Giving Back

The Barbara & Thomas Priestley Minority Scholarship has been established in the St. Aloysius Century Foundation. The initial gift was made by Eugene Priestley ’81, Barbara and Thomas’ son. Eugene, in coordination with his sisters Deidra Priestley Barnett and Angela Priestley Tillman and his brother Thomas Priestley ’81 wish to honor their parents and their dedication to education.

“How to Make a Life”

During his four years at Brother Martin High School, Jalen Gray ‘13 made a name for himself as a standout guard on the Crusader Basketball Team. Recently, Jalen provided the New Orleans community with another assist. Jalen took issue with the blight affecting much of the local community and chose to take action. For years, Jalen had passed the Lafitte-Greenway basketball court while passing on the nearby Claiborne overpass. He chose to spearhead an effort to create a mural on the area’s blacktop basketball court. The mural, “Shine Together,” was created by BElite, a collection of youth artists from the New Orleans community. Jalen also worked with the New Orleans Recreation Department and the Friends of the Lafitte Greenway to make this positive message come to life. On August 20, Jalen cut the ribbon to the new court and was accompanied by the Pelicans’ young star, Jaxson Hayes. Shortly thereafter, a significant number of children took to the court to utilize the new court.

Dr. Vic DuRapau, Jr. ’58 CJ played a significant role in the renovation of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in St. Roch. The renovations completed a multi-year restoration of its 1931 sanctuary, repairing damage first caused by Hurricane Katrina and then exacerbated by several subsequent storms, including Hurricane Ida in 2021. The renovation saved the building, its original stained-glass windows, and a treasured mural painted by a local artist to reflect the rich diversity of the congregation.

This testimonial is from a current Crusader Mom. A few months ago, I went to Brother Martin to pick up my son, and I was looking at the class pictures hanging in the hallway while I waited for him. I found one of my favorite patients, Ed Minor, in the Class of 1973! Barry Hebert ’74, Director of School Services, passed and asked if I was looking for someone specific. I told him about my nursing home patient who was a proud Crusader and Band Alumnus. He told me to wait a minute, and he gave me this shirt to give him. It actually brought tears to my eyes because I knew how excited he’d be. I brought it to him the next day, and you would have thought I gave him a million dollars! He was so excited and proud of this shirt. He rarely wore it because he didn’t want to get it dirty. He referenced his Crusader Band years as some of the best of his life. He also went to Southern University and became a high school band director. He asked about my boys every single day and loved meeting the current Crusaders who would come to work with me for service hours. Mr. M passed away recently. Death is common in long term care, unfortunately, but sometimes, you get attached, and it hits a little harder. Rest in peace, Mr. M!

“50 for 50”

CLASS OF 1973 “50 FOR 50” CHECK PRESENTATION

Members of the Class of 1973 kicked off their 50-Year Reunion celebration by presenting their “50 for 50” check to Brother Martin High School. The class raised $53,7180.00! Members of the class were given a tour of campus by Kenny Spellman ’84, Advancement and Alumni Relations Director, and were invited to eat lunch in the Benson Mall.

Thanks to the following class of 1973 members for attending: Steve Arbour, Joe Baudier, Joe Bennett, Ronnie Chauffe, Mark Daniel, Pete Dassey, Terrence Epton, David M Glaviano, Greg Hollier, Paul Ippolito, Robert Jelley, Mike Lala, Johnny LeBourgeois, John McGowan, Gerard Muller, Lance Priez, Jimmie Roche’, Norman Romagosa, and Tony Schembre.

“50 FOR 50” CHALLENGE

After each Brother Martin Class celebrates its 45-Year Reunion, the members of the class are asked to raise $50,000 before their 50-Year Reunion. The funds will be deposited into the “Brother Martin Plus 50 Endowment” to be used at the discretion of the President and Principal of Brother Martin High School to continue the mission of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart at Brother Martin. Thank you to the classes of 1970, 1971, 1972, and 1973 have all reached their goal, and their class legacy will forever be remembered through their generous gifts.