ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Campus Directors
CHRIS DARDAR
Sugar Mill Pond Campus Director
GINGER GIBSON
Downtown Campus Director
JULIE BOURQUE
River Ranch Campus Director
Administrative Team
ADRIAN BOYLE
Associate Head of School for Operations & Finance
KATHERINE MCCORMICK
Associate Head of School for External Affairs
JOSH CARLSON
Director of Technology
JUSTIN HERNANDEZ
Director of Facilities
JOSHUA MCCLYMONT
Director of Development & Fine Arts
ERIC MOUTON
Director of Athletics
CAMILLE RENARD
Director of Admissions
2019 to 2020
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Craig Campbell, Chairman
Myra Tener, Vice-Chairman
Dr. Laurie Godshall, Secretary
Brent Abshire, Treasurer
Mary Courville
David Edmond
Suzy Lynch-Cummings
Quay McKnight
Dr. Jeanette Parker
Andrew Shenkan
Jerry Vascocu
Lee Womack
Ross Woodring
Reverend Joseph Daly, Rector
Anne Patin, Vestry
Jeff Plunk, Head of School
Dear Ascension Community,
It is safe to say the 2019-20 school year is one that none of us will ever forget. When we gathered for our Opening Convocation in August to celebrate the kickoff of our 60th year, none of us could have imagined what the school year would hold. Human nature and recency bias tend to shift our focus to the events of the spring and the impacts of Covid-19, but there were a lot of great happenings at Ascension throughout the year which we should celebrate and be thankful for.
Our students displayed their talents in the classroom, on the fields and courts, and on the stage. We were honored to celebrate a National Merit finalist, and the Class of 2020 received more than $7,000,000 in scholarship money – a record for our school. We were proud to be named an Apple distinguished school for the fourth time, one of less than 100 schools in the country to receive that distinction. Our youngest learners at the River Ranch campus were able to demonstrate their creativity and ingenuity in our newly renovated Innovation Lab.
Our athletes experienced a myriad of successes, and most importantly, they continued to represent Ascension with dignity, honor, and in keeping with our mission. Our high school programs continued to prove they can compete with the very best in the state as our girls swim team finished as state runner-up. Meanwhile, many of our middle school teams won league championships. It is safe to say the future of Blue Gator athletics is bright!
We had several amazing fine arts
trip, an athletic season and the pursuit of a championship, the opportunity to participate in one of Ascension’s many traditions, a performance in the musical, or simply getting to come to school and be with our friends on a daily basis – each of us were impacted differently. However, in many ways, it is through the dark and difficult times that Ascension’s light shined the brightest.
performances across our campuses. A few of the highlights included our high school’s hilarious production of Faith County, the 3rd grade performance for our annual Grandparent’s Day celebration, and the kindergarten Christmas performances at Riven Ranch. The Ascension arts continues to set the standard across the Acadiana region.
Of course, any accurate reflection of the year has to mention the impacts of the Covid pandemic. In truth, we all missed out on some things. A class
The events of COVID-19 forced us to quickly pivot to Distance Learning, and Ascension answered the call. We quickly became a leader and set an example for others as we blazed a trail through unknown territory. Our teachers tapped into their creativity and stepped up their game, our students showed their resiliency and flexibility, our administrators demonstrated their leadership skills and developed some new ones too, and our parents showed their support truly has no limits. It was a collaborative effort that called on all of us, and collectively, we all came through in the clutch. I want to take a moment now to personally thank everyone – faculty and staff, students and parents. I am proud of our school and proud of our Blue Gator Nation! Ascension is positioned to grow and lead in the coming years. We are on our way, and I am excited to see what the future holds for our school. Much of this is due to the generous and faithful support demonstrated by each of you. This Annual Report highlights many of these contributions; thank you for your support – we truly couldn’t have done it without you!
God Bless,
Jeff Plunk
2019-2020 Ascension Episcopal’s AP Scores Exceed State And National Averages
Many of our 2019-2020 juniors and seniors at Ascension chose to take AP examinations last spring, in spite of difficult COVID-19 circumstances. Although exams were modified, Ascension teachers administered 79 exams across 14 subjects. We are proud to share that our average score increased from the prior year in 13 of those 14 subjects.
"At Ascension, we are in pursuit of educational excellence. AP courses and exams represent the most rigorous academic offerings a student can choose in high school, and we are proud of our Blue Gators and their teachers for accomplishing these great results during a global pandemic,” says Head of School, Jeff Plunk.
The percentage of Ascension students receiving scores of 3 or higher exceeded both the state and national average. Congratulations to the following students:
AP Scholar with Distinction
Jack Bradley, 12th grade
William Brien, 12th grade
Ethan Leoni, 12th grade
Charlie Mahana, 11th grade
Madeline Plunk, 11th grade
AP Scholar with Honor
Hayes Colomb, 12th grade
Jillian Rizzuto, 11th grade
AP Scholar
Lauren Franques, 12th grade
Luke Guidry, 12th grade
Christian Matherne, 12th grade
Jacob Morgan, 12th grade
Andre Perron, 11th grade
2020 Graduate, William Brien, Named 2019-2020 National Merit Scholar
William Brien has been recognized as a leader on the Sugar Mill Pond Campus and has been a student at Ascension since preschool. He served as the president of the Speech & Debate Team, was the Community Service Class Leader for the senior class, and was the founding president of our Philosophy Club.
We are incredibly proud of our Alpha-Omega Blue Gator!
