Wings Magazine 2024-25

DOVE

Wings

DO MORE. LOVE MORE. 2024-2025

ANNUAL REPORT FOR ALUMNAE, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS

A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL Dear SSA Families and Friends, It is with a grateful heart that I reflect on the 24-25 school year. It is hard to believe that five years have gone by since I began serving as your Head of School. I feel very blessed to be a part of this amazing community. During the 24-25 school year, we prayed together, worked together, studied together, and continued to build a strong community centered on our faith in God grounded by the Benedictine pillars.

Our Benedictine theme was “Do More, Love More”. This theme came from what St. Gregory the Great tells us about St. Scholastica. He said “She could do more because she loved more.” Our focus with our faculty, staff and students was on seeing the love of Christ in each other, in our work, in our prayer, in our study, and in our community. All of what we do must flow from the love of Christ. Our theme anchored us in our faith and was incorporated throughout the year during Masses, assemblies, retreats, and in the classroom. We were blessed to be able to witness the announcement of a new pope as a school community.

A memory I hope our students will cherish for a lifetime. When they are asked the “where were you when” question, they will be able to say with my SSA sisters!

Our families and alumnae showed their “Dove Love” throughout the school year offering prayers, gifts of time and donations. Our annual fund was the most successful in school history and Falaya Fling raised a record amount of money.

But even more important than the funds raised it was a great night of fellowship for our community. The funds from Falaya Fling were immediately put to good use in helping to renovate the athletic complex. The renovation was completed just in time for the annual “Battle of the Birds” Powderpuff Game versus Academy of Our Lady. The Doves once again took home the trophy! Thank you to everyone for your generosity in supporting the renovation through annual giving, Falaya Fling and other donations. This renovation would not have been possible without the support of our SSA families and friends.

I enjoyed my annual small group visits with all of our students.

During these visits I asked students to share their hopes and dreams for our beloved Academy. Our students had so many great ideas, some of which we incorporated during the school year and others that will be implemented in the future. I truly appreciate their honesty during our visits. My hope is that each of our students will know they are loved, they will love their fellow Doves, will love being part of the SSA sisterhood and will embrace our Benedictine heritage.

The committees for each of the seven strategic goals met regularly, and most of the goals have already been accomplished. More information on the strategic plan can be found in the yearly summary in the annual report. We have one year left in the current strategic plan and have partnered with a consulting firm to set new goals to guide us through 2031.

I am humbled and honored to serve as your head of school and ask for your continued prayers as we live out the mission of educating young women in the Benedictine tradition and helping them to develop as Christian women grounded in the Gospel values of our Catholic Faith. As the Benedictines say, “may you experience the Lord’s peace in each moment of every day.”

In the spirit of St. Scholastica, Sheri H. Gillio, M. Ed.

2025-2026 ADMINISTRATION She ri H. Gillio Head of Sc hool Carol Ann C. Dufre ne ‘ 0 4 Assoc i at e Head of Sc hoo l Je nnife r Grimle y Dean of Ac ademi c s Amanda A. Fraisse ‘ 99 Dean of St udent s

A DVA N C E M E N T T E A M Marc y J. Do n h a m Di re c t o r o f A d v ancement Co dy D. Lu d w i g ‘04 Di re c t o r o f A l u mna e & Co m mu n i t y Re l ations Eil ee n De p re o A lu mn a e Re l a t i o ns Missy C . Ze m ke ‘1 3 A dv an c e m e n t A ssista nt

CHAPLAIN

Rev.Msgr. Frank J. Giroir

ADMISSIONS

Ly nda Ry a n Director of Admissions

COM M UNIC ATI O N S

Brend a H. Eh r h ardt Di re c t o r o f Co mmu nica tions

ADVISORY BOARD JEN N I FER B A LL A RD G I TZ ‘ 85 MELODY MORS E B AROU S S E ‘ 78 S R. REN EE DAI G LE MELI S S A D ES C A N T S H ERI H. G I LLI O AMY S C H ROED ER MAY ‘ 88 PAU L MAYRON N E PAYS S E MC WI LLI AMS MARTH A MU N D I N E KELLY RAB AL A I S JOE REAG AN KRI S T Y REEV ES ‘ 89 C H A S E S C H U MAC H ER AN N E MARI E C A S H MERE S K A N S I ‘ 8 8 JAC K TRUX I LLO Wings Magazine designed by: Brenda H. Ehrhardt

