SJA Connections (Winter 2024)

J S A winter 2 0 2 4

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

Congratulations to the 2024 St. Joseph’s Academy

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CLASS

Kobi LeBlanc

Katie Spansel

Heather Lott

Track & Field, Cross Country

Basketball

Golf

CHENEVERT ’93

ESTEP ’01

WINQUIST ’09

Save the Date: Thursd ay , M a rc h 1 4, 2 0 24 THE HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY Aca de my Stud e nt Ce nte r | 6: 30 p . m. Tickets Now On Sale www.sjahalloffame.org

4 FROM THE PRESIDENT

On the Cover:

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 Jennifer Menville Fontaine '04 Digital Marketing & Analytics Director Holly Browning Graphic Designer Meg Gerald Mission Advancement Director Alli Bourgeois ’14 Mission Advancement Assistant Director-Alumnae and Constituent Relations Jennifer Knight Mission Advancement Assistant Director-Events Donna Blanc Mission Advancement Database Manager Wendy Coniglio Mission Advancement Database Assistant

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1 6 A L U M S T O D AY

2 8 ALUMNAE NEWS

3 0 ANNUAL FUND

3 1 PLANNED GIVING

3 2 ON CAMPUS

IN THIS ISSUE

Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on March 14. Join us as we honor Katie Spansel Estep ’01, Heather Lott Winquist ’09 and Kobi Chenevert LeBlanc ’93. Tickets are available at www.sjahalloffame.org.

3 8 T R I B U T E D O N AT I O N S

4 2 TRANSITIONS

FROM THE PRESIDENT

We Are Called to Serve In Matthew 25:31-46, the parable describes the judgment of mankind and what we are called to do in our lives. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in, I was naked and you clothed me, I was ill and you cared for me, I was in prison and you visited me. In the story, the king says to the righteous, “Come you are blessed by my Father. For during your life when I was hungry, you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me and in prison you visited me.” “The righteous then ask, ‘When did we see you hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, ill or in prison?’ “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers, you did for me.” WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE. St. Ignatius describes service in these words. “To follow is to serve, to be available is to serve, to believe and to trust is to serve, to accompany is to serve and to celebrate the Eucharist is to serve. Serving is to share what we have already been given and always follows upon loving.” To love and serve embody one of the fundamental tenets of the spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph in “serving the dear neighbor without distinction.” Do we see as God sees and love as God loves? Do we recognize God in our neighbor, and do we love all people as God does? We at SJA are called to serve the dear neighbor through our actions, our words, every gesture of genuine compassion and through our service to others with an open and generous heart. We are called to love and serve in all things.

various forms.” Each of us has gifts to share. A smile may give warmth to another, a friendly hello may change another person’s mood, an unexpected visit may give joy to someone suffering, a word of encouragement may give a person the confidence he or she needs to move forward, an invitation to gather may give someone a feeling of belonging, an opportunity given to another may open a new journey and being present to listen when another is in pain lets him or her know you are there with love and compassion. WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE. Serving means treating others with honor and respect. It is a joyful way of life in which our eyes are open to the vision of the God who chooses to be revealed in service to others. Our actions and service should reflect Christ and how He loves. As Richard Rohr said, “Service is the work of the soul. It is a return to what is most genuine Jan Rhorer Breen '69 and real in each of us. It is turning toward our goodness. Service is a blessing to life. Every act of loving kindness is offering ourselves to others even when not comfortable or convenient.” When we are doing something primarily for the benefit and goodwill of another person or people, we are looking outside of ourselves, beyond our own problems and seeking to bring value to others. When we serve, we transform lives and nurture a more compassionate world. Our hearts are filled with love, our arms reach out, our eyes are wide open and all for the good of mankind. That is when service becomes prayer as we encounter God. Service is a joyful way of life in which our eyes are opened to the vision of God who chooses to be revealed in service to others. Service is an expression of the search for God and seeing your life devoted to loving others and creating something that gives you purpose and meaning. Give your hands to serve and your heart to love.

WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE. Service is what life is all about. Service draws us out of ourselves. Our service affects the world we live in, the community we serve and leads us to a larger world than ourselves by impacting those we don’t even know. In Peter 4:10-11, it states, “Each of you should use whatever gifts you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its

4 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S From the President

WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE. SERVE OTHERS UNSELFISHLY WITH NO THOUGHT OF REWARD. MAXIM 55 Sisters of St. Joseph

SJA COMMUNITY

Three New Members to be Inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame The St. Joseph’s Academy Athletic Hall of Fame will welcome its 2024 induction class during a special evening celebration on Thursday, March 14, in the Academy Student Center. Heather Lott Winquist ’09 (golf), Katie Spansel Estep ’01 (basketball) and Kobi LeBlanc Chenevert ’93 (track and field, cross country) will be honored as members of the ninth class of inductees. Tickets are now on sale at www.sjahalloffame. org. The deadline to register is Thursday, March 7.

HEATHER LOTT WINQUIST ’09 When Heather Lott Winquist was born, her father relished the idea that finally, one of his children would share his passion for the game of golf. Heather was the last of five children, and her four older brothers had other interests and hobbies, wanting nothing to do with the game their dad loved. Heather loved spending quality time with her dad on the golf course, though her early motivation was the chance to drive the cart. “My dad took what he could get,” Heather said. But soon, Heather was spending afternoons, evenings and weekends on the course. The more she practiced and played, the more she enjoyed the game. And, naturally, the better she became. During Heather’s three years as a member of the St. Joseph’s Academy golf team, the Redstickers won two state championships and finished as state runner-up once. In her first season as a sophomore in 2007, Heather won the individual LHSAA Division I state championship, carding 71-70 over the two-day tournament. The Redstickers would dominate the field en route to the state title, outdistancing the second-place finishers by 48 strokes. Their two-day team total of 286 set a new state tournament record low. Heather was named to the 2007 All-Metro Team, and later that year, she won the Texas Junior Golf Tour’s first invitational of the 2007-2008 season with a two-day total of 150 (75-75). She also won

the Stanford Junior Classic, Koasati Pines Junior Classic and the Mississippi/Louisiana Junior Girls tournament. As a junior in 2008, Heather finished second in the state tournament while teammate Kirby Baker, a senior, captured the individual crown. The duo powered the team to a second consecutive state championship. Early in the spring, Heather had won the regional title with a 68 and finished second in the Metro Golf Tournament with a 72. She was named the Outstanding Player of the All-Metro Team and received the SJA Coach’s Award. She would also win the Louisiana Women’s Golf Association state championship. Heather finished her SJA career with a fourth-place finish in the 2009 state tournament, leading her team to a runner-up finish. In the regional tournament earlier in the spring, she fired a 69 to capture medalist honors. She shot a 1-under-par 71 to finish in a tie in the Metro Tournament, then won the ensuing playoff in two holes. She was named the All-Metro Player of the Year. She was also honored by the Advocate as the Star of Stars in Girls Golf in Baton Rouge. On the Texas Junior Golf Tour that year, she won the South Texas Shootout as well as the Houston High School District tournament. Following her stellar high school career, Heather earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Kentucky. As a freshman, she played in seven events with an average score of 78.60. She played 10 events as a sophomore and junior with average scores of 76.74 and 78.17, respectively. Her final year of competition saw her play in six events, with an average score of 76.22 and a low round of 70. As a sophomore, she qualified for the U.S. Women’s Amateur and shared the experience with her dad, who served as her caddy. Heather was named to the Frank Ham Society of Character and won the Athletic Academic Character Award in 2013. She was twice named to the National Golf Coaches Association’s All-American Scholar Team (2010-2011 and 2012-2013) and made the Dean’s List continued on next page 5 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S WINTER 2024

in 2009 and 2011. She was named to the SEC Community Service Team for 2009-2010. She earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing in 2015. Today, Heather works as an RN in preadmission testing with Anesthesia Medical Group in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She and her husband, Nick, have three children: Leon (6), Charlotte (4) and Hugh (2). While a young family keeps her busy, Heather manages to spend some precious time on the golf course and hopes to one day share her love of the game with her children.

KATIE SPANSEL ESTEP ’01 When she was 3 years old, Katie Spansel Estep announced to her mother that, after a year of ballet lessons and an end-of-the-year recital, she was done with dancing. From an early age, Katie knew what she wanted and demonstrated an unwavering determination to accomplishing her goals. Richard Grant was St. Joseph’s Academy’s basketball coach during Katie’s sophomore-senior seasons. “In all my years as a coach for boys’ and girls’ basketball and other sports, I can think of no one who worked harder to perfect her craft,” he said. “I recall opening the gym for her to practice on her own while her friends were out having fun.” Katie’s love of basketball began in the fifth grade, when she spent recess on the blacktop court at St. Benilde School in Metairie. When her family moved to Baton Rouge, Katie attended St. Jude, where the late Coach Wayne Lemoine honed her basketball skills. She would practice for hours in the driveway of her home, nearly always competing with the neighborhood boys. She also participated in basketball camps at LSU. As her love of the sport grew, she joined an AAU team, the Baton Rouge Lady Tigers Basketball Team, coached by Robert Dallimore. She played year-round and traveled across the country to attend basketball camps.

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

“I have been a teacher and a coach since 1993, and I have interacted with and coached well over 1,000 students in that time,” Coach Dallimore said. “Katie is on my short list of all-time favorites. She is a well-rounded person who is driven to excel. Since our initial team meeting in 1998, I have been impressed with her maturity, drive, work ethic, positive attitude and general ability to uplift those around her.” Katie was a four-year letter winner at SJA. As a senior, she led the Redstickers with 17.1 points, 5.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 4 steals per game. She was named to the All-District First Team in 2000 and 2001 and the Second Team in 1998 and 1999. She was the District 5-5A most valuable player as a junior. She was twice named to the All-Metro Team and was named to the LHSBCA All-State Team as a sophomore, junior and senior. She served as team captain her junior and senior seasons and was named team MVP as a sophomore and junior. She led the team in assists as a freshman. Katie excelled in the classroom, as well. She was named to the 2001 LHSAA All-Academic All-State Basketball Team and graduated with Second Academics honors. She earned a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from LSU in 2006 and a master of business administration from the University of La Verne in 2012. Today, Katie is a professional engineer, project developer and project manager. She serves as senior business developer with Williams Companies in Houston, Texas, specializing in the development of solar and battery storage projects. Katie is married to Mark Estep II. They have a son, Eli, who was born in November of 2022.