Ascension Seventh Graders Appear on National Geographic Education Live
In April, during the “Stay at Home Order” our Seventh grade Blue Gators appeared on National Geographic Education Live during a session on Protecting Sharks.
Utilizing Google Meet, Ascension students’ faces were displayed on the screen “inception style” during the live, one-hour session with the National Geographic Explorer Classroom event with Andrej Gajic. Students were able to log on as a class, listen to Gajic’s lesson and were able to ask questions when appropriate. The students were most impressed with the number of students from other countries on the call with them. It was an experience that many of them will remember for a long time.
Ascension Fourth Graders Create Businesses To Learn About Economics
While studying a unit on economics, teachers tasked 4th grade students with selling a product to their peers during recess. As a class, students collaborated to decide what to sell. Teachers then grouped students in one of four roles: finance, sales, production, and advertising. For their business, students decided what supplies they needed. The young entrepreneurs researched their costs online, applied for loans to cover the expenses, set price points, and made commercials and flyers using various apps. With the goal of raising money for Miles Perret Cancer Services, students were highly motivated to succeed. All three 4th grade classes sold out of their products, raising a total of $302.13!
Prescholers
Host "Pajamas and Plunk" to Study the Letter "P"
River Ranch students concluded their unit on the Letter P by hosting, Head of School, Jeff Plunk for Pajamas and storytime. They read about Pete the Cat and shared with Mr. Plunk all the things they learned about the letter P.
The Ascension Alumni Association Hosted A Christmas Social For All High School Graduates
Members of the classes of 2009 through 2019 met in December at Agave restaurant to celebrate Christmas together.
Advancement
The Ascension Community wrapped up a banner year not only in terms of achieving monetary fund raising goals set by all our PSO’s (PTO, Booster Club and Fine Arts Alliance) but exceeding them both financially and in terms of community involvement from Ascension families, local business, and the broader community.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are incredibly grateful for the countless hours that our school families put in to help our school rise to the next level. Our volunteers are committed and dedicated to helping us achieve our fundraising goals each year. The amount of manpower and volunteer hours put into all our school fundraisers is phenomenal.
Our Annual Giving Campaign was a success once again allowing us to fund multiple projects across all three campuses. Thank you to everyone who made a contribution this year.
Ross Woodring 2019-2020 Advancement Chair, Board of Trustees
ON BEHALF OF ASCENSION’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM, TEACHERS, STAFF, AND STUDENTS, THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL IN SO MANY GENEROUS WAYS!
Athletic Uniforms & Equipment
New upper school basketball and soccer uniforms; replacement of middle school football helmets
The Ascension Fund Giving Campaign
Raised Over $191,200 To Help Us Further Our Mission Of Balanced Excellence Across Our Three Campuses.
Some of the projects completed for the 2019 - 2020 school year include:
FACILITY UPGRADES INCLUDING:
Water Remediation in River Ranch Classrooms
Equipment for Custodial Department
Replacement of HVAC Units on All Three Campuses
Retention Wall Benches
Administrative Building Roof Upgrades and Improvements.
Resurfacing of Gymnasium Floors on the Downtown and Sugar Mill Pond Campuses
School Garden
Technology & Books
New laptops for teachers; summer reading books provided to all lower and middle school students
New Math Curriculum
Saxon Math workbooks, labs, resource materials and manipulatives for lower school grades
Photography & Digital Arts quipment
Cameras, lenses, memory cards and apple pencils for middle school and upper school art students
Junie B Jones
Production
License, royalty, choreography for middle school theater production
New garden in the green space to help students explore learning opportunities outside the classroom
BLUE GATOR $1-999
Mr. and Mrs. Luis Acevedo
Anonymous
Anthony and Angelle (’87) Adams
Ms. Reatha Albert
Dr. and Mrs. John (’87) Alldredge
Mr. and Mrs. Byron Allemand
Mr. Juan Alvarez
Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Ancelet
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Anderson
Mr. Richard Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. Seth A. Andrepont
Dwight and Megan (’95) Andrus, IV
Glenn and Jennifer Angelle
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Ardoin
Jason and Shannon Armentor
Mr. and Mrs. Chad Babineaux
Ms. Danielle Bacque’
In Memory of Ethan Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bass
Ms. Leigh Barry
Mr. and Mrs. Teddy Beaullieu
Ms. Claire Bernard
Ms. Amy Billeaudeaux
Mr. and Mrs. Beau Billeaud
Paul and Stephanie Billeaud
Ms. Jennifer Borel Doucet (’85)
In Honor of Martha D. Borel
Mr. and Mrs. George Boudreaux, III
Dr. Matthew and Betsy Boudreaux
Jeremy and Emily Bourque
Mr. Adrian Boyle
Mr. and Ms. Chris Bradley
Mr. and Mrs. Deron Braun
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew (’92) Breaux
In Honor of Claire Elise Breaux
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Norman Brown
Wade and Susen Brown
Dr. and Mrs. Gene T. Callais, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Cailier
Ms. Alayna Campbell
Mr. and Mrs. Joshua P. Carlson
Dr. Keefe T. Chng and Dr. Louiza Chan
Mr. David Chaney
Ms. Marianne Cheramie
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Claude, IV
Drs. Clement
The Clowers Family
Mr. and Mrs. Clay A. Collins
Ms. Stephanie Collins
Brian and Elise Colomb
Mrs. Aimee Copeland
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Cordova
Dr. and Mrs. Chris Cormier
Dr. and Mrs. William Cothern In Honor of Will Cothern
Mr. Parker Courville (’19)
Ms. Alyssa Credeur
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Crouchet
Larry and Brenda Curtis
The Cutrer Family
Mr. and Mrs. Byron Daigle
Dr. and Mrs. David D. Daly, Jr.