“The courses at SSA pushed me to be disciplined and confident in my abilities, while the friendships I’ve made taught me the value of support, loyalty, and lifting each other up. Both have shaped me into the person I am today and will follow me as I go into my next chapter.” Elaina Faler, Class of 2025

A L E T T E R F R O M T H E D I R E C TO R O F A DVA N C E M E N T Call me old-fashioned, but I genuinely appreciate the value of a daily planner.

As the school year comes to a close, I find it meaningful to look back through its pages and reflect on the milestones and moments that have shaped and defined our SSA community.

The past year has been marked by exciting progress and memorable events.

Recently, we celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new track and field facility at the Athletic Complex—a project that was completed in just eight months. This newly renovated facility represents a significant investment in the future of our student-athletes and our school community as a whole.

Through the generosity of the Reeves family, the Brenda C. Reeves Scholarship Fund was established and will provide vital tuition assistance opportunities for deserving students. Additionally, two new scholarships were introduced: the Skansi Scholarship, generously founded by Ann-Marie Cashmere ‘89 and David Skansi, and the Madison Brooks Scholarship, established in loving memory of Madison Brooks ‘21.

These achievements were made possible through the generous support of our donors and friends. I am proud to share that we not only met but exceeded our annual fund goal. Your commitment has truly shaped the future of our school and made a meaningful difference for our students.

On behalf of everyone at SSA, thank you for your continued faith, generosity, and belief in our mission. Together, we are nurturing a vibrant community where every student can thrive.

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT YEAR! OVER

THE

PAST

FIVE

YEARS,

SSA

HAS EXPERIENCED A 412% INCREASE IN ANNUAL GIVING - A POWERFUL REFLECTION OF OUR COMMUNITY’S FAITH, GENEROSIT Y, AND BELIEF IN THE MISSION!

123

YEARS OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION IN COVINGTON, L A

15,034

HOURS OF SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY

27.5

1,644 hours earned

ACT AVERAGE

S e n i o r s d u r i n g t h e 2 0 2 4 -2 5 s c h o o l y e a r

Cl a s s o f 2 0 2 5 a v e r a g e ACT Score for students with one or m o r e Ho n o r s c l a s s . Av e r a g e A C T f o r all students: 25.3

DUAL ENROLLMENT college credit hours earned by the Juniors & P R AY E R

WORK

S T U DY

COMMUNIT Y

6 4 S T U D E N T S N A M E D A DVA N C E D P L AC E M E N T S C H O L A R S

32% of the

Class of 2025 scored a 30 on at least one section of the ACT and

$ 1 4 .1 M I L L I O N TOTA L S C H O L A R S H I P DOLLARS EARNED BY THE CLASS OF 2025 EXCLUDING TOPS.

17% had a

composite score of over 30 on the ACT.

5

ANNUAL CLASS RETREATS

34

W E E K LY M A S S A N D RECONCILIATION OPPORTUNITIES

45%

17 ALL-STATE TEAM SE LECT I ON S 46 ALL-DI STRICT TE AM SE LEC T I ON S 15 ALL-ME TRO SELECTIO N S 21 ACADE MIC ALL-STATE ME M B ER S 21 ACADE MIC ALL-STATE COM POSI T E 10 UCA ALL-STARS 22 UDA ALL-AMERI CAN S

OF THE CLASS OF 2025 SERVED THE SSA COMMUNITY AS A STUDENT MINISTER

97%

OF THE CLASS OF 2025 RECEIVED SCHOLARSHIP DOLLARS FOR COLLEGE INCLUDING TOPS. THE CLASS OF 2025 WAS ACCEPTED TO 76 INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING IN 27 STATES AND ENGLAND.