KOBI LEBLANC CHENEVERT ’93 Kobi LeBlanc Chenevert was an active child from the time she could walk. She was also daring, known to jump off a roof onto the family’s trampoline to achieve maximum bounce. To channel some of her daughter’s energy, Kobi’s mother encouraged her to spend playtime outdoors. Kobi happily obliged and spent her early years in perpetual motion. At Sacred Heart of Jesus School, Kobi’s athleticism caught the attention of Coach Randall Heine, who suggested she join the track and field team. From there, it was quite literally off to the races. At St. Joseph’s Academy, Kobi became a three-sport athlete. As a freshman, she was named to the All-Parish Cross Country Second Team. She earned Outstanding JV Basketball Player accolades and excelled in track-and-field competition, leading the Redstickers to the 6-AAA district title with first-place finishes in the 400 meter run, high jump and long jump and as the anchor on the 1600 meter relay team. She placed seventh in the 400 in the outdoor state championship and was named to the 1989-1990 Who’s Who in Sports as one of the nation’s outstanding high school athletes. As a sophomore, Kobi helped lead the cross country team to a second-place finish in the Division I state meet. At the 1991 Grizzly Relays, she set the meet long jump record (17-feet, 2½ inches). She led the Redstickers to another district championship and was named to the All-Parish Team in the long jump and high jump. During her junior year, Kobi won the indoor state championship in the 800 meters. At the 1992 Grizzly Relays, she set the meet record in the 800 (2:26.20) and anchored the 1600 meter relay team that set school and meet records (4:10.70). She led the team to the district championship before finishing second in the 800 at the state outdoor meet. She was named to the All-Parish Team in the long jump and 800.

As a senior in 1993, she set the stadium long jump record at the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Meet and meet records in the long jump and triple jump at the Grizzly Relays. Advocate sports reporter Robin Fambrough called her the most versatile performer in the area. Kobi would lead the Redstickers to a fourth consecutive district championship, and in her final state outdoor meet, she finished third in the triple jump and second in the 800. Legendary Coach Pete Boudreaux described Kobi as one of the early stars of the SJA track program. “She could run, she could jump, was a member of some very good relays and made everyone around her better,” he said. “To have someone who could run the 800 and the 400 as well as long jump is not a combination that many athletes even try. Add to that her relay exploits, and you have a very unique athlete; extraordinary, to say the least.” In June before her senior year, Kobi enjoyed the unique opportunity to travel to China for two track meets as part of The Athletics Congress Southern Association. Part of a 10-member Louisiana contingent, Kobi competed in the long jump, 800 meters (finishing first) and on the mile relay team which won at both meets. Kobi was a member of the 1993-1994 Southern University Lady Jags track and field team, which won the SWAC championship. Although sidelined by an injury following her freshman year, Kobi never gave up her love of the sport, encouraging her three younger brothers to follow in her footsteps. Kobi and her husband, Mark Chenevert, have two children: Daughter Kelby is a 2022 graduate of SJA, and son Quintin is a sophomore at Catholic High. Kobi and Mark are active volunteers with the Sacred Heart Athletic Department, coaching numerous sports, running tournaments and helping at home athletic contests. Kobi spent 10 years as a human resources professional. She now helps Mark with his construction business, Chenevert Construction Inc., and his fishing and tackle store, Hookin Up Marine & Tackle. 7 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S WINTER 2024

SJA Receives Blue Ribbon During Washington, D.C., Ceremony St. Joseph’s Academy was among the 353 schools from across the United States to be named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023. SJA representatives President Jan Rhorer Breen, Principal Stacia Andricain and longtime faculty member Liz Fontenot traveled to Washington, D.C., for this year’s awards ceremony on November 16 and 17. SJA is a five-time National Blue Ribbon School awardee, having been honored in 1991, 1996, 2002, 2016 and now 2023. The Academy is one of just eight schools in the country to have earned five Blue Ribbons. Private schools are recommended for the designation by The Council for American Private Education (CAPE). This year, CAPE recommended just 40 schools. Honorees gathered at the Omni Shoreham Hotel to celebrate excellence in education. Each school received a plaque and flag to signify its exemplary status. In addition to accepting their awards, school representatives heard from U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona; 2023 National Teacher of the Year Rebecka Peterson; Christopher Willard, Psy.D., Harvard Medical School; Joseph P. Masgai, Ed.D., principal of Afton Elementary School and a two-year resident fellow in the U.S. Department of Education; and Cindy Marten, U.S. Department of Education deputy secretary. Participants also shared practices and learned valuable strategies by participating in roundtable discussions and workshops. Mrs. Breen, Mrs. Andricain and Ms. Fontenot also enjoyed a nighttime tour of the U.S. Capitol led by Congressman Garret Graves. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools in one of two performance categories: Exemplary High Performing Schools and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools. SJA is recognized as an exemplary high performing school, which means that

student achievement in the most recently completed school year places the school in the top 15 percent in the nation in reading (or English language arts) and mathematics as measured by a nationally normed test or in the top 15 percent of its state as measured by a state test. If a nonpublic school administers both state tests and nationally normed tests, the school must be in the top 15 percent in both. Mrs. Andricain said she was honored to receive the Academy’s fifth Blue Ribbon on behalf of the entire school community. “Being in a room with hundreds of educators who work hard every day to deliver the best education to students across the nation is inspiring,” she said. “I am so proud of the work of the students, faculty and staff who are the backbone of our Exemplary High Performing School. May the Lord continue to bless our school community as we continue to strive for excellence in all that we do.” Mrs. Breen, a 1969 Academy graduate, said accepting the Blue Ribbon on behalf of her alma mater was humbling and exciting. “This award exemplifies 155 years of living the mission of excellence in faith development, academic excellence and personal growth,” she said. “Our community of students, parents, faculty, staff, alumnae and friends are all part of this honor, and we celebrate together the gift of the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph in our lives.” Ms. Fontenot was selected to represent SJA at the ceremony by vote of the faculty and staff. “It was an honor and privilege to have been nominated to be their representative,” she said. “I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to represent such an outstanding faculty and staff, and believe me, I made sure to let the participants know what a special community we have here at SJA: faculty, staff, administrators and students.”

S JA

/CHS

Chorus SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024 Marietta, Georgia

Former SJA and CHS chorus While Jan Breen, Stacia Andricain and Liz Fontenot were in Washington, D.C., SJA celebrated National Blue Ribbon Day on campus on November 17. Students, faculty and staff dressed in blue and enjoyed a surprise lunchtime treat of ice cream from Blue Bell Creameries.

members under the direction of Mrs. Penny Hallman are planning a reunion near her home! Please respond to Suzette

Aba Kumi, director of the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, presents the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Award to SJA faculty member Liz Fontenot, Principal Stacia Andricain and President Jan Breen.

Fourrier Howe ’73 at suz4ea@gmail.com or Libby Gastinel McArdle ’74 at mcardlelibby@gmail.com for details.

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ALUMNAE ASSO CIATIO N HOSTS I NAUG UR A L PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT The St. Joseph’s Academy Alumnae Association hosted the inaugural SJA Pickleball Tournament on December 1 and 2 in the Academy Student Center and Activity Center. Seventy teams competed in the sold-out field, with proceeds going towards enhancements to Café IV in the Fife Student Commons. The tournament was presented by Audi of Baton Rouge. Players competed in divisions 2.0 to 4.0 in mixed, men’s and women’s doubles. Winning teams from each division received trophies created in the Andrea Clesi McMakin ’74 STEM Lab, while second- and third-place finishers in each division received medals. “Celebrating the triumph of dreams in action, the SJA Alumnae Association’s Pickleball Tournament exceeded our wildest expectations in its first year,” said Alumnae Director Alli Bourgeois ’14. “Achieving both our fundraising and participation goals is a testament to the incredible support from our participants, sponsors and dedicated Student Ambassadors and the unwavering commitment of our committee members. This success is a promise of a vibrant future for this tournament.” SJA thanks and deeply appreciates the sponsors of this year’s pickleball tournament. Gold sponsors were BRDP – Baton Rouge Digital Products; and Queen of Sparkles. Red Sponsors were Hydroscapes; Wampold Dentistry; Wardlaw, Lasseigne & LeBoeuf, LLC; Ideal Vision Center; Amy Andrews Wealth Management of Raymond James; Fusion Implant Center; Coleman Partners Architects; Envoc; and Westmoreland Asset Management of Raymond James. White sponsors were Celebrity Theatres; Himmel’s Architectural Door & Hardware; Francise Pharmacy; ZeeZee’s Kitchen and Cocktails; SJA Dads’ Club; Calvin’s Market at Bocage; Drs. Levy and Vutera Family Dentistry; and EisnerAmper.

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In-Kind sponsors were A-Game Premium Hydration Beverage; Café Phoenicia; Capitol City Produce; Community Coffee; Coca-Cola; Jimmy John’s; New York Bagel; Santa Fe Cattle Company; Smalls Sliders; Wallace Powelle; Smoothie King; Queen of Sparkles; Cora B. Gallery; Tina LaHaye Jewelry; Ruffino’s; Maxwell’s Market; Louisiana Lagniappe; Southern Belles Boutique; Tre; Merritt Voitier Art; Celebrity Theatres; Louisiana Arts & Science Museum; Community Coffee; and Rebel Graphix. Serving on the tournament planning committee were Amy Andrews ’06, Cora Barhorst ’17, Lisa Westmoreland Collier ’81, Kimberly Kwan ’10, Ashley Reed Ledet ’88, Margaret Fruehan Miller ’82, Grace Ragland ’14 and Katie Jeter Valenciano ’04. Providing invaluable assistance during the tournament were Lucille Bourgeois, Trudy Trahan and Kim Kwan ’79.

Competitor Tony Banh, who was also a tournament sponsor along with his wife, Dr. Amy Thanh Dinh ’96 (Ideal Vision Care), said he thoroughly enjoyed the weekend. “What an awesome first SJA Pickleball tournament,” he said. “My friends and I had an amazing time. We made new friends and ate great food while playing a sport we all love.”

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A LU M N A R E IG NS A S QU EEN OF TH E 2024 WA S H I N GTO N MA RDI GRA S BA L L Camille Morrison, a 2022 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, reigned as queen of the 2024 Washington Mardi Gras Ball. Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees reigned as king. Each year, Louisiana lawmakers, lobbyists and business leaders gather in the nation’s capital for a celebration that includes a costume ball and parade. The tradition, funded and organized by the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians, dates back 70-plus years. Chosen as princesses on the royal court were Camille Ferachi, SJA class of 2021, and Caroline Uzee, a current senior. Camille is a sophomore at Texas Christian University, where she is pursuing a degree in business. She is a member of the Rho Epsilon chapter of Chi Omega sorority. She enjoys volunteering her time with The Make a Wish Foundation in Fort Worth. At SJA, Camille was a three-year academic letter recipient, a member of the soccer team and an active participant in the French Club, Mu Alpha Theta and Beta Club. She was also the recipient of a service award for volunteering more than 50 hours a year. Camille is a certified scuba diver and loves traveling, spending time with her friends and baking.

