BearFacts Summer 2024

AMETUR COR JESU

Loved be the heart of Jesus

Founded in 1894 by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Catholic High School is an all-male college preparatory institution serving young men in grades 8 - 12.

Bear Facts is published biannually by Catholic High School’s Office of Communications.

Margie Alexander, Ashley Davies, and Hilary Trahan, Editors

Contributors:

Margie Alexander

David Butler ’77

Dr. Tom Eldringhoff

Lisa Harvey

J.P. Kelly ’92

Ben Relle

Jamie Segar ’90

Shelley Vance

Submissions:

We welcome the submission of material for possible publication based on the discretion of the editors.

Catholic High School

855 Hearthstone Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70806

A Brothers of the Sacred Heart School Since 1894

As I write this letter, I am currently at the Generalate of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Institute in Rome. I am accompanied by 24 individuals from Brothers’ schools in the United States, including four leaders from Catholic High School, as they all complete the Coindre Leadership Program.

Father André Coindre founded the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in 1821 in Lyon, France. His vision was to create an order of laymen dedicated to educating and forming young orphaned boys, who having nowhere else to go, were left in prison. Father Coindre provided these young prisoners with a safe place to live, religious and educational formation, and taught them a trade to support themselves and their future families. That graced moment, that act known as the charism of Father Coindre, changed the course of history for countless individuals.

Now, 203 years later, the mission and charism of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart continues in schools, primarily led by lay men and women who are Partners in Mission with the Brothers. In the 1990s, the Brothers in the United States recognized a sharp decline in vocations and realized the need to find new ways to sustain the charism in their schools. This realization led to the creation of the Coindre Leadership Program.

Leaders in the Brothers’ schools in the United States are selected to enter a four to seven-year program. They study the history of the founding, the history of the Brothers, immerse themselves in the writings of Father Coindre and other significant leaders in the charism, and learn what it means to operate a Brothers of the Sacred Heart School within Father Coindre’s charism. The program culminates in a 17-day stay in Rome at the Generalate with the Superior General and Counsel, the leadership body of the worldwide institute of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Participants spend their time contemplating, studying, and reflecting on all they have encountered and learned throughout the program.

I am proud of the four CHS faculty members who completed this program this summer. Their ministry at Catholic High as Partners in Mission with the Brothers of the Sacred Heart has been enriched and strengthened through this experience and our students and faculty will be positively affected through their service to CHS.

This summer, the following individuals attended the RISE program: J.P. Kelly, Advancement Director; Ben DiPalma, Athletics Director; Christy Kessler, Academic Assistant Principal; and Doug Logsdon, Assistant Principal for Discipline. I also attended as a member of the Coindre Leadership Board. I look forward to how these Coindre Leadership participants will enrich CHS as they go on to mentor others in the charism of Father André Coindre.

Ametur Cor Jesu. Loved be the Heart of Jesus.

Pictured at the Generalate of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in Rome are: Brother Ronald Hingle-Provincial of the United States; Christy Kessler-Academic Assistant Principal; Ben DiPalma-Athletic Director; Lisa Harvey-President; J.P. KellyAdvancement Director; Doug Logsdon-Assistant Principal for Discipline.

In the past couple of months, I have frequently been asked, “So, how was your first year as principal?” I have to admit that there have been times when I was not quite sure how to answer. Typically, I will say something along the lines of “it’s been great” or “good, it’s a great school and I’m lucky to be there”—both of which have the virtue of being true if not particularly insightful. It’s worth taking some time now, mid-summer, to reflect on the question and provide what I hope will be a much better answer.

Since the last Bear Facts, we have completed a full slate of spring activities, and unless you are in it, it is hard to appreciate the pace of an entire spring semester at Catholic High School. Multiple sports are in full-season, new students with a semester under their belts are starting to feel at home. Seniors are in the process of wrapping up their careers and are facing the reality that high school is about to be over. Schoolwork continues, our students participate in District and State academic rally competitions, AP students buckle down for exams, ACT scores are rolling in, and we prepare to recognize our students’ excellence in academic and extracurricular activities at our Leadership, Spring Sports, and Honors Convocations. Each of those events provides our community with opportunities to reflect on our successes, and there has been much to celebrate.

At the District Rally, Catholic High Students swept the district competition in English, Spanish, and Math. Twenty-three of our students qualified for the State Rally, seven scoring first in the district. Eleven of our 23 students placed at State Rally, and one student was the overall winner in Geometry.

Our spring band and choir concerts were just phenomenal and put our students’ musical talent on full display. Our Art show featured beautiful and creative works from our art students at every level and in multiple mediums. Athletically, we finished 3rd in tennis, and as runners-up in golf, indoor track, outdoor track, lacrosse, and soccer. We closed out the year with an amazing run by our baseball team who finished the year as state champions and were named by MaxPreps as the #1 high school baseball team in the nation.

In our annual Challenge competition with St. Joseph’s Academy, the Bears and Stickers raised thousands of pounds of food for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. On the Challenge field, the Bears emerged victorious and brought the Challenge trophy back to CHS after a 2-year absence!

Spring is also the time that our students complete and turn in their service hours, and it is quite impressive to ponder the work our student body performs, and to hear about the lessons and perspective so many of them gain from their work.

At our Leadership and Honors Convocations, held late in the Spring, we recognize students who have been exemplary academically, extracurricularly, and holistically. Some of the awards given at these events are awarded to seniors by votes of their classmates, for such characteristics as courage, perseverance, honesty, integrity, and overall contribution to the wellbeing of the school. In their nominations, seniors have the opportunity to describe the peers they are nominating. In my remarks to our graduates at graduation, I pointed out that it is clear from their writing that they look up to the nominees— recognizing challenges met and overcome, kindness offered, and service performed. Our graduates know what we are about—they demonstrate appreciation for the qualities we want all of our graduates to live out and given the heartfelt recognition they offer to their friends and classmates, I have every reason to believe they will.

So how was this first year? It has been an honor and a profound responsibility, one that still wakes me up in the middle of the night. When that happens, I remember that CHS is made up of remarkable students and dedicated faculty and staff who never cease to work toward holistic excellence. What strikes me most is the great gift we have at Catholic High School to be formed and inspired by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, and the deep and pervading way their spirit is embraced by our students and faculty. It is ultimately the willingness of all of us to faithfully live out that spirit that makes Catholic High School what it is. When I slow down long enough to look, it is that faithfulness that I see so clearly, and when I do, what I experience is awe. You can see the results of our efforts, both from students and faculty and staff, in what I have shared above.

So how was this first year? It was a long exercise in gratitude for what we have here. We are living the dream, and the best part is that the dream is real.

Ametur Cor Jesu!

Loved be the Heart of Jesus!

Dr. Tom Eldringhoff

1 MEMBER OF THE CLASS OF 2024 WILL ATTEND A MILITARY INSTITUTION

85

STUDENTS IN THE CLASS OF 2024 RECEIVED AN ACT COMPOSITE SCORE OF 30+

ACADEMIC PROGRAM SCHOLARS IN THE CLASS OF 2024

NUMBER OF COLLEGES OUR GRADUATES WERE OFFERED ADMISSION TO 109 77 IN MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS (EXCLUDING TOPS) $30,711,030 EARNED

80 HONORS PROGRAM SCHOLARS IN THE CLASS OF 2024

76

MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2024 WERE ACCEPTED TO AN HONORS COLLEGE OR PROGRAM WITHIN THEIR UNIVERSITY

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS 16

9

NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED SCHOLARS

AVERAGE ACT SCORE OF THE CLASS OF 2024 WITH 100% CLASS PARTICIPATION 26

Aiden John Acosta £ Ryan Anthony Ainsworth ® Cole Fremont Alberty Granison Rives Alexander ® Ryan Sebastian Alexander £ Brooks Edward Allen ®

Bennett Taylor Bokun ® Andrew James Boniol Blane Edward Bordelon Cooper Nicholas Boudet Christian Samuel Bourgeois ® William Ray Bowman III ®

Dax Stevens Allen II Matthew Joseph Alumbaugh

James Walker Archer Austin James Arledge Jonas Gregory Ash ® Edward Frank Austin III £

McCall Edward Averett Jackson Donald Bardwell £ Gordon Briggs Bargas £ Christian Alexander Barreneche Jude Anthony Barrios ® Daniel Bostick Beale ®

Christian Earl Benjamin Thomas Anthony Bennett ®

Bryce David Bergeron Giacomo Sosthene Steele Billeaud

Andrew Daley Black Hayden Thomas Blanchard ®

Tyler King Bradford ® Cameron Caleb Ikome Brazell ®

Grant Hamilton Breaux Jacques Salsman Breaux £ Robert Charles Brocato Jr. Alexander Charles Brown £

Mason Scott Brown Victory Gregory Brown £ Britton Joseph Brumfield Evan Matthew Bueche Ryan Daniel Burke £ William Ryan Busenlener £

Thomas Alexander Cagle £ Anthony Philip Canizaro Fernando Ernesto Cardona £

John Patrick Cargile £ Hudson Peter Carmouche Ryan Mitchell Casey ®

Paul Thomas Catalanatto Jr. £

Steven Everett Cheatham Wyatt Louis Chenevert Salvadore Christina III Joseph Aaron Chustz £ Adonis Nequell Clark

Colin Michael Coates Brennan Hayes Coco ® Colton William Coffey £ Kevin Damani Coke Beau Andrew Collins £ Christian Erick Comeaux ®

Benjamin Michel DeBosier £

Aiden Michael DeGregorio

Connor James Diaz Carson Jude DiBenedetto

Charles Vincent Dirks £ Jack Michel Dirks Jr. £

Jackson George Congemi Alexander Preston Cooper ®

Alfred Earl Cooper Jr. Walter Ryan Corey ® Gordon Michael Crawford ® Thomas Alexander Crawford £

Ethan Michael Crochet £ Kevin Wintz Crow Gabriel Decker Cuba ® Jude Irwin Daniel ® David Avery Danielson £ Luke Thomas Dawson £

Christopher Liam Day £ Evan Daniel Dayries £

Chrsitopher Ray de la Bretonne

William Dean de Souza £ Ethan James Dean £ Ethan Frank Michael DeBarbieris

Howard Wayne Dobson III ® Brooks Healey Domenick ®

Davin Sean Donaldson ® Jesse John Duet

D’Jan Darico Duncan Jr. Douglas Jackson Dupree ®

Keegan Martin Eckler ® John Matthew Elliott £ William Leighton Evans Nicholas Joseph Ferrell £ Noah Alexander Fontenot Keller Andre Fourrier

Robert Adrian Fulton Luke Michael Funes £ Reece Mathew Gauldin £ Beau Thomas Gautreau £ Will Matthew Gautreau ® Robert Dylan Gifford £

Thomas Martin Gilmore IV Rockford Lucas Gines ® Christian Moore Gordon Joshua George Grace Brycen David Guitreau Oliver Reed Hamilton £

Andrew Michael Hansen £

Henry Paul Hargrave £ Matais Eduardo Harris Hilton Jack Hartman

Emmet Thomas Healy Jr. ®

Connor Henry Hebert

Nicholas Andrew Kolb ® Peter Lawrence Kronenberger ®

Blanchard Joachim Lagarde £

Carter James LaBauve

Davis Rexford Lamonica £ Reis

Thomas Landaiche ®

Turner Daniel Hester £ Dallas William Hilbun Andrew Michael Hodges William James Howard Daniel Joseph Hudson £

Jaycen Pi’er Hulbert

George Edward Hebert £

Benjamin Paul Jackson ® Cade Michael Johnson ® Caleb Edward Jones Jude Cohen Jones Theodore Wonders Jones Jr.