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Chris Dardar
Mr. and Mrs. Wes David
Ms. Kelly Dees
Dr. and Mrs. Mark Delcambre In Memory of Al Comeaux
Mr. and Mrs. Drew C. Detraz
Mr. Bill Desormeaux
Mr. Matthew Desormeaux
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Desormeaux
Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Diaz del Valle
Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin N. Doga
Mr. and Mrs. Carroll J. Domengeaux, II
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Dore’
Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Duhon
Ms. Christine R. Dunn
Ms. Kelly Duplantis
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Duplechin
Mr. and Mrs. Tre’ Dupuie
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew H. Durio
Ms. Mindy Durke
Ms. Laina Dutton
Dr. Brytton and Mr. Mark Eldredge
Joyce (’87) and Bill Elliot
Mr. and Mrs. Brendan Falls
In Honor of Roland and Madeline
Ms Kayla Fauber
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Feehan
Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Fontenot
In Honor of Grace Fontenot
Mr. and Mrs. Derek Fontenot
Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Fontenot
Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Fontenot
Mr. Toby Fontenot
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Foshee
In Honor of the Foshee Kids
Ms. Stephanie Fournet
Ms. Charlotte Fox
Mr. and Mrs. John Fox
Mr. and Mrs. Andre’ Franques
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Frederick
Justyna Frederick
Ms. Katherine Freeman
In Honor of Asa Freeman and Ian McDaniel
Ms. Allison Fuselier
Ms. Rachel Futch
Mr. and Mrs. Bryce Gaspard
Mr. Daniel Gautreaux
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Gayle
Ms. Marion Gerard
Jim and Ginger Gibson
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Giglio, III
The Gill Family
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Glenn
Mr. Adam Griouard and Ms. Jamie Veazy
Mr. and Mrs. Bryce Godwin
Dr. Christie and Mr. Beau Goudeau
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Granger
Drs. Matthew and Reyna Grant
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Graves
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Gray
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Greneaux
Mr. Cole Griffin
Ms. Marla Griffey
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Gros, II
Mr. and Mrs. Brian S. Guidry
Ms. Chelsie Guidry
Ms. Jeni Guidry
Ms. Lisa Guidry
Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Guillory
Mr. Kaedron Hall
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hall
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Halverson
In Memory of Mary Oliver
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Hargrave
Mr. and Mrs. Frankie P. Harris
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff D. Harris
Mr. and Mrs. Gus Hauser
Anonymous
Chris and Anna Hebert
Mr. and Mrs. David Hebert
In Honor of Chloe and Clay Padgett and Sophia Armentor
Ms. Natalie Hebert
Ms. Marci Hebert
Ms. Shelly Herbert
Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Herman
In Honor of Sarah Herman
Mr. and Mrs. Shane Hebert
Dr. and Mrs. Barry Henry
Mr. Justin Hernandez
Ms. Natalie Hesterly
Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Hohorst, III
Dr. Kathy Holley
Ms. Melissa Hoover
Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Horton
Ms. Brooke Hotard
Annual Giving Donors Annual Giving
Donors
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Huff
In Memory of Cordell Castette
Mr. and Mrs. Blake Huggard
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hurley
Dr. Leslie Jacobs
The Johnson Family (Baker-’87)
Mr. and Mrs. Scott A. Johnson
Ms. Lynley Jones
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Jones
Ms. Lauren Keating
Ms. Mona Kellogg
Drs. Kristy and Adam Kennedy
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kennedy
Rev. Palmer Kennedy
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Knight
Ms. Audrey Kreamer
The Labbe Family
In Honor of Ethan, Maddox, and Addison
Ms. Karen Ladirault
Mr. and Mrs. Lonny Landry
Ms. Morgan Landry
Ms. Shelly Landry
Rev. Lauren Larkin
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Lau
Jacy LeBlanc
Mr. and Mrs. Michael LeBlanc
Mr. Arnaud Leclercq
Buddy and Marilyn Lee
In Honor of Catherine Andrew
Mr. and Mrs. Marc LeDoux
In Memory of Richard Waski
Ms. Chelsea LeMieux
Lewis and Natalie Lemoine
The Liprie Family
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lobello
Mr. and Mrs. Kirk B. Lynd
Mr. and Mrs. Bradley M. Mabry
Ms. Sophie Main
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Manafi
Ms. Melinda Mangham
In Honor of Dr. Jeanette Parker and her Vision
Dr. and Mrs. Richard E. Matis
Ms. Amy Marter
Dr. and Mrs. Scott Mayers
Clay LeJeune and Mitzi Mayeux
Billy and Lori McCarthy
Anonymous
Anonymous
Ms. Shenekia McDonald
Ms. Katherine Meloche
Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Menard
Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Merithew
Mr. and Mrs. Danny Milbert
In Honor of Mason Milbert
Ms. Nadine Mier
Dr. Dana and Mr. Mark Miller
Mr. Noel Mitchell
In Honor of Cole and Connor Edmond
Reverend Brandt L. Montgomery
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Morgan
Mr. and Mrs. John Morris, IV
Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Morrow
Eric and Todd Mouton
The Muggivan Family
Ed and Marika Mury
Dr. Jennifer and Mr. Tim Myers
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Nassar, Jr.
