Blog - Thrive Magazine

July 2025

EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNTS: Louisiana Becomes 11th State to Enact Educational Fund

by Kerri Cooke It is widely known that Louisiana lags behind many other states in the education department, with literacy being a big issue. Steps are being taken to improve learning and test scores, and one of the ways Louisiana is combating its low education scores and graduation rates is […]

July 2025

Getting Back In The School Groove

by Kristy Como Armand Getting back in the school routine is a challenge—for both children and parents. Parenting experts say the best way to make a smooth transition from summer to school is to prepare ahead of time. Keri Forbess-McCorquodale, MS, CEAP, LPC-S, LMFT, president of Solutions Counseling & EAP, […]

July 2025

START THE SCHOOL YEAR WITH AN A+ IN HEALTH: Annual Physicals for Continued Wellness

by Kristy Como Armand As the new school year looms, it’s time to start those back-to-school checklists. Victoria McDaniel, DNP, FNP-C, with Imperial Health Urgent Care, reminds parents to make sure a wellness exam is on that list. “While well baby visits are common for infants and toddlers, many school-aged […]

July 2025

EDUCATION SUPERHEROES

by Kerri Cooke Often going above and beyond the call of duty, teachers, counselors and school staff strive to ensure our children are receiving a good education in an environment conducive to learning. Their efforts are the building blocks on which our communities grow and flourish. In this section, Thrive […]

July 2025

Shifting To A Low Waste Lifestyle: Lake Charles Native Becomes Tory Burch Fellow

by Kerri Cooke Eleisha Eagle is an entrepreneur out of Narberth, Pennsylvania, who just became a 2025 Tory Burch Fellow with the Tory Burch Foundation for her small business SHIFT, a refillery, which is dedicated to the concept of low-waste living by providing personal care such as soap, shampoo and […]

July 2025

FIRST PERSON: Marshall Simien – Lake Charles Mayor

In a historic moment for the city of Lake Charles, Marshall Simien Jr. was sworn in as its 30th Mayor—and the first Black person ever elected to this office—this month. And while he is new to this leadership role, his name is a familiar one. A proud son of Lake […]

July 2025

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION: Westlake Chemical and Baggett McCall LLC

Partners in Education are vital to the health of our local school system. These businesses volunteer time, money and employees to assist teachers and students in ways that federal or state employees and funding aren’t able to. Research shows that when there are strong partnerships between schools and the community, […]

July 2025

FAMILY WORKS: Frances Fitz-Gerald Jewelry and Antiques

Frances Fitz-Gerald Jewelry & Antiques has built upon an extraordinary family legacy over the past 10 years since opening its storefront in Lake Charles. But the roots of this mother-daughter business stretch back generations.Frances Fitz-Gerald, the matriarch of the business, has been working in jewelry and antiques for over 50 […]

July 2025

BAG YOUR DREAM: 2025 Trend Report

by Kerri Cooke It’s always an amazing feeling when you’ve put together the perfect outfit. The dopamine hit is powerful. However, that’s only step one to building your daily persona. Adding accessories to your look is the best way to enhance a design detail and create an ensemble. Purses are […]