King Drew Brees and Queen Camille Morrison ’22

“I am honored to have been chosen by Senator John Kennedy and the senior lieutenants of the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians to serve as Queen of the 2024 Washington Mardi Gras,” Camille said. “It is a privilege to have been chosen in what is such a special year, as it is the Krewe’s historic 75th anniversary year. It is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate our great state of Louisiana.” Camille is the daughter of Sarah and Shane Morrison. Queen Camille Morrison ’22, center, poses with princesses Caroline Uzee ’24 and Camille Ferachi ’21.

SJA alumnae living in the Washington, D.C., area or who traveled to the nation’s capital for the Mardi Gras celebration visited with Queen Camille Morrison ’22 at a luncheon hosted by the SJA Mission Advancement Office.

ACA D E M Y WINS FIFTH CONS ECUTIVE FAMILY FAVORITES CO NTEST St. Joseph’s Academy and Principal Stacia Andricain have once again been honored by the readers of Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. SJA has been named Favorite Private High School, and Mrs. Andricain has been named Favorite Private High School Principal for the fifth year in a row. More than 120,000 votes were cast in this year’s contest. In addition, SJA alumnae figured prominently in the contest results. They are as follows.

Ashley Hebert McDaniel ’88

St. Thomas More Catholic School Favorite Private Elementary School Principal Favorite Private Middle School Principal Favorite Special Needs Program Runner up

Ellen Lee ’75

St. Michael the Archangel High School Favorite Private High School Runner up Favorite Private High School Principal Runner up

Lauren Dugas Donald ’02

Sherwood Middle Academic Magnet School (assistant principal) Favorite Magnet Middle School

Brandy Allen Melancon ’94

Juban Parc Elementary (assistant principal) Favorite Public School Elementary School

Michelle Lato ’99

Central High School (assistant principal) Favorite Public High School Runner up

Staci Deumite Duhé ’81

Knock Knock Children’s Museum (co-founder) Favorite Museum Favorite Family Entertainment Venue Runner up

Kelly Sword Hurtado ’81

Kids’ Orchestra (board of directors) Favorite Music Program Runner up

Jennifer Bowden Feduccia ’90 Theatre Baton Rouge (advisory board) Favorite Theater Program

Melanie Anne Couvillon ’86 Manship Theatre (executive director) Favorite Theater Program Runner up

Ginger Yoder Dodd ’88

Manship Theatre (board of directors) Favorite Theater Program Runner up

Rachael Vaccaro Blake ’96

Get Off My Nerves Chiropractic (massage therapist) Favorite Chiropractic Group Runner up continued on next page 1 3 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S WINTER 2024

Bailey Thibodeaux Shepard ’12

William Cosmetic Center & Perenack Aesthetic Surgery (physician assistant) Favorite Cosmetic Center Runner up

Dr. Lauren K. Petit ’11

The Baton Rouge Clinic Favorite Cosmetic Center Runner up Favorite Dermatology Group Runner up

Dr. Stephanie Sotile Gallagher ’10 Associates in Pediatric Dentistry Favorite Dental Care Group

Dr. Taylor Hayden Chadwick ’09 College Family Dentistry Favorite Dental Care Group Runner up

Dr. Sarah Bankhead McGinty ’06 Louisiana Dermatology Associates Favorite Dermatology Group

Dr. Kristen LeBleu Losavio ’00 Dermatology Clinic Favorite Dermatology Group Runner up

Dr. Kelly Sweeney Clements ’84 The Baton Rouge Clinic Favorite ENT Group Runner up

Dr. Laurén Luckett Dardar ’14 Eye Medical Center Favorite Eye Center

Dr. Hannah C. Chustz ’14 Williamson Eye Center Favorite Eye Center Runner up

Dr. Britani Lynn Bonadona ’99 Dr. Theresa Brignac ’04 Dr. Lauren Brown Sanders ’03 Louisiana Women’s Healthcare Associates Favorite OB/GYN Practice

Dr. Cheree Schwartzenburg Arabie ’94 Dr. Emily Gaudin Magee ’03 Dr. Kristin Bassett Chapman ’95

Schwartzenburg, Lafranca, Guidry, Chapman Obstetrics Gynecology Baton Rouge General Physicians Obstetrics & Gynecology Favorite OB/GYN Practice Runner up

Dr. Julie Neumann ’03

Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Favorite Orthopaedic Clinic Runner up

Dr. Kat O’Hara Corbin ’09

Yale Pediatric Dentistry Favorite Pediatric Dentist Runner up

Angelle Plauche ’16

Pediatric Therapy Solutions (speech language pathologist) Favorite Pediatric Therapy Group

Ashley Reed Ledet ’88 Live after Five (treasurer) Favorite Community Event

Heather Raymond Banker ’90

Butterflies of Hope Photography Favorite Newborn/Maternity Photographer Favorite Photography Studio

Malorie Mascagni Sitar ’06

Malorie Sitar Photography Favorite Photographer Favorite Newborn/Maternity Photographer Runner up Favorite Photography Studio Runner up

Debbie Manda Salvant ’71 and Layne Salvant ’06 The Bug Man Favorite Pest Control Service

Angie De Frances Snow ’90 De Frances Academy of Dance Favorite Dance Program

Christina Corona Alamirie ’96

Mason’s Grill Favorite Bar & Grill Favorite Brunch Spot Favorite Family-Friendly Restaurant Runner up Favorite Kids Eat Free Runner up

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A L U M S T O D AY

FO U R ACA D E M Y GRA DUATES A RE SURGEO NS WITH OCHSNER

“SJA taught me discipline and hard work. I also learned a lot about being flexible.”

Dr. Perone fell in love with surgery as a medical student. She was intrigued by the combination of technical skill and medical knowledge it required. “When I was in residency, I found myself drawn to surgical oncology because I loved developing longterm connections with patients and their families,” she said. “As a surgical oncologist, I have the privilege of being with people on some of the worst days of their lives, and if I do my job correctly, I can make it a little less awful.” The most rewarding aspect of her work is walking with patients and their families throughout their cancer journey. “Even if surgical cure is not an option, if I’ve made this journey a little better for someone, then that’s the greatest reward,” she said. Dr. Perone is married to Warren Metz, an accountant. Both of her parents are retired physicians who live in Baton Rouge.

DR. JENNIFER PERONE ’01

Among the gifted surgeons at Ochsner in Baton Rouge are four graduates of St. Joseph’s Academy. DR. JENNIFER PERONE, SJA class of 2001, is a surgical oncologist at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Baton Rouge. Dr. Perone earned her medical degree from the Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus. She completed an internship and residency in general surgery at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. While in Texas, she completed a three-year research fellowship studying the immunologic effects of targeted therapies for melanoma and earned a master’s degree in clinical sciences with her surgical education research. Dr. Perone completed a fellowship in surgical oncology at the Moffit Cancer Center/University of South Florida in Tampa. Her clinical interests include skin and soft tissue malignancies including melanoma and sarcoma, as well as cancer of the stomach, small bowel, esophagus, pancreas, liver and bile duct and neuroendocrine cancers including neuroendocrine tumors and adrenal tumors. She also is interested in the role of palliative care in surgical oncology. She is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. She is a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society, the American College of Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology, the Society of Surgical Palliative Care, the Association for Academic Surgery and the Catholic Medical Association. 16 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Alums Today

“Looking back now as an adult and parent, I can clearly see how SJA goes beyond the basics and develops skills like collaboration, awareness and empathy.”

DR. LINDSEY RICHARD FAUVEAU ’03 DR. LINDSEY RICHARD FAUVEAU, a 2003 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, is a surgical oncologist with a focus in breast surgical oncology at Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Baton Rouge. She graduated from Louisiana State University and earned her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine. She completed her general surgery residency at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and a fellowship in breast surgical oncology at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. In 2018, Dr. Fauveau returned to Ochsner Baton Rouge, where she uses advanced surgical techniques and is certified in oncoplastic breast surgery and hidden scar breast surgery. Her special interests include surgical treatment of breast cancer, nipple-sparing mastectomies, oncoplastic breast surgery and multidisciplinary care. She provides in-office, ultrasound-guided biopsy and aspiration procedures. Her research interests focus on treatment of Ductal Carcinoma In-situ.

Dr. Fauveau is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She is an active member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncology, Louisiana Chapter of the American College of Surgeons and the Louisiana State Medical Society. Dr. Fauveau chose a career in medicine because she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Surgery piqued her interest, she said, because it requires decisiveness and the ability to perform under pressure. “I chose breast cancer surgery as my specialty because of the ever-changing treatments and advancements in the field, teamwork with other specialties and the amazing survivor community,” she said. “The relationship I have with my patients is lifelong, which is unique to a surgical field.” The ultimate reward in her line of work is helping patients through a difficult diagnosis. “Treating cancer also requires teamwork, and working as a team for a common goal is also very rewarding,” she said. Dr. Fauveau and her husband, Eric Paul, have four children, ranging in age from 4 to 15. They are parishioners of St. Jude the Apostle. The family stays busy with plenty of extracurricular activities and especially enjoys cheering on the LSU gymnastics team. “Attending SJA prepared me for a career in medicine by instilling faithbased practices, teaching me how to be a leader and reinforcing my belief that I can do anything I set my mind to.”

Dr. Graphia completed a Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Fellowship at the University of Chicago. At Ochsner Baton Rouge, Dr. Graphia specializes in the treatment of both chronic and traumatic conditions of the hand, wrist and elbow. Her surgical interests include carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, fractures, ligament injuries, tendon injuries, nerve injuries, masses, Dupuytren’s contracture and arthritis. Dr. Graphia pursued a career in medicine to make an immediate, tangible difference in the lives of her patients. Orthopaedic surgery is especially suited to this desire. “I chose to subspecialize in hand surgery because, while I enjoy fixing fractures and ligamentous injuries, I also wanted to incorporate microsurgery into my practice, working on nerves and small vessels,” she said. The two most common diagnoses Dr. Graphia treats are carpal tunnel and trigger finger. She typically sees patients who have experienced pain and impaired daily function for months to years. “I am able to perform carpal tunnel release or trigger release surgery in 5-10 minutes, and the symptoms resolve within a day or two,” she said. “The greatest reward of my work is being able to enact tangible change in people’s lives for the better.” Dr. Graphia is married to Mickey Graphia, whom she met in medical school.