Ms. Caitlin Neal-Jones
Dr. and Mrs. Scott Neusetzer
Ms. Kylie Neuville
Ms. Heidi Nowicki
Brooke and Michael Odom
Mr. and Mrs. John Clay Ortego
Mr. and Mrs. Lance D. Ortemond
Matt and Leeann Oubre
Mr. and Mrs. Max Pagelsen
Mrs. Anne Patin
Gerard and Kristan Patin
Jonathan and Stacey Patin
In Memory of Ethan Anderson and Lorraine Billeaud
Ms. Stacey Patin
The Pearson Family
Mr. and Mrs. S. Brian Perry
William and Natalie Person
Ms. Rachael Phillips
Dr. and Mrs. Jim Piccione
Mr. and Mrs. Toby Pitre
Mr. and Mrs. Jacques P. Poirier
Ms. Daisy Poole
Mr. Kevin Porter
Mr. and Mrs. Dean Pottle
Anonymous (Powell)
Ms. Shannon Poynot
Mr. and Mrs. Billy Pritchard
Ms. Lauren Rabalais
Wes (’89) and Roxanne Raine
In Memory of Jupiter Raine
Ms. Kelly Ramsay
Mr. and Mrs. Victor Raxsdale
Mr. and Mrs. Peyton Reddick
Chris and Michelle Reis
Ms. Camille Renard
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Rice
Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Richard
Mr. and Mrs. Chase Riche
In Honor of Jude Macie
Ms. Rosalind Robertson
Mr. and Mrs. Chad C. Robichaux
The Robinson Family
Ronnie and Brittany Robinson
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen S. Roma
In Honor of the Roma kids
Matthew and Jennifer Rovira
Mr. and Mrs. Brian J. Rowell
In Honor of Gates and Gunter
Ms. Daphne C. Roy
The Royall Family
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Sanford
Corey and Sonni Savant
Ms. Sandy Savoie
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Scallan
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Sciambra
The Schouest Family
Mr. Andrew Shenkan
Drs. Colleen and Mark Sicard
Mr. and Mrs. Andy C. Simon
Mr. and Mrs. Quentin Simon
Stacey and Christy Singleton
Elise Shelton
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Stefanski, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Byron Stephens
Ms. Nicole Small-Stutes
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Sonnier
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Sonnier
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Sorrell
Ms. Melissa Speyrer
Dr. and Mrs. Mohit Srivastava
In Honor of the 5th Grade Class
Ms. Patti Stevenson
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher St. Germain
Mr. Donelson Stiel and Dr. Abigail Hart
Mr. and Mrs. Brent Stolzenthaler
Lance and Kelli Storey
Mr. Jeff Straub
Ms. Kimberly Summerhays
Ronald and Amanda Sylvester
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Tauzin
Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Touchet
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher L. Trahan
Claude and Liz Tremblay
Mr. and Mrs. Jason E. Trotter
Ms. Emily Vanderlick
In Memory of Ethan Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. Derek (’95) Veverica
In Honor of Greyson Veverica
Mr. Ron Viator
Mr. and Mrs. Blair (’12) Vidrine
Mr. and Mrs. Andy Vige’
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Vincent
In Memory of Ethan Anderson
Annual Giving Donors Annual Giving Donors
Paul and Morgan Vondenstein
Mary Leach Werner
Mr. and Mrs. Jason West
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Whetsall
Mr. and Mrs. George L. Womack
Mr. Heath Whittington
Ms. Sandy Young
Tracy and Wendy Young
Dr. Guodong Zhang and Ms. Mei Zhou
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Zimmerman
BLUE & WHITE ($1,000-1958)
Tony and Jamie Ancona
Mr. and Mrs. Earnest C. Anselmo, III
Mr. and Mrs. Michael V. Ardoin
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Boone
Dr. K. Chng and Dr. L. Chan
Mr. and Mrs. James A. Clark, IV
Mrs. Suzy L. Cummings
Ben and Dana Domingue
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Dreher, IV
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard C. Franques, IV
Dr. and Mrs. Glenn Lafleur
Chris and Michaela Lapoint
Drs. Rick and Toni Leoni
The McClymont Family
In Memory of Nana
The Mendoza Kids
Dr. and Mrs. Michael L. Peebles
Michael and Sharon Piasecki
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Roberts
Drew and Lindsey Saterfiel
Mr. and Mrs. Andy M. Sheets
Mr. and Mrs. Felix Soileau
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stewart
Mr. and Mrs. Bryce Weempe
Mr. and Mrs. Ross E. Woodring
LEADERSHIP ($1,959-2,999)
The Theo B. Bean Foundation, Inc.
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas K. Bond
Dr. Donald and Melissa Boudreaux
Julie and Craig Bourque
Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey S. Brown
Dr. and Mrs. Kevin Courville
Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Cowan
Bradford and Julie Felder
Dr. and Mrs. James M. Finley
Charlie and Maggie Justus
Todd and Katherine McCormick
Mr. and Mrs. Quay D. McKnight
Brent and Gayle Milam
Dr. Jeanette Parker
Randy and Jennifer Patin
Kenneth D St. Pe’, APLC
Mike and Lea Ann Remondet
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Ritchie
Dr, and Mrs. Eric Trawick
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Vascocu
FOUNDER’S ($3,000-4,999)
David and Kim Edmond
HEADMASTER’S ($5000 and above)
Mr. and Mrs. Brent Abshire
Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Campbell, II
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Fontenot
Mr. and Mrs. Jake Giardina
Ms. Kelli P. Guidry
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Plunk
In Honor of Dr. Jeanette Parker
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Russo
In Memory of Ethan Anderson
Ms. Myra Tener
We have made every effort to include all donors in this listing, however please accept our sincere apologies if we have missed something. Please contact our Development Director to let us know about any errors in reporting for the 2019-2020 school year.
