May 2014 bayou catholic magazine graduation

Bayou

Catholic

2014 Graduation

Contents Vandebilt Catholic

E.D. White Catholic

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58

Nicholls State

66

Central Catholic

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Grand Isle

South Lafourche

67

67

Graduation 2014

Ellender High 52

67 Thibodaux High

South Terrebonne

Morgan City

70

70

70

H.L. Bourgeois

Central Lafourche

73

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Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014

Terrebonne High

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Vandebilt commencement is May 17

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andebilt Catholic High School in Houma will hold its commencement exercises Saturday, May 17, at 9 a. m., at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center.

The class of 2014 selected the white rose as its class flower, mint green and white as its colors, and “Home” as its song. The class quote is “You never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”

Class officers are: Sarah Macnamara, president; Victoria Cinnater, vice-president; and Mary McMahon, secretary/treasurer.

The 179 graduates are: Mathew Adams, Trevor Adams, Sydney Alford, Lauren Andrepont, Jacob Arceneaux, Joshua Arceneaux, Ernest Babin III, Mallory Babin, Zachary Barker, Derek Barrios, Michael Bassham, Victoria Belle, Abigail Bergeron, Grant Bergeron, Gregory Bergeron, Jordan Bergeron,

Lerin Bergeron, Matthew Bergeron, Jared Bigler, Elizabeth Blanchard, Darby Bollinger, William Bond, Alaina Bonvillain, Austin Boquet, Allie Boudreaux, Eric Bourg, Ian Bourg, Tyler Bourque, Blake Bowie, Trent Brady, Gavin Breaux, Derek Brondum, Taylor Brooks, Brittany Brossette, David Brouillette, A’Ja Brown, Seth Browning, Craig Brunet, Gabe Brunet, Brennan Bundy, Mary Buquet, Morgan Buquet, Sarah Cagle, Wesley Cagle, Hana Calhoun, Caitlin Callais, Justin Callais, Julia Callejas, Cierra Calloway, Victoria Carmouche, Alexandra Casey, Jacob Chabert, Kerci Champagne, Laura Charpentier, Colleen Cheramie, Victoria Cinnater, Hannah Couvillon, Erin Crane, Ian Crispino, Connor Cuneo, Sean Cunningham, Megan Daigle, Steven DeFelice, Taylor DelGreco, Dominick Domangue, Reece Duet, Blair Duplantis, Mitchell Duplantis, Bryce Fanguy, Sarah Fanguy,

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Congratulations And

to All

Best Wishes

2014 Graduates

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Class of 2014

May the Lord bless each of our graduates and bless this time of new beginnings.

May He smile upon these young men and women and surround them with His loving arms.

May He guide them to follow in the footsteps of His son and to live life in the ways of faith, hope, love, and charity.

With love from the Vandebilt family

Graduation Matthew Favret, Conner Fincher, Aaron Fister, Emily Folse, Briana Garcia, Evan Gaubert, Emma Gautreaux, Colin Gillies, Shelby Glynn, Katie Gonsoulin, Taylor Gonsoulin, Meagan Gonzales, Kevin Gueniot, Austin Guidry, Tristan Guillory, Cade Guillot, Sara Guyan, Alexis Guzman, DeCarlos Hartman, Chase Hawthorne, Cameron Head, Corbin Hebert, Emilie Hebert, Hannah Hebert, Saidy Xiao Na, Andrea Hebert, Naomi Hill, Dwight Howard, Jamie Hubbard, Jarion Jenkins, Jason Joseph, Christine Kennedy, Hunter Kerlegan, Kaylyn Kitchen, Ross Knight, Mallory Labit, Wade Landry, Sarah Leary, Taylor LeBlanc, Sarah LeBouef, Christian Ledet, Symone Ledet, Laura Lee, Sydney Lerille, Anthony Liner, Peyton Liner, Garret Louviere, Sarah Macnamara, John Manno, Megan Manno, Madalyn Marcel, Tyler Martin, Cade Matherne, Mallory Matherne, Elizabeth Matis, Mary McMahon, Emilie

