The Bifocal (Vol.6)

bifocal the benjamin franklin

since 1957

In November our head of school, Dr. Patrick Widhalm, assumed his role as the president of the Board of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools. As president-elect, he chaired programming for the national conference that was held in Atlanta. Dr. Widhalm has been a member of the board since Franklin was accepted into the organization’s membership in 2017, joining other elite schools such as Thomas Jefferson High School in Alexandria, Va., and New York City schools Stuyvesant High School and Bronx High School of Science.

Honoring Gonz

Established by an anonymous donor from the Class of 1981, the Diego Gonzalez-Grande Award provides scholarly and creative enrichment to the professional and personal lives of those who work directly with Benjamin Franklin High School students, thus enhancing the quality of students’ overall educational experiences and the Franklin community. To contribute, go to bfhsla.org/donate. To read more about Mr. Gonzalez’s incredible career and legacy, go to page 20.

head of school’s Message

The DNA of Benjamin Franklin High School is STEM – science, technology, engineering, and math. A response to the space race in the late 1950s launched the founding of Franklin, and it has evolved over the past six decades, with the imprint of STEM on the school’s curriculum and learning environment. That was 1957; what about now? Here are some STEM indicators in 2022:

w There are eight AP courses in math and science, as well as Physics C Mechanics, Physics Electricity and Magnetism, Robotics, Introduction to Computational Thinking, Introduction to Engineering, Digital Storytelling, Calculus AB and BC, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations.

w Successfully completing a research course is required to earn a Franklin diploma. This can be research in science or research in the humanities, or students can take a course that has an individual research product in its design.

w At Franklin, STEM is really STEAM, including the arts. Seven artist-teachers offer a range of courses in visual arts, theater, music, and creative writing that provide opportunities for creativity and creative expression, which are critical to innovation.

w Franklin was one of the first high schools to join LSU’s Pathways to STEM Certification program. Students can choose to study biomedical sciences, computing, digital design and emergent media, or preengineering. Courses are taught on campus by Franklin faculty, and students earn credits with LSU, along with their high school diploma.

w Among the most active clubs on campus are the Green Society, Society of Women Engineers, and Robotics. Following a citywide challenge, a team of eight Franklin students was selected to present on the consequences of sea level rise at the July Aspen Ideas Institute. (See the article on page 31.)

In another echo of the school’s founding, the Orleans Parish School Board named the Franklin buildings and campus in honor of Katherine Johnson, a pioneer and critical member of the team that led to the success of the Apollo missions. Ms. Johnson was one of NASA’s “computers” and was responsible for the mathematical calculations in both the moon landing and return. She became well-known after the movie Hidden Figures was released in 2016. We are proud to be Benjamin Franklin High School on the Katherine Johnson Campus.

We hope you enjoy reading about the graduates and members of the Franklin community who have pursued their passion for STEM, especially in critically important service to our well-being during COVID. Thank you for taking the time to get a closer look at Franklin today through your Bifocal. As always, we consider it a privilege to have your support and participation in this great school.

Dr. Patrick Widhalm, Head of School

the benjamin franklin vol.6

bifocal

CREDITS:

Editor: Eve Peyton ’98

Contributors: Dr. Patrick Widhalm, Eve Peyton ’98, John Parauka, Christy Cowart Read ’89

Art Design & Layout: Natalie Beck ’01

Photographers: Natalie Beck ’01, Rachel Becker ’99, John Parauka, Christy Cowart Read ’89, and student yearbook staff

Cover Art: Designed by Ryan Benn ’23 (credit also to the 1964 yearbook staff)

editor's note

I have many roles in my day-to-day life, but my favorite one, for the past 16 years, has been a mom.

Likewise, I wear many hats at Ben Franklin. I am the marketing and communications coordinator. I am the adviser for the Student Advocacy Board. I am a proud alumna from the class of 1998 (the great ’98, the penultimate class of the ’90s). But my favorite role, by far, has been my past two years as a Franklin parent.

My daughter is a sophomore here, and watching her learn and grow has been amazing – if a little surreal. I overhear her gossiping with her friends, and sometimes I’m a teenager again myself, remembering how insignificant algebra homework seemed when that boy I’d had a crush on for months asked me to go with him to Wendy’s after school. Sometimes I walk past her locker on my way to a meeting and smile as I recall Thuy, the kind upperclassman who showed me the trick of spinning the dial to get the locker to open on my first day in 1994. Sometimes she and her friends share new music with me, and I am transported back to the time my friend came up behind me in the courtyard and slipped a pair of headphones over my ears and turned the volume on his Discman up all the way and played Fiona Apple’s “Criminal,” which sort of blew my mind.

I am grateful for the ways in which Franklin has changed – we have improved retention dramatically, we have much greater mental health support for students than we did in the 1990s, we have students from every ZIP code in the city – and perhaps even more grateful for the ways in which it has stayed the same – inspiring teachers, an accepting community, and the general quirkiness of the student body.

Whatever year you graduated, whatever role you play in the larger Franklin community, we hope you can find lots to celebrate and identify with in these pages. Our school community is thriving and vibrant, and we are so grateful to count you as part of it.

OG SNOCLAF!

Eve (Kidd) Crawford Peyton ’98

Mom to Rowan Crawford ’25 (and Georgia Peyton, hopefully Class of 2030)

upcoming events

Alumni & Faculty Holiday Party

Friday, Jan. 6, 2023

7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Southport Hall 200 Monticello Ave. Jefferson

The party is free for all paid Alumni Association members plus one guest and includes a complimentary drink and dinner. You can pay your alumni dues at the door or by going to bfhsla.org/payalumnidues.

Career Connections

Friday, Jan. 27, 2023

Franklin will hold Career Connections for all our students on Friday, Jan. 27. If you will be in the New Orleans area or can attend by Zoom, our students would love to hear about your career. Please email Alumni Affairs Coordinator John Parauka at jparauka@bfhsla.org if you want to be a presenter. Please include the career you will talk about and whether you can come to campus or will need to Zoom.

Carnival 2023

Look for the BFHS spirit groups in upcoming Carnival parades, including the Krewe of Pygmalion on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. More details will be shared on Almabase as they become available.

Franklin Dr. Patrick Widhalm with Falcons.

Sailing is making waves this year! On Saturday, Sept. 10, in the Community Sailing of New Orleans High School Girls Regatta, skipper Karya Basaraner ’24 and teammate Avery Benefield ’26 took first place in the A Series, winning all eight races, and they placed third overall for the day. They went on to score first place in three races during the second regatta of the New Orleans Fall Series held Friday, Sept. 16. The team also had an excellent performance in the Great Oaks Qualifier Regatta on Saturday, Oct. 1. Four teams placed in the top 10 out of a field of 23 boats. Skipper Basaraner and Legend Joseph ’25 placed second and were invited to participate in the Great Oaks Invitational Regatta, a national competition. The team also won the last regatta in the Community Sailing Fall Series. Skipper Basaraner and Caleb Kaiser ’25 took first place while teammates Harriss Thorne ’23 and Malachi Sheahan ’23 took second place. The Sailing Team finished the series in first place overall. To close out the season, they participated in the 2022 Allstate Sugar Bowl Great Oaks Regatta on Nov. 19-20,

competing against 27 other high school teams from across the country. Teammates Basaraner, Sheahan, Thorne, and Silas Meister ’26 finished in third place in this prestigious national competition. The team raced in 18 separate races over the course of two days on Lake Pontchartrain in cold, rainy, and windy conditions. Highlights included second and third place finishes by teammates Basaraner and Sheahan on Saturday, two second place finishes by Basaraner and Sheahan on Sunday, two second place finishes by Basaraner and Meister on Sunday, and a first place finish by teammates Basaraner and Thorne on Sunday.

News Briefs

So many Falcons are making beautiful music!

All-State Orchestra students Grace Fortuné ’23, Alastair Deng ’23, Chloe Harris ’23, and Amiri Hardy ’23, all violin, performed at the All-State Orchestra concert in Baton Rouge in November.

Deng also attended the All-National Honor Ensembles and played with the Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 6 – the only student from Louisiana!

Fortuné and Sebastien Barrau ‘23, who both also attend NOCCA, were awarded the Junior Philharmonic Society’s Lawrence and Victoria Blanchard Ensemble Award for an outstanding performance on violin and piano, respectively.

Barrau won the 9-12 Division of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra 2022-2023 Young Artists’ Concerto Competition for his performance of the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 and will be featured as a soloist with the LPO in a Young People’s Concert in February.

Madison Vidal ’24, another NOCCA-Franklin student, won first place for high school spiritual at the National Association of Teachers of Singing Southern Regional Competition held at the University of Louisiana Monroe. And Sarah Nguyen ’25 will sing with Anthony Sears conducting Charles Villiers Stanford’s Songs of the Fleet at Carnegie Hall on April 22.

Last year, the state volleyball tournament moved from Kenner to Lafayette for what appears to be a long-term new location. This prompted passionate volleyball fans to lobby for our firstever fan bus. After going undefeated in the month of October and making it to the state playoffs, our Falcons headed to Lafayette on Nov. 10, accompanied by approximately 45 students, cheerleaders, and faculty and staff on the inaugural fan bus. After dropping the first two games, the Falcons had an incredible come-from-behind win to advance to the Final Four. In the semifinals, the Falcons pressed the defending state champions to five games before losing Game 5, but they were surrounded by love and support from the Falcon community. We are already looking forward to next season! We’re also excited to extend the fan bus to all other sports that have to travel for playoff games. OG SNOCLAF!

Service Saturday, held on Sept. 24, was a great success and a great time! Over 40 Key Club and National Honor Society students came to spruce up the campus in advance of our Admissions Open House. They cleaned up the gardens, planted plants in new planter boxes, decorated bulletin boards, and filled 40 boxes with food for the Franklin food pantry.

Joan Fontaine of the Kiwanis Club of New Orleans, which donated the food, helped the students fill the food boxes for food-insecure families in the Franklin community. The next Service Saturday will be in the spring.

at your service

Franklin students provide service throughout the New Orleans community. In addition to the twice-annual Service Saturday, we are also proud to coordinate the annual Second Harvest Food Bank drive. Each year during Spirit Week, students are asked to donate food items or cash for the food bank to earn points for their class. Franklin has provided about 1,000 pounds of food and $750 each year during this drive – the most food of any school in the New Orleans area each year, according to the Second Harvest Food Bank coordinator.

UNICEF Penny Wars also is held each year during Spirit Week to support children around the world. Pennies earn points for your class; silver coins are put into the jugs of other classes to take points away. This United Nations project supports needy children with medicine, food, and educational services. Franklin donates about $1,200 to this organization each year.

The Key Club, National Honor Society, and various other Franklin organizations volunteer at libraries to read to children, package and sort food at the food bank, work at City Park and the Louisiana Children’s Museum, and provide peer tutoring, among many other activities. Franklin students provide thousands of hours of service to the community and each year have won the Mission Ignition competition, which tracks the amount of service hours provided by students in the New Orleans area.

REACHING FOR THE STARS

A night honoring Black women in STEM hopes to inspire the next generation

“If she says (the numbers) are good, then I’m good to go.”

John Glenn, on Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson (1918-2020) was an instrumental mathematician at NASA

In 1962, as NASA prepared for John Glenn’s orbital mission, Katherine Johnson, who graduated high school at age 14 and went on to be the first Black woman to attend graduate school at West Virginia University, was an integral part of the astronaut’s preflight checklist. Glenn specifically requested that she check, by hand, the equations that had been programmed into the computer to ensure a safe flight and splashdown. With her help and mathematical skills, Glenn’s flight was a success – and a turning point in the space race between the U.S. and Russia. In 2015, President Barack Obama awarded Johnson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.

Johnson passed away at the age of 101 on Feb. 24, 2020, but her reputation and contributions live on. Recently, the building that houses our school was renamed in her honor, and to mark the occasion, Benjamin Franklin High School at the Katherine Johnson campus held a celebration of African American women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, or STEM on March 11, 2021.

The night, co-sponsored by the school’s Student Activities Council and Black Culture Club, began with a panel discussion featuring three

Black female alumnae who work in the STEM field: Lori Davenport ’87, who has 25 years engineering experience in space flight and commercial airlines and currently works in Houston as an ISS Active Thermal Control Systems engineer (best described as “the AC for the space station”); Dawn M. Davis ’87, the assistant director of the engineering and test directorate at the John C. Stennis Space Center, where she leads the Office of Technology Development; and Stacie Dawson ’01, the commercial test engineering analysis manager at Pratt & Whitney, who holds a patent for Core Reflex Nozzle Design for Turbofan Engines.

“It was honor to be invited back on the Katherine Johnson campus to speak about women in technology and offer some insight into all that I have learned over my 20+ years working at NASA,” Davis said. “I was impressed with the students and the Ben Franklin alumnae who served as panelists.”

Davenport agreed: “It was fun seeing Franklin now, hearing what the students were up to and interested in and getting to interact with some alumnae, fellow women doing

Franklin staff and special guests gather to celebrate the work of Black women in STEM

...one giant leap for womankind

wonderful things. Hopefully some students will be more interested in taking up engineering.”

Following their presentation, Katherine Sanders, one of Johnson’s granddaughters, spoke about her grandmother’s enduring legacy. Sanders, a local schoolteacher, is passionate about STEM education and dedicated to getting more women, especially women of color, into STEM-based careers.

The event, which was free and open to the public, culminated in a showing of “Hidden Figures,” the 2016 Oscar-nominated movie in which Taraji P. Henson portrays Johnson.

In addition to Sanders, another special guest was in attendance: Leona Tate, a civil rights pioneer who, as a 6-year-old, desegregated McDonogh 19 in the Lower Ninth Ward on Nov. 14, 1960, escorted by U.S. Marshals. Tate, Gail Etienne, and Tessie Prevost, known as the McDonogh Three, were the first African Americans to attend an all-white public school in Louisiana and went on to found the TEP (for Tate, Etienne, and Prevost) Center in the Lower Ninth Ward. Tate attended with TEP Program Director Tremaine Knighten-Riley and BFHS Board President Alea Cot.

“We were honored and delighted to have Ms. Sanders, Ms. Tate, and several highly accomplished alumnae attend this event and share their expertise with our community,” said Student Activities and Alumni Affairs Coordinator John Parauka. “It’s our hope that this presentation will help inspire the next generation of women in STEM – right here on the Katherine Johnson campus.”

For Kayla Robertson ’22, the president of the Black Culture Club who served as the moderator for the panel, the event was a perfect way to cap off her high school experience. “I think it is extremely important for African Americans to see people who look like them in STEM careers,” she said. “That panel could have gotten a few people interested or solidified someone’s choice about going into a STEM-related career. I am proud of the Black Culture Club for hosting this night, and it is a great example of how one small idea can turn into a big event.”

womankind

We were honored to welcome our panelists – from left, Katherine Sanders, Dawn Davis ‘87, Lori Davenport ‘87, and Stacie Dawson ‘01.

The renaming of our building to the katherine johnson campus is a welcome nod to our STEM rootS.