Trevor Tavares Ray Jones Robert Mulunda Kasongo ®

Christopher Joseph Kennedy £

Jack Ransom Kleinpeter ® Thomas Christopher Kleinpeter

Reece James Knight ®

THE CLASS OF 2024

Carter Michael Lanza £

Samuel Joseph Laville Sean Matthew LeBlanc £ David Edward Lemann £ Joseph Keith Lemoine Jr.

James Perry Leslie ® Brennan Ethan Long Breyen Ian Long Caleb Michael Lott £ Ryder James Loup ® Ricky Alan Luu £

James Patrick Maher £ Keegan Michael Malone Alston Lane Manne ® Douglas Jude Mapp £ Gerald Harrison Marchand ®

Ian James Marcin

Honors Program Scholar

Kody Jon Lauff

William Thomas Marsh Harrison Lee Martin ® Van Robinson Mayhall IV £ Matthew Scott Maynard ® Mark Stephen McCormick ®

Thomas Peyton McDowell

James Davies McKay Joseph Anton Mensman £

Landon Talbot Mestayer Isaac Emil Miller £ Andrew Mark Modenbach £

Cole Paul Mogharrebi £

Edwin Michael Perrault £ Jean-Paul Andres Perrault ®

George Richard Pesch £ Declan Amedee Pickenheim ®

Allen Walter Pierson

Charles Joseph Plauché £

Reed Scott Moïse Seth Michael Morales Jack Merrigan Mosely ® Elliott James Mouton

Joseph Darius Murphy Winston Michael Napoli

Joseph Ellis Nastasi Camdyn William Newman Hoang Tan Ngo

Zico Nguyen

Walker Samuel Otzenberger ®

Grant Thomas Oubre ®

Bennett Paul Ourso ® Milton Mellon Ourso IV ®

James Mason Pastorek ® Cameron Wyatt Pate ®

Javan Christian Patton £ Andrew Joseph Pauli ®

Lane Thomas Plauche £ Luke Christopher Plauché ®

Samuel Joseph Ponson ® Samuel Patrick Procell ® Mason Joseph Prochaska Sean Thomas Quigley ®

Barry Angelo Remo II Luke Daniel Reulet £ Andrew Jacob Reviere ® Jonathan Adler Rice £ Dallas Jai’ Robins Matias Rivero Rodriguez

Ken Joseph Rome Ethan Jules Romero ® Henry David Ross £ Blair Lee Rousseau Bobby Brockman Rudy £ Gabriel Patrick Russell £

Jacob Michael Russell ® Matthew Nelson Sanders Jessie Charles Sanders Jr. Faisal Andrew Sarhan Seth Andrew Schmeeckle Jr. £

William August Schmidt ®

Lucas Callen Schramm ® Greyson Paul Sellers £ John Graham Sellers £ Hayden Park Smith £ Samuel Arthur Smith ® Brock Michael Smothers ®

Christian Scott Sonnier James Connor Sonnier ® Derald James Spears Jr. Christian Lorio St. Martin

Charles David St. Romain £

William Parker Stafford £

James Davis Stuckey £ Aiden Anthony Swancy ® Tyler Anthony Talbot ® Porter Prescott Tanner ® Thomas Harold Tate Gunner Paul Tatum ®

Adrian Howard Templet Donovan Joseph Tessier £ Dylan Michael Thibodeaux Jackson Lancaster Thomas ®

Kohl Daniel Oliver Thomas Benjamin Neil Tilley

Travis Michael Torrence Jr. Cavan Nhat Nam Tran Beau Clayton Triche Brandt Cole Triche Christopher Brian Tucker ® Landry Paul Turner

Landon Joseph Winston Jaylon Terrace Wood Danny Ray Woods II £ Christian Michael Worley Bradley Charles Wright Brooks Kennedy Wright ®

Hunter Jonathan Ullrich £ Locke Patrick Valluzzo Connor Henry Ventola £ Jude Michael Verret Max Oliver Vicknair Sean Michael Vidrine £

Cole Martin Viso Shawn Michael Vogt ® Ethan Hiep Vu £ Jacob Henry Waguespack Christopher William Walker William Edward Wallace

Blake Michael Weber Matthew West Whitfield ® Jackson Nicholas Whitlow £

Gabriel Joseph Willis ® Jack Thomas Wilson Luke Damon Wimberley £

Hayden Anthony Zeber Braeden James Zeringue ® Lance Richard Zimmerman

GRADUATION

I would like to start by saying thank you to Mrs. Harvey, Dr. Eldringhoff, Mr. Cavalier, Mrs. Kessler, and Mr. Logsdon for the work they have put into having us here today. I also would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the Brothers of the Sacred Heart for their incredible spiritual, academic, and guiding support. Your commitment to personal attention and to creating a sanctuary will never go unnoticed, and we will be forever grateful for your guidance.

My fellow graduates, most of us began our careers at Catholic High amid a global pandemic. We were separated by social distancing, failing to come together as a class at first. While half of us came into school, the other half stayed at home to learn over Zoom. We had to stay focused from home and transition to a new experience in an unprecedented way. The dots on the ground around campus, all 6 feet apart, reminded us of the isolation we experienced. No lunch together at tables, no homecoming, and no athletic events with the stands packed with Bear Naish led many of us to believe that a sense of normalcy would never return.

After what felt like years of isolation and hardship, we finally were able to come together and experience fully what Catholic High is all about: community. We could finally experience real social interaction, allowing us to forge the relationships that we still carry today. I remember the feeling of excitement on campus when the mask mandate came to a halt, and we began to experience this community as it is meant to be experienced: together with an unbreakable bond.

Throughout these four years, we have truly left the isolation in the past and have come together as brothers. We shared our talents and have achieved academic, athletic, and spiritual success.

Through hard work, we have set a precedent for academic excellence in this community, and the state of Louisiana. Whether through many test prep schedules or hours of practice with Mrs. Kessler, we have worked extremely hard to have 26 National Merit Semifinalists and Commended Students. We will always have gratitude for the community of fantastic teachers who wanted us to achieve our full potential. Teachers like Mrs. Patout were always willing to give extra help to anyone who needed it, and those like Mr. Kemp not only wanted us to become great students but men of emotional maturity and morality. I also would like to recognize the mental fortitude that my classmates have shown and congratulate all of us for making it to this point. It has taken countless late nights finishing projects or essays and hours of studying after practices to reach this point. We could not have done this without the support system of teachers and classmates around us.

Our community has also achieved unrivaled athletic success. Over these years we have won state championships and received #1 rankings. This could never have been done with only players, coaches, or fans; it took a whole community to achieve success. It took the generosity of alumni donors to build top-class training facilities. It took coaches like Coach Hopkins, who showed up to the field at 6 a.m. every day, even after sleepless nights of taking care of his new daughter, with steadfast positivity and love for the game of lacrosse. It took athletes like Paul Catalanatto or William Schmidt, who spent endless hours perfecting their game. It also took the unwavering support of parents, friends, and Bear Naish every gameday, rain or shine. Without the whole community’s

We have also grown spiritually as a school community. Through religion classes, masses, and retreats, we have strengthened our relationship with God and have sought to find our true selves. We would not have a brotherhood of spiritual maturity without community support or without the personal attention and instructional guidance of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. It could not have been done without the meticulous retreat planning by the Religion Department. It could not have been done without my classmates’ willingness to be vulnerable. Through our willingness to wear ties on mass days, to participate in retreats, and to face our reality in religion classes, we have grown a brotherhood based on God and His love for us.

To conclude, I would like to show my deep gratitude for being a part of the Catholic High community. There is no other place that has such a strong bond between classmates and a phenomenal support system of teachers, counselors, and administrators. I would like to thank my dad Seth for supporting anything I decided to do and my mom Mary for keeping me grounded. I would like to thank my family for being there every step of the way. I am grateful for the opportunities we were given to help us transition to the next phase of our lives, and I will never forget the friendships I have forged with the people in this building today. I am excited to see our future successes and to continue to be a part of this community as alumni. Although we started these four years behind a computer or behind a mask, we have since found strength in each other and the ability to weather any storm. And with that, thank you for your attention, that is all.

Luke Dawson VALEDICTORIAN

GRADUATION

Before I begin, I’d like to thank my incredible family and friends. Without your support, I never would have ended up speaking on this stage today. Truly, no man is an island.

When I first started at Catholic High, I told myself that I was going to be one of the best students that this school had ever seen, and that no one would ever forget me. I wanted my name to be a hallmark at Catholic High School for years to come. Nothing can match the confidence of a 14 year old boy. And so I labored over each of my homework assignments, threw myself headfirst into extracurriculars, and searched for ways to leave my indelible mark upon campus. I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of hours studying for APUSH finals and math tests, and my friends will eagerly attest that I have missed more than a few Sushi Masa all you can eat buffet nights and weekend trips to the camp. All in the endeavor to “be the most successful”.

I am here today to happily tell you that, despite a grueling schedule—I failed. Because I was aiming for the wrong goal. If I asked you to name last year’s Outstanding Graduate, many of you would be able to. But what if I asked about two, five, eight years ago? This isn’t to demean the honor of the position of Outstanding Graduate, but rather to show that even the most visible of roles that a student can attain can easily be forgotten with time.

You see, what I didn’t realize is that in my attempts to live up to the culture of academic and general excellence that was expected of me as a CHS student, I was actually forging my character. I was walking down the right path, but for the wrong reason. I was so focused on the fruit of my labor—awards, recognitions, titles—that I didn’t see the true value of a Catholic High School education: the holistic education that focuses on character.

The poem “Ozymandias” written by Percy Shelly tells the story of a traveler in the middle of an barren desert, who comes across a collapsed statue and a pedestal that states, “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!” I mention this poem because Ozymandias’s kingdom, like my first ambitions, was superficial. Every plaque, state championship ring, honors diploma, and stole will eventually fade into obscurity.

Instead, the men that we become, the moments of brotherhood, the simple kind act you do in your second hour classroom, the gesture you make by grabbing an exhausted teammate a drink of water, those last with you forever. Going back to my earlier questions, what if instead of asking if you remembered the outstanding graduate, I asked if you remembered the man who as president of the Honor Board last year, treated you with kindness and respect when you were ashamed? Or if I asked about the student who despite being the son of a former governor, was amazingly humble and treated you with respect? For those who were there, I’m sure many of you remember the individual who wrote a heartwarming speech about Toy Story and brotherhood at Catholic High School. You don’t remember the title of Outstanding Graduate, you remember the man. These men, chosen as the representatives of their class, represent the balance of academics and character that is cultivated in between Hearthstone and Government.

It’s a culture that starts with teachers who go to work every day not out of habit, but because they love their students and truly believe in the values of their school. It starts with an administration that isn’t content with churning out students with meaningless degrees, but instead believes in each person’s potential and the holistic education of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.

And it starts with a student body that doesn’t ignore the responsibility incumbent upon them, but works to adopt the the charism of Christ and be the men we want to be in four years. Class of 2024, we have answered that call. We are a class of extremely intelligent students, incredibly talented musicians, nationally renowned athletes, dedicated and hardworking engineers, and above all, brothers. As individuals, each and every single one of us has pushed ourselves towards some form of personal excellence: be it getting an A or B in a tough class, setting a new PR, or even something as simple as getting up for church every Sunday. The 1915 class of West Point is known as the “Class the stars fell upon:” producing two four star generals and two five star generals including Dwight D. Eisenhower, the future Supreme Allied Commander in World War II and eventual US President. I reckon we’ll give them a run for their money.

