Connections A P U B L I C AT I O N F O R PA R E N T S , A L U M N A E A N D F R I E N D S
FA L L 2019
HA LL OF FAM E
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME Congratulations to the 2020 St. Joseph’s Academy Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Class
KATHY SAICHUK
Athletic Director and Coach (Cross Country, Basketball, Track and Field)
LINDA MCCALL MCCANN ’61 Basketball
STEPHANIE DELLOCONO OSORNO ’06 Tennis
Join us for the HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY
Saturday, February 8, 2020 6:30 p.m. Academy Student Center
Tickets go on sale on January 2, 2020, at www.sjahalloffame.org
IN THIS ISSUE 4 FROM THE PRESIDENT 5 SJA COMMUNITY 1 0 ALUMS TODAY 1 9 ALUMNAE NEWS 2 3 ANNUAL FUND 2 4 PLANNED GIVING 2 5 ON CAMPUS 3 7 TRIBUTE DONATIONS 3 8 TRANSITIONS On the Cover: Several seniors contributed their talents to this year’s “Welcome to SJA” video. From left, they are Caroline Feduccia, Faith Woods, Emily Reynaud, Claire Holder, Allee Rogers and Madison Roy. Not pictured is Shreya Reshamwala. Connections is published four times per year by the St. Joseph’s Academy Communications and Mission Advancement offices. It is distributed free of charge to alumnae, parents and friends of the Academy. Alumnae news, story ideas, photographs and address changes should be sent to Connections, 3015 Broussard Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70808-1198 or connections@sjabr.org. Call (225) 388-2258. Because of space limitations, we reserve the right to edit submitted news.
Mindy Brodhead Averitt Jennifer Menville Fontaine Erin Barrilleaux Albarado Holly Sonnier Meg Gerald Katie Jeter Valenciano Jennifer Knight Donna Blanc Wendy Coniglio
Communications Director Digital Marketing & Analytics Director Media Coordinator Graphic Designer Mission Advancement Director Mission Advancement Assistant DirectorAlumnae and Constituent Relations Mission Advancement Assistant Director-Events Mission Advancement Database Manager Mission Advancement Database Assistant
FROM THE PRESIDENT
MOMENTS IN
OUR LIVES Jan Rhorer Breen '69
Our lives are filled with moments, powerful and holy moments. Each moment has something to teach us about who we are and what God is giving us to help us become the person He intended us to be. How do we stop, feel, see and hear the beauty of each moment in the whirlwind of our lives?
PRAY. Each day, pause for prayer. In the solitude of prayer, God gives us grace, courage, compassion, forgiveness, direction and generosity. Often, when we have to make a decision or don’t understand the suffering or difficulties that surround us, take a moment to pray and to listen to the voice of God. He will guide us and help direct us on our journey. Find moments every day to pray. We can pray while walking, being stopped at a red light, resting, cooking, preparing for an event and even reading. These are a few examples of moments that can capture silence and can change the way we see a situation and ourselves. Once we seek places and moments to connect with God, we find these holy moments will bring peace and comfort in our lives.
LIVE IN THE PRESENT. Make life out of the present. Let go of the past. When we refuse to let go of the past, it is hard to make a new life filled with new beginnings and spiritual insights. Don’t mourn the mistakes of the past, for we cannot change them. If we live in the past, we can’t truly embrace the present. Life is a series of new beginnings, of possibilities that begin each day. Embrace the goodness within us by being kind to others and by willing to start over again every day. There are powerful moments in the small and ordinary things we do. Living in the present brings goodness and joy to our lives and to the lives of others. Today is a new day, and there are moments we are given to make our lives filled with God’s grace and to do what God is calling us to do. God is asking us to open our hearts to the promises of the present.
4 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S From the President
LISTEN. God is with us in moments of sadness, rejection and fear. Listen and God will show us another path, another way that will help us along our journey. God knows our possibilities; often, we lack patience to wait for these possibilities. When we are open to God, He will put forth in our path the road we are to take. We will find wisdom, grace and courage along the way. We will discover how God is inviting us to a new and better life. God wants us to live each moment. Listen and He will give us new insights as we experience the many blessings of life.
EVERY MOMENT.
We experience the power and holiness of the moment when we start to understand the significance of a moment and how that moment is wrapped in goodness. Many powerful moments are experienced in ordinary events in life. There are holy moments when: We stop to say hello or to listen to a friend, colleague, family member: a moment of kindness We give someone a ride home or sit with a friend: a moment of unselfishness We stop and watch a sunset or children playing: a moment of wonder We thank someone for their work or help: a moment of gratitude We bring humor to a conversation: a moment of laughter We receive a call from a friend: a moment of caring There are so many moments that are filled with God’s graces and love every day, every moment. Stop and recognize how many moments are gifts we give to others and gifts that are given to us. Today is the beginning of a new season of grace in our lives. Fill life with powerful and holy moments. Be open to every moment and know that each moment is an opportunity to love, to hear God and to recognize how God is within us. Live life today and enjoy the many blessings and possibilities of the present.
SJA COMMUNITY
THE SOIRÉE ENJOYS TREMENDOUS SUCCESS The Soirée, St. Joseph’s Academy’s premier fundraising event, was held on the evening of October 24 in the Academy Student Center. Guests enjoyed a night of live and silent auctions, raffles, great food and drinks by area restaurants and caterers and live music by Ned Fasullo and His Fabulous Big Band Orchestra. The evening raised more than $120,000 to be used to provide campus-wide enhancements to benefit the young women of SJA. Through Qtego Auction Technology, guests were able to bid on auction items before The Soirée began. During the event, they used their smartphones to track action on the silent and live auctions and raffles. Guests also enjoyed the SJA Student Ambassadors who were on hand to assist throughout the evening. The planning committee was chaired by Christy Castille Haik ’82. She was joined by Decorations Chair Katie Cheatham, Raffle Cochairs Missy Heck Brown ’94 and Dorothy Aertker Ewen ’94, Live Auction Chair Michelle Mitchell, Silent Auction Chair Joanne Harvey, Restaurant and Pull-A-Card Co-chairs Tammy Brice and Tracey Koch, Sponsorship Chair Adele Netterville, Bar Chair Courtney Newbill, Marketing Co-chairs Kathryn Rothkamm ’87 and Regina Leonard,
Entertainment Chair Amy Radle Fasullo ’92 and committee members Linda Thompson, Trisha Rawlinson, Elise Khuri, Cheri Harrison, Stacy Root Koch ’81, Anna Stuckey, Kim Landry and Eva Ventress. Serving as committee advisors were Meg Gerald and Jennifer Knight. The Soirée committee owes a debt of gratitude to the individuals and organizations who sponsored The Soirée. Sanctity-level sponsors were Joanne and Charles Harvey; and Franklin Press. Joy-level sponsors were Dr. James Rhorer; Heck No Land Company LLC; Candi (Ogden ’85) and Paul Ferachi; and Qtego Auction Services. Action-level sponsors were Michelle and Horace Mitchell; Investar Bank; and Arkel Constructors. Red-level sponsors were Anne and Tom Meek; Elizabeth (Batchelor ’72) and Tom McKowen; Kay and Roland Toups; Sparkhound Inc.; Linda Thompson; and Milton J. Womack Inc. White-level sponsors were Capital Glass; Benny’s Car Wash; Christine and Milton Dureau; Hannis T. Bourgeois & Co.; Kristy Roubique ’76; Raymond James and Associates Inc.; Relief Windows; Sharon and Tim Poche; Gabriella and Marshall St. Amant; Jason Hutto, DDS; Linda and Larry Messina; Commerce Title; Blair and Jim Purgerson; European Wax Center; Baton Rouge Water Company; and Doyle Electric. Also helping to make the event a success were Element, August Events, Abstract Lighting, Vivid Ink, Andy Blouin and The Blend, Claire Luikart ’06 and Trey Gaudin.
SOIREE
Student Ambassadors were on hand to greet and assist guests. From left, they were Abigail Moore, Claire Johnson, Katherine Scully, Brennan Cashio, Catherine Hebert, Dhriti Shasti and Emma Grace Shannon.
Enjoying the evening were Amy Culotta Haymond ’92, Kathy Saichuk and Amy Radle Fasullo ’92. 5 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
Classmates Mary Sue Jordan Jackson ’67, Mary Dardenne Michel ’67 and Chris Dornier House ’67 enjoyed the Soirée.
SJA President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69, left, enjoyed the evening with Walter Comeaux, Mary Beth Chevalier, Fred Chevalier and Bob McAnelley.
SJA Principal Stacia Andricain, second from right, is pictured with Shane Morrison, Sarah Morrison, Derek Fife and Elizabeth Fife.
Posing for a picture were, from left, Mario DeOliveira, Jamie Watts, Guy Gremillion, Ginger Coghlan Rabb ’92, Lesley Gremillion, Blake Watts and Tracy Germany DeOliveira ’92.
Soirée Planning Committee members were, from left (back row), Meg Gerald, Stacy Root Koch ’81, Katie Jeter Valenciano ’04, Michelle Mitchell, Tammy Brice, Kathryn Gober Rothkamm ’87, Joanne Harvey, Katie Cheatham, Wendy Coniglio, Jennifer Knight (front row), Courtney Newbill, Dorothy Aertker Ewen ’94, Tracey Koch, Committee Chair Christy Castille Haik ’82 and Amy Radle Fasullo ’92.
6 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S SJA Community
From left are Soirée guests Jonathan Taylor, Yolunda Taylor, Andy Blouin, Peggy Blouin, Mary Kay Alford and Ken Alford.
ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY WINS TWO FAMILY FAVORITES AWARDS
Stacia Andricain, center, was voted Favorite Private High School Principal by readers of Baton Rouge Parents Magazine.
St. Joseph’s Academy has garnered two awards in this year’s Family Favorites contest sponsored by Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. With more than 90,000 votes tallied, the Academy was named Favorite Private High School, and Stacia Andricain was voted Favorite Private High School Principal. In announcing the awards, the magazine said, “This year, our readers voted St. Joseph’s Academy as their Favorite Private High School for their ability to educate young women as responsible and unifying members of the world community. St. Joseph’s Academy offers opportunities for faith development in the Catholic tradition, academic excellence and personal growth. Their state-of-the-art facilities and caring staff and faculty members are truly what put St. Joseph’s Academy at the head of the class. “As principal of St. Joseph’s Academy, Stacia Andricain has a way of making every student and parent comfortable while at school. Her ability to connect with the students and encourage
them each day is admirable. Her strong collaborative style of leadership is often praised by many, and she finds great joy in having the opportunity to educate the young women of St. Joseph’s Academy.” For 151 years, St. Joseph’s Academy has stood as a pillar of excellence in the Baton Rouge community. Founded in 1868 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, this premier Catholic high school for young women is a place where relationships are strengthened and young girls become women of faith, hope and love. Mrs. Andricain expressed pride in the announcement of this year’s awards. “The beautiful part of being voted best high school is that our current students, alumnae, parents and friends of SJA believe in what we are doing for young women in the Baton Rouge community, and this was their way of showing it,” she said. “I am honored to be a part of this historical Catholic institution for the past 24 years. My greatest joy comes from watching our students grow, not only during their four years here, but as they become women for others through adulthood, as well. I would never want to be anywhere else. This is my vocation: educating, supporting and caring for the students who grace these halls. This is SJA!”