Melancon, Zachary Moen, Jordan Ortego, Payten Parfait, Brett Pellegrin, Ross Pellegrin, Abby Pitre, Macy Pitre, Zachary Poche’, Seth Popay, Kaitlyn Porche, Jenna Portier, Blake Prosperie, Carmen Reiss, Isabella Robichaux, Mary Robichaux, Quinn Robichaux, Allison Sanders, James Schwab, Darian Scurlock, Cammie Seago, Carleigh Seibert, Jasmine Singleton, Gabrielle Small, Brittney Smith, Tristan Smith, Katelynn Songe, Cullen Songy, Sophia Sontheimer, Jennifer Soudelier, Morgan Spence, Morgan St. Pierre, Christina Stewart, Courtney Stoufflet, Abby Sullivan, Taylor Tanner, Gavin Theriot, Logan Theriot, Kensey Thibodaux, Kyler Thibodeaux, Hunter Toups, Lindsay Toups, Stephen Tracy, Blake Trahan, Chanta Trahan, Lauren Verret, Andrew Watkins, Patrick Watson, Cade White, Caroline White, Hunter White, Arden Whitehurst, Christopher Wood and Richard Zabaneh.

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Congratulations & Best Wishes to the 2014 Graduates!

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E.D. White commencement is May 16

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dward Douglas White Catholic High School in Thibodaux will hold its commencement exercises Friday, May 16, at 6:45 p.m., at the Warren J. Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium.

The 2014 class flower is the blue hydrangeas, while the class colors are navy and lilac, and the class song is “Breakaway.” This year’s class has chosen as its motto, “What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.”

Class officers are: Mary Catherine Bergeron, president; Emily Barbera, vice-president; and Lucy Benoit, Elizabeth Jones, Gabrielle Naquin, Lauren Naquin, Kathleen Rodrigue, Meghan Rodrigue, Shelby Simoneaux, Emily Weimer, senior homeroom officers.

The 146 graduates are: Zachary Adamietz, Kaitlin Adams, Paige Adams, Courtney Amedee, Hailey Andras, Hillari Arcement, Hannah Babin, Emily Barbera, James Barker, Kate Becnel,

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Morgan Becnel, Jillian Benfield, Lucy Benoit, MaryClaire Benoit, Kristen Ber, Elizabeth Bergeron, Mary Bergeron, Christian Bernard, Hayden Boudreaux, Jai Bourg, Caroline Bourgeois, Celeste Bourgeois, Holly Bourgeois, Rachel Bourgeois, Morgan Braud, Michael Breaux, Aimee’ Brien, Corey Brooks, Adele Broussard, Ashlynn Butler, Hunner Caballero, Christian Caillouet, Devin Candies, Samuel Cartozzo, Taylor Casteigne, Anna Cazenave, Jordan Cazenave, Cameron Cedotal, Alexis Cheramie, Claire Chiasson, Joshua Chiasson, Kolt Clement, Rhett Clement, Emily Comeaux, Christine Cortez, Janayya Coulon, Bethany Danos, Corey Dauzat, Tyler Dean, Annelise delaHoussaye, Richard Dobson, Alexandra Donner, Jacob Dubois, Abbie Dugruise, Ryan Duplantis, Samantha Eroche, Spencer Folse, Sarah Fontana, Parker Ford, Jessica Fradella, Peyton Gee, Rebecca Grabert, Lee Gravois Logan Gravois, Seth Gravois, Chandler Gregory, Kati Gremillion, Kevin Haime, Jeremy Hamilton, Garrett Hebert, Benjamin Hodnett, Elizabeth Jones, Jaelon Jones, Chelsey King, Taylor Kliebert, Toni Kliebert, Christopher Kotar, Brendan Kravet, Blake LaRose,