As we leave today, I hope that we all remember Catholic as a place deeper than home. I hope we look to the teachers who inspired us and the memories we made—and know that God loves us. Thank you, class of 2024, and congratulations!

Adler Rice

Men of the Year

Pictured front row left to right: Jonathan Adler Rice, Danny Ray Woods II, Derald James Spears Jr., Jesse Charles Sanders Jr., Cole Paul Mogharrebi, William Ryan Busenlener

Back row left to right: Andrew Michael Hansen, Jackson Nicholas Whitlow, Hilton Jack Hartman, Joseph Anton Mensman, Barry Angelo Remo II, Paul Thomas Catalanatto Jr., Daniel Bostick Beale

Legacy Graduates

Ryan Ainsworth, Ryan Alexander, Bryce Bergeron, Hayden Blanchard, Brennan Coco, Andrew Boniol, Alexander Brown, Britton Brumfield, Steven Cheatham, Ethan Crochet, Luke Dawson, Benjamin DeBosier, Carson DiBenedetto, Keegan Eckler, Keller Fourrier, Luke Funes, Thomas Gilmore IV, Joshua Grace, Oliver Hamilton, Emmet Healy Jr., Connor Hebert, George Hebert, Jack Kleinpeter, Davis Lamonica, Samuel Laville, Ryder Loup, James Maher, Gerald Marchand, Ian Marcin, William Marsh, Van Mayhall IV, James McKay, Camdyn Newman, Hoang Ngo, Milton Ourso IV, James Pastorek, Edwin Perrault, Jean-Paul Perrault, Samuel Ponson, Mason Prochaska, Luke Reulet, Ken Rome, Matthew Sanders, Andrew Schmeeckle Jr., Greyson Sellers, Christian Sonnier, James Stuckey, Tyler Talbot, Locke Valluzzo, Jackson Whitlow, Christian Worley, Lance Zimmerman

5-Year

Bears

Ryan Ainsworth, Granison Alexander, Ryan Alexander, Matthew Alumbaugh, Edward Austin III, Christian Benjamin, Bryce Bergeron, Giacomo Billeaud, Hayden Blanchard, William Busenlener, Anthony Canizaro, Fernando Cardona, Colin Coates, Brennan Coco, Beau Collins, Jackson Congemi, Alexander Cooper, Jude Daniel, Christopher Day, Evan Dayries, William de Souza, Connor Diaz, Howard Dobson III, Davin Donaldson, Beau Gautreau, Rockford Gines, Dallas Hilbun, Thomas Kleinpeter, Sean LeBlanc, Caleb Lott, Ricky Luu, Alston Manne, Harrison Martin, Van Mayhall IV, Joseph Mensman, Landon Mestayer, Isaac Miller, Cole Mogharrebi, Joseph Murphy, Jean-Paul Perrault, Allen Pierson, Luke Plauché, Mason Prochaska, Barry Remo II, Bobby Rudy, Faisal Sarhan, Greyson Sellers, Hayden Smith, Samuel Smith, Christian Sonnier, Derald Spears Jr., Gunnar Tatum, Travis Torrence Jr., Matthew Whitfield, Jackson Whitlow, Luke Wimberley, Christian Worley, Lance Zimmerman

Eagle Scouts

Cole Alberty, Matthew Alumbaugh, Robert Brocato Jr., William Busenlener, Colton Coffey, Jackson Congemi, Nicholas Kolb, James Maher, Ethan Romero, Dylan Thibodeaux, Jackson Thomas, Shawn Vogt, Landon Winston

Faculty/Son Grads

Pictured left to right: Mrs. Margarita Ramos-Grasa, Isaac Miller, Mrs. Amanda Danielson, David Danielson, Ms. Kari Canizaro, Anthony Canizaro, Mrs. Margaret Delaune Smith, Samuel Smith, Mr. Thomas Prochaska ’92, Mason Prochaska

Louisiana Seal of Biliteracy

Eighty-five members of the CHS Class of 2024 are graduating with the Louisiana Seal of Biliteracy! This is an award given out by the state of Louisiana to students who have completed four years of foreign language and have achieved a minimum ACT score in both English and reading. Seniors were presented certificates by their foreign language teachers. We are very proud of the seniors who qualified for this award.

Cole Alberty, Briggs Bargas, Christian Barreneche, William Bowman III, Tyler Bradford, Cameron Brazell, Jacques Breaux, Victor Brown, Ryan Burke, Thomas Cagle, Patrick Cargile, Jack Chustz, Beau Collins, Gordon Crawford, Thomas Crawford, David Danielson, Luke Dawson, Christopher Day, Ethan Dean, Ben DeBosier, Connor Diaz, Jack Dirks, Charles Dirks, John Matthew Elliott, Nicholas Ferrell, Luke Funes, Reece Gauldin, Beau Gautreau, Dylan Gifford, Christian Gordon, Andrew Hansen, Emmet Healy, George Hebert, DJ Hudson, Chris Kennedy, Jack Kleinpeter, Nicholas Kolb, Peter Kronenberger, Blanchard Lagarde, Davis Lamonica, Reis Landaiche, Carter Lanza, David Lemann, Breyen Long, Caleb Lott, Ricky Luu, Ian Marcin, Harrison Martin, Van Mayhall, Matthew Maynard, Mark McCormick, James McKay, Isaac Miller, Drew Modenbach, Cole Mogharrebi, Jack Mosely, Elliott Mouton, Drew Ourso, Bennett Ourso, Javan Patton, Andrew Pauli, George Pesch, Declan Pickenheim, Charles Plauche, Luke Plauché, Sam Procell, Luke Reulet, Adler Rice, Matias Rodriguez, Ethan Romero, Henry Ross, Andrew Schmeeckle, Greyson Sellers, Hayden Smith, Brock Smothers, Charles St. Romain, William Stafford, James Stuckey, Adrian Templet, Brandt Triche, Christopher Tucker, Connor Ventola, Shawn Vogt, Ethan Vu, Jackson Whitlow

Outstanding ACT Scores

ONE HUNDRED FIFTY NINE—The number of CHS Bears that had scored a 30 or higher on the ACT as of June 2024! A few of our Bears were unable to make the group photo, and this number is always rising. For a complete list of our current 30+ Club members, please head to our ACT 30+ page on our website at www.catholichigh.org/30plus. The CHS team will update the page as scores are released.

36 ACT Score

Congratulations to the SEVEN Bears with an ACT score of 36!

Pictured left to right: Andrew Schmeeckle ’24, Luke Dawson ’24, Graham Sellers ’24, Jackson Whitlow ’24, Thomas Cagle ’24, Ethan Crochet ’24, and Hayes Turner ’25

National Merit Finalists

front row left to right: Jackson Whitlow, Isaac Miller, William de Souza, Thomas Crawford, Thomas Cagle, Evan Dayries, Caleb Lott, Graham Sellers

Back row left to right: Andrew Schmeeckle, Christopher Kennedy, Luke Dawson, Alexander Brown, Jackson Bardwell, Ethan Crochet, Oliver Hamilton, Hunter Ullrich

Pictured

STREAM Certificates

Twenty-one members of the CHS Class of 2024 earned the Catholic High School STREAM certificate. The Catholic High School STREAM Curriculum includes courses in Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math. Students earning the STREAM Certificate this year have met standard CHS graduation requirements and have taken Religion, Science and Humanity, Engineering Design and Development, and a minimum of three additional semesters of Engineering and Technology coursework. Seniors graduating with a CHS STREAM certificate are:

Tre Austin, Robert Brocato Jr., Alexander Brown, Fernando Cardona, Alex Cooper, Gabe Cuba, William de Souza, Ben Jackson, Cade Johnson, Reece Knight, Sean LeBlanc, James Leslie, Keegan Malone, Harrison Martin, Landon Mestayer, Declan Pickenheim, Hayden Smith, Samuel Smith, Travis Torrence Jr., Hunter Ullrich, Luke Wimberley

Brooks Wright

Academic Golden Bears

Art - Connor Ventola

Band - Colton Coffey

Chorus - Jackson Whitlow

Engineering & TechnologyTre Austin

English - Luke Dawson

French - Isaac Miller

Latin - Joseph Chustz

Math - Cole Mogharrebi

Religion - Danny Woods

Science - Luke Dawson

Social Studies - Luke Dawson

Spanish - Adler Rice

Extracurricular Golden Bears

Art Club - Jude Barrios

Drama Club - Everett Cheatham

French Club - Thomas Cagle

Junior Classical LeagueWilliam Busenlener

Mu Alpha Theta - Oliver Hamilton

National Honor SocietyEdwin Perrault

Photography ClubDavid DeOliveira ’25

Spanish Club - Jack Kleinpeter

Student Ambassadors - Beau Gautreau

Student Council - Jack Mosely

Ultimate - Christian Bourgeois

Youth & Government - Brennan Coco

Congratulations to our Golden Bear Recipients!

The Golden Bear Honors Convocation recognizes many of the students who have honored Catholic High School by their outstanding performance during the past four or five years—performances characterized by diligence in the classroom, perseverance on the field of play, fellowship among classmates, charity through serving those in need, and integrity and kindness in all that they do. It is appropriate, therefore, to give special recognition to these students who have contributed so much toward making this year a memorable one.

Class of 2025 Presentation and Mass

The Class of 2025 Presentation Ceremony and Mass was held Wednesday, May 8, in the CHS Gymnasium. Father Trey Nelson ’80 served as celebrant. Choir members in the Class of 2025 provided the music alongside Cole Mogharrebi ’24 on the violin and Dr. Tom Eldringhoff on guitar. Faculty, staff and students were joined by family and friends in a packed gymnasium to celebrate.

8th Grade Promotion

Congratulations to the members of the CHS Class of 2028 who were honored with a Mass and reception to celebrate their promotion to 9th grade.

Robert David received the Pete Boudreaux ’59 Courtesy Award which is voted on by 8th grade students and the faculty.

CHS SNAPSHOTS

Meet the 2024-2025 Student Council Leaders

Congratulations to the new Student Council Leadership for the 2024-2025 School Year! Jack Ritter ’25, President, Davis Dawes ’25, Vice President, William Ponson ’26, Secretary, Jonathan Kirk ’27, Historian/Public Relations Officer

Long-Time “Bookstore Lady,” Pinney Johnson, Retires

Pinney Johnson, known as the “Bookstore Lady” to generations of CHS students, retired on July 31st after 32 years of dedicated service. During her tenure at Catholic High School, Pinney transformed the bookstore, now known as the Bruin Shop, from a modest store offering CHS apparel and books into a mega-store offering everything in orange and black (and then some), as well as online purchasing.

In addition to her role as manager of the Bruin Shop, Pinney has served as the assistant to former President Brother Francis David, S.C., President Gene Tullier and assistant to former athletic directors Pete Boudreaux and J.P. Kelly. Her responsibilities extended beyond the bookstore by serving on the Tuition Assistance Committee,

assisting with the Work Study Program during the summers, overseeing the management of CHS-owned properties on Kenmore Drive, and providing friendly assistance when parents and students came in to shop.

More than any other role she has held, Pinney will be remembered for her love for the students of Catholic High. Known for her compassionate and caring demeanor, she offered words of encouragement to students in need, provided firm guidance when necessary, and always greeted students with a smile that made them feel valued. Without a doubt, Pinney was the “Bookstore Lady” who demonstrated the love of God for each of our students.