DR. CRISTINA TERHOEVE GRAPHIA ’09

DR. CRISTINA TERHOEVE GRAPHIA, a 2009 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, completed her undergraduate education at Rice University, graduating with degrees in biological sciences and psychology. She completed her medical degree and orthopaedic surgery residency at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. During training, she was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, a medical society recognizing high educational achievement.

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GRADUATE LAUN CHE S ON L I N E “SJA provided an excellent science background to set me up for academic success in college and medical school. The commitment to service and respect for all people provided me with a set of morals and ethics to guide my decisions in caring for patients.”

DR. ERIN DAUTERIVE ’00

DR. ERIN DAUTERIVE, who graduated from SJA in 2000, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology at Ochsner Baton Rouge. She sees patients at multiple clinic locations and delivers babies at Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge on the O’Neal campus. Dr. Dauterive earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Shreveport, where she became a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society. She completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans. While completing her residency as co-administrative chief resident, Dr. Dauterive received several awards, including Special Resident in Minimally Invasive Gynecology. The daughter of an OB/GYN, Dr. Dauterive grew up hearing about her father’s day-to-day work taking care of pregnant patients and doing gynecologic surgery. While she initially considered specializing in ear, nose and throat medicine, her OB/GYN rotation in medical school changed her mind. “I loved it so much that I decided to specialize in that,” she said. Being on call as an OB/GYN presents a challenge to maintaining a home/work life balance. “Babies can come at any time, so being on call can get quite busy,” she said. But the challenge is offset by several rewards, especially seeing a high-risk pregnant patient have a healthy outcome and improving a patient’s quality of life with gynecologic surgery. Dr. Dauterive is married to Ben DiPalma, who is the athletic director at Catholic High School. Their three children attend Our Lady of Mercy.

18 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S ALUMS TODAY

Tiffany Kelly ’12 is the founder and CEO of Curastory.

MA R K ET P L AC E , L A NDS ON FORBES ’ 30 UNDER 30 LIST Tiffany Kelly has always loved sports and math. At St. Joseph’s Academy, this 2012 graduate was a four-year member of the volleyball team, and she enjoyed courses focused on statistics and economics. As a senior, she worked with the New Orleans Hornets NBA franchise in its statistics department. It was only natural, then, that Tiffany would study Sports and Recreation Management, Statistics and Computer Science, earning a bachelor of science degree in May of 2016 from Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Fort Lauderdale. She received the James Farquhar Award, given to one graduating student on the basis of scholarship, leadership and service excellence. As an undergraduate, she completed internships with the LSU Athletic Department, Miami Heat Basketball Operations, 24-Hour Fitness Rock City Hoops Basketball League and Fast Twitch Under Armour Training Facility. She also created the first sports student organization open to NSU undergraduates. Diploma in hand, Tiffany joined the Stats and Information Group at ESPN as a sports analytics associate. She was the first woman of color on the sports analytics team. Using self-taught coding skills, she created ESPN’s College Football Fan Happiness Index, which quantifies the emotions of fan bases using seven variables. “It was super popular and got over a million views in 24 hours,” Tiffany said. While at the sports media giant, Tiffany noticed what would eventually become a seismic shift. As early as 2017, the creator economy began to dilute and decentralize traditional sports media, making audiences more fragmented and harder to reach. Individual creators and small niche media companies began driving content consumption, especially in the sports industry. In the summer of 2019, shortly after Tiffany left ESPN, the NCAA announced it was considering allowing student-athletes to monetize their name, image and likeness. Three little letters – NIL – would be the catalyst for Tiffany to launch Curastory, a platform to help

professional and college athletes create and monetize video content. Based in New York, Curastory is the first online marketplace connecting brands wanting video content to athletes, influencers and actors who create it. The company offers free editing software; access to a music library; and distribution on Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube and Facebook. Advertisers who don’t have time to sift through videos to find the best content providers for their brand are automatically matched. Curastory also tracks metrics. Raising more than $3 million from high-profile investing firms, including Lightspeed Venture Partners and Google, Tiffany was named to Forbes’ 2023 30 Under 30 media list. Forbes cited her “power moves at the intersection of sports and data” among its reasons for putting her on the prestigious list. She “is featured alongside 29 other media mavens shaping our digital landscape,” Forbes said. “Since I incorporated Curastory on August 29, 2019, it’s been a crazy dream,” Tiffany said. “Learning about finding investors, seeing what works and what doesn’t work, learning how to actually run a company and how not to run a company, all these pieces have to come together. Hiring is also a big challenge. I think it’s the most humbling experience ever to have someone’s livelihood in your hands because you pay them. And you have to hire the right people. In a young company, you have to hire extremely optimistic people who really believe in what you’re doing. But I’m learning every day. Being a business owner is the best experience and most humbling experience, and I’m happy that I’ve gone through it.” NBA stars including Isaiah Thomas, Kelly Olynyk and Langston Galloway have used Curastory. There are approximately 40,000 users on the app, Tiffany said, including sports, fitness, food, gaming, skincare and beauty creators. “We have a deal with the Pac12 Conference where all 10,000 student-athletes can monetize their game highlight footage and monetize in their school logos and marks for the first time in history,” she said. Tiffany said she wants to continue to launch tools that allow creators to build their own media companies. “Video enablement is what we call it,” she said. “That’s our north star: continuing to disrupt and build the best solution in advertising for programmatic influencer content. I want to continue to change the face of the media and allow content creators to really create videos and to monetize those videos and build media side hustles and businesses.” 1 9 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S WINTER 2024

A L L I SON LI N DS AY T R A X L E R ’ 8 9 HO N O RE D AS SJA ’S DI S T I N G U I S H E D G R A DUATE FO R 2024 Allison Lindsay Traxler, a 1989 graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, was among the Catholic school graduates honored at the 2024 Distinguished Graduates Awards Dinner on January 29 at The Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel. The annual celebration is held during Catholic Schools Week each year.

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Honored as Distinguished Graduates by their elementary schools were SJA graduates Christina DiVincenti O’Brien ’99 (Sacred Heart of Jesus School) and Joanne Martin Roberts ’74 (St. Aloysius School).

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IN DS Allison has more than 28 years’ AY TRA experience in non-profit leadership, XLER ’89 including her current role as executive director of Capital Area Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), in which she makes a significant impact on the lives of children. The mission of CASA is to recruit, train and supervise volunteers to advocate for the timely placement of foster children in safe, permanent homes. Prior to this, Allison served for 16 years as the vice president and chief development officer of Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana. She previously held marketing or development positions with Our Lady of Mercy School, Ochsner Foundation and the American Red Cross.

Her active involvement in local organizations reflects a dedication to community service, fostering positive change in education and social services. She is deeply connected to her school and church parish, embodying the values instilled by each.

Allison Lindsay Traxler ’89, second from left, poses with her children at the Distinguished Graduates Awards Dinner on January 29. They are Grey Traxler (Catholic High School class of 2026), Wesley Callegan (CHS class of 2020) 20 | S J A C O N N E Cand T I OEmma N S Alums Today Callegan ’18.

“Living out my faith in the community started many years ago at St. Joseph’s Academy when I became involved in Key Club as club president,” Allison said. “Being able to organize a like-minded group of friends with the mission of helping or serving another group of vulnerable people was a way for me to see God’s love through my actions. Living out my faith through servant leadership has been a part of every professional role I have had in my career, and I hope this has been a way for me to inspire people to advocate for others without a voice.” Allison is a graduate of Leadership Baton Rouge, the first cohort for the Louisiana Alliance for Non-Profits and the VOA Executive Leadership program. She currently serves on several local boards and is the recipient of the Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is a member of the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Attic Trash and Treasure, Quota Club, Catholic High School Mothers’ Club, Elan Cotillion board and Kappa Sigma Mothers’ Club. She has held board or chair positions with Volunteers of America, Our Lady of Mercy, the Junior League of Baton Rouge, St. Joseph’s Academy and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Allison graduated from LSU and is a Pi Beta Phi alumna. She enjoys volunteering and spending time with her husband, Jon, a physician, and children, Emma Callegan, a 2018 SJA graduate, Wesley Callegan, a 2020 Catholic High School graduate; and Grey Traxler, CHS class of 2026. She is an avid dog lover and has two Bernedoodles, a bichon and a Labrador retriever.

Allison Lindsay Traxler ’89, St. Joseph’s Academy’s distinguished graduate for 2024, poses with SJA alumnae honored as distinguished graduates by their elementary schools: Joanne Martin Roberts ’74 and Christina DiVincenti O’Brien ’99.

PROFE S S I ON A L S S H A R E A DV IC E WITH STUD E N TS The St. Joseph’s Academy Alumnae Office hosted the 2023 Career Day Business Expo on November 14. Seventy-two professional women gathered on campus to share their career experiences with SJA students. The expo was coordinated by Alumnae Director Alli Bourgeois ’14. On January 24, freshmen and sophomores enjoyed Career Day 2024, hosted by the Academic Counseling Center. Students were able to choose two career panels, where professionals shared their experiences and offered insight into how they selected their career paths. They also listened to a presentation by Kellie Michelli Barton, vice president of talent management at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System and a 1986 graduate of SJA. Career Day was coordinated by Lindsay Carlino ’02, counselor for the SJA class of 2027. Participants in the November 14 event follow. GLORIA ALVARADO ’16, chemical engineer, ExxonMobil AMY ANDREWS ’06, finance vice president, investments, Raymond James ANA ANDRICAIN ’86, actress, jewelry designer, Jewel of Havana JIMI ARDOIN AUCOIN ’02, registered nurse/nurse midwife, Ochsner OB/GYN CORA CATHERINE BARHORST ’17, artist, Cora B. Gallery MORGAN LEGER BELELLO ’13, wedding and event venue (with in-house catering), Lauryn Hope HANNAH BLANK, forensics, Louisiana State Police Crime Lab

LIZZIE BUTLER BROUSSARD ’03, vice president of project management, Paystar ALISE BURGESS, executive director, Beacon House Adoptive Services RACHAEL BUZBEE ’09, nurse practitioner, Pediatric Neurosurgery Department, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital JENNY CHAMPION ’01, chemical engineer, production leader, Dow KATE CHIASSON ’04, physician, plastic and reconstructive surgery, Ford Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery KELLY SWEENEY CLEMENTS ’84, ENT physician, The Baton Rouge Clinic LISA WESTMORELAND COLLIER ’81, financial advisor, managing director, Raymond James BETH COURVILLE CROCHET ’98, doctor of nursing practice/ certified registered nurse anesthetist, assistant professor, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University AIMEE CRONAN ’96, environmental science teacher, St. Joseph’s Academy MANDY POCHE CUSHING ’98, religious education coordinator/marketing and event coordinator, St. Jude the Apostle School and Maddie’s Footprints ELISE DANIEL ’03, residential mortgage loan officer, Assurance Financial GEORGIA SHAHEEN DANIEL ’08, psychologist, private practice STACIE LAMBERT DEBLIEUX ’97, attorney, Salim-Beasley, LLC CYMBERLY DICKERSON ’11, private client banker, JPMorgan Chase ALLISON BROCATO DILLARD ’84, pharmacist, O’Donovan Specialty Pharmacy

Participating in this year’s Career Expo were, from left, Lindy Shea ’13, engineer; Madeline Schmidt ’12, owner, Eloise’s Market; Gloria Alvarado ’16, chemical engineer; Nicole Jones ’16, digital media manager; Sinclaire Green ’19, accountant; Cora Barhorst '17, artist; and Sarah Hebert Fulton ’15, accountant.