7 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
Kirstin Honoré on graduation day: May 20, 2018. Her favorite Bible verse was Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
AWARD ESTABLISHED IN GRADUATE’S MEMORY Nicole and Byron Honoré have established the Kirstin E. Honoré Memorial Award in memory of their beloved daughter, a 2018 honor graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy. The award will grant $1,500 to a graduating senior with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and who demonstrates the qualities so characteristic of Kirstin, including being compassionate, fun loving, hardworking and scholarly while demonstrating a commitment to servant leadership. The award will be presented at Honors Convocation by members of the Honoré family. Kirstin was born on January 31, 2000. She passed away suddenly in July of 2019. She attended Sacred Heart of Jesus School (SHS) from pre-K through eighth grade, where she was an honor student, recipient of the SHS Brotherhood/Sisterhood Award, cheerleader and Mardi Gras queen. At St. Joseph’s Academy, Kirstin not only excelled academically but was actively involved in the Science Club, French Club and Mu Alpha Theta (math club). She represented SJA as a Student Ambassador and received numerous academic awards. A dedicated volunteer at school, her church and within the Baton Rouge community, Kirstin gave of her time and talents to Catholic Charities, East Baton Rouge Council on Aging, Cancer Services, St. James Place, Jefferson Manor Nursing Home and the YMCA. Kirstin attended the 2016 March for Life in Washington, D.C., and represented St. Joseph’s Academy at the Congregation of St. Joseph’s 2017 Community Builders for Peace program in Kalamazoo, Michigan. There, she served in a variety of 8 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S SJA Community
ministries, including Habitat for Humanity, and helped create a project focused on reducing human trafficking in the Baton Rouge community. “Kirstin loved attending St. Joseph’s Academy and valued the opportunities provided to develop her both academically and personally,” Nicole Honoré said. “She also treasured the sisterhood developed with her SJA classmates.” “What Kirstin loved most about St. Joseph’s was the opportunity to develop and strengthen her faith through servant leadership, where she actively sought out opportunities to give back to her school and community,” Byron added. Kirstin enrolled in the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) in the fall of 2018, majoring in criminal justice with an emphasis in forensic science. She volunteered her time at the SPRUCE lab, where she was able to further her passion for the field of criminology by engaging in applied research with the National Institute on Justice’s National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. She also served as a student worker in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at ULL, helping to organize and participate in ULL Preview Days for prospective students. In the spring of 2019, Kirstin was named to the ULL Dean’s List. In addition to her parents, Kirstin is survived by her older sister, Lauryn Honoré, a 2017 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy.
CHANCE ENCOUNTERS 1
2
No matter the time, no matter the place, St. Joseph’s Academy alumnae, faculty and staff members seem to find themselves in “it’s a small world” moments of connection. We love to hear about these delightful, random reunions. If you run into a fellow Redsticker anywhere in the world, snap a picture and send a description to connections@sjabr.org. We’ll feature your chance encounter in the next issue of Connections. 1
On a tour of Amsterdam this summer, Sonya Lockett ’82 was enjoying a river cruise when she discovered that the boat’s captain was Morgan Joffrion, a 2006 Academy graduate. Sonya is an Emmy Award-winning producer and was recently named chief impact officer for a Los Angeles film company.
2
To celebrate her graduation from St. Joseph’s Academy in May, Sydney Clebert was treated to a senior trip to London and Paris by her grandmother. Because she and Stephen Barrios, a member of the SJA social studies department, are friends on Instagram, Sydney knew that Stephen and his wife, Dr. Jo Barrios, were also in Paris. Sydney sent her former teacher a message, and they met on the walk from Notre Dame to the Eiffel Tower.
3
Gloria Alvarado ’16 spent several weeks studying abroad in London this summer, and Laura Flandez ’12 worked for nearly two months as an au pair for a family in central London. When the graduates discovered they were in the same town at the same time, they made a point to get together. They are pictured here enjoying lunch in South Kensington.
4
Sister Helen Prejean ’57 is currently touring the country to promote her new book, River of Fire: My Spiritual Journey, released in August. Sister Helen, best-selling author and leading advocate for the abolition of the death penalty, stopped in Boulder, Colorado, on September 24, appearing at the Boulder Bookstore for a book signing and discussion. The next day, she spoke at the Wolf Law Building on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. Ashley Mayer ’16 attended the guest appearance and visited with Sr. Helen afterwards.
3
4
5
5
Tulane University students Riana Gaudet ’16 (left) and Kylie McNamara ’16 (right) caught up with Erica Washington, a 2000 SJA graduate, at an event sponsored by Tower & Crescent, a Tulane organization that connects current students with alumnae for networking purposes. Erica earned her master’s in public health from Tulane’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in 2009. She was recently elected national president of the Tulane Alumni Association.
6
When the SJA volleyball team traveled to Denham Springs High School for a match on October 8, Samantha Guidry ’11 was delighted to catch up with Redstickers head coach Sivi Miller. Samantha is the sports medicine teacher and assistant athletic trainer at Denham Springs. “It was super exciting to get to see Coach Sivi,” Samantha said. “Of course, I wish that DSHS had done better, but it was a fun night.” SJA topped DSHS 3-0.
7
Kennedy Carter, right, a member of the SJA class of 2021, participated in the 7th biennial Jack and Jill of America Inc. On the Hill Summit. She was able to meet and discuss issues and concerns with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill. Kennedy also visited Howard University, her top college choice, and caught up with 2019 Academy graduate and current Howard University student Tysyn Brazier-Carter.
6
7
9 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
In the early 1960s, St. Joseph’s Academy student Kathy Daigre Meares discovered a passion for running. Her mother objected, saying running was for boys. Undeterred, Kathy would run around the LSU lakes while her brother rode his bike. And her love of running grew with every frownedupon jaunt. Her commitment to physical fitness led her to a bachelor of science degree with double majors in physical education and math from Louisiana State University. Her first job was teaching physical education at Plaquemine High School. She coached BREC softball during the summer and continued to run for exercise and enjoyment. But years of pounding the pavement took their toll, and at the age of 36, Kathy underwent her first total knee replacement. Adding insult to injury, her doctor told her she had to give up running altogether. After three more knee-replacement surgeries, Kathy finally got permission to walk but was warned to keep her pace to a sub-22-minute mile. “Do you know how slow that is?” Kathy mused. “I gradually walked faster and faster until I got my pace to an 11.5-minute mile. It really felt great.” In 2012, Kathy decided to enter her first 5K, or 3.1-mile race. She would compete with great success in more than a dozen 5K races before deciding to try a 10K, or 6.2-mile race. “It was exhilarating, to say the least,” Kathy said. In 2015, after watching her children compete in numerous half-marathons, Kathy was ready to take the plunge. She competed in a 5K race on Saturday and a half-marathon (13.1 miles) on Sunday. “From that moment on, I knew I was going to continue down this path,” she said. “The excitement and anticipation of the end of the races was always a bit unnerving, as I wanted to succeed every time. From that first 5K to this day, I have always placed first or second in my age group.”
An avid sports fan, Kathy was cheering on the Redstickers at an SJA basketball game when she was approached by former colleague Brenda LeBlanc, who brought home medals from the 2013 and 2015 National Senior Games in pickleball. Brenda urged Kathy to consider participating as a power walker. “I laughed and said, ‘You must be crazy,’” Kathy said. “But little did Brenda know that she had planted the seed of excitement and anticipation.” Kathy gave the idea a great deal of thought and talked it over with her husband, Jim. She decided to register for the 2019 National Senior Games presented by Humana, set for June 14-25 in Albuquerque. “I had six months to actually learn how to power walk,” Kathy said. “I always just got on the road and walked fast. But there are rules for power walking, so I started watching countless videos and had Jim film my walks to make sure I was doing it right.” Kathy arrived in Albuquerque along with nearly 14,000 senior athletes from across America set to compete in 20 sports, from cycling and basketball to swimming and horseshoes. Athletes range in age from 50 to 100+. In her first National Senior Games, Kathy won the gold medal in the 1,500-meter power walk 70-74 age group. “When I crossed the finish line and they told me I won, I could not believe it,” she said. “Standing on the podium to receive my gold medal was so amazing.” In addition to her golden finish, Kathy was one of 11 athletes from the nearly 14,000 competitors honored by the games’ sponsor as a Humana Game Changer. These athletes are celebrated for demonstrating how regular physical activity can positively impact overall health and inspire others to pursue a healthy lifestyle, no matter their age or athletic ability. “I try to model that health is a state of well-being and encompasses a healthy body and mind,” Kathy said. “Anyone at any age can start their own personal health journey. Never feel you can’t continue to be active. It takes time, desire and persistence, and the journey may be long, but it is worth it. If I can be an example to just one person to the point that they feel good about themselves, then my journey has been well worth it.” At press time, Kathy was heading to the Huntsman World Games in St. George, Utah, where she will compete in the 1,500-meter, 3,000-meter and 5,000-meter power walks. She hopes to bring home a medal or two to hang on her display plaque, which reads: Focus on how far you’ve come, not on how far you have to go.
ALUM PERFORMS WITH USO SHOW TROUPE Stephanie Toups, a 2012 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, has been named a member of the United Service Organization (USO) Show Troupe. The Show Troupe is part of an American tradition that dates back 70-plus years to Bob Hope's muddy camp shows of the South Pacific. While the entertainment industry has changed dramatically since then, some things have remained constant: Service members still long for family, home and country, and they are uplifted and inspired through entertainment. Performing live annually for more than 150,000 service members and their families, the Show Troupe presents top-shelf entertainment, traveling the world to reach the men and women serving our country. With a degree in musical theater from Texas Christian University, Stephanie has spent the last three years based in New York City and performing around the country. She recently finished a production of Matilda in New Orleans, was in Maine last fall working on a production of Jersey Boys and has been in several Off-Broadway productions in New York. Performing with the USO Show Troupe is especially attractive because of the flexibility it offers. “It’s not technically full time, which is what makes it so great,” Stephanie said. “Most of us are performers in some aspect, whether it’s musical theater, rock or anything in between, and we’ve all got pretty hectic lives that can change on a dime. The Show Troupe allows us the flexibility to go do a show, go out on a tour, perform on a cruise ship for a year and then come back and jump right back into things. We’re able to accept or pass on gigs based on our availability. Plus, the travel is amazing. It’s like the coolest side job in the world.” The Show Troupe also provides members with the opportunity to flex their performing muscles. A typical show includes contemporary music as well as country, Stephanie Toups, far left, travels around the country as well as abroad to perform for active military members, veterans and military families.