Erin Laurent, Aimee Ledet, Seth Ledet, Brennan Legendre, Charles Lyles, Rhett Marcombe, Kelci Martinez, Christopher Melancon, Whitney Melancon, Jeremy Miller, Rhyannon Millet, Gabrielle Naquin, Grant Naquin, Lauren Naquin, Melanie Naquin, Samuel Ockmond, Lenel Parham, Robert Patterson, Bennett Peltier, Judith Peltier, Hunter Perk, Brett Pierce, Dillon Pierce, Kayla Pierce, Seth Plaisance, Barrett Pratt, Heather Prejean, Anna Price, Lauren Reed, Madalyn Richard, Natalie Richard, Raegan Rivere, Benjamin Riviere, Chelsea Robichaux, Emily Robichaux, Kathleen Rodrigue, Meghan Rodrigue, Bryce Rodriguez, Madeline Roth, Sydney Rutter, Scott Sanders, William Sanders, Emily Sauce, Rebecca Savoie, Olivia Schouest, Camille Schwaner, Olivia Simoneaux, Shelby Simoneaux, Ross Soignet, Natalie Sonnier, Dannon Steib, Mattie Steib, Katelyn Swanner, Sri Talluri, William Tanner, Alexandra Theriot, Justin Theriot, Rene’ Thibodaux, Kenneth Toloudis, Travis Toloudis, Carly Toups, Courtney Troxclair, Kaitlin Truxillo, Kayla Waguespack, Kristen Waguespack, Emily Weimer and Bruce Williams.

Congratulations 2014 Graduates!

Leslie Daigle, PT Eddie Himel, PT, DSc., OCS, Cert. MDT John Daigle, PT, OCS, COMT Tracy Peltier, PT, CMT Steven Landry, OT, CHT Sawyer Triche, PT, DPT Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014

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Graduation

Central Catholic graduation is May 19

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entral Catholic High School in Morgan City will host its commencement exercises Monday, May 19, at 6 p.m., at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Morgan City.

The members of the 2014 graduating class chose the gladiolus as its flower, red and gold as its colors; and “I will not follow where the path may lead, but I will go where there is no path, and I will leave a trail,” as its motto. The class song is, “Don’t Blink.”

Class officers are: Kate Patterson, president; Bryson Barbier, vice-president; and Nicholas Case, secretary.

The 37 potential graduates are: Hailie Baker,

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Bryson Barbier, Eriq Blanchard, Kourtney Blanchard, Nicklaus Bolner, Randi Brown, Joseph Bryant, John Carmody, Nicholas Case, Collin Conner, Barron Courtney, Olivia Crawford, Bennett Duffy, Chaz Galloway, Elizabeth Garber, Jaclyn Garber, Geralyn Garrett, Carley Gravois, Destinee Hebert, Tyler Hoffpauir, Anastasia Johnson, Meoshonti Knight, Jessica Landry, Paul Landry, Beau LeBlanc, Hailey Marcel, Carmen Marinelli, Kristen Metrejean, Joseph Michel, Zachary Osburn, Kate Patterson, Jada Pennison, Kimberly Russo, Gabrielle Settoon, Isis Shanklin, Courtland Sons and Kody Vining.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:11

Office OF Youth Ministry

Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

Michael J. DiSalvo, Director • Rachel LeBouef, Assistant Director Angelle Babin, Administrative Assistant

985.850.3151 • 985.850.3251 (Fax) • www.htdiocese.org/ym Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014

CONGRATULATIONS

Central Catholic High School Class of 2014

CCHS proudly salutes our Class of 2014.

You carry on a tradition of over 121 years of Catholic education in the Morgan City area, and we wish you continued success for a lifetime of accomplishments and contributions.

Central Catholic High School 2100 Cedar Street Unit 1 Morgan City, LA 70380 985-385-5372 ~ Fax: 985-385-3444 www.cchseagles.com www.bayoucatholic.com

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Graduation

Guest Columnist

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Wendy Matherne

Every year I hear parents of senior high students as well as the students themselves say how quickly the time in high school has passed. It seemed like yesterday that the start of their freshman year began, and now preparing for the next step, college is upon them.

What most parents and students don’t realize is that throughout high school, preparation was taking place. The classes and activities a student participates in during high school plays a part in shaping him or her as a member of society, as well as a college applicant.

Louisiana’s TOPS program has outlined the courses students need in order to meet the qualifications for acceptance into a state four year university.

With assistance from their guidance counselor, these courses and elective courses are scheduled for the next four years. If possible, a student needs to take a variety of elective courses to begin exploring interests and figuring out who they want to be and where they want to go in life.

Academically, college preparation starts before a student’s freshman year.

