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.
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.
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
Susan Hsu Mission Advancement Operations Assistant
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.
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.
In each season, there are lessons for us.
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.
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.
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.
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 is a period of letting go.
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.”
Jan Rhorer Breen '69
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Michelle and Horace Mitchell were recognized as the 2025 Spirit of SJA Award recipients. They are
pictured with President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69.
pictured with President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69.
Paula Pennington de la Bretonne ’71 was honored as an Outstanding Alumna for 2025. She is 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Enjoying the brisk autumn evening were Darrell and Angelle Ourso and Patrick and Renee
Eight classmates from the class of 1978 sported matching Soirée attire. They are Debbie Talbot, Lindie Aguillard Stevens, Aimee Kleinpeter Klimczak, Cheryl Golden, Julia Waggenspack Casemore, Laura Ruiz Farris, Linda Barry Bynum and Kathy Baer McDowell.
Jones
and Stephanie
Mary
checked out some of the auction items on display.
Katey and Jason McCann, Carrie and Hedrick Wood and Kristy and Jeff Larson enjoyed the Soirée.
(Robinson ’83) Tullier.
Kirstyn
Granger ’08, Jarrod Granger,
Alford
Randazza
Sister Cynthia Sabathier, Sister Lucy Silvio ’59, Bishop Michael Duca, Jan Rhorer Breen ’69, Roland Toups, Sister Joan Laplace and Linda Thompson smiled for the camera at the Soirée.
Dannielle Lewis and Christene Merritt had a great time at the
Missy Heck Brown ’94 and Donna Gautreau Calabrese ’46 showed off their dance moves with members of the Peyton Falgoust band.
Posing in the Investar Quad were Chris Lemoine, Christina Cherry and Yolunda and Jonathan Taylor.
A delightful autumn evening welcomed Jamie and Jeff Purpera, Jan Rhorer Breen ’69, Mike and Lexie Polito, Yvette Bonnano-Tharp ’90 and Steve Greer
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.
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.
Paul Laperouse, right, was the winner of the dance-off contest. He is congratulated by Craig Herpin, chairman of the Back-toSchool Dance planning committee.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
President Jan Rhorer Breen ’69 and Entrepreneurship Director Yvette Aillet ’09 sign papers establishing the St. Joe Dough Entrepreneurship Scholarship for Tuition Assistance.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Senior Hannah Hebert and her grandparents, Rhonda and Floyd Coye; Betsy Simpson Gosserand (greatgrandmother); Rosemary Coye (great-grandmother); and Henry and Marianne Hebert.
Senior Kennedy Papillion and her grandparents, Marie Parker and Richard Nettles.
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 Olivia Vaccaro and her grandparents, Buzz Vaccaro Sr. and Sue Vaccaro and Darlene Fasullo Lundin ’65 and Tommy Lundin Sr.
Freshman Maria Markey and her grandparents, Jim and Cindy Markey and Sarah Losavio Greco ’59.
Freshman Caroline Panepinto and her grandparents, Barbara Panepinto, Frank Panepinto, Theresa Brooks, Mike Brooks, (family friend) Shane Evans and Bianca Brooks.
Freshman Ryan Bonton and her grandmothers, Gwen Bonton and Marie Mathews.
Freshman Hadley Jackson and her grandparents, Diane and P.J. Calico.
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.
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.”
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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 tranquil porch beckons guests.
Photos by Julie Soefer.
A sitting room in The Marlene Inn.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Redstickers Enjoy Summer Reunions
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.
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.
Enjoying Family Day were Allie Smith Dupré ’15, Joseph Dupré, Christopher Dupré, Elissa Nunnally ’15, Madeleine Richard Hornung ’15 and Logan Hornung.
Michele Ashmore LeBouef ’05 and her husband Ryan enjoyed the Grand Reunion Family Day with daughters Cora and Tegan.
Members of the class of 2010 posed for a picture with their children.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
’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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
’85 KIRSTEN “KERRY” BRENNER DAVID
’85 LIZEL
’96 LINDSAY ST. AMANT SEELY
’02 JEN BAYHI GENNARO
’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.
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.
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
’08 RACHEL VIERCK AMIE
’15 KATIE MARIE CAZES
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.
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.
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
’20 SECOND LIEUTENANT JESSICA BLAIR MICHELET,
Achievement from the 2025 Military Intelligence Officer Leadership Course at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
’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
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.
’19 SYDNEY MELDER
’20 SHELBY BORDELON
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.
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.
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.