Restricted Gifts
ATHLETIC RESTRICTED DONATIONS
Johnny and Christine Blancher
Champ and Chip Jac's Market
Ben Domingue
Mark Fontenot
John and Courtenay
Mendell
Shawn Ocman
Tyron and Elizabeth PIcard
Sonic, Kergan Brothers
TWH, LTD
Ross and Jaime Woodring
FINE ARTS RESTRICTED DONATIONS
Michelle and Leonard Franques
Shannon Lynd and Dovetail Digital Marketing
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Palmer
Mr. and Mrs. Victor Raxsdale
GENERAL IN-KIND DONORS
Dovetail Digital Marketing
Rock’n’Bowl
Mr. and Mrs. Chase Riche
Annual Giving Donors
In the spring of 2020, Ascension Episcopal School mourned the passing of
Melinda Mangham, our allschool Academic Dean.
A lif elong educator, Melinda impacted countless students, teachers, and families throughout Acadiana. She worked tirelessly to ensure every student met their potential and found success. Ascension benefitted from Melinda’s passion to advance education, and we know her influence will benefit generations to come.
In order to preserve her memory in lasting way at Ascension, we have founded an award that will become the Melinda W. Mangham Excellence in Teaching award. Thank you to the following donors who have contributed to this established fund in her memory.
Melinda was a life-long educator who loved teaching and was passionate about faculty recognition and development. Your donation to this fund will allow us to honor an Ascension teacher who embodies the spirit of Melinda’s passion.
Bill Maguire
Scott Mayers
Elizabeth Mangham
Joan Hill
Barbara Abdalla Black
Jeanette Parker
Myra Tener
L’Avenir Women’s Club
Mary Jane Bauer
David L. Petrash
J.T. Dupuis
Calvin and Toni Kinchen
Lee A. Corbin
James and Martha Odom
WE ARE INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL FOR OUR DONORS THOUGHTFUL GENEROSITY.
Parent Teacher Organization
Thank you to the many parent volunteers, room moms, and members of the PTO Executive Council for the countless hours you have given this year to serve our faculty, staff and students! Without you, none of this would be possible!
Stacie Belle, 2019-2020 PTO President
Thanksgiving Feast
Thanksgiving Feast is a favorite tradition for students and faculty on the DT and SMP campuses! Thank you Gator Dads for frying the delicious turkeys and to all parents who helped set up and serve this delicious meal.
President
Stacie Belle
President-Elect
Missy Cormier
Treasurer
Melissa Boudreaux
Secretary
Angie Schouest
Parliamentarian
Christy Sheets
Communications Coordinator
Ashley Hohorst
RR Campus Coordinator(s)
Lindsay Finley & Brittany Rowell
DT Campus Coordinator(s)
Marianne Johnson & Kristan Patin
SMP Campus Coordinator(s)
Angela Mills & Wendy Young
Social Chair(s)
Sonni Savant & Jayne Soileau
Faculty Member at Large
Shelly Landry
PSO Liaison
Katherine McCormick
Auction Co-Chair(s)
Katherine Anselmo, Mia Robinson, & Jaime Woodring
2019-2020 ROOM MOMS
Amy Boudreaux
Blair Saulnier
Brittany Robinson
Catherine Broussard
Chandelle Rougeou
Christy Franques
Corbin Levin
Courtenay Mendell
Heidi Roma
Jennifer Domengeaux
Kelly Ortemond
Kim Crouchet
Laura Edwards
Leah Dozier
Leeann Oubre
Lynnette Pearson
Matina Weempe
Megan Andrus
Natalie Person
Nicole Johnson
Pam Abshire
Priscilla Perkins
Sara Trawick
Shannon Trahan
Susan Giardina
2019-2020 PTO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
PTO Auction & Raffle
Each of our 3 campuses had a project presented in the PTO Auction in October. We were able to fully fund all of the projects (RR Playground, DT Campus Improvements and SMP Card Readers). Because of the huge success of the Auction, PTO was able to allocate additional funds to take all of these projects to the next level!
THANK YOU TO EACH ONE OF YOU WHO DONATED TO THE PTO AUCTION!