Learning a variety of study skills to decide what works is most important. To be successful, all students should strive to accept nothing less than their personal best. If students wait until their junior or senior year to push to do their very best, it’s difficult to know how to prepare in order to be successful. Communication between the student and teacher is highly important. When a student is struggling in a certain

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014

College preparation should start before freshman year class, the best person to suggest how to become successful in that class is the teacher of that subject.

By spending time with the teacher one on one, the student will not only learn a new study technique but also be able to carry that experience to college. Forming relationships, whether it is in high school or college, is important.

Students begin taking standardized tests in eighth grade which

correlates with the performance on the college entrance ACT test. These tests outline a student’s strengths and weaknesses.

It also informs parents if the student is above, at, or below the college benchmark. Students should use these results to help prepare for the ACT. Counselors guide both students and their parents on how to interpret the information and make suggestions as to how to increase performance. During the first two years of high school, students are encouraged to think of broad categories of education and employment they might want to pursue later on. Researching these areas is also encouraged to

find out requirements for college programs. Setting goals regarding grades, standardized test scores, and seeking possible jobs to gain experience in the field a student wants to pursue is also important. If a student has no idea what area to pursue then he should participate in a wide range of student experiences.

Once the junior year arrives, students will begin taking the ACT if they have not before. Each university has its own ACT and GPA requirements for acceptance.

Attending college night offered at the high school to gather information on the different universities is also part of the junior year.

Each university has its own requirements to qualify for an academic scholarship as well as deadlines to abide by. Knowing these requirements and deadlines is important.

During their junior year, during parent meetings, information about applying to FAFSA for TOPS is given. This gives parents time to understand the senior year timeline.

By the time the student is a senior, many things have been taken care of throughout their high school years. Every year students have been encouraged to keep up with academics, learn helpful study skills, get involved with school activities, research university options, and begin thinking of career possibilities. The student that has done the above is ready for the next level, college. All that is left is to make a final decision as to which university to attend.

(Wendy Matherne is a senior high guidance counselor at Vandebilt Catholic High School in Houma.)

Catholic Schools Snaps: A quick take on issues and statistics 65

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Graduation

Nicholls spring commencement May 17

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icholls State University will hold spring 2014 commencement exercises Saturday, May 17, in Stopher Gymnasium.

Ceremonies for the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business Administration and College of Nursing and Allied Health graduates will start at 10 a.m. Ceremonies for the College of Education and University College graduates will begin at 2 p.m.

Scheduled to deliver the commencement speech is Lawrence “Sonny” Albarado, a 1972 Nicholls State University graduate who began his newspaper career at the Houma Courier. Albarado was unanimously elected recently in New York to a vacancy on the Associated Press Media Editors board of directors. He was nominated by the managing editor of the Arkansas DemocratGazette. Albarado is the Arkansas Daily’s projects editor. Previously he was an editor at the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

In 2012-13, he served as national president of the Society of Professional Journalists. At the society’s national 2013 convention in California, a thousand or so delegates unanimously adopted a resolution praising Albarado’s leadership and citing his achievements. The society is the nation’s oldest and largest journalism organization.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

CONGRATULATIONS! “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it.

If you can dream it, you can become it.”

- William Arthur Ward

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Grand Isle High graduation May 25

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rand Isle High School will hold its commencement exercises Sunday, May 25, at 1 p.m., at the Grand Isle School Gymnasium.

The class colors are turquoise and coral, and the class flower is the magnolia. Class song is “Here I go Again.”

The class motto is “Do not follow where the path leads, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Class officers are: Deanna-Kay Lasseigne, president; Ciara Vegas, vice-president; Heidi Tivet, secretary; and Kevin Bradberry, treasurer.

South Lafourche graduation May 29

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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

outh Lafourche High School in Galliano will hold its commencement exercises Thursday, May 29, at 7 p.m., in the South Lafourche High School Auditorium. The class song is “You’re Gonna Miss 67 This,” and the class flower is the white rose. The colors are royal blue and white, and the motto is “Together we have experienced life, separately we will pursue our dreams, and forever our memories will remain.”

The class officers are: Kasey Zeringue, president; Jessica Dang and Lucille Rogers, vice-presidents; Caitlyn St. Pierre, secretary; Nicholas Guidry, treasurer; and Marley Duet, reporter.