vintage through-the-decades numbers, disco, Motown and everything in between. Perhaps most important, however, is the opportunity to give back to those who have given so much to their country. “I talk a lot about the idea that I am in no way fit to serve: I wouldn’t last a minute in the military,” Stephanie said. “But I am incredibly grateful that I’ve been able to get involved and use what I do know to give back to those who have made and continue to make that sacrifice.” Stephanie began singing as soon as she started talking. As a young girl, she sang in her church choir, and in middle school, she performed with Playmakers of Baton Rouge and Theatre Baton Rouge. She took dance lessons and joined a competition dance team. In high school, she was deeply involved with the SJA Drama Club, serving as co-president, and counts singing in Steve Galliano’s choir among her best high school memories. The move to The City that Never Sleeps came as something of a culture shock to this Baton Rouge girl, but the energy at the epicenter of musical theater is palpable. “New York is not cheap. It’s crowded. The weather can be miserable, and you travel from point A to point B underground in a hot metal box jammed full of people. And I love it,” she said. “Everyone who lives here does so because there is something they need to do here that they can't do anywhere else. Living in a city buzzing with that kind of determination and passion is incredible. It pushes me to work as hard as I can to make my dreams come true.” What does the future hold for this SJA graduate, who was recently dubbed a 2019 Artist to Watch by The Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge? “A lot of auditions, a lot of dance classes and voice lessons and acting class,” Stephanie said. “I learned a long time ago that I am not in charge and that this career is wildly unpredictable and you cannot stop learning. What’s next professionally is out of my hands. All I can do is show up, do the work, plant the seeds and be ready when they start to sprout. I’ve been lucky enough to have had some wonderful and fairly steady opportunities to be paid to do what I went to school to do, and I look forward to being able to continue.” Stephanie Toups ’12 is a member of the USA Show Troupe. 11 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
FLANDEZ-COSTELA FAMILY BECOMES U.S. CITIZENS Two St. Joseph’s Academy graduates and their parents became citizens of the United States on September 25 with a moving Naturalization Ceremony at Catholic High School. Laura Flandez graduated from SJA in 2012 and now teaches Spanish at her alma mater. Barbara Flandez, a 2018 Academy graduate, is a sophomore at Louisiana State University, where she is studying psychology and Spanish. Their mother, Susana Costela-Flandez, teaches in the foreign language department at CHS, while father José María Flandez is a retired industrial engineer. The family came to this country 12 years ago, in July of 2007, when Susana was offered a visiting teacher position. They chose Baton Rouge to be close to family members living there. It didn’t take long for the girls to embrace their new city and flourish in school. “My parents realized that the opportunities for our futures would be greater for us if we stayed in the U.S.,” Laura said. “My parents made a huge sacrifice and decided to stay here permanently to ensure that my sister and I had the chance to achieve a great future.” Once the decision was made to stay in the United States, the family began exploring the requirements of becoming U.S. citizens. While time intensive, lasting 12 years, the process finally culminated in the library of Catholic High School, transformed into a courtroom with the Honorable Richard L. Bourgeois, CHS class of 1994, presiding. A large group of the girls’ friends and classmates, as well faculty, staff and administrators from both schools, filled the room.
“I felt a bit overwhelmed, mostly because the process took such a long time, and I didn’t believe that the end was finally here,” Barbara said. “Having my SJA family encouraging me and wishing me nothing but the best meant more than I could say. My friends have been with me through anything and everything, and being able to share this special occasion with them accentuates the love I will always have for them.” Laura, too, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as the Naturalization Ceremony began. Anxious about how the proceedings would unfold but thrilled because the family’s moment had finally arrived, Laura said she will always remember the day with a smile. She was especially touched to see so many former teachers, now colleagues at SJA, there in support. “We all had such thankful hearts, and all of the emotions we were feeling made the moment that much more exciting,” she said. “Having all of the people we love there showing their support and love meant the absolute world. I am so grateful to belong to such wonderful communities. Knowing how much love and support surrounds us certainly makes my family feel like we made the right decision by staying here.” Barbara agrees. “I’m so thankful that I was able to further integrate myself and fully become a part of this country,” she said. “Most of all, I am so thankful to always have had such strong support from the people I love.”
A large group of St. Joseph’s Academy students, alumnae, administrators, faculty and staff members joined the Flandez-Costela family at their Naturalization Ceremony on September 25.
12 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S SJA Community
The Flandez-Costela family became United States citizens on September 25 with a Naturalization Ceremony in the Catholic High School Library. Pictured from left are U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Bourgeois Jr., Susana Costela, Laura Flandez ’12, Barbara Flandez ’18, José María Flandez, U.S. Circuit Judge Kyle Duncan and U.S. Attorney Brandon Fremin.
13 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Summer 2019
GRADUATE, HUSBAND INVENT TOOL FOR NURSES, CO-AUTHOR BOOK Dawn Drury Nix, a 1993 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, and her husband, Wayne Nix, have invented, patented, manufactured, sold and now licensed a multifunctioning hand tool for nurses. Called the MultiNix, the pocket-sized tool has 15 functions that help nurses accomplish their most frequent bedside tasks, from opening packages and clamping lines to splitting pills. Dawn and Wayne are neonatal nurses who have devoted five years to pitching, seeking investors, creating prototypes and manufacturing MultiNix. Their startup recently signed a manufacturing and distribution agreement with Medline Industries, the largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies in the United States, with $10.2 billion in annual sales.
the educational programming of clinical rotations. She has spent the last 19 years specializing in pediatric ER, pediatric ICU, pediatric cardiovascular ICU and neonatal ICU nursing. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing and The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Dawn said her educational and professional tracks were sparked at SJA. “The variety of course offerings is intended to open our minds to the vast diversity that life has to offer,” she said. “I took calculus and physics in the morning and performed in theater in the afternoon. I could participate in community service with schoolchildren at lunch and travel with Mrs. [Jacqueline] Labat’s French group to Paris over Easter break.”
This solid, diverse educational background has been critical to her nursing career, Dawn said. “We must communicate effectively to coworkers, patients “The idea for MultiNix initially came from an and families,” she explained. incident where my husband’s scrub pockets “Science shows us how a emptied onto the floor of a transport body functions when it’s helicopter,” Dawn said. “Over the years, well and when it’s ill. the two of us have noticed that nurses do Math calculations are not have all the tools necessary for bedside constant in an ICU, care. It’s like the shoes we wear: If we want and an appreciation the ‘good’ stuff, we have to buy it ourselves. of artwork is really We learned that nurses walk an average an awareness of three to five miles a day, often in search of detail that of equipment. This is time lost from the easily transfers bedside and time lost from direct patient to better care. And once I leave the bedside, what are patient care. the chances that I’ll be delayed by another A betterment staff member, a patient’s family member or of body, mind an emergency around the corner?” and spirit: That’s what Based on feedback from nurses, MultiNix nurses do went through dozens of design changes every day, before the final version came to fruition. and I’m proud Because of their innovation efforts, the to be a part Nixes were invited to co-author a book for of that.” nurses. The Nurse’s Guide to Innovation: Accelerating the Journey is now available on A thirdAmazon.com. generation nurse The book is meant for any healthcare following professional with an inventive or in the entrepreneurial spirit, Dawn said. “It gives footsteps of examples of both successes and failures in her mother and personal and professional journeys with grandmother, exercises, resources and strategies to help Dawn plans to the reader move forward,” she said. “What continue nursing makes this author group special is that each for many years to author is an RN, located around the country, come and would like yet we all highlight that nurses are natural to expand her writing. innovators as we work toward healing Away from work, she bodies, minds and spirits.” loves to walk for exercise, and her most enjoyable Dawn works full time at Our Lady of hobbies are cooking and Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital in baking. Lafayette, Louisiana. She is a unit preceptor in the level 3 neonatal ICU and assists with
SJA ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION HOSTS LEGACY MASS AND RECEPTION The St. Joseph’s Academy Alumnae Office hosted the seventh annual Legacy Mass and Reception on August 18. Generations of Academy graduates, along with their daughters, granddaughters and nieces who are current students, gathered in the Chapel at SJA for the Eucharistic celebration.
Father Mike Schatzle was the celebrant for the Legacy Mass.
SJA President Jan Rhorer Breen welcomed the families whose legacies are woven throughout the Academy’s history. She recognized one family in attendance whose members have been a part of SJA for five generations. Madeline Nesbit Coco, class of 1963, has a daughter, Lisa Coco Hargrave, who graduated in 1993, and a granddaughter, Maria Lynn Hargrave, who is currently a freshman at SJA. Madeline’s mother, Madeline Ortlieb Nesbit, was a 1940 graduate, and her grandmother, Alice Louise Buchel, was the valedictorian of the class of 1910. Additionally, Madeline’s three sisters, numerous aunts and at least one great-great aunt, Bernadette Buchel, class of 1908, attended SJA. Madeline sent all six of her daughters to the Academy.
Jennifer Bowden Feduccia ’90, Caroline Feduccia ’20 and Natalie Feduccia ’23 served as cantors. Steve Galliano was the pianist.
Stephanie Langlois Locklar ’88 read from the Book of Jerimiah, and Peyton Locklar ’20 read from the Book of Hebrews. Mary Jane McKeever Locklar ’58 led the prayers of the faithful.
Following mass, the multi-generational families posed for group photographs, then gathered in the Commons of Mother Alice Hall for a reception catered by SAGE Dining Services. Helping make the event a success were Alumnae Association board members Tara Nolan Messenger ’70, Tara Dixon ’89, Mary Dardenne Michel ’67, Lurline Hamilton ’64 and Jamie Purpera Arceneaux ’95. Families with two generations of SJA graduates posed for a picture following mass.
Thursday, November 21 Bar Louie Arlington-Highlands 4001 Bagpiper Way Arlington, TX 76018 For more information or to RSVP, please contact Alumnae Director Katie Jeter Valenciano ’04 at (225) 388-2244 or valencianok@sjabr.org. 14 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Alums Today
Enjoying the reception following this year’s Legacy Mass are Lynn May Griggs ’68, Aimee Griggs Goodson ’94, Anne Claire Harris ’23, Madeleine Brown ’22 and Dyra Culotta Hughes ’66.
Pictured are Allison Brunet ’20, Amy Azar Brunet ’88, Annalee Howell ’23, Stacey Emick Howell ’88, Shawn Meares Leake ’88 and Katherine Leake ’22.
Posing for a post-mass picture are Mae Thompson ’20, Lynn Calongne Hendry ’64, Emma Hendry ’23 and Brittney Elgin Hendry ’94.
Members of the five-generation-legacy Coco-Hargrave family enjoyed this year’s Legacy Mass and Reception. They are, second from left, Lynn Nesbit Coco ’63, Lisa Coco Hargrave ’93 and Maria Hargrave ’23. They are pictured with Alumnae Director Katie Jeter Valenciano ’04, left, and President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69.
Three and four generation legacy families posed for a picture on the steps of Mother Alice Hall.
15 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
REDSTICKER REUNIONS AND OTHER HAPPENINGS
Graduate Celebrates 90th Birthday in Style
Lois Ourso Taylor, center, poses with friends and fellow members of the SJA class of 1946: Donna Gautreau Calabrese and Sister Johanne Pedersen.