St. Lillian Academy Relocates to Government Street

St. Lillian Academy is relocating to a 41,000-square-foot Government Street campus adjacent to Catholic High School in the Westmoreland Center.

St. Lillian is a K-12 private school which caters to children with communication and learning challenges. The school, with an approximate enrollement of 200 students, previously operated out of two campuses, one on Goodwood Boulevard and one on Jefferson Highway. St. Lillian Academy has a five-year lease for the Government Street campus, with operations beginning with the

2024-2025 academic year. The move will bring all staff members and students from the school’s current campuses under one roof.

Over the years, Catholic High School has built a strong relationship with the students of St. Lillian through volunteer events and joint community fundraising efforts. Our Bears are looking forward to the opportunity of spending more time with the students of St. Lillian and are thrilled to have them as our campus neighbors.

The CHS Family would like to congratulate (from left) Dean Kolb ’27, Jackson Congemi ’24, Landon Winston ’24, James Maher ’24, Ethan Romero ’24, and Matthew Hupperich ’25 for recently attaining Eagle Scout status. The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest honor for a young man in the scouting program. In order to be considered, he must earn a minimum of 21 merit badges and complete courses in such areas as citizenship, cooking, fitness, lifesaving, personal management, and camping - among other requirements. He must also be an active member of his troop, demonstrate responsibility, and provide leadership on an approved service project. Way to go, gentlemen!

Members of our Grizzly Hospitality Group recently donated the $3,000 they received in proceeds from their annual fundraiser to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. The donation will make an incredible impact, providing nearly 9,000 meals for those in need in the Baton Rouge area. Pictured are several GHG members presenting the check to GBR Food Bank Chief Development Officer & General Counsel Mr. Brian Hightower ’97. (L to R): Gabe Serrano ‘25, David DeOliveira ’25, Brian Hightower ’97, Sean Vidrine ’24, and Thomas Whaley ’25.

Thank you, Coach.

Pete Boudreaux ’59 says it has been his honor to serve Catholic High School for more than 50 years.

“It has been a true blessing for me to be at a place like Catholic High School. I have cherished every moment that I have been given the chance to serve alongside the Brothers of the Sacred Heart and the lay faculty to further the mission of the Brothers,” Boudreaux says.

Catholic High School Principal Dr. Tom Eldringhoff says Boudreaux’s announcement comes with mixed feelings of joy and sadness.

“There aren’t enough words to express what Pete Boudreaux means to Catholic High School. His love for the schooland dedication to it - is unparalleled, and likely will never be eclipsed,” Eldringhoff says. “He truly embodies the spirit of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, and has set an example for his

colleagues as well as the young men in his care.”

For almost six decades, Pete Boudreaux is a name that has been synonymous with the world of high school track –not just in Louisiana, but across the nation. A 1959 graduate of Catholic High School, Boudreaux began teaching and coaching at his alma mater in 1968. Since then, he has become the most decorated high school track coach in Louisiana history with his cross country and track teams winning more than 52 LHSAA state champion titles.

In 2016, Boudreaux was named the National Boys Track and Field Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association. In 2019, he was named the National High School Athletic Coaches Association’s Track Coach of the Year.

He is a member of the Catholic High School Grizzly Greats Athletic Hall

of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame, and the National Federation of High Schools Hall of Fame. Despite the many titles, trophies, and countless other accomplishments, Boudreaux will be the first to tell you that the most important thing in his career has been the relationships he developed with his athletes.

“To be able to watch our students grow, succeed, and become contributing members of our society has been so very touching,” Boudreaux says. “I looked forward to going to work every day of my life – and that’s about as good as it gets.”

Hundreds gathered in the CHS gymnasium on May 22 to honor one of Louisiana’s most beloved high school coaches.

Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Coach Boudreaux. You will be missed!

To view Coach Boudreaux’s tribute video and view photos from his retirement celebration, please visit catholichigh.org/coachboudreauxretirement or scan the QR code.

As the calendar flipped to 2024, the Catholic High School athletic program saw incredible individual and team performances that continued to demonstrate the unmatched hard work of our coaches and student-athletes.

The year began with the basketball and wrestling teams competing at a high level. The basketball Bears followed up their 2023 state championship by playing the most difficult schedule in the state. After a convincing playoff victory over John Curtis, the Bears season ended with a second-round loss to Liberty, the eventual state champion. The wrestling team saw great improvement as the season went on and culminated with a memorable performance on the final day of the state tournament. CHS went 10-2 in matches on the final day of competition vaulting them to a fourth-place finish. Sophomore Kristian Scott led the way by capturing the state championship at 132 lbs.

On the pitch, CHS soccer compiled a historic season remaining undefeated throughout the regular season and postseason to reach the school’s fourth state championship match in five years. The Bears fought valiantly in a scoreless tie for over 100 minutes of play before eventually falling. Despite the disappointing end, the Bears finished the year 22-1-1 and district champions.

The success continued as powerlifting, bowling, and tennis all captured championships. CHS powerlifters had a strong showing at the state meet posting four Top 5 finishes, including senior Matthew Sanders winning the 114-pound state championship. The bowling Bears earned their fifth straight district championship. CHS tennis won the regional championship continuing the program’s three-decade-long streak in that event. At the state tournament, the doubles duo of Christian St. Martin and Charlie Dubos captured the state championship with an exciting run through a tough bracket.

Golf, lacrosse, and track & field all brought home state runners-up trophies. CHS golfers dominated early season competition winning the district and regional tournaments by large margins. The Bears shot a final-round score of four under par to finish in the runner-up position. After another successful season, lacrosse reached the state championship match for the fourth consecutive year. On the track, the Bears finished as state runners-up in the indoor and outdoor seasons. CHS had two outdoor individual state champions as Paul Catalanatto won the javelin event and the team of Amari Clayton, Cameron Brazell, Hunter Ullrich, and Christopher McCullen won the 4x400m relay. Catalanatto continued his brilliance at the Nike Outdoor National Meet in Eugene, Oregon where he won the national championship in the javelin.

Finally, the CHS baseball team completed the greatest season in program history. The Bears finished with a 38-2 record winning the final 20 games of the season en route to a district title and the program’s sixth state championship. CHS was led by senior pitcher William Schmidt who was named Gatorade Louisiana Player of the Year and the state’s Mr. Baseball. To top off their magical year, the Bears were named national champions by Max Preps and head coach Brad Bass was named National Coach of the Year.

These groups of young men excelled in all facets of their journey at CHS. Their many accomplishments result from the commitment to excellence they show daily whether on the field of play or in the classroom. The efforts of our student-athletes and their coaches are a tangible example of how athletics can contribute to Catholic High’s holistic approach to education.

Graphic by Chance Hester, Jake Clouatre and William McDaniel ’26

MEET THE NEW HEAD COACHES

Swimming Cross Country

The Catholic High School athletic program continued its tradition of sending student athletes to play at the collegiate level this fall. This Spring, seven more athletes from the class of 2024 signed letters of intent to further their athletic careers.

William Schmidt

The 6-foot-4, 195-pound senior right-handed pitcher led the Bears to a 38-2 record and the Division I state title this past season. Schmidt compiled a 9-0 record on the mound with a 0.44 ERA and 102 strikeouts against just 17 walks in 63.2 innings of work, holding opposing hitters to a .091 average. A 2023 Baseball Factory All-American Game selection and the nation’s sixth-ranked player in the Class of 2024 by Perfect Game, he also batted .292 at the plate with a home run and 16 RBI.

Schmidt has volunteered locally on behalf of the Miracle League of Louisiana and the Williamsburg Senior Living Community in addition to serving as a youth baseball coach. “William Schmidt is a once-in-a-career type of talent,” said Brad Bass, head coach at Catholic High School. “Watching him mature over the past four years has been a joy. He’s a great player and teammate and most importantly, a wonderful young man.”

Schmidt has maintained a 3.60 GPA in the classroom. He decided to forgo the MLB Draft and signed a letter of intent to continue his baseball career at LSU.

Paul Catalanatto, Jr.

The 6-foot, 180-pound senior javelin specialist launched the nation’s No. 1 throw among prep boys competitors this spring with a personal-best effort of 232 feet, 11.25 inches to win at the Texas Relays. He also took second in the event at the USATF U20 Championships and won a national title at the Nike Outdoor Nationals with a distance of 222-6.75. His U.S. No. 1 throw in 2024 ranks No. 2 in state history. He won the event at the Class 5A state meet, too, lifting the Bears to second place as a team.

Catalanatto has volunteered on behalf of Cajun Crushers, an organization that assists amputees who compete in various sports. Many of the athletes have a different limb amputation, which requires him to adjust his teaching approach based on individual needs. He has also donated his time with the St. Vincent de Paul food kitchen, serving meals to the homeless. “A state title, a national championship and the No. 1 javelin throw in the country this year—I’m not sure what else folks could ask of Paul Catalanatto, Jr.,” said Rich Gonzalez, editor of PrepCalTrack.

Catalanatto has maintained a 4.22 weighted GPA in the classroom. He has signed a national letter of intent to compete on an athletic scholarship at Louisiana State University this fall.

Catholic High School honored members of the basketball, bowling, cheer, soccer and wrestling teams at the Winter Sports Convocation. Along with recognizing lettermen, coaches gave season recaps and distributed individual awards.

Check out our major award winners!

Offensive Player

Outstanding Defensive Player

BASKETBALL CHEER

Improved Player

BOWLING

Captain Award

Coach’s Award

Kirklin Roberts ’14 Memorial Award

Mary Grace Talbot

Carter Labauve ’24

Riley St. Amant

Outstanding

Tate McCurry ’25

Most

Robert Selleck Memorial Award

Sloan Deumite Coach’s Award

Nico Jones ’25

Matthew Trahan ’25

Dylan Gifford ’24 and Allen Pierson ’24

Outstanding Bowler

Most Improved Bowler

Coach’s Award

Carter Mashon ’25

Evan Guilbeau ’25

Hilton Hartman ’24

SOCCER

Most Valuable Player Outstanding Offensive Player Outstanding Defensive Player Coach’s Award

Jacques Breaux ’24

Christopher Day ’24

Charles Dirks ’24

Reece Gauldin ’24 and Jack Kleinpeter ’24

Outstanding Wrestler

Coach’s Award

Most Improved Wrestler

Kristian Scott ’26

Winston Napoli ’24

Christian Worley ’24

Catholic High School honored members of the baseball, fishing, golf, lacrosse, tennis, powerlifting and track and field teams at the Spring Sports Convocation. Along with recognizing lettermen, coaches gave season recaps and distributed individual awards. Check out our major award winners!