Heroes Covid

avegno “ Jennifer

Although we hadn’t faced a global pandemic yet, my team at the New Orleans Health Department was well-seasoned in crisis management, between frequent natural disasters, building collapses, and the growing threats of the modern world. So when we were thrust into being one of the leading COVID hotspots in the world within a week of our first case, we had no choice but to hit the ground running and draw on every bit of experience from prior challenges, as well as any bit of objective data we could find in a rapidly changing, highly uncertain, and deadly situation. What kept us grounded and working round the clock – not to mention up all night – was the thought that if we did not act, calmly but decisively, the degree of death and illness would be something that would devastate New Orleans for years to come. And in this city, we’ve already suffered such great losses. We are proud to have been part of New Orleans having the first large-scale federal testing site and then being the first city to transition to community testing sites so that all of our residents could have fair access to resources and care. We’re also proud of the collaborative work with so many on a comprehensive vaccination campaign, resulting in our residents leading the state and the national averages for protections. I’m most of all grateful to New Orleanians, who were tremendously united to help each other by following guidelines and doing their part to protect our most vulnerable. I don’t believe any other city ‘got it’ as much as we did, and though it has been a long and painful road, we’re still a community that cares about each other and wants to be as healthy as we all can be.–Dr. Jennifer Avegno, mother of Lucy Wagner ’23, Director of the New Orleans Health Department.

liu “ Oscar

Ihave had the incredible honor to launch and lead Vita Innovations, a startup focused on developing a smart respiratory mask, VitalMask, for continuously monitoring patient vitals as they waited, often for hours, unattended in the waiting room of emergency departments. Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the situation in hospitals, my team sought to alleviate patient fears by enhancing their sense of security and satisfaction while simultaneously providing overworked health providers an easier way to prioritize and monitor the patients. Since its inception, Vita Innovations has won the 7th Annual NYC Health Hackathon, Business Today International Impact Challenge, and Entrepreneurship Kickoff Challenge at Cornell University; additionally, we are members of the CNY Biotech Accelerator, eLab Accelerator, Blackstone & Techstars Launchpad, Clinton Global Initiative for Social Impact, and more. BFHS was an incredible incubator: inspiring me to always ask questions; challenging me to think of creative solutions; and encouraging me to take initiative, especially for what I care about. I have gained so much through talking with hundreds of physicians, innovators, and entrepreneurs worldwide and am humbled to be part of this amazing community striving to make a change in whatever way we can. There is, and always will remain, so much I will have to learn, and I can’t wait for the journey ahead. –Oscar Liu ’17

springgate “

Ihave had a few different roles in pandemic response. As an LSU Health doctor, I tried to take care of people who were impacted by the virus – answering questions, offering clinical care, providing tests, and facilitating vaccinations. In working as Chief Health Officer and medical adviser to the New Orleans public schools, we sought to support strategies, policies, and guidance that would enable the school communities to stay safe as they navigated COVID-19 and, to the extent possible, remain open for in-person learning. As a public health physician, I frequently spoke on the news or to different audiences through webinars to share medically sound information about the SARS-CoV-2 virus and ways to mitigate its spread and impact. As a researcher, I studied how the pandemic was impacting other aspects of emergency preparedness among organizations and residents in our community (such as hurricane preparedness and planning). Lastly, like many of us, I tried to be present for my family, particularly my two children and my mother, to try to ensure that they felt safe and supported during these times. I am particularly proud of the ways our community members here in New Orleans came together to help one another – supporting food banks, PPE distribution, testing programs, and spreading factual information about why it is important for people to get vaccinated as we emerged from the pandemic. In our efforts at LSU Health advising the New Orleans public schools on their COVID-19 mitigation strategies, we recognized time and again the value of community members and partnering agen-

cies in ensuring that the schools and the city were staying strong and resilient. I think some of the most important lessons of the pandemic have been appreciating the importance of K-12 education in health sciences and seeing the critical value of effective public health communication in mitigating pandemic threats. So much of what occurred in this pandemic was dependent on the extent of the public’s understanding of the health threats, as well as the ways the threats and solutions were communicated to them. Factual, science-based public health communications – or the lack thereof – made a huge difference. I would say Ben Franklin provided the educational basis to face the challenges of the pandemic – it is there, in courses with Diego Gonzalez, Leo Laventhal, Ira Nirenberg, and others as my teachers, that I probably first learned as a young person to apply rigor to analyses of difficult scenarios. I would note as well that the friendships and sense of community I developed at Ben Franklin were critical during the pandemic. I still stay in touch with a number of friends from BFHS literally on a daily basis – those friendships have been immeasurably valuable on a personal level as we navigated the pandemic. –Dr. Benjamin Springgate ’90

jefferson “ Akilah

In 2020, as COVID-19 became a realized threat to the health and well-being of my loved ones and myself, I decided to become as knowledgeable as possible in order to best equip my family and friends with the most up-to-date and accurate information about the pandemic. I thought that I was in a unique position to do this: as an allergist and immunologist; as someone who cares for both adults and children; as a bioethicist; and as a cousin, daughter, sister, aunt, and wife. Also, as my community, the Black community, and other communities of color became disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, I felt a responsibility to be of service in any way I could. This led to COVID-19 video updates for my family and friends via social media, which has subsequently become a resource to strangers across the internet. My goal was to be a voice for those who were scared and confused, to provide a trusted space for questions and answers, and to provide facts and data in the face of so much political strife and misinformation. I think I have succeeded in this goal, and I am very proud of that. Since the start of the pandemic, I’ve learned to slow down, a lesson most of us have learned since March 2020. I’m used to the fast pace of life, from my work in medicine to other everyday responsibilities. COVID literally forced me to slow down. This, in turn, has allowed me the space to be a little more intentional about life, what I do, what I want to do, and how I will do it. Despite all the bad things that have happened during the pandemic, I am grateful for slowing down and having a better perspective about what is most important in my life. –Dr. Akilah Jefferson ’01

Iam a proud Ben Franklin alumna, class of 1998, and am now the chief of Infectious Diseases at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System here in New Orleans. At my VA, we diagnosed the first case of COVID in the state of Louisiana in early March of 2020 and then were almost immediately inundated with cases. Over the past two years, we have had to be creative and very flexible, trying to stay one or two steps ahead of the pandemic. Having been a new physician during Katrina, my entire medical career has been built on this skill, which served me well. In my position at the VA as a founder and member of our Pandemic Clinical Advisory Workgroup and as chief of Infectious Diseases, I am proud to have served those who have served us. Through the research and innovation undertaken at our VA, we have saved lives as we worked day in and out to treat and prevent COVID. My colleagues and I have been on the forefront of COVID vaccine distribution/administration in the state of Louisiana and in the VA as a whole – and the more vaccines in arms, the more lives saved. My time at Ben Franklin laid a foundation that helped me to find a meaningful career helping others, and it’s been a privilege to be a leader in my field during these challenging times. – Dr. Kyle Widmer ’98

Widmer

When Ben Franklin rang the last bell of the day on Friday, March 13, 2020, and announced that school would close in response to the COVID pandemic, no one expected it would go on for as long as it did. We thought we’d re-open in April. Then it became May. Then it became August. We held a drivethru graduation for the Class of 2020; prom was canceled entirely. Inspired by an idea from Kait Locascio ‘07, alumni from the Katrina years wrote letters to current Franklin students, saying they knew how it felt to have your high school plans and milestones get messed up.The Class of 2000, led by Khadija Adams ’00, Janine Jackson ’00, and Kirsten Copeland ’00, organized a fundraising drive to give $20 each to every graduating senior along with a letter written by Kyle Jones ’00. Students from a few neighboring classes chipped in, as well.

We all crossed our fingers that school would start as normal when the summer ended. It didn’t. Our teachers kept adapting and innovating, and our students found ways to connect and build community in spite of it all.

In late October 2020, we started offering hybrid classes, but the majority of our students stayed virtual for the whole 20202021 school year. We held an online Spirit Week and a tiny outdoor prom on the football field.

In August 2021, we finally, finally resumed full-time inperson school. Masks were mandatory. We did weekly COVID testing. We held several vaccine clinics. But we had Homecoming and club meetings and schoolwide assemblies again.

Our students and our faculty and staff are undeniably COVID heroes. We made it through, and we earned that distinction.

But there were so many others in our Ben Franklin High School community, including parents and alumni, doing incredible work during the pandemic – doctors, nurses, scientists, entrepreneurs. We could never hope to profile them all, but we have chosen a few to highlight here.

- Benjamin Franklin

To everyone who helped, in whatever capacity, thank you! We are proud to count you as a member of the Falcon family.

“Energy and persistence conquer all things”

cohen

“ “

The COVID-19 pandemic created a world that was filled with helplessness and isolation. I feel very fortunate that as a health care provider, I was neither helpless nor isolated. I had the opportunity to be a part of a diverse team of people who were considered to be essential workers. I can remember walking into work and knowing that this was my time, my opportunity to put fear aside and help take care of others. At first there was so much we didn’t know about the disease and how it was spread and its lethality, but I was inspired by all the people who faced these risks and uncertainties with courage. These were defining moments for all of us. In my career in medicine, I have never felt so appreciated. The Krewe of Red Beans, multiple restaurants, and individuals showed their love and appreciation by sending all the hospital workers food seven days a week. The food was great, but even more meaningful was the sentiment and support behind the food. Companies and businesses sent us shoes and other merchandise to show their support. Friends, relatives, old classmates, and neighbors would call or text to make sure I was safe and healthy as they acknowledged the risks we were taking leaving the house. We were surrounded by public demonstrations of appreciation and a community of cheerleaders.”–Dr. Joy Cohen, mother of Harrison ’11, Anastasia ’13, Graham ’19, and Autumn ’22 Grieb

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, a day that marked the beginning of a series of firsts. This led me, as System Chairman of Hospital Medicine at Ochsner Health, and many clinicians across the country to lead the charge during the greatest uncertainty of our careers. I was responsible for caring for the majority of hospitalized COVID-19 patients across Louisiana and Mississippi for Ochsner Health. I’ve been most impressed by the incredible resilience and the maintenance of high morale within health care during these uncertain times. I’ve made every effort to go to every place where we have programs multiple times and continue this as an ongoing practice. I would do it before, but not like this. My own flights to Shreveport, La., were replaced by 10-hour round-trip car rides. It may sound exhausting, but I’m not tired. You know how a president looks not four years older but more like 15 years older? That’s how I feel, but I’m not exhausted.”–Dr. Steven Deitelzweig, father of Chelsea ’18 and Chloe ’22

Deitelzweig

ONOR

“I’ve been extremely proud of the communal resilience that we have all shown. As a medical student on rotations, I was able to witness and participate firsthand in the shift in how medical care is delivered in the era of COVID. As a New Orleanian, I learned early on in life the importance of being adaptable and resilient. Adaptability was certainly a trait strengthened by my time at Franklin. The academic and extracurricular rigor at Franklin prepared me for uncertain times and being ready for whatever comes my way. As I transition to a career in orthopedic surgery, I am forever indebted to the city of New Orleans and Ben Franklin High School for helping to mold me into who I am today.”

–Dr. Gabriel Onor ’13

gonzsays

News always travels quickly on a high school campus, and so it was no shock when the word spread through the hallways on a morning in early November: There was a special guest in the building. A line rapidly grew outside of the office where the celebrity in question was sitting, teenagers waiting excitedly to catch a glimpse. Was it a YouTuber or TikTok star? A Kardashian? Rihanna? Even better! It was Diego Gonzalez-Grande, affectionately known as “Gonz,” back on campus for the first time since he retired in May. (He came by to pick up a copy of the yearbook.)

“Mr. Gonzalez, I just wanted you to know that even though I struggled in your class, I made a 4 on the AP exam!” one student reports triumphantly. “I had no doubt!” he says.

“Mr. Gonzalez, I’m doing so well in AP U.S. History this year!” says another. “Of course you are! You’re a smart girl!”

“I wasn’t the best in your class, but I loved you,” a third stu-

dent says. “You grew,” he tells her. “You were a better student at the end than the beginning. That’s the goal. To be better. To grow. To be more than you were than you were when you started. Just remember that, and you’ll be OK.”

He has an easy rapport with all of the students, encouraging them, teasing them, remembering personal details about their lives, asking after their siblings – and their parents – many of whom he also taught. The students bask in his attention, showing him pictures on their phones from Halloween and Spirit Week. Finally, though, something clicks in his mind.

“Wait,” he says, back in full-on teacher mode, “are you skipping class to see me right now?” The students look guiltily at one another and admit that, yes, they technically should be in biology or English or calculus. “Get back to work,” he says fondly, and they listen (reluctantly).

Endure. Be patient. Don’t lose track of the mid-term or long-term. Things always look bleak in the short-term: that test next week, that assignment due next. When you look at it like that, it seems impossible, so don’t lose your perspective. You will always see problems coming down the road, and nine out of 10 of those problems are going to go off the road and never get to you … but you have to be able to identify the one problem you will have to meet head-on and confront. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. I was here for a long time, and there certainly were moments when things looked awful, days when I went home and wondered, ‘What the hell am I doing here?’ But I learned to get past those days, and I did that to a large extent due to the people around me, so surround yourself with good people.

- DIEGO GONZALEZ

“ “

goodbye

This flurry of excitement around his presence is completely unsurprising. Mr. Gonzalez has been a beloved fixture at Franklin – on two campuses – since he first started working here in 1975. And while he is enjoying his retirement – watching the World Cup; re-reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy; and listening to Beethoven’s late string quartets with his cats, Gilbert and Sullivan – he is a bit wistful.

“I miss the interaction with students and the opportunity to see them mature into young men and women,” he says. “Because I teach mostly sophomores, I have a threeyear period where I can see them grow intellectually and psychologically. I also miss my colleagues, who are highly professional, intellectually eclectic, and alert.”

He is absolutely decisive, however, when asked what he doesn’t miss: “The enormous volume of paperwork.”

After 47 years of teaching, Gonz has left an indelible imprint on our school community and touched thousands of lives as a friend and mentor.

His parting words of wisdom ring true: “As long as I can remember, there has always been this anxiety that the school is in a state of decline: that students are less gifted,

less talented, less motivated than in some prior golden age. Our students play a major role in defining the nature and character of the school, and our school is certainly more diverse now, and although we are still a predominantly academic school, we are more aware now that students have other needs besides academic success. We now have enriched the academic environment, and we offer more to students in the form of arts, athletics, and service opportunities. I’m tempted to quote the Chinese foreign minister Zhou Enlai, who when asked about the effects of the French Revolution in 1972, said, ‘It’s too early to say.’ The school is composed of a very gifted selection of individuals. Our students, our teachers, yes, but also the people in food service, the people who clean the building, the security staff -- the people we take for granted sometimes. As long as we remember that, even when there are significant changes happening, I think we will be OK on the whole.”

And that’s an answer we would all stake our lives on! Best wishes to Gonz in his retirement – and we can’t wait until he comes back to visit us again!

