach: An Early Literacy Adventure, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Central City Library, 2020 Jackson Ave.
Practice developing early literacy skills with crafts, hands-on activities and snacks for children ages 2-5.
JUNE 14
Seasonal Mocktails With Barcelo Gardens, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at East New Orleans Regional Library 5641 Read Blvd.
Learn how to create a delicious mocktail using seasonal fruits and fresh herbs.
Jane LeGros is the director of marketing and communications for the New Orleans Public Library
PROVIDED PHOTO
Nami is 20 weeks old and a sweet little 14-pound bulldog mix. It appears she was thrown out of a moving car, as she was covered in scrapes and a nail was pulled from her little toe on her right paw. She is on the mend and ready for the best home ever. To learn more, email adopt@ animalrescueneworleans.org
Staff report
Mount Carmel Academy recently recognized students for their athletic and academic achievements at the Spring Athletic Awards ceremony
The Outstanding Spring Athlete Award went to Catalina Reichard in recognition of outstanding athletic ability, good sportsmanship and inspiration to teammates. Reichard also earned the Carmel Champion Award, presented to individuals who have placed first in a state championship meet
The Most Valuable Player Award goes to athletes who contribute to the success of the team and inspire teammates to perform at a higher level. Spring MVPs were Paisley Bell, Adelaide Friel Emily Heller Chloe Krey, Caroline Melius, Catalina Reichard, Abigail Wilson and Mary Cate Zamora.
Seniors who maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher while participating in varsity sports are eligible for the LHSAA All-Academic Scholar Award. This year’s recipients were Adeline Anderson, Brooklyn Butler Abby Galloway Emily Heller, Laila Hoang, Nadia Powell, Catalina Reichard, Jade Thiel and Julia Zimmermann.
The Ruth McDonald Award was presented to Colby Pechon and Emily Dufrechou for all-around athleticism through participation in multiple sports.
Ellen Grenrood received the Christian Cub Award for excelling in academics while and displaying personal integrity and Christian values. The Coaches’ Award, given to team members who set the exam-
Ursuline Academy’s
Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter has been awarded the 2024-2025 state Chapter of the Year Award for Louisiana. The award is presented by the National Association for Music Education and the Music Honor Society Advisory Council. It is Ursuline’s fourth win in a row and recognizes the group’s service projects geared toward sharing music with children and those sick and shut in Helen Honorée Myers, teacher and a member of the Ursuline class of 1984, is chapter adviser
Chapter officers are Bryanna Foster, president; Alexandra Sanchez, vice president; Ava Sallier, secretary; Margaret Dunn, treasurer; and Skylar Thibodeaux, historian. Chapter members are Meredith Becker, Sloan Brown, Adelaide Calatayud, Ava Dabon, Olivia Erspamer, Elizabeth Eshleman, Madeline Evans, Cline Faust, Abbegail Flair, Carmela Juan, Margaret Lob, Penny O’Connor, Ella Ory, Sloane Pierce, Isabella Quin, Adelaide Richter, Hallie Wangler, Arden Weiser and Savannah Weiser
ple, support their teammates and seldom lack spirit or motivation, went to Adeline Anderson, Kallie
by, front row from
Adeline Anderson, Abby Galloway, Julia Zimmermann and Jade Thiel; second row, Emily Heller Nadia Powell, Brooklyn Butler and Catalina Reichard. Not pictured: Laila Hoang
Baroni, Reece Brechtel, Abby Galloway, Reagan Hayes, Cecilia Liggio, Ava Macaluso, Meghan Mock-
The
success through their
tice efforts, consistent sportsmanship and unwavering support for
St. Joseph Academy alums celebrate 80 years
PROVIDED
NOMMA: Thirteen cadets from the New Orleans Military and Maritime Academy have earned Certificates of Technical Studies in Logistics through Delgado Community College. The program includes a six-course sequence culminating in a CTS and 18 college credit hours. Those earning the CTS are Dylan Abadie, Jaedon Cone, Eli Cooper, Bowen Ellis, Dulce Gamez, Eddie Hea, Kai Jones, Landon Landry, Blake Lecompte, Heath Mouton, Brody Muhoberac, Payton Watkins and Curtis Williams. ST MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH: 2025 graduate Gabriella Brent has received a Hagan Scholarship, a nationwide needbased merit scholarship, to attend LSU The scholarship provides up to $7,500 each semester for up to eight consecutive semesters along with workshops on life skills, Schwab Brokerage accounts, and study abroad. She is the daughter of Regina Nuzzolillo of Metairie and the late Michael Brent. ST. MARTIN’S EPISCOPAL: Kaden Forges, a graduating senior at St. Martin’s, has been named a 2025 Horatio Alger State Scholar. The award is given to students who have demonstrated resilience, integrity and a strong commitment to pursuing higher education despite facing personal adversity. Forges, son of Kimberly Collins of New Orleans, will attend Texas Christian University this fall. NEW ORLEANS PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Open enrollment events will be
COMMUNITY EVENTS
WYES ANTIQUES SHOWCASE: Tickets are on sale for the WYES Antiques Showcase with New Orleans Auction Galleries, to be held 10 a.m.1 p.m. June 14 at WYES, 916 Navarre Ave. in New Orleans. Attendees can have items evaluated by antique experts and attend three antiquerelated presentations. Tickets are $45 for two items to be evaluated, $100 for front-ofline access with two evaluations, and $20 just to attend. wyes.org/events.