BASEBALL

FISHING GOLF

LACROSSE

Highest Batting Average

Golden Glove Award

Cur Dog Award

Brent Pecue Memorial Award

Student-Athlete Award

Clyde Didier Memorial Award

Jack Ruckert ’25

Andrew Clapinski ’25

Sam Procell ’24

Ryan Ainsworth ’24 and Trip Dobson ’24

Most Valuable Fisherman Coach’s Award

Connor Hebert ’24

Porter Morrison ’26

William Stafford ’24

Jackson Thomas ’24

James Maher ’24

Tommy Blanchard ’24

Most Valuable Golfer

Coach’s Award

Drew Prieto ’26

Alston Manne ’24

TENNIS LACROSSE

POWERLIFTING

TRACK AND FIELD

Most Valuable Player Coach’s Award

Charlie DuBos ’25

Henry Hargrave ’24

Most Valuable Player

Luke Dawson ’24

Cameron Brazell ’24

Bennett Ourso ’24

Paul Catalanatto ’24

Matthew Maynard ’24

Outstanding Trackman Coach’s Award

Outstanding Fieldman

Outstanding Distance Man

Brett Devall Memorial Award

Most Valuable Lifter

Coach’s Award

Most Improved Lifter

Matthew Sanders ’24

Jacob Russell ’24

Hayes Turner ’25

Ryan Lewis was a standout, two-sport athlete from 2005-2008. In his time at CHS, Lewis starred as the starting quarterback for Coach Dale Weiner and roamed the outfield at Grizzly Field. On the gridiron, Lewis compiled a 34-5 record as the Bears’ starting quarterback and was selected to the All-Metro team and was named the district’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2006. Lewis ended his career as the school’s all-time leader in passing yards with 3,998 and completions with 246. On the diamond, Lewis won the Highest Batting Average Award in 2007 and was voted to the All-State Team in 2008. After his senior season, Lewis was named as The Advocate’s Star of Stars Athlete of the Year and the 2008 CHS Student-Athlete of the Year. Lewis’ teachers voted him a CHS Man of the Year in 2008. When his career at CHS ended, Lewis was offered a scholarship to play both football and baseball at Rice University. He only played in five games for the Owls football team before focusing on baseball. After appearing in 20 games in 2009, Lewis became a mainstay in the Owl baseball lineup in 2011 and 2012. For his career, Lewis batted .253 with three homers and 65 RBI in 135 games.

Steve Myshrall made a mark during his time on campus as a three-sport letterman in football, basketball, and baseball. On the football field, Myshrall shined in his senior season along the offensive line. He was given the team’s Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award and named to the All-City Team. However, the baseball diamond is where Myshrall excelled. He was named to both the All-District and All-City teams in his junior and senior years. After his senior season in 1964, Myshrall was given the team’s MVP Award. His talent was noticed by Major League Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles. Myshrall became the first CHS athlete to ever sign a professional contract directly out of high school. He went on to play four seasons of minor league baseball in the Orioles organization.

Cole Stafford’s dominance in cross country and track from 2009-2012 made him one of the most decorated distance runners in CHS history. Stafford was a pivotal piece of the cross-country program that won two state championships and a state runner-up. In his senior season, Stafford captured the individual state championship and led CHS to a team title. He was named the 2011 Gatorade Runner of the Year and The Advocate’s Star of Stars for cross country. Stafford dominated on the track as well, earning several individual and team championships in indoor and outdoor events. In 2011 as a junior, Stafford helped the Bears to an indoor state championship by winning the individual title in the 3200m. As a senior, he won the 1600m individual title and was a member of the state runner-up 4x800m relay team. He won the 3200m outdoor event for three consecutive seasons from 2010-2012. He also earned backto-back 1600m titles in 2011 and 2012. His historic performances helped CHS win the state championship in 2010 and 2011 while adding a state runner-up finish in 2012. Overall, Stafford won eight individual state championships during his career. He went on to run cross country and track for the University of Louisiana-Lafayette for five seasons.

Joe Veron is one of the most successful swimmers in CHS history. Veron was a four-time individual state champion and a member of four state runner-up teams from 2001-2004. As a junior in 2002, Veron won the 500-meter freestyle state title. He returned the following year as a senior and captured the 200-meter individual medley, 400-meter freestyle relay, and 500-meter freestyle titles. Veron held the Division I, as well as a school record in the 500-meter freestyle for 14 years. After his incredible performance during the 2003 season, Veron was named a 2003 High School All-American and was offered a swimming scholarship to LSU. In the classroom, Veron maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and earned the distinction of an honors graduate. Veron was named a 2003 Academic All-American for his efforts. At LSU, Veron continued his success in the pool as a two-time SEC Championship Qualifier in 2007 and 2008. His leadership was rewarded by being named a team co-captain in his junior and senior seasons.

Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends of Catholic High School,

As we embark on the exciting journey of a new school year, the Advancement Department is thrilled to welcome you back and share in the enthusiasm of what’s to come. We are immensely grateful for the incredible success of the 20232024 Annual Appeal. Your generous contributions have made a profound impact, and we could not have achieved these milestones without you.

As we celebrate these achievements, we look ahead to the 2024-2025 Annual Appeal with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. Our goal this year is ambitious yet attainable: we aim to have over 60% of our community commit to this year’s appeal. Your involvement, whether through recurring gifts, one-time donations, or investing/founding a scholarship or endowment, is crucial to sustaining and enhancing the exceptional spiritual, educational, and extracurricular opportunities we offer our students.

We invite each of you to be part of this collective effort. Thank you in advance for your support, and Go Bears!!

The Power of Efficiency in Giving

At Catholic High School, we draw inspiration from the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, who embody a spiritually focused, humble, modest, and simple lifestyle. Albert Einstein’s insight, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler,” resonates deeply with us as we strive for efficiency in all we do. Efficiency, consistency, and the collective impact for Catholic High School can be reached in our Advancement efforts through harnessing the power of recurring gifts.

Efficiency and Simplicity: Setting up a recurring gift is a quick and effortless process. Scan the QR below to get started.

Consistency: Your ongoing support provides a stable and predictable source of funding, allowing us to plan and execute our programs with confidence.

Collective Impact: Imagine the transformative power if a significant number of our alumni, parents, and friends embraced this model of giving. See the impact below if current non-donors became recurring gift investors at the following levels:

Social

• August 24 - Men’s Club Stag BBQ

• September 5 - New Parent Welcome Social

• September 25 - Raising Cane’s Challenge

• September 26 - CHS Homecoming Bingo

• September 27 - CHS Homecoming Tailgate

• October 4 - CHS Golf Classic

• November 15 - Alumni Clay Shoot

• December 3 - National Give Day

• December 5 - Founders Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction

Liturgies

• September 30

• November 1

• December 11

Prayer Services

• August 16 - Morning Prayer in the Chapel at 7:45 am

• August 30 - Last Friday of the month in the Chapel at 6:30 am

• September 13 - Morning Prayer in the Chapel at 7:45 am

• September 27 - Last Friday of the month in Chapel at 6:30 am

• October 11 - Morning Prayer in the Chapel at 7:45 am

• October 25 - Last Friday of the month in the Chapel at 6:30 am

• November 22 - Morning Prayer in the Chapel at 7:45 am

• November 29 - Last Friday of the month in the Chapel at 6:30 am

• December 16 - Morning Prayer in the Chapel at 7:45 am

• December 27 - Last Friday of the month in the Chapel at 6:30 am

SCHOLARSHIPS AND ENDOWMENTS CREATED DURING THE 2023-2024 FISCAL YEAR

The Father Mark Beard ’79 Memorial Scholarship

The Joseph G. McCoy ’81 Endowed Scholarship

The Miller Family Scholarship Fund

The Mr. Donald Cook ’66 Memorial Scholarship

The Beale Family Endowed Scholarship Fund

J. Pierre “Pete” Boudreaux Athletic Fund

The Edward B. Picou, Sr. ’26 and The Edward B. Picou, Jr. ’49 Endowed Scholarship

CHS’ TOP 10 SCHOLARSHIPS

TOTAL ALL-TIME CONTRIBUTIONS

Perry Thomas Fischer Memorial Endowed Scholarship

CHS Golf Classic Endowed Scholarship

CHS Class of 1973 Endowed Scholarship/50 Year Reunion Endowed Scholarship

Brother Eldon Crifasi, S.C. ’39 Endowed Scholarship

CHS Alumni Fishing Rodeo Endowed Scholarship

Bryan P. Boudet ’92 Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Jacob Matthew Meek ’17 Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Mildred Creaghan Robichaux & Gertrude Creaghan Scholarship

In Honor of Brother Carl Evans, S.C.

Brent David Pecue ’80 Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The Betty Smothers Memorial Endowed Scholarship

CHS’ TOP 10 ENDOWMENTS

TOTAL ALL-TIME CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Gregory A. Brandao ’73 Faculty and Staff Endowment (Board Designated)

The Bernhard Endowment

The Evelyn, Jerry and Brian Davis ’89 Endowment

The Brother Francis David, S.C. Endowment (Board Designated)

Jared V. Rachal ’99 Endowed Fund

Men’s Club Endowment Fund

The Gerald E. Tullier Faculty and Staff Enhancement Endowment

Gary J. and Lynette I. Lacombe Endowment

Brother Donnan Berry, S.C. Memorial Faculty Enhancement Endowment (Board Designated)

CHS Class of ’75 Endowment

Denotes increased ranking.

TOP FIVE CLASS SCHOLARSHIPS/ENDOWMENTS

TOTAL ALL-TIME CONTRIBUTIONS (LIFETIME)

CHS Class of 1973 Endowed Scholarship/ 50 Year Reunion Endowed Scholarship ....... $245,612

TOP FIVE CONTRIBUTIONS TO A CLASS SCHOLARSHIP/ENDOWMENT

(07/01/2023 - 6/30/2024)

CHS Class of 1973 Endowed Scholarship/ 50 Year Reunion Endowed Scholarship .......

SCHOLARSHIPS AND ENDOWMENTS RECEIVING THE MOST DONOR CONTRIBUTIONS (07/01/2023 - 6/30/2024)

The Joseph G. McCoy ’81 Endowed Scholarship

The Gerald E. Tullier Faculty and Staff Enhancement Endowment

Mildred Creaghan Robichaux & Gertrude Creaghan Scholarship in honor of Brother Carl Evans, S.C.

The Mr. Donald Cook ’66 Memorial Scholarship

The Father Mark Beard ’79 Memorial Scholarship

Jacob Matthew Meek ’17 Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Bryan P. Boudet ’92 Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The Francis Leo Fourrier ’29 Memorial Scholarship

The Miller Family Scholarship Fund

Melvin Joseph LeBlanc, Jr. ’52 Family Scholarship Fund

(7/1/2023 - 6/30/2024)

$48,085

$47,722

$47,045 1989 $41,942

PERPETUAL FOUNDERS

The following individuals, groups, and businesses are Catholic High School Perpetual Founders. Their ongoing support of the mission of the school and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart is deeply appreciated. They have donated $100,000 or more to CHS during their lifetime. We salute and honor this esteemed group of Perpetual Founders for their continued commitment to the advancement efforts at CHS.

