PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
Grades PK3-K
Suzy Lynch-Cummings
LOWER SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Grades 1-4
Ginger Gibson
MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR, INTERIM
Grades 5-7
Melinda Mangham
UPPER SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Grades 8-12
Chris Dardar
MR. JERRY VASCOCU, Chair
MS. MYRA TENER, Vice-Chair
MRS. SHANNON LYND, Secretary
MR. CRAIG CAMPBELL, Treasurer
MRS. MARY COURVILLE
DR. ANN DOBIE
MR. TRAVIS FRANK
DR. JULIA FREDERICK
seniors received college scholarship offers totaling over $5 million, at least half were involved in our fine arts programs, and more than three-fourths participated in athletics this year. In addition, our Sugar Mill Pond theatre students were among the first in the nation to perform The Phantom of the Opera as a high school, and Blue Gators celebrated varsity state championships in both golf and tennis. Our tradition of excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics continues to thrive within our school.
ADRIAN BOYLE, Director of Finance
MRS. MARIKA MURY
MR. GREG RIZZUTO
MR. ANDREW SHENKAN
MRS. MARY WERNER
MRS. MICHELLE JUDICE, Vestry
THE REV. JOSEPH DALY, Rector
DR. JEANETTE PARKER, Trustee Emeritus
JOSHUA MCCLYMONT, Director of Development
JUSTIN HERNANDEZ, Director of Facilities
CAMILLE RENARD, Director of Admissions
JOSHUA CARLSON, Director of Technology
STEPHANIE FOURNET, Academic Dean and Director of College Counseling
KATHERINE MCCORMICK, Director of Marketing
JULIE BOURQUE, River Ranch Campus Director-Elect
In May, we dedicated the River Ranch Ark in honor of Suzy Lynch-Cummings for her 35 years of outstanding service as a teacher, administrator, and Founding Director of our River Ranch Campus. An enthusiastic, loving mentor to students, parents, and teachers alike, Suzy has embodied our mission for generations and is passing the baton to Julie Bourque, whose energy and confidence will continue the Ascension experience of the little red schoolhouse for years to come. This transition is an answer to our school prayer “that the life of our school go on from strength to strength.”
The life of our school that we speak of so often is embodied by our outstanding faculty, students, and all families of the Ascension community. Together this year, we’ve celebrated tremendous accomplishments in our wins as well as our losses. We shared the joys of outstanding performances on both the stage and the field. We even shared our grief as we remembered the importance of life, loss, and our eternal hope.
This year, we graduated the largest senior class in Ascension’s history. These 72
The momentum of our school would not be possible without the many volunteers who tirelessly give of their time, talent, and treasure. To our Parent Support Groups - our PTO, Athletic Booster Club, and Fine Arts Alliance - I thank you. Under the leadership of Christy Sheets, Mike Remondet, and Marika Mury, these groups collectively raised over $500,000 to help support the operations of our school. I am grateful for your countless hours working alongside Administration to allow us to continue bringing about opportunities that support Ascension in all areas of academics, arts, and athletics.
I especially want to thank our school Board Chair, Jerry Vascocu, and the entire Board for their commitment and leadership throughout this year. Because of their hard work, Ascension is prepared to further our tradition of excellence.
With Every Blessing,
For believing in our children. For guiding young hearts and minds. For inspiring with passion. For leaving an indelible mark on so many lives.
When it comes to making an impact at Ascension, there are few individuals who have done so as remarkably as Suzy Lynch-Cummings. Throughout the 33 years in which Ms. Suzy served Ascension, her knowledge of education and love for children made a lasting impression on countless lives. On May 10th, the Ascension community celebrated Ms. Suzy’s “indelible mark” by naming the Ark on the River Ranch Campus in her honor. While we hope she spends some well-deserved rest and relaxation away from campus, knowing Ms. Suzy’s love for our community, we’re confident she’ll still be around.
On February 8 th, family and friends filled the sidewalks of the River Ranch campus to celebrate Mardi Gras with our annual parade. Pulled by our 8th grade students, wagonfulls of kindergartners threw beads and treats to kickoff the Mardi Gras season.
Our mission at Ascension is educational excellence in a Christian environment, and balanced excellence is one of the ways that we accomplish our mission. It is a structure of programs that we use to ensure that every student has the
opportunity to experience his or her full potential. From structured curriculum to after-school programs, we have created opportunities for each and every student to participate in academics, athletics, fine arts, and worship.
As a component of Episcopal identity as well as leadership development, Ascension places quite a focus on giving back, be it in the classroom, the chapel, or in the greater Acadiana community.
This effort is a part of an overall mission of the school to help instill servant leadership within our community. On our Sugar Mill Pond Campus, every student participates in Community Service Days led by key faculty and the Community Service Student Leadership Team. The purpose is an effort to implement a meaningful and lasting program with the high school students and their community. Through direct community service, our students are reminded that life is much more about what one contributes to it than what one acquires from it. Over the past two years, each SMP academic class has been assigned a specific organization to serve as their community service focus for the year. By targeting specific organizations annually, the student body makes a significant and long lasting impact on the organizations they serve.
The organizations chosen by the Community Service Student Leadership Team are as follows:
Community service has been recognized and modeled in several ways during the year with our Ascension Episcopal Faculty.