SIP + DIP: Tickets for the Sip+Dip experience at Cool Zoo Waterpark at Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St. in New Orleans, are on sale. Sip+Dip events take place almost every Friday through August 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Each event has a different theme and gives grown-ups a chance to relax, enjoy live entertainment, and cruise down the lazy river at this 21+ takeover of the water park. Tickets start at $50. For details, see www.audubonzoo.com/sip FATHER’S FEST 2025: Headquarters Community Outreach will host a celebration honoring fathers on June 15, 2-8 p.m., at the Broadside, 600 N. Broad St. in New Orleans. The event will feature food entertainment and familyfriendly activities. Free with reservations. www.simpletix com/e/headquarters-presents-father-s-fest-2025-tickets-217977.
METAIRIE HUMANE DOG SHELTER: A fundraising dinner will be held on June 28, 4-8 p.m., at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, 6017 Camphor St. in Metairie. Plates are $16 and include a hamburger, mac and cheese, baked beans, a cupcake and a drink Reservations are requested (504) 458-0531.
SPRAY PARKS: The St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation has officially opened Ormond Spray Park and West Bank Spray Park. Summer operating hours will be 1-6 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. www.scpparksandrec.com.
SPLASH PARK: Kenner has opened its Splash Park at A.P. Clay Playground for the summer season. The park, located at 200 Decatur St., will be open May 23-Aug. 31 on Fridays 2-7 p.m. Saturdays 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sundays 2-7 p.m. The new and improved splash park is available to residents and visitors of all ages. www.kenner. la.us/219/Parks-RecreationDepartment.
CULTURE & CONCERTS
MUNITY BAND: The band will perform June 12, 7-8:30 p.m., at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie. Free. www. jplibrary.net.
THURSDAYS AT TWILIGHT: The musical series continues at the Pavilion of the Two Sisters in the Botanical Garden, 1 Victory Ave. in City Park, New Orleans. Concerts are held indoors on Thursday nights, 6-8 p.m. On June 19, Aurey Lecrone & The Crawzaddies and Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya will perform. Admission is $15. NewOrleansCityPark.org.
PRODUCER’S CHOICE FILM SERIES: The New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle in New Orleans, presents the series in collaboration with award-winning producer and filmmaker Meryl Poster, who selected films to screen, accompanied by a conversation with Poster and other leading figures.
“Chocolat” will be shown at 6 p.m. June 11 with Poster and screenwriter Robert Nelson Jacobs speaking. Tickets are $15, $10 for NOMA members. noma.org/producerschoice.
BOOKS
“MY FAMILY & I: A MISSISSIPPI MEMOIR”: Author Adam Gussow will discuss his latest book with Josh-Wade Ferguson, director of public programs for the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities and editor-in-chief for “64 Parishes” magazine, on June 12, 6 p.m., at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. Included will be a brief live demo of harmonica-powered blues
The WYES Antiques Showcase with New Orleans Auction Galleries will be held June 14, giving attendees a chance to have items evaluated by antique experts and more.