“While I was one of the least competent victims of your very long, very hard tests, I did love the challenge. Your high expectations for student excellence, coupled with your notoriously low tolerance for shenanigans shaped us all. Best of luck to you, Sir!”–Janet Gordon ’81

“Although initially highly intimidated by you, Mr. Gonzalez, I came to love you as I experienced your gifts as an educator. You brought history to life as I came to understand the beauty and the limitations of our nation’s founding documents, the significance of dozens of Supreme Court decisions, and the importance of civic awareness and engagement. In Russian history class, you awakened a curiosity in me to learn about other cultures, societies, and forms of governance. I have a distinct memory from 1981(?) of you standing on your desk as you brought to life a battlefield scene, and though I cannot be certain, I expect the Volga Bulgars may have played into the story! Thank you for challenging me to think clearly and write intelligibly. ...God bless you and may you enjoy your well-deserved retirement.”–Beth Zastrow Bontly ’82

“Gonz told a classmate aloud that they had written ‘one of the best papers he’d ever read.’ They asked why they’d gotten an 8 on it instead of the highest possible score, a 9 at the time. Gonz walked over, leaned in close like he did when about to ask, ‘Would you stake your life on it?’ but instead, casually told them ‘Because you are not God.’”–Zachery Elbourne ’08

“I only had one class with him (AP European History), which was amazing. I’ll always remember

alumni memories...

how, when he was going over the requirements for our final paper, he only specified a maximum length it could be. Someone asked what the minimum length was, and he said, in typical Gonz fashion: ‘One brilliant sentence.’”–J. Adrian Herbez ’97

Thomas ’16

Diego, your incomparable intellectual mentorship -- heck, you even taught me who Mentor was! -- selfless giving of your time, and conviction in the moral power of good ideas all set me on the road to becoming a teacher. From a Reed BA, to a U Chicago MA and Ph.D. in English, I never forgot how vital the right blend of wit and skepticism is for anyone who aspires to your superior level of instruction. As a Professor of English at NC State eyeing my own retirement now, I value my teaching awards the highest thanks to their indirect power of paying you back in some small degree for how very much you taught us all in very few years. May your retirement be filled with uninterrupted pleasure in the best books and music.”–John Morillo ’78

“I remember him talking about hating Napoleon like he had met him personally!”–Caitlen

Gonz with Class of 1982 alumni

Iwill never forget the look on his face when I enrolled in Russian history and he realized he had taught my mom at the old campus in the ’70s. He lit up and was able to describe her to a T.”–Sarah Jackson ’09

“Russian history, soccer games, yearbook, Trivial Pursuit, love of classical music. Cheers to a dear mentor and friend! You will always mean Franklin for me.” –Caroline McCarthy Conway ’84

“[I remember] Gonz letting us use his classroom (Room 333) as headquarters for the chess club and chess team. He dedicated countless lunch hours to helping us develop our skills, and I am forever grateful. ...[I also recall] Gonz writing me a permission slip for being late to my next class because he and I were in an intense game of chess over lunch. To this day, I appreciate the fact that he thought I was good enough to excuse and didn’t want the game to end abruptly.” –Larry Huang ’95

“I learned how to write papers from Mr. Gonzalez in AP European History. He was a stickler for good research; I once recall having a whole page of my paper returned to me with a red X through it and a ‘no’ written alongside. I appreciated that he had impeccably high standards for measly 15-year-olds.”–Elizabeth RePass Vitter ’03

To learn more about the Class of 1981 Diego Gonzalez-Grande Faculty Award, go to page 2.

Gonz is by far my most memorable teacher ever. I had Gonz for both European and Russian history class. Gonz is a masterful storyteller and this is how he taught. I was happy to sit back and absorb a new story each day. I also knew Gonz all four years through the soccer team. I always looked forward to practices starting up in the fall and hopefully lasting until Mardi Gras if we did well in the playoffs. He was a true competitor and really enjoyed winning. I played defense and he made sure I knew it was acceptable to foul another player in a fast break scenario to prevent the opposing team from scoring a goal.” - Baldwin Goodell ’92

“Gonz personifies Franklin for me. I took AP Russian History and Greek & Roman Civ from him. ...He looms very large in my memories of high school. He is the best teacher I have ever had, hands down, thanks to the breadth and depth of his knowledge, his entertaining lectures, his very very hard tests, and his small, private kindnesses to various students, including me. I can still remember exactly what he sounded like when he thundered at me, ‘Powell! Give me an example of —X—!’ and the terror it would produce because I wanted so badly to impress him. Still a little mad that he wouldn’t coach the girls’ soccer team when I begged him to after our coach quit. I can’t believe 47 classes were lucky enough to experience him and I hope he never went easy on any of them.”–Bonnie Powell ’89

“Gonz has been, and still remains, one of the most respected people in my life. As a teacher and a coach, he has helped me make thoughtful decisions that have helped guide my life decisions beginning in my freshman year and it still continues to this day. I can honestly say that I would not be the person that I am today without his influence. I was beyond pleased that he was there to help guide my daughter when she was able to attend Ben Franklin. We are losing a tremendous leader with his retirement, but I wish him the best moving forward. I cannot think of the words to express how much gratitude I have for this man, and I know I am not alone. The world would be a much darker place if it were not for people like Diego Gonzalez. But my hand still cramps just thinking about how many notes I had to take during those courses, and I am still not sure which way to pronounce renaissance properly!”–Bryan Cothren ’93

Gonz never made the answer to a question easy. He made us appreciate the limitations of democracy while still valuing it as a political model. He warned us against ideological truisms, like vague references to ‘the people’ or a king’s ‘evil advisers.’ And he fought for a more inclusive vision of history by placing an essay question on the national AP test about the history of the women’s movement. He was never dogmatic and never tried to push one particular belief system. He just pushed us to be better critical thinkers, a hard-won skill that’s tragically lacking in our contemporary public sphere discourse. And his gruffness was always tinged with humor. As I marveled at having once earned a high score on an essay, he glanced over and said, ‘Eh, it was an easy question.’”–Victoria Elmwood ’95

“I learned so many wonderful things from Mr. Gonzalez in his U.S. history class, but I’ll never forget during a discussion on nuclear proliferation, he jokingly suggested, as if nukes were advertised on TV, ‘Minuteman Missile Silos— Impress Your Friends.’ It took me by surprise like if someone asked you to hand them a piano. Gonz had of way of perking my interest in whatever would be the day’s subject matter. He blew the covers off the textbooks and encouraged self-directed investigation. He often comes to mind when I read contemporary recounts of history.”–Tim Eskew ’86

“Gonz’s teaching of history, especially when I took his Russian history course in 1991 during the fall of the Soviet Union, inspired my collegiate studies and later key parts of my career as a journalist. But the one thing that stands out

the most was when he told us about the head of the Soviet Secret Police, Lavrentiy Beria, putting a tomato on Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov’s chair and laughing at him when he sat on it. It was like Gonz had been there 50 years earlier and saw it himself. I thought he might have made it up, but 25 years later, I was watching the comedy The Death of Stalin and there it was: Beria putting tomatoes in people’s pants!”–David Hammer ’93

Diego’s Picks

For more shared alumni memories, scan the QR code

historians can’t write to

mind are the strong writers.” - D.G.

Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev (“It’s vital.”)

The Devils by Fyodor Dostoevsky (“For those interested in the Russian soul”)

Oxford History of England, 1914 -1945 by A.J.P. Taylor (“I’m obsessed right now with the chaos of British politics, and Taylor

A Distant Mirror by Barbara Tuchman (“She took on the 14th century here, which was post-plague, and we can learn from this because we are in a post-pandemic period now, and it’s painful, dislocated, not smooth sailing. We have our share of quacks now, just like in the 14th century, and it depresses the dickens out of me, but we have to prepare to live through it and prepare to change it for the better.”)

“I came to Franklin in 1975 as a timid short girl remember intense battles against Newman and how we left it all on the field. I even remember going to soccer games for my older brothers while I was in lower school and middle school and thinking – when I get to high school, I’m going to be on his team and make him proud. Thank you for all you’ve done to inspire me, and countless more, to do our best and reach new heights.” –David Ganitsky ’99

who had no idea where my life would be heading. I left as a timid short girl in 1979, but incredibly more informed generally but especially on what questions I needed to ask as I navigated my life. Although I struggled mightily through the years on whether to continue on my way to my dream of being a child and adolescent psychiatrist or to go rogue and follow my first instinct in becoming an historian, in the end it mattered more that my Franklin history teachers ( Mr. Gonzalez, Mr. Blaine, and Mr. Felton ) taught me the primary importance of always checking the facts; obtaining everyone’s point of view;

“In the snack room one day, Mr. Gonzalez walked by and someone got his attention and asked, ‘Mr.

and especially, to always keep in mind the generational, cultural, and broader based historical influences on people’s behaviors and decisions. For this, and especially to Mr. Gonzalez, I am so grateful to Franklin. Mr Gonzalez, I think you know how important you were to me as a lifelong teacher. I am just so happy to know there were so many others who felt the same.”–Deborah Thurber ’79

“Gonz – Congratulations on a fantastic career, and the countless lives you have impacted along the way. I consider myself lucky to be one of those. I think back to my time at Ben Franklin often. The school set me on a path that I never could have imagined as a firstgeneration immigrant to this country. In the classroom and on the soccer field – you demanded much of us. You taught us life lessons about preparation, hard work, leadership, and teamwork. I remember pushing myself academically in new ways in your European History AP class, learning how to write persuasive, fact-based essays. I remember running laps around the soccer field and the familiar smell of your pipe on a cold winter night. I

Gonzalez, what are your cats’ names?’ and he replied ‘Fang, Stupid, and Three through Seven’ and then continued on his way. I’d also like to say that no one did more to improve my ability to write than Mr. Gonzalez. His inimitable method of marking up essays is doubtless one of the most significant contributions to my success in college and professional life. He is a NOLA treasure, I am grateful I had the opportunity to take his classes, and I can barely imagine BFHS without him.”–Mark Bennett ’95

“Mr. Diego Gonzalez-Grande was a towering figure when I began studying at Ben Franklin. I will always be grateful that he made history come alive and took me aside to let me know that I belonged at Ben Franklin. Now I live in Brussels and have a first row seat to European history in the making and once again I am grateful that Mr. Gonzalez let me know that I belonged.”–Aldo Henriquez ’91

“...he made history come alive and took me aside to let me know that I belonged at Ben Franklin.”

What books should history enthusiasts be reading? “Most

save their souls and are as dull as dishwater. The ones that stick in my

is my favorite historian because he writes so well.”)

global classroom

For many years, Franklin has had a rich tradition of taking students on trips around the world. Starting with the World Language Department to destinations that were class-specific, the array of options now extends to the whole Franklin community and includes destinations such as Australia, Japan, the Galapagos Islands, and Costa Rica in addition to countries throughout Europe and the continental United States. Here at Franklin, the classroom has no geographical boundaries.

“T

ravel is the best educational investment you can make for your child.

“Experiencing other cultures challenges us, inspires us, teaches us, and gives us new perspectives on life and happiness. It forces us to step outside of our comfort zones and be brave in a multitude of ways, ranging from speaking other languages to using new forms of public transportation or simply just trying new foods.

“While abroad, we learn to communicate creatively, to need less, and – most important – to be grateful

These students have a huge advantage because stepping out into the world allows them to see new paths and possibilities and gives them opportunities to build self-confidence.

“And the lessons learned on the road are formative in ways that classroom lessons can never be. Most people cannot recall even one particular lesson from their four years of high school, but those students fortunate enough to travel can recall countless key moments from their adventures and the lessons learned from them.

for things we take for granted at home. And travel is particularly impactful for students, who get to discover themselves at a critical time in life, when they are expected to make major decisions.

“We return home better than we left ... with more compassion and cultural understanding, more confidence and drive. We gain a better sense of self and how we fit into the global community. And we learn to appreciate our imperfect homes and cities because travel proves that nowhere is perfect and everywhere has beauty.

“So when you have the chance to travel, take it. The return on your investment is immeasurable and will last a lifetime.”

–Rachel Becker ’99, Franklin teacher & parent, Global Classroom representative

Bike ride in Munich with faculty Jodee Pulizzano, Natalie Beck ’01, and Rachel Becker ’99.

“We return home better than we left...with more compassion and cultural understanding”

global classroom

perspectives

“I sponsored a student on the Japan trip for two main reasons:

1. I lived in Japan for two years while stationed there from 2012-2014 with the Navy and was fortunate enough to experience so much of their culture and landscape. I was in Misawa mostly and saw their mountains as well as big cities like Tokyo and Yokosuka, and I climbed Mt. Fuji. More people really should see these same sights.

2. My mother, Una Maria, wanted me to travel more when I was a child, but we never had extra money to cover the cost. If she were alive, she would want me to make this donation. My mom is like Jiminy Cricket on my shoulder telling me to be kind as often as I can.” –Chris Bolen ’98, donor

“I am extremely grateful to receive this opportunity. I look forward to marveling at the foreign wonders of Europe and being able to create these memories alongside like-minded peers. ‘A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions’ is a quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. that perfectly encompasses my thoughts on traveling.”–Derick Houston ’24, Global Citizen Scholar

“We were submerged in the Costa Rican culture for over a week through food, music, and exploration and conversing with the local residents.”–Emanda Ilechukwu ’21, Alumni Association Ambassador Award Recipient

“The first time I’ve been out of the country was when I visited Costa Rica with Benjamin Franklin High School. I am not a huge fan of the outdoors, but Costa Rica was so beautiful it inspired me to explore. I did so many things outside my comfort zone such as zip-lining across a dormant volcano range, horseback riding, exploring forests, hiking, kayaking, and so many more cool things. My favorite parts of the trip were trying different foods, visiting the hot springs, and our local tour guide Pav was absolutely amazing - he was very friendly and very knowledgeable.”–Dalisia Hughes ’21, Alumni Association Ambassador Award Recipient

Tyler Alphonse ‘23 reflects on his time as a Becnel Scholar: “This experience helped shape who I am now because I have a new perspective on how politics look globally and what I can do to become involved. We took classes at the University of Amsterdam on world government, cultural understanding, and even a Dutch language class. I was able to visit the United Nations’ International Criminal Court, the European Union’s Parliament in Brussels, Brussels Town Hall, and both the Eerste and Tweede Kamers in The Hague. I would have never imagined myself in such powerful, political buildings prior to this trip to the Netherlands and Belgium.”

changing lives one trip at a time

Student Travel Fund

Allows students to further their learning experience by actually seeing and/or experiencing what they have learned about in the classroom in real life.

Thurber Student Opportunity fund

Established by Mrs. Gueydon S. Thurber, in memory of Mr. Jack Lee Thurber, father of Deborah Thurber, Class of 1979, the fund’s purpose is to provide endowed financial support for the Student Needs Fund, which is dedicated to enhancing the BFHS learning environment by expanding educational opportunities for all students, through travel, mental health and wellbeing initiatives; assisting students with financial need; and funding of last resort for small but critical expenses.

The Wolfson Fund

Pays for student needs including field trips, travel to competitions, and other “extras” that constitute a full Franklin experience but are financially out of reach for some families.

For more about these funds, go to page 73.

Alumni Association

Every year, the BFHS Alumni Association accepts proposals to help fund student travel for those who have applied for support. The Association has helped numerous individual students travel abroad. Selected students also work on fundraising projects to help cover the costs.

To contribute, please visit bfhsla.org/payalumnidues and select from the drop-down menu.

Domestic trips are also available to students, including the Close-Up trip that brings participants to our nation’s capital to get a firsthand look at how our government works and tour all of the historical hot spots.

The Fine Arts Department, led by Natalie Beck ’01, loves to explore national art treasures throughout the country in such destinations as New York, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles. Beck says: “Art is meant to be experienced in person and not just through digital or printed reproductions. Bringing students to see these historical and contemporary masterpieces is transformational for any young artist or any student interested in creative endeavors. I may not remember everything I learned inside of a classroom, but I know I will never forget my experiences traveling and experiencing these unique cultural and art opportunites throughout the world.”

Student LIFE STEM Pathways

In collaboration with the LSU College of Engineering, the LSU School of Music, the LSU School of Art & Design, the LSU Cain Center, and the Louisiana Department of Education, BFHS is proud to provide programs for high school students that will better prepare them to compete in the 21st century. We started with two STE[A]M pathways for students to complete, Pre-Engineering and Digital Design, each consisting of four core courses and four electives. Students will earn credentials and be eligible for STEM Diploma Seals upon completion of all courses within the pathway. Some of the courses will afford students the opportunity to earn college credit at LSU.

The LSU Pre-Engineering curriculum provides a preengineering program for TOPS University diplomaseeking students. Though hands-on projects and interaction with industry professionals, students learn about careers available to them in the field of engineering as well as key skills such as teamwork, oral and written technical communications, and a work ethic that will serve them well in both college and the workforce.

The LSU Digital Design and Emergent Media Certification Pathway is designed with a 21st-century approach to media production, developing the skills and creativity for producing digital media from assets through final presentations. The pathway incorporates the STE[A]M disciplines to address the constantly transforming field of digital media, including digital storytelling and programming.

Senior Sunrise

Our Class of 2023 Student Activities Council and Student Advocacy Board started a new tradition, inviting all seniors to gather at dawn on the first day of school to welcome in the year. They plan to gather again for sunset on the final day of school to close out their time at BFHS.