Gethsemane Christian Academy, located in Lafayette, serves children from 6 weeks old to 8th grade. This past May, Lower School Spanish teacher, Miranda Peterson, forged a friendship with church and school leadership, Dr. Mae Winbush and Dr. Edith White, principal.
In working alongside students and staff at Gesthemane Christian Academy, Ms. Petersen recognized the need for updated teaching materials. With the blessing of the Campus Director, Ms. Peterson began to collect gently used classroom items which were no longer needed in our classrooms. From textbooks to furniture, Ms. Peterson was able to deliver a wide variety of desparately needed items.
9th 10th 11th 12th St. Joseph's Diner Camelot of Broussard Nursing Home HumanityThe greatest service project that our whole school takes on is with our sister school in Uganda. For over 20 years, Ascension Episcopal School and the Episcopal Church of the Ascension have been active contributors to the Reaching the Pygmies Ministry, dedicated to the service of the displaced Batwa Pygmies of Uganda helping with housing, medical care, and children’s education. From this ministry, The Epiphany School was established to help educate the Batwa Pygmy people, the indigenous tribe which was displaced by their own Ugandan government into the Bwindi rainforest. In 1999, the Church of the Epiphany in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania established a resettlement program for the Pygmy people and built The Epiphany School, which currently accommodates approximately 225 students and 14 faculty and staff members. Over the past several years, funds raised by Ascension during Lenten fundraisers have been used to build a library, kitchen, classroom space, and a fresh water system on their school campus. Each year, 80% of Epiphany’s annual budget has been made possible due to donations raised by families of Ascension.
Last April, Father Charles and Alice Busingye from The Epiphany School visited Lafayette to personally express their joy and gratitude for the years of support from Ascension community. At the conclusion of their visit, clergy, faculty, and students presented a check to the Busingye’s for $20,000, as well as 30 school iPads for officials to take back to the school in Uganda.
FOR OVER
YEARS, ASCENSION EPISCOPAL SCHOOL AND ASCENSION CHURCH HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE PYGMIES MINISTRY, DEDICATED TO THE SERVICE OF THE DISPLACED BATWA PYGMIES OF UGANDA, HELPING WITH HOUSING, MEDICAL CARE, AND CHILDREN’S EDUCATION.
In his address to students, Father Busingye expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the entire school and church community's generous donations. He spoke of the recent addition of power lines to their community and how excited he was to bring this technology back to the students of the The Epiphany School. When asked about the ceremony, All-School Chaplain, Father Brandt Montgomery, said, “The services were very special ceremonies whereby we were able
to renew the bonds and affection between our two schools. It is my hope that in years to come this partnership will enrich our students' perception about service to their fellow man.”
Whether locally or globally, Ascension Episcopal School strives to an "other" mentality. A servant leadership model is a tenant that runs through each of our three campuses and helps to define a piece of the spirit of our school throughout the year.
November Learning, Boston, MA
July 25-28, 2017
"Sue Pottle, Chelsea LeMiuex, and I attended the November Learning BLC ’18 Conference and participated in several informative sessions about engaging and effective uses for technology in the classroom. I incorporated several ideas from the conference into my Science curriculum, including Kahoot and project-based learning projects. The conference was great; I enjoyed collaborating with my colleagues and the other teachers we met from around the world."
2017 - 2018 Professional Development included:
ACTFL (Foreign Language)
APSI Institute / College Board European History
APSI Institute / College Board AP French
APSI Institute / College Board AP Literature and Composition Course
APSI Institute / College Board AP Physics 2
APSI Institute / College Board AP Spanish
Language and Culture Summer Institute
APSI Institute / College Board Pre-AP Science
APSI Institute / College Board AP US History
APSI Institute / College Board Pre-AP Social Studies
Apple Academy
Berklee School of Music
Building Learning Communities Conference
Camp Well
Episcopal College Fair
Financial Literacy & Economic Education Conference
Forma Conference
Innovation Lab Conference
Innovation Showcase
International Society for Technology in Education
LA State Nurses Organization
Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators
LATA Summer Symposium
Louisiana Foreign Language Teachers Association Conference
National Art Educators Conference
National Association of College Admissions Counseling
National Association of Episcopal Schools
National Conference on School Discipline
National Council of Educators in English
National Science Teachers Association
National Total Physical Recall Storytelling
Problem Solving / Math Competition at the University of Oklahoma
Responsive Classroom
Shakespeare Conference
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
The American Association of School Librarians
Universite Sainte / Anne Immersion and Advanced Teaching Strategies
Amy Billeaudeaux, 4 th Grade TeacherTeaching Shakespeare the Folger Way
Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C.
October 27-28, 2017
"I was one of thirty teachers from across the country selected to participate in a Weekend Intensive program at Folger Shakespeare Library’s Teaching Shakespeare Institute. With guidance from the Folger staff, a guest scholar, and a theater professional, my teacher group and I worked with language from a variety of Shakespeare's plays. I was exposed to different strategies to help connect all of my students to Shakespeare's words, characters, and ideas. An added highlight for all teachers in attendance was the opportunity to see a live evening performance of Antony and Cleopatra at the Folger Theatre. The Weekend Intensive was a very rewarding experience and benefited my 6th grade students in many ways. I feel incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity. Thank you, PTO!"