Representatives at large are: Natalie Dufrene, Tyler Naquin, Diana Nguyen, Alyssa Pellegrin and Drue Williams.

Ellender High graduation May 19

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llen J. Ellender Memorial High School will hold its commencement exercises Monday, May 19, at 7 p.m., at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. The class song is “Don’t Blink.” The class colors are red, white and blue, and the flower is the red rose.

The class motto is “Today is the first day of the rest of our lives; let’s make it happen.”

The class officers are: Myra Jackson, president; Sage Scott, vice-president; Kyla Kyle, secretary; and Alyssa Kyle, treasurer.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

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Graduation

Guest Columnist

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Christopher M. Dehart

How much will textbooks cost?

How will I afford tuition? Will I get a part-time job or will I use my evenings for socializing and study? Will I even study?

These are questions that many high school seniors are asking themselves during these exciting months of transition. Another question that has been asked much more frequently these past years is, “When, how and where will I practice my faith?”

A heartwarming trend that has been seen recently is a revival of sorts of the faith among teenagers and young adults. When I speak to high school graduates who are preparing for the transition to college life, I am undoubtedly asked about the faith on campus.

In the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux, we are blessed to have the Community of St. Thomas Aquinas located on the campus of Nicholls State University in Thibodaux which offers daily Mass and the sacrament of reconciliation, and numerous outreach programs among other exciting opportunities to both enliven and share our faith. Most universities in our state also have churches and parish communities on campus – Christ the King at LSU and Our Lady of Wisdom at ULL, just to name a few.

My advice? Get involved! But don’t mistake getting involved with a personal relationship with Jesus. Joining a new community is always enticing – and for good reason! There’s a certain excitement that comes with meeting new friends, spreading one’s wings, and not being accounted for every moment of the day. There is freedom in college – so what do we do with that freedom?

Sadly, many college students go

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014

Is there room for in college?

Jesus

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Father Andre’ Melancon, pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Church parish in Thibodaux, chats with Nicholls State University students Chelsea Thibodeaux and Olivia Naquin after a Sunday liturgy.

through a rough time keeping their faith alive. With no one waking them up on Sunday morning to go to Mass, many of my friends find themselves “too busy” for Church.

I believe this is because as we are branching out and forming new friendships and relationships, we sometimes forget God’s place in our lives. So where is God on the college campus?

Obviously, God is in the Eucharist, which we said is present at almost every university. Go to Mass, go to confession – there is room for Jesus in our weekly calendars. And Jesus reminds us that he is with us wherever two or more or gathered, therefore wherever Christ is, there is a community. Find the right fit for you, find a community that will build you up and that will see you as you are, not what they want you to be.

And never forget this: God is alive in you … even in college.

You are made in his image, you are sustained by his Love, and you are precious and special in his eyes. Pray! Keep praying! This is where you will find Jesus in your dorm room, in your apartment and

walking to class. Keep the lines of communication open between you and the one who loves you more than anyone ever could.

You will get overwhelmed with life, you may feel distant from God; you might even feel like he’s not listening. The truth, though, is that he is. He is near you; he is in you. God is taking you by the hand, leading you to the life that he has created you for – let him guide you, let him lead you.

So, is there room for Jesus in college? Absolutely!

Where can we find him? n In yourself through prayer – keep praying, start praying, pray with others – stay close to him and remember who you are in him. n Go to Mass at least weekly and consider making a regular confession. n Get to know the university’s parish programs – the people there are there for the same reasons you are.

(Christopher M. Dehart is a seminarian for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in his first year of theology at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans.)

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Graduation

Thibodaux High graduation May 27

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hibodaux High School will hold its commencement exercises Tuesday, May 27 at the Warren J. Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium at 6 p.m. The Class of 2014 chose “I’ve had the time of my life,” as its class song. Class colors are ivory and dark grey and the class motto is “Our lives are before us. Our pasts are behind us. But our memories are forever with us.” Class officers include president: Josie Graham, vice president: Eris Stove, secretary: Katelyn Cortez, reporter: Jamie Granier, executive board: Lindsie Bilello, Treva Breaux, Peyton Chaisson, Ka’ryn Franklin, Carleigh Gilfour, Chase Kraemer, Spencer Kraemer, Kalin Larousse, Dajour Lee, Brooksie Peltier, Tommy Thibodaux and Kylie Torres.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

South Terrebonne graduation May 21

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LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

outh Terrebonne High School will hold its commencement exercises Wednesday, May 21, at 7 p.m., at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center.