6

CO L L EGE ATHL E TE SIG NEES

I N BASKE TBALL, SOCCE R, S WI M , VOLLEY BALL, AND TRACK

CLASS OF 2025

2 0 2 5 V a l e d i c t o r i a n s : L t o R : Alyssa Dickson, Mary Avenel, Lucy DiVittorio, Addison Pontiff, Ayushi Purohit, Elizabeth Ellis, Camille Duvernay

“SSA has prepared me for the next chapter of my life by instilling in me the importance of daily prayer, challenging me to succeed, while still keeping God at the center of all things.

I will miss the teachers and all of my classmates, but most of all I will miss the supportive, faith filled, and loving community of sisterhood found here at SSA. “ Libby Lyons, Class of 2025

Mary Avenel beautifully represented our Benedictine Pillar of Prayer, exemplifying faith in action through leadership and service. She was honored as the Louisiana Catholic Schools Senior Student of the Year, the Archdiocese of New Orleans Senior Student of the Year, and St. Scholastica Academy’s Student of the Year. Mary also earned the titles of Valedictorian and Benedictine Legacy Award Winner. A dedicated member of the Student Ministry Team, Eucharistic Ministry, and the SSA Royalettes and St. Paul’s Golden Blues Dance Teams, Mary balanced her commitments across numerous clubs and honor societies. Her faith, excellence, and involvement truly embodied the spirit of prayer and leadership at SSA.

Jessie Kergosien represented the Benedictine Pillar of Work, demonstrating dedication, perseverance, and leadership in all she does. A member of SSA’s two-time state championship soccer team, Jessie earned the Most Diligent Player Award and the Bronze Athletic Medal for her commitment, academic achievements, and teamwork. She served as Student Council Executive President, was an AP Scholar, Student Minister and an active member of numerous honor societies and volunteer organizations. In addition, Jessie was an intern at Maher Animal Hospital where she studied under alumna Dr. Katie Maher. As a Student Ambassador and Color Guard member, Jessie exemplified the Benedictine value of putting faith and effort into meaningful action.

Colette Bergeron represented the Benedictine Pillar of Study, exemplifying intellectual curiosity and academic excellence. A National Merit Semifinalist, AP Scholar, Louisiana State Rally Winner, and recipient of the Headliners in Education Award, Colette was also a dedicated member of SSA’s honor societies and a participant in the LSU LSPA Summer Institute. Beyond her academic achievements, she shared her musical gifts as the Student Accompanist, a member of the SSA Choir, and an active performer with The Benedictine Players, SSA’s theater group. Colette’s commitment to scholarship and the arts reflected the true spirit of study within the Benedictine tradition.

Ayushi Purohit perfectly represented the Benedictine Pillar of Community, living out her faith through compassion and service to others. She has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Lieutenant Governor’s Champion of Service Award, Child Advocacy Center: Hope House Champion for Children Award, Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year Award, and SSA’s Annual Service Award. Within the SSA Community, Ayushi was a member of the Student Council Executive Team and many clubs. Beyond her deep community involvement, Ayushi was a standout scholar—a UNC Morehead-Cain Scholar, Valedictorian, Honors Graduate, National Merit Commended Scholar, and AP Scholar with Distinction.

SCHOLARSHIPS St . Sc h o l a s t i c a Ac a demy Alumna e Sc holarship Fund

Stella Baier

Reci p i e nt :

Si st e r Ju a n i t a Federi c o, O. S .B . Mem orial Scholarship

Marie-Elise Fraisse

Reci p i e nt :

Ange l l e Ul f e r s Endow ed Sc hol a rs hi p

Brooklyn Byrd

Reci p i e nt :

Hil l a r y L a n a u x Grev e Sc hola rs hi p Reci p i e nt s :

Helen Sandoz & Libba Daniel

Marg u e r i t e S. Cel es t i n Endow ed Sc holarship Reci p i e nt s :