PERPETUAL FOUNDER - SACRED HEART - $500,000 -

Mr. and Mrs. James M. Bernhard Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Burke ’86

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin H. Couhig

CHS Alumni Office

CHS Men’s Club

CHS Mothers’ Club

Mr. and Mrs. Norman A. Deumite Sr.*

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan D. Jumonville ’91

Mr. Gerald H. Marchand ’49 +

Mrs. Linda K. Marchand

Dr. and Mrs. Claude B. Pennington + Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation

Ms. Jo Sevin

Mr. Leonce J. Sevin Jr. ’47 +

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene C. Sykes Jr. ’85

Mr. Charles L. Valluzzo

Mrs. Nancy Valluzzo +

Mr. and Mrs. Chris C. Valluzzo ’87

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Valluzzo ’78

PERPETUAL FOUNDER - SANCTUARY -

$250,000 - $499,999

Mr. and Mrs. David H. Arrighi Sr. ’73 *

Mr. and Mrs. Peter M. Couhig ’90

Succession of Evelyn Nelson Davis

Dr. and Mrs. Jacques de la Bretonne

Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. DiVincenti Jr. ’73 *

Faulk & Winkler LLC

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Faulk III

Mr. and Mrs. George A. Fischer + Mrs. Margaret Womack Hart

Mr. and Mrs. J. Gerard Jolly ’70

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Melancon Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Moran ’86 *

The E.J. and Marjory B. Ourso Family Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Salmon

Mr. and Mrs. Roland M. Toups

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick G. Tullier ’75

Mr. Milton J. Womack Sr. +

PERPETUAL FOUNDER - COINDRE -

$100,000 - $249,999

Mr. and Mrs. Billy J. Aguillard ’70

Mr. and Mrs. Kurt H. Ainsworth ’96

Margie and Ralph Alexander

Mr. and Mrs. Justin Alford Sr. ’89 *

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Barfield Jr. ’82

Mr. and Mrs. John Q. Barnidge

Baton Rouge Coca-Cola United Baton Rouge State Fair Foundation

Brother Donnan Berry, S.C. +

Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Bologna ’45 +

Mr. and Mrs. Randolph J. Bonnecaze ’65

Dr. and Mrs. Redfield E. Bryan Jr. ’55

Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Burke ’89

Cajun Industries, LLC

Mr. Roe F. Cangelosi 1922 +

Col. James F. Coerver ’46

Dr. Michael S. Crapanzano ’80 and Dr. Kathleen Crapanzano

Mr. and Mrs. Danny A. Daniel Sr. ’56

Mr. and Mrs. M. David DiVincenti Sr. ’70

Mr. John A. Ebner ’87

Mr. and Mrs. Randall J. Ellis Sr. ’65

Dr. and Mrs. Quentin D. Falgoust ’61

Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Ferachi ’84

Mr. and Mrs. Chris A. Ferrara

Dr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Fourrier ’28 +

Mr. and Mrs. Duane Frugé *

Mrs. Frances Gaudin

Mr. Louis B. Gaudin + Ferdinand J. Guerin, Jr. and Audrey Ann Guerin Living Trust

Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Hebert Jr. ’64

Mr. and Mrs. John B. Heroman Jr. ’29 + Guy Hopkins Construction Co.

Mr. H. G. Hopkins ’76 and Mrs. Marion Hopkins +

Governor and Mrs. Bobby Jindal

Mr. and Mrs. Francis C. Jumonville Jr. ’73

Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Kirby ’80

Mr. D. Ben Kleinpeter +

L.A.S.B.C., Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Gary J. Lacombe

Lamar Corporation

Mr. and Mrs. Brandon P. Landry ’97

Mrs. Frances L. Landry +

Mr. Richard H. Lea Jr. ’77

Mrs. Shirley LeBlanc

Mr. V. Price LeBlanc Sr. +

Mr. and Mrs. Ulyesse J. LeGrange ’48 +

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald H. Marchand Charitable Trust

Mrs. Mary McCoy *

Dr. and Mrs. Tom J. Meek Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Mockler

Moreau Physical Therapy

Mr. and Mrs. Alvin C. Moreau III ’92

Mr. Daniel R. Murray ’63

Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Ourso +

Mr. and Mrs. J. Clifford Ourso Sr. ’26 +

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Panepinto` ’70

Dr. Claude J. Patin +

Estate of Dr. Claude J. Patin +

Mr. and Mrs. William W. Pecue II ’78

Mr. and Mrs. F. Jay Poché, Jr.

Mrs. Camilla R. Pugh

Dr. and Mrs. Vincent O. Rachal

Mr. and Mrs. George H. Reymond 1914 + Mr. and Mrs. John F. Robichaux ’62 *

Mr. and Mrs. Michael O. Rourke

Dr. Fred J. Ruiz Sr. ’45 +

Mr. and Mrs. M. Wesley Salmon ’91

Dr. and Mrs. Carlton H. Sheely II

Shell Oil Company Foundation

Dr. and Mrs. Stephen L. Sherman

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph J. Stephens ’73

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Steele II

Mr. and Mrs. Jorge L. Tarajano ’80

Mrs. Charest D. “Pigeon” Thibaut Jr.

Mr. Charest D. Thibaut Jr. +

Mr. John G. Turner ’78 and Mr. Jerry G. Fischer

United Networks of America

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick C. Valluzzo ’99

Dr. and Mrs. Richard R. Vath

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux

+ Deceased

* New Perpetual Founder or Giving Level Increase

...It’s a Lifetime

The saying around the Catholic High family that always comes to mind is “It’s More than Four—It’s a Lifetime.” That saying means much more to the family of Melvin “Mel” LeBlanc, a 1952 graduate of CHS. Mel’s legacy has now reached four generations of Catholic High graduates

By Joe LeBlanc ’72

as four of his sons, Joe ’72, Ken ’73, Mike ’74, and Bobby ’75, followed their dad as CHS graduates. Next, Joe’s sons, Dale ’95 and Paul ’01, started the third generation of Mel’s grandsons and were followed by Bobby’s son Blake ’08 and Mel’s oldest daughter, Linda’s son David Hebert ’03. Now the fourth generation of Mel’s family, his great grandsons and Dale’s sons, Harris ’20, Britton ’22 and Cohen ’25, continued the family legacy at CHS.

My dad was very active as a studentathlete at CHS. He was a member of the football, basketball and track teams while maintaining honor student status. While at CHS, my dad met my mother, Audry Chaney, an SJA student who was the Valedictorian in her 1953 class. Dad and mom quickly started a family which grew rapidly. Seven sons and two daughters were born over a period of 11 years (that’s not a typo!) Unfortunately, my dad passed away in June of 1966 after a short battle with leukemia. Two months later, mom had those of us who were in school moved from the public school in St. Gabriel to St. George Catholic School in Baton Rouge and our Catholic school legacy began. In December of 1966, our family dealt with the tragedy of losing my three-year-old brother, Dale, in a fire. Years later, I would

name my first born son Dale after my brother.

While I grew up knowing my dad wanted us to attend Catholic High, I cannot remember any conversations about it. Once my dad passed away, my mom made it a point to let us know CHS was in our future. The fulfillment of dad’s dream and the second part of the LeBlanc legacy began in fall of 1968 when I had my first day at Catholic High. My brothers followed over the next three years. Each of us immersed ourselves in the many facets available at CHS as athletes, club members, and friends. Since then, I’ve watched my sons, grandson and nephew follow these footsteps.

As my family’s legacy has grown and continues to grow, I’ve come to realize a deeper meaning that CHS has had in my own life and what my time there taught me. Catholic High School taught me when and how to grow. It taught me to continue to look for ways to improve through my mistakes. Brother Eldon Crifasi, S.C. often told us to follow a simple rule—Do the right thing. That simple phrase always comes to mind when dealing with the devil on the left shoulder and the angel on my right. And even though I’m right handed,

Mel LeBlanc ’52 and wife

Audry Chaney (SJA ’53)

I often followed my left side. I know now that Catholic High School gave me the tools I needed to figure out how to live, I just needed to trust the foundations they taught me and use those foundations for good.

With Dale’s youngest son, Cohen, beginning his senior year at CHS, Dale thought of another way to continue our family’s “more than four” legacy at Catholic High by beginning the Melvin J. LeBlanc, Jr. Family Scholarship in honor of the grandfather he never had the opportunity to meet. Our hope is that the scholarship will continue to grow as our grandsons and their sons continue to make Catholic High their home away from home during their four or five high school years. We also hope that others will be able to attend CHS who deserve to be there, but might not financially be able to attend without assistance.

I have heard many quotes during my life that have become daily reminders. Perhaps the one that means the most, and I think applies most appropriately here, comes from the winning coach of the first two Super Bowls, Vince Lombardi. So I will share his wisdom with you.

“After all the cheer has died down and the stadium is empty, after the headlines have been written, and after you are back in the quiet of your room and the championship ring has been placed on the dresser and after all the pomp and fanfare has faded, the enduring thing that is left is the dedication to doing with our lives the very best we can to make the world a better place in which to live.”

The Brothers of the Sacred Heart have been doing this since their beginning. As their numbers dwindle, those of us they have touched and made our world the “better place” that Coach Lombardi encouraged, have an obligation to continue their mission and touch the lives of those who want the opportunities CHS provides. So I encourage others to do as my family and so many others have done. Help make it possible for future generations to enjoy the Catholic High experience.

Ametur Cor Jesu – Loved be the Heart of Jesus!

Mel LeBlanc ’52 CHS Basketball Team

Joe LeBlanc ’72 in district matchup against Scotlandville in 1971

Mel’s oldest son (Joe ’72), grandson (Dale’95) and great-grandson (Harris ’20) at the CHS Men’s Club Stag BBQ

Front Row: Paula Louis, Tracie Duplessis and Linda Hebert. Back Row: Lance, Bobby ‘75, Doug, Joe ‘72, Mike ‘74, Ken ‘73

THANK YOU for your support!

CAREER DAY 2024

Earlier this year, we welcomed back CHS alumni from a wide variety of professions for our annual Career Day. Bears who work in such industries as accounting, architecture, engineering, entertainment, finance, healthcare, emergency response, law, information technology, marketing, and sales spent the day with our seniors to offer perspectives in their fields of expertise. This year, our seniors had an opportunity to attend a job showcase, where they had opportunities to ask questions to representatives from different companies. After the presentations, our seniors were treated to lunch courtesy of CHS corporate partner Raising Cane’s. Here are a few of our favorite photos from the day. To read/see more, head over to catholichigh.org/alumni.

ADULTLEADERBOARDWINNERS

Cobia: Jimmy Leonard

Dolphin: Miller Time/JW Landry

Flounder: HUB International/Cameron Hunt ’12

Grouper: FOAM-O/Kyle Rodrigue

Mangrove Snapper: Joey Wojciechowski

Red Snapper: FOAM-O/Kyle Rodrigue

Redfish: Derrik Bouziga

Sheepshead: Chris Landry ’93

Speckled Trout: Thomas Parker ’21

Wahoo: Max Chouest

YouthLEADERBOARDWINNERS

Flounder: Kambree Broussard

Red Snapper: Sutton Fourrier

Redfish: Hannah Sexton

Speckled Trout: Hannah Sexton

The 17th annual CHS Fishing Rodeo hosted 250+ anglers in Fourchon, Louisiana for the 2024 event. CHS alumni, faculty, and current students, and friends joined us for two days of fishing, food, and fellowship. Together with our sponsors and anglers, the CHS Alumni Association raised more than $32,500 which will help fund the school’s need-based tuition assitance program.

A special thank you goes to the CHS Alumni Association Board of Directors and the CHS Fishing Rodeo Committee for all of their efforts that helped to make this year’s event a huge success.

GoldenBearsponsors

Big River Glass

BJM Construction

Cocreham Brick

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys

Infinite Infrastructure

Milton J. Womack

Milton “Trey” Ourso III ’88

Oliver Construction

Sigma Engineers & Contractors, Inc.

grizzlysponsors

Adventure Print Shop

Cajun Foam

First Horizon

Holcim

John Balance Photography

Law office of James D. Prescott

Lucky Dog Lodge

Marcus Valenciano ’93 Family

Performance Contractors

Star Service, Inc

Taylor Porter

Vaughan Roofing & Sheet Metal bruinsponsors

Custom Colors

Evans Investment Advisors

FMM

Heads & Tails Catering

Himmel’s Architectural Door & Hardware

RCI

Baton

Incoming

Our annual legacy photographs are a time-honored tradition where Bears of the past accompany their sons, grandsons, and greatgrandsons for a photo prior to the incoming student’s first year at CHS. It is humbling to see our alumni choose to send their loved ones to walk the same halls they did as young men. It’s MORE than 4. It’s a Lifetime!