Dr. Terrie Thomas ’93, an OB/GYN with Associates in Women’s Health, talked with students about the medical field.

Brianna Golden ’11, Louisiana Board of Regents, and Cymberly Dickerson ’11, banker, answered students’ questions about their lines of work. 2 1 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S WINTER 2024

LINDSEY RICHARD FAUVEAU ’03, breast surgeon, Ochsner Baton Rouge ANNE COOPER FLEMING ’12, chemical engineer, ExxonMobil REBECCA ANDRIES FRANCO ’12, chemical engineer, ExxonMobil SARAH HEBERT FULTON ’15, bookkeeping and accounting, Fulton Bookkeeping and Accounting Services, LLC ALLYSON GASPARD, director of Wellness Services, Woman’s Hospital STEFANIA HIMPLER GIBBENS ’04, interior designer, commercial and residential, CDI Solutions & Gibbens Design BRIANNA GOLDEN ’11, policy advisor for Strategic Planning and Student Success, Louisiana Board of Regents SINCLAIRE GREEN ’19, assurance staff accountant, Hannis T. Bourgeois KATIE BLOUIN GUILLOT ’96, dental hygienist/certified health coach, Dr. Ron Gioe, DDS/Woman’s Hospital GINGER GUTTNER, communications manager and adjunct instructor, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and LSU Manship School of Mass Communication TRISHIA HADLEY, registered veterinary technician, False River Veterinary Clinic CLAIRE DILLARD HARRELL ’11, human resources manager, Hannis T. Bourgeois ERIN HART, athletic director, St. Joseph’s Academy BRITTANY HATCHER, cyber security, Humana ANN LIGHTFOOT HEINE ’89, chief executive officer, Surgical Specialty Center of Baton Rouge

RACHEL HENSLEY, DNA analyst, Louisiana State Police Crime Lab APRIL HILL, owner, YogaStudio90 LISA HORZELSKI, cyber security, Humana NICOLE JONES ’16, digital media manager, The Roman Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge ALEX DEVALL JORDAN ’11, nurse practitioner, Associates in Women’s Health WENDY JUMONVILLE, audiology & speech-language pathology, Hearing Screening Associates ANNA KATHRYNE KRONENBERGER ’89, attorney, Kronenberger Law, LLC LOUISE BRAUD LAWSON ’94, assistant professor, Microbiology and Immunology Department, Tulane University School of Medicine MARYELIZABETH FORMAN LEBOEUF, clinical psychologist, private practice JENNIFER LIMA, receptionist, Studyville SARAH ELISAR MCCANN ’08, American History teacher, St. Joseph’s Academy CARMEN MCLAIN, low vision occupational therapist, orientation and mobility specialist, Lighthouse Louisiana TARA NOLAN MESSENGER ’70, adoption social worker, Beacon Adoption Services and Regions Behavioral Hospital AMANDA MESSER ’04, pediatric hospitalist, LSU Health Sciences Center/ Children’s Hospital New Orleans SARA HIPWELL MONSOUR ’93, director of clinical services, Louisiana Women’s Healthcare HAYDEN MOORE ’05, attorney, Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens, LLC ANNE MORGAN ’13, physical therapist, Moreau Physical Therapy LEIGH SALVANT MOSS ’02, realtor, Highland Road Realty

Professionals from a wide range of fields shared their experiences with juniors and seniors at this year’s Career Expo.

22 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S ALUMS TODAY

JENNIFER DUPLECHIN OBERTHIER ’04, CPA, chief audit executive, University of Louisiana System KATE PEAKE ’12, talent manager, Robert Half Talent Solutions ANDREA ZIERVOGEL RILEY ’12, airline captain, United Airlines DEANNA LEDET SAAB ’02, creative director, design lab, FHI 360 MADELINE SCHMIDT ’12, owner, Eloise’s Market MONICA CALANDRO SHAUGHNESSY ’06, owner, Tredici Bakery LINDY SHEA ’13, field engineer, Baker Hughes ALISE LEBOUEF SOLLIE ’08, nurse manager, Ochsner RACHELLE KUSCH STAUSS ’07, chemical engineer, ExxonMobil EMILY ANDERSON STEVENS ’02, senior director of operations, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health CYNTHIA STOUTE, DNA technician, Louisiana State Police Crime Lab KAYLA HEBERT SUTTON, creative manager, Assurance Financial VICTORIA TARAVELLA ’12, certified physician assistant in psychiatry and addiction medicine, private practice TERRIE THOMAS ’93, OB/GYN, Associates in Women’s Health AMANDA VINCENT, owner, Studyville LAURIE WHITAKER, OB/GYN, Louisiana Women’s Healthcare ALEXIS HALLORAN WILKINSON ’97, senior director of operations, Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group

Panelists for the January 24 event follow.

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Art & Design: JULIAN GUILLORY, professional dancer/fine arts teacher, Of Moving Colors/McKinley Senior High School; JENNIFER POE, artist, Jennifer Poe Art Business/Finance: TIFFANY DUROCHER, accounting/finance, Melara Enterprises; JAMIE PURPERA ARCENEAUX ’95, director of sales, Top Golf Business: CLAIRE DILLARD HARRELL ’11, firm operations manager, Hannis T. Bourgeois; LEXIE WHITE BOGAN ’13, client advisory services manager, Hannis T. Bourgeois Computer and Technology: LINDA HALL ’12, Help Desk manager, St. Joseph’s Academy; JOHN RICHARDSON, co-director of technology, St. Joseph’s Academy Education: MELISSA BAHLINGER BROCATO ’89, Louisiana State University; SARAH ELISAR MCCANN ’08, St. Joseph’s Academy Allied Health/Physical and Occupational Therapy: GRACE FERRARA, occupational therapist, Dynamic Therapy; ALICIA PONSOCK DWYER ’02, physical therapist, Lane Home Health; MATHILDE SILVERBERG ’12, program manager, Louisiana Public Health Institute Law: STACIE LAMBERT DEBLIEUX ’97, Salim-Beasley, LLC; HAYDEN MOORE ’05, Walter, Papillion, Thomas and Cullen, LLC Medicine: DR. YOLUNDA TAYLOR, obstetrician/gynecologist, Associates in Women’s Health; DR. ANIKO NOWAKOWSKI ’16, LSU resident Nursing: CAMILLE ROBINSON TATE ’08, nurse practitioner; MANDY JUDICE ’02, Our Lady of Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital Science/Engineering: DR. REBECCA CARRIERE CHRISTOFFERSON ’98, biomedical research, LSU-Pathology; STEPHANIE DOOLITTLE, civil engineer, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development; HAYLYE BROWN, civil engineer, Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Social Sciences: DR. GEORGIA SHAHEEN DANIEL ’08, clinical psychologist, Child and Adult Psychological Services; ANGELA MARTELLO, licensed professional counselor, Journey to Insight IOP Podcasting/Magazine Publishing/Communications: JEN BAYHI GENNARO ’02, editor in chief, Porch & Parish; PEYTON KLEMM ’13, account supervisor, Fahlgren Mortine; CONNIE BOUDREAUX SILVA ’05, account manager, Red Six Media

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Peyton Klemm ’13 and Connie Boudreaux Silva ’05 discussed their careers in media.

2. Dr. Georgia Shaheen Daniel ’08 and Angela Martello talked about their careers as healthcare providers.

Haylye Brown, civil engineer, Stephanie Doolittle, civil engi-

3. neer, and Dr. Rebecca Carriere Christofferson ’98, biomedical researcher, shared insights into their careers in science and engineering.

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Attorneys Stacie Lambert deBlieux ’97 and Hayden Moore ’05 talked about their decisions to become lawyers.

2 3 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S WINTER 2024

R EDS T I C K E R RE U NIONS The Christmas season is a wonderful time for St. Joseph’s Academy graduates to come together in celebration. We were delighted to host alumnae from the 1950s, 1960s and 2023 for gatherings in their honor.

Six-Month Reunion

Graduates from the classes of 1950 through 1959 visited on December 18, while alumnae from the classes of 1960 through 1969 came together on December 19. The festive Christmas luncheons were hosted by the SJA Alumnae Office and held in the Fife Student Commons.

Theology teacher Tim LaBauve poses with Anna Grace Kurtz, Amelia Hawthorne, Khushi Patel, Kate Dufour, Ryleigh Averett and Eliska McMillen.

Math teacher Jamal Tajdaran, center, is pictured with Margaret Moe, Maria Hargrave, Caroline Boudreaux, Corinne Blanchard, Corinne Claire Ellis, Ava Kathryn Nesbit, Ava Riley Achberger, Meredith Martin and Shobe Manuel.

Members of the class of 2023

On December 15, we welcomed members of the class of 2023 back to campus to celebrate their six-month reunion. The event, hosted by the SJA Alumnae Office, was held in the Fife Student Commons. Our newest alumnae enjoyed light snacks, catching up with their Academy classmates and visiting with former teachers and administrators. They also picked up their senioryear yearbooks.

Principal Stacia Andricain visits with Sarah Walton and Sarah Jane Davis

Lindsay Carlino, SJA Counseling Center chair and grade-level counselor for the class of 2023, catches up with Mary Elizabeth Gauthier and Jenna Tramonte.

Enjoying the 1950s Decade Luncheon are (seated) Patricia Lambert Brignac ’51, Sister Adele Lambert ’54, Kathryn Spinosa Salzer ’54, Sister Kathleen Pittman ’54, Sister Evelyn Mee ’53, Sister Margaret Maggio ’53, (standing) Stella Love Atwell ’54 and Gay May Town ’54.