Lucy Englehardt and Lauren Royerre LeBlanc ‘10

Mariana Orejarena & Mary Miller Kitchen

Mar y Ka t h r y n Vi llere Sc hola rs hi p Reci p i e nt :

Karsen Boyet

The An n e Lu c i l l e Augus ti ne Ba rd Sc holarship Reci p i e nt :

Kate Kraus

The Ca t h e r i n e Gens l er Memori a l Sc holarship Reci p i e nt :

Maleah Toce

Libba Daniel, Catherine Lanaux Castle ‘00, and Helen Sandoz

The St . Sc h o l a s t i c a Ac a demy St udent Council Endo w e d Sc h o l a rs hi p Reci p i e nt :

Ma ry Cl a i re Co w l e y

The Ma d i s o n Brook s Sc hol a rs hi p: Reci p i e nt :

L u cy E n g l e h a rd t

The Ska n s i Tu i t i on Sc hola rs hi p: Reci p i e nt :

Av e ry M a s s a

Mariana Orejarena, Sheri Gillio, and Mary Miller Kitchen

A LU M N A E S AV E T H E DAT E

F E A S T D AY C E L E B R AT I O N S

MARGUERITE CELESTIN DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD “She could do more because she loved more” is the motto of St. Scholastica, but it is also how Patrice Cedor lives her life. Throughout Patrice Cedor’s 45 years of service as an English and Literature teacher at St. Scholastica Academy, she instilled in her students a profound sense of community, the importance of giving back, and, above all, the knowledge that Christ loves each of them beyond measure. Even though Patrice retired in May of 2018, she continues to be a cherished member of the SSA community. A true servant leader, and a role model of faith, integrity, and dedication, Patrice Cedor has been able to do more simply by loving more.

ALUMNA OF THE YEAR AWARD SSA is proud to announce that Marcelle McGoey Delaune, Class of 1997, has been named Alumna of the Year. Marcelle has dedicated not only her entire professional career since graduating college to teaching at SSA but also the majority of her personal life. Marcelle is the head of our Art Department and teaches Digital Image DE, Art II, Art III and our award-winning Yearbook class. In addition to teaching here for 21 years, Marcelle enjoyed having her daughter, Madison Delaune ‘21, on campus for five years. Marcelle has also nurtured countless “daughters” throughout her years at the Academy. When not at school, she loves spending time with her husband Kevin, daughter Maddie, and sons Baylor and Brody.

As a school community, St. Scholastica Academy often quotes, as well as expects, our students to live out the motto that Pope Gregory said about St. Scholastica: “She could do more because she loved more.” This mantra is embraced not only by our faculty, students, and alumnae, but also by the parents and members of the SSA community.

Brenda C. Reeves was an active volunteer at St. Scholastica Academy from 1981 to 1989 while her two daughters were students, and she remained an avid supporter of the school until she passed away in 2023. Being the best mother she could be was her top priority, and volunteering at the school was an important part of that goal. Always a crowd favorite, she could often be found lending a hand in the infirmary, supporting athletes at games, running the Doves Nest, chaperoning dances, or cheering proudly from the bleachers—whether at an awards ceremony, a track meet, or a basketball game. In short, anytime a Dove needed a hand, Brenda was there to lend it.

Mrs. Reeves was beyond proud when both of her daughters were accepted to Vanderbilt University, and she gave all due credit to SSA for preparing them for their college careers. She was especially grateful for the lifelong friendships her girls formed with their fellow Doves.

Originally from the small town of Morehead, Kentucky, she relocated to New Orleans as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines in the mid-1960s. She met her husband, Charles, on a blind date at a restaurant on St. Charles Avenue. They

“ Mrs. Reeves was such a wonderful, caring person and was a huge part of my life in high

school and beyond. She always opened her beautiful home to the SSA girls and greeted us all with a huge smile, a warm hug, and a delicious meal. Kind, generous, thoughtful, and incredibly witty, she was definitely one of a kind. Loved by so many, I miss her dearly and am thrilled to see this scholarship created in her honor.”