Second Generation Legacies

Hayes Arabie ’29, Randolph Arabie Jr. ’97

Vance Arnold ’28, Clyde Arnold II ’86

Howard Beach ’28, David Beach ’96

Bennett Bergeron ’29, Trudeau Hogue Sr. ’34

Jack Bernard ’28, Andrew Bernard ’94

Brayson Blanchard ’28, Troy Blanchard ’93

Beau Burris ’28, Frank Howze ’67

Ruffin Campesi ’29, Ross Campesi III ’97

Christiaan Carrera ’28, Donald Marrero ’51

Colton Carriere ’28, Adrian Kaiser Jr. ’45

Gavin Carville ’29, Alfred Carville ’30

Ethan Cook ’28, Tim Cook ’96

Eli Crump ’28, Thomas Russell ’44

Walter Dardis ’29, John Robichaux ’62

Charles Ellis IV ’28, Charles Ellis III ’07

Nolan Emmels ’28, Stuart Bonaventure ’08

Ethan Emonet ’28, Mark T. Emonet ’87

Nathan Fletcher ’28, Buffington Mayer Sr. ’05

Douglas Funderburk ’28, John Funderburk ’95

Parker Galloway ’28, Thomas Guercio ’34

Fritz Gayle ’29, Conrad Gayle ’01

Nicholas Goodson ’28, Gary Griggs ’68

Nathaniel Green ’28, Shayne Green ’96

Dylan Gremillion ’28, John Edmonston Jr. ’74

Ethan Gross ’28, Matthew Gross ’98

William Hebert ’28, Rory Hebert ’97

William House ’28, Lucas Silvio ’46

Bowman Irby ’29, Mathieu Irby ’97

Pictured above.

Luke Lamonica ’28, Neal Lamonica ’94

Davey Leak ’28, Michael Cascio Sr. ’37

Weslee Manda ’29, Kenneth Manda Jr. ’00

Josiah Odom ’29, Brandon Odom ’06

Austin Olinde ’29, Travis Olinde ’01

Michael Peterman ’28, Henry Weilbacher ’65

Clifton Riche ’28, Kenneth Riche Jr. ’88

Henry Riggs ’28, Jason Riggs ’97

Wade Saia ’28, Bennett Saia Sr. ’90

Luke Schempf ’28, John Schempf ’90

Kason Schexnayder ’29, Donald Plaisance Jr. ’64

Jacob Siemann ’28, Joseph Montagnino ’40

Brennan Sommers ’29, Dr. William Dimattia ’56

Michael St Amant ’28, Brandon St. Amant ’94

Benjamin Templet ’29, Adrian Kaiser Jr. ’47

Collin Territo ’28, David Territo ’00

Charles Thompson ’28, Ben Thompson ’68

Dalton Willis ’28, Phillip Eckert ’52

Miles Champion ’29, Beau Champion ’01

Michael LeBlanc ’29, Alfred Carville ’30

Jack Carter ’26, Gary M McConnell ’72

Christopher Vath ’29, Richard Vath ’95

Gabriel Valluzzo ’28, Patrick Valluzzo ’99

Incoming Legacies

Third Generation Legacies

Pictured below.

Christopher Brooksher ’29, Steven Brooksher Jr. ’00, Steven Brooksher Sr. ’70

Hayes Higginbotham ’29, William Bourdier ’55, Willard Bourdier ’29

Nathan Hissong ’28, Jay Hissong ’94, James Brown ’43

Brandon LeBlanc ’29, Brent LeBlanc ’98, Weber Mansur Jr. ’44

Preston Pecue IV ’28, Preston Pecue Jr. ’67, Preston D. Pecue ’38

Kristopher Sabrio ’29, Robert Bogan III ’73, Robert A Bogan Jr. ’43

Major Schram ’29, Garrett Schram ’02, Vincent Cangelosi ’45 Tyler Williams ’28, Ricky Lato ’72, Guy Lato ’48

Fourth Generation Legacies

Pictured above.

Blake Bottger ’29, Justin Bottger ’21, Gene Bottger ’72, Benjamin Drago Sr. ’37

Patrick Dawes ’28, Michel Fourrier ’69, Lawrence Fourrier ’26, J.D. Lawrence Fourrier

Henry Fabre ’28, Jared Fabre ’00, Charles Tessier III ’68, Charles Robert Tessier Jr. ’41

Chase Fourrier ’28, Michel Fourrier ’69, Lawrence Fourrier ’26, J.D. Lawrence Fourrier

Michael Hoffpauir ’29, Erik Hoffpauir ’02, James Jolly Sr. ’41, Joseph Jolly ’07

Cooper LeBlanc ’28, William LeBlanc ’98, Robert LeBlanc ’69, William Robinson ’37?

Crawford Stolzenthaler ’29, Kyle Stolzenthaler ’97, Stanford Stolzenthaler III ’71, Stanford Stolzenthaler Jr. ’45

Philip Takyi ’29, Gerald J. Tullier ’40, Ira Tullier ’13

Fifth Generation Legacies

Pictured below.

Quinn Nesbit ’28, Ryan Nesbit ’95, Wilbur Nesbit Jr. ’65, Wilbur Nesbit Sr. ’39, Grover Nesbit ’05 Grant Nesbit ’29, Ryan Nesbit ’95, Wilbur Nesbit Jr. ’65, Wilbur Nesbit Sr. ’39, Grover Nesbit ’05

PLAN TODAY FOR THE FUTURE OF CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

When you make a planned gift—of any size—you help strengthen the CHS experience for the next generation of Bears.

Your gift can enhance campus priorities that have personal meaning to you, such as tuition assistance, academic departments, athletics, and technology. Or you can make an unrestricted gift that enables the school to best address its future needs. Gifts of stocks and securities, bequests, a charitable trust, retirement plans, life insurance, and bonds are just a few choices you have.

Whatever your commitment, you will join a special tradition of giving at CHS and be welcomed into The Brother Donnan Berry, S.C. Legacy Partnership.

To learn more about how you can secure Catholic High School’s future, please contact Margie Alexander at malexander@catholichigh.org or J.P. Kelly ’92 at jkelly@catholichigh.org.

Alumni inthenews

1982

MICHAEL FERACHI ’82 When Michael Ferachi became Managing Member at McGlinchey Stafford in 2021, he established the #McGlincheyForward initiative, which focused on positive change through continued growth, strengthening the firm’s inclusive culture, empowering the firm’s employees, and surpassing clients’ expectations with exceptional service. This year, Michael plans to continue the focus on what he calls “people-driven growth;” recognize and celebrate the firm’s 50th anniversary; and continue formalizing the firm’s succession planning, term limits, and leadership development, to instill a culture of leadership growth amongst the firm’s members.

1996

1997

FRANZ N. BORGHARDT ’97 was granted membership in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem on January 25, 2024.

1998

TORRENCE WELCH ’98 performed as a soloist for Alpharetta (Georgia) Symphony playing the oboe.

2003

2004

JEFFREY GARIDEL ’04 was named in January the 2023 Account Executive of the year for Guardant Health, making him the top Oncology salesman in the nation for their company.

2005

JAMES NELSON ’05 and wife Courtney proudly announce the birth of their twins, Sophie and Sadie, on October 16, 2023.

JAMIN GARIDEL ’96, Part’s Manager for Ditch Witch of South Louisiana, was awarded the Harold Chestnutt Award given to the top part’s manager in their worldwide organization, and is part of the team that enabled their company to also receive the Service Dealership of the year also globally for the 8th year in a row that the award has been given.

KELLY BRAND ’03 and his wife Alexandra (Ali) Hudson Brand (SJA ‘08) along with their daughter Tillie Claire Brand announce the birth of their second daughter, Emma Kelly Brand, born on October 4, 2023.

ARMAND MICHAUD ’03 Attracct Accounting Advisors, which serves the construction and real estate industry, has merged with legacy firm D Dean CPA. Founded in 2022 by Armand Michaud ’03 and John Roberts, Attracct offers outsourced, customized financial management solutions through a comprehensive suite of accounting, tax, and advisory services for businesses of all sizes.

2006

TYLER

HARVEY ’06 and wife Heather announce the birth of their daughter, Juliet Rose, born on December 31, 2023. She joins big brother, William Wayne, born March 9, 2022.

J. MICHAEL MOHR, SJ ’06 was ordained a priest on June 8, 2024 in St. Louis.

After ordination, Fr. Mohr will pursue a Licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry.

JOHN DAVID PITCHFORD ’06 announces the birth of his son, Jude Michael Pitchford, born on December 12, 2023 weighing 7 lbs 3 oz, and measuring 20 inches.

2009

DR. ALEX KLEINPETER ’09 recently received the Andy Kaplan Prize at the CSH Retroviruses Conference for his work “Elucidating the role of IP6 in HIV-1 assembly, maturation, and postentry events.’” He is currently finishing his post doc work at the National Institutes for Health, and next May begins work with his own research lab as an assistant professor at University of Iowa.

2014

Central Command (CENTCOM). Michael flies the KC-135 Stratotanker.

LTJG BRENDAN F. HARDIN ’16

U.S. Navy, is stationed at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, where he flies the MH-60R strike helicopter as a member of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77, the Saberhawks. Brendan received his Bachelor of Science in 2020 from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

CHANDLER KELLEHER ’16

received his MBA from LSU in May of 2023 and was married to Marie Scioneaux (SJA Class of 2016) in a beautiful wedding in December 2023.

2018

MATTHEW WISEMAN ’09, employed five years at Raising Cane’s, receives a stuffed salmon in recognition of his hard work. The reason that a salmon is given is that Todd Graves worked as a salmon fisherman in Alaska, in order to save up money for Raising Cane’s first restaurant.

2016

CAPTAIN MICHAEL R. DELATTE ’16 a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), Class of 2020, assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, recently returned from a four month deployment in the

ANDREW GAUTHIER ’18 graduated Magna Cum Laude from LSU with a major in Biology and a minor in psychology. He will be attending LSU Health School of Medicine in New Orleans starting in the fall of 2024.

2019

ROSS J. DENICOLA IV ’19 successfully completed four years of challenging academic, physical and professional military training, graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and commissions as an Ensign.

MEMORIAL and HONORARY GIFTS

THERE ARE MANY special occasions during our lives when we choose to memorialize or honor in a special way those we hold dear. The following are acknowledged for their gifts to Catholic High School from January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024 in honor or memory of loved ones. Please remember these alumni and friends, as well as their families, in your prayers.

Memorial Gifts

Mr. Harold I. Bahlinger Sr. ‘53

Mr. Vincent Arbour

Reverend Mark B. Beard ‘79

Mr. David T. Johnson ‘79

Mr. Bryan P. Boudet ‘92

Mrs. Shonda R. Boudet

Dr. and Mrs. J. Michael Cuba Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher M. Lee Sr. ‘92

Mr. and Mrs. Mason Marsh

Mr. Jeffrey Pizzo

Mr. Tryve G. Brackin ‘65

Mr. and Mrs. Randall J. Ellis Sr. ‘65

Mr. Randall J. Cashio ‘62

Mr. John Doirob

Mrs. Ella R. Chapman

Mr. and Mrs. James McCartt

Mr. and Stephen D. Chapman

Mr. and Mrs. David L. Wade

Dr. Robert I. Comeaux Jr. ‘59

Mr. Pete Hirschey

Honorary Gifts

Reverend Michael J. Alello ‘98

Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Grey III ‘88

Mr. Mitch Arceneaux

Mr. and Mrs. Danny Winchester

Mr. Carson R. Arms ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Lamonica

Mr. David Assaf III

Mr. and Mrs. Bernard R. Assaf ‘91

Mr. J. Pierre Boudreaux Sr. ‘59

Mr. Chase C. Brouillette ‘16

Mr. Kellan J. Boudreaux ‘26

Dr. and Mrs. Kelly Boudreaux

Mr. William W. Caro

Mr. and Mrs. Bradley J. Caro ‘96

Mrs. Sylvia Darce

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan O. Neustrom ‘00

Brother Ramon Daunis, S.C.

