Connections Fall 2025

FA L L

2025

A P U B L I CAT I O N FO R A L U M N A E , PA R E N T S A N D F R I E N DS

Congratulations to the 2026 St. Joseph’s Academy

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CLASS

Sivi

MILLER

Kirby

BAKER ’08

Emily McMakin

Volleyball Coach

Golf

Tennis

ROMANO ’98

Save the Date: T hursd ay , M a rc h 1 2 , 2 0 26 THE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY Aca de my Stud e nt Ce nte r | 6: 30 p . m.

Tickets go on sale on January 1, 2026, 2026 at www.sjahalloffame.org

On the Cover: Among the alumnae who are members of the SJA faculty/staff are (front row) Madeline Ortego ’18, Kelsey Perry Baines ’06, Jan Rhorer Breen ’69, Laura Flandez Bordelon ’12, Sara Catherine LeBlanc Buie ’15, Denise Dickinson Brown ’00, Yvette Barbier Aillet ’09, Adrienne Ourso ’12, Victoria Hudson ’09, Ashley Reed Ledet ’88, (second row) Brianna Pettijohn Sommers ’06, SiMon Franklin ’08, Stephanie Faucette ’05, Sara Tomeny Rounds ’99, Cherie Andries Lato ’99, Bonnie McKowen Rader ’01, Sara Elisar McCann ’08, Amanda Meyers Stinson ’01, Meagan Moore ’06, Michelle Hagemann Lofland ’92, (third row) Suzie Toups Adler ’85, Allie Adler Dasso ’16, Nicole Delaune Lane ’96, Kellie Braud Wintz ’02, Valerie Bordelon Brubaker ’95, Allison Hipwell Bruton ’95, Lindsay Carlino ’02, Courtney Malbrue ’97, Kayla Telhiard ’15, Catherine Hudson Thefenne ’11, Kassi Samson ’13, (fourth row) Aimee Cronan ’96, Melissa Bahlinger Brocato ’89, Megan Welsh ’17, Alexandra Forestier Freeburgh ’13, Kaki O’Connor Lowe ’04, Catherine Blanchard Parker ’17, Jacqueline Barker Savoia ’02, Chelsea Colomb ’07, Amy Panepinto Parker ’98 and Christina Schott Lummen ’03.

4 FROM THE PRESIDENT

6 SJA COMMUNITY

2 5 A L U M S T O D AY

Connections is published three 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.

3 7 ANNUAL FUND

3 8 PLANNED GIVING Mindy Brodhead Averitt Communications Director Adrienne Ourso ’12 Assistant Communications Director Holly Browning Graphic Designer Madeline Ortego ’18 Communications Assistant Meg Gerald Mission Advancement Director Alli Bourgeois ’14 Mission Advancement Assistant Director-Alumnae and Constituent Relations Jennifer Knight Mission Advancement Assistant Director-Events Wendy Coniglio Mission Advancement Operations Manager Susan Hsu Mission Advancement Operations Assistant

3 9 ON CAMPUS

IN THIS ISSUE

3 4 ALUMNAE NEWS

6 0 T R I B U T E D O N AT I O N S

6 2 TRANSITIONS

FROM THE PRESIDENT

In each season, there are great moments.

Reflect on these great moments with gratitude, moments small and large. We begin to appreciate the many small moments that become important in our lives. There are moments when we celebrate graduation, a new job, a relationship, marriage, a birth, a trip, a surprise, a hug, an act of kindness, a gathering of friends. These moments teach us the many gifts God gives us in preparation for the next season of our lives.

In each season, we will experience pain and suffering.

Jan Rhorer Breen '69 THE SEASONS OF OUR LIVES Our lives are filled with different seasons, some defined by age, some defined by health, some defined by experiences.

Although each season may be different, there are opportunities and fullness of meaning in each season that are provided to us on our journey. Let us embrace each season knowing that every cycle in life has moments of joy, suffering, grace, meaningfulness and gifts from God that carry us on our journey and to our intended purpose in life.

No one’s life is free of suffering. When life seems harried and we have difficult times, believe that something good will happen amid all of this. Remember God is with you through the pain and is preparing you for your next path as your life grows in courage, perseverance and compassion. Look within the pain and remember that in moments of struggle, there is a blessing waiting to happen. Believe in the possibility and power of blessings. Life is full of graces and blessings as well as struggles and challenges.

In each season, we will find support.

There are characteristics in every season of our lives, and each experience is important in our development to move to the next stage. As we reflect on the seasons of life, let us be aware of what happens on our path.

Whether in our teens, 20s, 30s or later, there have been people who have supported us on our journey. Reflect on how they entered your life, what they shared with you to help you grow. These people were and will be a part of each of your seasons. You will have opportunities and experiences in your life because of mentors who guided you, supported you and recognized your talents. Also, as you journey, remember that you will also be called to use your gifts to help others on their own journey.

In each season, there are lessons for us.

In each season, there is a period of letting go.

There are lessons on humility, forgiveness, compassion, jealousy, unselfishness, selfishness, kindness and unconditional love. As we reflect, we see these lessons in our experiences and discover that through these moments, we are being transformed by people, events and moments.

It is through this transformation that we grow in becoming the person God created us to be. God is revealing our true selves to us. Within these lessons, there are discoveries about yourself. New friends appear, a new skill set is revealed, new possibilities, new experiences and new directions emerge in your life.

When we let go, we find the active presence of God’s spirit guiding us to our next stage in life. We may need to let go of a loved one, a relationship, a habit, a house, an old life. In letting go, we loosen the strands that bind us, and we discover that God is never abandoning us on our journey, even when we think we can control our lives without Him. It takes inner strength, prayer and God’s guidance to move us away and to step forward. We begin again, and that is how we journey to the next stage.

“COME TO REST WITH GOD IN EVERY STAGE OF LIFE.” 4 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S From the President

In each season, there is joy, love and laughter.

Laughter liberates and uplifts us. Laughter gives us grace to accept our flaws, to accept change, to accept our mistakes and to accept that we cannot control all of life. Let laughter bring joy to your day. There is a time for love in each season. There is love in a friendship, spouse, children and colleagues. Love helps us grow, helps us serve others, gives us a sense of God in us and helps us feel the heart of God. With love and laughter, joy springs forth. Embrace the joys of the moment: a smile from a friend, the sun rising, a flower in bloom, a child’s achievement, an embrace of one in need. Joy is found everywhere, especially in the little things and with the small miracles that happen every day.

Reflect on the seasons in your life. You will discover the goodness that God has given you in every stage. Let us look with gratitude for where we are, for the moments of God’s graces to us and for the times God held our hands as we persevered.

Remember that in each season, God is with us, loving us and will never abandon us. Come to rest with God in every stage of life. As Thomas Merton said, “Our goal is to become the true self, the person you are before God. God wants us to be ourselves, nothing more, nothing less.”

Embrace each season with trust in God, trust in yourself and trust in the journey God has for you.

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SJA COMMUNITY

St. Joseph’s Academy Undertakes New Strategic Plan Driven by a strong mission, a commitment to excellence and a desire for continuous growth, St. Joseph’s Academy has embarked upon a new strategic planning process that will define the goals and priorities of the school and guide our work for the next three years.

In September of 2024, SJA stakeholders were invited to participate in a survey as part of the strategic planning initiative. The purpose of the survey was to gain insight into stakeholders’ experiences with the Academy in light of their unique involvement/role with the school. Nearly 2,000 stakeholders participated.

After analyzing survey results, focus groups were convened to further explore specific elements of the Academy’s daily operations and culture, including faithfulness to our mission, values and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph; strengths; opportunities for improvement; and how to best enhance opportunities for our students’ faith development, academic excellence and personal growth. Invited participants included parents, alumnae, Sisters of St. Joseph, parents of graduates, grandparents of graduates, former board members, students, faculty and staff and community leaders.

Careful analysis of participant input led to the establishment of four strategic focus areas. Under the guidance of the SJA board of directors, working committees have been formed to address these areas through strategies, objectives and key actions as we thoughtfully craft our plans for the future. All work will be undertaken through the lens of our Catholic identity, gospel values, theological principles and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Following are the four strategic focus areas and the respective objectives which will further enhance our standing as a pillar of excellence in the Baton Rouge community for 157 years and beyond.

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA 1: IDENTITY We will amplify our key strength: our identity as a Catholic, all-girls high school founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph and committed to bringing all people into union with God and one another.

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OBJECTIVES 1. Ensure that in the SJA experience, each young woman feels a sense of belonging and develops her voice, selfconfidence and strength.

2. Enhance our service to the “dear neighbor” in our local community.

3. Expand SJA’s role in providing formational faith experiences that are rooted in the Catholic tradition.

4. Integrate the mission and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph throughout the SJA experience (curriculum, programs, etc.).

5. Demonstrate the importance of faith development/ spirituality in becoming responsible and unifying members of the world community.

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA 2: ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE We will embrace academic standards that equip our students with the critical-thinking, problem-solving and relational skills that are essential for success in college, the workforce and community life.

OBJECTIVES 1. Create additional opportunities in STEM. 2. Assess academic preparation of incoming freshmen, current use of academic resources and additional resource needs and adjust curriculum, co-curricular programs, etc.

3. Explore academic opportunities that enable successful college performance and lifelong learning and incorporate learnings into curriculum, co-curricular programs, etc.

4. Enhance service-learning connections.

5. Increase student and parent awareness of and engagement with academic success support services.

6. Expand curricular and co-curricular activities that emphasize oral/written communication and other soft skills.

7. Explore student accommodation practices (at SJA and similar schools) and develop a policy that offers appropriate and necessary accommodations for the SJA student profile.

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA 3: HOLISTIC WELLNESS We will foster a culture that cultivates holistic wellness (physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, academic, environmental and economic).

OBJECTIVES 1. Explore opportunities to expand our Counseling Center to address holistic wellness.

2. Communicate more frequently with parents, focusing on creative, varied media strategies.

3. Grow co-curricular programs and the facilities that support them with emphasis on technology, athletics and theater.

4. Establish unified approaches for SJA faculty and staff to address student wellness concerns.

5. Expand safety and security initiatives.

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA 4: ORGANIZATIONAL VITALITY We will maintain a dynamic, sustainable environment that ensures SJA is accessible and impactful for future generations.

OBJECTIVES 1. Develop a financial health dashboard that supports longterm sustainability and share results with constituents.

2. Conduct a comprehensive fundraising campaign that addresses scholarships, endowments, athletics, facilities and technology, ensuring our students have access to an abundance of opportunities.

3. Adopt employee wellness initiatives (healthy work-life balance, boundaries, etc.) that make SJA an employer of choice.

4. Enhance the frequency and depth of our communication with all constituents.

5. Conduct succession planning (emergent, defined departure and leadership development) that ensures organizational sustainability.

6. Align tuition and enrollment models with the mission and educational needs of the SJA community.

7. Assess the governance of SJA for the future.

St. Joseph’s Academy Board of Directors Dr. Yolunda Taylor, chair; Kellie Michelli Barton ’86, Maurice Coleman, Tiffani Dorsa, Melissa Dotson, Mark Emonet, Derek Fife, Dr. Tina Holland, Chris Jones, Sister Joan Laplace, Will Pecue, Laney Simar Sanders ’99, Karin Simmons and Chris Valluzzo Ex officio members: Jan Rhorer Breen ’69, Stacia Andricain and Jade Spears Identity Committee Jade Spears, chair; members Kellie Michelli Barton ’86, Jan Rhorer Breen ’69, Chelsea Colomb ’07, Rachael Duchmann, Ally Giardina, Timothy LaBauve, Cherie Andries Lato ’99, Christina Richardson, Dr. Marla Silverberg, Sister Lucy Silvio, CSJ ’59 and Chris Valluzzo Academic Excellence Committee Melissa Bahlinger Brocato ’89 and Aubrey DeJohn, chairs; members Dr. Drew Lamonica Arms ’91, Dr. Judy Armstrong, Allison Hipwell Bruton ’95, Allie Carlock, Kate Butler Cook ’01, Melissa Dotson, Jesse Downs, Jonathan Durocher, Derek Fife, Dr. Niomi Krzystowczyk, Amy Panepinto Parker ’98 and Meredith Smith Holistic Wellness Committee Laney Simar Sanders ’99, chair; members Suzie Toups Adler ’85, Yvette Barbier Aillet ’09, Lindsay Carlino ’02, Brooke Cole, Aimee Cronan ’96, Melissa Dotson, Mark Emonet, Chris Funes, Latrece Griffin ’00, Erin Hart, Karen Simmons, Brianna Pettijohn Sommers ’06, Tristan Stewart ’16 and Chris Valluzzo Organizational Vitality Committee Chris Valluzzo, chair; members Stacia Andricain, Jan Rohrer Breen ’69, Maurice Coleman, Tiffani Dorsa, Meg Gerald, Chris Jones, Sister Joan Laplace, Ashley Reed Ledet ’88, Will Pecue, Dr. Yolunda Taylor, Chris Valluzzo and Carrie Wood

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1868 Dinner Held to Thank Supporters, Honor Special Community Members The St. Joseph’s Academy Board of Directors hosted The 1868 Dinner on August 25 at the Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel. The event honored Donor Society members, families and individuals establishing scholarships in the past year and those who served in volunteer leadership capacities.

SJA’s Outstanding Alumnae for 2025 – Paula Pennington de la Bretonne ’71 and Sandy Jumonville Brown ’71 – were honored, as were Michelle and Horace Mitchell, recipients of the 2025 Spirit of SJA Award.

Principal Stacia Andricain thanked SJA’s many supporters for the countless opportunities they help provide for Academy students. She said members of the class of 2025 earned $36.3 million in scholarships and were offered admission by 165 colleges and universities. She said SJA students completed nearly 33,000 hours of community service during 2024-2025.

She outlined the successes of the SJA athletic program and said that a record number of student-athletes – 25 from the class of 2025 – will compete on the collegiate level this year.

SJA Board Chair Yolunda Taylor welcomed the large gathering and thanked those in attendance for the important role they play as partners in the Academy’s mission. She introduced emcee Nan Murtagh, who served as a member of the SJA faculty and staff for 42 years.

Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald announced that three new scholarships were established in the SJA Foundation during the past year: the Armon Matthew Tajdaran Memorial Scholarship, the SJA Mahjong Madness Scholarship and the Uffman-Eldredge Family Scholarship. Scholarships that were endowed during 2024-2025 were the Lorraine and Dan Fourrier Family Scholarship, Dr. Carmen Posada-Pepper and the Marshall St. Amant Family Scholarship and the Uffman-Eldredge Family Scholarship.

A group of talented vocalists, under the direction of Danielle Laird, sang the blessing and performed a special tribute to the Outstanding Alumnae and Spirit of SJA Award recipients.

SJA President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69 provided an update on some of the accomplishments of the past year, including the successes of the student-run St. Joe Dough cookie business and SJA’s focus on entrepreneurial opportunities for its students; the dedication of a new statue of St. Joseph the Worker; and SJA being named a STEM School of Excellence by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association for the third year in a row.