International Society for Technology in Education
Chicago, IL
June 24-27, 2018
“I was able to attend ISTE, International Society for Technology in Education. There I was able to connect with one of the creators of Google's new digital citizenship program, Be Internet Awesome , and received the tools we needed to implement it in the Middle School. I also learned tools and tricks to help teachers become guides and collaborators with students rather than just a lecturer.“
Rachel Delcambre, Technology DepartmentAscension strives to live out balanced excellence across all three of our campuses. Balanced excellence means the state champion quarterback playing the violin in chapel services each week. Balanced excellence means the lead in the school play also achieving Headmaster's List every quarter. Balanced excellence means more National Merit Scholars, more state champion teams, and more Broadway-quality performances.
Balanced excellence means giving your children the opportunity to be exposed to
programs of excellence in arts, academics, and athletics with a solid Christian foundation. At Ascension, we leverage our balanced excellence to offer wide and various opportunities for our students to take part in. We encourage our students to try everything while they are with us, to explore areas they never knew before. Balanced excellence means our students leave us as young adults with an adaptability and resilience to succeed in a world that is ever-changing.
In March of 2018, our Sugar Mill Pond students performed Phantom of the Opera to sold out crowds at the Grand Opera House of the South. Our Fine Arts department also produced two other Broadway-style musicals this year including James & the Giant Peach and Mulan.
Our three PSOs—PTO, Booster Club, and Fine Arts Alliance—are crucial to our school's success. These hard-working school volunteer groups both advocate and fundraise so our students might better excel in the classroom, on the stage, and on the court. In this fundraising partnership, Booster Club dollars go towards athletics, Fine Arts Alliance dollars towards fine arts expenses, and PTO dollars towards facilities and faculty needs.
Subsequently, our annual fund covers the rest by directing dollars to other programs of balanced excellence, first class facilities, professional development, financial stewardship, and tuition assistance.
Our PSOs and annual fund are essential components to living out our mission each year.
WE THANK EACH OF YOU FOR PARTNERING WITH US IN THIS EFFORT.
PARENT SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
ASCENSION FUND
TUITION
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Fine Arts Alliance (FAA) Booster Club
H O W W E S P END T HE M ONE Y
Parent Teacher Organization Fine Arts Alliance Booster Club
EVENTS
• Fund-A-Need
MEMBERSHIP
• Grand Gator
• Blue Gator
• Swamper EVENTS
• Golf Tourney
• Tennis Tourney
ADVERTISING
• Programs
MEMBERSHIP
• Maestro
• Conductor
• Instrumental EVENTS
• Heart for the Arts
Ascension Fund
W H IT E
Ascension Fund
DONATIONS
• Headmaster’s Circle
• Founder’s Level
• Leadership Level
• Gap Level
• Blue Gator Level
STUDENT PERFORMANCES
• Ticket Sales
EVENTS
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP
DONATIONS
• One Project Per CampusRiver Ranch, Downtown, and Sugar Mill Pond
• Faculty Bonuses
• Professional Development
• Teacher Events
• Student & Family Events
Expenses
• Athle Expenses
• Fine Arts Projects
Expenses
• First Class
• Stellar Stewardship
• Programs of Balanced Excellence
• Professional Development
• Community Outreach Assistance
H O W W E R AIS E T H E MO N E Y H O W W E S P END T HE M ONE Y
• Smaller Event
• Raffle
• Grand Gator
• Blue Gator
• Swamper
ADVERTISING
• Programs
• Signs
• Maestro
• Conductor
• Instrumental
STUDENT PERFORMANCES
• Ticket Sales
EVENTS
• Smaller Event EVENTS
• Smaller Event
• Headmaster’s Circle
• Founder’s Level
• Leadership Level
• Gap Level
• Blue Gator Level
• One School-wide Project
• One Project
• Expenses
• One Fine Arts Project
• Fine Arts
Expenses
• Stellar Stewardship
Expenses
• Programs of Balanced Excellence
• Professional Development
• Community Outreach Assistance
The following are several items that the Ascension Fund paid for in 2017/2018:
a More than 1,000 hours of Faculty & Staff professional development
a Construction of an outdoor learning classroom at the River Ranch Campus
a Construction of a walkway between the office and the Ark at the River Ranch Campus
aConstruction of wooden fencing around all AC units at the River Ranch Campus
a Engineering & construction of a retention system to alleviate drainage issue at the Downtown Campus
a New, taller, more secure gates across the Downtown Campus
a New paint for the interior of Parker Hall, Gator Development classrooms, and restrooms at the Downtown Campus
aNew backstop padding for the softball stadium at the SMP Campus
aNew LED lighting fixtures in the library at the SMP Campus
a Improvements to reception area at the SMP Campus
a Continual payment of the River Ranch and SMP Campus monthly notes
The Ascension Fund is a significant catalyst; a vital means of advancing our mission of educational excellence in a Christian environment.
Our annual fund procures more hours of professional development for our teachers, resources for our coaches and directors, better facilities for our children, and plants the seeds for future growth. In short, the
significance of the Ascension Fund derives from its ability to grow our mission.
On behalf of Ascension’s administrative team, teachers, and staff, thank you for continuing to support our school in so many ways!