Lois Ourso Taylor ’46, far right, celebrated her 90th birthday in Common Hall of St. Alban’s Chapel on the LSU campus. She is pictured here with daughter Kelly Sword Hurtado ’81 and Sister Joan Laplace, who recently retired from the St. Joseph’s Academy Mission Advancement office.
Washington, D.C., Reunion On Sunday, September 8, alumnae living in the Washington, D.C., area gathered for brunch at the home of Laureen Higgins Henderson ’58. Pictured top row, left to right, are Inola Walston ’83, Margaret Deavers ’98, Frances Seghers ’70, (bottom row) Lauren McQuiston Martinez ’01, Avril Soon Garcia ’02, Laureen Higgins Henderson ’58 and SJA Alumnae Director Katie Jeter Valenciano ’04. Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald served as photographer and is therefore not pictured.
Houston Reunion
More than 30 alumnae gathered at the home of Kelly Davis Leff ’03 on Thursday, September 12, for the Houston-area reunion. Great connections were made, and two alumnae scheduled visits to campus for the next time they come Baton Rouge. Representing SJA at the gathering were President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69, Principal Stacia Bordelon Andricain, French teacher Glynis Davis, Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald and Alumnae Director Katie Jeter Valenciano ’04.
16 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Alums Today
Lois Ourso Taylor, a 1946 graduate of SJA, celebrated her 90th birthday on September 28 surrounded by nearly 90 family members and friends in Common Hall of St. Alban’s Chapel at Louisiana State University. The party was planned and hosted by Lois’ daughter, Kelly Sword Hurtado, a 1981 Academy graduate who serves as executive director of the OLOL Foundation at Our Lady of the Lake. Guests were treated to music by the St. Alban’s Chapel Ukulele Orchestra as well as some of Lois’ favorite arias performed by members of Opera Louisiane. Lifelong friends Donna Gautreau Calabrese ’46 and Sister Johanne Pedersen ’46, the former principal at St. Thomas More, were among the guests, as were many of Lois’ bridge friends. Granddaughter Alexandra Hurtado McCall ’05 and her son, Ozzy, were there, as were numerous cousins. Granddaughter Daniela Hurtado ’13, who lives in San Francisco, was unable to attend but flew home the following weekend. Mary Aycock, mother of Adele Aycock Bowden ’97, made the cake. As it was presented, baritone André Chiang and soprano Jenna Grissom lead a chorus of Happy Birthday accompanied by the Ukulele Orchestra. Orchestra leader Charlene Heaton said working with opera singers was an incredible first-time experience.
BATON ROUGE REDSTICKER SOCIAL Graduates living in the Baton Rouge area gathered at the home of Suzie Toups Adler ’85 on October 10 to meet, mingle and network with fellow alumnae. More than 70 alumnae, ranging in graduation years from 1956 to 2016, were in attendance. Representing SJA were President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69; Principal Stacia Andricain; former staff member Sister Joan Laplace, CSJ; Dean of Women Erika Angarita; Assistant Athletic Director and Mission Advancement Support Nan Murtagh; Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald; and Alumnae Director Katie Jeter Valenciano ’04.
Members of the class of 1985 enjoyed visiting at the Redsticker Social. They are, from left, Allison Carriere Harris ’85, Donna Roppolo ’85, Monica Gautreau Hadlock ’85 and Rachel Drago Wall ’85.
Posing for a picture are classmates from 1989: Jennie Jantz ’89, Tara Dixon ’89 and Wendy Post Martin ’89.
Christy Castille Haik ’82 enjoyed visiting with her former art teacher, Sister Adelaide Williamson, CSJ ’59.
Principal Stacia Andricain, center, caught up with Tonette Washington Honoré ’01, left, and classmate Emily Shedlof Richard ’01.
17 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
Catching up at the Redsticker Social are classmates Melanie Ruiz LaPorte ’77, Amey Shortess Crousillac ’77, Jeanne Gastinel Wintz ’77 and Sandy Darensbourg ’77.
Hostess Suzie Toups Adler ’85 is pictured with daughter Allie Adler ’16.
Class of 1977 Class of 1961 Members of the St. Joseph’s Academy class of 1977 gathered at the home of Julie and Greg Gauthier on September 14 for a 60th Aloha Birthday Party. The festive gathering celebrated the collective 60th birthdays of the alumnae. Pictured here are, bottom row from left, Anita Parsons King, Jeanne Gastinel Wintz, Phyllis Bologna Kerr, Sandy Darensbourg, Carmie Guarino Berry, (top row) Renee Brassett Stelly, Julie Granberry Gauthier, Kelley Snow Marler, Cathy Ogden Edmunds, Paula Bogan Drone and Lisa Manda.
18 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Alums Today
Members of the class of 1961 enjoyed lunch on October 7 at Rouj Creole restaurant in Baton Rouge. Pictured are (front row) Mary Hebert McCowan, Nancy Hannaman Endom, Linda Hebert Burns, Patt Manda, Sharon Lemon Palliser, Susie Comeaux Heroman, (back row) Mary Lou Gibbens Reed, Phyllis Polito Greenblatt, Carolyn Kleinpeter Morris and Pat May Dalton.
ALUMNAE NEWS ’66 MARGARET SEGHERS SCHOTT and her husband, Ben, celebrated their 50th anniversary on July 12. Their four children marked the milestone with a gift of two tickets to the Rolling Stones concert in New Orleans on July 15. The special evening also served to celebrate Maggie’s retirement from nursing after 50 years at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge. When a doctor asked why she was retiring when she still loved her work, she replied that her husband had been retired for several years and that she loved him more. “A sense humor in life is the base of all my accomplishments,” Maggie said.
’75 LAURIE SCALLAN MORRISON is retiring after serving the Baton Rouge community for more than 30 years as audiologist/director at Scallan Hearing Aid & Audiology Center. Laurie’s father, Leo Scallan, began the business in 1976. Laurie was honored at a retirement open house at the company’s Goodwood Boulevard office on August 30.
’80 KRIS CANGELOSI has been named chair of the Capital Area United Way’s (CAUW) Women United executive committee. Kris is the director of the Cangelosi Dance Project. As part of the Gottlieb Society of the CAUW (those who give $1,000 or more), Women United seeks to improve the lives of those in the capital area with a focus on income stability.
’00 WHITNEY LITTLE LANASA has been promoted to managing director at Stonehenge Capital Company LLC. The promotion was announced at the firm’s 20th anniversary meeting in Bluffton, South Carolina. She will continue to develop and grow the Tax Credit Services business line across the country. Whitney joined Stonehenge Capital in 2009 as a member of the legal team and was promoted to director of Tax Credit Services in 2014. Prior to joining Stonehenge Capital, Whitney was an attorney assisting clients in a wide variety of corporate, banking and regulatory matters. She earned her joint juris doctor and diploma in civil law from the Paul M. Hebert School of Law at Louisiana State University and a master of laws degree in taxation from the University of Alabama. She serves on the board of directors for the Historic Tax Credit Coalition.
’00 ERICA J. WASHINGTON has been named the national president of the Tulane Alumni Association. Before becoming the association’s president, she served as vice president, as a committee chair and as a school representative for the School of Public Health on the Tulane Alumni Association Board. Erica earned her bachelor of biological sciences degree from Louisiana State University in 2006 and her master’s in public health from Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in 2009. She is an epidemiologist for the state of Louisiana, serving as the HealthcareAssociated Infections and Antibiotic Resistance Program coordinator for the Department of Health. In 2013, Erica was recognized as a White House Champion of Change for Prevention and Public Health.
’94 AMY CLOESSNER was recently promoted to the position of executive vice president/managing director at Burson, Cohn & Wolfe, a global public relations and communications firm. Amy has spent the last 17 years building its grassroots practice and serves as the senior strategist for several of the firm’s Fortune 100 clients. She lives in the Washington, D.C., area, where she graduated from The Columbus School of Law. 19 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
’02 LINDSAY CARLINO received two awards at the Louisiana School Counselor Association luncheon during the LCA conference in New Orleans in September. She was named High School Counselor of the Year and Overall School Counselor of the Year for the state of Louisiana for her work at St. Michael the Archangel High School, where she served as chair of the school counseling department and freshman class counselor for seven years. She will represent the state of Louisiana in January in Washington, D.C. Lindsay was recently named counselor for the St. Joseph’s Academy class of 2023.
’02 CANDIS MAYWEATHER HUNTER earned a doctor of philosophy degree in environmental health sciences from Emory University Rollins School of Public Health in May. She was recently recognized as one of Emory University’s 40 under 40 outstanding alumni. Dr. Hunter is an environmental health scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and is a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.
’02 AMY HUTCHINSON SUGAR is the Greater New Orleans-area leader for a faith-based fertility ministry called Moms in the Making. The ministry was founded in Dallas and has 30 groups across the country. Leaders minister to women in their wait to become a mom, especially those facing infertility, adoption, foster care and miscarriage issues. Moms in the Making helps women find peace and purpose during their wait and grow closer to God. Amy also owns a custom wreath and home decor business called The Sweetest Grace. She makes custom designs for homes, businesses, storefronts and gifts and works with clients nationwide. Visit www.momsinthemakinggroup. com, or contact Amy at amy@ thesweetestgrace.com.
’07 ERIN BARRILLEAUX ALBARADO has earned the certified professional photographer (CPP) designation from Professional Photographers of America (PPA). She earned this designation after completing an intensive program that measures artistic and technical competence. PPA currently recognizes fewer than 2,500 CPPs. Erin is the media coordinator at St. Joseph’s Academy. She also has a parttime photography business, Erin Marie Photography. She earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in studio art, concentration in photography and a minor in art history from Louisiana State University in 2012. She was a member of the Golden Band from Tigerland from 2007 until 2011.
’12 ENSIGN SARAH ELLIS is an admin officer on the USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer. Sarah graduated from Louisiana State University in the fall of 2017 in mechanical engineering with minors in nuclear power and business administration. She was commissioned from officer candidate school in January of 2018 and deployed on the USS Jason Dunham in June of the same year. Her next command is nuclear power school in the spring of 2020.
’12 TIFFANY KELLY is the cofounder and chief executive officer of Curastory, the first online marketplace connecting content curators to media buyers. She is also the co-founder of Break the Love, a sports tech startup streamlining the recreational sports participation process through an on-demand ethos. Previously, she worked for ESPN Stats & Information Group as a sports analytics associate, where she created ESPN’s College Football Fan Happiness Index. She was the first African-American analyst to join the team. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Sports Analytics Club Program and is an ambassador of the American Association for the Advancement of Science – Lyda Hill Philanthropies IF/THEN Initiative. Tiffany graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2017 in computer science and sports management. Visit tiffanykelly.co/
’12 ASHLEY SALARIO earned her doctor of pharmacy degree in May from the University of Louisiana Monroe. She graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into the Pharmacy Rho Chi Honor Society that acknowledges students in the top 10 percent of their class. She was accepted into the postgraduate residency program at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. After completing her residency, Ashley plans to work as a clinical pharmacy specialist.