Total Raised: $350,000
AUCTION COMMITTEE
AUCTION CO-CHAIRS
Katherine Anselmo
Mia Robinson
Jaime Woodring
PTO PRESIDENT
Stacie Belle
PSO SCHOOL LIAISON
Katherine McCormick
PTO TREASURER
Melissa Boudreaux
LIVE AUCTION CHAIR
Sheila Musso
LIVE AUCTION
Lacy Labbe
Sondra Morrow
SILENT AUCTION CHAIR
Dana Domingue
SILENT AUCTION PROCUREMENT
Sherry Diaz
Anna Hebert
Susan Giardina
Kristan Patin
Brittany Robinson
Sonni Savant
Jayne Soileau
DONATIONS & EVENT SPONSORSHIPS
Carol Ann Piccione
COMMUNITY SPONSORSHIPS
Pam Abshire
Lauren Fitts
TICKETS & TABLES
Stephanie Wilson
PUBLICATIONS & LOGO DESIGN
Shannon Lynd
SOCIAL NETWORK PROMOTION
Tonya Cook
Emily Vanderlick
CLASS PROJECTS DESIGN
Ashley Simon
Sandi Stewart
GRADE LEVEL BASKETS
Shannon Trahan
TEACHER TREATS
Ashley Hohorst
SIGN UP PARTIES
Mari Ann Johnson
Heidi Roma
RAFFLE MANAGEMENT
Leah Richie
CLICKBID DATA INPUT
Wendy Young
DECORATIONS
Carrie Leonard
HELPERS
Kristy Anderson Ahrabi
Stephanie Bradley
Catherine Broussard
Missy Cormier
Lindsay Finley
Amy Fontenot
Corbin Levin
Leann Oubre
Lisa Reddick
Brittany Rowell
Virginia Woods
SPONSORS
RAFFLE SPONSOR
Stephanie & Mark Fontenot
BEVERAGE SPONSOR
Lindsay & Mickey Finley
Carrie & Scott Leonard
Leah & Gordon Ritchie
BIDDER CARD SPONSOR
IBERIABANK
LIVE AUCTION SPONSOR
Dermatology Center of Acadiana / Dr. Kristy Kennedy
TECHNOLOGY SPONSOR
Gretchen & Chris Vincent / Global Data Systems
Advanced Fire & Safety, LLC / Mike Leblanc
COVER SPONSOR
Jennifer & Glenn
Angelle
Katherine & Chuck Anselmo
Cheri & Troy Collins
Sharon & Mike Piasecki
Carol Ann & Dr. Jim Piccione
Ashley & Andy Simon
Event Program Sponsor
Amy & Derek Fontenot
Aimee & Stuart Horton
Kristan & Gerard Patin
Brittany & Ronnie Robinson
Alix & Casey Sorrel
INVITATION SPONSOR
Cajun Bugs
Event Signage
Animal Care Hospital / Dr. Mike Guidry
SIGN-IN TABLE SPONSOR
Southern Oral & Facial Surgery / Dr. Donald Boudreaux
SIGN-OUT TABLE SPONSOR
Acadian Auto Spa
Auction Community Sponsors
Lofton Staffing Services
Brian C. Colomb (Gordon McKernan)
Arsement, Redd & Morella, LLC
Dwight & Megan Andrus
Gayle & Brent Milam
JoAnn & Ronnie Kole
Mayers Mental Health, LLC
The Roma Family
C.P. Hillard
Faculty & Staff Appreciation Week
Even though COVID 19 forced us to go to Plan B, we were still able to celebrate our amazing faculty on May 7th. Students created appreciation videos in FlipGrid. Each faculty member received a Bluetooth speaker along with a “To Go Meal” so they could take a night off from cooking.
Teachers, we can’t thank you enough for everything you have done for our kids throughout the school year but more importantly during this time of uncertainty and distance learning.
WE LOVE OUR ASCENSION FACULTY AND STAFF!
Teacher Birthday Breakfasts
Thank you parents for spoiling our faculty and staff each month to celebrate their birthdays!
THEY ARE ALWAYS SO GRATEFUL AND ALL LOOK FORWARD TO THIS CELEBRATION EACH MONTH.
Fine Arts Alliance
Michelle Franques, FAA President
Ascension’s Fine Arts
Alliance remained dedicated to promoting and enhancing the visual arts, music, drama, and media programs at all three campuses even during a pandemic! We started the year with the Episcopal School Sunday concert and the River Ranch students performed wonderful Christmas shows. Downtown grades hosted several grade level performances, a Christmas Concert, Lessons and Carols, and Junie B. Jones. The incredible Fall Production of Faith County and a fantastic Homecoming Concert were held on the SMP campus. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, our Heart for the Arts fundraiser and Sound Of Music musical were unable to happen.
Total Raised: $20,700
FAA succeeded in completing several important Special Projects for our Fine Arts
Department
Projects included
Blackmagic Cinema Camera (DT Media)
Padcaster Studio (DT Media)
2 Art Tables (SMP Visual Arts)
Rolling Mill (SMP Visual Arts)
Yamaha Clavinova CVP-701
2” Photo Punch (DT Visual Arts)
2019-2020 Members
Glenn and Jennifer Angelle
Charlie and Kathy Boone
Dr Matt and Besty Boudreaux
Paula and Norman Brown
Craig and Tricia Campbell
Louiza Chan and Keefe Chng
Elise and Brian Colomb
Tonya Cook
Mary and Keven Courville
Larry and Brenda Curtis
Jennifer and Eugene Dreher IV
Tre’ and Rochelle Dupuie
Kim and David Edmond
Brad and Julie Felder
Dr and Mrs Mickey Finley
Tony and Pam Fontenot
Susan and Frank Fortier
Leonard and Michelle Franques
Max and Tina Gautreau
Bryan Groves
Charon and Frankie Harris
Dr. Leslie Jacobs
Scott and Carrie Leonard
Shannon and Kirk Lynd
Edwin and Joan Martin
Todd and Katherine McCormick
Gayle and Brent Milam
Donald and Melanie Nassar
Lance and Kelly Ortemond
Michael and Sharon Piasecki
Dr Jim and Carol-Ann Piccione
Jennifer and Jeff Plunk
Victor and Tarah Raxsdale
Mike and Lea Ann Remondet
Leah and Gordon Ritchie
Jimmy and Jeanne Roberts
Ronnie & Brittany Robinson
Andy and Christy Sheets
Byron and Sara Stephens
Chris and Shannon Trahan
Mary and Joel Werner
Hearts for the Arts Donors
The Courville Family
Michelle and Leonard
Franques
James and Lindsay Finley
Pam and Tony Fontenot
Scott and Carrie Leonard
Michael and Barbara George
Hi-Tech Seals
Lafayette Family Eye Care
Vic and Tarah Raxsdale
Dwight and Megan Andrus
Chuck and Katherine Anselmo
Norman and Paula Brown
Larry and Brenda Curtis
Ben and April Doga
Don’s Wholesale
Finley Periodontics, PLLC
Thomas and Melissa Foshee
The Franz Family
Joseph and Peggy Giglio
The Greneaux Family
Charlie and Ashley Hohurst
Dr. Leslie Jacobs
Morgan Street Dance Company
Todd and Katherine
McCormick
Lance and Kelly Ortemond
Robert and Keeli Powell
Posh Bouquet
Jeff and Mia Robinson
Slick Construction
Charles and Sandi Stewart
Christopher and Shannon
Trahan
Bryce and Matina Weempe
The West Family
The Woodring Family
This event was cancelled due to the March stay at home order.
