LHS Plans College Financial Aid Events For Parents, Families

LEMONT, IL — Lemont High School’s Student Services Department will host two college financial aid events over the next two months.

The first will be held virtually on Oct. 12, and will feature veteran educator and financial aid expert Frank Palmasani and a panel of college admission representatives, the school said in a release.

Then, on Nov. 20, representatives from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) will be on campus to assist families in completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms.

At 7 p.m. on Oct. 12, Palmasani and admission representatives will be featured in a question and answer session follow-up to Palmasani’s video, “Conquering College Costs.” Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to watch the video, which is available on the school’s website and will be emailed to them, prior to the event, the school said.

The virtual event will provide families of both grade school and high school students with an overview of college financial aid. FAFSA terminology and methodology are changing, and Palmasani’s video covers the techniques necessary to maximize options for scholarships and grants, and introduces families to upcoming changes, according to the school.

From 7-8:30 p.m. on Nov. 20, ISAC representatives will be on campus in Room N101 to assist families of the Class of 2023 in completing the FAFSA; which is the form that qualifies students for federal and state financial aid programs such as the Pell Grant, MAP Grant, or subsidized loans, the school said. The FAFSA filing period for the Class of 2023 opened on Oct. 1.

Attendees should bring their 2021 taxes, and can bring their own laptop or utilize a Chromebook provided by the school. Parents/guardians should create an account for their students at www.fafsa.gov prior to the event, the school said.

All high school seniors in Illinois are required to complete the FAFSA or complete a waiver form. While some families may not qualify for financial aid, all families are encouraged to complete the form in case of an emergency or an unexpected change in financial status.

Individuals who choose not to file a FAFSA can obtain an opt-out form from the Counseling Department, the school said. Those who plan on attending the FAFSA event should enter the building through the “Archway” entrance off Porter Street.