’13 CATHERINE HODSON captured the Louisiana Golf Association (LGA) Women’s Net Amateur Championship at English Turn in New Orleans in late August. Hodson carded rounds of 79-78 over the course of the weekend, winning by five strokes over defending champion Jane Rosen of Metairie. Catherine is a CPA for Deloitte & Touché in New Orleans. She graduated from Louisiana State University in 2017 with a degree in accounting.
’13 MEGAN TALBOT DAGGETT was accepted into the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital for the fall of 2019. Megan earned her bachelor of science degree in animal science from Louisiana State University, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She also worked at the LSU Veterinary Medicine School in the Large Animal ICU Department and the Theriogenology Department.
’13 CLAIRE KEATON, SARAH NELSON ’13, BAILEY THIBODEAUX ’12 AND KENDRA HINNENKAMP ’11 graduated from the physician assistant program at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport. Each of the alumnae was a class officer, and Claire was the valedictorian of the class of 2019.
’14 VICTORIA PADIAL graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston in May of 2018 with a bachelor of science degree in biology. Victoria was a four-year letterman for the University of Houston Women’s Swimming and Diving Team and a member of the Academic All-Conference team. She was recently selected for admission to the University of Texas Long School of Medicine in San Antonio. She was awarded the UT Health Dean Competitive Scholarship.
’15 SARAH BERTRAND was awarded the inaugural Ochsner Health System Medical School Scholarship, which covers the cost of tuition and fees for the fouryear medical school program at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport.
’15 AMANDA SALARIO earned a bachelor of arts degree in communication disorders in May from Louisiana State University. She has been accepted into the speech-language pathology master’s program at LSU.
’16 ROWAN BAIRD was chosen for one of the 11 out-of-state internships at Texas A&M this summer. She worked with the Materials Science and Engineering Department. She is currently a senior mechanical engineering student at the University of Mississippi, where she serves as president of the Society of American Military Engineers, is a competitor and member of Ole Miss Equestrian and is an active member of Phi Mu Fraternity. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in blast and impact dynamics within the mechanical engineering and materials science realms with the goal of working in the shoe industry to better people’s bodies by protecting their feet.
21 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
’16 SAVANNAH ESTEVE is serving as the southeast regional ambassador for the National Association of Engineering Student Councils (NAESC). She attends Louisiana Tech University, where she is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in biomedical engineering and her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification. She has served as president and freshman council chair for Louisiana Tech’s Engineering and Science Association. She is a member of several engineering organizations, including Tau Beta Pi, Society of Women Engineers and Biomedical Engineering Society. She is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She works as a mathematics tutor and undergraduate researcher and spent the summer interning with Medtronic in Boulder, Colorado.
’17 BETHANY SEAGRAVES was named to the All-Conference and National teams as a swimmer at Emory University in Atlanta. At the University Athletic Association (UAA) Conference meet, she finished first in the 100 backstroke; was a member of the first-place 200 medley relay team; and finished seventh in both the 100 butterfly and 200 backstroke. At the Division III national championship meet, her 200 medley relay team placed third, and she placed 16th in the 100 butterfly. This year, the Emory team won its 21st consecutive UAA championship and 10th consecutive Division III national title. Bethany was accepted into Emory’s nursing program and began its curriculum this fall.
SJA
Save t he Dat e:
March 27-29, 2020 Bocage Racquet Club
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Alumnae Director Katie Jeter Valenciano ’04 at valencianok@sjabr.org.
ANNUAL FUND
2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 A N N U A L F U N D N O W U N D E R WAY St. Joseph’s Academy is steeped in traditions: Candlelight Ceremony, monthly masses and prayer services, service to our dear neighbor, winning Challenge Day and the Senior Walk, to name a few. The most remarkable tradition is the support offered by you, our SJA alumnae, parents and friends. The SJA Annual Fund, which gives you an opportunity to partner with SJA in support of its mission to educate young women as responsible and unifying members of the world community, is comprised of four primary segments: Parents, Alumnae, Friends (which includes grandparents) and Faculty/Staff. Our goal this year is to raise 3.9 percent of the operating budget, or $550,000. And once again, our benefactors are
responding. To date, we have raised more than 2.23 percent of our annual budget. Our parents have raised $167,360; alumnae have raised $92,736; friends have raised $62,956; and our faculty/staff, with 100 percent participation for an eighth consecutive year, raised $25,048. Participation is key to the success of the SJA Annual Fund. Our faculty and staff members have set the bar high with their all-in participation. Whether an alumna, parent or friend, please know that your gift matters. Gifts to Annual Fund typically range from $5 to $25,000. All gifts to Annual Fund, no matter the size, have an enormous impact on SJA’s ability to enhance its standards of excellence in teaching, student development and facilities. Annual gifts fuel the success of this school and touch every aspect of our students’ experience.
S P E C I F I C A L LY, A G I F T T O A N N U A L F U N D W I L L : Instill in students a deep awareness of God’s presence in their lives through a dynamic faithdevelopment program
Contribute to the cutting-edge technology, lab equipment and other state-of-the-art learning tools used in the classroom
Ensure that SJA continues its winning athletic tradition
Offer students the opportunity to uncover their talents and unique gifts through our fine arts offerings
Give students an extraordinary, enriching and transformative experience – The SJA experience – that they will treasure for a lifetime
We invite you to partner with us by investing in the future of St. Joseph’s Academy. Gifts to the 2019-2020 Annual Fund will be accepted through June 30, 2020. You can make your gift in one of three ways:
Online: Visit www.sjabr.org and click on the “Give Online” button at the bottom of the screen.
Mail: Send a check (payable to SJA Foundation) to 3015 Broussard Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.
Text: Text to the number 41444. In the message section, type SJA1868 (no spaces) and hit send. You will receive a message in response with the link you will use to complete your gift by entering your credit card information.
If you have any questions, please contact Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald at (225) 388-2254 or geraldm@sjabr.org. 23 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
PLANNED GIVING
CONTRIBUTE TO SJA THROUGH AN IRA DISTRIBUTION Michelle Lorio St. Martin ’83 and David G. Koch, CHS ’85 Estate Planning Attorneys There are many options for you to leave a legacy or other gift for the Catholic education that St. Joseph’s Academy provides its students. One option that can benefit you and SJA is a tax-free distribution from your IRA. Donating directly to SJA from your IRA can lower your taxes and reduce your Medicare premiums and Social Security income taxes. The government requires that if you are 70 ½ years old and own a traditional IRA, you must withdraw a certain amount of money, known as a required minimum distribution (RMD), from the account. The distribution is required even if you do not want or need the money. And, the distribution is subject to taxation. In addition to the taxes, your Medicare premiums and the income tax on your social security benefits could increase. To avoid this problem, you may consider directing your RMD to SJA. Here’s how it works. The RMD you withdraw from your traditional IRA is donated directly to SJA through a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). You may donate up to $100,000 per year directly from your traditional IRA account. The QCD can be part or all of your RMD. In order
to achieve the donation and reap the benefits, a few simple planning rules are needed, including donating directly from your IRA to SJA. For example, if your RMD is approximately $10,000 for the year 2019, you can donate all of the $10,000 to SJA and not pay taxes on the $10,000 that you were required to withdraw. Or, you can direct half, or $5,000, to SJA and keep the other half ($5,000) for yourself. In this scenario, you would only have to pay taxes on the $5,000 that you kept for yourself. W H AT A R E T H E B E N E F I T S T O Y O U ? 1
YOUR RMD IS TAX-FREE;
2
YOUR MEDICARE PREMIUMS CAN BE REDUCED;
3
TAXES ON YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS CAN BE REDUCED, AND;
4
YOUR NET INVESTMENT INCOME TAXES CAN BE REDUCED.
Directing your required minimum distribution to St. Joseph’s Academy may not only save you money, but it is an easy method to give back to the magnificent institution that has served so many young women and continues to provide an environment of academic excellence. As always, before you make any decisions, you should consult with your tax advisor.
LEAVING A LEGACY AT ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY I am/We are pleased to inform you that I/we (check all that apply): Have already included St. Joseph’s Academy in my/our estate plans Would like a personal call or visit to discuss a planned gift. CONTACT INFORMATION:
Am/are considering a planned gift to St. Joseph’s Academy. Would like to receive information about how to include SJA in a will.
Name(s): _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ State: ______________________________________________________ Zip :_______________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________________________ St. Joseph’s Academy, 3015 Broussard Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
24 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Planned Giving
ON CAMPUS ON CAMPUS
ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY CONGRATULATES ADVANCED PLACEMENT, NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS One hundred thirty-seven St. Joseph’s Academy graduates and current seniors and juniors have earned AP Scholar Awards for 2019 in recognition of their exceptional achievement on college-level Advanced Placement Program (AP) exams. These outstanding scholars earned credit at Louisiana colleges and universities as well as most four-year schools in the United States.
Additionally, seven St. Joseph’s Academy seniors have been recognized as semifinalists in the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. They will continue in the competition for approximately 7,600 scholarships worth more than $31 million. Another three seniors have been named commended students by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.
LAUREN ARCENEAUX Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Rebecca and Bryan Arceneaux Attends Mississippi State University
STEPHANIE ARMOND Class of 2020 National Merit Semifinalist AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Sofia and Mark Armond Attended St. Jean Vianney
BRETTE BANKSTON Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Dawn and John Bankston Attended St. Jean Vianney
ALEXIS BARBAY Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Donna and Greg Barbay Attends Louisiana State University
ELLA BARHORST Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Tracey and Dennis Barhorst Attends Louisiana State University
ASHLAN BELANGER Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of Stacy and Mike Belanger Attends Arizona State University
KAELIE BERNARD Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Cassie and Karl Bernard Attended St. Aloysius
ABBY BLAIZE Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of Marci and Charles Blaize Attends Case Western Reserve University
ANNA BLANCHARD Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Tricia and Mike Blanchard Attended St. George
MARGARET BLOUIN Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of Peggy and Andy Blouin Attends Louisiana State University
Buy a Brick, Leave a Legacy Order your personalized brick today at www.sjabricks.org.
Please direct questions to 25 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019 Wendy Coniglio at conigliow@sjabr.org.
