EDUCATION

The St. Joseph’s Academy community gathered for the ceremonial groundbreaking and blessing of the future Student Commons. The Student Commons are designed to provide tables for indoor dining, along with auditorium-style seating for lectures and presentations, and places for studying, gathering, and meeting. The building is scheduled to be completed this fall. “We have undertaken this construction project strategically and with purpose,” says Shane Morrison, director of the SJA Board of Directors. “This is yet another expression of what the Sisters of St. Joseph began many years ago. This building is yet another reflection of our mission in action, and we are thrilled to provide a collaborative and interactive multi-use facility for our young women, now and into the future.” SJA Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald served as mistress of ceremonies for the event, attended by students, administrators, Sisters of St. Joseph, board members, invited guests, and friends. Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) hosted its first graduation of the hard work and dedication of its Take the Lead (TTL) Scholars. These Take the Lead students were selected from Glen Oaks High School to advocate for causes they feel passionately about and develop skills in areas such as financial literacy and work-readiness. The initiative was launched last school year in support of teens that are overcoming obstacles they face in society. The VIPS graduation took place at the Main Event and recognized students as they reflected on their experiences as a TTL scholar and received certificates and gift bags. After the ceremony, the scholars spent the afternoon bowling and playing arcade games.

Thirty-eight student writers and artists from The Dunham School have put together their creativity, talent, and imagination to create The Dunham Magazine. The latest edition is now online for everyone to enjoy with their morning coffee, on their afternoon breaks, or as their late-night read. The journal features a collection of art, poetry, and fiction thanks to The Dunham Magazine staff that dedicated themselves to the creation of this publication. Creating the latest journal was truly a labor of love for the students and artists, and all of their hard work surely paid off in the end. ■ bit.ly/LiteraryJournal0222

The LA Department of Education released the names of 21 students selected as finalists in the state’s Students of the Year competition. The students selected include one elementary, middle, and high school student from each regions, and they will represent traditional public, public charter, and nonpublic schools. Students are selected based on their character, academic achievement, leadership skills, and service to their schools and communities. The awards ceremony will take place on April 13, where the winners of each grade level will be announced. “I’m proud of each of these students and honored to have them represent us as Louisiana Student of the Year finalists,” says State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley.