Sky’s the limit
BY ROBERT S WOLF
Scouts earn aviation merit badges through program of the Big Easy Wing
BY ROBERT S. WOLF Contributing writer
The two-seater airplane barrels down the runway at New Orleans Lakefront Airport with the engine growling and the propeller whirling. Blaise Misse grips firmly on the controls as the small plane lifts off the ground and slices into the air over Lake Pontchartrain on this postcard perfect day As the plane climbs it wobbles to the left, and Blaise tugs to the right, only to overcompensate and accidentally send the plane into a hair-raising dive toward the water Blaise calmly pulls back on the controls to get the nose up, steadies the wings and regains his composure enough to steer toward cruising altitude. All is well again in the pilot’s seat. Although his adrenaline is pumping, Blaise was safe on the ground the entire time. He was using a flight simulator while was completing his course work for the aviation merit badge that he and his fellow Boy Scouts in Troop 45, based at St Angela Merici School in Metairie, are pursuing on this Saturday morning.
Go on
“It’s a lot more difficult than it looks,” Blaise said. “I’m just glad I didn’t crash into the lake!”
Earning merit badges
The aviation merit badge classes and demonstrations are conducted at the Lakefront Airport in the hangar of the Big Easy Wing, the local chapter of the Commemorative Air Force, which is a nationwide club for historical airplane enthusiasts.
“There is a fairly long list of requirements to get the aviation merit badge, and it covers everything from how a wing generates lift to the construction of jet engines, so we geared our training to meet all their requirements. The classes last about
ROGER JEFFERY
Roger Jeffery, education officer for the Big Easy Wing, said the course carefully follows the official Boy Scout curriculum that’s designed to give the Scouts a first-hand look at the physics of how planes fly and the process of charting and preparing for a flight.
“There is a fairly long list of requirements to get the aviation merit badge, and it covers everything from how a wing generates lift to the construction of jet engines, so we geared our training to meet all their requirements,” he said. “The classes last about seven hours, and it’s an all-day event.”
While the Scouts don’t fly a real plane for the merit badge, they
More than 15 participants shaved their heads recently as Benjamin Franklin High School in New Orleans hosted its 10th annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation signature event. The school raised $5,467, surpassing its goal of $5,000. The head-shaving raises money to find cures and better treatments for kids with cancer
Hair-raising
In Louisiana, the climate is humid and subtropical, meaning conditions are ripe for mosquitoes to be present year-round This also means heartworm disease is a huge problem in our area. Dogs and cats alike are at risk if they are not on preventatives This disease is so easy and inexpensive to prevent, but very difficult, painful and expensive to treat and cure. How do pets catch heartworms? Dogs and cats can only become infected with heartworms one way: through the bite of an infected mosquito. It only takes one bite for an animal to contract the disease.
Even if a dog or cat is an “inside only” pet, they are still at risk. As we well know, mosquitoes find a way to get inside our homes, cars and more, and pups still need to go outside to do their business and for exercise. Heartworms are not contagious — people and other pets in the home cannot catch them from an infected pet.
What are the signs of infection?: In addition to being on preventatives, pets should be tested at least annually for heartworms by a vet because, at the onset of infection, there are no symptoms. It takes about seven months for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms. As more and more worms crowd the heart and lungs, most dogs will develop a cough.
As the disease progresses, the dog will become easily winded and experience a de-
cline in his level of energy With advanced heartworm disease, dogs can pass out from the loss of blood to the brain, and they can retain fluids. If left untreated, heartworm disease is almost always fatal
How are heartworms treated?: The treatment takes several months, and it is not easy on dogs. It consists of a series of injections that will kill the adult worms in the blood vessels of the heart. During treatment, the worms begin to die. And as they die,
PHOTO
Blaise Misse reaches cruising speed on the flight simulator
Erin Preston reacts after her buzz cut.
STAFF PHOTOS BY SOPHIA GERMER
Science teacher Sally Spahn’s pigtail is taken off by barber David Pham. Spahn raised $1,283.74 for St. Baldrick’s and donated the hair to organization Locks of Love ä More photos. PAGE 8G
Dominican High alums return for homecoming Mass
PROVIDED PHOTO
St. Mary’s Dominican High School alumnae returned to their alma mater on April 12 for the 63rd Homecoming Mass and luncheon to celebrate class anniversaries and recognize five honorees for instilling Christian moral values while encouraging the practice of ethical behavior. Honorees were, from left, Margaret ‘Meg’ Kramer Daigle, class of 1970, St Mary Angela Mulhern, O.P. Service Award; Alexa Schexnaildre, class of 2004, Outstanding Young Alumna; the Honorable Kelly McNeil Legier, class of 1985; Alumna of the Year; Elizabeth Lalla Stafford, class of 1975, St Catherine of Siena Preaching Award; and Dr Paula Woods Adams, class of 1971, St. Catherine of Siena Preaching Award.
SCHOOL NOTES
AP Scholar with Distinction, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute medalist, National Spanish Exam silver medalist, Ray Dass Merit Program, LSU Rally award and Southeastern Louisiana University District Literary Rally award winner. Nguyen is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Si Nguyen of Harvey NOCCA: The musical theater students of the Theatre Arts Department at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts will present Twelfth Night, the Musical,” William Shakespeare’s classic story of love and mistaken identity. Showtimes are May 8-9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lupin Hall at NOCCA, 2800 Chartres St. in New Orleans. Tickets start at $20 via Eventbrite nocca.com.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MATHEMAT-
ICS & SCIENCE SCHOOL: The inaugural Baby Ben Festival, a celebration for students, families and the surrounding community, will take place May 17, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., at the school, 1116 Jefferson Ave. in New Orleans. The event will feature live music, student performances, games, food vendors, a gaming truck, bounce house and more. Entry to the festival is $15, with all-inclusive activities wristbands available for $35. www.babyben.org
ST. BERNARD SCHOOLS: Registration is open for the free 2025-2026 preschool program for 4-yearolds. Children age 4 by Sept 30, and those with disabilities, experiencing homelessness or in foster care and are residents of St. Bernard Parish are eligible. www.sbpsb.org. (504) 267-3310 or (504) 301-2000.
NEW ORLEANS MILITARY AND MARITIME ACADEMY: Open house events for students entering grades 8-12 during the 2025-26 school year are scheduled for May 8, May 19 and June 3 at the NOMMA cafeteria, 425 O’Bannon St. in New Orleans. Presentations will begin promptly at 6 p.m. Parent/guardian identification is required. To be eligible to apply prospective students must attend an open house with at least one parent or legal guardian. nomma. net/admissions.
Mary’s Academy students earning top honors in the Xavier Math Competition were, from
Kacie Person, Tatum Williams and Cre’shaun Jones. PROVIDED PHOTO
St. Mary chosen to attend national math convention
Staff report
St. Mary’s chapter of Mu Alpha Theta was invited to attend the Mu Alpha Theta national convention, based on its showing at the Xavier University Spring Math Fair, held in April. SMA students swept the upper grades competition for 11th and 12th graders.
Earning top honors in the Xavier Math Competition were juniors Tatum Williams, first place; Cre’shaun Jones, second place; and Kacie Person, third place.
The SMA Quizbowl Team, comprised of juniors Tatum Williams and Maelyn Leonard, won first place in the team competition.
The SMA Chapter of Mu Alpha Theta earned the Lisa C. Herron Hesson Community Award, which honors chapters that actively promote the inclusion of underrepresented students in mathematics. This award includes a $2,500 grant for the SMA chapter and a $ 5,000 scholarship awarded to senior Ciara Lewis for her outstanding contributions and leadership.
Mount Carmel Academy honors winter athletes
Staff report
Mount Carmel Academy recognized students for their athletic and academic achievements at the recent Winter Athletic Awards ceremony Stella Junius was named Outstanding Winter Athlete in recognition of her athletic ability, good sportsmanship and the inspiration she provided to her teammates.
The Coaches’ Award, for team members who set the example, support their teammates and seldom lack spirit or motivation, went to Sidney Chase, Emma Crow, Kylie Diaz, Gracelyn Fuselier, Olivia Gehman, Hana Hammond, Jordyn Hanley, O’Hara Pejic, Sophia Ramagos and Josephine Randol.
The Outstanding Member Pin, given to athletes who contribute to their team’s success
through their practice efforts, consistent sportsmanship and unwavering support for their teammates, was given to Avery Albert, Jacklynn Dao, Julia Kirsch, Elise Landry Eva Melton, Colette Melvin, Keeting Richard, Elizabeth Seaman, Adison Sheeley, Milan Smedley and Camille Truax.
The Most Valuable Player Award goes to athletes who constantly contribute to the success of the team and inspire teammates to perform at a higher level. Winter MVPs were Sabrina Berner, Chloe Caluda, Lauren Fowler, Stella Junius and Gabby White. Seniors who maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher while participating in varsity sports received the LHSAA All-Academic Scholar Award. These students were Jacklynn Dao, Lauren Fowler, Bella Serpas, Kylie Diaz and Elise Landry
Holy Name of Jesus High School celebrates 70th class reunion
Twelve of the 20 surviving members of the class of 1955 of Holy Name of Jesus High School attended their 70th class reunion in April. Some traveled from California, South Carolina and Mississippi to celebrate.
From left are Pat Seidler Welp, Barbara Williams
Burnett, Sammie Brocato Montali, Judy Montaldo
Smith, Elaine Hartel, Jane Wynne Beardsley, Janice
Bacino Bodet, Jean Matherne Sublette, Alma Peters Dunlap, Loretta O’Meara O’Neill, Carol Ann Roberts Dumond and Mary Folse Hillery PROVIDED
Nguyen
St.
left,
PROVIDED PHOTOS
The LHSAA All-Academic Scholar Award was given to, front row from left, Elise Landry, Jacklynn Dao and Bella Serpas; back row, Lauren Fowler and Kylie Diaz.
Mount Carmel’s Winter MVPs were, front row from left, Chloe Caluda, Sabrina Berner and Stella Junius; back row, Gabby White and Lauren Fowler
Mount Carmel’s Outstanding Winter Athlete Award was presented to Stella Junius, left, by Athletic Director April Hagadone.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Mount Carmel executive board members are, from left, Addison Clark, member at large chair; Sara Barfield, artist chair; Reese Clouatre, treasurer; Madison Scalise, secretary; Millie McDaniel, vice president; and Mia Peppo, president
Four local writers share their new fantasy books
Four local romance/paranormal
writers — Dawn Chartier, Alys Arden, Gillian Zane and D.M.
Bourgeois
— will discuss their new books at 7 p.m. May 12 at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie
In Cartier’s “The Fallen Guardian,” Gracyn James has made vengeance her life’s mission Haunted by the murder of her family members, she survives on the streets with The Inciters, a vigilante group. But her ultimate goal remains elusive:
finding her father and uncovering why he destroyed her world. When a deadly encounter with the seductive Angel of Death leaves her faction annihilated, she’s forced into an uneasy alliance.
Arden, who has been hailed as “the Anne Rice of the text message generation,” offers “The Gates of Guinee, the fourth in her Casquette Girls series, which has garnered a cult following worldwide It picks up where the third book left off, with Macalister LeMoyne held hostage by the
Supernatural delight
Ghost Drinkers’ coven and Adele willing to risk it all to save her father even if it means opening a portal to the Voodoo Afterworld to hunt down the spirit of one of the greatest witches who ever lived
Zane’s “SHTF,” part of her NOLA Zombie series, opens on Friday night in New Orleans. Former Marine Tim “Romeo” Voiter has the night off, and he’s looking forward to spending it with his buddy, Lucas Martinez The two try to ignore the emergency broadcasts about the spreading iKPV virus, but Voiter comes face to face with what the iKPV-infected really look like and it is not like any infection he’s encountered before.
“Edge of Reality,” the latest by Bourgeois, finds Carsyn Trahan carjacked, abducted, shot and left for dead. She gets help from an unlikely source, and together they go on a journey to discover the truth about what the assailants want: They believe she has something of value and will stop at nothing to get it back.
BOOK TALKS: Two local authors
Constance Adler and Teresa Tumminello Brader — will discuss their new books at 7 p.m. May 20 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
“Sight Unseen,” Adler’s novel, follows three characters in New Orleans: Claire, a photographer; her husband, Simon, who runs a plant nursery; and their dog Hank, the middleman. The story opens in May 1995, on the night of a terrific flood. Amid the ruin, the couple also grapples with conflicting desires around parenthood.
Brader’s “Secret Keepers,” a followup to her New Orleans memoir “Letting In Air and Light,” expands the question of whether we can ever truly know our loved ones. The collection of characterdriven short stories delves into romantic and family relationships — some fractured, some fragile, all troubled by mysteries for which there may be no clear answers.
AUTHOR TALK: Author Peter Wolf will discuss his latest book, “The Etruscans and the Jews, New Orleans
Jack and Jill of America New Orleans Chapter hosts fundraiser
Staff report
The New Orleans Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. hosted the recent Enchanted Garden Experience at the Arbor Room at Popp Fountain in City Park. Darryl Forges, morning anchor for WDSU-TV, and Damon Singleton, former WDSU meteorologist, served as emcees.
The event raised funds for the Jack and Jill of America Foundation and local nonprofits Hotel Hope, Covenant House and the North Rampart Community Center In honor of one of the New Orleans chapter’s members, Ann Coxen Mitch-
ell, members raised funds to benefit students who attend local HBCU institutions Xavier University, Southern University at New Orleans and Dillard University Founded in 1938, Jack and Jill of America Inc. is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of children and families in the broader New Orleans community. The organization is a group of mothers focused on fostering future leaders by enriching the lives of children aged 2 to 19 through chapter activities, community engagement, advocacy and charitable endeavors. The New Orleans chapter, one of seven chapters in Louisiana, is led by President Tonya Johnson.
Echoes, Sardinian Shadows, Roman Shame,” at 7 p.m. May 12, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. The book proposes never before recognized links between the culturally vibrant Etruscan people and long-forgotten Jewish communities. No one has previously suggested an enduring and intimate link between these two dynamic cultures. It’s written as an adventure story
GENEALOGY: Special collections librarian Gwen Kelley focuses on how to research military records at 7 p.m. May 14 at a genealogy talk at the East Bank Regional Library 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
The next lecture in the series, on researching immigration records, occurs at 7 p.m. May 21 at EBR.
ABOUT JACKSON BARRACKS: Beverly Boyko, director of the Jackson Barracks Museum, will talk about the museum and archives at 6:30 p.m. May 14 at the Old Metairie Library 2350 Metairie Road.
This program occurs as part of the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Jefferson Genealogical Society
COMPUTER CLASSES: Here are the options on both sides of the river: East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. n JPL Digital
PROVIDED PHOTO
Attending the Enchanted Garden Experience are, from left, Dana Labat, parliamentarian; Jenine Dabon, vice president; Tonya Johnson, president; and Claire Bradley, protocol chair ST. BALDRICK’S FOUNDATION
AT BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOO
Hair of many colors, including purple, remains around a stool after the event. Barber David Pham shaves the head of math and computer science teacher Darren Eady.
STAFF PHOTOS BY SOPHIA GERMER
Student Kai Lintott-Clary gets her head shaved in front of classmates.