Recess Returns

We all know Franklin students work hard, but last spring, our Student Activities Council decided to give them a chance to play hard, too. All students got a chance to re-embrace their childhood with Recess Returns – jump ropes, hula hoops, bubbles, and chalk were all available, and students played kickball and four-square. They also enjoyed nostalgic snacks: Goldfish, Rice Krispies treats, juice boxes, and popsicles.

Aspen Challenge

Who could lose with a tagline of: “We want second lines, not waterlines”?! Our Aspen Challenge team won the citywide challenge, along with Frederick A. Douglass Charter School and The NET Charter High School: Central City, and headed to Aspen for the final competition. Team members were Mandell Blackstone ’23, Jay Garcia ’22, Jack McComb ’23, Stoney McKnight ’22, Audrey Orzech ’25, Akshita Sridhar ’25, Cecile Usdin ’25, and Christina You ’23. Students were selected based on their willingness to work as a team, passion for a social justice topic, exhibiting bravery in facing something new, a unique skill they could bring to the team, their personal motivation to participate, and a teacher recommendation. They worked with Rebecca Gaillot and Rachel Becker ’99 as their faculty advisers.

franklin Flashback

The old Carrollton Courthouse, which housed Ben Franklin High School from its founding in 1957 until the school moved to its current Lakefront campus in 1990, was built in 1855 by noted New Orleans architect Henry Howard. The building held schools before and after Franklin: It served as the campus for McDonogh School No. 23 until 1950 and then as an extension campus for Lusher and Audubon charter schools. It has sat empty since 2013. It sold at auction in 2017 for $4.7 million to a Houston-based developer who is restoring the main building and turning it into a senior living facility.

Students from the “old campus” days have fond memories of wood floors and high ceilings, of congregating at nearby coffee shops and restaurants, and of the “Roman Candy man” passing by – and not-so-fond memories of sweltering days in late spring and caterpillars dropping on them from the oak trees.

In just two years, BFHS will have been at its new location longer than it was at its old location –but regardless of which campus you called home, we’re proud to count you as a Falcon!

THEN & NOW

Started as a “space race” school, Ben Franklin has always been a place for students who excel in math and science. The technology has evolved since we opened our doors in 1957, but the passion our students have for these subjects remains unchanged -- our Mu Alpha Theta team is still going strong, even as it’s joined by Voodoo Voltage, our award-winning robotics team; Computer Science Club; and Code for Change.

Last year, as our auditorium renovations wrapped up, we hired Ms. Jana Kreutziger to take over our Talented in Theatre program as well as lead our Key Players in several school productions every year. A Franklin parent, Ms. Kreutziger holds a B.A. in theatre and French from Sewanee: The University of the South and an MFA from the Actors Studio Drama School at The New School. She has more than 25 years of teaching experience, most recently as the chair of the Performing Arts Department at The Spence School in New York City. She is also associate artistic director at Crescent City Stage.

Her first performance was The Laramie Project, a verbatim theatre depiction of the days surrounding the murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard. With a cast and crew of 80, Ms. K, as she is lovingly known, had her hands full, but she still managed to arrange a Zoom session with two of the writers of The Laramie Project in New York. Tectonic Theatre Project members Leigh Fondakowski and Jeffrey LaHoste generously gave their time to speak about writing the play and the greater impact of the piece, as well as answer questions from our curious young thespians. With donations from ticket sales and a fundraiser in coordination with the Gender Sexuality Alliance and the Student Advocacy Board, BFHS made a donation of $200 to the Matthew Shepard Foundation and $60 to The Trevor Project.

Ms. K is happy to be at Franklin and loves the new theatre space: “The Franklin theatre program is on the move!” she said. “With upgraded costume racks, additional floor microphones, new dressing tables and mirrors (and more!), the students are performing in a space that now reflects their commitment to the work. With a newfound dedication to theatrical productions and training techniques, our young artists are provided an increasing variety of opportunities to step into the spotlight or work behind the scenes to fulfill their theatrical visions. It is with great enthusiasm and joy that I am able to support and guide their aspirations, and we hope that the wider Franklin community will appreciate and embrace our progress!”

WORLD’S

Franklin’s

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

Franklin’s auditoirum gets a world-class upgrade.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Anonymous Donors

New Orleans Theatre Association

The RosaMary Foundation Keller Family Foundation

The Selley Foundation

Zemurray Foundation

Mr. Zachary K. Lemann

Parkside Foundation

Energy Smart New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation

Dr. Holly G. Groh, M.D., and Mr. Kirk P. Groh, Esq.

Bayer

Dow Chemical Company Walmart

Parent, Alumni, and Parent of Alumni Donors

Lowes

Behr Paint Home Depot

Mr. Mitchell W. Turnbough

Mrs. Francoise R. McHugh

After the renovation

Before the renovation

Accolades

Academic

• Niche.com ranked Franklin # 1 in Louisiana

• USA Today named Franklin the #1 public school in the state

• 99% of graduates attend a four-year college

• 150 colleges send recruiters to the campus annually

• 16 National Merit Finalists in 2021, along with 15 Commended Students, 18 National African American Scholars, seven National Hispanic Scholars, and one National Indigenous Scholar

• Anita Zahiri ’22 named Louisiana High School Student of the Year

• Faculty include past winners of Louisiana Teacher of the Year Kate Youngblood ’09 and Chris Dier

• Teacher Jay Weisman won 2022 Milken Educator Award, known as “the Oscars for Teachers”

• 200 AP Scholar Award recipients in 2022

• 4 POSSE Scholars in 2022

• 2 QuestBridge Scholars in 2022: Full rides to Princeton University & Stanford University

• 3 Presidential Scholar nominees

• 2021 National Blue Ribbon for Excellence Award Winner (5th time)

• Advanced Placement Program No. 1 in Louisiana

• Sophie Roussel ’24 awarded the National Security Language Initiative for Youth scholarship to study abroad in Indonesia

• Our Aspen Challenge team won citywide and went to Aspen, Colorado, to compete at the national level and present their awareness campaign on sea level rise at the Aspen Ideas Institute

• First place at GNO STEM and IEEE Power Challenge

• Nine students represented at Louisiana Youth Seminar

• Elio Sharp ’25 named Louisiana Quick Chess State Champion

• Helena Usey ’22 named “40 Under 40” by Gambit Weekly

• Lauren Ejiaga ’23 chosen for National Alliance for Public Charter Schools’ inaugural Rising Leaders cohort

• Christina You ’23, Jasmin Kumar ’23, and Elliott Gomes ’24 named to Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council

• Tyler Alphonse ’23 traveled to Amsterdam as a Becnel Scholar

Artistic

• Alastair Deng ’23 selected to be part of the All-National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C.

• Brianna Robertson ’23 (drawing) and Skylar Kelly ’23 (modern dance) won Gold at the New Orleans NAACP Afro-Academic Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics and competed on the national level in Atlantic City, N.J. Kelly took Bronze at nationals.

• Arts STEAM Pathways partnership with LSU

• Eight students named to All-State Orchestra

• Sebastien Barrau ’23 and Grace Fortuné ’23 were awarded the Junior Philharmonic Society’s Lawrence and Victoria Blanchard Ensemble Award. Barrau also won the 9-12 Division of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra 2022-2023 Young Artists’ Concerto Competition

Athletics

• Athletic Director Chrissa Hailey earned the 2021 National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association State Award of Merit from the LA High School Athletic Directors Association

• Jada Washington ’22 signed to play basketball for Loyola University New Orleans

• Allie Givens ’22 signed to Loyola University New Orleans’ dance team

• Annabel Allen ’22 and Grace Delpit ’22 named to All-State volleyball team

• Alex Michael ’23, Behr Richeson ’22, Isabella Lopez ’22, and Anna Mobley ’22 named to All-Metro soccer team

• Volleyball advanced to state semifinals in 2021 and 2021 and quarterfinals in 2020. The team has earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award for 11 straight years

• Girls’ basketball advanced to the state semifinals in 2022

• Boys’ soccer advanced to the state semifinals in 2021 & 2022, state runners-up in 2020

• Girls’ soccer advanced to state quarterfinals in 2021 & 2022, semifinals in 2020

• Lee Tao ’23 and Christina You ’23 earned Academic All-State Athlete awards. Tao won gold and silver in his events at the state meet in November.

honor roll of donors

The Honor Roll of Donors is published by the Friends of Franklin Foundation’s Development Office. We are very grateful to each parent, alumnus, alumna, grandparent, past parent, board member, faculty/staff member, foundation, corporation, and friend who donated to the school/foundation, the BFHS Alumni Association, or the BFHS Athletic Association during the past three fiscal years of July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2022. Your gifts played a critical role in supporting our exceptional students and the school’s spectrum of outstanding programs.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the listings in this report. We regret and apologize for any inadvertent errors or omissions and ask that you please notify Christy Cowart Read ’89, Development Director, at (504)-286-2615 or cread@bfhsla.org to correct our records accordingly.

Thank YOU for your generous support!

Anonymous Donors (162)

Abbott Laboratories Company

ABM Education

Mr. and Mrs. Amir Abrams

Aylin Acikalin 1994 Dr. Tamer Acikalin

Frank Adams 1975 Linnet Adams 2017

Ms. Patricia A. Adams Ms. Victoria Adams Keith Adler Adler’s

Rick Adrouny 1970 Salpi Adrouny 1963

Advantar-Star Automotive Research Corp. of America

AES Consultants, LLC/GameTime Fundraisers

Air Force Association

Jane Aitkens 1964

Mr. and Mrs. Marcus A. Akinlana Mr. and Mrs. De Sean K. Akins

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Albano

David Albers 1970 Mrs. Laura M. Alcoriza Ms. Dianne T. Alexander Samantha Alexander 2005

Mr. and Mrs. Nagi J. Al-Fouzan Mr. and Mrs. Brian Allee-Walsh

Anne Allen 2009

Ms. Ashley M. Allen Mr. Benjamin L. Allen III Mr. and Mrs. Donald Allen, Jr. Mr. Derrick L. Allen Ms. Elise R. Allen Mr. Jason Allen Mr. Jeffrey Allen Cielo Alleyn

Diane Beaudette Allison 1979 Ms. Kate Alter

Mr. Joseph Aluise Andrew Amacker 1996 AmazonSmile

Ken Ament 1970

American Chemical Society American Endowment Foundation Ms. Elizabeth Amoss

Robert Ancker 1984

Barry Andalman 1970 Dr. Brianne Anderson and Mr. Jared Anderson Courtney Anderson 1995 Lyn Anderson Ms. Pamela Anderson

Ms. Rachel Anderson Mrs. Eboni M. Anderson-Flood Mr. Sam Andrews Ms. Alexis L. Annis Jon Antin 1979 Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius C. Apffel III Mr. Ed Apffel Ms. Jane Apffel Dr. Amy Glick and Dr. Christopher M. Arcement Ms. Victoria Ryan and Mr. Leandro C. Area Mark Arimura 1978

Andrea Craig Armstrong 1993 Arnaud’s Restaurant Erik Arnold 1988 John Arnold 1986 and Madelynn Gibbs Arnold 1986 R.J. Arnold 2001 Jay Aronowitz 1976 Vicki Arroyo 1981 Anna Artiomow 1992 Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge Barry Ashe 1974 and Susan Stiltner Ashe 1977 Glenn Ashe 1965 Stephen Ashe 2004 Barbara Ashe-Pruett 1976 Astor Crown Plaza Mr. and Mrs. Christopher B. Atencio Ms. Gail Atkins Anne Shiff Atkinson 1964 Dan F. Au 1998 Dan Y. Au 1997 Audubon Nature Institute Khine Aung 1998 Autodesk Foundation Employee Engagement Fund Donaka Autry 2016 Mrs. Katherine August-Autry and Mr. Donald Autry Ms. Maureen E. Johnson and Mr. Charlie J. Avery III Mr. and Mrs. J. Benjamin Avin Mr. Kevin Avin Ms. Mary Avin Mr. and Mrs. Steven K. Ayres Azby’s

The Azby Fund Aztec Group Sonja Rusek Bacuetes 2009 Mr. Don Badie Ms. Christine Bagneris Bruce Baguley 1964 Dara Loetzerich Baird 1977 and Bruce Baird 1975 Donna Traub Baldassaro 1978 Jose Balduz 1977 Torrey Wood Baldwin 1998 Jean Morgan Ballanco 1965

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Behr

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Mr. and Mrs. Michael G. Carney Carol Robinson Gallery

Carole B. and Kenneth J. Boudreaux Foundation

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Jessica Clark Chandamuri 2000 Mr. and Mrs. Shaun E. Chapital Ms. Anne Chapman

Kathleen Mumphrey Chapman 1986 Charities Aid Foundation of America

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City Putt

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Scarth Clark 1983 and Ginger Ellis-Clark 1983 Dr. and Mrs. John F. Clarke

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Roy Clay 1975 and Sacha Borenstein Clay 1981

David Clement 1976

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Sharon Hogan Cloninger 1971 The Coca-Cola Foundation Ms. Cynthia Cocke Courtney Coffey 2005 Ms. Margaret Coffin Courtney Cola 2008 Monique McKenna Coleman 1990 Maria Colina 2014

Jacques Collet-Dofny 2009

Carron Collier 1985 Wayne Collier 1963 Mrs. Judith L. Stone-Collins and Mr. Benny R. Collins Dr. and Mrs. Richard W. Collins

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Caroline McCarthy Conway 1984 Joanne Kurjan Cook 1984 Mr. and Mrs. Eric M. Cook Sarah Smith Cook 1999 Drew Cooke 1997

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Mr. and Mrs. John D. Cope Charlton Copeland 1992 Ms. Claudia S. Copeland Kirsten Copeland 2000 Peter Corby 1987 Ron Corley 1966 Cornerstone

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Carolyn Juday Craig 1977

Mr. and Mrs. John S. Creevy Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts Ms. Collette Creppell and Judge Stephen A. Higginson Crescent City Veterinary Hospital Dr. Crawford Crews

Nathan Crone 1981 Camille Cropley 2014 Ms. Lorelei Cropley Marcus Cropley 2018 Kristin Crosby 1969 Charles Crosson 1965 Lila Kay Crotty 1970 Robert Crowder 1966 Mr. and Mrs. Valiant J. Cuiellette, Jr. Dora Nicopoulos Cullen 1991 Ms. Candace S. Cunningham Suzanne Randolph Cunningham 1970 Mrs. Stephanie E. Currie and Dr. Thomas C. Currie Ashley Curtis 1995 Ms. Helen M. Curtis Shaneika Dabney-Henderson 1996 Christina Daggett 2006 Diann Ruiz Daigle 1989 Dotty Lester Dake 1964 Mrs. Janet Daley Ms. Caroline Daly Elizabeth Daly 2019 Ms. Karen Daly Patrick Daly 2019 Bill Daly 1974 and Theresa Daly Mr. Dung V. Dang and Ms. Dung A. Vu Lisa Lawrence Daniel 1986 Natalie Meier Danon 1998 Ms. Soudamini Mishra and Mr. Srikanta Dash Deepa Dhume Datta 2001 Mike Daum 1990 Lori Davenport 1987

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Essie Glakpe Davis 2002 Ms. Jessica R. Davis Jody Davis

Matthew Davis 2004 Mr. Patrick J. Davis Mr. and Mrs. Richard Davis Marc Dawson 1990 Ms. Donna M. Day

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Sarah Dendy 2004

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Ms. Daniele Denis

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Jim Dennard 1999

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Ms. Darleen I. Mipro and Mr. Michael C. Depp Mrs. Rachel J. Deris P. J. Deterville Deutsches Haus Inc Deutsches Haus Ladies Auxiliary Ayesha Chacko Dhir 2007 Letty Di Giulio George Diaz 1982 Lyn W. Dickmann Dick’s Sports Mr. and Mrs. Volker Dicks Susan Diem 1981 Mr. Chris Dier Ms. Jacqueline A. De Lerno and Mr. Arnaud A. G. C. Dieudonne

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Lori Donaldson Dowden 1978 Mr. Henry J. Dreyfus Patty Gugliuzza Driever 1979 Mr. Walter Drill

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Sonia Wharton Dyer 1969

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ECOLAB-Community Relations

Will Eddins 1969

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Elizabeth Abney Furrh Family Foundation

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Deeth Krotzer Ellis 1983

Mr. and Mrs. Steven G. Ellis Elysian Fields Animal Clinic Dr. Mini Elnaggar and Mr. Tarek Elnaggar Mr. and Mrs. Durund F. Elzey, Sr. Emergency Connectivity Fund of the FCC Energy Smart

Mr. Daniel Englert

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Ms. Ashley J. Ernst and Mr. Markel Guice Christa Estes 1987

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Firestone Family Foundation First Louisiana-Mississippi, Inc. FIRST Robotics Team

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Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation

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Michelle LaFleur Goetz 1991

Jack Goldberg 1961

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Jim Good 1976 and Laura Ward Good 1976

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James Goodlad 2004 Ke’Tondra Goods

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Schuyler Grant 1974

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Greater New Orleans Foundation

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Guy Lyman Fine Art Ms. Cynthia I. Haas

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Ms. Marlene Friis and Mr. Michael L. Hecht Mr. Richard Hecht Dr. and Mrs. Wayne J. Hellstrom Amanda Bourgeois Hellwig 1994 Mr. and Mrs. Richelieu D. Hemphill Ms. Alice Henderson and Mr. Caroll Grevenberg Billy Hendricks 1967 Dana Henry 1991 Ms. Marcia Henry Dr. Shane Henry Mr. Troy Henry Ms. Michelle Herbert Josh Herbez 1997 Peter Herman 2005 Hermann-Grima/Gallier Historic Houses Jason Hernandez 1999 Ms. Sonya B. Herring Suzanne Babylon Herzog 1994 Mr. Michael Hess Valerie Hesse 1985 Cassandra Arnold Hetherington 1990 Mrs. Sarah H. Heyl Maury Hicks 1970 Dr. Renée B. Hickson Sharon Krejcu Hidden 1970 Higgins Hotel, New Orleans Mary Robinson Higgins 1988 Dr. Cathy S. Hightower Ann Commagere Hijuelos 2002 Darren Hill 1978 Jubi Hillery Hilton New Orleans Riverside Brooke Hilzim 2006 Lok W. Hime

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Gene Hullinghorst 1966 Gerrelda Ferrand Humphrey 2000

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Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. Greg Hurley 1984

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Mark Hurst 1990 Kim Huynh 1998 Tin Huynh 1994 Juana Ibanez 1977

IMOTO Photo

Eric Imperial 1982 Intel Foundation

Intercontinental New Orleans

Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Ireland, Jr. Mrs. Molly B. Irland

Kate Irvin 1989

Ms. Geralyn M. Isaac Jalence Isles 2004 Maureen Iverson 2004

Bill Janowsky 1985 and Lisa Amato Janowsky 1985

Ms. Nicole Jasper

Betsy Springgate Jayasuriya 1984

JC Penney

Mrs. Lynn C. Jenkins Betty Kreuger Jensen 1989

Lauren Jensen 2005 Mrs. Susanne Jernigan Jewish Communal Fund Jewish Endowment Foundation of Louisiana Ms. Leslie Joanos

The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation

Andy Johansson 1960

Charles Johnson 1979 Mr. David Johnson Mr. Dwayne Johnson Johnson Investment Counsel Ms. Jane L. Johnson

Jeremiah Johnson 1988

Trey Johnston 1975 Jason Jolls 1990

Clare Jones 2006 Kathleen Jones 1980 Mr. Kenneth J. Jones Martin Jones 1962 Mr. and Mrs. William C. Jones IV

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Matt Kayser 1996 Mr. Joseph Kearns

Dr. Catherine N. Keegan and Mr. John A. Keegan Ms. Yvonne I. Keegan

Marylouise Danielson Keenan 1966 Keep Louisiana Beautiful, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Charles V. Kehoe II Keller Family Foundation Nick Keller 1979 Sandra Dantin Keller 1982 Adele Laslie Kellman 1963 Laura Riemer Kellum 1987 McNeil Kemmerly 1974 Kendra Scott Collections Ms. Blainey Kern David Kerth 1989 Mr. and Mrs. Gary J. Kessel Kettering University Ms. Jenifer L. Kibby

Rodney Kiel 1977 Mr. and Mrs. Eric R. Kijko Jamie Killeen 1974 Mr. and Mrs. Walter M. Kimbrough

Naomi Usprich Kirby 1975

Clay Kirby 2002 Mr. Adam . Kirschman

The Kirschman Foundation for Health and Education Mr. Matthew A. Kirschman Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Kirschman Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kirschman Ms. Nancy Kittay-Litwin Ms. Shannon R. Kitto Geoffrey Kitzman 1998

Elena Cambre ’04 & Eve Peyton ’98 with spouses 2022 retirees Francoise McHugh, Janie Maher, & Diego Gonzalez-Grande

Former faculty Dr. Pat Bany & Lydia Melendreras with Daniel Schenck ’94

Kiwanis Children’s Fund

Kiwanis Club of New Orleans

Mrs. Suri L. Duitch and Mr. Neil S. Kleiman

Anne Duffy Klein 1982

Katherine Ireland Klick 2002

Mr. Mark B. Kline

Gretchen Fox Klobucar 2005 Dr. Naomi Y. Klos and Mr. Stanley Klos

Ken Kneipp 1962

Stephanie Knopp 1968

Mr. and Mrs. Steven W. Knott

Seth Knudsen 2000

Joni Scarnato Kobrock 1985

Mary Koen 1968

Susan Koen 1969

Dr. Amy B. Kolenovsky and Mr. Gregory A. Kolenovsky Zoe Kolenovsky 2022

Nicole Kolinsky 2001 Lee Koonce

Ann Koppel 1990

Ms. Janice J. Kornman

Mr. Keith A. Kornman

Jenny Juge Kottler 1979

Mr. and Mrs. Kent A. Kozina Dr. Eirinn E. Erny and Mr. Gregory J. Kozlowski Ms. Sara A. Echaniz and Dr. Peter C. Krause Mr. and Mrs. Donald Krebs

Dr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Kreutziger Krewe of Pygmalion, Inc.

Ann Bennett Krueger 1970

William Ktsanes 1980

Karen Clasen Kucik 1961

Chuck Kuhnell 1960

Dr. and Mrs. Anil Kukreja Ms. Jasmin Kumar

Aaron Kunz 2001

Ms. Donna Kunz

Rick Kurz 1963

Ivy Kushner

Mr. and Mrs. Floyd M. Kyle

LA Academy of Performing Arts

Kay Wendt La Sota 1977

Dr. and Mrs. Pablo J. Labadie

Scott LaBarre 1977

Kristen Labat 1989 Ms. Betsy Laborde Mrs. Delores A. LaBranche Mr. and Mrs. Michael Labranche Ms. Suzanne B. Lacey Mr. David Lago Laitram Corporation, L.L.C.

Lakeview Veterinary Hospital

Thomas Lambert 2006

Julie Shadix Landau 1966 and Julian Landau 1966

Juliette Landphair 1985

Erica Landry 2005 Ms. Margaret Landry Dominique Lang 2006 Jay Lanners 1979 Ms. Yvette Lapeyre Mr. Maxim Lapushin Abby Larimer 2001

Sean LaRocca 1984 and Kathy Randels 1987

Las Carnitas Restaurant

Lauren Lastrapes 1997

Mr. and Mrs. Fernand L. Laudumiey IV

Michael Laufer 1971

Andrew Lauland 1992

Elwood Lauland 1963

Nahum Laventhal 1973

Jamie Lawrence 1999

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory HOME Campaign

Michael Lawrence 1986 Mr. Eric D. Lazartigues

Lexie Panter Lazarus 1982 Kayla Le 2019

Dr. and Mrs. Kiet Le Le Meridien New Orleans

Le Petite Theatre Mr. Stephen LeBlanc Ellen Martinez LeBoeuf 1987 Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Lee Sung-Hey Lee 1978 Charles Lee 1981 Elizabeth Lehmann 1974 Leidos

Lily Leiva 1990

Kris Lelong

Mr. Zachary K. Lemann Ms. Tandra LeMay Withan Lemmon 1983 Mr. Josh Lemoine Mr. Lee J. Lemond

Daniel Lennon 1992

Todd Leopold 1982

Vera Lester 1998

Jonathan Levin 1964 Scott Levitan 1973

Tom Levitan 1969 Ari Levith 1966

Leah Levkowicz 1997 Ellen Levy 1983

Jonathan Levy 2003

Sandy Katz Levy 1965

Mr. and Mrs. Francis E. Lewis

Dr. Nghana T. Lewis Gauff

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey D. Lewis

Rosalind Jones Lewis 1995

Joe Leyda 1989

Victoria Li 2018

Ching Liang 1976 Shen Liang 1974

Dianne Bresnahan Liebrader 1983 Dr. Raweewan Liengsawangwong and Mr. Praimakorn Liengsawangwong Pamela Rodriguez Lightfoot 1976

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Limar, Jr. Sameka Lindsay 2015

Norman Lindsey 1981 Ms. Jennifer M. Lindsley

DeeGee Levin Liniado 1977 Ms. Kathleen Lipford Mr. Dusk Lipton

Lacy Smith Lister 2002 Ms. Sarah Little

Diane Williamson Lloyd 1962

Lindsay Hevron Lloyd 1999

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. Lloyd Mr. and Mrs. Steven W. Lloyd Ms. Susan G. Locascio

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company Loft 18

Dawn Logsdon 1979 Mr. Art Lombard Mr. Guy A. Lombard

Longue Vue House and Gardens Ms. Mary Looney

Christina Loosemore-Hogan 1994 Mr. Kevin Lopez Mr. Roberto Lopéz

Mrs. Belen A. Lopez-Addison and Mr. Jon Addison Ms. Claire Lopiccolo

Mr. Allen J. Lottinger, Jr.

Christine Dimitry Louie 1997

Chrystal Louis 1993

Louise H. Moffett Family Foundation

Louisiana Chapter of AATG

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Louisiana Charter School Alliance DBA Greater New Orleans Collaborative of Charter Schools

Louisiana State University Edith Lovegren 1977

John Lovegren 1977 Mr. Lawrence L. Lovell III and Ms. Ariana Ganak

Ms. Lori Lowery Lowes

Tish Eddins Lowrey 1970 Ms. Weihong Tu and Mr. Youming Lu Jenny Ostroske Luke 1999 Mr. Daniel Lumbard Ms. Susan Lupton Mr. and Mrs. Gregory P. Lusignan Mr. Guy C. Lyman III Nicholas Lynch 2009 Ms. Javelyn W. Lyons Mr. Eric Macaluso Mr. Paul MacDowell Jane Reardon Macika 1978 Shannon Macika 2010 Mrs. Barbara Mack Sean Mack 1991 Tony Magee 2004 Kathy Mague 1987 Mr. and Mrs. Sathiadev Mahesh Candice Gilly Mahoney 1998 Chris Malek 1978 Ms. Dorothy A. Malik and Mr. Stephen C. Tyler Seth Malin 1971 Dennis Malloy 1973 Lindsay Murphy Maloan 2001 Desiree Mouton Mance 1991 Ms. Leigh Manganello Bart Manguno 1988 J. Manion

Ann Ferguson Mann 1965 Mr. and Mrs. Arthur S. Mann III Mr. and Mrs. Christopher S. Mann Peter Mann 1977

Meredith Many 1970 Wick Many 1965 Ms. K’Lenese Mapp Melinda Marchiz-Wentworth 1975 Mignonne Beaudoin Marcontell 1996 Rebecca Skupin Marcontell 1986 Mardi Gras Parade Bands II LLC Mr. Ronald S. Markham and Ms. Miranda Restovic Philip Marks 1964 Ms. Penny L. Marlar and Dr. Jamie Buth Ms. Beth Marquar Mr. and Mrs. Andrew S. Marsh Kristen Marsh 1990 D. Marshall Ms. Shanta D. Martin

Laura Carney Martinez 1964 Ms. Laura C. Martinez and Mr. Jesus E. Lopez

Sophie Ryan Martinez 2005

David Mascari 1995

Susan Mason 1970

Mrs. Shelley S. Massengale

Ms. Madeline Masterson

Jason Mathews 1998

Brittny Mathies 1999

Anne Matthews 1969

Mr. Brandon Mattingly

Jimira Maurice 2011

Lisa Lala Mauthe 1987 and Byron Mauthe 1987

Thomas Mavor 1986

Ms. Melanie A. Maxey

Deborah May 1967

Mr. William May

Ms. Amanda Mayeaux

Allie Mayer 2006

Josh Mayer 1979

Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Mayer

Dr. Kelly K. Mayes and Mr. Robert S. Mayes

Ms. Colette Kanda and Mr. Morgan Mbeky

Patrick McAdoo 1960

Brenda Butts McAllister 2000

Joan Marquette McCabe 1971

Morris McCain 1960

Dr. Kathryn McClure

Melissa Mitchell McCormick 1991

Ms. India A. Mack

Margaret McGill 1966

Jim McGowen 1969

Mr. and Mrs. James M. McGrew

Mrs. Françoise R. McHugh

Mr. Kenneth McKlinski

Byron McLain 1996

Colin McLetchie 1985

Scott McLetchie 1982 and Amelia McCarthy 1991

Ms. Chrishana McMaster

Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. McNamara

Frank McShane 2015

Jack McShane 2012

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. McShane

Melinda Falgout McWhite 1969

The Medtronic Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey A. Meeker

Mr. Kenneth Meeker

Ms. Claudette L. Bienvenu and Mr. Andrew D. Mendez

Ms. Sarah Mendler

Ms. Myra Menville

Merck Partnership for Giving

Merrill Lynch

Evelyn Merz 1969

Barbara Bird Meyer 1960 and Bob Meyer 1960

Franklin parent and board member Sean Blondell

Former faculty Ivan Gill & Sara Steinbauer with Dr. Gubala’s husband

Rachel Becker ’99

Mr. and Mrs. Shane M. Meyer

Leslie Meyers 1999

William Meyers 1967

Emily Davis Michael 1993 and Kenny Michael 1991

Mr. Joel Michael

Mr. and Mrs. Leszek Michalewicz

Ms. Brenda J. Hanegan and Mr. Hans J. Michel

Mr. Patrick B. Michell

Michelle Wuttke Photography

Melissa Schmitt Michiels 1988

Catherine Jeffers Michna 1994

William Micklin 1976

Microsoft Matching Gifts Program

Ms. Christy Migaud

Mr. and Mrs. Allen C. Miller, Sr. Beth Miller 1977

Dr. Jennifer G. True and Mr. Morgan W. Miller Ms. Sarah Miller

Mr. David Millet

Mr. Richard M. Millet

Jennifer Day Mills 1985

Rebecca Kastl Millsap 1998

Ms. Cheyla Milo

Ms. Ernestine Milo

Ms. Anastasia Minor

Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Mipro, Jr.