The class motto is “Some people want it to happen.

Some people wish it to happen. Some people make it happen.” Class colors are emerald and pearl; and the flower is the magnolia. “Don’t Stop Believing” is the class song.

The class officers are: Tori Baudoin, president; Jamie Pellegrin, vice-president; Kelsey Pellegrin, secretary; and Destiny Naquin, treasurer.

Morgan City High graduation May 16

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organ City High School will hold its commencement exercises Friday, May 16, at 7 p.m., at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.

The class song is “Hall of Fame.” The class colors are mint and ivory, and the flower is the white rose. The class motto is “Special times and special places, special friends together; the moments pass so quickly, but the memories last forever.”

The class officers are: Kloe Liner, class president; Brianna Ramagos, class vice-president; Savannah Loupe, secretary/treasurer; Kloe Liner, executive president; and Laura Devalcourt, executive vicepresident.

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

My teacher, the pope

By CAROL GLATZ

Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As some high school teachers may know, it can be a challenge to get a room full of rowdy teenage boys to learn, much less be interested in, the required class curriculum.

But a 28-year-old Pope Francis survived and succeeded when he taught literature at the Jesuitrun School of the Immaculate Conception in Santa Fe, Argentina, according to a former student.

Jorge Milia, today an Argentine writer, reveals in a lengthy interview then-Father Jorge Bergoglio’s approach to education and teaching methods, which also shed light on his pastoral style as pope.

“We were a group of rebellious adolescents, in full hormonal turmoil, hankering and hungry for anything new,” he said. “We had no desire to study.”

But Father Bergoglio knew how to handle the chaos, Milia said. The Jesuit loved “to pose challenges” and thrash out new ways of encouraging them to do the work.

He’d break up a more cumbersome piece of reading with a snippet of poetry “that moved every one of us

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CNS PHOTO

Congratulations Class of 2014 and Best Wishes for a successful future.

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Graduation so much that, 50 years later, many of us still remember the whole thing by heart.”

His signature style was one of accompaniment, Milia said.

Father Bergoglio exuded genuine “wonder when discovering some image hidden in the passage of a text” and was able to transmit to others that same awe and passion for the magic of literature.

“His ability to read Italian and German also offered an interesting range” of material and perspective, Milia said.

The future pope walked through the material together with the students, getting them to participate and find their way, guiding them with suggestions and explanations rather than like the “typical teacher, who orchestrates and dictates,” Milia said.

The future pope helped shore up their self-confidence and build new skills by making the students: take turns at teaching a class; explore creative writing; spend the summer cataloguing the school library; and experience teamwork and foster team spirit by putting on plays, he 72 said.

“He gave importance and support to whoever ventured an in-depth pursuit on their own,” Milia said.

He made them read existentialist and leftist writers, “not to propose them as an example” to follow, but to parse their opinions, “analyze them, break them down piece by piece” so the students would be able to “examine any kind of argument” and never be “hoodwinked.”

“His unwavering vocation (was) to not let us founder, to entrust us with concrete goals, to convince us what counted was working

methodically, every day and not trying just to wing it.”

The students always went to Father Bergoglio for help and support, he said, adding, “We knew we could tell him any kind

CNS PHOTO

My teacher, the pope of problem and be absolutely certain that he would help us find a solution.”

For example, a group of students wanted to form a Beatles cover band. Milia said they went to the

Marie’s

WRECKER SERVICE

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HOUR SERVICE

priest, who “listened with interest” and reminded them if they wanted something, they’d have to work hard for it.

Bit by bit, with the priest’s support, the students got hold of the instruments, sound equipment, sheet music and practice space they needed, and “The Shouters” was formed.

Milia said the same open-door policy Father Bergoglio had with students, he had with their parents, devoting time and attention to the mothers and fathers who wanted to follow up and check on their children’s progress.