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
St. Joseph’s Academy, 3015 Broussard Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
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 Honor Daughter of Kristy and Earl Alleman University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Jade and Kurt Allen Louisiana State University
Class of 2025
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 Louis Barfield Tulane University
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Honor
Daughter of Melissa and Calvin Fabre 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 Emily and David Beach Davidson College
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Katey and Adrian Bergeron Clemson University
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Stephanie and David Baker Louisiana State University
Class of 2026
AP Scholar with Honor
Daughter of Roxanne and Mickey Bennett Attended St. George
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 Amy and Barrett Black Louisiana Tech University
Class of 2026 AP Scholar
Daughter of Christina and Justin Blanchard Attended St. George
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 2026
AP Scholar with Honor, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Maradith and Ryan Boone Attended St. Aloysius
Class of 2027 School Recognition Award
Daughter of Marcy and Brett Hubbs Attended Our Lady of Mercy
Class of 2027 School Recognition Award
Daughter of Kelli and Toliver Bozeman Attended St. Luke’s Episcopal
Class of 2026
AP Scholar, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Sydney and Shaun Braud Attended St. Jude
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Honor Daughter of Anika Bell and Dominick Bridgewater Louisiana State University
Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Jenny and Ross Broome Louisiana State University
Class of 2027
School Recognition Award, ACT 30+ Club
Daughter of Tabatha and Jeremy Broussard Attended St. Thomas More
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 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 2026
AP Scholar with Honor, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Erin and Christopher Christensen 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 Distinction
Daughter of Monica and Britt Champagne George Washington University
Class of 2026
AP Scholar with Honor
Daughter of Rebecca and Mark Christofferson Attended Sacred Heart
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 2025
AP Scholar
Daughter of Luong and Phuong Chau University of Washington
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
Class of 2025
AP Scholar
Daughter of Shana and Christopher Cordell Louisiana Tech University
Class of 2025
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 Honor
Daughter of Stacie and David deBlieux Louisiana State University
of 2026
School Recognition Award
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Jeanne and Chaillie Daniel University of Arkansas
of 2026
AP Scholar with Honor
Daughter of Stacie and David deBlieux Attended St. George
AP Scholar with Honor
Daughter of Dawn Davis and Ivery Reed Mississippi State University
Class of 2026
AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Commended, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Jennifer and David DeCarlo Attended St. George
Class
Class
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 with Distinction
Daughter of Paula and Donald Elliott Auburn University
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Tara Guidry and James Fee
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Class of 2025
AP Scholar
Daughter of Tiffany and Philip Dupree Texas Tech University
Class of 2026
AP Scholar, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Kelly and Christopher Elliott Attended St. Jude
Class of 2027
School Recognition Award
Daughter of Lori Lynn and Justin Frost
Attended Northwestern Middle School
Class of 2027
School Recognition Award
Daughter of Becky and Christopher Eldredge Attended St. Aloysius
Class of 2025
AP Scholar
Daughter of Karen and Arcade Faucheux Louisiana State University
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
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Claudia Barrientos and Manuel Gallardo University of Tennessee
of 2026
ACT 30+ Club
Daughter of Kim Gomez and the late Michael Gomez Attended St. Thomas More
AP Scholar
Daughter of Stephanie and Keith Gordon Attended St. Jude
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Mandy and Jason Grier Louisiana State University
AP Scholar with Honor
Daughter of Ashley and Charles Gordon Attended St. George
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Latreace and Kevin Grisby University of Maryland
AP Scholar
Daughter of Ashley and Taylor Gravois University of Arkansas
Daughter of Jennifer and Andrew Guidroz Attended St. George
Class of 2025
Class
Class of 2026
Class of 2026
Class of 2025
Class of 2025
Class of 2025
Class of 2026
School Recognition Award
Class of 2025
AP Scholar
Daughter of Jeanne Sehring and Barry Guidry University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Class of 2025
AP Scholar
Daughter of Jeanne Sehring and Barry Guidry University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Class of 2026
AP Scholar, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Julie and Michael Guillet Attended Our Lady of Mercy
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Ginger and George Guttner
Louisiana State University
AP Scholar with Distinction, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Shanna Bankston and Greg Hanner Attended Prairieville Middle School
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Jenee and Kyle Harvey Louisiana State University
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Toni and Scott Hayes American University
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Jennifer Kirsch-Hertel and David Hertel Mississippi State University
AP Scholar with Distinction
AP Scholar with Honor
AP Scholar with Honor, National
Class of 2026
Class of 2025
Class of 2025
Class of 2025
Daughter of Andrae and Rory Hebert University of Mississippi
Class of 2025
Daughter of Michelle and Michael Hedges University of Arkansas
Class of 2025
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
Merit
Commended, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Telly and Michael Hollis Attended St. George
Class of 2025 AP Scholar
Daughter of Mary and Willie Jenkins University of Arkansas
of 2025 AP Scholar with Honor
of 2026 AP Scholar
Daughter of Jill and Eduardo Jimenez
AP Scholar
of 2026 AP Scholar
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Larae and Willie Johnson Xavier University of Louisiana
of 2026 AP Scholar
Daughter of Jeannette and Celestin Kasongo Attended St. Aloysius
of 2026 AP Scholar
Daughter of Melissa and Christopher Kennedy
North
Daughter of Amy and Ryan Johnson Rhodes College
Scholar
Class
Attended St. Aloysius
Class
Daughter of Sidney and Jeff Joffrion Attended St. Jude
Class
Class of 2025
Daughter of Melisssa and Scott Johnson Tulane University
Class
Class
Attended
Corbin Junior High (Walker, LA)
Class of 2026 AP