Gerald thanked the volunteer leadership of the SJA Annual Fund for 2024-2025 in attendance: Melissa and Anderson Dotson, Parents Annual Fund; Kim Wong Kwan ’79 and Kimberly Kwan ’10, Alumnae Annual Fund; and Nan Murtagh, Faculty/Staff Annual Fund.

Breen said that the Endowed Scholarship program is at the heart of one of SJA’s most treasured traditions: offering need-based tuition assistance to deserving students and their families. This year, 162 families are able to enjoy the gift of a Catholic education through the Endowed Scholarship program.

Previous recipients of the SJA Outstanding Alumnae award in attendance at the 1868 Dinner were (seated) Jan Rhorer Breen ’69, Lorna Bourg ’60, Sister Lucy Silvio ’59, Re Bologna DiVincenti ’71, 2025 honoree Paula Pennington de la Bretonne ’71, Elise Gauthier Fryou ’57, 2025 honoree Sandy Jumonville Brown ’71, Karen Williams Lewis ’71, Sharon Ourso Kleinpeter ’67, Patricia Lambert Brignac ’51, Ann Felice Fourrier ’69, (standing) Ellen Bogan Lee ’75, Elaine deFrances Ellis ’65, Rose Marie DeJohn Fife ’72, Roberta Carona Vicari ’74, Elizabeth Dauzat Seiter ’79, Tara Nolan Messenger ’70, Dorothy Bowers McCaughey ’64, Kristy Roubique ’76, Cherry Foret Riggs ’62, Melanie Rose ’71, Kim Gant Shackleton ’72, Grace Guttner Anderson ’69, Lisa Westmoreland Collier ’81 and Patricia Brignac Talbot ’84.

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Leaders of the 2024-2025 Annual Fund campaign in attendance were Anderson and Melissa Dotson, Parents Annual Fund; Kim Wong Kwan ’79, Alumnae Annual Fund; and Nan Murtagh, Faculty/ Staff Annual Fund.

Also recognized were the new members of SJA’s donor societies in attendance, including new Mother Alice Society members Patricia Baranco, Tam and Rich Bourgeois, Michelle and Enrique Flechas, Ursula and Thomas Laville Sr., Ana Litvinoff, Angela and Jay Montalbano, Glenda and David O’Brien, Allison and Tuan Pham and Terrie Thomas; new 1868 Society members Mary and Jason Alford, Allison and Maurice Coleman, Beth and Bill Holman, Kelley and Chris Jones and Brooklyn and Erik Showalter; and new Shield Society members Tiffani and Brian Dorsa and Amanda and Craig Silvey.

Members of the Heritage Society in attendance were introduced: Alison and Scott Fin and Kathy Morello. Father Jean-Pierre Médaille Society in attendance were recognized and thanked. They were The Congregation of St. Joseph, CSJ Ministries, Paula and Jacques de la Bretonne, Elaine and Randy Ellis, Rose Marie and Johnny Fife, Michelle and Horace Mitchell, Kim and Mark Morgan, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Beth and Will Pecue, Irene W. and CB Pennington Foundation, Price LeBlanc Toyota/Lexus, Lorice and Geoffrey Say, Dorren Schmitt, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille, SJA Alumnae Association, SJA Dads’ Club, SJA Mothers’ Club and Kay and Roland Toups.

New Father Jean-Pierre Médaille Society member Lisa Westmoreland Collier was recognized.

Two new donor societies were introduced, and members in attendance were thanked for their generous, long-term support of the Academy. Members of the Dear Neighbor Society are CSJ Ministries, Sisters of St. Joseph of Médaille, The Turner Foundation and Kay and Roland Toups.

Members of the Mother St. John Fontbonne Society are Paula and Jacques de la Bretonne.

President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69 thanked new Father Jean-Pierre Médaille Society member Lisa Westmoreland Collier ’81.

President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69 posed with Kay and Roland Toups, members of the new Dear Neighbor Society.

Members of the Legacy Society in attendance were also thanked, including Gail Gaiennie, Anita Parsons King, Kathy Morello, Kathryn Trick Mount, Linda Bogan Pippins, Melanie Rose, Kristy Roubique and Dorren Schmitt.

Krista Valluzzo and Ron McDaniel were thanked for their service as 2024-2025 Mothers’ Club and Dads’ Club presidents, respectively. Also thanked were the chairpersons of SJA’s fundraisers in attendance: Missy Heck Brown, The Soirée; Ashley Reed Ledet, SJA Tennis Classic; Craig Herpin, Father-Daughter Day; and Gabriella St. Amant and Rose Marie DeJohn Fife, Mahjong Madness. continued on next page

Krista Valluzzo, center, was thanked for her service as president of the SJA Mothers’ Club for 2024-2025.

She is pictured with President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69 and Alumnae Director Alli Bourgeois ’14.

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Breen recognized former recipients of the Outstanding Alumnae award in attendance, including Suzie Toups Adler, Grace Guttner Anderson, Kellie Michelli Barton, Lorna Bourg, Hilda Levy Bourg, Patricia Lambert Brignac, Lisa Westmoreland Collier, Re Bologna DiVincenti, Paula Bogan Drone, Elaine deFrances Ellis, Rose Marie DeJohn Fife, Ann Felice Fourrier, Elise Gauthier Fryou, Sharon Ourso Kleinpeter, Ellen Bogan Lee, Dr. Karen Williams Lewis, Dorothy Bowers McCaughey, Tara Nolan Messenger, Cherry Foret Riggs, Melanie Rose, Kristy Roubique, Elizabeth Dauzat Seiter, Kim Gant Shackleton, Sister Lucy Silvio, Patricia Brignac Talbot and Dr. Roberta Carona Vicari.

Chairpersons of SJA’s fundraisers in attendance were Craig Herpin, Father-Daughter Day; Rose Marie DeJohn Fife ’72 and Gabriella St. Amant, Mahjong Madness; Ashley Reed Ledet ’88, SJA Tennis Classic; and Missy Heck Brown ’94, The Soirée.

Paula Pennington de la Bretonne ’71 was honored as an Outstanding Alumna for 2025. She is pictured with President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69.

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She also introduced former recipients of the Spirit of SJA award in attendance: Sister Joan Laplace, Kay and Roland Toups and Linda Messina.

Mission Integration Director Jade Spears led the closing prayer.

Sandy Jumonville Brown ’71 was an Outstanding Alumna for 2025. She is pictured with President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69.

Michelle and Horace Mitchell were recognized as the 2025 Spirit of SJA Award recipients. They are pictured with President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69.

Outstanding Alumnae for 2025 Paula Pennington de la Bretonne ’71 Paula Pennington de la Bretonne has spent a lifetime working to improve the quality of life for individuals living in the Baton Rouge community. Her leadership in the Baton Rouge philanthropic community began at a young age and was shaped by the generosity of her grandparents.

Claude “Doc” Pennington and Irene Wells Pennington established the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation in 1982, and Paula has been a trustee since its inception. She now serves as the sole trustee of the Pennington Family Foundation. She is a full-time community activist and volunteer in the Baton Rouge community.

Under Paula’s leadership, her grandparents’ foundation grew from providing small grants for a few organizations to one of Louisiana’s largest and most strategic grant makers. She has combined her diverse interests and worked to create partnerships with other organizations in the area to help provide the necessary funding to improve the health and welfare of the community as a whole.

Paula has served on numerous boards and advisory committees of nonprofits and has been an integral part of growing diverse organizations including the Louisiana Arts and Science Museum, Baton Rouge Symphony, The Baton Rouge Arts Council, Arts in Medicine at the Baton Rouge General, The Children’s Health Fund, Junior Achievement, The Emerge Center and the YMCA. Paula has been recognized for her generous efforts by numerous organizations. Among the awards she has received include the Brotherhood/ Sisterhood Award from United Way (2006), The Emerge Center Baton Rouge Volunteer Activist Award (2009), Distinguished Graduate from St. Joseph’s Academy (2016-2017), The Edith Kirkpatrick Award from the Baton Rouge Symphony (2021) and LPB/ PBS Louisiana Legends (2023).

In 2006, Paula led the efforts to bring tennis legends Pete Sampras and Todd Martin to Baton Rouge to raise money for LSU Health Sciences Center students impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In 2008, she was able to bring Pete Sampras back to Baton Rouge, along with James Blake, to raise funds in

support of victims of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. In 2009, Paula paired with Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King to bring the 17th annual Smash Hits event to Baton Rouge to support Elton John’s AIDS Foundation and local HIV/ AIDS charities.

It was Paula’s vision and belief in the mission of the Louisiana Art and Science Museum, as well as her funding leadership, that brought the dream of the state-of-the-art Irene W. Pennington Planetarium to fruition. Paula’s vision and efforts also proved invaluable by providing the seed money to establish an endowment fund for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. She was instrumental in expanding performing arts in the community by bringing world-renowned musical talent to the area as honorary chair of the Pennington Family Foundation Great Performers in Concert Series, presented by the Baton Rouge Symphony.

While Paula has enjoyed her involvement in many organizations over the years, her most committed volunteerism and dearest philanthropy have been serving on the boards of the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation since 2000 and the Pennington Biomedical Foundation since its inception in 1980.

Paula began her career as a labor and delivery nurse at Woman’s Hospital, where she taught Lamaze and prenatal classes for expectant mothers. After graduating from SJA, she earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University. Though Paula’s commitment to the community is unparalleled, her most treasured time has been spent raising her six children, most of whom have also pursued endeavors of service to others. Paula’s first priority has always been her family, a value instilled in her by her mother, Peggy Pennington Cole, and father, the late C.B. Pennington Jr. Paula is married to Dr. Jack de la Bretonne. Between them, they have eight children and 23 grandchildren.

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Sandy Jumonville Brown ’71 During her four years at St. Joseph’s Academy, Sandy Jumonville Brown developed friendships that have lasted a lifetime. She also flourished in an environment shaped by the commitment of the Sisters of St. Joseph to social justice.

She was taught to think critically, was shown ways to put faith into action and was challenged to speak truth to power. “To this day, I am grateful that I was encouraged to dig deeper and to learn from the wisdom of those I respected,” Sandy said. “I am still an eager student and continue to enjoy learning from the Sisters’ great wisdom.”

Following graduation, Sandy attended Louisiana State University, majoring in history. During the summer of 1973, she spent 10 weeks on a study-abroad trip to Europe, triggering a lifelong passion for travel. She has now visited 44 countries in Europe, South America, North and East Africa, Central America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Sandy met Greg Brown in January of 1974, and after graduating from LSU, they married in July 1975. Greg began his career in the field of accounting, and Sandy went to work at IBM. Shortly after daughter Allison was born in 1979, Sandy retired to spend more time with her only child.

In 1985, when Allison was beginning the first grade at St. Aloysius, Greg decided to open a CPA practice and asked Sandy to manage it, using the administrative experience she had gained at IBM. Even as their accounting practice grew, Sandy and Greg found time to be active in the community and at St. Aloysius. Following Allison’s surprising epilepsy diagnosis, Sandy was contacted by the Epilepsy Association of Greater Baton Rouge, which offered support and information. She eventually became president of the group. She joined Sisters

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Kathleen Bahlinger and Lori Schraff in their work at St. Paul Adult Learning Center, serving on the board of directors and helping organize fundraisers. She also volunteered with Hospice of Baton Rouge, sitting with patients when their caregivers needed to tend to other obligations. She was among the founders of a Manna Givers group at St. Vincent de Paul’s Men’s Shelter, serving meals to shelter guests for several decades.

Sandy and Greg’s involvement at St. Aloysius included working at the Parish Fair, serving as sponsors in RCIA and serving as Eucharistic ministers. Sandy chaired Stewardship of Offering and Service and Prayer, wrote for the parish newspaper and served on the Parish Council of Ministries.

She also brought the Retrovaille program to Baton Rouge to help those facing struggles in their marriage. Her most meaningful service involved transporting elderly parishioners to Sunday mass and helping with the care of Fathers Hubert Brou, Than Vu and Robert Marcel as they aged.

Among Sandy’s most beloved teachers at SJA was Sister Dianne Fanguy. When Sr. Dianne invited Sandy to visit Nicaragua to see her work at the Cantera Community Center of Ciudad Sandino, Sandy eagerly went. Cantera seeks to build a more just, equitable and sustainable society through holistic community development. Sandy would eventually make eight visits to Nicaragua in addition to fundraising and serving on the board in the United States.

The Browns sold their CPA practice and retired in 2013. They were able to travel more frequently to visit Allison, a 1997 SJA graduate, her husband Jason and their granddaughter Maegan in Texas. In 2023, they moved to North Richland Hills, just four miles away from their daughter. Sandy and Greg found a new parish home at St. Francis of Assisi, where they are involved in various ministries, including Marriage Preparation and the Welcoming Committee.

“We moved to Texas with open minds and hearts,” Sandy said. “Though I will always be a south Louisiana girl, we have found much to love here. But I will always be grateful for the influence of my beloved family and friends in Baton Rouge, and I carry the love of the Sisters with me everywhere I go.”

Spirit of SJA Award Winners for 2025 Michelle and Horace Mitchell met in New Orleans, where Michelle had graduated from Xavier University and Horace was attending the Tulane University School of Medicine. Horace was born and raised in Albany, Georgia, while Michelle was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri.

After Horace graduated from medical school, he and Michelle moved to St. Louis and got married. There they started their family while Horace completed his neurosurgical residency at St. Louis University Health Sciences Center.

In 1996, the Mitchells moved to Baton Rouge, where Horace joined The NeuroMedical Center in the practice of neurosurgery.

The family continued to grow as did their involvement in the community. Michelle and Horace have been members of Our Lady of Mercy Church for almost 30 years. While Horace has enjoyed a successful career as a neurosurgeon, Michelle has been an active volunteer at all three of their daughters’ grade school and high school. She also dedicates countless hours of service to the Baton Rouge community, including serving on the board of directors of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and being an active volunteer with the O’Brien House Recovery Center.

Michelle received the sacrament that would shape every aspect of her life at six days old. She often jokes that she has been Catholic longer than anything else in her life. Horace grew up in a different faith but converted to the Catholic faith after moving to Baton Rouge. Together, Michelle and Horace have built a life of service centered on their shared faith and commitment to their family and the Baton Rouge community they have called home for nearly three decades. The Mitchell family has served both nationally and internationally wherever the need arises and where their faith demands. Horace leads medical mission trips, often bringing students.

As they dedicate their time, talents and treasure in service to others, they do so humbly and behind the scenes, wanting no recognition in return. Generous and thoughtful, the Mitchells see a need and fill it, wanting only to make a difference in the lives of others. “I remember how people have helped me along the way without asking for anything in return,” Horace said. “In that vein, it is easy to pay it forward and do the same thing for other people.”

“I really enjoy helping others,” Michelle said. “I come from a large family, and I grew up helping others. It was what we always did, and it is what I will continue to do. I say it keeps me young.”