Milia said his own parents were especially grateful to the young priest “for knowing how to deal with me. I was an unruly adolescent. He didn’t try to limit my exuberance, but sought to channel it in a positive way, giving it structure” and purpose.

Father Bergoglio actually flunked Milia in literature his senior year, he said, “even though I was a member of the Academy of Literature” and a co-author of a collection of short stories.

The former student said he had failed to hand in an assignment and study for the test. Even though he did OK on the final, his grade average was poor.

“Deep down, I was asking for it, and this didn’t make him happy at all,” he said.

The Jesuit teacher wanted the students to understand the importance of diligent, dedicated work and being responsible. Being called out on his poor attitude and lack of effort was something “I’ll always be grateful to him for,” Milia said.

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H.L. Bourgeois graduation May 20

H.

L. Bourgeois High School in Gray will hold its commencement exercises Tuesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. at the HoumaTerrebonne Civic Center.

The class of 2014 chose the carnation as its flower; royal blue, silver and black as its colors; and “Tattoo’s on This Town,” as its class song. The class motto is “Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass … it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

Class officers are: Megan McCormick, president; Fernando Urbina, vice-president; Gabrielle Poincot, secretary; and Ayana Brown treasurer.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Central Lafourche graduation May 28

C

entral Lafourche High School in Raceland will hold its commencement exercises Wednesday, 73 May 28, 2014, at 7 p.m., at the Warren J. Harang Jr. Municipal Auditorium. The class flower is the Talisman Rose, and the class colors are green and gold.

The class chose as its motto, “Truth Will Prevail.”

The senior class officers are: Patrick Zeringue, president; Austin Matherne, vice-president; Abby Hue, secretary; Kalie Goodroe, treasurer; Olivia Doucet, parliamentarian; and Timothy Votow, reporter.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

Terrebonne High graduation May 22

T

errebonne High School will hold its graduation for 2014 Thursday, May 22, at 7 p.m., at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. The 2014 class flower is the yellow rose with red tips, while the class colors are crimson and gold. The class song is “Roar.”

This year’s class has chosen as its motto “Live everyday like it’s your last.”

Class officers are: Cecilia Gomes, president; Julia Fincher, vice-president; Brenna Breaux, secretary; and Shelby Shay, treasurer.

LAWRENCE CHATAGNIER/BAYOU CATHOLIC

www.bayoucatholic.com

Graduation

Guest Columnist

W 74

Very Rev. Joshua Rodrigue, S.T.L.

Well I’ve graduated, now what?

When we were young children, how often were we asked, “What are you going to be when you grow up?” Then in our senior year of high school, the question became, “What are you going to do when you graduate?” Somehow the focus shifts from being to doing. Perhaps it is one of the drawbacks of contemporary society. Our worth and success are determined by what we do rather than who we are.

Upon graduation, a person can be pressured into feeling that I’ve graduated and now my parents and society expect me to do something or I’ll be seen as lazy and unmotivated. Unfortunately, how many graduates just don’t know what they want to do. Their lives have often been inundated with the demands of success in both academic and athletic or extracurricular activities that there has been no time to think about and prepare for what to do after graduation.

So often graduates don’t know what to do because they first don’t know who they are. A basic philosophical precept is action flows from being. Who we are will determine what we will do. For example, if we are Christians, then our actions will flow from this identity. Therefore, we will act in charity toward those in need and speak in truth when questioned.

These actions flow from our being a follower of Christ.

It thus returns to the question of our childhood, “What will you be when you grow up?” Ultimately the answer for us as followers of Christ is a saint, a holy person. Perhaps the question posed to a senior should be, “What is going to help you and others to be open to God’s grace and grow in holiness throughout your life?”

We can easily forget that God created us for a purpose. Each person is created to take a part in God’s ultimate plan of salvation through loving and serving God and our brothers and sisters. As St. Paul says in his letter to the Philippians (2:12b-13), “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work.”

The mistake is frequently made in determining whether to go to work immediately or college and then what major in college by asking the question, “What will make me happy in life?” Many things we desire that we think will make us happy—money, power, status, material things—do not. We can even falsely believe that our own particular sins will at the time make us happy. And for a moment, they may do that, yet there is still an emptiness or

Bayou Catholic • Houma, LA • May 2014

hollowness that is there. However, a better question to ask is, “What will fulfill me in life?”