Mr. and Mrs. Rudy C. Valenciano

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. DeLoach

Mr. Mike Barranco

Ms. Susan E. Shell

Mr. Verne J. Dicharry Jr. ‘62

Mr. and Mrs. Steve E. Hatcher

Mr. Anthony E. Farris Sr. ‘48

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth J. Wink Sr.

Mr. Paul P. Bologna ‘78

Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Hebert Jr. ‘64

Mr. William B. Greene Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. William B. Greene III ‘92

Mr. Robert S. Greer Jr.

Dr. George D. Dalton ‘85 and Dr. Xanthia S. Dalton

Mr. and Mrs. Randall J. Ellis Sr. ‘65

Mrs. Gerri Hughes

Lewis Mohr Real Estate & Insurance Agency, Inc.

Class of 1994

Honorable and Mrs. Richard L. Bourgeois Jr. ‘94

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick N. Broyles ‘94

Mr. and Mrs. Neal R. Lamonica ‘94

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Ponson ‘94

Mr. Branden J. Coniglio ‘14

Mr. and Mrs. Jarrod J. Coniglio

Student council

Mr. and Mrs. Craig Saporito

Brother Eldon Crifasi, S.C. ‘39

Dr. and Mrs. Frank P. Henchy III ‘70

Mr. and Mrs. Darrell P. Ourso

Mr. and Mrs. Scott A. Ritter ‘93

Mr. Ethan M. Crochet ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. Horace P. Crochet Jr. ‘92

Mr. Connor J. Diaz ‘24

Mrs. Patsy McCoy

Mr. Patrick B. Kennedy Sr. ‘52

Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Hebert Jr. ‘64

Mr. Jacob M. Meek ‘17

Mr. John A. Ebner ‘87

Mr. and Mrs. Mark T. Emonet ‘87

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Meek II ‘87

Mr. Robert V. McAnelly

Mr. and Mrs. Steve E. Hatcher

Mr. and Mrs. O’Neil J. Parenton Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. LeBlanc ‘74

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Perrault Jr.

Mrs. Elaine Atkinson

Mr. and Mrs. James R. Chastain Jr. ‘82

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Christ ‘96

Audrey Joy Schlosser Proctor

Dr. and Mrs. Gregory A. Brandao ‘73

Ms. Myrtle Saxon

Mr. and Mrs. Lane Grigsby

Mr. Charles Schatzle

Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Hebert Jr. ‘64

Mr. Luke J. Duval ‘27

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Chustz

Mr. John M. Elliott ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. W. Robert Elliott Jr.

Aguillard Family

Mr. Randy Onxley

Dr. and Mrs. Ronaldo Funes

Dr. and Mrs. Christopher M. Funes ‘89

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Galliano

Mrs. Lisa K. Judice

Mr. Aidan C. Goulas ‘27

Mrs. Erika Goulas

Mr. John T. Hart ‘28

Mr. and Mrs. C. Michael Hart

Honorary Gifts

Mr. and Mrs. Paul M. Hebert Jr. ‘64

Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. McCowan Jr.

Mr. Charles L. Jeansonne ‘27

Mrs. Rose Mary Jeansonne

Mr. Theodore W. Jones Jr. ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Jones

Brother Dwight Kenney, S.C.

Mr. Chris D. Causey ‘01

Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kitchell

Dr. and Mrs. Christopher M. Funes ‘89

Mr. Thomas C. Kleinpeter ‘24

Ms. Lynn Boudreaux

Mr. Peter L. Kronenberger ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Kronenberger

Mr. Louis Lato

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin P. Landry

Mr. Lucas W. Lawrence ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. Will Lawrence

Mr. James D. LeBlanc ‘27

Mr. and Mrs. Blake LeBlanc

Mr. Michael P. LeBlanc ‘29

Mr. and Mrs. Jules J. Noel III

Mr. David E. Lemann ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Lemann

Mr. and Mrs. James Magette

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Raley

Mr. William P. May ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Eagan Jr.

Mr. Gabriel L. Mayhall ‘28

Ms. Valerie Lege Mayhall

Mr. Loudon A. McGuire ‘22

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. McGuire III ‘84

Mr. Brady T. Moore ‘28

Ms. Tiffany Moore

Mr. and Mrs. Adam M. Morgan ‘02

Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Morgan

Mr. Jack M. Mosely ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. Russell L. Mosely

Mr. Garner B. O’Neal ‘25

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher O’Neal

IN MEMORIAM

Ms. Catherine C. Robichaux

Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Brouillette

Mr. Bennett C. Saia Jr. ‘22

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett C. Saia ‘90

Mr. Luke M. Schulze ‘26

Ms. Nancy Schulze

Mr. Aiden L. Strief ‘27

Mr. and Mrs. Pressley L. Campbell

Mr. Brett B. Vidrine ‘15

Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy M. Vidrine

Mr. Benjamin M. Wallace ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wallace

Mr. and Mrs. Dale K. Weiner

Mr. Michael Robinson

Mr. John R. Winchester ‘25

Mr. and Mrs. Danny Winchester

AS OF JUNE 30,2024, the following alumni and friends of CHS have passed away since the last issue of Bear Facts. Please remember them and their families in your prayers.

Mr. Louis A. Daigle Jr. ‘55

Mr. Nicholas J. Cicero Sr. ‘61

Mr. Charles Clifford Samson Sr.

Mr. Kevin J. Gravois ‘57

Mr. Edward B. Picou Jr. ‘49

Mr. Louis P. Brupbacher ‘62

Mr. Anthony S. Pizzolato ‘47

Mr. Thomas A. Corona ‘54

Mr. Thomas A. Nolan Sr. ‘55

Mr. Alfred K. Lockwood Sr. ‘53

Mr. Christopher P. Moise ‘93

Mr. Robert S. Greer Jr.

Mr. Wade J. Labat, PE ‘63

Mr. Richard M. Young ‘84

Mr. Randall J. Cashio ‘62

Mr. Noah P. Rizan Jr. ‘47

Mr. William J. Metrailer Jr. ‘62

Mr. Stephen D. Chapman

Mr. Tryve G. Brackin ‘65

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. DeLoach

Mr. Paul T. Barber Sr. ‘56

Mr. Anthony E. Farris Sr. ‘48

Ms. Rebecca Starring

Dr. Robert I. Comeaux Jr. ‘59

Mr. Francis Schexnayder Jr.

Mr. Danny Plaisance

Brother Ramon Daunis, S.C.

Mr. Joseph Perrault Jr.

Sports in the

Since 2019, the Catholic High School Lacrosse Team has made it to the semi-finals on a yearly basis and has played for the state championship for four consecutive years, winning the State Championship in 2022. Although lacrosse is a relatively new sport on campus, nearly 100 students participate, making it one of the more popular sports.

Patrick Thigpen’s ’08 love of the sport, planted the initial seed for the introduction of the sport at Catholic High. Thigpen’s family moved to Belgium, and it was there that he was first introduced to lacrosse. Thigpin recalled, “While my family was away, I was introduced to lacrosse. I was gone my freshman, sophomore, and junior years of high school. When I came back to visit during the summer, I would bring a couple of sticks back to my Pollard Estates neighborhood, and I taught my friends how to throw, catch and cradle. They eventually got their own sticks and practiced on their own.”

Thigpen’s family returned to Baton Rouge in the summer of 2007 in time for his senior year of high school and reuniting him with neighborhood friends. Thigpin, along with Ben Jumonville ’08, Doug Crochet ’08, John Robert Butler ’08, and Sean Gahan ’08, decided to seek permission from Catholic High to start a club sport.

BY DAVID BUTLER ’77

Doug Crochet recalled, “Catholic High made it easy for us. In the fall we broached Principal, Brother Barry Landry. He agreed if we could find a supervisory person in the school. We asked Chris Iwancio, a religion teacher, and he agreed.”

The group began talking up the sport around school. Crochet recalled, “We had to have a meeting to see the level of interest. After a week of being on the announcements, we had a meeting in the choir room. The meeting was well attended as there were plenty of athletes looking for something to do. We ended up fielding both junior varsity and varsity teams.” Thigpen recalled, “We were surprised at the number of people who showed up. We must have had 12 to 13 guys of all ages from our neighborhood, Pollard Estates, who joined the team.”

The team located LSU Club player and former Towson player Ryen Carlson to coach the team. Thigpen recalled, “The better teams were Texas teams. We played a tournament in New Orleans and played a number of New Orleans teams winning a handful of games over the season.”

Doug Crochet, Sean Graham, and John Robert Butler went on to play at LSU while Patrick Thigpen played at the University of South Carolina.

“I

want to awaken your Hope. “ ‑Fr. André Coindre

How are you awakened in the morning? If it is with an alarm, what kind of ring sound is it? How many times do you hit the snooze? Do you wake up apprehensive, or is there a sense of excitement and hope for the new day?

What prompts me to wonder about all of this comes from a poignant phrase by the Brothers’ founder, Fr. Andre Coindre: “I want to awaken your hope.”

If you carefully consider the words and the message, there is a lot to unpack. What is your hope? What does it mean to be “awakened?” Why does your hope need to be roused? - Why was it “sleeping” or inactive?

For the past few months, Brothers around the world have been discussing this theme of “Hope” as we prepared for our General Chapter that took place in Rome, May 2024. Every 6 years, representatives of Brothers from 31 countries around the globe, gather together in Rome to elect new leadership and to discuss future actions.

I had the honor with two other Brothers of representing the United States Province, and it was an amazing experience of fraternity and internationality. It was eye-opening to converse with Brothers from different cultures and languages. Some are educating and witnessing hope to young people who are suffering from poverty and living in places with political/religious tension.

When considering this theme of “Hope,” we first acknowledged the source of our hope: our vocation to be a brother like Jesus, and like Him, to reach out to those in need, especially young people who are hungry to hear that they are loved. We also noted that we find fountains of hope in our Partners in Mission who are passionate about living the charism. The American Brothers were proud to speak about the Coindre Leadership program, and the dedicated leaders and teachers that we have in our schools, which of course includes Catholic High.

In considering hope for the future, we Brothers felt stirred to work towards greater collaboration. For example, we discussed the possibility of Brothers from various entities, living and working together on a common project—maybe in a new area in the world.

We examined the importance of continuing wholesome formation for our over 150 young brothers. Though they are already fired up with zeal, we want to encourage and support them.

The Spirit awakened in us a desire to create structures so that alums, school staffs, and family members, can better collaborate and feel more a part of the Brothers’ charism. We envision some type of a “Vibrant Coindre Family.” How this will grow and take shape remains to be seen, but we are excited about it. We are grateful that the Spirit incites us to dream new dreams.

Many other inspiring plans and directives were put forth, and it was good to believe the Spirit was leading us out of grogginess, stirring us up, and boosting our morale. It is refreshing to realize that the Brothers of the Sacred Heart are alive and well and ready to creatively do our part to enliven the world.

Our experience makes me want to invite you to consider: What is the Spirit trying to arouse in you? Are you awake and open to His stirrings to get out of complacency? Are you hopeful and ready to be kinder and bolder in your dealings with others?

CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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