Horace and Michelle were intimately involved in molding their children’s faith by example and education. Their daughters attended Our Lady of Mercy School and St. Joseph’s Academy. Brittany Michelle Mitchell is a member of the Academy class of 2012. Emily Marie Mitchell is a member of the class of 2013. Michaela Mary Mitchell Warren graduated from SJA in 2016.

Michelle has been a tireless volunteer wherever the girls attended school, and Michelle and Horace have been long-term supporters of SJA not only financially but with their time and talents. Michelle is a former member of the board of directors of the SJA Foundation. She has been an integral part of Academy fundraising efforts for almost 20 years. To commemorate their dedication to the Academy, Michelle and Horace named the rose garden in the Investar Quad in honor of their family.

The Mitchells are members of the Father Jean Pierre Medaille Donor Society. Michelle is a resolute patron of SJA and devotes enormous amounts of energy and finances because she believes in the spirit of the Academy and how it has forged young women into talented community leaders.

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SJA Hosts Soirée: A Redsticker Thursday Night Parents, alumnae, faculty/staff and friends of St. Joseph’s Academy gathered on campus on the evening of October 30 for The SJA Soirée: A Redsticker Thursday Night. The Academy’s premier fundraising event was enjoyed by more than 500 guests and raised money for campus-wide enhancements to benefit the young women of SJA. Guests enjoyed a night of live and silent auctions, raffles, games, Plinko, bourbon and champagne tastings, a specialty white sangria, great food and drinks by area restaurants and caterers and live music by the Peyton Falgoust Band.

The Fife Student Commons and Investar Quad provided a wonderful venue on a brisk autumn evening.

St. Joseph’s Academy is grateful to the individuals and organizations that sponsored The SJA Soirée: A Redsticker Thursday Night. Sanctity-level sponsors were Audi Baton Rouge, Franklin Press and Weiler Plastic Surgery Group.

Joy-level sponsor was Inject Studio. Action-level sponsors were Benny’s Car Wash, Fleur de Fizz, MAPP, Emergent Method, FireQuest and Sigma Engineers & Constructors.

Red-level sponsors were Palm Family Dentistry, Johnson Controls Inc. and Ritter Maher Architects. White-level sponsors were Assured Flooring and Countertops, Bofinger’s Tree Service, Capital Area Finance Authority, Decision Critical, Dr. and Mrs. Tom J. Meek Jr., Forage Floral Design, Hannis T. Bourgeois, Hype Marketing, Kristy Roubique Realtor, Manasseh, Gill, Knipe and Belanger, PLC, Melissa Ritter Family Dentistry, Mrs. Lawrence Messina, Nussbaumer Family Foundation, Raymond James & Associates Inc., Rejuvime Medical, Ruth’s Chris Steak House – Baton Rouge, School Time Uniforms, Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics and The Bug Man.

Food was donated by Raising Cane’s, R&R Brands – A Proud Franchise of Walk-on’s, Our Mom’s Restaurant & Bar, Louisiana Crave-A-Ball, SAGE Dining Services, Mestizo Louisiana Mexican Cuisine, Monjuni Italian Cafe & Grocery, Chow Main, Ichiban Japanese Grill & Sushi Bar, Southern Pearl Oyster House, St. Joe Dough and Serop’s. SJAdecorated cookies were provided by Sunflower Patisserie

by Chloe Boudreaux Leblanc ’15. Solera Restaurant & Wine Bar provided the white sangria.

The Soirée planning committee was co-chaired by Marcy Prejean Maurer ’91 and Malakah Harrison Hawkins.

Committee members were Kim Morgan, silent auction cochair; Lindsay Morgan Duncan ’00, silent auction co-chair; Amy Radle Fasullo ’92, silent auction committee; Bridgette Homer, silent auction committee; Cheryl Loar, silent auction committee; Kristi Spinosa, silent auction committee; Crystal Thibodeaux, silent auction committee; Alex Forestier Freeburgh ’13, St. Joe’s Plinko chair; Missy Heck Brown ’94, St. Joe’s Plinko committee; Stacy Root Koch ’81, St. Joe’s Plinko committee; Kim Wong Kwan ’79, restaurant co-chair; Megan Dorgan ’01, restaurant co-chair; Angelle Crochet Clark ’15, beverage co-chair; Caroline Cordell ’13, beverage co-chair; and Jordan Klemm ’17, graphics.

SJA employees assisting the planning committee were Meg Gerald (mission advancement director), Jennifer Knight (assistant director of advancement – events), Mindy Brodhead Averitt (communications director), Adrienne Ourso ’12 (assistant communications director), Madeline Ortego ’18 (communications assistant) and Holly Sonnier Browning (graphic designer).

Soirée planning committee members pose for a picture prior to the start of the celebration. They are (front row) Jennifer Knight, Mary Lou James, Alex Forestier-Freeburgh ’13, Kim Wong Kwan ’79, Marcy Prejean Maurer ’91, Kim Morgan, Lindsay Morgan Duncan ’00, Crystal Thibodeaux, Missy Heck Brown ’94, (second row) Bridgette Homer, Kristi Spinosa, Cheryl Loar, Caroline Cordell ’13 and Jordan Klemm ’17.

14 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S SJA Community

Katey and Jason McCann, Carrie and Hedrick Wood and Kristy and Jeff Larson enjoyed the Soirée.

Eight classmates Soirée attire. Theyfrom the class of 1978 sported m Stevens, Aimee Kl are Debbie Talbot, Lindie Aguillaatching Waggenspack Ca einpeter Klimczak, Cheryl Golden rd Bynum and Kathysemore, Laura Ruiz Farris, Linda Ba, Julia Baer McDowell. rry

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ening were isk autumn evd Patrick and br e th ng yi jo En elle Ourso an Darrell and Ang n ’83) Tullier. so Renee (Robin

Posing in the Investar Quad were Chris Lemoine, Christina Cherry and Yolunda and Jonathan Taylor.

Missy H Calabre eck Brown ’94 membe se ’46 showed and Donna G rs of th e Peyto off their danc autreau e n Falgo ust ban moves with d.

Kirstyn Jones Gran ’08, Jarrod Grange ger Alford and Stepha r, Mary Randazza checke nie some of the auctd out ion items on display. g welcomed Jamie and A delightful autumn evenin en ’69, Mike and Lexie Jeff Purpera, Jan Rhorer Bre arp ’90 and Steve Greer Polito, Yvette Bonnano-Th

Sister Cynth Bishop Mic ia Sabathier, Sister L Roland Tou hael Duca, Jan Rhore ucy Silvio ’59, Thompson ps, Sister Joan Laplacr Breen ’69, smiled for the camerae and Linda at the Soiré e.

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Dads’ Club Hosts Parents’ Back-to-School Dance Parents, alumnae and friends gathered on campus for the Parents’ Back-toSchool Dance on August 16. The fun event, hosted by the SJA Dads’ Club in the Academy Student Center, kicked off the 2025-2026 school year in style.

Party-goers enjoyed light bites and adult beverages while they danced to the sounds of Pants Party provided by Weiler Plastic Surgery. Band members judged the dance competition, won by Paul Laperouse, who was unencumbered by a recent knee procedure which required crutches.

Paul hobbled away with a Blaze Grill with cart provided by Stine of Walker.

Our thanks to band sponsor Weiler Plastic Surgery; bar sponsors Rori and Chris Adams; and dance floor sponsor Audi of Baton Rouge.

Proceeds from the dance support the Dads’ Club ministry to SJA.

the right, was ntest. , e s u ro e p o Paul La the dance-off c winner of gratulated by Craigk-toHe is con airman of the Bac mittee.

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Members of the Dads’ Club who planned the dance were Michael Battle, Trey Bargas, Craig Herpin, Chip Kline, James Mack, Chris Adams, Tuan Pham and Hudson Lemoine. Meg Gerald is the Dads’ Club moderator.

Justin and Holly DeKeyzer and Jenné and Robbie Olivier smile for the camera at the adults-only Backto-School Dance on August 16.

Enjoying the Parents’ Back-to-School Dance were Emily May Kline ’99, Chip Kline, Bridget DeSilva, Marci Hubbs, Amy McCormick and Shelly Young.

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Second Mahjong Madness Enjoys Great Success The second St. Joseph’s Academy Mahjong Madness fundraiser, hosted by Mahjong Rouge on September 10, enjoyed tremendous success. The sold-out event, held in the Academy Student Center, was a fun-filled evening of open play and friendly competition.

The event raised more than $15,000 with all proceeds going to the Mahjong Madness Scholarship to benefit deserving students and their families.

Participants enjoyed door prizes donated by Head Over Heels, Mahjong Rouge, Emily Wood Interiors, Caroline Bondy Taylor ’16, Emerald Layne, French Market Bistro, the St. Amant Family and Queen of Sparkles.

Our heartfelt thanks go to our generous sponsors for their support: Price LeBlanc, Investar Bank, The Bug Man, Joubert Law Firm and Baton Rouge OBGYN.

Among the competitors in the sold-out Mahjong Madness fundraiser were Kalyn Graphia May ’10, Emily Wood ’16, Anne Marie Trepovicht Loup ’13 and Allie Wood Jimes ’14.

We thank the Mahjong Madness planning committee for their ongoing commitment to the growth of this event: Andrea Clesi McMakin ’74, Caroline Bondy Taylor ’16, Gabriella St. Amant, Layne Salvant ’06, Rose Marie DeJohn Fife ’72, Jennifer Poche ’90 and Alli Bourgeois ’14. Jennifer Knight is SJA’s assistant director of advancement – events.

The third Mahjong Madness fundraiser is set for December 2.

Enjoying the second Mahjong Madness fundraiser were, from left, Elizabeth LaBorde, Brooke Cole, Meridith Trahant, Jean LaCour, Karen Eddlemon, Tam Bourgeois, Emily Wolfe and Nina Cunningham Dusang.

Mahjong Madness participants posing for a picture were Caroline Stickman Lemann ’94, Danna Hodges, Krista Valluzzo and Lissa Weston.

Sporting custom-made Mahjong Madness t-shirts are Aimee Kleinpeter Klimczak ’78, Kerri Kilshaw D’Amico, alum by choice, Laura Ruiz Farris ’78 and Debbie Talbot ’78.

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New Scholarship Established in the SJA Foundation St. Joe Dough, the first student-run business at St. Joseph’s Academy, has enjoyed tremendous success since it launched in 2023. In its first full year of operation during the 2024-2025 school year, the cookie business did so well that members of Yvette Aillet’s Entrepreneurship class decided to dedicate profits to the establishment of the St. Joe Dough Entrepreneurship Scholarship for Tuition Assistance.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the profit we generated last school year, so starting the endowment process is a great way to create a legacy for St. Joe Dough,” Aillet said. “The scholarship is an example to my students how giving back will continue to bless their lives and businesses in the future.”

SJA President Jan Rhorer Breen said tuition assistance enriches the school community. “Need-based aid helps provide assistance to families across the economic spectrum,” she said.

“The Sisters guide us to ensure that an Academy education is available to all young ladies who wish to attend and have the academic ability and motivation to succeed.”

SJA values a school community that includes students from a variety of economic backgrounds.

“The creation of the scholarship has given our work in St. Joe Dough more purpose,” Aillet said. “The students are motivated even more to know that their efforts are going directly to another family so their daughter can have the same SJA experience they are enjoying.”

The Endowed Scholarship program is at the heart of one of SJA’s most treasured traditions: the ability to offer need-based tuition assistance to deserving students and their families. In keeping with the vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph, no student has ever been denied admission or an SJA education solely on the basis of her family’s ability to pay full tuition.

President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69 and Entrepreneurship Director Yvette Aillet ’09 sign papers establishing the St. Joe Dough Entrepreneurship Scholarship for Tuition Assistance.

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Members of the Entrepreneurship class created St. Joe Dough Entrepreneurship Scholarship for Tuition Assistance. Pictured here are (back row) SJA President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69, Claire Broussard, Entrepreneurship Director Yvette Barbier Aillet ’09, Amelia Chustz, (front row) Kathryn Howell, Charli Causey, Emmy Landaiche, Evie Richmond and Madison Gilley.

SJA Welcomes Grandparents to Campus The St. Joseph’s Academy Mission Advancement Office welcomed senior and freshman grandparents to campus this fall.

Senior Annie Burr and her grandparents, Margaret (Peggy) Prosser and Dr. Peterman Prosser. Pete was a “Boy of SJA,” having attended the school in grades K-2. His image as a kindergarten student was used as the model for the boy in the wagon of the bronze statue Sister Isabel, which is located between St. Joseph Hall and Medaille Hall.

September 22-26 was Senior Grandparents Week at SJA. Grandparents joined their senior granddaughters for lunch in the Mother Alice Hall Community Room prepared by SAGE Dining Services. Following lunch, our visitors posed for family pictures and toured campus. Members of the SJA Mothers’ Club and Mission Advancement office helped serve the meals.

Senior Olivia Funes and her grandparents, Robert and Carolyn Davis and Carmenza Funes.

Senior Camille Cotton was joined on Senior Grandparents Day by her aunts, Cherise Sale and Renee Wood.

Senior Chloe Gaudin Christophe and her grandparents, Audrey Jackson Gaudin and Ronnie Paul Gaudin Sr.

Senior Berkley Duncan and her grandparents, Marty and Kim Duncan and Kim and Mark Morgan.

Senior Raleigh Jones is pictured with her mother, Mykayla Jones, grandmother Naomi Devoe and father Richard Jones.

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Senior Margaret Losavio and her grandparents, Ava Gonzales Losavio ’75, Helen Gonzales (great-grandmother), Tom Losavio and Carol and Dave Goldsmith.

Senior Ava Schoen and her grandparents, Sam and Debbie Miller and Sheryl and Michael Schoen.

Senior Kennedy Papillion and her grandparents, Marie Parker and Richard Nettles.

Seniors Sophie and Izzy Stelly and their grandparents, Jimmy and Kay Stelly and Kelly and Paul Kleinpeter.

Senior Gretchen Payne and her grandparents, Christine Payne, Cynthina Thomas-Noel and Freddie Payne.

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Senior Hannah Hebert and her grandparents, Rhonda and Floyd Coye; Betsy Simpson Gosserand (greatgrandmother); Rosemary Coye (great-grandmother); and Henry and Marianne Hebert.

October 13 was Freshman Grandparents Day. Freshmen and their grandparents enjoyed a delicious jambalaya lunch in the Academy Student Center prepared by Ronnie’s Boudin. Members of the SJA Mothers’ Club provided desserts and helped with meal service.

Following lunch, more than 600 grandparents and their freshmen posed for family pictures by Kleinpeter Photography and toured campus.

Freshman Maria Markey and her grandparents, Jim and Cindy Markey and Sarah Losavio Greco ’59.

Freshman Olivia Vaccaro and her grandparents, Buzz Vaccaro Sr. and Sue Vaccaro and Darlene Fasullo Lundin ’65 and Tommy Lundin Sr.

Freshman Ryan Bonton and her grandmothers, Gwen Bonton and Marie Mathews.