Daughter of Lauren and Christopher Keyser Attended St. George
Class of 2026
AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Semifinalist, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Elise and Bahij Khuri Attended St. Aloysius
Class of 2025 AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Meghan and Timothy LaBauve Louisiana Tech University
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 2025
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Connie and Garrett Lieux
Louisiana Tech University
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 Jessica and John LeBlanc Attended St. George
Class of 2026
AP Scholar with Honor, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Elizabeth and Bryan Lindsay Attended St. Aloysius
Class of 2026
AP Scholar, National Merit Commended, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Lindsey and Kenneth Manda
Attended St. Theresa of Avila
Class of 2027 School Recognition Award
Daughter of Jill and Michael LeBlanc Attended University Lab School
Class of 2026
AP Scholar
Daughter of Tobie and Scott Losavio Attended Our Lady of Mercy
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
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Mary and Robert May Louisiana State University
Class of 2026
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 2025
AP Scholar with Honor
Daughter of Sorin and Ildiko Mindrut Louisiana State University
AP Scholar with Honor
AP Scholar with Honor, National Merit Semifinalist, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Renee and David McGuinness Attended St. George
of 2026
AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Semifinalist, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Angela and John Montalbano Attended St. Aloysius
and
Daughter of Alicia and the late Audie Miller Louisiana State University
of 2025
AP Scholar with Distinction
Class
Class
Daughter of Heddie and the late Bob Murthy Wake Forest University
Class of 2025
Daughter of Heddie and the late Bob Murthy Auburn University
Class of 2027 School Recognition Award
Daughter of Elizabeth
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 with Honor
Daughter of Ngoc Do and Kevin Ennis University of California-Irvine
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Honor
of 2025
AP Scholar
Class of 2026
AP Scholar
Daughter of Amy and Cristopher Parker Attended St. Jude
of 2025
AP Scholar
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Erin and Jack Pou and Joshua Palmintier University of Arkansas
Class of 2026
AP Scholar with Honor, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Meghan and Thomas Parrish Attended St. Thomas More
Class of 2026
AP Scholar
Daughter of Jacqueline and Gregory Payne Attended Our Lady of Mercy
Class
Daughter of Heather and Dustin Oubre Mississippi State University
Daughter of Kristen and Michael Pasquier Boston University
Class
Daughter of Nimisha and Alpesh Patel Louisiana State University
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 Keli and Gregory Pisciotta Louisiana State University
of 2026
AP Scholar
Daughter of Mary and James Raines
Attended St. Luke’s Episcopal
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 Shannon and Michael Pusateri Louisiana State University
AP Scholar
Daughter of Michelle and Rawle Ramlochan University of Toronto
AP
of 2025
AP Scholar with Honor
Daughter of Ryan and the late Nicole Perry University of New Orleans
Class of 2026
AP Scholar with Honor, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Ginger and Jeffrey Rabb Attended Our Lady of Mercy
of 2025
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Dana Randolph Louisiana State University
Class
Class
Class
Class of 2025
Class
Class of 2026
AP Scholar, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Ragen and Robert Michael Rice Attended St. George
Class of 2026
Scholar with Honor
Daughter of Monique and Domonic Richard Attended University Lab School
Class of 2026
AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Semifinalist, School Recognition Award
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 2025
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Aimee and Lenny Rodrigue University of Alabama
Class of 2026
School Recognition Award, ACT 30+ Club
Daughter of Emily and Gustavo Santa Ana
Attended St. Thomas More
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
Daughter of Tiffany and Daniel Rongey
Savannah College of Art and Design
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Honor
Daughter of Kelly and Steven Sasser Louisiana State University
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 Angela and Jon Ross Louisiana State University
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Karen and Henri Saunders
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Honor
Daughter of Nicole and James Randall
Louisiana State University
AP
AP
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
Scholar with Honor Daughter of Elizabeth and Alan Schroeder Attended St. George
Class of 2025
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
AP Scholar
Daughter of Christie and Jeffrey Simoneaux University of Louisiana at Lafayette
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
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 Honor
Daughter of Leah and Scott Templet Nicholls 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 Distinction
Daughter of Carol and Greg Stentiford University of California-Irvine
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 Honor
Daughter of Helen and Chester Thomas University of Denver
Class of 2026
AP Scholar
Daughter of Betty and Robert Tanory Attended St. George
Class of 2025
AP Scholar with Distinction
Daughter of Melissa and Matt Terrell Louisiana State University
School
Class of 2027
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
of 2025 AP Scholar
Daughter of Dena and Shane Toncrey Louisiana State University
Class of 2025
Class of 2027
School Recognition Award, ACT 30+ Club
Daughter of Julie and Chris Trahan Attended Our Lady of Mercy
Class of 2027
AP Scholar
Daughter of Trinh Huynh and Luong Tran Louisiana State University
Class of 2026
AP Scholar with Honor, National Merit Commended, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Rachel and Wame Waggenspack Attended St. Jude
AP Scholar with Honor
Daughter of Keri and Robert Truitt University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Class of 2026
AP Scholar with Honor, National Merit Commended, School Recognition Award
Daughter of Julie and Douglas Walsh Attended St. George
ACT 30+ Club
Daughter of Katy and Steven Ullrich Attended St. Jude
of 2025
AP Scholar
Daughter of Winona and Steven Ward Louisiana State University
Class
Class
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
Class of 2026 School Recognition Award
Daughter of Jenee and Timothy Wilkinson Attended St. Thomas More
THE 12TH SJA TENNIS CLASSIC
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, MARCH 6-8, 2026
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 Wood
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 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
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.