Fine Arts College Signees
With the 60th Anniversary still fresh in our minds, it is gratifying to look back and reflect on just how far we have come.
This is particularly germane regarding Ascension’s Fine Arts program. From our exceptional offerings to our unrivaled production level, from the high caliber of student achievement to our inspirational instructors, our Fine Arts department has developed into one of the most distinguished programs in the greater Acadiana area.
Nearly every year, Ascension sends off graduates who pursue fine and performing arts at the next level. However, this was the first year two graduates came from the same family. Twins, Virginia and Quaid Foshee are a brother and sister duo who joined Ascension in 2016. From the start, both became an integral part of the arts program and have excelled ever since. Speaking about their experience, Melissa Foshee, aka stage mother extraordinaire had this to say, “I knew they both had a passion for the arts, but I never expected they would both major in it! We couldn’t be prouder and are thankful for the creative groundwork that Ascension has provided them.”
This “creative groundwork” combined with their God-given talents, has opened the door to Virginia and Quaid receiving scholarships to their respective universities. Virginia will be attending Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin and will be pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance and Arts Administration. Quaid will be attending Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi and will be pursuing a BA in Studio Art and Business Administration.
We wish them both much success!
The Booster Club raised over $165,000 during the 2019-20 year to support our Middle School through High School sports.
Booster Club
Rick Leoni, Booster Club President
The Booster Club remains committed to supporting the development of Ascension’s student-athletes and providing our coaches with various tools to help them succeed.
We are proud to report another great year of fulfilling our mission – with the help and support of parents and friends who sponsor and participate in our fundraisers.
Total Raised: $165,000
2019-20 Booster Club Board
Rick Leoni, President
Katherine Freeman, Vice President
Ann Bond, Secretary
Stephanie Ardoin, Member at Large
David Barczyk, Member at Large
Chris Cormier, Member at Large
Daniel Gautreaux, Downtown Athletic Coordinator
Monica Hargett, Fundraising Committee
Step-Up Chairman
Maggie Justus, Fundraising Committee
Chairman
Naomi Maraist, Member at Large
Angela Mills, Membership Committee Chairman
Eric Mouton, Athletic Director
Sheila Musso, Member at Large
Kristen Peebles, Special Events/Volunteer Chairman
Wendy Young, Membership Committee Step-Up Chairman
Marilyn Lee, PSO School Liaison
2019-2020 Members
Brent and Pam Abshire
Angelle Architects /
Glenn and Jennifer Angelle
Chuck and Katherine Anselmo
Stan and Robin Arabie
Todd & Stephanie Ardoin
Michael and Beth Ardoin
Keith and Stacie Bell
Tommy and Ann Bond
Kathy Boone
Ann T. Bourgeois and Lauri Guillory
Stephanie Bradley
Brannon and Ashley Breaux
Brannon and Ashley Breaux
Craig and Tricia Campbell
All Matt and Uyen Chu
Chip and Kaysha Clark
Doug and Allie Clement
The Colligan Family
Elise and Brian Colomb
Chris and Missy Cormier
Larry and Brenda Curtis
Bob and Yvonne Delahoussaye
Dr. Ben and April Doga
Ben and Dana Domingue
Christine Dunn, CPA
Craig and Rebecca Duplechin
David and Kim Edmond
Brad and Julie Felder
Derek and Amy Fontenot
Sonjie and Neal Fontenot
Mark and Stephanie Fontenot
Kim and Richard Fournet
Richard and Candace Fournet
John and Allison Fox
Leonard and Michelle Franques
Andre and Christy Franques
Sonny and Deborah Freeman
Boo Freeman
Tricia Freeman
Dr. James and Yvette Garcelon
Max and Tina Gautreau
Clarence and Laketa Glenn
Scott and Deb Graves
Kelli Poche Guidry
Travis Guidry
Dr. Jim and Christine Guillory, PHD., AUD
Monica Hargett and Kaye Gaspard
Chris and Anna Hebert
Maggie and Charlie Justus
Adam and Kristy Kennedy
Scott and Lisa Kerstetter
Kody and Denise Kidder
Lacy and Leo Labbe
Chris and Michaela Lapoint
Jaime and Shelly Lee
Jon and April Leleux
Scott and Carrie Leonard
Ric and Jo Ellen Leoni
Rick and Toni Leoni
Jon and Stephanie Liprie
Shannon and Kirk Lynd
Mike and Naomi Maraist
Peter Pharr
David & Kathy Maraist
Edwin and Joan
Al Matt and Uyen Chu
Todd and Katherine McCormick
Kelly and David McCraine
Quay and Lauren McKnight
John and Courtenay Mendell
Donald and Danielle Mendoza
Brent and Gayle Milam
Gayle and Brent Milam
Brady and Angela Mills
Ed and Marika Mury
Donald and Melanie Nassar
Lance and Kelly Ortemond
Diana Ortemond
Joseph and Lynnette Pearson
Michael and Kristen Peebles
Lynn and Glenda Pesson
Michael and Sharon Piasecki
Tyron and Elizabeth Picard
Jeff and Jennifer Plunk
Lisa and Peyton Reddick
Mike and Lea Ann Remondet
Victoria H. Richard/Noesis Data
Brandon and Ammie Robinson
Tammy and Chad Ronsonet
Hunter and Chandelle Rougeou
Cle’ Simon
Andy and Ashley Simon
Christy and Stacey Singleton
Byron and Sara Stephens
Mark and Jeigh Stipe
Brent and Dawn Stolzenthaler
Ronald and Amanda Sylvester
Bryan and Marlo Touchet
Chris and Shannon Trahan
Dr. and Mrs. Eric Trawick
Jerry and Julie Vascocu
Russell & Amy Walters
Ross and Jamie Woodring
Tracy and Wendy Young
Booster Club
Fundraising Totals
Membership: $60,700
Program Ads & Sales: $30,415
Scoreboard & Sponsor Signs: $29,000
Golf Tournament: $21,410
Color Run: $19,136.25
The Annual Tennis Tournament was postponed due to COVID.