Freshman Caroline Panepinto and her grandparents, Barbara Panepinto, Frank Panepinto, Theresa Brooks, Mike Brooks, (family friend) Shane Evans and Bianca Brooks.

Freshman Hadley Jackson and her grandparents, Diane and P.J. Calico.

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Freshman Ashton Goulas (right) and her grandfather, Tom Papazoglakis. They were joined for lunch by freshman Emery Venable.

Freshman Emma Tullier and her grandparents, Ashley Pizzalato and Jeff Guillot.

Freshman Rhys Jantz and her grandmother, Lillie Jantz, and freshman Olivia Moise and her grandmother, Phyllis Finley.

Freshman Analise Huffty and her grandmother, LaNelle Huffty.

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Alumnae Association Hosts Third-Annual Pickleball Tournament The third-annual St. Joseph’s Academy Pickleball Tournament, hosted by the SJA Alumnae Association on October 18 and 19, enjoyed great success. A large field of 80 teams enjoyed two days of competition, food, fellowship and fun in the Academy Student Center and Activity Center.

The tournament, presented by Audi of Baton Rouge, was open to women’s, men’s and mixed doubles teams. Proceeds will go towards campuswide enhancements.

SJA Alumnae Director Alli Bourgeois ’14 said the weekend was filled with camaraderie, competition and community spirit. “The teams enjoyed friendly play, laughter and connection,” she said.

“Thanks to our generous in-kind sponsors, players enjoyed delicious food and refreshments all weekend long. Together, we celebrated another record-breaking year of fundraising in support of campus improvements. I want to thank everyone who came out to the tournament, whether to help, play or just support the cause.”

Women’s 3.5 Trudy Trahan and Lucille Bourgeois, 1st place; Vicki Passman and Debbie Mancuso, 2nd place; Donna Rea and Patty Freeman, 3rd place Men’s 3.0 Group A Jim Alise and Heath McAfoose, 1st place; Jimmy Standford and Chris Theriot, 2nd place; Richard Grant and Mike LeBlanc, 3rd place Men’s 3.0 Group B Bailey Luckett and Kevin Ducote, 1st place; Gary LeBlanc and Steve Monson, 2nd place; Steven Chustz and Tyson Vince, 3rd place

Results are as follows: Women’s 2.5 Group A Becky Perkins and Martha Roussel, 1st place; Krista Bourgeois and Amber Franta, 2nd place; Leisa Glynn and Lisa Lavigne, 3rd place Women’s 2.5 Group B Emily Wood ’16 and Caroline Bondy Taylor ’16, 1st place; Katy Ullrich and Heather Brust, 2nd place; Amy Andrews ’06 and Lisa Smeltzer ’81, 3rd place Women’s 3.0 Group A Jennifer Fishburn and Laurel Fishburn, 1st place; Katherine Townley and Ashley Ledet ’88, 2nd place; Samantha Poche ’21 and Mia Cheramie, 3rd place

Mixed 2.5 competitors and order of finish were Richard Grant and Shelley Reinecke, third place; Melissa and Barry Lantz, first place; and Nancy and Jim King, second place.

Women’s 3.0 Group B Tena Marchand ’88 and Amber Franta, 1st place; Sandi Gautreau and Melanie Poland, 2nd place; Jody Rodriguez and Shelley Rogillio, 3rd place Women’s 3.0 Group C Lori Falgoust and Dee LaBauve, 1st place; Lisa Westmoreland Collier ’81 and Shelley Reinecke, 2nd place; Ann Tatman and Christy Burnett, 3rd place Competing in the Men’s 3.0 division were Steven Chustz and Tyson Vince, third place; Bailey Luckett and Kevin Ducote, first place; and Gary LeBlanc and Steve Monson, second place.

Men’s 3.5-4 Ethan Beadle and Michael Dupont, 1st place; Marc Baronet and Johnny Bergeron, 2nd place; James Graugnard and Matt Richardson, 3rd place Mixed 2.5 Melissa Lantz and Barry Lantz, 1st place; Jim King and Nancy King, 2nd place; Shelley Reinecke and Richard Grant, 3rd place Mixed 3.0 Group A Sam Fishburn and Laurel Fishburn, 1st place; Eric Williams and Mia Cheramie, 2nd place; Fallon Gerald Tullier ’16 and Devin Tullier, 3rd place Mixed 3.0 Group B Angela Shaw ’93 and Gino Palermo, 1st place; Jeff Poche and Tricia Poche, 2nd place; Samantha Poche ’21 and Dale Mitchell, 3rd place Mixed 3.0 Group C Dee LaBauve and Steve Monson, 1st place; Jimmy Stanford and Melanie Poland, 2nd place; Kathy Bergeron and Johnny Bergeron, 3rd place Mixed 3.0 Group D Terry Ledet and Ashley Reed Ledet ’88, 1st place; Benita Purvis and Bentley Purvis, 2nd place; Thomas Langlois and Patty Freeman, 3rd place Mixed 3.5 Barry Mancuso and Debbie Mancuso, 1st place; Marc Baronet and Lisa Culver ’98, 2nd place; Matt Richardson and Jody Rodriguez, 3rd place

SJA thanks the sponsors of this year’s Pickleball Tournament. Presenting sponsor was Audi of Baton Rouge. Gold sponsors were b1BANK, Bustle Bridal, HydroScapes, Queen of Sparkles and The Spine Center of Louisiana. Red sponsors were Amy Andrews Wealth Management of Raymond James, The Bourgeois Family, BRDP – Baton Rouge Digital Products, Coleman Partners Architects, Court to Table, Guarantee Restoration Services, Ideal Vision Care, Investar Bank, Wampold Dentistry, Wardlaw Lasseigne & LeBouef and Westmoreland Asset Management of Raymond James.

White sponsors were Benny’s Car Wash, Calvin’s Bocage Market, CARBO Landscape Architecture, Celebrity Theatres, Fusion Implant Center, Himmel’s Architectural Door & Hardware, Parish Pediatric Dental Krewe, The Ragland Family, SAIA Electric, SJA Dads’ Club and SweetSpot. The late Lillie Petit Gallagher donated $100 to the tournament.

In-kind food sponsors were Capitol City Produce, Chickfil-A, Coca-Cola, Community Coffee, Crescent Crown Distributing, Gouda Geaux, New York Bagel, Off the Hook, Ronnie’s Boudin, Rotolo’s Pizzeria and Smoothie King.

In-kind door prize sponsors were Ideal Vision Care, Sweetspot and Queen of Sparkles.

Katie Jeter Valenciano ’04 served as chair of the tournament planning committee for the third year. She was joined by Amy Andrews ’06, Lucille Bourgeois, Lisa Westmoreland Collier ’81, Kimberly Kwan ’10, Kim Wong Kwan ’79, Ashley Reed Ledet ’88, Margaret Miller ’82 and Grace Ragland ’14.

Recently retired longtime faculty/staff member Nan Murtagh poses with Women’s 2.5 players: Amy Andrews ’06 and her partner Lisa Smeltzer (not pictured) finished third; Caroline Bondy Taylor ’16 and Emily Wood ’16 finished first; and Katy Ullrich and Heather Brust finished second.

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A L U M S T O D AY

Graduates Celebrate Sisterhood at New Oreans’ Assisted Living Community Three St. Joseph’s Academy graduates are enjoying the bonds of sisterhood which connect Redstickers across generations.

Josie “Jo-Jo” Fourrier Daniel ’43 and Catherine “Cathy” Stohrer Otto ’59 are residents in the assisted living area of the Poydras Home campus. Breann Kinsley Kelly ’09 is the director of admissions at the private-pay, long-term care community.

Mrs. Josie is 98 years old. She worked as a registered nurse at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge. As an RN, she was invited to travel with Sister Mary Grace Kleinpeter to Europe for summer educational trips offered through the Academy. She moved into Poydras in January of 2024.

Among her favorite memories is celebrating mass with fellow students at St. Joseph Cathedral in downtown Baton Rouge.

She also remembers riding the bus from the downtown campus on the corner of Church and Florida streets to the Broussard campus during the transition to the school’s new (and current) location.

Mrs. Cathy, who is 84 years of age, lived in Ohio for most of her adult life but made her way back to New Orleans to be closer to family. She traces her love for service and people to time spent with Sister Joan Laplace working at St. Mary’s Training School for Special Needs Children in Clarks, Louisiana, through her religion class. Mrs. Cathy moved into Poydras in June of 2023.

Mrs. Cathy fondly remembers the annual May Day Pageant, when she and her school friends became dancing and singing stars for the day.

Breann earned her Licensed Master Social Worker credentials from Louisiana State University. She moved to New Orleans in December of 2020 and began her Poydras Home career in July of 2022.

Dressing up for Fun Fridays is among Breann’s favorite SJA memories. Her favorite classes included Spanish with Señora Catherine Durnin and Family and Consumer Science with Amy Neck. She said she especially loved participating in the FACS style show. “The bonds and friendships created at St. Joseph’s are truly lasting and unforgettable,” Breanna said. “This is SJA!” Josie Fourrier Daniel ’43, Breann Kinsley Kelly ’09 and Catherine Stohrer Otto ’59 pose for a picture at Poydras Home in New Orleans.

Cathy Otto recently found her diploma, class ring and other SJA items that had been in storage.

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Graduate Opens Inn in Houston Lily Aguillard Barfield, a 2014 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, has opened a boutique hotel in the hip Montrose neighborhood of Houston, Texas. Known for its art, culture, food and nightlife, the neighborhood is the perfect setting for The Marlene Inn, with its carefully curated collection of antiques and décor items, most of which Lily discovered in the south of France.

Lily is an antiques dealer and founder of Lily’s Vintage Finds, which she created to showcase and sell her antiques and one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Her love of antiques and diamond-in-the-rough finds began early: As a child, she and her mother would scour south Louisiana estate sales, thrift stores and antique shops, delighting in each discovery.

As Lily’s Vintage Finds continued to grow, Lily and her husband, Thomas, began looking for a just-right Houston property to convert to a hospitality concept. The dream of opening a bed and breakfast seemed like a natural next step. “Honestly, it started with antiques,” Lily said. “I was always hunting pieces for myself, then for friends and eventually through Lily’s Vintage Finds. The more I collected, the more I realized it wasn’t just about the furniture; it was about the feeling those pieces created in a space. Growing up in Louisiana, hospitality was a big part of life, so putting the two together – antiques and hosting – just naturally grew into this dream of opening an inn.”

The Marlene Inn is a sprawling 18,000-square-foot property built in 1910. It sits on three residential lots and can sleep 23 guests. Five en suite guest rooms are housed in the three-story primary structure, which measures more than 6,200 square feet.

Three additional rooms are available in a carriage house, and there is a private cottage.

Bringing her dream to fruition has been a deeply rewarding adventure with a few challenges sprinkled in. “The challenges mostly involved bringing a 1910 house up to today’s commercial standards without losing the character,” Lily said. “We wanted each guest’s stay to feel luxurious (think heated marble floors) while also maintaining original features and architectural elements. But the reward has been huge: seeing guests walk in, slow down and appreciate the details. That reaction makes all the hard work worth it.”

The Marlene is named for Lily’s late grandmother. The property and its outdoor spaces harken back to Lily’s childhood memories of sitting on the porch of her grandparents’ farmhouse in Cottonport, Louisiana. Each guest room at The Marlene is named for an influential woman in Lily’s life, including The Nanette, named for her mother-in-law. The underconstruction cottage is named after her mother, Tracie Aguillard.

Not only have special women played important roles in her life, so did her high school years at St. Joseph’s Academy.

“I always felt like SJA really fostered a sense of joy for us,” she said. “Yes, it was high school, so there were tests and homework, but there were also so many simple, joyful moments that SJA really emphasized, like dress-up days or even just a Sister Agatha brownie. I think that shaped how I go through life, never taking things too seriously and wanting to pass along that same sense of joy and ease to the people around me. At The Marlene, that shows up in the atmosphere we try to create: lighthearted, welcoming and fun.”

The property celebrated its soft opening in late September.

With Lily’s dedication to creating truly memorable experiences for her guests, the future looks bright. “We’re starting to host more events: cocktail parties, little celebrations, things that let people experience the inn and Bar Madonna in different ways,” Lily said. “I’m excited for The Marlene to become even more of a gathering place for the neighborhood.”

A sitting room in The Marlene Inn.

A tranquil porch beckons guests.

Photos by Julie Soefer.

Academy Alumnae Carry on Sisters’ Charism at Sacred Heart School A team of St. Joseph’s Academy alumnae has united to continue the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph at Sacred Heart of Jesus School in midtown Baton Rouge.

When Sacred Heart opened in September of 1929 as the first parochial school in Baton Rouge, it was staffed by the Sisters.

Under their guidance, the student population grew to nearly 1,000 in the late 1950s. But demographic changes which began in the late 1960s resulted in a population shift away from downtown and impacted enrollment numbers. At one point, the student body dipped to 180 members.

In February of 2025, Sacred Heart School named Sharon Nelson Jones, a 1993 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, as its new principal. Her brief tenure has been marked by transformative leadership and a commitment to embracing diverse student and parent populations, seeking unity and responding to the needs of the school community. The 2025-2026 school year began with a student body of 238.

“The growth of our school from 180 to more than 230 students is a testament to God’s grace,” Sharon said. “It’s not a secret formula but rather the fruits of living out our faith. Our commitment to prioritizing mass, adoration and prayer form the bedrock of our school’s spiritual life. We hold ourselves to a high standard of academic excellence, striving for greatness in all that we do. But what truly sets us apart is the beautiful atmosphere of our campus, a place where laughter is a constant soundtrack and a palpable sense of safety and joy permeates the air. There’s a special feeling here. It truly feels as though we’re living a dream, working on ground that is truly anointed. We value our history and the foundation that the Sisters of St. Joseph built, as well as the strong legacy of leaders who dedicated themselves to preserving their foundation.”

Sharon works hand in hand with several SJA alumnae who wholeheartedly support her efforts. They are Jenny O’Beirne Morales ’80, director of integration; Aimee Wiles Urdiales ’93, dean of curriculum and instruction/7th and 8th grade

social studies teacher; Kay Wilbert Gaudin ’99, director of development; Denise Boudreaux Williston ’85, bookkeeper; Monica Calandro Shaughnessy ’06, Pre-K assistant; Maddie Quebedeaux ’20, kindergarten teacher; Caroline Thornton Bertrand ’16, first grade teacher; and Blanche Coleman ’24, aftercare.

Reverend Joshua Johnson, pastor of Sacred Heart, said it is a gift to witness the Sisters’ charism embodied by the SJA alumnae who serve at the school. “The Sisters may not be physically present on our campus anymore, but their spirit of unity, hospitality and love for the ‘dear neighbor’ is very much alive in these women who were formed by their legacy,” he said, noting that their spirit is carried on by a new order of Sisters who now serve the student body. “In this moment of renewal at Sacred Heart School, I see their influence everywhere: in the way our teachers accompany students in discipleship, in the joyful atmosphere that fills our hallways and in the way our community is being drawn together across generations and backgrounds. The collaboration of these alumnae is not only a sign of professional dedication but is also a witness of their formation at SJA.” Working alongside passionate and dedicated SJA alumnae is a true gift, Sharon said, adding that the mission of St. Joseph’s Academy – to educate young women as responsible and unifying members of the world community – aligns perfectly with all that Sacred Heart strives to accomplish.