MOLLY BLOUIN Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Peggy and Andy Blouin Attended Our Lady of Mercy
JEANNE BRIERRE Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Kathryn and Stephen Brierre Attended St. George
ABIGAIL BORDELON Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Amanda and David Bordelon Attended St. Thomas More
ANNABELLE BROUSSARD Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Patricia and Gerard Broussard Attends Louisiana Tech University
ANNA BORNE Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Janine and Manville Borne Attends Louisiana State University
MADISON BOUDREAUX Class of 2019 National AP Scholar AP Scholar with Distinction AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of Lisa and Jules Boudreaux Attends University of Alabama
MADELINE BROYLES Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Angela and Joseph Broyles Attended St. Aloysius
ADDISON BRUCE Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Marsha and Ross Bruce Attends Texas Christian University
ANNA BOWDEN Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Bethany and Sid Bowden Attends Louisiana State University
AMELIA BUFFONE Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Celeste and Paul Buffone Attended St. George
MORGAN BURKE Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Chad Gomez and Guardians Carol and Tom Stanley Attended St. George
CECILIA CAMPESI Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Gretchen and Channon Campesi Attended St. Aloysius
BRENNAN CASCIO Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Allison and Chris Cascio Attended St. Jude
NAOMI CATES Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Regina and Tremayne Cates Attended St. Jean Vianney
SYDNEY CLEBERT Class of 2019 National AP Scholar AP Scholar with Distinction AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of Kelli and David Corkern and Austin Fontenot Attends Louisiana State University
RACHAEL COATES Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Jamie and Kevin Coates Attends Louisiana State University
TORRIE COOK Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Vickie Cook and Grandparents Billy and Kathy Hughes Attends Louisiana State University
ANNA REESE COUHIG Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of Finney and Peter Couhig Attends University of Mississippi
KATHERINE COUNCE Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Leigh and Chris Counce Attended St. George
TORI CROCKETT Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Bridget and Roderick Crockett Attends Louisiana State University
The track and field team made history by winning the outdoor state championship for the first time ever.
e
MARY CATHERINE DANIELS Class of 2020 National Merit Semifinalist AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Cathy and Mike Daniels Attended St. Jude
NOELLE DEFEE Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Melissa and Buck DeFee Attended St. Theresa of Avila
FLORA DEMOSS Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Nicole and Darren DeMoss Attended St. George
DANIELLE DEPIERRI Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Michelle and Bob DePierri Attends Louisiana State University
EMILY DESOTO Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Tonya and Mark DeSoto Attends Louisiana State University
OLIVIA DEVALL Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Alice and Jamie Devall Attends Louisiana State University
RAEANN DIDIER Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Stacie and Keith Didier Attends Louisiana State University
VIRGINIA DIRKS Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Lynn and Charlie Dirks Attended St. Aloysius
AMELIA DITTMAR Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Millicent and Edward Dittmar Attends Louisiana State University
EMMA DURNIN Class of 2020 National Merit Commended AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Catherine and John Durnin Attended St. Theresa of Avila
CATHERINE ETHRIDGE Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Robin and Buddy Ethridge Attended St. Thomas More
ANNE MARIE GAHAGAN Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Claire and Russell Gahagan Attends Louisiana State University
MEREDITH GAULDIN Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Keri and Mickey Gauldin Attended St. Theresa of Avila
ALDYN GREMILLION Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Lisa and Bradley Gremillion Attended St. Aloysius
ANNA HAMPSHIRE Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of David Hampshire and the late Denise Hampshire Attends Louisiana State University
SINCLAIR GREEN Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Robin and Mike Green Attends Louisiana State University
DRUE GAUTREAU SARAH GORDON Class of 2019 Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Distinction AP Scholar Daughter of Lisa Daughter of Stephanie and Quinn Gautreau and Keith Gordon Attends University Attended St. Jude track and field team made history by winning th of NotreThe Dame
outdoor state championship for the first time ever.
JENAY HANSEN Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Aimee and Billy Hansen Attended Most Blessed Sacrament
CATHERINE HEBERT Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Stacy and Cliff Hebert Attended St. Aloysius
27 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
ALISON HECHT Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Amy Copeland and Gerry Hecht Attended St. Luke’s Episcopal Day School
MADELYN HELM Class of 2020 National Merit Commended AP Scholar Daughter of Bridget and Eric Helm Attended St. Aloysius
JULIA HENDERSON Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Laurie and Troy Henderson Attends Louisiana State University
MADISON HENDERSON Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of the late Myra Henderson Attended McKinley Middle Magnet School
CHLOE HOANG Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Kim and Andrew Hoang Attends Louisiana State University
HALEIGH HOOKS Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Lindi and Kenny Hooks Attends University of Denver
ADELE JACOBSEN Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Meg and Walt Jacobsen Attended St. George
THERESA KADAIR Class of 2021 AP Scholar Daughter of Catherine and Nebe Kadair Attended Our Lady of Mercy
BREANN KEOWEN Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of Pam and Mike Keowen Attends Mississippi State University
SOPHIE KRONENBERGER Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Anna Kathryne and Brian Kronenberger Attended St. Jude
EMILY KUKURA Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Beth and John Kukura Attends Louisiana State University
BAYLEA LANDRY Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Patty Haydel Attends Arizona State University
KATHERINE LANDRY Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Lynne and Eddie Landry Attends Louisiana State University
MARY KATE LEE Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Kelly and Lester Lee Attended St. George
ANNA CLAIRE LEJEUNE Class of 2019 National AP Scholar AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Whitney and Rick LeJeune Attends Tulane University
HAILEY LEWY Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Shannon and Danny Lewy Attended St. George
ANNA LEYRER Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Gina and David Leyrer Attended Our Lady of Mercy
ABBY LIGON Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Heidi and Rob Ligon Attended Sacred Heart
PEYTON LOCKLAR Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Stephanie and Brian Locklar Attended St. George
BAILEY LOUP Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Honey and Daniel Loup Attended St. Aloysius
28 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S On Campus
MAGGIE LYNCH Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Robert Lynch and Michelle Benoit Attended St. George
SKYLAR MANCUSO Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Danielle and Barry Mancuso Attends Louisiana State University
MARY MARCHAND Class of 2020 National Merit Semifinalist AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Diana and Paul LaFargue and Barry Marchand Attended St. Theresa of Avila
ANGELLE MARTIN Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Missy and Mike Riddle and Jody and Christie Martin Attends Millsaps College
SARA MAYEUX Class of 2020 National Merit Semifinalist AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Jackie and Scott Mayeux Attended St. Theresa of Avila
SYDNEY MELDER Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Chad Melder and Laura Melder Attends University of Alabama
ANNA MONTANIO Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Ann Marie and John Montanio Attended St. Jude
MAURIE MORRIS Class of 2019 AP Scholar AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of Sheri and Norman Morris Attends University of Mississippi
NICOLE MANN Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Patricia Soto and Darin Mann Attended St. Aloysius
MACI MANNINA Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of MeLisa and Brewster Stalter Attended St. Mary’s Dominican High School
EMILY MARTIN MARYN MATTHEWS Class of 2019 Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction AP Scholar with Distinction AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of Michael Matthews Daughter of Ellen and Alison Matthews and Nate Robinson and Chris Attends Florida and Caroline Martin International University Attends Louisiana State University
JESSICA MICHELET Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Cheryl and Kirk Michelet Attended St. Aloysius
ELEANA MILLER Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Natalie and Greg Miller Attended Our Lady of Mercy
NIKKI MANUEL Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Medy and Stephen Manuel Attends Louisiana State University
ANDREA MATUS Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of Ghedy and Aldo Matus Attends Louisiana State University
KAYLEIGH MIMS Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Amy and Ben Mims Attends Louisiana State University
GRACE MORRISON SIMONE The track and field team made MUIR history by winning theANNA MYERS Class of 2019 state championship Class of outdoor for2020 the first time ever. Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Honor AP Scholar AP Scholar Daughter of Sarah Daughter of Shea Daughter of Temple Beeson and Shane Morrison and William Muir and Lou Fey and Kevin Myers Attends Texas Attended St. George Attends University Christian University of Mississippi
29 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
ELOISE NELSON Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Rebecca and Dyke Nelson Attended University Lab School
MADISON OGRA Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Sharon and David Ogra Attends Louisiana State University
CHARLA OLSON Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Annette and Jon Olson Attended St. George
GRACE O’NEILL Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Peggy and Raph O’Neill Attends Baylor University
KENDALL OURSO Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Cindy and Trey Ourso Attended Sacred Heart
EMMA PERRAULT Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Amy Warrington and Mike Drago and Stephen Perrault Attended St. Thomas More
DYLAN PINCKARD Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Thomas and Britani Pinckard and Brandi and Ben Spalding Attended Baton Rouge International School
LILLIAN POWERS Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Betsy and Pat Powers Attends Louisiana State University
SUSAN RAGUSA Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Steve and Christine Ragusa and Kathy and Ben Benoit Attended St. Jude
KYLIE RANGELEY-ALLEMENT Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Alicia and Paul Allement Attended St. Thomas More
SHREYA RESHAMWALA Class of 2020 National Merit Semifinalist AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of San and Vipul Reshamwala Attended Our Lady of Mercy
GRACE RICHARDSON Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of John Richardson and Jill Ratcliff Attends Boston University
CAROLINE RITCHIE Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Jennifer and Curt Ritchie Attended St. Aloysius
ADELINE ROEMER Class of 2019 AP Scholar AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of Tena and Chas Roemer Attends Texas Christian University
ALLEE ROGERS Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Kelli Rogers and Wood Rogers Attended University Lab School
EMMA ROUTIER Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Elise and Jeff Routier Attended Sequitur Classical Academy
MADISON ROY Class of 2020 National Merit Commended AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Michelle and Richard Roy Attended St. Thomas More
KATE RUSSELL Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Myra and Trae Russell Attended St. George
MARY CLAIRE SAIA Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Angelle and Bennett Saia Attended St. Jude
ELISE SALOOM Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Laura and Russell Saloom Attends Louisiana State University
30 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S On Campus
LAUREN SAUNDERS Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Karen and Henri Saunders Attends Louisiana State University
TAYLOR SILVEY CLASS OF 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Amanda and Craig Silvey Attends Tulane University
PRIYA SINGLETON Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Laskmi and Lance Singleton Attends Louisiana State University
CLAIRE SMITH Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Katherine and Cale Smith Attended St. Jude
KAELYN SMITH Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Sherry Smith and Brad and Gina Smith Attended St. George
LARK SMITH Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Dana and David Smith Attended St. Aloysius
ASHLYNN SORRELLS Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of Michelle and Mike Sorrells Attends Louisiana State University
KATE STANFORD Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Honor AP Capstone Diploma Daughter of Sheila and Geoff Stanford Attends University of Texas, Austin
SOPHIA STUART Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Terrie and Mike Stuart Attended Baton Rouge International School
MARY MORGAN SUTTON Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Linsey Sutton and Edward Sutton Attends Louisiana State University
EMILY SWINNEY Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Leah Swinney Attended St. Thomas More
ALAYNA TATE Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Shannon and Kevin Tate Attends Louisiana State University
CLAIRE MARIE TATE Class of 2020 National Merit Semifinalist AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Shannon and Kevin Tate Attended St. Alphonsus
CAMILLE TAYLOR Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Yolunda and Jonathan Taylor Attends University of Chicago
JOLAN TAYLOR Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Joette and Jim Taylor Attended St. Alphonsus
ALEXANDRA THIBODEAUX Class of 2019 AP Scholar AP Seminar and Research Certificate Daughter of Luke and Morgan Thibodeaux and Megan Coon Attends Louisiana State University
THUC NHAN TRAN Class of 2020 National Merit Semifinalist AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Nguyen Tran and Trinh Nguyen Attended St. Thomas More
ALIYA The TRAPP UZEE by winning HANNAH GRACE VAUTROT track and field teamMALOREY made history the Class ofoutdoor 2019 state championship Classfor of 2019 Class of 2019 the first time ever. AP Scholar with Distinction AP Scholar with Distinction AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Stephanie Daughter of Michelle Daughter of Jennifer Vautrot and Edward Francis and JP Uzee Attends Louisiana Attends University of Colorado Attends Loyola State University at Boulder Marymount University
31 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
CAROLINE WEBRE Class of 2020 AP Scholar Daughter of Jennifer and Theo Webre Attended St. Aloysius
TAYLOR WINTERS Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Arlette and Brad Winters Attends U.S. Coast Guard Academy
KENDALL WILLARD Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Rosalind and Sam Willard Attended St. Aloysius
CARLY WILLIFORD Class of 2019 AP Scholar Daughter of Jessica Vicknair and Cole Williford Attends Louisiana State University
GRACE WISDOM Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Kimberly and Anthony Wisdom Attends Savannah College of Art and Design
PARKER WILSON Class of 2019 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Joanie Brocato and Todd Morris and Scott Wilson Attends Auburn University
FAITH WOODS Class of 2020 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Jewel and Victor Woods Attended Sacred Heart
R E G I S T E R T O D AY A N N UA
L
8
TH
BENEFIT TING SJA ATHLETICS AND SJA DADS’ CLUB
32 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S On Campus
Monday, April 6, 2020 TopGolf Baton Rouge Shotgun start at 2 p.m.