FILE PHOTO BY MICHAEL DEMOCKER
New Orleans Art Association names artist of the year
The New Orleans Art Association held its spring luncheon at the Deutsches Haus on May 15. Glinda Schafer was named Artist of the Year. The luncheon also featured a hat contest. Recognized for their outstanding creations were Patt Lemarie, president; Charlotte Throop; Dana Mosby, first vice president; and Daryl Johnson, corresponding secretary
“GLORIA SWANSON: HOL-
LYWOOD’S FIRST GLAMOUR
QUEEN”: Actor and author Stephen Michael Shearer will be on hand June 13 for a meet-and-greet and book signing of his latest book, a photographic tribute to the start of “Sunset Boulevard.” The event will begin at 4 p.m. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
Local author and physical therapist Sara Reardon will discuss her new book with New Orleans Mom’s Angelina Vicknair on June 13, 5 p.m., at Garden District Book Shop, 2727 Prytania St. in New Orleans. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
MEET THE AUTHOR: John Curatola, author of “Armies
Afloat: How the Development
II,” will be in conversation with historian John Curatola on June 18, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at the National WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. in New Orleans. A reception, 4:305:30 p.m., will precede the event. www.nationalww2museum.org.
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER: The Garden District Book Shop is teaming up with other shops at The Rink on Prytania Street in New Orleans for summer events. Sundays feature weekly cornhole tournaments; sign up at the book shop’s Bar Epilogue by 3 p.m. Tuesdays are Crafternoon days. Each week features different easy art projects. Wednesdays bring parlor games with door prizes. The last Wednesday in June and July will include murder mystery nights. Fridays will feature live music from local musicians. www.gardendistrictbookshop.com.
FUNDRAISERS/GALAS
BICENTENNIAL BALL: Jefferson Parish’s Bicentennial Ball, to be held June 14 at Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd. in Metairie, will include Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth as headliner. Also performing will be Irma Thomas, Deacon John, Sister Sledge and more. The festivities include cuisine from more than 40 restaurants and a historic timeline showcasing the parish’s growth. Tickets start at $161.90 via Eventbrite. All proceeds will go to the Jefferson Community Foundation. jpball200.com.
MEETINGS
NATIONAL ACTIVE AND RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOY-
EES: The Vernon L. Landry Chapter 1398 of NARFE will hold its monthly meeting and luncheon on June 11 beginning at 11 a.m., in the Sicilian Room at Rocky and Carlo’s Restaurant & Bar, 613 W. St. Bernard Highway in Chalmette. All active and retired federal and postal employees are invited to attend. Pamela.e.mark1953@gmail. com.
ST. BERNARD COMMUNITY
VOLUNTEERS: The group formerly known as St. Bernard Volunteers for Family and Community will hold its monthly meeting on June 19, 10:30 a.m., at the Sicilian Room at Rocky and Carlo’s Restaurant and Bar, 613 W. St. Bernard Highway in
CLASSES
LEARNING BEFORE LUNCH: The June 12 meeting will feature Kathe Hambrick, executive director of the Amistad Research Center, discussing “Save Black History at the Amistad.” The program will be held at UNO’s Homer L. Hitt Alumni Center, 2000 Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans. The program begins at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and pastry. The presentation begins at 10 a.m. Annual membership is $25 per person, $30 per couple/double or a $5 donation per event. www learningbeforelunch.com.
CAMPS
SWAMP SCHOOL: Registration is open for the first of four weeklong camp sessions sponsored by St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation. Kids 8-12 can experience nature and outdoor adventures paired with science-backed activities, such as canoeing, field games, archery and tree planting at the Bonnet Carre Spillway in Norco. The weeklong sessions run 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning June 2 through July 25. Registration for each week is $200 per child. scpparksandrec.com.
ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH: Registration is open for Dominican’s summer camps. All camps, except soccer and softball camps, are at Dominican’s campus, 7701 Walmsley Ave. in New Orleans. Camps range from drama and cooking to cheerleading and sports. See details at www stmarysdominican.org.
STEAM SUMMER CAMPS: Nunez Community College will offer more than 10 multiday camps this summer for students in grades 1-12. Prices vary by camp. All camps will take place on