TOTAL RAISED $173,584
Mr. & Mrs. Brent Abshire
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Abshire
Dr. & Mrs. Kevin Courville
Ms. Kelli Guidry
Mr. & Mrs. Michael P. Maraist
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Quick
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher J. Russo
Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Remondet
Ms. Myra Tener
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Vascocu
Mr. & Mrs. David C. Edmond *
Mr. & Mrs. Brent R. Milam
Mr. & Mrs. Boyd Anderson
Theo B. Bean Foundation, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Robert C. Campbell, II
Mr. Dow J. Drobish *
Mr. & Mrs. Brad Felder
In Memory of Alan & Faye Vaughan
Dr. & Mrs. James M. Finley
Mr. & Mrs. Marc W. Judice
Mr. & Mrs. Edwin G. Mury
Anonymous
Mr. & Mrs. Tony Ancona
Mr. & Mrs. Joel Babineaux
Dr. & Mrs. Paul Billeaud
Mr. & Mrs. Andre’ Blanchard
Mr. & Mrs. Craig Bourque *
Dr. & Mrs. Jeffery S. Brown
Ms. Emily Brown
Mr. & Mrs. Chip Clark
Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin T. Domingue
Mr. & Mrs. Tod M. Dore’
Dr. Jeanette Parker
In Honor of Robert W. Parker
Jim and Carol Ann Piccione *
Mr. & Mrs. Andy M. Sheets
Mr. & Mrs. Michael M. Smith
Dr. & Mrs. Eric Trawick
Mr. & Mrs. Joel Werner
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Zehnder, III
Anonymous
Mr. & Mrs. Luis Acevedo
Mr. & Mrs. James A. Adams
Mrs. Reatha Albert
In Memory of Robert W. Parker
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Altmann
Mr. Richard Anderson
Mr. & Mrs. Adam Andrus
Mr. & Mrs. Glenn E. Angelle
Mr. & Mrs. Earnest C. Anselmo, III *
Ms. Robin Arabie
Mr. & Mrs. Whitney Archangel
Mrs. Danielle Bacque
Mrs. Daniel M. Barbato
In Memory of Mrs. Nancy Holloway
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Barry
Mrs. Caroline Bayard
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Beaullieu
Mr. & Mrs. Teddy Beaullieu
Mrs. Amy Billeaudeaux
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Blakewood
Mr. Rene Borel
Dr. & Mrs. Matthew B. Boudreaux
Mrs. Emily A. Bourque
Mr. & Mrs. Adrian Boyle
Ms. Shawn J. Brady
Mr. & Mrs. Deron Braun
Ms. Kallie Broussard
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley T. Broussard
Mr. Scott L. Broussard
Mrs. Kathy Brown
Mr. & Mrs. Norman Brown
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Brown
Dr. & Mrs. Chris Cormier
Ms. Alyssa Credeur
Ms. Jennifer Cucchiara
Dr. & Mrs. David D. Daly, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Chris D. Dardar
Mr. & Mrs Clayton E. Darnall
Mr. & Mrs. Ross Dees
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Delahoussaye
Dr. & Mrs. Mark Delcambre
Ms. Cortney Delhomme
Mr. & Mrs. Jacques D. Deshotels
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Desormeaux
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Desormeaux
Mr. Matthew Desormeaux
Mr. & Mrs. Carroll J. Domengeaux, II
Ms. Lindsay Ducote
Mr. & Mrs. Taylor Ducote
Ms. Alayna Dugas
Ms. Christine R. Dunn
Ms. Kelly Duplantis
Mr. & Mrs. Matthew H. Durio
Ms. Laina M. Dutton *
Dr. & Mrs. William Elliott
Mr. & Mrs. Chad Elter
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Feehan
Mr. & Mrs. Derek Fontenot
Mr. Toby C. Fontenot
Mr. John Robideaux & Mrs. Stephanie Fournet
Mr. & Mrs. John Fox
Mr. & Mrs. Steve Frederick
Ms. Sylvia Frugé
Mr. & Mrs. Adam Fuselier
Ms. Anne Gaiennie
Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Franques, IV *
Mr. & Mrs. David Godbold
Mr. & Mrs. David J. Guidry
Mr. & Mrs. Kirk B. Lynd *
Mr. & Mrs. Donald Nassar
Dr. & Mrs. Wade B. May *
Mr. & Mrs. Joshua McClymont *
Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Stewart, III
Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Sullivan
Mr. & Mrs. Tyron Picard
Mr. & Mrs. Wade A. Brown
Mr. & Mrs. Michael B. Buxton
Mr. & Mrs. Craig P. Caillier
Dr. & Mrs. John Campbell
Mr. & Mrs. Joshua P. Carlson
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Caswell *
Dr. Keefe T. Chng & Dr. Louiza Chan
Mr. & Mrs. David Chaney
Ms. Erin Cheshire
Ms. Mindy Chiasson
Mrs. Natalie Chustz
Ms. Deborah Clements
Mr. & Mrs. Clay A. Collins *
Dr. & Mrs. Joseph C. Cordova
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Gibson
Ms. Dawn C. Gonsoulin
Drs. Matthew & Reyna Grant
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher J. Greneaux
Ms. Marla Griffey
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Gros, II
Ms. Chelsie Guidry
Mrs. Jeni Guidry
Mr. & Mrs. Kim Guidry
Mr. Kaedron Hall
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffery G. Hargrave
Mr. Stephen Hearen
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Henderson