Men’s and Women’s teams welcome All levels of skill welcome Join us! Sponsors needed! Contact Meg Gerald with questions geraldm@sjabr.org
SJA DADS’ CLUB HOSTS FATHER-DAUGHTER DAY St. Joseph’s Academy students and their dads gathered on campus October 6 for Father-Daughter Day 2019. The event is hosted each year by the SJA Dads’ Club. This year’s theme was The Best Kinds of Fathers Raise Academy Daughters. Freshman Maria Hargrave created the winning theme and t-shirt design. The day began with a prayer service led by Michael Brice and his daughter, Mary Wells, in the Academy Student Center. Stevie Toups and daughter Shelby, a 2015 Academy graduate, shared their perspectives on being a Redsticker and a Redsticker dad. Ron McDaniel and his daughter, Sydnee, presented St. Joseph medals to the seniors. Stevie Toups told the gathering that when his oldest daughter, 2012 graduate Stephanie Toups, moved to New York City to pursue a musical career, the first thing she did was find a church she loves and good friends. “No one forced her to do that,” Toups said. “That’s just something that was in her that she knew needed to happen. Those are the kind of things that you can get from the strong faith foundation at the Academy in addition to the academic excellence.”
Father-Daughter Day 2019 began with a prayer service in the Academy Student Center.
Shelby advised the girls in attendance to take advantage of every opportunity the Academy affords. “Be it a project, studying abroad, a mission trip or even service hours that you’re unsure of, those are some of the best times you’ll have,” she said. “While the challenges may seem great right now academically, rest assured you will be ready for whatever you decide to do once you leave SJA.” Fathers and daughters enjoyed lunch prepared by SAGE Dining Services, featuring pulled pork, barbecued chicken, broccoli, salad, potato salad, roll and cookies. Following lunch, dads and daughters teamed up for fun and games, including basketball, volleyball, cornhole, bocci ball, horseshoes, ladder toss, giant jenga, connect 4, tic-tac-toe and checkers. The Father-Daughter Day planning committee was chaired by Chip Magee. He was assisted by committee members Ron McDaniel, Brent Alonzo and Michael Brice. Meg Gerald is the Dads’ Club moderator.
Following lunch, dads and daughters enjoyed competing with and against each other in a variety of games.
JR Vendetto and his daughter, Vincenza, SJA class of 2023, posed for a picture to commemorate the day. Vincenza’s mother, Judy Moore Vendetto ’87, shared a photograph taken with her dad, Sgt. Major Hillar Moore Jr., at Father-Daughter Day 1987.
33 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
SJA WELCOMES PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES TO CAMPUS St. Joseph’s Academy hosted Open House 2019 on October 17, welcoming more than 1,300 visitors to campus to enjoy the SJA experience firsthand. Girls in grades 6-8 and their parents enjoyed tours of campus and visiting with current students, administrators, faculty, staff and parents. Student Ambassadors led the campus tours, showcasing student performances and demonstrations in the arts, academics, athletics, sports medicine, the STEM and Innovation & Design labs and the SJA/ CHS Marching Band and Bruinettes. Guests saw the volleyball and basketball teams practicing and watched the SJA cheerleaders and Red Steppers dance team perform. They also saw student technicians at work in the student-run Help Desk. Tours ended in the Dining Hall, where guests enjoyed refreshments, talking with faculty, staff and administrators and posing for pictures. The evening was planned and coordinated by the SJA Admissions Team of Meredith Smith and Leighann King. The SJA Mothers’ Club was in charge of decorations for the evening, helping with the post-tour reception and assisting with greeting prospective students and parents. The SJA Dads’ Club provided the pre-Open House meal for faculty/staff and volunteers and helped with security and parking.
34 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S On Campus
SJA ANNOUNCES SECOND MERITBASED AWARD St. Joseph’s Academy has announced the creation of a second merit-based award for deserving students. The 1868 Award, named to commemorate the year of the Academy’s founding by the Sisters of St. Joseph, provides $1,868 toward the ninthgrade tuition of 10 incoming freshmen with demonstrated achievement in an area or activity of particular interest to them. The new award celebrates the exceptional achievements of young women in the arts, service, community involvement, the STEM disciplines, leadership or extracurricular activities. The 1868 Award joins the Josephine Bahlinger Award, named in honor of SJA’s first graduate in 1877. This award provides $4,000 toward the ninth-grade tuition of five incoming freshmen on the basis of outstanding academic performance, standardized test scores in the 90th percentile, service, exemplary conduct and active participation in extracurricular activities. Additional information can be found at sjaawards.org.
35 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
SJA CELEBRATES GRANDPARENTS OF SENIORS, FRESHMEN The St. Joseph’s Academy Mission Advancement Office celebrated the special relationship between grandparents and their granddaughters with two special events this fall. During the week of September 16-20, grandparents of seniors met their granddaughters for lunch by SAGE Dining Services in Mother Alice Hall, then toured campus and posed for family pictures. On October 14, grandparents of freshmen met their granddaughters for lunch in the Academy Student Center. Visitors enjoyed lunch made by the SJA Dads’ Club and DJ’s Catering and desserts provided by the SJA Mothers’ Club and alumnae volunteers. They toured campus and posed for pictures by Kleinpeter Photography.
Emily Swinney enjoyed finding her grandmother’s graduation picture in the interactive kiosk located in the Academy Student Center. Verna Thompson Swinney graduated in 1959. Also pictured is Emily’s grandfather, Ray Swinney.
Isabelle Brown was joined for lunch and a campus tour by her grandparents, from left, Quentin and Marie Falgoust, Bobbie Johnson and Charles Brown.
Tay Alexander posed for a picture with her grandmothers, Shirley Robinson and Nicole Hayes.
Joy Cacioppo enjoyed spending time with her grandparents, Christine and Robert Sutton. 36 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S On Campus
T R I B U T E D O N AT I O N S The following tribute donations were made between July 1 and September 30, 2019. Please remember in your prayers those who are being honored as well as those who honored them. In Memory of Dr. John B. Atkinson Mr. and Mrs. Danny Winchester Mary Elizabeth Cavalier enjoyed time with her grandmother, Mary Cavalier.
In Memory of Mrs. Angelina Lombardo Barthel ’58 Mr. and Mrs. Darren Esteve In Honor of Mrs. Sybil Bateman Mr. and Mrs. David L. Bateman
Ella Dupre welcomed her grandparents to SJA. From left, they are Michael and Carol Dupre and Terry Landry.
In Memory of Sister Carolyn Brady, CSJ ’48 Mr. and Mrs. Randy Ellis Mrs. Dana Guitreau Favaro Mr. and Mrs. Stan Heine Mrs. Pat Carville Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Nicolle Jr. Mr. Eugene Ponti Mrs. Brooke Baiamonte Saunders Mrs. Pat Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Andre Villere Jr. In Memory of Sister Kathleen Brogdon, CSJ ’42 Sister Frances Landry, CSJ In Memory of Mr. Nathan L. Carriere Ms. Gail Major
Cassi Miller spent Grandparents Day with her grandparents, Lynda and Rodney Miller and Donna Vidrine.
In Memory of Ms. Kathryn Champagne ’57 Mr. and Mrs. Michael M. Gauthier Mr. Eugene Ponti 1 anonymous donor In Memory of Mrs. Esther Ann McHardy Chenevert ’45 Louis and Jackie McHardy In Honor of Ms. Chapman Cooper ’16 Mr. Charles and Dr. Carrie Cooper
Emilee Selmon posed with her grandmother, Margert Bougere.
MaryFrances Hosea enjoyed time with her grandparents, Frances and Bob Breaux.