Pictured are members of the class of 1955: (seated) Soula O’Bannon, Carol Trouard Johnson, Lynette Voorhies Harelson, Grace Purpera Fetzer, (standing) Shirley Marino Dauzat, Charlene Comeaux Kennedy, Barbara Dicharry Bergeron, Juanita Mee Bozeman, Barbara Manda O’Rourk and Paula Berumen.

Attending the Christmas luncheon from the class of 1956 were (seated) Lorraine “Peachie” Gautreaux Ragusa, Carolyn Samaha Dugas, Janeth McCarron Moresi, Emily Melancon Odom, Anna Vince Forshag, Jo Ann Ribes Graphia and Jeanelle Bercegeay Saia.

From the class of 1957 were Carol Huguet Smith, Elise Gauthier Fryou and Jo Ann Blouin O’Neal.

Smiling for the camera were members of the class of 1958: (seated) Alice Gianelloni Pate, Mary Jane McKeever Locklar, Errol McRae, (standing) Connie McCarty Cangelosi, Patricia Danna Carona and Nina Carazo Snapp.

From the class of 1959 were Harriet Jacob Coco, Sister Lucy Silvio, Verna Thompson Swinney, Sister Adelaide Williamson and Camilla Rachal Pugh.

Enjoying the 1960s Decade Christmas luncheon were Carole Melancon Christian, Susie Comeaux Heroman and Phyllis Polito Greenblatt, class of 1961.

Sister Joan Laplace, third from left, poses with Mary Cecilia Donaldson Poret ’62, Cherry Foret Riggs ’62 and Sharon Flanagan ’63.

The class of 1964 was represented by (seated) Joanne Gaydos Day, Karen Tuminello Fawley, Dorothy Bowers McCaughey, Mary May Stelly, (standing) Lurline Hamilton, Colette Pierce Cefalu, Carole Termini Mansur, Kay Thibodeaux Manske, Anne Wintz Roberts and Kathy Daigre Meares.

From the class of 1965 were Patricia Richardson Delaune and Carolyn Ory Smith.

The class of 1966 turned out in force for the Christmas luncheon. They are (seated) Glenda Darensbourg Llorens, Dyra Culotta Hughes, Charlotte Bileci Mahfouz, Pat Viccinelli Brunett, Kathy Plaisance Balhoff, Barbara McManus, (standing) Suzanne Day Bassett, Kay Miceli Ewing, Gail Gaiennie, Charlotte DeFrances, Sept Brown, Louise Kyle, Linda Fryoux Harvison, Cheryl Talbot Macalusa, Suzette D’Amico, Marilyn Garon Miller and Mary Bennett Lindsey.

From the class of 1967 are, from left, Karen Isaminger Cross, Lillian Dunlap, Becky Bello DeJohn, Sandra Thibodeaux Schoeffler-Williams, Lynn Lacy PerezFrederick, Beth Terito Cannon, Vickie Viger and Kaye Kleinpeter Brignac.

Enjoying the Christmas lunch are members of the class of 1968: Cathy Culver Black, Jan LeBlanc Cox, Linda Hipwell, Connie Caldwell and Charlene Favre.

A large group of 1969 graduates attended the Christmas luncheon. They are (seated) D.D. Guillory, Gwen Grass Theophilus, Phyllis Greer Tambs, Liz Conley Walker, (standing) Edna Breaux Bowles, Linda Holliday, Janet Raymond Gremillion, Grace Guttner Anderson, Jan Rhorer Breen, Rachel Bryan Ehricht, Ann Felice Fourrier, Mary Broussard, Mary Ellen Kopel Bologna and Rita Reulet Falterman.

ALUMNAE NEWS

’72 MARY T HEFFRON DEBRUEYS

’98 KENDALL COYE HEBERT

’72 Mary T Heffron deBrueys’ new book, Let’s Talk! Antics of a Talking Pancake!, has been published through Friesen Press and is available on Amazon and through all major outlets online. Let’s Talk! is a whimsical story of a talking pancake who teaches sweet life lessons about friends, sharing, the great outdoors, using your imagination, using creative expression and exploring your talents. It’s a great gift for little ones through early elementary years. Visit www.amazon.com/author/ pancakesandjambos.

’98 Kendall Coye Hebert has been named the executive director for the newly formed Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the 18th Judicial District Court serving Iberville, Pointe Coupee and West Baton Rouge parishes. Kendall has more than 20 years of experience in public relations and communications and brings a wealth of knowledge in nonprofit leadership and community service to the organization.

’82 MELANIE COUNCE MONTANARO

’00 LAUREN BEIELER MCINTYRE

’82 Melanie Counce Montanaro has been appointed as state archivist and executive director of the Louisiana State Archives by Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry. Melanie has been with the Archives since 1991. She has served as archives manager since 2019 and previously worked in the State Archives’ Conservation Lab and as supervisor over the permanent archival collections. Melanie earned a bachelor of science degree in geography from Northeast Louisiana University and holds a master of arts in cultural geography from Louisiana State University.

’00 Lauren Beieler McIntyre began a new job as a pediatric nurse practitioner at International Pediatrics in Maryland. The private practice primarily serves the medically underserved and indigent children of the local Hispanic community.

’01 LAUREN MICHAUD KNOTTS ’01 Lauren Michaud Knotts is the senior communications and PR manager at McGlinchey Stafford, a premier midsized business law firm offering services in more than 30 practice areas. She will participate in the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s 2024 Leadership Baton Rouge development program. Lauren plays a pivotal role in steering communications strategies across McGlinchey’s network of 17 offices. She fosters collaborative relationships with attorneys, leadership and administrative colleagues. Before joining McGlinchey, Lauren worked for eight years in the local non-profit field through fund development, marketing and community partnership roles with The Emerge Center and the Center for Planning Excellence (CPEX). As a volunteer, Lauren has served on the boards of Volunteers of America and Forward Arts Inc. youth poetry program. She has assisted with fundraising for the Red Stick Farmers Market and Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and served as a college application mentor for high school seniors through the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition. She is also active with the University United Methodist Church, serving in various roles, including on the Board of Trustees, since 2011. Lauren earned her master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Emerson College in Boston and her bachelor’s degree in business administration and French from Millsaps College in Jackson.

’03 DR. JULIE NEUMANN ’03 Dr. Julie Neumann was among Business Report’s Forty Under 40 honorees for 2023. She is an orthopaedic surgeon with the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge. Her areas of expertise include shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle and foot. She mentors future physicians, physician assistants and nurses through the Bone and Joint Clinic and is an active volunteer with St. Aloysius Parish. At SJA, she was an outstanding four-sport athlete and attended LSU on an athletic scholarship, where she would earn four varsity letters as a member of the soccer team.

’06 CLAIRE LUIKART ’06 Claire Luikart is a senior software engineer with RTX. With more than 180,000 employees, RTX works to advance aviation, building smarter defense systems and creating innovations to travel deeper into space.

’10 SABRINA STANSBERRY GALLOWAY ’10 Sabrina Stansberry Galloway was among Business Report’s Forty Under 40 honorees for 2023. She is the principal strategist and cofounder of the Langston Galloway Foundation, an organization that helps build strong foundations through sports, education and well-being by removing barriers, providing support and casting a vision of what is possible. She initiated a community court restoration project in 2022 with the Langston Galloway Foundation that created state-of-the-art outdoor basketball facilities at Longfellow and Gus Young parks. She is president of the National Basketball Wives Association, an organization that galvanizes women to nurture youth, build strong communities and work together to achieve economic stability for families and women around the world. Sabrina graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a bachelor of arts in history prelaw and earned an MBA from the Tulane University Freeman School of Business.

’14 KATHRYN MEYERS BERTRAND ’14 Kathryn Meyers Bertrand is a library specialist at Prescott Memorial Library at Louisiana Tech University. She oversees the InterLibrary Loan department. Kathryn is also involved in the Campus Outreach Group, which aims to create connections between the library and other departments and student groups across Louisiana Tech’s campus.

’19 TANZI STAFFORD ’19 Tanzi Stafford is a life and health insurance agent with United Health Care. She earned an associate of science degree from Panola College in Carthage, Texas, and a bachelor of science in marketing from Stephen F. Austin State University. She was a member of the rodeo team at both schools.

2 9 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S WINTER 2024

Happy New Year! As St. Joseph’s Academy reflects on this past year’s many successes and looks forward to blazing new trails, we are determined to make 2024 even better than 2023 with your help. With a gift to the Annual Fund, you can provide our current students with what they need for future success. Your support of the SJA Annual Fund takes on such special significance as we begin 2024: • In the bright and ambitious students on our campus, we see hope for a future generation, empowered with extraordinary knowledge and outstanding faith, ready to transform our world. • In our classrooms, we witness eyes opened to new knowledge and information, minds enlightened, questions answered and encouraged, ideas inspired, insights shared.

The foundation for all these opportunities, and all this success, is the SJA Annual Fund, the annual support of parents, alumnae and friends who have helped build and strengthen our school through 155 years. You can give with confidence, knowing that every dollar you send will be an investment in excellence, an ideal that defines St. Joseph’s Academy: our extraordinary history, our current success and our plans for the future. Please consider making a gift to the SJA Annual Fund as we embrace what 2024 has in store for the young women of the Academy. Make your donations today by visiting www.sjabr.org/ giving or by scanning the QR code below. You can also send a check to the SJA Foundation, 3015 Broussard Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70808. Please direct questions to Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald at (225) 3882254 or geraldm@sjabr.org.

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PLANNED GIVING

B E A PA RT OF T H E LEGACY SOCIETY Over the years, many wonderfully generous individuals have included St. Joseph’s Academy in their estate planning. Some have been motivated by appreciation for what the school has done for them or their children. Some chose to honor a special teacher, Sister of St. Joseph or a person who helped them at an important point in their life. The Legacy Society was established to recognize these generous parents, alumnae, parents of alumnae, grandparents and friends of St. Joseph’s Academy for their commitment to and support of our mission.

• Provide for St. Joseph’s Academy in your will or trust. • Designate SJA as the beneficiary of a qualified retirement plan, savings bond, bank account or life insurance policy. • Name St. Joseph’s Academy as a beneficiary of a planned gift. To be added to the membership of The Legacy Society, please contact Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald at geraldm@sjabr.org or (225) 388-2254 or clip and mail the following to her attention at St. Joseph’s Academy.