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.
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. Charlotte Alexander ’25
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Alexander
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 June and Bill Berniard
Ms. Peggy A. Berniard
In Memory of Ms. Viola Newsom Blouin
Mr. and Mrs. James O. Blouin Jr.
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 Mrs. Stephanie Brooks ’85
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Alexander
In Memory of Ms. Kathryn Champagne ’57
Ms. Denise Brewerton
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 Honor of Ms. Chapman Cooper ’16
Mr. Charles and Dr. Carrie Cooper
In Honor of Ms. Caroline Creech ’20
Ms. Katherine Creech
In Honor of Ms. Emily Creech ’26
Ms. Katherine Creech
In Memory of Denise Bourg Curtis
Mrs. Laura Venincasa-Cox and John Cox
In Memory of Mr. Kenneth DeStefano
Mr. Michael Maggio
In Memory of Norma and Paul Duell
Paula Duell Northern
In Honor of Ms. Madeleine Ferachi ’25
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. Ferachi
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 Glen Hanner
Mrs. Sandra Hanner
In Memory of Mrs. Ramona Hartman ’55
Mr. and Mrs. Randy Adams
In Memory of Ms. Mollie Barbara Helm ’04
Dr. and Mrs. Boyd E. Helm
In Honor of Miss Hannah Lou Hill ’25
Mrs. Katherine Hill
In Memory of Ms. Allison Honeycutt ’12
Mrs. Zorraine Waguespack
In Memory of Kirstin Elizabeth Honoré ’18
Mr. and Mrs. Byron Honoré
In Memory of Mrs. Maggie Jolly ’69
Mr. and Mrs. Jay Jolly
In Honor of Ms. Andreé Judd ’14
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Laville Sr.
In Memory of Mr. Ntumba Kasongo
Ms. Elizabeth Kasongo
In Memory of Mr. Patric Kasongo
Ms. Elizabeth Kasongo
In Memory of Mrs. Joyce Kilshaw
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Losavio
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 Honor of Ms. Mary Grace Miller ’16
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery T. Miller
In Memory of Mrs. Georgia Morel
Ms. Renee Trepagnier
In Honor of Mrs. Nan Murtagh
Ms. Gina Leggio
In Honor of Catherine Élise Murthy ’25
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Carville
In Honor of Margaret Logan Murthy ’25
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Carville
In Memory of Courtney Myshrall ’95
Mrs. Lindsey Fourrier
In Memory of Hanh Nguyen
Mr. and Mrs. Phuong T. Tran
In Honor of Our Lady Undoer of Knots Anonymous donor
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 Memory of Mr. Donald Rougon
Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. Rome
In Memory of Audrey McGuire Ellis Santos ’37
Mr. and Mrs. Randall J. Ellis Jr.
In Memory of Mr. Herman Rock Scallan Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. C. Christine Montz
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
In Honor of Ms. Ava Thevenot ’26
Ms. Mary Beth Harrington
In Memory of Mrs. Susan Morrow Tuttle ’78
Aimee Kleinpeter Klimczak
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. Rachel Drago Wall ’85
Mrs. Emma Lane Gilmore
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.
Benjamin Adler
Brother of Sarah Jane Adler ’22 Nephew of Suzanne Toups Adler ’85
Marilyn Tregre Allgood ’48
Aunt of Susan Atkinson Wells ’78
John Stewart Billodeaux
Husband of Jeanne LaPlace Billodeaux ’71
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
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 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
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
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