“In the spirit and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, we, too, seek to foster faith development, academic excellence and personal growth in our young students,” Sharon said.

“This shared heritage creates a powerful synergy, and it’s no wonder that working with them feels like I am living a dream.”

Father Josh said it is remarkable to see how the seeds planted by the Sisters decades ago continue to bear supernatural fruit through the lives of these graduates. “Their presence is a reminder that Catholic education is about academic excellence and the formation of disciples who return to serve the Church and shape the future with Christ’s love,” he said.

St. Joseph’s Academy graduates working at Sacred Heart of Jesus School are, from left, Aimee Wiles Urdiales ’93, Caroline Thornton Bertrand ’16, Jenny O’Beirne Morales ’80, Maddie Quebedeaux ’20, Monica Calandro Shaughnessy ’06, Kay Wilbert Gaudin ’99, Sharon Nelson Jones ’93 and Denise Boudreaux Williston ’85. Not pictured are Lilla Aucoin ’24 and Blanche Coleman ’24. Photo by Tim Mueller.

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Alumnae Help Raise Funds For Family Support Home As a result of their outstanding commitment and fundraising efforts for Hogs for the Cause, the Baton Rouge team of Bark & Bite BBQ was recently honored with a room dedicated in its name at the Hogs for the Cause Family Support Home at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. The Family Support Home is a place of respite, offering free-of-charge accommodations for families during their child’s treatment at the hospital or an OLOL clinic. Families are able to focus on healing for their children instead of the financial, emotional and physical burdens that come with serious illness.

Several St. Joseph’s Academy graduates are part of the Bark & Bite BBQ team, including Jennifer Kimball Arrighi ’08, Erin Contini Garbarino ’09, Taylor Hayden Chadwick ’09, Kat O’Hara Corbin ’09 and Kate Dupuy Ball ’10.

Hogs for the Cause is the leading provider in the nation of outreach services for pediatric brain cancer in the United States. Based in New Orleans, the group hosts an acclaimed barbeque and music festival each spring to celebrate its year-round fundraising.

Team Bark & Bite BBQ has raised more than $300,000 in the past three years for Hogs for the Cause with the mission of supporting families battling pediatric brain cancer and other medical challenges. Since opening, the Hogs House has welcomed more than 460 families while their children are receiving care at OLOL Children’s Hospital.

Team Bark & Bite BBQ has raised more than $300,000 for the Cause Family Support Home at OLOL Children’s Hospital.

28 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Alums Today

SJA Celebrates Legacy Families with Mass and Reception Generations of St. Joseph’s Academy graduates, along with family members who are current students, returned to campus on September 7 for the 12th annual Legacy Mass and Reception, hosted by the SJA Alumnae Office. Father David Allen was the celebrant for the Eucharistic celebration in the Chapel at SJA. SJA President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69 welcomed the families whose legacies are woven throughout the Academy’s history.

She said SJA is blessed by two-, three-, four-, five- and even six-generation families who share in the school’s traditions dating back 157 years. She recognized Melissa Bahlinger Brocato, SJA’s dean of curriculum and instruction and a 1989 graduate, and her daughter Olivia Brocato, class of 2023. Six generations of Bahlinger descendants have graduated from SJA, including the school’s first graduate, Josephine Bahlinger, class of 1877.

Breen also recognized the “most mature” graduate in attendance, Sarah Greco Losavio, class of 1959. The class of 2000 had the most members in attendance.

Readers were Rose Marie DeJohn Fife ’72, Charlotte Fife ’29, Stacie Lambert deBlieux ’97 and Louisa deBlieux ’26. Sandy Darensbourg ’77, Anna Darensbourg Roque ’99 and Sydney Roque ’29 offered the prayers of the faithful. Gift bearers were Tara Nolan Messenger ’70 and Kelly Messenger ’26. Breen served as the Eucharistic minister. Sister Joan Laplace was the altar server.

Olivia Brocato ’23 and her mother, Melissa Bahlinger Brocato ’89, are part of the Bahlinger family which includes six generations of Academy graduates, including Josephine Bahlinger, class of 1877, SJA’s very first graduate.

Four-generation family members included Tara Nolan Messenger ’70 and her granddaughter, Kelly Taylor Messenger ’26; Christine Ourso Fauveau ’71 and her granddaughter, Caroline Reese Fauveau ’26; and Virginia Jones ’28 and her mother, Kelley Phillips Jones ’95.

Evie LeBlanc ’26 and Catherine Raemsch ’26 served as cantors. Jan Dupre was the pianist.

Following mass, the multigenerational families gathered in the Fife Student Commons for brunch catered by SAGE Dining Services.

Alumnae Director Alli Bourgeois ’14 coordinated the event. Family photographs were taken by Communications Assistant Madeline Ortego ’18.

Families with three generations of graduates and current students are pictured in front of Mother Alice Hall.

Two-generation family members posed for a picture following the 2025 Legacy Mass.

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2 9 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S FALL 2025

Redstickers Enjoy Summer Reunions Michele Ashmore LeBouef ’05 and her husband Ryan enjoyed the Grand Reunion Family Day with daughters Cora and Tegan.

St. Joseph’s Academy welcomed members of several milestone classes to campus for the annual Grand Reunion Family Fun Day on July 19. The event included lunch, campus tours, a pop-up Sticker Shop for spirit merchandise, music and activities for the kids. Graduates from 2020, 2015, 2010, 2005, 2000, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1975, 1970, 1965, 1960, 1955, 1950 and 1945 enjoyed catching up with classmates and their families and visiting with faculty and staff.

Enjoying Family Day were Allie Smith Dupré ’15, Joseph Dupré, Christopher Dupré, Elissa Nunnally ’15, Madeleine Richard Hornung ’15 and Logan Hornung.

Members of the class of 2010 posed for a picture with their children.

CLASS OF 1965 Members of the class of 1965 commemorated their 60-year reunion by gathering in the Tavern Room of the Baton Rouge Country Club for a Sunday brunch on July 20.

CLASS OF 1970 To celebrate their 55-year reunion, members of the class of 1970 enjoyed a Girls’ Night Out on July 18. The classmates gathered at La Contea Italiano Ristorante.

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CLASS OF 1975 Members of the class of 1975 marked the 50-year anniversary of their graduation from St. Joseph’s Academy with a weekend full of festivities. On July 19, SJA graduates and their spouses or dates enjoyed an evening gathering at the Lod Cook Hotel. On July 20, class members celebrated the 50-Year Reunion Mass and enjoyed campus tours and a reception in their honor.

CLASS OF 1980 Graduates from 1980 met at Bin 77 on August 22 for a casual get-together.

CLASS OF 1985 Members of the class of 1985 celebrated their 40-year reunion with a weekend of festivities. On July 18, the classmates enjoyed a Girls’ Night Out at The Station. On July 19, they enjoyed a joint reunion with their counterparts at Catholic High School with a gathering in the Brother Donnan Berry SC Student Center on the CHS campus. Spouses and dates were welcomed.

CLASS OF 1995 To commemorate their 30-year reunion, members of the class of 1995 celebrated with a Girls’ Night Out on July 18 at Uncle Earl’s. The following evening, they enjoyed an SJA/CHS joint reunion with spouses and dates at The Antler Room at Fred’s Bar & Grill in Baton Rouge.

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CLASS OF 2000 Members of the class of 2000 celebrated their 25-year reunion with a Girls’ Night Out at the home of Whitney LaNasa on July 18.

CLASS OF 2005 To celebrate the 20th anniversary of their graduation from SJA, the class of 2005 gathered for a Girls’ Night In at the home of Stacie LaHaye Bordelon on July 18. The following evening, they, along with spouses and dates, met at the Edge Lounge at L’Auberge Baton Rouge for a joint reunion with the CHS class of 2005.

CLASS OF 2010 Members of the class of 2010 gathered for a 15-year reunion party at Uncle Earl’s on July 19. Spouses and dates joined in the fun.

CLASS OF 2015 With a weekend of festivities, members of the class of 2015 celebrated their 10-year reunion. On July 18, classmates had an SJA Girls’ Night Out at Tap 65, and on July 19, they enjoyed an SJA/CHS joint reunion at Zippy’s along with spouses and dates.

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CLASS OF 2020 Members of the class of 2020 enjoyed a five-year reunion celebration with a joint gathering with their CHS counterparts on July 19. Graduates and their spouses or dates gathered at Ivar’s Sports Bar and Grill in Baton Rouge.

In the spring issue of Connections, we featured members of the class of 2025 whose family members also graduated from SJA. Not included were Samee Layne McDaniel ’25, second from left, and members of her legacy family: Dollie Hebert Crouch ’85, (aunt), Sydnee Rae McDaniel ’21 (sister) and Ashley Hebert McDaniel ’88 (mother). Not pictured here is the graduate’s grandmother, Anita Ragusa Hebert ’57.

Buy a Brick, Leave a Legacy Order your personalized brick today at www.sjabricks.org.

Please direct questions to Wendy Coniglio at conigliow@sjabr.org.

ALUMNAE NEWS

employ more than 4,000 associates.

Kerry has a bachelor’s degree in accounting as well as a law degree, both from Louisiana State University.

She received an award as a top General Counsel in Houston in 2017. In her spare time, Kerry enjoys visiting with family.

’74 ANDREA CLESI MCMAKIN was among the personalities featured on WBRZ’s 70 for 70 series celebrating the Baton Rouge television station’s 70 years on the air. Andrea worked at WBRZ from 1977 to 2008, retiring after a 31-year career. She was one of the city’s first female news anchors at a time when the broadcast news industry was dominated by males. The awardwinning journalist turned a personal tragedy, the 1998 loss of her 18-yearold son Tony in a fatal car crash, into a public service campaign aimed at saving lives. The Buckle Up For Tony seatbelt safety campaign was lauded

by President Bill Clinton. In 2005, Andrea was honored by the Louisiana Association of Broadcasters for a lifetime of achievement. She earned a master’s degree from LSU in 2010 and taught a class in the Manship School of Mass Communications. Today, she is president of Clesi Communications LLC, doing talent work and writing copy.

’85 LIZEL VARNADO proudly shares that her daughter, Katherine Varnado, has graduated from the Naval Academy and is now an officer in the navy with the rank of ensign. Katherine enjoys digital art and painting. In fact, she designed many of her company’s sport shirts as well as the button worn by the entire freshman class for the Navy/Army football game.

’96 LINDSAY ST. AMANT SEELY ’85 KIRSTEN “KERRY” BRENNER DAVID was recently named executive vice president and chief legal officer at ISC Constructors, working in Baton Rouge.

ISC is an industrial engineering and construction company specializing in comprehensive electrical, instrumentation and controls solutions.

Over 30 years, ISC has grown to 34 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Alumnae News

in Louisiana in the National Marine Educators Association journal, Current.

When she’s not teaching people about fishing, she teaches them about birdwatching as a field guide for Wild Birds Unlimited in Baton Rouge. Lindsay earned a bachelor of science degree in wildlife conservation from Louisiana Tech University and a master’s degree in human resource education and workforce development from Louisiana State University. She is a member of numerous nature conservancy organizations. In her spare time, Lindsay enjoys the outdoors (especially birdwatching), doing puzzles, spending time with family and traveling.

serves as lead educator for the Fisheries Education and Outreach Team with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. She teaches aquatic education to people of all ages across the state, offering a variety of programs and workshops for the general public and educators. Lindsay was named the 2024 Outstanding Marine Educator for the Southern Association of Marine Educators and recently published an article entitled A Fisheye View of Aquatic Education

’02 JEN BAYHI GENNARO has been named the director of client success and development at Lemonade Creative Marketing & Development. In this role, Jen will partner with current and prospective clients to deliver innovative branded merchandise that aligns with client goals and budgets; creative solutions for promotional campaigns; and strategic marketing support to maximize impact. Jen brings a wealth of experience as the founder and publisher of Porch & Parish community magazine in Zachary, Louisiana. With more than 13 years in sales and marketing, she is passionate about helping clients find fresh, effective ways to connect with their audiences. A 2006 graduate of LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communication, Jen is currently pursuing her MBA with a concentration in marketing through LSU Shreveport’s accelerated program. Now in its 15th year, Lemonade Creative Marketing is an award-winning agency that works with universities, state departments, nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies to curate custom-branded merchandise to elevate and align with their strategic marketing campaigns.

’02 ERICA WASHINGTON has been named to the board of Tulane University. Erica is the Bureau of Regional and Clinical Operations director at the Louisiana Department of Health. She joined the department in 2009 as a regional epidemiologist and coordinator of the healthcareassociated infections program. In 2013, the White House formally recognized her as a Champion of Change for her Prevention and Public Health contributions. Erica is an emeritus member of the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine’s Alumni Association board of directors and a past president of the Tulane Alumni Association board of directors.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Louisiana State University in 2006 and a master of public health degree from Tulane in 2009.

’08 RACHEL VIERCK AMIE recently celebrated her 10th year as owner and director of RAVE Performing Arts Company in Central. Rachel grew up training in Baton Rouge as both an award-winning competitive dancer and a performer with the Catholic High School Bruinettes dance team. She graduated from Louisiana

State University with degrees in mass communication and theater performance. Rachel has taught at various studios across south Louisiana, as a resident teaching artist for the Arts Council of Baton Rouge and the Manship Theater for the Arts, has taught for St. Luke’s Episcopal School and choreographed for the SJA/CHS theater program. She is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique and is a certified Tap and Jazz Teacher through Dance Masters of America. She is currently on the board of directors for Dixie Association of Dance Teachers and is a member of CLI Studios, Discover Dance, Once Upon a Ballet and Dance To Learn. Rachel is a proud mom of two little girls.

’15 KATIE MARIE CAZES earned her doctorate of physical therapy from the University of St. Augustine of Health Sciences in Dallas. She is currently employed as an aquatic physical therapist treating neurologic and orthopedic patients at Casa Colina Hospital in Pomona, California. Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare are certified by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities for their brain injury, spinal cord injury and stroke specialty programs. They are also recognized by the Joint Commission for their Advanced Hip and Total Knee Replacement programs. Katie attended Quincy University in Illinois on a swim scholarship but was sidelined by an injury. She graduated from Lindenwood University in Missouri with a degree in exercise science with University Honors and was recognized as a student-athlete, having played on the women’s rugby team.

’16 LILY RENNHOFF is a speech language pathologist who specializes in the treatment of voice disorders in Parkinson’s patients as well as cognitive therapy and swallowing assessment and treatment. She works at Big Heart Center for Parkinson’s Wellness in Bedford, Texas. She earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Louisiana State University and holds a master of arts in speech-language pathology. She completed a clinical fellowship in Miami after graduation. Lily is SPEAK OUT!-certified and has completed postgraduate training in the use of Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, which allows her to expertly assess and treat swallowing disorders.