The Legacy Society allows us to recognize our legacy donors during their lifetime. Unfortunately, many of our generous supporters have never notified the school of their intentions. We would be humbled and honored to welcome you into The Legacy Society if you have or would like to:

LEAVING A LEGACY AT ST. JOSEPH’S ACADEMY I am/we are pleased to inform you that I/we (check all that apply): ⃝ Have already included St. Joseph’s Academy in my/our estate plans. ⃝ Am/are considering a planned gift to St. Joseph’s Academy. ⃝ Would like a personal call or visit to discuss a planned gift. ⃝ Would like to receive information about how to include SJA in a will.

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

3 1 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S WINTER 2024

EN T R EP R E N E U RS H IP CLA S S LAU NC H ES COOKIE BUSINESS St. Joe Dough, a student-run enterprise selling cookies to students, faculty, staff and parents, opened for business on December 1 with the sale of a limited number of frozen dough pieces for holiday baking. Run by the St. Joseph’s Academy Entrepreneurship class, St. Joe Dough’s phase one soft launch enabled customers to place online orders for packets of 12 or 24 frozen dough discs in three flavors: chocolate chunk, red velvet and sugar cookies with Christmas sprinkles. Since August, 15 students in Yvette Aillet’s Entrepreneurship class have been hard at work creating the new business from scratch. They have learned about the world of small business ownership and management through market research and customer surveys, creating a business plan and studying finance and start-up costs, trends, site selection, marketing and pricing strategies. The seniors worked with SJA Facilities Director Suzie Toups Adler to design the workspace; Digital Marketing & Analytics Director Jennifer Fontaine to create a marketing plan; and Graphic Designer Holly Browning to conceptualize a product logo. Mission Advancement Director Meg Gerald secured private donors who lent their financial support to bringing the project to fruition.

“These girls are truly learning how to run a business, not how to bake cookies,” Aillet said. “They’ve gone through the trials and tribulations of building something from the ground up. Throughout the process, they have told me that it doesn’t feel like they’re in class. We are all figuring it out together. It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s been an awesome process.” Will and Beth Pecue helped SJA expand its entrepreneurship program by providing seed monies for the development of a functional retail space. Will’s mother, the late Danni Bourgeois Pecue, is a 1958 SJA graduate, and his sister, Dane Pecue Torres, graduated in 1985. “Beth and I are excited that the entrepreneur initiative has taken off and flourished,” Will Pecue said. “We are thrilled to see it embraced by the SJA students through the St. Joe Dough program.” Danny and Melony Fields, who are business owners, also wanted to be part of the startup and lent their financial support to the endeavor. They are the parents of two SJA students, Addie ’24 and Noella ’27. “Entrepreneurship has made a transformative impact on our lives, and we’re extremely grateful to be able to share our resources so that the young women of St. Joseph’s Academy can learn and grow by gaining direct entrepreneurial

SJA Facilities Director Suzie Toups Adler ’85 explained the efficient use of space to seniors in SJA’s Entrepreneurship class. 32 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S On Campus

Mary Claire Upton and Elizabeth Odeh worked to create the St. Joe Dough website.

Mary Claire Upton, Isabella D’Agostino, Andie Dotson and Melia Hooper explained the St. Joe Dough enterprise to visitors during SJA’s Open House in October. 3 2 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S SPRING 2023

experiences,” they said. “We hope that through the Entrepreneurship program, these young women will be inspired to become business owners and leaders and create opportunities for themselves, their families and their communities. We are excited to see the launch of the program’s first venture, St. Joe Dough, and we hope these students enjoy the journey.” After the phase one rollout, St. Joe Dough transitions to phase two. With the anticipated February completion of the workspace in the SJA Dining Hall, cookies will be baked on campus in three convection ovens. Orders will be placed online for pick up during the three lunch hours. Two or three varieties will be offered each month, and customers can preorder packages of one, four, six or a dozen cookies. Phase three will include walk-up sales, and future plans may include catering. The students met with Toups in the early stages of the project to present their initial business proposals. As they narrowed their focus to cookie sales, Toups worked with them on the layout of the space, cabinetry choices, material and equipment selection and the reasons behind using – and not using – specific elements. They then presented concept proposals for the build-out of the space. “We have discussed the importance of interior space circulation and flow, millwork layout, lighting, construction budgets, timelines and purchasing,” Toups said. “The students have been involved in selecting colors and light fixtures, understanding electrical needs, getting additional HVAC into the space and everything related to making it a reality. They have really been hands on, with lots of ideas and energy, and have a unique opportunity to see it come to life.” Browning worked with the students as they undertook the task of product branding. “I contributed to the logo development process by offering design resources and providing constructive feedback,” she said. “Additionally, I will be working with the students to create a graphic to elevate the overall aesthetics of the kitchen space.”

Fontaine said she has enjoyed her discussions about branding, product photography, web design and creating a marketing plan. “I was impressed by their enthusiasm and their ideas, and they have all been eager to learn,” she said. “We will continue to collaborate this year, and I look forward to seeing their business grow.” Seniors Mary Claire Upton and Elizabeth Odeh created the St. Joe Dough website. Both enjoyed the creativity as well as the challenges involved. “This journey has taught me that there will be problems to overcome and challenges,” Upton said. “We will get frustrated and come to a stop in the process, but together we can do it and successfully create a running business. This class has given me more knowledge about owning a business than anything ever has. Working with my classmates and getting closer to them has really made this class fun. It also makes me want to be an entrepreneur one day.” “It feels really good to accomplish something that’s not easy to accomplish,” Odeh said. “What I’ve learned about creating a business from scratch is that it takes patience and that there are a lot of obstacles in the way. Things will have to be changed or ideas will have to be thrown out because they just won’t work. I’m looking forward to getting to say that I was a part of this amazing idea here at St. Joseph’s. I’m excited to see it happen. I’ve learned a lot, and I’m loving it.” Senior Brooke Sabadie is part of the research and marketing team. She said she has enjoyed showcasing her creativity as well as developing new skills, including collaboration. “I believe that the biggest challenge in starting a business is working with so many people because we all have our own opinions,” she said. “Working on St. Joe Dough has helped me learn how to work with others of differing opinions rather than against them. Starting a business takes a lot more effort than most people think. There are tons of hours that go into getting a business up and running. I am excited to continue enhancing my marketing skills, selecting new cookie flavors and troubleshooting any problems our business might encounter.” Cookie orders can be placed at www. stjoedough.com.

Pecue Will and Beth Support from Dough come to fruition. helped St. Joe

Danny and Melony Fields, pictur with SJA President Jan Rhorer ed (left), provided financial supporBreen t for the St. Joe Dough startup.

3 3 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S WINTER 2024

FALL S PO RTS S EA SON CONC LU D ES WITH TWO STATE TITLES The St. Joseph’s Academy fall sports season came to a close in November with two teams capturing state championships. The cross country team won its eighth consecutive LHSAA state crown on November 13. The Redstickers scored 51 points to finish ahead of Mount Carmel (63), Dominican (117), C.E. Byrd (117) and Baton Rouge High (201). There were 24 teams and 174 runners in the Division I field. The three-mile championship race was held at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. “This may not have been our lowest score ever at state, but this was our fastest team time on record,” said Coach Mark LaHaye. “Our team time of 1:33:34.37 beat last season’s team record time by 15.53 seconds. Once again, we scored the fastest team time among all divisions.”

CROSS COU

Grace Rennhoff was SJA’s top finisher, finishing third in a time of 17:59.05. She set a new school record for the state meet and ran the fourth fastest time of the day across all divisions. Rennhoff was followed by Michelle Daigle, fifth place, 18:14.34 (third fastest state meet time in school history); Elise Brown, sixth place, 18:20.84 (fourth fastest state meet time in school history); Hannah Vaughan, 16th place, 19:12.23; Charlotte Beck, 25th place, 19:47.93 (10th fastest state meet time in school history); Kaitlyn Francise, 31st place, 19:54.15; and Julia Monzon, 38th place, 20:07.83. This year’s race marked the seventh time in the past 11 years that SJA had at least three runners finish in the top 10 and the 10th time that the top five runners finished in the top 25.

SWIMM

Rennhoff, Daigle and Brown earned LHSAA All-State honors. Relying on depth and a complete team effort, the SJA swim team brought home its 13th consecutive state championship from the 2023 LHSAA Division I Swim Meet. Without a first-place finish in any of the meet’s 11 events, the team scored 418 points to finish ahead of runner-up Dominican by the razor-thin margin of one point. Rounding out the top five in the 22-team field were Mount Carmel Academy (212), St. Amant High School (149) and Mandeville High School (148).

VOLLEYB 34 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S ON CAMPUS

The state championship meet was held November 17 and 18 at the SPAR Aquatic Center in Sulphur.

The cross country team won its eighth straight state title in November.

UNTRY

With Dominican winning five events, it appeared the Redstickers’ string of championships might be in jeopardy. But the swimmers stayed focused on the importance of each and every swim. “Throughout the weekend, our team meetings consisted of positive encouragement and releasing our worries to our God,” said Coach Ali Buchart. “We talked with each swimmer before their races, and they were ready,” she said. “As the end of finals neared, the meet was extremely close, and everyone knew it. Just one point is all it takes.” “This was the finest example that every swim and every point counts,” assistant coach Nan Murtagh said. “It was an impressive demonstration of determination and the will to succeed. Who says 13 is an unlucky number?” The Academy volleyball team finished the 2023 season with a hard-fought loss to East Ascension in the bi-district round of the LHSAA playoffs. The team clinched the district title with a 5-0 record and ended the year at 18-18.

The swim team won its 13th straight state championship in November.

MING

Coach Sivi Miller said the year was marked by growth and hard work against a tough schedule, injuries and illness. “Throughout the year, we kept reminding the girls that we were playing a demanding schedule, and although we were not seeing the wins roll in at times, we were seeing levels of excellence against the most competitive teams in the state,” she said. “We pinpointed ways for the girls to grow as individuals and as a team and encouraged them to bottle those moments up and use them in the following practice or match.” Losing the entire starting lineup from 2022 to graduation resulted in a young and inexperienced squad, but returning varsity players will be joined next season by members of the freshman and JV teams, who also played competitive schedules and experienced growth. Coach Miller said the coaching staff is excited to plug into the potential of their younger athletes in the coming season.

The volleyball team fought through a season of injuries and inexperience on its way to an 18-18 season.