Anita Mital 1983

Mr. Daniel Mitchell

Mr. and Mrs. Hillary L. Mitchell

Ms. Lakeidra Mitchell

Lee Mitchell

Selarstean Mitchell

Mary Ann Hyde Miya 1962

Mr. and Mrs. Christian M. Mobley

Dr. Deidra A. Louis and Mr. Herlin P. Mogilles III

Daniella Moiseyev-Cunniffe 1990

Claire Molaison 2017

Remy Molaison 2018

Mr. and Mrs. Warren M. Molaison

Mr. and Mrs. Juan M. Molina Babs Beacham Mollere 1963 and Lou Davis 1963

Phillip Mollere 1962

Ms. Cynthia W. Molyneux

Carla Monroe-Posey 1966 and Douglas Posey 1966 Ms. Donna E. Montague

Denise Johnson Montell 1979

Angelique Montes 2013 Ms. Regine J. Montes-Barrau

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey M. Montz

Craig Moore 2009

Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Moore, Jr. Ms. Tracey Moore

Mr. Brian Mora

Victoria Mora 1991 Ms. Linda L. Baynham and Mr. Robert J. Moreau

Lucas Morehouse 1999 and Amanda Morehouse

Marji Lustick Morgan 1971

Morgan Stanley

Brooke Morrell 2000

Max Morrell 2021

Barbara Shepard Morris 1961

Faculty Darren Eady and his wife

Volleyball team helps with post-hurricane cleanup

The volleyball team helps with post-hurricane cleanup.

Ms. Eva M. Morris

Melanie Mexic Morris 1977

Ms. Nadiyah Morris

Emily Stickney Morrison 1977

Ms. Paige Morrison

Dr. and Mrs. Jason C. Morvant Ms. Heather Mosley Pejmun Motaghedi 1989

Motiva Enterprises

Alice Ryan Mount 2000

André Mouton 1983

Mr. and Mrs. Colin J. Muirhead

Anthony Mumphrey 1987

The Munch Factory Ms. Raquel J. Murphy

Frederick Myers 1998

Ms. Gillian Eggleston and Dr. Gerald O. Myers

Mr. and Mrs. Townsend M. Myers

Dr. Mary E. Mysing-Gubala

David Nadell 1994

Kim Nadell 1996

Jen Casey Nall 1989

Michael Nance 1980

Uday Nandipati 2010

Chelsey Richard Napoleon 1990

Mr. and Mrs. Roy M. Napoli Ms. Anupama Varadharajan and Mr. Ganapathi S. Narayanamoorthy

Amber Naresh 1995

Ragan Naresh 1997

NASA

Mr. and Mrs. Foster P. Nash III

National Football League Foundation National Philanthropic Trust Mr. Lorenzo Neal

Renee Ned-Sykes 1993 Ms. Teresa Neighbors

Gary Nelms 1973

Frank Nemec 1964 Netflix

Network for Good Amy Neuhardt 1986

Cynthia Neuman 1960

New Orleans Car Service

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation New Orleans Marriott New Orleans Pelicans New Orleans Pharmacy Museum New Orleans Saints New Orleans Theatre Association

New York Life

Mr. Chris Newell Ms. Tuyen C. N. Bui and Mr. Thai L. Ngo Austin Nguyen 2015 Ms. Yen T. K. Nguyen and Mr. Chau V. Nguyen Dr. Katrina P. Nguyen Mrs. Samantha T. Nguyen and Mr. Kevin Q. Nguyen Ms. Kim N. Nguyen Nhuong Nguyen 1992 Becca Nguyen 1993 Mr. and Mrs. Thanh Nguyen Julie Nice 1970 Ms. Deborah Nichols Mr. Matthew B. Nichols Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Lee Nichols Dr. Stacy O. Nicklow and Dr. John W. Nicklow Scott Niemeyer 1983 Henry Norris 1979 Susan Norris-Davis 1980 Mr. and Mrs. Ikechukwu M. Ntukogu Jim Nugent 1973 and Jane Haun Nugent 1974 Oak Alley Foundation

William Oakland 2006 Karen Kern O’Brien 1963 Ms. Shawn M. O’Brien Dr. Elise A. Occhipinti and Dr. Robert D. Occhipinti Tom O’Connor 1963 Germaine Odenheimer 1971 Mr. and Mrs. Tyrone Oglesby Ohiopyle Prints, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. John F. Olinde Becky Olivera 1973 Marcelle Olivier 2018 Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Olivier Pam Cook Olson 1987 Mr. Robert S. Olsonoski Omni Hotels Charlotte Mr. and Mrs. Joe O. Omojola Ms. Beth D. O’Neal Ms. Mary B. O’Neill

Class of ’82: Paige Wiegel, Kristin Smith, & Marcia Boudreaux

Adwoa Opoku-Boateng

Randy Opotowsky 1971

Mr. David O’Quinn

Mr. Martin B. Oramous

Rebecca Teichgraeber Ortega 1999

Michael Orth 1982 Ms. Alyce Ory

Dr. and Mrs. Mark D. Orzech

Scott Osborne 1994

Mr. Daniel E. Oser Pat Hanson Oster 1968 Mr. and Mrs. Brian J. Osterfeld Jamie Osterfeld

Mr. Paul Osterfeld Ms. Rebecca J. Osterfeld Ms. Anne Ostrom

Mr. David E. Ostwald

John Otis 1963

Mr. and Mrs. Jean A. Ouellet Ms. Huiching Chiang and Mr. Ying Ouyang Dr. Amanda Overstreet

Tom Owens 1972

The P. and C. Carroll Foundation P.E.O. Chapter P

Antonio Padial 1963 Jeff Page 1978

Linda Quaschnick Paige 1971 Archana Rao Paine 1995 and Whiton Paine 1995 Mr. Stephen Palazzo Ms. Emily A. Palit Ms. Brandy Panunti Mr. John G. Parauka

Alexis Parent Ferrouillet 1996 Dr. and Mrs. Geoffrey G. Parker Ms. Catherine J. Wager and Mr. John M. Parker V Parkside Foundation

Liz Parrott 1989

Mr. and Mrs. William M. Parsons Mr. and Mrs. Bhavesh C. Patel Sarah Pattison 2001 Ms. Amie F. Paul

Sharon Pauli 1966

Mary Jane Peace 1972 Mr. Donnie Pearson Ms. Kelly Pearson Ms. Maria T. Pearson and Mr. Steven Lewis Mrs. Roselyn Pedesclaux and Mr. Abram M. Pedesclaux Bob Peery 1966

Brittany Penn 2007 Peony NOLA PepsiCo Foundation

Perception Films

Mr. and Mrs. Grahme E. Perez Mr. Randall P. Perez Mr. and Mrs. Keith A. Perkins, Sr. Mikey Perkins 2020 Mr. and Mrs. James Perrien Ms. Elizabeth Perrin Alisha Johnson Perry 1989 James Person 1982 Victoria Person 1990 Nicole Hirstius Pertuit 1991 Gail Fenton Pesses 1973 Mr. and Mrs. John R. Peters III Karen Karm Peterson 1968 Mark Peterson 1970 Zach Peterson 2005 Mrs. Alicia H. Petitto and Mr. Jerald Anderson Eve Crawford Peyton 1998 Ms. Daryl K. Pfeif Ms. Nu T. Nguyen and Mr. Hai V. Pham Ms. Ngocanh T. Pham Tien Pham 1989 Mr. Bradley Philipson Brett Phillips 1979 Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Phinney Ms. Erin G. Pierce

Allie Grant Pierson 1991 Ms. Camille Pilliod Mr. William Pilliod

Clyte Pittman 1960 and Bonnie Helmore Pittman 1960 Daveida Pittman 1998 Scott Plauché 1981 Ferdinand Plavidal 1965 and Linda Capper Plavidal 1965

Amy Kocourek Plenger 1983 Don Poché 1977 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. Poché The Poetry Foundation Ms. Beth Poirrier Beth Davis Poirrier 1998

Polish Pedi and Nail Spa

Irena Politzer 1996

Henry Polmer 1963

Mr. Charles Ponder

Kelly Sutherland Pontano 1995

Mary Poole 1980

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel A. Porea

Mrs. Carole de Lay-Porée and Mr. Jeffrey Porée

Douglas Posey 1966

Ken Potter 1964

Mr. and Mrs. William R. Powe

Bonnie Powell 1989

Mr. and Mrs. Linc Pranikoff

Preservation Hall

Ken Preslan 1992

Peggy Preston 1986

Mr. Brian Prevost

Corey Prevost 2011

Dr. Sabrina T. Bent and Mr. Dennis J. Prevost

Ms. LaToya Prevost

Mr. Leo Prevost, Jr.

Eboni Price-Haywood 1991

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cliff Prince 1983

Pro Bono Publico Foundation

Jennifer Prout 1991

Dr. Kiran C. Angadi and Dr. Jonathan M. Pugh

Ms. Jodee E. Pulizzano

Caroline Edmunds Purdy 1995

Salil Puri 1996

Mr. and Mrs. Hung V. Quach

Tiffany Quach 2018

Mr. Francis P. Quinn IV

Ms. Aimee Quirk

Peter Raabe 1996

Mr. Philippe Radelet

Kyle Payne Radish 1997

Madalyn Radlauer 2004

Mrs. Karen B. Radosta

Dr. Jennifer A. Raeder and Mr. David Dawes Ms. Nicole M. Ragnone

Pamela Ragon 1970

Ms. Jamie N. Beck 2002 and Mr. Todd G. Ragusa

Sasha Rahman 2011

Diane Gollhofer Raines 1980

Mr. and Mrs. R. Michael Rainey Mr. Walter Rainey Shera Raisen 1981

Ralph Brennan Restaurant Group

Pradeep Ramamurthy 1999

Shokufeh Mojgani Ramirez 1991

Dr. Alison J. Quale and Dr. Alistair J. Ramsay

Mr. and Mrs. Kenan S. Rand, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John V. Rareshide

Jamie Raser 1970

Rau for Art Foundation

Ms. Sarah Ravits

Arnab Ray 1996

Lauren O’Connor Raymer

Mr. and Mrs. Ross A. Razin

RE/MAX N.O. Properties

Tennis duo Cate Daly’21 & Ameli Tucker’21 Soccer star Alex Michael ’23 Miya Scaggs ’21 & Madison Hillard ’21

Christy Cowart Read 1989 and Beau Read

Ms. Kendra S. Reade and Mr. Christopher R. Reade

Ms. Lisa R. Reamer

Glenn Reames 1967

Cameron Reed 2000 Jenea McLaughlin Reed 1998 Mr. and Mrs. Jerry C. Reed Anna Rees 2012

James Rees 1968 Reginelli’s Regions Financial Corporation

Alex Reinboth 2004 Helen Reinecke-Wilt 1981

Loren Remsberg 1997 Mr. Damian Rew

Marisa DeLeon Reyes 1992

CDR and Mrs. Joshua S. Reyher Noelle Barbay Reznik 1996 Ms. Ann Rhodenhiser

Dr. Erin M. Ribka and Mr. Paul D. Ribka

Matthew Rice 1999

Jennifer Richard 1989 Ms. Mary A. Richard Ms. Tara Richard

Bob Richards 1970

Mr. McGready L. Richeson and Ms. Leigh Ann Schell Karen O’Reilly Richmond 1980 † Shael Richmond 1978

Melissa Gordon Richter 1980 Lisa Mobley Rickert 2000

Ralph Riemer 1968 Emma Rieth 2013

Lauren Rieth 2010 Margot Rieth 2016

Richard Riggins 1983 Mr. Karl Ritchey Mark Ritchey 1979 David Rittvo 2000

Mrs. Anne G. Duval and Mr. Edward J. Rivera Heather Thompson Rivera 1997

Jack Rivera 1974

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Y. Roberson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Andre J. Robert Robert Half Finance & Accounting

Dr. John E. Roberts III

Mr. and Mrs. John E. Roberts, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bernard H. Robertson III Ms. Brianna Robertson

Sasha Robertson 2021 Fred Robertson 1977 Robertson Wealth Advisors, LLC

Meryl Robichaux 1980

Dean Robins 1966

Dr. Anne Robinson and Dr. Clifford R. Robinson Kenyattah Robinson 1994 Rodney Robinson 1984 Garner Robinson 2001 Mr. Tommy Robinson Rock N Bowl/Mid City Lanes Jana Rodgers 1976

Ms. Sophia L. Lowry and Mr. John D. Rodli Dr. Connie L. Rodriguez Ms. Peggy Rodriguez

Nicole Rodriguez-Fierro 2010 Catherine Maltezos Rolfes 1986 Mr. and Mrs. Antoine J. Romanos Dr. Susana L. Dipp and Dr. Ricardo V. Romero Ms. Tracey A. Romero Simone Rosa 1984 Alejandra Rosales The RosaMary Foundation Beran Rose 1991 Stuart Rose 1972 Ted Rosen 1981 Lisa Rosenbaum 1975 Harry Rosenberg 1965 Joel Rosenberg 1965 Jonathan Rosenberg 1994 Tracy Hernandez Rosenblatt 1986 Mr. Andrew S. Rosenthal Ms. Angela M. Rosenthal Ms. Leah T. Ross Zariah Ross 2017 Ms. Fay E. Kimbrell and Dr. Jeffrey C. Rouse Elizabeth Anderson Roussel 1995 Ms. Liz Roussel

Andrea Roussell 1962 Beryl Tullier Rowley 1971 Biswaroop Roy 1983 Ms. Chrissy Rubin Katye Evans Rubin 1984 and Jeff Rubin 1984 Ms. Kathleen Rubin Mark Rubin 1986 Ms. Stacy Rubin

Lucy Schonacher Ruffino 1963 Mr. Ronald S. Ruiz, Jr. Bill Rumage 1978 Paul Rumage 1976 Mr. and Mrs. Kevin C. Rung Charlie Runnels 1977 Mr. Chris Ruppert

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Ruppert Pamela Russell 1967

Mr. and Mrs. James T. Ryan

Read Rydberg 2013

Ronald Ryes 1989

Samuel Sadin 1997

John Saer 2008

Patty Delcambre Said 1986

Mr. and Mrs. Moiez Saifudeen

Rajiv Saigal 1996

Salesforce.org Foundation

Ms. Ashley L. Salmen

Stephanie Salvaggio 1987 and Eric Revels 1986 Ms. Caroline V. Green and Mr. Earl B. Sampson

Naomi Samuels 2012

Mr. and Mrs. Elton E. Sanders

Mr. and Mrs. James J. Sanders

Virginia Saussy 1984 Ms. Julia Sauter

Save the Music

Madhav Saxena 2005

Jeff Sbisa 1983

Kelly Titus Scalise 1994

Mr. and Mrs. Keith A. Scarmuzza Ms. Susan Schaps

Donna LaPorte Scharpf 1984

Daniel Schenck 1994

Margaret Cassingham Schieffer 1970

Lance Schiffman 1969

Robert Schindler 1975

Theresa Tran Schiro 1993

Gay Garner Schloegel 1962

Lisa Schmidt 1982 Ms. Isabelle S. Schneidau Scholarship America Ms. Marjorie H. Schramel Elizabeth Schreiber 2014

Louise Schreiner 1975 and Tim Ryan

Margaret Beacham Schuber 1965

Wendy Schudmak 1994

Schwab Charitable Fund

Nathan Schwam 1978 Shira Schwam-Baird 1972 and David Schwam-Baird 1973

Daniel Schwank 2011

Rebecca Berins Schwarz 1994

Ms. Gina G. Knight and Mr. Malcolm P. Schwarzenbach III Mr. Thomas Schwingeler

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Scieneaux

Mrs. Etheldra S. Scoggin

Mrs. Christina M. Scott

Mr. † and Mrs. John C. Scott Mr. Samuel Scott

Mr. and Mrs. William W. Scott Ms. Erin F. Crowley and Dr. John B. Seal

Natalie Gruning Seeboth 1996

Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. L. Seeg

Erica Seemann 1988

Adam Seip 2003

Ms. Elizabeth Selasky The Selley Foundation

Sempra Energy Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Sentilles Ms. Gladys C. Zavala and Mr. Roy A. Sequeira

Frank Serpas 1987 SFL Broadband

Mr. and Mrs. Mukesh Shah Tanvi Shah 2009

Ms. Denise Shaheed

Ms. Tina R. Shariff Ms. Rhonda Sharkawy Ms. Laura M. Wolford and Mr. Daniel B. Sharp Mr. and Mrs. David B. Sharpe Charline Shepard Shaw 1975