Julie Goodyear Walker - SSA Class of 1989

relocated the family to the Northshore in 1980, and she quickly became involved with both the River Forest Academy (now Kehoe-France) and St. Scholastica Academy parent/teacher associations. With her outgoing personality, caring heart, and tireless work ethic, Brenda always made herself available to both the administration and the student body to guarantee that every student felt seen, safe, supported, and important. As Ashli Rice Class of 1989 remembers, “Mrs. Brenda made everyone feel important and accepted. She saw the best in all of us, and was so fun to be around. She never met a stranger and befriended not only the students and teachers but also all of the other volunteer moms. She was a true leader and caretaker to her core.”

It is her family’s wish to carry on her tradition of being an advocate and cheerleader for all the students of SSA - past, present, and future. She would want every Dove to have the opportunities her daughters had by completing their high school years at St. Scholastica Academy. “Mrs. Reeves’ influence on me as a high school student was every bit as impactful as any teacher or administrator. She was always available and cared about the school and the students so much. I recently saw a quote that said — ‘Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a boss.’ That was Brenda. She taught me that it is possible to be ladylike but still strong. She is one of the reasons that I am who I am today, and I was blessed to know her,” says Lisa Melançon Patrick, Class of 1985. As such, the Reeves family is delighted to honor her memory by continuing to support the outstanding young women of SSA for years to come by creating the Brenda C. Reeves Tuition Assistance Fund. Through the generosity of our supporters, we strive to keep a Catholic, Benedictine education within reach for all families who desire it.

Donors can make a tax-deductible charitable donation to St. Scholastica Academy in a variety of ways:

STUDY

Honor Your Loved Ones

Memorial • Healing • In Honor of • Encouragement

Honor your loved ones, family members, and friends at all SSA student Masses. To make a donation and receive a Spiritual Mass Enrollment Card, contact Missy Zemke, Advancement Assistant, 985-892-2540 x130, mzemke@ssacad.org.

T S S A C A R E E R FA I R W E L C O M E S G AY L E B E N S O N On April 4th, SSA hosted our annual Career Day for juniors and seniors to provide them with valuable insights into various professions and help them explore potential career paths before making important educational career decisions. This year, Career Day looked different as we changed the format to be more of a Career “Fair” in which the girls received their “passports to the future” stamped by 6 of the favorite career tables that they engaged with.

We began Career Day with our Keynote speaker, Mrs. Gayle Benson, who addressed the entire student body with inspirational words of being a successful business owner, focusing on leadership and giving back to the community. She encouraged our girls to return to our great state of Louisiana when they begin their careers.

SSA proudly presented Mrs. Benson with a donation to the Our City, Our Cathedral Renovation Fund with funds that the girls helped raise.

Juniors and seniors interacted with professionals from different industries, asking questions and gaining firsthand knowledge of the skills and qualifications required for various careers. We had a wide range of professionals on-site in an effort to expose our students to new opportunities that they may not have originally considered. The students had the opportunity to network with industry professionals for potential internships, or job shadowing opportunities that can give them a headstart in their chosen fields. 84% of our professional guests were St. Scholastica Academy Alumnae, but 100% of these impressive professionals were women!

“Make an investment in personal relationships. Take time to connect with the people most important to you-personal, academic and professional.” -Gayle Benson

STRATEGIC PL AN UPDATE 2021-2026 St. Scholastica Academy is in the fifth year of our five-year Strategic Plan. The strategic planning process began in the fall of 2020 and was completed in September of 2021. Based on interviews, surveys, and focus group sessions, the strategic planning committee identified seven areas of focus: Catholic identity, academic excellence, student life, enrollment, advancement, finance, and facilities. Goals and objectives then emerged from each area of focus.

The strategic plan provides a road map for the Academy as it continues to educate students in the Benedictine tradition of prayer, work, study, and communit y. Below you will find an update for the 2024-25 school year.

Goal #1: Integrate the Benedictine Charism as the Guiding Principle of SSA

Guided by the Benedictine Charism in the fifth year of our initiative that focuses on a faith-based theme each year we chose the theme “Do More, Love More”. Again, this theme comes from what St. Gregory the Great tells us about St. Scholastica. He said “She could do more because she loved more.” In addition, an international mission trip was introduced with students traveling to Costa Rica.