’17 ALLY LUTGRING graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in May with a 4.0 grade point average and ranked number one in her class. She was the recipient of the LSU School of Dentistry Chancellors Award, Pierre Fauchard Academy Student Certificate of Merit Award and the Randolph B. Malloy OKU Scholarship.

Upon graduation, she was inducted continued on next page

into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. She began a residency program at the Medical University of South Carolina specializing in pediatric dentistry. Over the course of her two-year residency, she will train to deliver comprehensive dental care to children of all needs and backgrounds. Ally earned a bachelor of science in biological sciences with a minor in business administration from Louisiana State University in 2021. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, traveling to new places and playing tennis and pickleball.

’19 SYDNEY MELDER recently earned her certified public accountant license from the Colorado State Board of Accountancy after successfully completing all four sections of the exam and fulfilling all educational and professional experience requirements.

She graduated summa cum laude in 2023 from the E.J. Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University, where she served as president of the Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Honor Society.

In 2024, she completed her master of accountancy at LSU. Sydney is currently a senior consultant at Netgain Solutions in Denver, where she specializes in fixed asset management and lease accounting processes. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, spending time outdoors and exploring the beautiful Colorado landscape. A Baton Rouge native, she’s still adjusting to the dry air and altitude and learning what a real Colorado winter feels like.

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’20 SHELBY BORDELON was named first runner up to Miss Louisiana 2025, earning a $10,000 scholarship. Shelby has a bachelor of science degree in strategic communication from Southeastern Louisiana University and is currently working towards her master’s degree.

She is employed as the manager of service for corporate partnerships for SLU Athletics, handling key accounts and renewals. As an undergraduate, Shelby was Miss Southeastern Louisiana University 2024, was the Coca-Cola Campus Ambassador from 2022 to 2025, was a member of the Lionettes Dance Team for two years and was in the French Club. When she’s not busy with pageant prep, she loves to walk the SLU campus with her dachshund, Phoebe. She stays active by taking workout classes and enjoys a night of self-care watching Grey’s Anatomy.

’21 CAROLINE DAVIS graduated from Louisiana State University in May with a bachelor of science degree in physics. In addition to participating in multiple research projects, Caroline worked to bring the Louisiana Aerospace Catalyst Experiences for Students program to St. Joseph’s Academy to enhance interest in STEM disciplines. While attending LSU, Caroline was an officer for the Society of Physics Students and the founder/ president of the Women in Physics Club.

She will join the LSU Ph.D. program in astronomy.

’22 JORDAN SIMONEAUX

’20 SECOND LIEUTENANT JESSICA BLAIR MICHELET, U.S. Army Military Intelligence, is now stationed at Fort Bliss in Texas with the 501st Aviation Battalion after graduating with Superior Academic Achievement from the 2025 Military Intelligence Officer Leadership Course at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.

recently completed her first year of law school at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center through LSU’s 3+3 program, which allows students to earn bachelor’s and law degrees in six years.

Thanks to her accelerated studies at St. Joseph’s Academy, Jordan was actually able to participate in a 2+3 program and will graduate with a bachelor of science in psychology in August.

During the 2025 spring semester, she was recognized as being in the top 10 percent of first-year law students and was a Dean’s Scholar in the fall of 2024 as being in the top 25 percent of firstyear law students.

ANNUAL FUND

Together, We Make a Difference The 2025-2026 Annual Fund campaign at St. Joseph’s Academy is in full swing! For the 14th consecutive year, our faculty and staff proudly kicked off the campaign with 100 percent participation. The Parents Annual Fund campaign launched in August, while the Alumnae and Friends campaigns began in mid-September. This year, each group is challenged to increase participation compared to last year, an exciting goal that reflects our shared commitment to SJA’s mission.

Outside of tuition, the SJA Annual Fund is the second largest source of revenue for St. Joseph’s Academy. These vital funds directly support our operating budget while helping keep tuition increases to a minimum.

Your gift of any size has a powerful impact on every aspect of student life at SJA. All gifts to the Annual Fund have an enormous impact on SJA’s ability to enhance its standards of excellence in teaching, student development and facilities. Your annual gifts fuel the success of this school and touch every aspect of our students’ experience.

St. Joseph’s Academy alumnae, parents and friends know firsthand the transformative power of an Academy education. Consider sharing that gift with others.

Those who financially support SJA uphold the spirit of philanthropy that has sustained this school since its founding. Your generosity, leadership and faith in our mission help St. Joseph’s Academy flourish each year.

The Annual Fund continues to be the primary vehicle for members of the SJA community to join together in a meaningful effort to support the mission of this great school. Donations to the Annual Fund may be made online or by check. We welcome and are grateful for your support!

If you have any questions, please contact Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald at (225) 388-2254 or geraldm@sjabr.org.

Specifically, your gift to the Annual Fund will: • Enable the Academy to recruit and retain the highest caliber of teachers who serve as role models for our students; • Contribute to the cutting-edge technology, lab equipment and other state-of-the-art learning tools used in the classroom; • Instill in students a deep awareness of God’s presence in their lives through a dynamic Campus Ministry program; • Offer students the opportunity to uncover hidden talents through our advanced placement, dual enrollment and honors courses, our vibrant visual and performing arts curriculum and our numerous clubs and activities; • Ensure that SJA continues its winning athletic tradition; and • Give students an extraordinary and enriching educational experience that they will treasure for a lifetime.

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PLANNED GIVING

Building a Legacy at St. Joseph’s Academy At St. Joseph’s Academy, our students are more than scholars. They are the living legacy of those who believe in the power of Catholic education. For generations, alumnae, parents and friends have helped shape the future of SJA through generous bequests and estate gifts. These commitments ensure that our mission endures of educating young women as responsible and unifying members of the world community. In the spirit and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, SJA offers opportunities for faith development in the Catholic tradition, academic excellence and personal growth.

If you have included St. Joseph’s Academy in your will or estate plans, we invite you to share your intentions with us. By doing so, you’ll become a member of The Legacy Society, a community of supporters whose future gifts will sustain and strengthen our school for years to come.

Membership comes with no obligation, but it allows us to thank you personally and keep you informed about the impact of your generosity.

A bequest is a simple yet powerful way to support SJA while retaining control of your assets during your lifetime. You can name St. Joseph’s Academy as a beneficiary of your will, trust, retirement plan, life insurance policy or financial accounts. Whether you’re taking the first steps in planning your estate or updating an existing plan, your support helps ensure that future students receive the same high-quality Catholic education that generations before them have cherished.

To learn more or to notify us of your plans, please contact Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald at (225) 388-2254 or geraldm@sjabr.org.

Together, we can build a legacy of faith, learning, and leadership.

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. ⃝ Am/are considering a planned gift to St. Joseph’s Academy. ⃝ Would like a personal call or visit to discuss a planned gift. ⃝ Would like to receive information about how to include SJA in a will.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Name(s)_________________________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________________________________________________________ State_________________________________Zip_______________________________________________ Phone________________________________Email_____________________________________________ St. Joseph’s Academy, 3015 Broussard Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70808

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ON CAMPUS

Students Honored for Academic Excellence Congratulations to our 2025 AP Scholars, 2026 National Merit Scholars, 2025 College Board National Recognition Program Awardees and ACT 30+ Club Members.

One hundred seventy-three St. Joseph’s Academy graduates and current students have earned AP Scholar Awards for 2025 in recognition of their exceptional achievement on college-level Advanced Placement (AP) Program exams. These outstanding scholars earned credit at Louisiana colleges and universities as well as most four-year schools in the United States.

In 2025, 776 exams were taken by 416 SJA students, and 396 (or 95.2 percent) of those students scored a 3 or higher on at least one exam.

SJA had 59 AP Scholar with Distinction award recipients.

They earned an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. There were 51 recipients of AP Scholar with Honor awards. They earned an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of

these exams. SJA had 63 AP Scholar award recipients. They received scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognized four seniors as semifinalists and seven seniors as commended students in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program have an opportunity to continue in the competition for nearly 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth $26 million to be offered next spring.

Forty-three seniors and 14 juniors were selected as recipients of the School Recognition Award from College Board. Students earn the academic honor as one of the top 10 percent of their high school’s test takers on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 and/or for earning a 3+ on two or more distinct AP exams by the 10th grade.

Sixteen juniors and seniors achieved a composite score of 30 or higher on the ACT between the April 2025 and July 2025 ACT test dates, earning membership in the community of scholars called the ACT 30+ Club.

2024 AP Scholars, 2024 College Board National Recognition Program Awardees and 2025 National Merit Scholar

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Amy and David Alexander University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Karron and Jeremy Alford Virginia Tech

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Jade and Kurt Allen Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Kristy and Earl Alleman University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Dawn Amato and Dean and Katie Amato Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Lauren and James Andermann Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Lauren and Gerald Arbour Southern Methodist University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar Daughter of Emilia and Raul Arion Attended Most Blessed Sacrament

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Rachel and Robert Atkinson Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Lauren and Christian Avery Georgetown University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Stephanie and David Baker Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Lauren and Louis Barfield Tulane University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Emily and David Beach Davidson College

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Roxanne and Mickey Bennett Attended St. George

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Katey and Adrian Bergeron Clemson University

Class of 2027 School Recognition Award Daughter of Bobbi Rice and Wayne Berlin Attended St. Jean Vianney

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Melissa and Calvin Fabre Louisiana State University

Class of 2025

Class of 2026

Daughter of Amy and Barrett Black Louisiana Tech University

Daughter of Christina and Justin Blanchard Attended St. George

AP Scholar with Honor

Class of 2026

AP Scholar with Honor, School Recognition Award

Daughter of Maradith and Ryan Boone Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2026

AP Scholar, School Recognition Award Daughter of Sydney and Shaun Braud Attended St. Jude

Class of 2027

School Recognition Award, ACT 30+ Club

Daughter of Tabatha and Jeremy Broussard Attended St. Thomas More

AP Scholar

Class of 2027

School Recognition Award

Daughter of Marcy and Brett Hubbs Attended Our Lady of Mercy

Class of 2025

AP Scholar with Honor

Daughter of Anika Bell and Dominick Bridgewater Louisiana State University

Class of 2026

AP Scholar, School Recognition Award

Daughter of Samantha and Jeffrey Buras Attended Our Lady of Mercy

Class of 2026

AP Scholar with Honor, National Merit Commended, School Recognition Award Daughter of Alisha and Michael Bodin Attended Most Blessed Sacrament

Class of 2027

School Recognition Award

Daughter of Kelli and Toliver Bozeman Attended St. Luke’s Episcopal

Class of 2025

AP Scholar with Distinction

Daughter of Jenny and Ross Broome Louisiana State University

Class of 2026

AP Scholar with Distinction, School Recognition Award

Daughter of Crystal and Andrew Burkhalter Attended Our Lady of Mercy

Class of 2027 School Recognition Award, ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Kecia and Robert Campbell Attended Sacred Heart

Class of 2027 School Recognition Award Daughter of Kasey and Sean Cangelosi Attended University Lab School

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, School Recognition Award, ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Jennifer and Jared Cavalier Attended St. Theresa of Avila

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Julie and Paul Cerise Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Monica and Britt Champagne George Washington University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Luong and Phuong Chau University of Washington

Class of 2026 Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor, School AP Scholar with Honor Recognition Award Daughter of Rebecca and Mark Christofferson Daughter of Erin and Christopher Christensen Attended Sacred Heart Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Michelle Knobloch and Michael Cobb Savannah College of Art and Design

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Leslie and Phillip Frazier and Russell and Lauren Coco University of Alabama at Birmingham

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, School Recognition Award Daughter of Catherine and Cory Chustz Attended Holy Family

Class of 2027 School Recognition Award Daughter of Shelly and Howard Cole Attended St. Luke’s Episcopal

Class of 2026

AP Scholar Daughter of Paige and Bradley Comeaux Attended Most Blessed Sacrament

Class of 2025

AP Scholar Daughter of Shana and Christopher Cordell Louisiana Tech University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, School Recognition Award Daughter of Tessa and Brian Craig Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Ana and Gilberto Cuadra Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Jeanne and Chaillie Daniel University of Arkansas

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Dawn Davis and Ivery Reed Mississippi State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Stacie and David deBlieux Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Stacie and David deBlieux Attended St. George

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Commended, School Recognition Award Daughter of Jennifer and David DeCarlo Attended St. George

Class of 2026 School Recognition Award Daughter of Holly and Justin Dekeyzer Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Sheri and Chris Demouy University of Tennessee

Class of 2026

AP Scholar

Daughter of Lori and Christopher Denstel Attended St. George

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Aimee and Timothy Deshotel Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Meegan and Seth Domangue Louisiana Tech University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor, School Recognition Award Daughter of Kathryn and Garrett Doucet Attended St. Thomas More

Class of 2026 School Recognition Award Daughter of Tiffany and Philip Dupree Attended Prairieville Middle School

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Tiffany and Philip Dupree Texas Tech University

Class of 2027 School Recognition Award Daughter of Becky and Christopher Eldredge Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Paula and Donald Elliott Auburn University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, School Recognition Award Daughter of Kelly and Christopher Elliott Attended St. Jude

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Karen and Arcade Faucheux Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Tara Guidry and James Fee University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Class of 2027 School Recognition Award Daughter of Lori Lynn and Justin Frost Attended Northwestern Middle School

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, School Recognition Award, ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Kelsey and Christopher Funes Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2026 School Recognition Award Daughter of Kristina and David Funes Attended St. Jude

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Claudia Barrientos and Manuel Gallardo University of Tennessee

Class of 2026 ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Kim Gomez and the late Michael Gomez Attended St. Thomas More

Class of 2026

AP Scholar Daughter of Stephanie and Keith Gordon Attended St. Jude

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Ashley and Charles Gordon Attended St. George

Class of 2025 Daughter of Ashley and Taylor Gravois University of Arkansas

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Mandy and Jason Grier Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Latreace and Kevin Grisby University of Maryland

Class of 2026 School Recognition Award Daughter of Jennifer and Andrew Guidroz Attended St. George

Class of 2025

Class of 2025

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, School Recognition Award Daughter of Julie and Michael Guillet Attended Our Lady of Mercy

AP Scholar Daughter of Jeanne Sehring and Barry Guidry University of Louisiana at Lafayette

AP Scholar Daughter of Jeanne Sehring and Barry Guidry University of Louisiana at Lafayette

AP Scholar

Class of 2025 Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Distinction AP Scholar with Distinction, School Daughter of Ginger and George Guttner Recognition Award Louisiana State University Daughter of Shanna Bankston and Greg Hanner Attended Prairieville Middle School

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Jenee and Kyle Harvey Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Toni and Scott Hayes American University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Andrae and Rory Hebert University of Mississippi

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Michelle and Michael Hedges University of Arkansas

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Jennifer Kirsch-Hertel and David Hertel Mississippi State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Mandy and Scott Hoffman Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Leigh and George Holder Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 School Recognition Award Daughter of Leigh and George Holder Attended St. Thomas More