Jaime Yager Shcherbakov 2010

Ted Shear 1976

Ms. Christina Sheets

Shell Oil Company Foundation

Leopold Sher 1970

Sheraton Dallas Hotel Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

Lori Aronovich Sher 1990

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel M. Sherman Iman Shervington 2002 Mr. Bryne N. Sherwood and Ms. Miriam I. Barrios

Tony Hu, Chloe Kuang, and Keith Scarmuzza

Ms. Huahong Qiang and Dr. Lizheng Shi

Mr. Timothy Shickle

Carol Shih 2005

Skip Shipman 1964 Noah Shroyer 1991 Gayle Herman Siegel 1985 Molly Siemers 1991

Sign Gypsies New Orleans East Mary Connelly Silbernagel 1972 Dr. and Mrs. Francesco Simeone

Dennis Simpson 1963

Daniel Singer 1975 Ms. Janet C. Hoeffel and Mr. Stephen I. Singer Mr. Evan P. Sipher Dr. Bertram Sippola

Stacie Sire 1991 Ms. Jane Sizeler

Jennifer Cowin Skorupa 1979

Bob Sloan 1970

Mr. and Mrs. Peter B. Sloss

Anne Smith 1992

Brandy Smith 1998

Brittany Varnado Smith 2003 Ms. Cassandra Smith

Ms. Celeste Smith

Ms. Christina Smith Mr. Corey N. Smith

Gabe Smith 1983

Gabriel Smith 2017 Dr. and Mrs. James W. Smith Ms. Jeanne Smith Ms. Meredith L. Stanfill and Mr. Joseph C. Smith III

Kristin Smith 1982 Mr. Larry L. Smith, Jr. Mrs. and Mr. Laurie Smith Ms. Loren Smith

Michael Smith 1996 Ms. Ruby Smith

Sara Smith 2017

Stacey Smith 1996

Suzy Woolley Smith 1966 Mr. Michael H. Smither

Smithfield Foods, Inc. Ms. Cheryl A. Snow

Mary Soens 1974 Ms. Linda Soileau

Greg Soll 1991 Mr. Sandor T. Sommer

Jessica Williams Sorrels 1990

Class of 1982 40th reunion

Meera Unnithan Sossamon 2001

Dr. Eliana A. Soto

Southern Grocers

Ms. Susan Southon

Marthe Mann Souza 1992 Dr. Sally Spahn

Kurt Spanier 1973

Vivian Mazier Sparacio 1990

Specialty Marketing LTD

Karen Rinardo Speier 1965 Jac Sperling 1967

Lynn Hill Spragens 1976

Jonathan Sprague 1975

Ben Springgate 1990

Mr. Allen Square, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Vaniyambadi V. Sridhar Mr. and Mrs. Melvin A. Staes, Jr.

Steven Staires 1972

Deborah Torres Stark 1970

Robin Kaiser Stearn 1981

Jennifer Koch Steele 1993

Mr. Michael J. Stein Ms. Sara Steinbauer

Daniel Stephan 1984

Dick Stephens 1960

Richard Stetzer 1960

Andrea Spencer Stevens 2003 Ann Stevens 1975

Cecilia Stevenson-Partridge 2005 Mr. Joseph Stewart

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Stewart Ms. Lana Stewart

Rowan Stewart 2015 Ms. Sadie S. Stewart Ms. Michele R. Stiebing Ms. Katharine Stillman

Cara Strickland Stockwell 1992

Alexander Stone

Ms. Elisa Stone

Jill Covell Stone 1962 Ms. Sara Stone

Mr. and Mrs. William N. Stone III

Betsy Marsal Stout 1970 Mrs. Cheryl Strauss

Christopher Strauss 2004

James Strauss 1996

Dr. and Mrs. Louis S. Strauss

Penny Strenge 1966 Ms. Talicia Stringer

Tom Struppeck 1977

Stuart Rose Family Foundation

Diane Benit Stutts 1970

Mary Vidrine Sullivan 1983

Ms. Maureen O. Sullivan Monique Sullivan 1997 Mr. Stephen Sullivan Dr. and Mrs. Christopher M. Summa Ms. Lorraine Summers Mr. and Mrs. Steven Summers Mr. and Mrs. John Sumpter Sunbelt Rentals

Askia Suruma 1989 and Dawn deVillasana 1992 Dr. Rachana N. Sus and Mr. Neel S. Sus Mr. and Mrs. Dean A. Sutherland Erin Sutherland 2001

Mary Sutherland 1977 Ms. Dorothea M. Suthon Ms. Alisa H. Swain

Rachel Swan 2002 Mr. Gregory M. Swanson T. Rowe Price Foundation, Inc. Corie Barnes Talano 1996 Ms. Bonnie Talbot Mr. and Mrs. Brent Talbot Mr. and Mrs. Shaun K. Talbot Ms. Wei Wu and Mr. Baohua Tao

Target Ms. Alexandra Tassiello

Bryan Taylor 1975 † Ms. Christine W. Taylor Mrs. Elia Taylor Ms. Gary Taylor Gleander H. Taylor Ms. Rebecca Taylor Ms. Shari Taylor

Stanley Taylor 1999 Stephan Taylor 2004 Ms. Lisa Collins and Mr. Todd A. Taylor TD Ameritrade Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Teall Tegna Foundation

Alison Degan Tem 2007 Mr. and Mrs. Ryan E. Tesch Tania Tetlow 1988 Rev. and Mrs. Andrew R. Thayer Macon Davis Thoma 1993

Diana Thomas 2009 Ms. Geneva Thomas Mary Thomas 1973 Mrs. Melanie Thomas Ms. Melissa T. Thomas Ms. Ernestine Thomas-Jones Paul Thomason 1975 Mr. and Mrs. C. Clark Thompson

Class of 1982 Reunion (opposite)

Lee Thompson 1961 †

Ms. Muriel Thompson

Rachel Thompson-Brauner 1991 Ms. Erica F. Thorne

Deborah Thurber 1979 and Dawain Hachenberg 1978

Mrs. Gueydon S. Thurber

TIAA Charitable Inc. Mr. Jason Tilton

Mr. John Tippit Peter Title 1968

Suzette Toledano 1973 Renee Ogden Toledo 2001

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony L. C. Ton Kris Torberson 1988

Richard Torres 1972 and Lorraine Taylor Torres 1978 Dr. Regina Torsney-Durkin

Don Tortorice 1960

Beth Schoenbrun Toups 1976

KP Towers

Camly Tram 2015 Mrs. Hang Lam and Mr. Phuong Tram

Mr. and Mrs. De D. Tran

Ms. Thuy T. Hoang and Mr. Giang N. Tran

Jamie Tran 2012

Mrs. Frances T. Ngo and Mr. Nghiem N. Tran

Ms. Thoa T. Duong and Mr. Phuoc V. Tran Mr. and Mrs. Phuong D. Tran

Tyler Tran 2015

Van Tran 1989

Cary Trapani Ms. Marcia S. Travis

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Treadway

Maria Redmann Treffinger 1979 Ms. Donna Tregre

Debbie Clarke Trejo 1987

Becki Grimes Tripathy 1979

Bryan Trotter 1990

Cherie Courseault Trumbach 1992 and Greg Trumbach 1992

Amy Pumilia Tucker 1984 Ms. Pamela K. Tucker

Ms. Nichole R. Chauvin and Mr. Patrick W. Tucker

Dana D’Anzi Tuohy 1983 and Ed Tuohy Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell W. Turnbough

Crawford Tyler 2018 Emma Tyler 2011

Lori Evans Tyler 1994 Melissa Tyler 1998 Ms. Dorothy A. Malik and Mr. Stephen C. Tyler U.S. Charitable Gift Trust UBS Donor-Advised Fund

Jenny Wang Ulla 2004

United Way of Metropolitan Chicago Mr. Ronald A. Uribe Usdin for Orleans School Board

Lyle Usdin 2021 Ms. Sarah C. N. Usdin Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Usdin Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. Vaccaro Ms. Tona J. Zwanziger and Mr. Rafael A. Valdes Mr. Chandra R. Valipe Cynthia Hawes Van Dam 1977 Liz Wilks Van Dervort 2003

Gail Vander Stoep 1970 Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program

Zach Vaughn 1997 Rebekka Veith 2006 Mr. J. K. Veizer

Carol Amerland Venturatas 1970 and Steve Venturatas 1970 Ms. Nicole J. Verdan Verisk Analytics/Insurance Services Office, Inc. Verizon Ms. Allie W. Verlander Mr. Paul J. Verlander and Ms. Monique Singley Vertical Raise Trust Act

ViaSat Ms. Tara Videau Mr. and Mrs. Gus Vides Ms. Anamaria Villamarin-Lupin Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. Villarreal Ms. Rose Vinci

Karen Tonguis Vinet 1985 Ms. Christian B. T. Vo Ms. Anh T. Vu and Mr. Khoi C. Vo Max Vorhoff 2002

Vicki Vorisek 1977

Jane Beach Voytek 1969 Ms. Paula T. Nguyen and Mr. Than V. Vu Ms. Adrienne E. Shulman and Mr. Christopher S. O. Waddington Brittanie Bender Wade 2004

William Wade 1960

Sarah Bock Waggenspack 1998

Elizabeth Wagner 2020 Mr. and Mrs. Phillip J. Wagner

Shirley Wilson Wagner 1963 Sarah Arnold Waits 2002 Mandy Walkenhorst 2004 Ben Walker 2007 Mr. and Mrs. Cedric Walker Laurelin Ridolfo Walker 2002 Ms. Morgan Walker

Bob Walker 1964

Dr. and Mrs. Donald Walker

Skip Walker 1961 Ms. Janet Wallis

Walmart

Ms. Jennie S Allee Walsh

Mr. Aaron J. Walters

Mr. and Mrs. Blaine Walton

Grace Wang 1997

Dr. Ruby Xi and Mr. Jinjiang Wang Julie Wang 2002

Kevin Wang 2013

Lourdes Salvador Wang 1985

Jessie Wang-Grimm 1986 Al Ward 1964

Mary Zimmer Ward 1968 and Robert Ward 1968 Ms. Sherrill Wargnier

Mike Warner 1973

Mr. and Mrs. Corey D. Warren, Sr. Smitha Warrier 1996

Brit Washington 2013

Ms. Keiona S. Washington and Mr. Jeremiah Washington

Ms. Lindsey Washington

Julie Kanter Washko 1995

Arianne Watkins 2001 Karen D. Watkins

Mrs. Monique A. Watson and Mr. Bahiy A. Watson, Sr.

Ms. Bettie I. Watson

Ms. Martha Watson Ms. Oneka Watson Eddie Weaver 1971

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph V. Weaver Laura Webb 1977 Nia Weber 2008 WeFund4U

Kevin Wegener 1972 Aaron Weidenhaft 1998

John Weil 1975 and Dianne Perkowski Schindler 1975 Mr. Daniel P. Weiner

Mr. and Mrs. Erich J. Weishaupt

David Weiss 1970 Ms. Amber E. Welch

Brad Welch 1982

Mr. and Mrs. Henry R. Welch

Fred Welden 1976

Mrs. Melanie Weller and Mr. David B. Weller

Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC

Jeannie Welsh 1970 Ms. Luann Wenthold

Mr. Paul Werner

Sandy Werren 1980

Matthew Wessel 1996

Cammie West 1997

Charles West 1997

The Westin Hilton Head Island

The Westin Savannah Harbor Dawn Schoenbrun Wheeler 1977

Mr. and Mrs. Mark F. Whitaker

Marceé Jackson White 1996

Terrence White 1992 Mrs. Vera G. White Ms. Jennifer Whitehead

Ceci Redmann Whitehurst 1978 and Andrew Whitehurst 1978

Mr. and Mrs. Frank R. Whiteley III

Alyson Yaeger Whitesell 1977

Andrew Whitley 2001

Dr. Patrick R. Widhalm

Ms. Kristin E. Wiedemann and Mr. Andrew Thompson

Kathy Wiedorn 1975

Paige Wiegel 1982 Rev. Duane J. Wiggin-Nettles and Rev. Jane-Allison Wiggin-Nettles

Alan Wild 1970

Jacob Wilensky 1960 Lalenta Wilis Ava Wilkes 2021

Mr. and Mrs. Forrest R. Wilkes Zoe Wilkinson 1990 Susan Hotard Willard 1961 Brittney Williams 2005 Channon Williams

Mr. and Mrs. Chester A. Williams Cindy Williams 1985 Mr. Edwin R. Williams Ms. Ida Williams

Mr. and Mrs. James M. Williams

Linda Ichinose Williams 1977 Peggy Murrhee Williams 1962

Natalie Marshall Williams 1987

Rebecca Sledd Williams 1991

Mr. Russ Williams

Ms. Sarah E. Williams

Ms. Kimberly A. Boissiere and Mr. Scott R. Williams Ms. Tammi Williams

T.J. Williams 2013 Mrs. Wanda Williams-Woods

Ms. Daphne Wilson

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey K. Wilson Mr. Terry Wilson, Sr.

Chris Windon 2000 and Ericka Garnett Windon 2000 Windsor Court Hotel

Dr. and Mrs. Felton L. Winfield, Jr. Lane Winn 1998 Ms. Angelle D. Guepet and Mr. Stephen M. Winningkoff Ms. Nancy P. Fiala and Dr. Peter J. Winsauer Mr. Robert Winston Ms. Taryn Wiseman Mrs. Pauline van Riel-Wittfeld and Mr. Chad A. Wittfeld Dr. and Mrs. Richard S. Witzig Mr. and Mrs. Dan Wolford Dr. Daliah L. Wolfson and Dr. Aaron M. Wolfson Neil Wolfson 1963

Betsy Burke Wood 1974 Ms. Michelle Woodfork

Ashley Reed Woodruff 1997 Ms. Babs Woods

Jim Woods 1970 Ms. Shannon K. Woods Ms. Erica R. Woolridge World War II Museum

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Worthy David Wright 2001 Maurice Wright 1989 Mrs. Nancy Wristers Monica Folse Wunder 1980 Dr. and Mrs. Jason M. Wuttke Mr. Marcus Wyche Frank Xiong 2009 Ms. Erin O. Yaggy Ms. Ann C. Goldman and Mr. Mark G. Yakich Min Yang 1981 Yvette Trahan Yarbrough 1999 Amy Gage Yildizli 1992 Dr. Cassandra D. Youmans

Elizabeth Young 1976 Mrs. Helen R. Young Peter Young 1988 Mr. and Mrs. Stewart C. Young Kate Youngblood 2009

Charles Youngson 1993 Ms. Xinping Yue Ms. Chong Yun Steve Zachow 1974 Ms. Sarah Zanolli Mr. Michael G. Zarou Ms. Aurora Zavala

Pamela Zeigler 1970 Gary Zelenka 1986 Ms. Elizabeth Zemmels Mr. Ivar Zemmels

Fred Zengel 1965

Mark Zeringue 1969

Elizabeth Cocke Zervigon 1984 and Carlos L. Zervigon

Ms. Xuyan Sun and Mr. Xiaodong Zhang

Ms. Yong Yi and Mr. Dehua Zhao

Dr. Irene J. Ziegler and Mr. Rodney E. Ziegler

Alan Zimmerman 1970

Dan Zimmerman 1973

Mark Zimmerman 1971

Ms. Stephanie P. Zitler

Dr. and Mrs. Ian H. Zlatkiss

Mr. David Zornes

Ms. Greta L. Zornes and Mr. Lester Sickerdick

Mrs. Ana J. Zorrilla-Harris and Mr. Robby Harris

Ms. Amanda L. Zug-Moore

Ways You Can support

Ben Franklin High School’s tradition of excellence relies on the support of the entire Franklin community. BFHS welcomes and needs your financial support. Gifts to the school are tax-deductible and sincerely appreciated. You can make a gift of cash, check, credit card, or securities to the school.