October 5, 2019
Over 300 Participants
Catered by Blue Gator Dads
Cupackes by Cupcakes for a Cause
Booster Club Color Run
1ST ANNUAL
5K & 1 MILE FUN RUN
Chaired by MAGGIE JUSTUS
Total Raised $19,136
CASH & IN-KIND SPONSORS
Allstates Building Systems
Animal Care Hospital
Ascension PTO
Belle Family
Ben and Dana Domingue
CrossFit Confederation
Dermatology Center of Acadiana
Guilliet Land Services
LaBorde Therapy
LUX Med Spa
Morgan Street Dance Company
NEI
Prevail Heart Clinics of America
Pilot Water Solutions
Rick Leoni
Sandi Stewart Art
Stuart Bishop
Uyen Chu, MD
Booster Club Golf Tournament
1ST ANNUAL
5K & 1 MILE FUN RUN
Chaired by NAOMI MARAIST
Total Raised $21,000
CASH & IN-KIND SPONSORS
Acadiana Recovery
Acadiana Dodge
Andre & Christy Franques
Arthur Gallagher/Eric Hathorne
Barry J. Henry, MD, APMC
C. G. Logan Construction, LLC
Charlie and Maggie Justus
March 9. 2020
Over 80 Golfers
Held at Le Triomphe
Chitimacha La Open presented by Mistras
Coca Cola
Darnall, Sikes & Frederick
Dermatology Center of Acadiana
Drew Detraz, Wells Fargo Financial Advisors Network
Drs. Leoni
Gordon Technologies
Home Bank
IBERIABANK
Jambalaya Shoppe
LUX Spa
Mark and Stephanie Fontenot
NXT Energy Services
Sorrel Electrical Specialties
Technical Control Solutions
Walk Ons
Baseball Field Dedication
March 10, 2020
Chalmers Family Field
On a beautiful day in March, our school community came together to dedicate the Upper School baseball field as the Chalmers Family Field. Through the dedication and generosity of Richard and Sandi Chalmers, and their two sons, Dusty and Cody – both Ascension graduates and outstanding athletes – Ascension was given a firstclass baseball facility. The baseball field was actually the first project finished on the Sugar Mill Pond high school campus – even before the classroom building.
“On behalf of the school, thank you for having a vision – years ago – for what could be, when there was really nothing on this campus. Your dedication and generosity will benefit generations of Ascension baseball players.”
Jeff Plunk, Head of School
Financial Overview
Note: Operation expense does include non cash expense of Depreciation
2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 Income Tuition & Fees $10,374,372 $10,479,290 $10,393,571 Operating Income 488,770 679,352 586,573 Donations 596,320 542,897 686,793 Deposited From Reserves 0 0 0 LOC Borrowing 0 800,000 500,000 TOTAL INCOME $11,459,462 $12,501,539 $12,166,937
Instructional & Program 1,792,010 2,081,250 2,257,466 Faculty & Staff Salary & Benefits 8,099,647 8,493,092 8,741,982 Operations 1,471,844 1,489,988 1,422,977 TOTAL EXPENSES $11,363,501 $12,064,330 $12,422,425
Expenses
Graduation
July 18, 2020
With limited attendance and social distancing, the Class of 2020 graduated in July.
The events of COVID-19 forced us to quickly pivot to Distance Learning, and . Ascension answered the call. We quickly became a leader and set an example for . others as we blazed a trail through unknown territory. Our teachers tapped into . their creativity and stepped up their game, our students showed their resiliency and . flexibility, our administrators demonstratedtheir leadership skills and developed . some new ones too, and our parents showed their support truly has no limits. .
IN LOVING MEMORY
This year’s Annual Report is in memory of those special members of Ascension Family that we lost during 2019-2020.
Michael Walket Vincent December 29, 2003 to December 28, 2019
Melinda Waller Mangham July 30, 1940 to April 30, 2020
