NEW IBERIA, La. --- The Iberia Parish French Immersion Program will celebrate its 20th year with a picnic celebration and the planners are looking for sponsors.
Le Grand Pique-Nique d'Immersion en Ibérie will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022. Les Amis de L’Immersion Francaise (the friends of the French Immersion program) is planning this event to give teachers, students and families an opportunity to come together and celebrate the program they all embrace.
In addition, it will showcase Francophone culture with music and dance performances by French Immersion teachers and students.
"At a time when opportunities to gather together have been scarce and the education system has been tested, honoring this valued part of Iberia Parish’s public school program is uniquely important," said Ebrar J. Reaux, president of
Les Amis de l'Immersion. "To make this event as festive as possible, Les Amis needs your help. We thank you in advance for any donation you can make to help this well-deserved celebration."
Les Amis is currently seeking funding for a fun jump, food and hospitality items. Both cash and in-kind donations of any size are welcomed. All donations made to Les Amis are tax deductible.
In exchange, sponsors will be honored and recognized at the Grand Pique Nique and by Les Amis. Recognition for sponsors includes:
- Name included in press releases and media related to the event
- Announcement during official remarks at the picnic
- Posting on “Thanks to our sponsors” sign at the event
- Inclusion in official event program
- Featured logo or company name posted on Les Amis’ and North Lewis Elementary’s social media
Sponsorship levels include:
- Bronze/ Merci $100 and up
- Silver/ Merci beaucoup $250 and up
- Gold/ Merci mille fois $500 and up
Sponsors to date include the City of New Iberia, Iberia Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau, Iberia Parish School Board, Raising Cane's, First National Bank of Jeanerette, Pipes and Plugs, Les Amis, and Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL).
About the French Immersion Program
Educate, enrich, preserve, and make global connections — these terms describe the mission of Iberia Parish School District’s French Immersion Program.
In 2002, students entering kindergarten were first offered an opportunity to enter a unique educational program where they would be taught in both English and French. They would learn not just reading, writing, and
arithmetic; they would also gain a second language while in elementary school.
"For 20 years now, this free program has been available to all students in Iberia Parish," said Reaux. "In that time, it has enriched students’ lives while preserving the French language’s place in Louisiana culture and providing students an opportunity to be educated by teachers from around the world.
Now, as the program's alumni become educators and leaders themselves, it is time to celebrate the years of effort and innovation that have led to Iberia Parish students learning the language of their ancestors while earning college credit and more."
Please make checks payable to Les Amis de l'Immersion, 10 Steamboat Bend, New Iberia, LA 70563. For more information, please contact Ebrar Reaux at