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Hebert
Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Hebert
Mr. & Mrs. Scot Hartman *
Mr. & Mrs. Shane Hebert
Mr. & Mrs. Justin Hernandez
Dr. Kathy Holley
Mr. & Mrs. Philip J. Hoover Anonymous
In Memory of Cordell Castette
Ms. Lauren Keating
Mr. & Mrs. Palmer Kennedy
Anonymous
In Memory of Robert W. Portier
Mr. & Mrs. Paul T. Kreamer
Mr. & Mrs. Wardell Ladmirault
Mr. & Mrs Lonny Landry
Mr. & Mrs. Renesse A. Landry
Mrs. Shelly E. Landry
Mr. Daniel & Rev. Lauren Larkin
Mr. & Mrs. Dwight LeBlanc
Mr. Arnaud Leclercq
Mr. & Mrs. Buddy Lee
Mr. & Mrs. William B. Lee
Ms. Chelsea LeMieux
Mr. & Mrs. Robert N. Lobello
Andrew & Chelsea Lotief *
Mr. & Mrs. Marshall H. Loupus *
Ms. Melinda Mangham
Mr. Ross Margraves
In Memory of Peggy Nolan
Mrs. Amy Marter
Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Martin
Dr. & Mrs. Richard E. Matis
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Mattke
Mr. & Mrs. Todd S. McCormick
Mr. Scott McCullough
Ms. Shenekia McDonald
Mr. & Mrs. Michael McKenzie
In Memory of Peggy Nolan
Quay and Lauren McKnight
Ms. Kathy M. Meloche
Mr. Klay Menard
Mr. & Mrs. John J. Mendell, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Mier
Rev. Brandt L. Montgomery
Mr. & Mrs. Eric W. Mouton
Ms. Merlantha L. Mouton-Morgan
Mr. Ross Muggivan
Mrs. Anna Napier
Ms. Caitlin Neal-Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Marcus Nepveaux
Mr. & Mrs. Michael M. Odom
Mr. & Mrs. Lance Ortemond
Mr. & Mrs. Jean A. Ouellet
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan L. Patin
Ms. Rachael Phillips
Ms. Kathryn Post
Mr. & Mrs. Dean Pottle
Mrs. Shannon Poynot
Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Price
Ms. Lauren Rabalais
Mrs. Kelly Ramsay
Mr. & Mrs. Peyton T. Reddick
Mr. & Mrs. Nick A. Renard
Mr. & Mrs. Greg T. Rizzuto
Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin D. Roberts
Ms. Rosalind M. Robertson
Mrs. Rosalind Robertson
Mr. & Mrs. Chad C. Robichaux
Mr. & Mrs. Michael E. Rush
Ms. Amina Saidou
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Sanford
Mrs. Sandy Savoie
Mr. & Mrs. Larry V. Sciambra
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Shenkan
Mr. Gerald L. Sierveld & Ms. Brandee Duhon *
Mr. Everic Stutes & Mrs. Nicole Small-Stutes
Mr. & Mrs. Errol Solomon
Mr. & Mrs. Scott V. Sonnier
Ms. Sylvia Sonnier
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Speyrer *
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher S. St. Germain
Mr. & Mrs. Byron P. Stephens
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas C. Stevens
Mr. & Mrs. Jason Stevenson
Mr. & Mrs. Mark E. Stipe
Mr. & Mrs. M. Brent Stolzenthaler
Mr. Jeff Straub
Mr. Samuel K. Stricklin
Ms. Leah Sullivan
Ms. Kimberly Summerhays
Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Taulbee *
Mr. & Mrs. Todd Tauzin
Dr. & Mrs. Claude Tremblay
Mrs. Natalie Tuminello
Ms. Emily P. Vanderlick *
Mrs. Morgan Vondenstein
Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Vincent
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Vincent *
Mrs. Mary C. Wagner
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Walker
Mr. & Mrs. Jason M. West
Mr. & Mrs. Heath Whittington
Mr. & Mrs. Hoyt Whittington
Mr. & Mrs. Bud Williams
Winstead PC
Mr. & Mrs. George L. Womack *
Elizabeth J. Young & Deborah I. Young *
Mrs. Sandy Young
Ben Domingue
Chris & Staci Overton
Chuck Schaub
Clé Simon
David Barczyk
Jeff Foshee
John Fox, Farm Bureau Insurance
John Mendell
Mike Matherne
Scott Kerstetter
Allison & Joshua McClymont
Brenda & Larry Curtis
Charon & Frankie Harris
Chris Gamble Family Fund
Christl Mahfouz
Dana & Michael Topham
Georgette & Boyd Anderson
Julie & John Verzwyvelt
Leslie Jacobs Wilder
Marika & Ed Mury
Mary & Kevin Courville
Michelle & Leonard Franques
Nanette & David Thibeaux
Rochelle & Tré Dupuie
Sara & Byron Stephens
Sheramie & Tod Dore’
Stacy Ste. Marie
Acadiana Bottling
Geralyn Roth Interior Design
Imonelli
Mark & Stephanie Fontenot
Dovetail Digital Marketing
Byron Stephens with Stepko
Jamie Comeaux
John Fox
Clé Simon
Mike Maraist
Richard Chalmers
Scott Kerstetter
Sean Ocmand with Ocmand Construction Company
Charon & Frankie Harris
Christl Mahfouz
Georgette & Boyd Anderson
Gordon & Leah Ritchie
Julie & John Verzwyvelt
Karen & David Broussard
Marci & Corey Douglas
Nanette & David Thibeaux
Randy Arabie & Kristy Anderson
The Leadership Circle designation goes beyond a mere giving level—it turns the spotlight on those individuals who make Ascension one of their main philanthropic investments, and in doing so, make a significant impact.