All gifts are vital to the support of Benjamin Franklin’s annual needs. There are several different ways in which a contribution can be made. Listed below are some options to consider:

Money: Monetary gifts are always appreciated and are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. The school will accept gifts by check or credit card.

Recurring Gifts: Give a little every month, every quarter, or every year. You can set up a recurring gift on our secure website, and your credit card will be charged.

Matching Gifts: Many corporations have chosen this method as a way to support education. Companies will often match or multiply gifts made by employees and retirees.

Restricted Gifts: As a public charter school, Ben Franklin has constant needs for funding, maintenance, and improvements, project by project. You can choose to restrict funds to a specific project or area of the school such as the theatre, science, arts, or athletics.

Sponsorships: You or your company may sponsor a Franklin event or project and have the ongoing appreciation of the community.

Stock Gifts: A gift of stock saves two ways: You avoid capital gains tax on the increased value, and you receive a deduction for the full market value of the stock at the time you make the gift.

Memorial and Tribute Gifts: Franklin gratefully recognizes gifts made in memory or in honor of friends, family, or faculty members or to acknowledge other significant events.

Planned Gifts: A gift to Franklin leaves a lasting impact. There are many vehicles that offer tax savings and benefits: wills, life insurance, charitable lead trusts, and real estate.

Gifts in Kind: Gifts of goods and services are always welcomed. There are so many different needs at the school, and these donations can be distributed where best-suited.

OTHER WAYS:

4 Alumni Association – separate 501(c)(3) organization

4 AmazonSmile – Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. Go to smile.amazon.com, and you will be prompted to select a nonprofit. Please search for Advocates for Academic Excellence in Education Inc. or enter 20-3887970.

4 Athletic Association – separate 501(c)(3) organization

4DonorsChoose.org – A website where classroom projects are posted that inspire you to give as little as $1

4 Falcon Fest – Yearly auction and social event hosted by the Ben Franklin Athletic Association

4 Give NOLA Day - A one-day online giving event yearly on the first Tuesday in May

4 Volunteering: Your time and talent can help Franklin. Support events and activities throughout the year, and help raise money and awareness.

Benjamin Franklin High School will not sell or trade a donor’s personal information to any other entity in existence without the donor’s written permission.

Some Restricted Giving Funds



Class of 1963 Fund: Ongoing support for school projects 

Class of 1970 Fund: Support for a specific school project 

Class of 1973 Fund: Ongoing annual giving school support 

Shannon Antoine ’68 English Award: Named for much-loved Franklin English teacher, literary scholar, and Franklin alumna, this award recognizes student(s) for superlative ambition, achievement, and passion in literary studies.



Siegfried B. Christensen IV ’72 Chemistry Scholarship: This scholarship is for a student who has high academic potential and demonstrated financial need and plans to pursue a career in chemistry; it is a $2,000 award. 

Imani Edwards ’18 Biology Scholarship: This scholarship honors a bright light gone too soon by making it possible for deserving students to pursue the path Imani sadly never got to follow.  Endowment Fund: Ensures the continuation of BFHS for future generations. Endowed funds are established in perpetuity and provide long-term sustainability and vitality for students, faculty, and programs.



Ethel Sentilles Fund for Girls’ Athletics: Supports girls’ athletics 

Gardberg-Guichard Scholarship: This scholarship is named for Naomi Gardberg, the school’s first principal, and Mildred Guichard, a longtime counselor, and is presented to a graduating senior who best represents the original concept and purpose in establishing Benjamin Franklin High School: scholarship and the pursuit of knowledge and higher learning.



The Diego Gonzalez-Grande Award: Established by an anonymous donor from the Class of 1981, this award provides scholarly and creative enrichment to the professional and personal lives of those who work directly with Benjamin Franklin High School students, thus enhancing the quality of students’ overall educational experiences and the Franklin community.



Dr. Mary Gubala Biology Award: This award, named for a beloved biology teacher, seeks to honor a student who has excelled in the classroom and also pursued scientific endeavors outside of specific coursework.



Michael Masterson Computer Science Scholarship: Named for a late BFHS computer science teacher, this award is given to a recipient who has exhibited interest and excelled in computer science.



James Strauss ’96 Music Award: Jim, a member of the BFHS orchestra in the viola section, was passionate about his music and was a student-leader. This award is given yearly to a senior band/orchestra member who exhibits exceptional leadership.



Student Travel Fund: Allows students to further their learning experience by actually seeing and/or experiencing what they have learned about in the classroom in real life. Past trips have included Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, and more!



Thurber Student Opportunity Fund: Established by Mrs. Gueydon S. Thurber, in memory of Mr. Jack Lee Thurber, father of Deborah Thurber,

Class of 1979, the fund’s purpose is to provide endowed financial support for the Student Needs Fund, which is dedicated to enhancing the BFHS learning environment by expanding educational opportunities for all students, through travel, mental health and well-being initiatives; assisting students with financial need; and funding of last resort for small but critical expenses.

 Wolfson Student Enrichment Fund: Pays for student needs including field trips, travel to competitions, and other “extras” that constitute a full Franklin experience but are financially out of reach for some families



Wyatt Tyler ’13 Environmental Justice Award: An annual award given to a Franklin student who has excelled in AP Environmental Science and has demonstrated a commitment to environmental and social justice outside of the classroom

class notes

1961

Karen Clasen Kucik

Time for a reunion, classmates!

Paul “Brian” Spurlock

Elected President of the Fifth Circuit Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives. The circuit includes attorneys from TX, LA and MS who practice Social Security Law.

1963

Neil Wolfson

All of my children are finally married. Have 1 grandchild (Levi). Still working as Reviewing Medical Director for Humana and chief medical officer for the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office. Recently appointed as Chief Asst. Coroner of Plaquemine Parish.

1970

Joal Bennett-Stenzel Fond memories.

1971 Marji Lustick Morgan

I retired from Central Washington University where I was a Dean of Arts and Humanities, and Professor of History. I now work part time in a winery, and host a wine podcast - Lines on Wines.

Linda Quaschnick Paige Love being retired and have the time to spoil 6 grandkids!

1972 Shira Schwam-Baird

David and Shira retired from teaching from the University of North Florida in August 2021 and were awarded Emeritus/Emerita status. They continue to reside in Jacksonville, FL and visit family in New Orleans and New York regularly.

Jennifer Taylor

Hoping to attend the reunion, but may have to have surgery. That would make it hard to attend.

1981

Nicole LeBlanc

After two years of sagging demand, Mon Voyage Travel is busier than ever. Current small group trips include a Class of 1981 meet up in NYC to see our classmate Wendell Pierce on Broadway in December.

1989 Liz Parrott

Moved to Virginia in January 2021 to be closer to family. Handle creditor work for McCalla Rayner. Licensed in 7 states to practice law. 2021 brought new state, new job, and blessings.

1990

Cassandra Arnold Hetherington

Love the new alumni magazine.

2005

Aimée Fortier

Appeared in a guest role on the hit show, “FBI” that aired on 9/27/22.

2011 Emma Tyler Living in Washington, D.C. and working as an Associate Director for Governmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation under Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Chloe Valdary

Founder of Theory of Enchantment - an innovative framework for compassionate anti-racism that combines social-emotional learning (SEL), character development, and interpersonal growth as tools for leadership development in the boardroom and beyond. theoryofenchantment.com

2016

Parker Greenwood was a featured artist recently at the Tulane University Carroll Gallery. The exhibit opened on August 11. Parker’s pen-and-ink drawings were in a room of the gallery that also featured a multimedia presentation.

Stay Connected With Almabase

Franklin has an alumni portal called Almabase that many of you have joined in the past year. This is where you can hear about school events and alumni happenings as well as posting Class Notes. You will be able to get information about reunions and classmates, job and internship opportunities, and to see where Falcons have landed around the world. If you haven’t joined, you can do so at any time by going to https://alumni.bfhsla.org and signing up or scanning the QR code below with your phone camera.

2018

Destine Brooks

Graduated from Yale University’s Pauli Murray College in May 2022 with Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees.

Mariah Smith

Graduated from University of Notre Dame with a degree in Arabic with a concentration in Global Peace Studies. Now working for the Atlantic Council in Washington D.C.

PAST FACULTY

Joseph LeBon

I’ve recently had a book published by UNO Press, On the Trail of the Catahoula.

Keith Veizer

President of the New Orleans Table Tennis Club, 2017present. Published, Veizer Vizer Wiezer Wieser in 2016.

IN MEMORIAM

1961 – Linda Talmadge passed away on June 22, 2022.

1973 – Doug Smart passed away on Dec. 6, 2022.

1977 – Judith Quaschnick Stelly passed away on Sept. 13, 2019.

1982 – Sonja Augustine passed away on Aug. 17, 2022

2022 – Tony Clawson passed away on July 30, 2022

Franklin Students Register to Vote!

The League of Women Voters, headed by retired judge and former Franklin parent and grandparent Miriam Waltzer, came to Franklin to assist students in getting registered to vote before the November elections. Over 70 Franklin students registered in less than an hour. Ruth Bilbe, grandmother of Catherine Bilbe ’24, assisted along with Silvis Finger and Ina Davis, parent of Franklin alumni Brett ’13 and Matthew ’04. Judge Waltzer said, “It is always great to come to Franklin and see that young people are motivated to become involved in the political process by registering to vote.”

bfhsla.org

Why Support the BEN FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION?

FOR OUR STUDENTS!

We help them spread their wings, with routine financial grants that subsidize travel for band, orchestra, speech and debate, Academic Games, robotics events, cultural experiences, and more.

We give them Friday Night Lights. Football games on campus, finally! We joined with the Ben Franklin Athletic Association to secure lighting for Falcon Field after years of delay, giving students a new tradition that was immediately embraced.

We offer a glimpse of the real world. Franklin’s Career Day program exposes students to a range of career paths and insights gained through the experiences of our alumni presenters.

We reward well-rounded achievement. The Alumni Association’s Key Award is given to one student each year who represents values beyond just high grades. The Key Award includes a $1,000 stipend that recipients frequently use to help with college costs that aren’t typically covered by scholarships, such as textbooks and housing.

We have their back. We’ve supplied laptops, printers, clothing, eyeglasses, and more. We’ve funded internet service and electric service for students’ homes. In one case, we helped cover room and board for a senior who’d aged out of the foster system and was faced with a housing gap between his 18th birthday and the start of college. When a need arises, the Alumni Association always steps up.

FOR OUR TEACHERS!

We pay tribute. The annual Alumni & Faculty Holiday Party gives alumni the opportunity to toast their favorite teachers and staff members. The BFHSAA also gives a parting gift to retiring long-term faculty members. It’s just a small token of our collective appreciation, but it’s a gift both to teacher and to school — at least in as much as reminding our teachers and staff members how valued and appreciated they are. We hope this plays a small role in helping the school retain the quality educators who play a large role in making Franklin Franklin!

FOR OUR CLASSMATES!

We celebrate you from the start. As sponsor of the annual after-graduation party, BFHSAA starts celebrating our alumni as soon as the mortarboards hit the floor!

We help keep you in touch. BFHSAA plays an essential role in alumni communications, partnering with the Development Department and student and alumni affairs to fund publications and new programs to provide information to all alumni and among all alumni. Our gatherings held throughout the year give alumni the opportunity to catch up with old friends and teachers face-to-face.

We provide connections. The Alumni Association facilitates beneficial relationships between and among alumni. One common example: recruiting an older alumnus who attended a certain university to mentor a younger alumnus who’s currently attending that university.

FOR OUR ALMA MATER!

We work to protect our shared legacy. When the historic Carrollton Courthouse was in jeopardy, the Alumni Association joined with others to ensure the structure would not be leveled by a new owner – and that the legacy of Franklin in its original school building would remain intact.

FOR YOU!

If you benefitted from your Ben Franklin experience, getting involved with the BFHSAA is great way to pay it forward. Becoming a member of the BFHSAA Board of Directors gives you the chance to make an impact on the entire school community, past, present, and future. The time commitment is minimal, and meetings take place online so board members can live anywhere.

Please email Alumni Affairs Coordinator John Parauka at JParauka@bfhsla.org for information.

Formed by Franklin “

Kate Youngblood’09

There are truly so many parts of teaching that are super rewarding. One of the best moments comes at the end of the year, when students read back through their writing from the beginning of the year and can track their progress. It can be so hard to notice changes over a short period of time, especially for student writers who tend to focus on criticism instead of progression. But, in those end-of-term moments, they almost always recognize just how far they’ve come, and it’s superamazing to see their pride swell. Recently, I’ve started having former students come back and say they’re studying education, and that’s probably the coolest moment I’ve had.

In high school, I had a lot of grade anxiety and was very type A, which made me really easily succumb to school stress. I would make these massive study guides and stay up until 3 in the morning, even when I (now know) I would have been better off just going to sleep. But I also really loved Franklin. I loved the people I went to school with, and I was pretty involved in school events because I was always on Student Council. I loved working on Spirit Week events, especially coming up with costumes. Some of my favorite days in high school were banner and door decorating days or days when a big group would gather

to work on a script for our class skit.

Now I am still pretty type A, but I like to think it just makes me an organized teacher. The pandemic really forced me to be more flexible in the way I plan, and that’s something I’m so grateful for. I think I have learned a lot of managing stress and priorities in my time since being a high school student.

At Franklin, I learned a lot about time management. I also look back on high school and wish I had been more forgiving of myself and less stressed about grades. I used to really work myself up about tests and essays, and I wish I knew how little I’d remember those specific assessments. I try to teach my students that idea — the power of perspective. I also used to take feedback really personally instead of looking at it as the most valuable way to grow. I try really hard to teach my students to value progress over perfection.

Sometimes, walking down the hall now, I am transported right back to 2007. I pass the locker I used to share with a friend and can almost feel my body moving to crouch down next to it and shove my coat in. But, honestly (besides the bizarre flashbacks), most of the time it’s pretty much like any other job.

Franklin taught me that education matters, that when you have access to amazing authors and passionate teachers you can really grow as a person. I try to remember both my positive and rougher experiences at Franklin when I talk to students. I try not to trivialize their experiences, and I do think it helps to be at the same place where I went through a lot of the emotions and experiences

they’re having. I think having a parallel (though not at all identical) experience makes me able to be more empathetic.

I loved my French teacher, Madame Alford. She really pushed me and she also made me realize how transferable my love for reading and writing was by opening my eyes to French literature. I also loved Ms. Brown (now Irland!), who was my ninth grade teacher and was our class sponsor for all four years of high school. She was truly caring and was always there to support us.

As a student, two days, oddly bookends, stand out most to me. The first was January 2006 — our first day back after Katrina. It was pouring down rain, and we second-lined in the gym. Sally Bronston ’09 read a speech about what it means to be a Falcon. People were dressed up like Ben Franklin. It felt triumphant. The other day was May 2009 — my last day of classes and the Senior Barbecue. That day is always so fun because everyone’s stress is evaporated and everyone’s love for each other is so free. People were wearing their college shirts, and we lounged around for hours until a bunch of us headed to Jazz Fest, where we saw Better than Ezra and stomped around in mud puddles. I loved those days.

It’s way too hard to pick a favorite memory as a teacher, so I’ll narrow it down to three moments that have been really special. One, the day my first group of students graduated (May 2019). I will always adore this class, who gave me an incredible first year at Franklin. Two, the end of Fall Semester 2020, when my first period class surprised me by all having “thank you” posters made to show me on our final Zoom. Teaching during COVID was been so hard in so many ways, but the kids I taught have just been incredibly hardworking, persistent, and thoughtful. I am so lucky. Three, our return to in-person learning in August of 2021 was one of the best days ever.