In Memory of Ms. Amy Counce ’75 Mr. and Mrs. Randy Bonnecaze Mr. and Mrs. David A. Bowling Mr. and Mrs. Sam Breaux Mrs. Lane Chenevert Mrs. Amey Shortess Crousillac Mrs. Dana Guitreau Favaro Ms. Alice Gooch Mr. and Mrs. Noel Grage Ms. Tricia Heaney Mrs. Pat Carville Hoffman Mrs. Stacey Emick Howell Mr. Joseph Juban Mr. and Mrs. Matt Legrand Ms. Kathleen McGraw Mr. and Mrs. James Mittica Dr. Ann Nauman Mrs. Holly H. Perry Mr. Eugene Ponti
Post Architects Mr. and Mrs. Keith Sherman Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Stephens Mr. Erick Swenson Ms. Patricia Talbot Mr. and Mrs. Timothy F. Virgets Walters, Papillon, Thomas, Cullens, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Ralph G. Werling Mr. and Mrs. John S. Young In Memory of Mrs. Judith Langridge Donaldson ’57 Mr. and Mrs. Michael M. Gauthier Mrs. Alice Giambrone Madere In Honor of Ms. Savannah Esteve ’16 Mr. and Mrs. Darren Esteve In Honor of Ms. Auldyn Faulk ’23 Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Faulk In Memory of Mrs. Mary Fossier Postlethwaite & Netterville Mr. and Mrs. Patrick A. Torres In Honor of Mrs. Laura Compton Grubb ’02 Mr. and Mrs. Braden A. Compton In Memory of Mrs. Amy Cutrer Heroman ’46 Ms. Amy Andrews In Memory of Mr. Jerry D. Hidalgo The Book Club Babes In Memory of Mrs. Carol Brown Hissong ’65 Mrs. Pat Fleniken Reed and Family In Memory of Ms. Allison Honeycutt ’12 Mr. and Mrs. William P. Honeycutt Sr. In Memory of Ms. Kirstin Honoré ’18 The SJA Class of 2018 Ms. Camryn Brouillette Mr. and Mrs. Gary Pickell Mr. and Mrs. David F. Wesson 1 anonymous donor In Honor of Mrs. Dyra Culotta Hughes ’66 Mrs. Anglyn Hughes Brown In Memory of Mr. Marcus W. Jeansonne Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Weinstein In Memory of Ms. Minna Kaiser Mr. and Mrs. Trey V. White III In Memory of Mr. Ntumba C. Kasongo Ms. Elizabeth Kasongo In Memory of Mr. Patric Kasongo Ms. Elizabeth Kasongo In Honor of Ms. Caroline Keller ’22 Mr. Gary Keller In Memory of Mrs. Eleanor Dixon Kleinpeter ’54 Mrs. Lane Chenevert
37 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
In Memory of Mrs. Jacqueline Billeaudeau Labat ’64 Mr. and Mrs. John A. Durnin III
In Memory of Mrs. Lauren Savoy Olinde ’02 Mrs. Barbara Balhoff Bagwell
TRANSITIONS
In Memory of Mr. Daniel LaFleur Mr. and Ms. Dean M. Esposito
In Honor of Ms. Maggie Prejean ’23 Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Prejean
’03 Allison Nicole Krouse to Raoul Manalac 6/28/2019
In Honor of Ms. Emma Lambert ’21 Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Lambert
In Honor of Ms. Olivia Prejean ’18 Mr. and Mrs. Caleb Prejean
’09 Aynsley C. Brian to Chandler P. Scheuermann 9/28/2019
In Honor of Sister Joan Laplace, CSJ Dr. Drew Lamonica Arms Sandy and Greg Brown Mrs. Pat Carville Hoffman Ms. Jo Ellen Kearny Dr. Karen LaCroix Ms. Leigh Lamonica Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Lamonica Sister Sharon McCauley, CSJ Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Mills Mr. and Mrs. Peter Olyniec Sister Mary A. Sullivan, CSJ Mrs. Pat Thompson
In Honor of Ms. Frances Purgerson ’22 Ms. Judy McColgan
’09 Grace Murphy to Joshua Withers 5/25/2019
In Honor of Ms. Adeline Ledoux ’20 1 anonymous donor
In Memory of Ms. Patricia Kathleen Stephens Mr. and Mrs. Jorge A. Romero III
In Honor of Ms. Autumn Leon ’20 Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Leon Jr. In Honor of Ms. Abby Lorio ’19 Mrs. Amber Lorio In Honor of Ms. Annie Lorio ’17 Mrs. Amber Lorio In Memory of Mrs. Anna Lovretich Mr. and Mrs. John S. Campbell Jr. Woman’s Hospital Imaging 2 anonymous donors In Honor of Ms. Kennan Mashon ’21 Mr. and Mrs. Marcus E. Mashon In Honor of Ms. Harper Mathes ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Mathes In Honor of Ms. Anna Maxwell ’14 Ms. Susan Maxwell In Honor of Ms. Isabelle Maxwell ’16 Ms. Susan Maxwell In Honor of Ms. Lucy Maxwell ’20 Ms. Susan Maxwell In Memory of Ms. Marjorie Claire McAnelly ’95 Ms. Amanda Register In Honor of Ms. Melanie McCormick ’23 Dr. Theron and Dr. Melissa McComick In Honor of Mrs. Mary Hebert McCowan ’61 Mr. Paul M. Hebert Jr. Mrs. Barbara Magruder In Memory of Mr. Thomas L. McGuire Dr. Donald and Dr. Maria Haynes 38 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Transitions
In Memory of Sister Maria A. Rabalais, CSJ ’42 Drs. Gary and Allyson Mayeux Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Nicolle Jr. Mr. Eugene Ponti In Honor of Ms. Caitlyn Rogers ’23 Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Lepisto IV In Memory of Mrs. Audrey McGuire Ellis Santos ’37 Mr. and Mrs. Randall J. Ellis Jr.
In Memory of Mr. Chuck Trcka Jill and Jamie Boullion Kristen and Mark Cascio Ms. Madeline Cascio Mr. Michael A. Cascio Jr. Julie and David Leak Stefanie and Michael Cascio In Honor of Ms. Parker Wilson ’19 Dr. Charles LeBlanc and Dr. Lori Brocato
WEDDINGS
BIRTHS ’04 KAKI O’CONNOR LOWE: daughter, Mercedes Katherine, born 6/18/2019 ’05 WHITNEY WALKER PRESLEY: son, Walker Scott, born 4/4/2019 ’06 CORRITO GEALOGO MATA: son, Nicholas Victor, born 3/6/2019 ’07 JANA WAGUESPACK DIDIA: daughter, Abigail Adande, born 7/28/2019 ’08 KAITLYN CHUSTZ FREE: son, Grayson Joseph, born 6/9/2019 ’08 AMANDA SANDIFER: son, Eli Alan Conine, born 1/29/2019 ’08 MAIA KEY WEARY: son, Ezra Roman, born 8/1/2019 ’09 MAUREEN ALFORD MURTAGH: son, William Scott, born 10/1/2019 IN MEMORIAM We make a sincere effort to publish any close alumnae family connections with the names of the deceased. With more than 10,000 alumnae, however, please note that our database does not include all possible SJA relationships. We appreciate receiving this information from family whenever possible. Notices which appear in this issue were received by October 4, 2019. Virginia Sue Allain Mother of Ann Boudreaux Cook ’97, Laura Boudreaux Alfonso ’99 and Ellen Boudreaux Bodin ’01 Lerina Asuzu Mother of Matilda I. Asuzu ’07 Milton Joseph Beatty Father of Cheryl Beatty Huner ’66 and Sandra Beatty Winchell ’75 Grandfather of Toni Beatty Leming ’94 and Kayla Winchell Roman ’05
Peggy Bernard Mother of Maria Bernard Bellue ’85 and Donna Bernard O’Brien ’87 Grandmother of Holly Ann Bernard ’23 Bryan Paul Boudet Husband of Shonda Harkins Boudet ’92 Brother of Ashley Boudet Reinfeld ’95 Anne Marye Boudreaux ’03 Sister of Christine Ellen Boudreaux ’07 (dec.)
Mary Helen McManus Fossier Mother of Paulette Fossier Ellington ’64 and Yvette Fossier Stockwell ’67 Grandmother of Katherine Fossier Torres ’03
Mary Rose Montagnino Planchard ’54 Sister of Lena Montagnino Riley ’55 (dec.), Jo Ann Montagnino Webre ’59, Carole Montagnino Hester ’62 (dec.) and Angela Montagnino Halleck ’67
Jerry Dale Hidalgo Husband of Wanda Johnson Hidalgo ’57 Grandfather of Danielle Hidalgo Basilica ’02 and Kaitlyn Danielle Barton ’10
Elizabeth Scott Rabalais Mother of Ann Rabalais Cohen ’73, Carol Rabalais James ’75 and Susan Rabalais Nelson ’75 Grandmother of Anna Claire Blanche Rabalais ’19
Carol Brown Hissong ’65
Donald Bozeman Son of Juanita Mee Bozeman ’55 Brother of Jane Bozeman Matheny ’79, Carol Bozeman Zulla ’81, Jill Bozeman Mercado ’85 and Julie Bozeman Johnson ’91
Kirstin Elizabeth Honoré ’18 Sister of Lauryn Gabrielle Honoré ’17
Rainey Joseph Brown Jr. Father of Mary Rose Brown Dawson ’86 Grandfather of Christina Stephens ’98 and Jennifer Anne Stephens ’08
Moonlee Karam Grandmother of Susan Laville Karam ’05, Melissa Rolfsen Wooten ’06, Anne Karam Conroy ’07, Elizabeth Jeannette Karam ’09, Claire Michelle Karam ’11, Maria Karam ’12, Mary Rolfsen ’12 and Catherine Anne Karam ’17
Nathan Leo Carriere Jr. Grandfather of Annie Claire Gosserand ’15 and Marie Christine Gosserand ’18 Esther Ann McHardy Chenevert ’45 Sister of Margaret McHardy Pool ’60 (dec.) Mother of Lee Chenevert ’71 and Denise Chenevert Phillips ’75 Grandmother of Jennifer Aguillard Parker ’94 B.C. McHugh Collins ’40 Amy Counce ’75 Sister of Claudia Counce Prewitt ’72, Lydia Counce Arledge ’73, Katherine Counce Bowling ’74, Julie Counce Brignac ’78, Stephanie Counce Werling ’79, Hilary Counce McGraw ’80 and Melanie Counce Montanaro ’82 Judy Langridge Donaldson ’57 Sister of Lorraine Langridge Adams ’59 Mother of Rebecca Donaldson Berger ’80 and Susan Donaldson Jones ’84 Grandmother of Hayley Lynn Kogel ’11 Lynnwood D. Ducote Husband of Gloria Lartigue Ducote ’48 (dec.) Father of Dorothy Ducote Faulkner ’87 (dec.)
Marcus Winn Jeansonne Father of Vivian Alexandra Jeansonne ’09 and Madeleine Jeansonne ’13
Joseph William Kinamore Grandfather of Kristian Kinamore Vukojevic ’09 Gerald John Leglue Sr. Husband of Connie Kleinpeter Leglue ’51 Clara Lewis ’58 Denver Loupe Father of Stephenie Loupe Teichman ’80 Anna Ruth Tassin Lovretich Grandmother of Colleen Clare Lovretich ’18 Keiffer P. Meyers Grandfather of Kaitlyn Meyers Boudreaux ’04 Paul J. Parker Jr. Father of Beth Ann Parker Falberg ’85 and Carrie Parker Clonts ’91 Grandfather of Aubrey Anne Parker ’09 Leon Joseph “Jack” Persac Jr. Father of Adrienne Persac Taylor ’73 Grandfather of Melissa Persac ’00, Catherine Persac Gulotta ’04 and Elizabeth Persac Thomson ’05
Lucille Guglielmo Roy Mother of Dawn Roy Miller ’76 and Melissa Roy Shiramizu ’85 Anthony Saia Grandfather of Giuliana Marie Cedotal ’21 and Olivia Christine Cedotal ’23 Angela Cooley Shiloh Mother of Jasmine Angelle Shiloh ’19 Sherry Murphy Sweeney Mother of Kelly Sweeney Clements ’84 Jose Ricardo Tarajano Father of Ana Tarajano Tumminello ’82 Geraldine Moreno Tassin Grandmother of Miranda Tassin ’13, Grace Elizabeth Tassin ’17 and Margo Rose Tassin ’19 Charles Paul “Chuck” Trcka Husband of Toni Modicut Trcka ’61 John Bloomfield Tyner Grandfather of Jennifer Christine Jeter ’05 Joaquin Velasquez Father of Mary Ann Velasquez Reech ’79 Grandfather of Morgan Frances Reech ’09 Madeline Elizabeth “Mollee” diBenedetto Vicknair ’73 Cecil Williams Father of Wendy Williams Lutgring ’84 Grandfather of Stephanie Nicole Williams ’12, Allyson Marie Lutgring ’17, Lindsey Elizabeth Lutgring ’19 and Leigh Ann Elise Lutgring ’22
39 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Fall 2019
3015 Broussard Street Baton Rouge, LA 70808 sjabr.org
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Baton Rouge, LA Permit No. 50
FO LLOW SJA ! Parents, if your daughter no longer lives at home, please send us her address. If you would like to continue to receive Connections, please call Katie Jeter Valenciano at (225) 388-2244 or email her at valencianok@sjabr.org.
1991 • 1996 • 2002 • 2016