During the event, Board, vestry, and faculty members got the opportunity to visit with donors and thank them personally for their considerable gifts to the Ascension Fund. Rounding out the evening, Jerry Vascocu, Board of Trustees Chair, highlighted the tremendous growth Ascension has seen during his time as a parent.
Reverend Joseph Daly, Rector of The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, also expressed his appreciation to all of the donors.
We have made every effort to include all our donors in this listing; however, please accept our sincere apologies if we have missed something. Please contact our Development Department to let us know about any errors in our reporting for the 2017-2018 school year.
Many of our school activities could not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our amazing school volunteers.
Parent support organizations at Ascension provide ample opportunity for parents to volunteer to help not only their own child, but all of the children of Ascension to achieve their goal of balanced excellence.
Our PSO includes the Booster Club, Fine Arts Alliance, and Parent Teacher Organization, which together support our amazing faculty as well as our athletic and fine arts programs across all three campuses.
Ascension PTO is tasked with enhancing the school life of our staff and students through fundraising and social events. As the organizing body for the schools’ largest group of parent volunteers, PTO knows firsthand that the spirit of volunteerism is alive and well at Ascension Episcopal School.
Even before the school year began, the PTO Executive Council was hard at work planning student activities with Campus Directors, coordinating room parents, as well as hosting a faculty CPE breakfast and luncheon. PTO Auction Committee was busy preparing for a favorite Ascension tradition, PTO Auction. On October 7, many Ascension supporters celebrated a festive “Louisiana Saturday Night” while bidding on silent and live auction items. Thanks to the hard work of this dedicated group of volunteers, this event, paired with our $10,000 cash raffle, managed to generate in excess of $265,000!!! These tremendous fundraising efforts allowed us to give back to Ascension and host wonderful school events all year long.
Honor Chapel reception, Tailgaters, See You at the Pole, Veterans Day chapel, Thanksgiving Feast, classroom holiday parties at the River Ranch and Downtown Campuses, as well as May Day were a few of the events hosted by PTO volunteers. Every month, on all three campuses, faculty birthday breakfasts or luncheons were a much appreciated way to honor our faculty and staff. As a communitybuilding event bringing families from all three campuses together, a free Family Bingo Night and dinner was held on the Downtown Campus in January. Another highlight of our year was Faculty Appreciation Week in March.
PTO declared 2018 the “Year of the Teacher” at Ascension. Your support of our fundraising efforts paid for this entire week, including gift cards, allowing us to express the tremendous gratitude we all feel toward our fantastic staff.
Perhaps PTO’s biggest contribution to the Ascension community were the funds provided to cover the cost of professional development for faculty and staff on all three campuses. This donation allowed innovative techniques such as Conscious Discipline to be brought back to our campuses and
CHRISTY SHEETS, President
KIM BISHOP, President-Elect
JULIE VASCOCU, Secretary
TRICIA CAMPBELL, Treasurer
JAYNE SOILEAU, River Ranch Campus Coordinator
MELANIE NASSAR, Downtown Campus Coordinator
MICHELLE FRANQUES, Sugar Mill Pond Campus Coordinator
DANA TOPHAM & CHRISTY FRANQUES, Social Chairs
SARA TRAWICK, Communications Coordinator
CAROL ANN PICCIONE, Parliamentarian
KATHERINE MCCORMICK, PSO Liaison
KIM ST. GERMAIN, Faculty Member-at-Large
SARAH HENDERSON, Auction Co-chairAmy Lalande
Angela Mills
Ann Bond
Betsy Boudreaux
Camille Renard
Carol Ann Piccione
classrooms. In addition, your generosity provided Christmas bonuses, River Ranch and Downtown Campus security upgrades, gift cards for River Ranch teachers’ summer home visits, as well as completing the Fund-A-Need projects from the auction. If you haven’t seen them already, these long-term investments impacted our students this year and improved our facilities for many years to come. On the River Ranch Campus, new all-weather picnic tables were delivered. On the Downtown Campus, Fund-A-Need provided new picnic tables as well as paid for the refurbishing of the playground pavilion at the heart of campus. At SMP, a large television screen and audiovisual equipment were added to the library commons area. In addition, look for the delivery of new furniture to complete that space in the near future.
It’s been a joy serving our school community this year. Wrapping up my 13th year as a member of the Ascension family, I’ve never been prouder or more excited for the future. Great things are on the horizon for the Blue Gators!