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Susan and Daniel Holliday University of Mississippi

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor, National Merit Commended, School Recognition Award Daughter of Telly and Michael Hollis Attended St. George

Class of 2025

Class of 2026

Class of 2026

Daughter of Mary and Willie Jenkins University of Arkansas

Daughter of Jill and Eduardo Jimenez Attended St. Aloysius

Daughter of Sidney and Jeff Joffrion Attended St. Jude

Class of 2025

Class of 2025

Daughter of Larae and Willie Johnson Xavier University of Louisiana

Daughter of Melisssa and Scott Johnson Tulane University

Daughter of Amy and Ryan Johnson Rhodes College

Class of 2026

Class of 2026

Class of 2026

Daughter of Jeannette and Celestin Kasongo Attended St. Aloysius

Daughter of Melissa and Christopher Kennedy Attended North Corbin Junior High (Walker, LA)

Daughter of Lauren and Christopher Keyser Attended St. George

AP Scholar

AP Scholar with Honor

AP Scholar

Class of 2026

AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Semifinalist, School Recognition Award Daughter of Elise and Bahij Khuri Attended St. Aloysius

AP Scholar

AP Scholar

AP Scholar

Class of 2025

AP Scholar with Distinction

Daughter of Meghan and Timothy LaBauve Louisiana Tech University

AP Scholar

Class of 2025

AP Scholar with Distinction

AP Scholar

Class of 2027

ACT 30+ Club

Daughter of Ann Michael and Edwin Lagarde Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2026 AP Scholar Daughter of Elise and James Lalonde Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2026 AP Scholar Daughter of Lisa and Randall LaMotte Attended Holy Family

Class of 2026 AP Scholar Daughter of Alisha Landry Attended Our Lady of Mercy

Class of 2026 AP Scholar Daughter of Thien Nguyen and Huong Le Attended St. Thomas More

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, National Merit Commended, School Recognition Award Daughter of Jessica and John LeBlanc Attended St. George

Class of 2027 School Recognition Award Daughter of Jill and Michael LeBlanc Attended University Lab School

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Connie and Garrett Lieux Louisiana Tech University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor, School Recognition Award Daughter of Elizabeth and Bryan Lindsay Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2026 AP Scholar Daughter of Tobie and Scott Losavio Attended Our Lady of Mercy

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Wendi and Kurt Loup Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, National Merit Commended, School Recognition Award Daughter of Lindsey and Kenneth Manda Attended St. Theresa of Avila

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor, School Recognition Award Daughter of Nicole and Edward Martin Attended St. Jude

Class of 2026

AP Scholar Daughter of Jennifer and David Masterson Attended Northwestern Middle School

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Mary and Robert May Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Stephanie and Lee Mayeux Attended St. Jude

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Christine and Mark Cosnahan and Keith Mayeux Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor, National Merit Semifinalist, School Recognition Award Daughter of Renee and David McGuinness Attended St. George

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Alicia and the late Audie Miller Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Sorin and Ildiko Mindrut Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Heddie and the late Bob Murthy Auburn University

Class of 2026 Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit AP Scholar with Distinction Semifinalist, School Recognition Award Daughter of Heddie and the late Bob Murthy Wake Forest University Daughter of Angela and John Montalbano Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2027 School Recognition Award Daughter of Elizabeth and Leonard Nachman Attended University Lab School

Class of 2026 School Recognition Award Daughter of Kristine and John Nastasi Attended Our Lady of Mercy

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Nina Gazmen and Keith Nelson Louisiana Tech University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Michelle and Neal Noel Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Christina and Joseph O’Brien University of Miami

Class of 2027 ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Jaime and Travis Olinde Attended St. George

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Heather and Dustin Oubre Mississippi State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Erin and Jack Pou and Joshua Palmintier University of Arkansas

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Ngoc Do and Kevin Ennis University of California-Irvine

Class of 2026 AP Scholar Daughter of Amy and Cristopher Parker Attended St. Jude

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor, School Recognition Award Daughter of Meghan and Thomas Parrish Attended St. Thomas More

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Kristen and Michael Pasquier Boston University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Nimisha and Alpesh Patel Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar Daughter of Jacqueline and Gregory Payne Attended Our Lady of Mercy

Class of 2026 School Recognition Award Daughter of Angele and Robert Peek Attended Our Lady of Mercy

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Wanda and Jean-Paul Perrault Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Ryan and the late Nicole Perry University of New Orleans

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Keli and Gregory Pisciotta Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Shannon and Michael Pusateri Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor, School Recognition Award Daughter of Ginger and Jeffrey Rabb Attended Our Lady of Mercy

Class of 2026

Class of 2025

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Dana Randolph Louisiana State University

AP Scholar Daughter of Mary and James Raines Attended St. Luke’s Episcopal

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, School Recognition Award Daughter of Ragen and Robert Michael Rice Attended St. George

AP Scholar Daughter of Michelle and Rawle Ramlochan University of Toronto

Class of 2026 Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Daughter of Monique and Domonic Richard Semifinalist, School Recognition Award Attended University Lab School Daughter of Rachel and Michael Riley Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Hope and Mario Rispone Nicholls State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Melissa and Scott Ritter Rhodes College

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Laura and James Roberts Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Erica and Philip Robillard Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Distinction, School Recognition Award Daughter of Patricia and Brent Robinson Attended St. Thomas More

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Brooke and Jeremy Robinson Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Aimee and Lenny Rodrigue University of Alabama

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Tiffany and Daniel Rongey Savannah College of Art and Design

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Angela and Jon Ross Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 School Recognition Award, ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Emily and Gustavo Santa Ana Attended St. Thomas More

Class of 2025 Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Kelly and Steven Sasser Daughter of Karen Louisiana State University and Henri Saunders University of Alabama at Birmingham

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Nicole and James Randall Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Lyn and Ernest Savoie Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Louis and the late April Schaff Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, School Recognition Award Daughter of Kellie and Seth Schmeeckle Attended St. Jude

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Marcel and Kyle Schnebelen Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Elizabeth and Alan Schroeder Attended St. George

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Michelle and Timothy Schroeder University of Mississippi

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Alejandra and Neil Shaw University of Tennessee

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Erin and Jeff Shipley Louisiana State University

Class of 2025

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Dana and Nihal Singh University of Arkansas

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, School Recognition Award Daughter of Katie and Jeremy Skupien Attended St. George

AP Scholar

Daughter of Christie and Jeffrey Simoneaux University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Anna and Gaynor St. Romain and Joseph and Elizabeth Turnipseed Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Sara and Dennou Stafford Attended St. Luke’s Episcopal

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Kristyn and Ken Starkovich University of Tennessee

Class of 2026 AP Scholar Daughter of Lindsey and Christopher Stelly Attended St. Jude

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Carol and Greg Stentiford Purdue University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Carol and Greg Stentiford University of California-Irvine

Class of 2026 AP Scholar Daughter of Betty and Robert Tanory Attended St. George

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Leah and Scott Templet Nicholls State University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, School Recognition Award, ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Kaye and Martin Templet Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Melissa and Matt Terrell Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 AP Scholar, ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Stephanie and Chad Thevenot Attended St. George

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Helen and Chester Thomas University of Denver

Class of 2027 School Recognition Award, ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Michelle and Chad Thompson Attended St. Jude

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Katie and Joseph Thorne Attended St. George

Class of 2025

AP Scholar Daughter of Dena and Shane Toncrey Louisiana State University

Class of 2027 School Recognition Award, ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Julie and Chris Trahan Attended Our Lady of Mercy

Class of 2025

AP Scholar Daughter of Trinh Huynh and Luong Tran Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Keri and Robert Truitt University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Class of 2027 ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Katy and Steven Ullrich Attended St. Jude

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor, National Merit Commended, School Recognition Award Daughter of Rachel and Wame Waggenspack Attended St. Jude

Class of 2026 AP Scholar with Honor, National Merit Commended, School Recognition Award Daughter of Julie and Douglas Walsh Attended St. George

Class of 2025

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction Daughter of Jennifer and Theo Webre Louisiana State University

Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Carol and Robert Wilfert Louisiana State University

AP Scholar

Daughter of Winona and Steven Ward Louisiana State University

Class of 2026 School Recognition Award Daughter of Jenee and Timothy Wilkinson Attended St. Thomas More

Class of 2026 AP Scholar Daughter of Angelique and Marcus Winberley Attended Most Blessed Sacrament

Class of 2027 School Recognition Award Daughter of Kelly and John Wood Attended University Lab School

Class of 2026 School Recognition Award, ACT 30+ Club Daughter of Kennan and Chester Word Attended St. Aloysius

Class of 2025 AP Scholar Daughter of Erin and Kyle Zeringue Tulane University

SAVE TENNIS THE CLASSIC DATE THE 12TH SJA

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 6-8, 2026 56 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S On Campus

Bocage Racquet Club, Baton Rouge

SJA Names New Finance Director Carrie Wood has been named the new finance director at St. Joseph’s Academy. She takes over the position from Laurel Herrington, who retired at the end of the 20242025 school year.

Carrie comes to SJA from Baton Rouge Orthopaedic Clinic, where she served as the director of financial services for the past six years. Prior to that, she spent 12 years at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, serving first as senior staff accountant before being named director of accounting. In both organizations, she helped establish budget guidelines, create dashboards and facilitate financial objectives. She is excited about her new position and being part of the Academy community.

“I am currently learning about the financial operations of St. Joseph’s Academy, along with the mission and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph,” she said. “I am thrilled to join an institution that is so committed to academic excellence and innovation for the young women of our community. I look forward to collaborating with the faculty and staff of the Academy.”

Hitting the ground running, Carrie is facilitating the rollout of a new company credit card program that will streamline purchase reporting and general ledger coding. Next summer, the Finance team will implement a new cloud-based accounting software which will further enhance efficiency and reporting for SJA.

Carrie Wood MELISSA BAHLINGER BROCATO ’89

Carrie is a 2000 graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting and a minor in instrumental music performance.

She earned a master of science in accounting in 2002 from Louisiana State University.

Dean of Curriculum and Instruction

5 7 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S FALL 2025

Open House Draws Large Crowd of Prospective Families St. Joseph’s Academy hosted the annual Open House for prospective students and their families on October 16. Middle school girls and their parents toured SJA’s beautiful and historic campus led by Student Ambassadors and enjoyed the Academy experience firsthand. SJA welcomed more than 1,100 guests during the afternoon and evening of the warm fall day.

Students from 41 different schools attended.

Visitors were greeted by members of the SJA Student Council. They enjoyed student performances and demonstrations showcasing the arts, academics, sports medicine and the Andrea Clesi McMakin ’74 STEM Lab. The SJA/CHS Band, Bruinettes and CHS Cheerleaders performed throughout the evening.

Visitors saw the volleyball and basketball teams practicing and learned about the 12 additional varsity sports. They watched student technicians at work in the student-run Help Desk and saw SJA’s eSports competition areas and the new broadcast journalism studio. They watched the choir and Praise & Worship Band perform and saw members of the Black Box Company rehearsing their upcoming fall production of Almost, Maine. They learned about the various resources available to students through the Technology and Learning Center. SJA Cheerleaders and the Red Steppers competition dance team performed.

58 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S On Campus

Tours ended in the Fife Student Commons, where visitors enjoyed Sister Agatha Brownies made by SAGE Dining Services and freshly baked St. Joe Dough cookies. Guests were able to speak with administrators, teachers, counselors, the school nurse, athletic director and current parents.

The SJA Admissions Team of Meredith Smith and Victoria Hudson ’09 planned and oversaw the event.

“Our Open House was a resounding success, providing a wonderful opportunity to showcase all that SJA has to offer,” Smith said. “Our faculty, staff and Student Ambassadors represented our community with excellence, warmly welcoming prospective students and their families. I couldn’t be prouder of their dedication, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this school community.”

The Mothers’ Club was in charge of decorations for the event and also helped greet and direct families. The Dads’ Club provided food for student workers, faculty and staff prior to the start of the event.

5 9 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S FALL 2025

T R I B U T E D O N AT I O N S

The following tribute donations were made between April 16 and September 19, 2025. Please remember in your prayers those who are being honored as well as thse who honored them.

In Honor of Ms. Chapman Cooper ’16 Mr. Charles and Dr. Carrie Cooper

In Honor of Ms. Charlotte Alexander ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Alexander

In Honor of Ms. Emily Creech ’26 Ms. Katherine Creech

In Memory of Mrs. Marilyn Tregre Allgood ’48 Ms. Joan Borders Ms. Staci Ferber Ms. Katie Higgins Judy and Vincent Scandura Michelle and Daniel Scandura The Employees of Curtis Moving

In Memory of Denise Bourg Curtis Mrs. Laura Venincasa-Cox and John Cox

In Memory of June and Bill Berniard Ms. Peggy A. Berniard

In Honor of Ms. Madeleine Ferachi ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. Ferachi

In Memory of Ms. Viola Newsom Blouin Mr. and Mrs. James O. Blouin Jr.

In Memory of Dr. Milton Hallman Mrs. Dawn Abraham Dr. and Mrs. Jacques de la Bretonne Alisa Blaize Dixon Dr. and Mrs. Robert W. Dugas Dr. Jeanne Fourrier Eggart Claire Waggenspack Hayes Mr. and Mrs. James P. Richard

In Memory of Ms. Claire Bohn Mr. and Mrs. Chris Bourgeois In Honor of Lauren Bonney ’26 Ms. Brandy Bonney In Memory of Marieta BosmanOosthuizen Mr. Paul Bologna and Dr. Bunnie Hill In Honor of Mrs. Juanita Bozeman ’55 Sister Evelyn Mee, CSJ

In Honor of Ms. Caroline Creech ’20 Ms. Katherine Creech

In Memory of Mr. Kenneth DeStefano Mr. Michael Maggio In Memory of Norma and Paul Duell Paula Duell Northern

In Memory of Glen Hanner Mrs. Sandra Hanner In Memory of Mrs. Ramona Hartman ’55 Mr. and Mrs. Randy Adams

In Honor of Mrs. Stephanie Brooks ’85 Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Alexander

In Memory of Ms. Mollie Barbara Helm ’04 Dr. and Mrs. Boyd E. Helm

In Memory of Ms. Kathryn Champagne ’57 Ms. Denise Brewerton

In Honor of Miss Hannah Lou Hill ’25 Mrs. Katherine Hill

In Memory of Ms. Mary Anne Chiasson Mr. Thomas Chiasson In Memory of Mr. Walter Louis Comeaux Ms. Christen E. Legleu In Honor of Miss Camille Coniglio Mr. and Mrs. Jarrod J. Coniglio In Honor of Mrs. Courtney Coniglio Mr. and Mrs. Jarrod J. Coniglio In Honor of Ms. Emma Clare Coniglio ’23 Mr. and Mrs. Jarrod J. Coniglio In Honor of Ms. Preslie Coogler ’29 Ms. Roxanne Coogler

In Memory of Ms. Allison Honeycutt ’12 Mrs. Zorraine Waguespack

In Memory of Eleanor Dixon Kleinpeter ’54 Mrs. Lane Roberts In Memory of Mrs. Jonnie-Lu Kleinpeter ’62 Susan Johnson Thayer In Memory of Lynn Landry and Josh LeBlanc Mr. Vincent Lenguyen and Mrs. Nhung Huynh In Honor of Ms. Annabelle Laville ’15 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Laville Sr. In Honor of Ms. Jane Laville ’21 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Laville Sr. In Honor of Ms. Louise Laville ’28 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Laville Sr. In Honor of Ms. Lucy Laville ’20 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Laville Sr. In Memory of Mr. Charles Levy Ms. Hilda Levy Bourg, Denise Bourg Curtis, Shannon Curtis and Kevin Bourg’s Family In Honor of Ms. Gabrielle M. Marcantel ’96 Anonymous donor In Memory of Marjorie Claire McAnelly ’95 Ms. Amanda Register In Memory of Mr. John McKay Mrs. Phyllis McKay In Honor of Mrs. Kathy Meares ’64 Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey D. Meares In Honor of Angelle Cancienne Miller ’08 Mr. and Mrs. John Cancienne

In Memory of Kirstin Elizabeth Honoré ’18 Mr. and Mrs. Byron Honoré

In Honor of Ms. Mary Grace Miller ’16 Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery T. Miller

In Memory of Mrs. Maggie Jolly ’69 Mr. and Mrs. Jay Jolly

In Memory of Mrs. Georgia Morel Ms. Renee Trepagnier

In Honor of Ms. Andreé Judd ’14 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Laville Sr.