Since the Lord created us for a purpose in his plan for salvation, how do we specifically live that out? He knows what will satisfy us in life and has given us particular gifts and talents to be used to aid us and others in fulfilling his plan. Have we ever just asked the Lord for guidance in discerning our vocation in life, or have we only relied upon ourselves? Perhaps the fear is that we will hear something we don’t want to hear.

I thought I knew what I was going to do with my life when I graduated. It was a great plan, so I thought.

I would go to Loyola to law school, and then I would get married and have a large family and a big house.

Eventually I would go into politics to serve the common good because I felt that there were too many

a

Congratulations Class of 2014

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politicians working for their own good instead of the good of others. That’s what I wanted to do and thought that was honorable and would be a good witness to my faith, also. But, evidently that was not what God had in mind for me in order to grow in holiness.

In prayer, I kept being drawn to the priesthood. I tried to convince God that that was not a good idea.

Just because I enjoyed serving at Mass did not mean that I would make a good priest. I also reminded him, less he had forgotten, that I had even been suspended for a brief period of time from our church youth group because of disobedience. He needed somebody that was holier than me. In addition, priesthood did not allow for all the things I wanted to do in life. After a great deal of arguing with God, I decided to try his way, and found an overwhelming peace in accepting his invitation.

Eight years after graduating high school, with great joy and peace I was ordained a priest. I still do not know why, but this is the life the Lord has called me, though unworthy, to find fulfillment, joy and peace.

The priesthood doesn’t necessarily need me, but I need the priesthood because the love with which the Lord fills me cannot be shared with just one person. It must be given to the people of God. And so, you are graduating. Now what are you going to do? First, take time with the Lord and allow him to show you who you are. Then, you will know what he wants you to do. You might think he is crazy with what he asks you to do. But be open and trust him. He knows what will satisfy you in life whether it is married life, priesthood, religious life or even a

particular occupation. In the end, which pathway will lead you to sainthood, since that is truly what each of us is called to be when we grow up?

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Graduation

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Graduation

Looking forward to a life of graduations

By KAREN OSBORNE

Catholic News Service

Graduation is supposed to be an ending, a sign of achievement and a time of celebration. It’s the culmination of your life so far, a moment to mark what you’ve achieved and a time to look back on treasured memories.

This year, though, graduation may not feel like the party it has been in the past. If you’ve graduated this year or are looking forward to it, you may feel a little scared about what comes next.

Things aren’t the way they used to be. This year, high school graduates will be entering a world that is largely unsure and in flux. What some call “The Great Recession” has affected countries and is still affecting economies across the world, including ours. No longer can people expect to get a career-track job straight out of college.

Right now it’s probably hard to see past high school.

High school is a teenager’s whole world, full of stories about friends, bullies, cliques, homework, sports and clubs. As soon as you cross that stage and receive your diploma, you enter a new world. You can’t go back.

You’re in a beautiful, blank canvas, waiting for you to create new stories and worlds.

You can do anything with that space. Paint it with rainbows, or paint it black. Fill it with beauty, or fill 78 it with darkness. Go after what you want, or don’t.

The rules have changed. Nobody’s giving you grades or taking your attendance. Graduation means that your life is fully yours. Graduation puts the paintbrush in your hand and tells you to create your dreams -- or lose them.

It’s easy to get discouraged when you have big dreams. Often, reality doesn’t do a great job of matching up to what we’ve hoped for. Television told me I was going to have a fantastic loft apartment in the city.

Instead, I ended up with a roommate in an extremely tiny apartment infested with mice. Dreams swept me to New York City and to Hollywood. Reality swept me to Albany, N.Y., and Orlando, Fla. Reality is a mortgage, a car payment and a job, but it is also family, friends, incredible beauty and wonderful experiences. The room I entered after graduation is full

of bright new stories I could only have created by going after what I wanted.

My life is not the one I thought I would have when I walked across the stage in my red cap and gown. Yours won’t be, either. But I painted the walls and blazed paths. That makes all the difference. It was scary at times. Often, I didn’t know what was around the next corner, but the point was that there was always another corner, another “graduation,” as the case may be.

Graduation is scary, but what comes after is worth it.

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