Carrie Leonard
Corbin Levin
Elizabeth Bernard
Emily Vanderlick
Jacy LeBlanc
Jaime Woodring
Katherine Anselmo
Leah Sullivan
Leslie Bourque
Maggie Justus
Mary Courville
Shannon Lynd
Shannon Trahan
Sonni Savant
Stephanie Liprie
Susan Giardina
Wendy Young
TOTAL RAISED $265,035
STACIE BELLE, Auction Chair
Advanced Fire & Safety LLC
Allstate Building Systems
Amel Can Sell, LLC
Ashley & Andy Simon
BMH Enterprises 3, LLC
Bradley Moreau
Carol Ann & Jim Piccione
Carrie & Scott Leonard
Cherie & Troy Collins
Christy & Andy Sheets
Clement Medical
Dana & Ben Domingue
Dermatology Center of Acadiana
Dr. Donald & Melissa Boudreaux
Fairway Transport LLC
Finley Periodontics, PLLC
Giardina Family Foundation
IBERIABANK
Jaime & Ross Woodring
Joel Broussard
Katherine & Chuck Anselmo
Kristie & Jacques Poirier
Leah Sullivan
Lolli & Bop, LLC
M&D Industries of Louisiana
MACE Marketing Inc.
Mark & Stephanie Fontenot
Robinson Mobile Home Movers, LLC
Sharon & Mike Piasecki
Sheri & John Alldredge
The Bond Group
Timothy & Martha Bradley
Trisha & Jason West
Agave Mexican Grill
Amy & Greg Rizzuto
Boo Freeman
Borden Ice Cream
Brother’s on the Boulevard
Carrie & Scott Leonard
CB Boutique
Cherie & Troy Collins
Clay Judice Jr., Charcoal
Portrait Artist
Coco ErosClothingBoutique
Corner Bar
Crescent Crown Distributing, LLC
Dr. Leslie Jacobs Wilder & Chance Wilder
Dr. Stacy Ste. Marie, Ste.
Marie Orthodontics
Dovetail Digital Marketing
Elizabeth & Tyron Picard
HerringStone’s
IBERIABANK
Imonelli Restaurant
Jambalaya Shoppe
Janenne deClouet
Photography
Joel Broussard
Kiki
Kona Ice
Kristie & Jacques Poirier
La Fonda
Lafayette Lanes Bowling
Lafayette Limo & Trolley
Lafayette Veterinary Care
Leah & Gordon Ritchie
Lee Michaels
Fine Jewelry
Lehman Ashley Boutique
Limousines Ltd.
Lolli & Bop, LLC
Lux Spa
Marc Krampe
Mike & Cheri Richard
Monogram Cottage
MTYK Properties
Park Lane Boutique
Paul Billeaud
Paul’s Jewelry
Pizza Hut
River Dance Center
Shaquille O’Neal
Sheila & Joshua Musso
Shoe La La
Social Southern
Table & Bar
Spoiled Pet Spa & Boutique
The Chris Trahan Band
Tsunami New Orleans
Twin’s Burgers & Sweets
Zea Rotisserie & Grill
Alison Howard
Amy Fontenot
Ann Bond
Ashley Hohorst
Brenda Curtis
Chandelle Rougeou
Claire Minvielle
Corbin Levin
Daisy Poole
Elise Colomb
Elizabeth Caswell
Elizabeth Pagelsen
Mary Frances Huggard
Georgiana Fontenot
Katherine Anselmo
Kelly Carlson
Lauren McKnight
Laurie Manafi
Leah Halverson
Leeann Oubre
Leslie Bourque
Leslie Hinds
Lisa Babineaux
Mari Anne Johnson
Naomi Maraist
Pam Abshire
Rochelle Dupuie
Sandi Stewart
Sheri Alldredge
Susan Giardina
between), the FAA and its volunteers deserve a standing ovation.
This year was slightly different, in that we were tasked with fundraising for six specific projects: 16 channel microphone system; two sets of choral risers; new curtains for our Downtown Activity Center; sound and light updates in the Downtown Activity Center; and a Juki -Mo 200 Sewing machine for our lower school Art Department. We are thrilled to report that we were able to complete most of the projects.
In March, we hosted “Heart for the Arts” at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. This event featured student artwork, photography, and performances by students from all three campuses. For an entire week, our students’ work was on display for the Acadiana community to see. In addition to showing off our students' work, the opening night included a gala where we were able to raise funds to go toward our FA projects. The spring also brought us other show-stopping performances. Similar to our Christmas Concert, our choral programs once again held its spring concert. Additionally, our
5th graders produced James and the Giant Peach, 6th and 7th graders produced Mulan, Jr., and our SMP students produced Phantom of the Opera at the beautiful Grand Opera House of the South in Crowley. This last event proved to be the most successful musical in our school’s history! From record student participation, to record show attendance, this musical drew the appreciation from patrons all over Louisiana.
Wow, what a year! As in years past, 2017-2018 was full of growth, camaraderie, and individuals who displayed love and passion for the arts. While only our 4th year in existence, the Fine Arts Alliance continues to make a huge impact in our community. From hosting receptions to working the ticket counter (and a whole lot in
This past fall, our Sugar Mill Pond Theatre Department presented Lost In Yonkers at Theater 810 to sold out audiences. Additionally, all of our SMP Fine Arts Departments came together to produce an amazing Homecoming Extravaganza. In December, we once again produced It’s A Wonderful Life, as part of our Christmas fundraiser. Also, for the first time, our Lower, Middle, and Upper School choir joined forces in our annual Christmas Concert.