Goal #2: Ensure Academic Excellence for all Students Through a Balanced Curriculum

A Technology Committee was established, including a subcommittee on Artificial Intelligence. The Academic Council started work on ensuring the curriculum is aligned both horizontally and vertically. All core subjects incorporated the Albert IO test prep platform.

Goal #3: Enhance Student Life Programs to Increase School Spirit and Pride

Built student engagement in school community events and athletics by incorporating spectator games during half time of athletic events. Continued building our WingWomen program, where we partner our juniors with freshmen in order to provide support throughout the year. Big Sis/Little Sis events continued with fun lunches, bonding activities, and memories that will last a lifetime. The number of clubs offered grew again, with even more fun, exciting, student-led clubs than ever before!

Goal #4: Develop a Comprehensive Enrollment Management Plan

Developed a continuously updated cohesive enrollment report in Google Docs that is shared with the Head of School and select others. Tracked attendees of 6th graders at “Sneak a Peek” and “Let’s Get Creative” with 5th graders to determine what percentage applies for 8th grade.

Goal #5: Develop a Comprehensive Plan for Advancing the Mission

A tuition assistance fund was established by an alum and her family. Two new scholarships were established by alumnae families. Continued Athletic Complex dinners completing the fundraising to finish phase one of the athletic complex renovation. Parent chairs were instituted for Falaya Fling resulting in an increase in attendance and fundraising dollars. A new platform was selected for the annual color clash and for the advancement database.

Goal #6: Create a Plan to Ensure Financial Stability to Support the Mission

The Finance and Advancement committees met to create a fundraising plan. To develop shared responsibility in budgeting the Director of Finance met with department chairs and directors to establish budgets for the next year.

Goal #7: Ensure the Continued Viability of Current Facilities and Evaluate the Need for Future Facilities

The facilities committee met regularly to evaluate the current needs of the main campus. A plan was developed to upgrade the existing fire alarm system. The first phase of the athletic complex master plan was completed.

The redesigning of our prayer garden began and it will be upgraded to include a walking rosary.

Rally Day kicked off with big energy and even bigger news — the Queen of the Color Clash was crowned! Huge congratulations to the Class of 2029, our adorable Baby Doves, for taking the crown for the 2024-25 year! The Color Clash was more than just a fun competition — over two exciting weeks, our classes went head-tohead in a fundraising challenge that made a real difference. Thanks to everyone’s amazing efforts, we raised funds to support the St. Louis Cathedral Fund, Catholic Relief Services, and improvements to our Athletic Complex! Way to go, everyone — school spirit with a purpose!

OPERATING BUDGET + FUND ALLOCATION For the year ending June 30, 2025

REVENUE

Tuition and Registration Fees and Auxiliary Income Miscellaneous Income Total Income

EXPENSES

Instructional Building and Grounds Depreciation Insurance Utilities General and Administrative Athletics Auxiliary Services Total Expenses

$6,632,272.27 429,367.88 1,438,809.68 $8,500,449.83 $3,555,906.23 554,294.70 563,312.53 328,056.44 168,897.92 1,460,465.61 118,647.94 525,919.62 $7,275,500.99

Building/Maintenance Fund $1,224,948.84 Savings Used for Athletic Complex $1,246,950.00 Athletic Complex/Other Capital Expenditures $2,340,886.25

ADVANCEMENT FUND

Net revenue for the year ending June 30, 2025 Annual Giving Falaya Fling Net Surplus

$442,994.00 $114,765.00

Thank You PHASE I ATHLETIC COMPLEX RENOVATION COMPLETE!

ST. SCHOLASTICA ACADEMY advancement office

122 S. Massachusetts St. Covington, LA 70433 985-892-2540 www.SSAcad.org return service requested

NON-PROFIT ORG. U. S. POSTAGE PAID COVINGTON, LA PERMIT NO. 34