In Honor of Mrs. Nan Murtagh Ms. Gina Leggio

In Memory of Mr. Ntumba Kasongo Ms. Elizabeth Kasongo

In Honor of Catherine Élise Murthy ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Carville

In Memory of Mr. Patric Kasongo Ms. Elizabeth Kasongo

In Honor of Margaret Logan Murthy ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Carville

In Memory of Mrs. Joyce Kilshaw Mr. and Mrs. Steve Losavio

In Memory of Courtney Myshrall ’95 Mrs. Lindsey Fourrier

60 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Tribute Donations

In Memory of Hanh Nguyen Mr. and Mrs. Phuong T. Tran

In Memory of Mr. Donald Rougon Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Rome

In Honor of Ms. Ava Thevenot ’26 Ms. Mary Beth Harrington

In Honor of Our Lady Undoer of Knots Anonymous donor

In Memory of Audrey McGuire Ellis Santos ’37 Mr. and Mrs. Randall J. Ellis Jr.

In Memory of Mrs. Susan Morrow Tuttle ’78 Aimee Kleinpeter Klimczak

In Memory of Mr. Herman Rock Scallan Jr. Mr. and Mrs. C. Christine Montz

In Memory of Mrs. Tutta Staples Vetter ’61 Dr. and Mrs. William Arceneaux Mr. and Mrs. David Becker Ms. Mary Kay Brown Mr. Robert Day Dr. and Mrs. Jacques de la Bretonne Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Frenzel Mr. Howard Kadair Mr. and Mrs. Jay Little Mr. and Mrs. Martin Macdiarmid Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. McGuire III Mr. and Mrs. Frank Miller Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Moyse Rebecca and Ned Newsham Mrs. O. Miles Pollard Jr. Crawford Sandefur and Jerry Lancaster Lee Schaefer Ms. Marjorie Stewart Craig Tarver The Milton J. Womack Foundation Mr. and Mrs. William P. Trist Ms. Louise Walker

In Memory of Mrs. Angela Palmisano Barbara LeGardeur Mr. and Mrs. David D. Smith Jr. In Memory of Mrs. Carolyn Perkins Mr. and Mrs. Christopher C. Eldredge In Honor of Mary Claire Lambert Petit ’07 Mr. and Mrs. Eddie J. Lambert In Memory of Ms. Cathy Ragusa ’77 Peachie and Phil Ragusa In Memory of Mr. Gene Max Richards Mr. James Risher and Dr. Melinda Frantz Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Varrel Mr. and Mrs. Gale Williams In Honor of Emmaline Elizabeth Ritter ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Scott A. Ritter In Honor of Margaret Stuart Ritter ’23 Mr. and Mrs. Scott A. Ritter In Honor of Miss Adelaide Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Jarrod J. Coniglio In Honor of Laura Coniglio Robinson ’15 Mr. and Mrs. Jarrod J. Coniglio

In Honor of Rachel Elizabeth Schroeder ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Tim Schroeder In Honor of Nicole Alessandra Shaw ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Neil Shaw In Honor of the Sisters of St. Joseph Ms. Ana A. Litvinoff In Honor of Ann Stocker ’26 Ms. Eve Marie Stocker In Memory of Armon Matthew Tajdaran Mr. John Dalton Ms. Karen Douet Mr. Jamal Tajdaran Jacqueline and Gerald Zeller In Honor of Mr. Jamal Tajdaran Ms. Kaelie Bernard Mr. and Mrs. Courtney J. Laird Ms. Shreya Reshamwala

In Memory of Mrs. Rachel Drago Wall ’85 Mrs. Emma Lane Gilmore In Honor of Ms. Lucy Bea Wood ’27 Mr. and Mrs. Ted Heroman

In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Harold J. Rose Ms. Melanie M. Rose

6 1 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S FALL 2025

TRANSITIONS

MARRIAGES ’14 Megan Johnson to Ben Westra 10/17/2025 ’15 Addison Talbot to Austin Carnesi 5/31/2025 ’15 Noelle Gueho to George Kocsis 4/2/2025 ’16 Bailey Polson to William “Billy” Reeves 6/7/2025 BIRTHS ’05 Emily Gray Van Matre: son, Thomas Luc, born 4/7/2025 ’06 Alison Pourciau Cormier: twin daughters, Margaret Mary and Clare Catherine, born 6/4/2025 ’06 Sarah Pastorek Cossack: daughter, Mary Frances, born 4/14/2025 ’10 Jordan Choptovy: daughter, Josephine Gloria Sery, born 11/6/2024 ’11 Samantha Guidry Derbes: daughter, Madison, born 7/25/2025 ’12 Hannah Knight Martin: daughter, Madeline Louise, born 5/29/2025 ’14 Victoria Pipes Smith: son, Graham Kent, born 8/3/2025 ’14 Olivia LoCascio Chauncy: son, Clark Alexander, born 4/6/2025 IN MEMORIAM We make a sincere effort to publish any close alumnae family connections with the names of the deceased. With more than 11,000 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 1, 2025.

Andrew John Cormier Son of Alison Pourciau Cormier ’06 Thomas Benton Darensbourg Jr. Brother of Celeste Darensbourg Roquemore ’79 and Alyson Darensbourg ’82 Kathryn Claire Dubus Mother of Cathy Selleck Carmouche ’72, Julie Selleck ’79, Molly Ditton Selleck ’83 and Claire Selleck ’83 Grandmother of Catherine Claire Carmouche ’10 and Sarah Katherine Ball ’20 Steve Fourrier Husband of Susan Cazedessus Fourrier ’63 (dec.)

Father of Stephanie Fourrier Fontaine ’00 Uncle of Aimee Fourrier Dawes ’95 Great-uncle of Kylie Grace Fourrier ’24 and Amelia Leigh Fourrier ’27 Jules Anthony Fryoux II Son of Edith Paille Fryoux, class of 1914 (dec.)

Brother of Katherine Fryoux Mackay ’37 (dec.), Clothilde Fryoux Knight ’39 (dec.), Edith Fryoux Boudreaux ’41(dec.), Joyce Fryoux Jackson ’43 (dec.), Beverly Fryoux Jackson ’51 and Billie Fryoux Kuylen ’53 (dec.)

Great-uncle of Charlene Boudreaux ’96 Frances Marie Rayburn Gaudin Grandmother of Abigail Gaudin Lechkun ’12, Alexandra Gaudin Friend ’12, Kendall Gaudin Holden ’14 and Trey Gaudin (SJA staff member)

Benjamin Adler Brother of Sarah Jane Adler ’22 Nephew of Suzanne Toups Adler ’85

Mary Alice McDaniel Gilmore ’48

Marilyn Tregre Allgood ’48 Aunt of Susan Atkinson Wells ’78

Ann LeBlanc Guercio Mother of Merritt Guercio Voitier ’09 and Mimi Guercio ’13

Sheila Alleman Gomez ’62

John Stewart Billodeaux Husband of Jeanne LaPlace Billodeaux ’71 Lynette Voorhies Harelson ’55 Christie Heritage Baird Grandmother of Rowan Edaire Baird ’16 Vincent Anthony Cannatella Brother of Mary Ann Cannatella Raudales ’55 Grandfather of Rachel Marie Campo ’09 and Megan Cannatella White ’10 Great-grandfather of Phoenix Alyssa Beauvais ’19 Uncle of Kathy Cannatella Wilson ’75 Great-uncle of Zoe Lynn Vicari ’21

62 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Transitions

Jann H. Hebert Sister of Sister Joan H. Manuel, CSJ (former SJA faculty member) Great-aunt of Grace Terese Manuel ’18 Kenneth Gabriel Hirschey Sr. Father of Karole Hirschey ’79 (dec.)

Grandfather of Ashlee Gardiner Bueche ’10 Brother of Janie Hirschey Hollowell ’54 Uncle of Elke Hirschey Ellzey ’86, Heidi Hirschey Smith ’87, Auldyn F.

Hirschey ’88, Erika Hirschey Gragg ’91 and Gretchen Hirschey Ferachi ’93 Great-uncle of Caroline Smith ’13, Allison Smith Dupre ’15, Catherine Sims Smith ’20, Sara Manning Miller ’21, Virginia Gayle Smith ’21, Gayle Gibson Ellzey ’22, Madeleine Frye Ferachi ’25 and Anna Catherine Ferachi ’28 Shirley Joyce Hundemer Mother of Holly Hundemer Perry ’82 Rita Joyce Racheau Kilshaw (former SJA faculty member) Mother of Shannon Kilshaw LeMoine ’84 Jonnie-Lu DeArmond Kleinpeter ’62 Sister of Joyce DeArmond McIntire ’59 (dec.)

Warren Marshall Knobloch Brother of Diane Knobloch Silarais ’62 Mary LeJeune Lemoine Mother Rachel Lemoine Boudreaux ’82 and Claire Lemoine Gregory ’83 Grandmother of Madeline Eads Lemoine ’18 and Mary Grace Lemoine ’21 Charles David Levy Husband of Bernadine Ricca Levy ’55 Brother of Geraldine Levy Venincasa ’52 (dec.) and Hilda Levy Bourg ’55 Henry D. Locklar Husband of Mary Jane McKeever Locklar ’58 Father of Kelly Locklar Hufft ’89 Grandfather of Gracie Jane Hufft ’19, Peyton Elizabeth Locklar ’20 and Eliza McKeever Hufft ’21 William Scott Maxwell Father of Catherine Maxwell McDaniel ’93, Angie Maxwell ’96 and Marcie Maxwell ’99 Luz Marina Munoz de Barona Grandmother of Victoria Anne “Tori” McRoberts Hoffpauir ’02 Carolyn Carrow Murtagh Mother of Nan Murtagh (former SJA faculty member) David Joseph Norman Jr. Grandfather of Jennifer Menville Fontaine ’10 Lynnette DeLaune Ourso Mother of Amber Ourso Windham ’93

Angela Cusanza Palmisano Mother of Sheri Palmisano Klemm (SJA faculty member) Grandmother of Peyton Klemm Gardner ’13 and Jordan Rebecca Klemm ’17 Catherine Polito Politz ’56 Mother of Carla Politz ’82 Grandmother of Ava Catherine Politz ’16 Beverly Mayeux Rabalais Mother of Michele Rabalais ’84 Tacie Lane Goetting Rabalais ’94 Sister of Kristi Goetting ’99 Aunt of Megan Rabalais Nuss ’10 Mary Alice Decuir Robert Grandmother of Lauren Hurst Fontenot ’10, Leslie Hurst Green ’13, Desireé Nicole Jones ’17 and Danielle Brianne Jones ’19 Herman Rock Scallan Jr. Uncle of Isabella Elise Lalonde ’23, Sophia Grace Lalonde ’25 and Amelia Claire Lalonde ’26 Paul Jay Schultz Father of Erika Schultz Saltzberg ’97 and Kara Schultz Cheek ’01 Marianne O’Niell Steintrager Grandmother of Marianne Konikoff Stanley ’14

Daniel Gene Strong Husband of Toni Montalbano Strong ’75 Uncle of Dana Brewer ’95, Kristen Brewer Sitter ’97, Kerrie Montalbano Richmond ’97 and Natalie Montalbano Virgets ’07 Great-uncle of Evelyn Grace Richmond ’27 and Estelle Renee Richmond ’29 Lillie Major Thibaut Mother of Natalie Thibaut Comeaux ’64 (dec.) and Cherie Thibaut Smith ’76 Grandmother of Elisa Clare Comeaux Babin ’90 and Chanelle Aline duBourg Thibaut ’90 Ruth Deumite Thomas Mother of Karen Thomas Darnall ’70, Patricia Thomas ’72 and Kathy Thomas Broha ’76 Grandmother of Kaylyn Darnall Hager ’97, Kristen Serrano ’00 and Ashley Ruth Broha ’05 Great-granddaughter of Madison Lee Mann’ 29 Aunt of Staci Deumite Duhé ’81 Great-aunt of Sydney Kathryn Rose Duhé ’14 Xenia Tillery Mother of Laura Tillery ’78, Alison Tillery ’84 and Rebecca Tillery Barnes ’85

Albert Hays Town Jr. Husband of Gay May Town ’54 (dec.)

Grandfather of Nanette Town Saia ’97, Margo Town Mathews ’02, Mary Town Stickle ’02, Mignon Town Kastanos ’04, Leigh Ann Town Podorsky ’09, Martha Buckner Town ’17 and Sarah May Town ’17 Great-grandfather of Molly Grace Saia ’27 and Emma Clare Town ’28 Great-uncle of Marguerite Emma Dozier ’07 David Arnold Trusty Husband of Renee Clouatre Trusty ’78 Tutta Staples Vetter ’61 Mother of Heather Vetter Schaefer ’86 and Gabrielle Vetter ’89 Sister of Lou Staples ’63 Jeffrey Brian Vicari Brother of Pam Vicari Wingate ’72 and Tina Vicari Grant ’81 Grandfather of Zoe Lynn Vicari ’21 Uncle of Jessica Marie Vicari ’05, Jean Vicari ’12 and Abby Grant Toohey ’13 John Vukovics Grandfather of Elizabeth Vukovics Mistretta ’15, Katherine Marie Vukovics ’16 and Lauren Marie Vukovics ’19 Lance David Walker Son of Mary Evelyn Broussard ’69 Grandson of Darnyce Fairbanks Walker ’50 (dec.)

Uncle of Amelia Blaine Walker ’27 Mary Lee Agosta Wilton ’68 Sister of Felice Agosta ’69

6 3 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S FALL 2025

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