MARIKA
RHONDA BOND, President-Elect
CHARON HARRIS, Secretary
MICHELLE FRANQUES, Treasurer & Membership
SHANNON LYND, Communications
KAREN BROUSSARD, Sugar Mill Pond Coordinator
ROCHELLE DUPUIS, Downtown Coordinator
JOSHUA MCCLYMONT, Fine Arts Director
KATHERINE
TOTAL RAISED $89,827
In closing, I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize our talented, dynamic, and generous Fine Arts Department teachers. Because of these wonderful individuals, our Fine Arts Department continues to exceed expectations. Second, I want to thank our FAA board members who have selflessly served our teachers and department during this exciting year. You all are truly the backbone of what we do! Finally, please consider joining us in the years to come as both a member and volunteer.
MURY, President MCCORMICK, PSO Liaison 2017 - 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORSBrian Sanford
Carolyn Frederick
Carrie Leonard
Charon Harris
Cortney Delhomme
Danielle Bacque
Erin Cheshire
Gerald Sierveld
Heather Gros
Hillary Sellers
Jeni Guidry
Joshua McClymont
Kaedron Hall
Kallie Broussard
Karen Broussard
Katherine McCormick
Kim Edmond
Leah Richie
Lindsay Finley
Loni Morgan
Marika Mury
Michelle Franques
NeeKee McDonald
Rhonda Bond
Rosalind Robertson
Sandi Stewart
Shannon Lynd
Tina Fredrick
Ascension’s Middle School and High School student athletes have enjoyed unprecedented success both in the classroom and in athletic competition this year. We have played for, and won, several local, regional, and district championships, including state championships in girls’ tennis and golf. We have fought hard, overcoming injuries and adversity, and have emerged victorious as one of the top schools in our area. We had 7 senior student-athletes named Academic All-State (4.0) in 10 different sports; we had 6 individual state champions and 2 state champion relay teams. It was quite a year!
Each year our student-athletes learn that athletic participation is a privilege and an honor to represent one’s school and oneself. Our students have learned to win without boasting and to lose without bitterness. As we look back on the 2017-18 year, I can say that we are all proud to be part of Ascension Episcopal School’s athletic program.
The role of the Booster Club is to directly support our Middle and High School athletes and coaches –to give them the support they need in order for them to compete to the best of their ability.
The success of our program is directly attributable to our athletic department, our Athletic Director, and our dedicated and impressive coaching staff. Our volunteers work hand-in-hand
with the athletic department to be sure that our athletic facilities are clean, our uniforms are crisp, and our transportation is safe.
The revenue generated by the Ascension Booster Club this past year came from our annual membership, athletic programs sales, and other sources such as our golf and tennis tournaments. This year through all our fundraisers, our Booster Club proudly raised almost $168,000, which was directly used to support our athletic programs. From sports equipment to technology needs to uniforms and everything in between, we put our funds toward our student-athletes and coaches.
We thank you for your participation in our school’s athletic program and look forward to many more awardwinning years to come.
MIKE REMONDET, President
RICK LEONI, Vice-President
ROGER MATTKE, Treasurer
STEPHANIE ARDOIN, Membership & Secretary
NAOMI MARAIST, Fundraising & Sponsorships
STEVE KELLY, Gates and Concessions
ROBERT KALLAM, Member at Large
MARILYN LEE, Member at Large
STEPHANIE GAGNARD, Member at Large
DAVID BARCZYK, Member at Large
MAGGIE JUSTUS, Member at Large
ERIC MOUTON, Athletic Director
KATHERINE MCCORMICK, PSO Liaison
TOTAL $167,474
The Ascension Episcopal School Alumni had a busy and productive year! Here are some of the highlights:
Continued communicating through our social media – Facebook and Instagram pages – posting photos of current alumni events, class reunions, and highlighting individual alumni and their achievements and activities.
Hosted Alumni Tailgating at Ascension Homecoming game in October. We had representatives from the Classes of ’09, ’11, ’12, ’13, ’14, ’15, ’16 and ‘17. The group enjoyed jambalaya and catching up with their friends, as well as watching the Blue Gators win an exciting Homecoming game!
The Alumni Pancake Breakfast was held in May and honored our newest alumni, the Class of 2018. Held at the SMP Pavilion on the morning of graduation, the celebration included pancakes (with all the fixings!), some valuable advice from Claire and Joey Walker, and the presentation of alumni t-shirts to the graduating class. Alumni from the classes of ’12, ’14, and ’17 came out to serve as pancake chefs. It was a beautiful morning and a wonderful gathering of Ascension alumni!
Auburn University
Baylor University
Belhaven University
Belmont University
Breneau University
Centenary College
Clemson University
Colorado School of Mines
Colorado State University
Concordia University
Cornell College
Florida State University
George Washington University
High Point University
Johnson & Wales University
Louisiana State University
Louisiana Tech University
Loyola University
Manhattan College
Marion Military Institute
Mercer University
Miami University
Middle Tennessee State University
Millsaps College
Mississippi State University
Northern Arizona University
Northwestern State University
Ohio Wesleyan University
Pacific Northwest College of Art
Penn State University
Pepperdine University
Queens University of Charlotte
Rhodes College
Saint Anselm College
Samford University
Seattle University
Sewanee, University of the South
Southern Methodist University
Southwestern University
Spring Hill College
St. Edward's University
St. John's University
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University
Texas Tech University
Tulane University
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
University of Oklahoma
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of Arkansas
University of Colorado at Boulder
University of Georgia
University of Kentucky
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
University of Mary
Hardin-Baylor
University of Mississippi
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee
University of Texas at Austin
University of Vermont