BALL 3 5 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S WINTER 2024

SJA H O N O RS JOS EP H INE BA H LINGER AWARD FINALISTS The 15 finalists for the 2024-2025 Josephine Bahlinger Award were recognized at a breakfast in their honor on January 26. The eighth graders, along with their parents and elementary school principals, gathered in the Fife Student Commons for the Finalists Breakfast. Honored were Adele Aucoin, St. Thomas More; Eleanor Rose Blake, St. George; Aashi Desai, St. Luke’s Episcopal; Callie Doiron, Holy Family School; Camille Hamner, St. Jude; Caroline Hensgens, St. Aloysius; Reese Ledoux, University Lab School; Gwendolyn McDermott, St. Thomas More; Alexandra Payne, Most Blessed Sacrament; Addison Pham, St. Aloysius; Emily Rawls, St. Thomas More; Audrey Schnur, St. George; Natalie Stumpf, Our Lady of Mercy; Julia Troegel, Sacred Heart; and Emma Willmann, Our Lady of Mercy.

The Josephine Bahlinger Award is named in honor of St. Joseph’s Academy’s first graduate, Josephine Bahlinger, class of 1877. This merit-based award provides $5,000 toward freshman-year tuition to five incoming ninth graders based on outstanding academic performance in elementary school; a history of standardized test scores in the 90th percentile; service to school and/or community; an exemplary conduct record; active participation in co-curricular activities; and an essay and interview. The breakfast also included remarks by SJA President Jan Rhorer Breen, Principal Stacia Andricain and Admissions Director Meredith Smith. The five award recipients will be notified in their acceptance packets mailed on February 1. The finalists for the 2024-2025 Josephine Bahlinger Award are (front row) Camille Hamner, Natalie Stumpf, Emma Willmann, Alexandra Payne, Addison Pham, Caroline Hensgens, Audrey Schnur, Eleanor Rose Blake, (back row) Julia Troegel, Adele Aucoin, Gwendolyn McDermott, Emily Rawls, Callie Doiron, Aashi Desai and Reese Ledoux.

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

SAVE THE DATE!

JULY 20, 2024

Family Day at SJA We will celebrate the milestone reunion classes from 2019, 2014, 2009, 2004, 1999, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1979, 1974, 1969, 1964, 1959, 1954, 1949 and 1944.

Please contact your class representatives for details. If your class is not included, please contact Alumnae Director Alli Bourgeois ’14 at bourgeoisa@sjabr.org.

2014

Friday, July 19, 2024: SJA Girls’ Night Out ZeeZee’s Bar & Grill Time: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024: SJA/CHS Joint Reunion Details Coming Soon Class Rep Victoria Pipes Smith (225) 385-9969; vapipes@gmail.com

2009

Friday, July 19, 2024: SJA Girls’ Night Out Time: 6:30 p.m. – Until Location: TBD Class Reps Grace Palombo Perozek (225) 810-9494; gepalomb@gmail.com Leigh Ann Town Podorsky (225) 252-6443; leighanntown@gmail.com

2004

Friday, July 19, 2024: SJA Girls’ Night Out Time: 6:30 p.m. – Until Location: Home of Stephanie Fife Parenton Saturday, July 20, 2024: TBA; details coming soon Class Reps Katie Jeter Valenciano katie@morrison-usa.com Sarah Jeansonne Wampler sjwampler06@gmail.com

1994

Friday, July 19, 2024: SJA Girls’ Night Out Details Coming Soon Saturday, July 20, 2024: Joint Party with the CHS Class of 1994 Details Coming Soon Class Reps Erin Vaccaro Brickey (225) 505-2785; evbrickey@gmail.com Rachael Kennedy Averett (225) 933-1009; Averett4@gmail.com

1989

Details Coming Soon Class Reps Anglyn Hughes Brown (225) 937-2895; Anglynbrown@gmail.com Dana Lynn Altazan (225) 268-5598; dlaltazan71@yahoo.com

1984

Friday, October 4, 2024: SJA Girls’ Night Saturday, October 5, 2024: SJA/CHS Reunion Details Coming Soon Class Rep Kim McCann Gallego (225) 931-6576; jag2@aol.com

1974

Friday, July 19, 2024: 50-Year Reunion Mass, Campus Tour and Reception Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Location: Mother Alice Hall at St. Joseph’s Academy (3080 Kleinert Avenue) Saturday, July 20, 2024: SJA Class Party Time: 6-10 p.m. Location: Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU (3848 W. Lakeshore Drive) RSVP: Denise Clements Saccaro at (225) 241-8855 or saccarodenise@gmail.com

1969

Friday, July 19, 2024: SJA Girls’ Night Out Saturday, July 20, 2024: Joint Party with the CHS Class of 1969 Details Coming Soon Class Rep Liz Conley Walker (225) 235-9322; (225) 924-3963; lizgalry@bellsouth.net

3 7 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S WINTER 2024

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

The following tribute donations were made between September 26 and December 7, 2023. Please remember in your prayers those who are being honored as well as those who honored them. In Memory of Miriam Cooney Abbott ’28 Mr. William T. Abbot Jr. In Honor of Nola Angelle Adams ’26 Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Adams In Memory of Jack W. Allen Mrs. Alethia Hall Allen In Honor of Kathleen M. Allen ’87 Mr. and Mrs. Barry Allen In Memory of Kate M. Anderson Mrs. Nancy Marionneaux In Honor of Ava A. Banh ’27 Mr. and Mrs. Tony Banh In Honor of Ms. Ella Barker ’24 Mrs. Diane Stone Dr. Heather Stone In Honor of Ms. Julia Bauer ’24 Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hornsby

In Honor of Ms. Caroline Brown ’27 Mr. and Mrs. Douglas L. Villien Sr.

In Honor of Aidan Camille Dooley ’24 Mr. and Mrs. William H. Dooley

In Memory of Ms. Aimee Brumley ’98 Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Brumley

In Memory of Michael J. Drury Mrs. Anne Drury

In Honor of Juliette Louise Buffone ’24 Mr. and Mrs. Hollis D. Chapman

In Memory of Allen DuBois Dr. and Mrs. Larry Meiske

In Memory of Chad Carpenter Mrs. Barbara Carpenter

In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Duell Paula Duell Northern

In Honor of The Class of 1994 Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey VanZandt

In Memory of Rosa Mansur Dunn ’71 Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Levert Jr.

In Honor of Ms. Anna Benton Cochran ’24 Mrs. Joye Johnson

In Memory of Mertis Edwards Mr. William Edwards

In Honor of Ms. Clara Cole ’24 Mr. and Mrs. Allen F. Brown In Honor of Ms. Ella Cole ’27 Mr. and Mrs. Allen F. Brown In Memory of Mrs. Edna Maggio Collura ’33 Mr. and Mrs. Sammy Collura In Honor of Ms. Chapman Cooper ’16 Mr. Charles and Dr. Carrie Cooper

In Memory of Mrs. Anne H. Bennett Mrs. Mary Lindsey

In Memory of Mrs. Susan McKeever Corkern ’58 Ms. Mary Claire Beaver

In Memory of Ms. Mary Beyer ’57 Mrs. Becky Bourgeois

In Memory of Carl E. Courville Anonymous donor

In Memory of Audrey M. Blache Mr. Gregory Blache

In Memory of Mrs. Angela Carville Crochet ’79 Mr. and Mrs. Rick Bourgeois Mr. and Mrs. John Hoffman Reverend and Mrs. Ralph F. Howe Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel M. Landry

In Memory of Sister Sandra T. Blanchard, CSJ ’54 Mr. and Mrs. John Billodeaux In Memory of Bourgeois & Esnard Families Pamela Bourgeois Esnard In Memory of Ms. Carolyn Patrick Boyet ’57 Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Staffel

In Honor of Ms. Hannah Crochet ’24 Ms. Eva W. Crochet

In Honor of Wallace Eversberg Mrs. Cam Eversberg In Honor of Sister Dianne M. Fanguy, CSJ ’57 Mary T Heffron deBrueys In Honor of Katherine Conway Fawley ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sause In Honor of Gabrielle Fontenot ’27 Mr. and Mrs. Shelby Fontenot In Honor of Dr. Jeanne Fourrier-Eggart ’71 Re and David DiVincenti Ms. Sonya C. Miller Ms. Marla M. Reeves In Honor of Lucy E. Fredieu ’24 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fredieu In Memory of Mr. Roland Fryou Mrs. Elise Fryou In Honor of Ms. Olivia A. Funes ’26 Mr. and Mrs. David E. Funes

In Honor of Mr. and Mrs. Jay Dardis Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jack J. Dardis

In Memory of Dr. and Mrs. Victor Gastinel Mr. and Mrs. John McArdle

In Honor of Ellie DeCarlo ’24 Mr. and Mrs. Felix Mendoza

In Memory of Elizabeth Walsh Gebelin ’95 Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Frenzel

In Memory of Sister Carolyn Brady, CSJ ’48 Stephanie Starring Hodges

In Honor of Ms. Lily DeCarlo ’26 Mr. and Mrs. Felix Mendoza

In Honor of Mrs. Jan Rhorer Breen ’69 Ms. Camryn Brouillette

In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart L. Dietrich Mr. Daryl Dietrich

In Memory of Mr. Lance Brignac Ms. Patricia Talbot

In Honor of Ms. Catherine Jane Elliott ’26 Mr. and Mrs. Bob Elliott

In Honor of Mrs. Ginger Yoder Dodd ’88 Pat and Billy Reed 38 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Tribute Donations

In Memory of William P. Gregory Mr. Claire Bahlinger In Memory of Mrs. Katherine Stuart Hall ’77 Mr. and Mrs. David M. James In Honor of Ms. Eliza Hanner ’26 Mr. and Mrs. Glen Hanner

In Memory of Sister Ursula Harelson, CSJ ’45 Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Hughes

In Honor of Ms. Dillon Landry ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Coy Landry

In Honor of Ashley Marie McGuire ’20 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. McGuire III

In Memory of Mrs. Genevieve Hanks Heine ’44 Stephanie Heine Potter

In Honor of Sister Joan Laplace, CSJ Mary T Heffron deBrueys Stephanie Starring Hodges Ms. Suzanne Kidd Mr. and Mrs. Barry Rester Class of 1973

In Memory of Mrs. Corinne Heroman McLavy ’37 Mrs. Corinne Gussman

In Memory of Tom Hill Mrs. Renee Hill

In Memory of Anna Mae Cascio LaPorte ’43 Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Samuels

In Honor of Ms. Sydney Melder ’19 Mr. and Mrs. Grover Johnson

In Memory of Ms. Allison Grace Honeycutt ’12 Mr. and Mrs. D. Blayne Honeycutt

In Memory of Thomas A. LaPorte Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Samuels

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

In Honor of Mrs. Dyra Culotta Hughes ’66 Mrs. Anglyn Hughes Brown In Memory of Beebe and Will Joffrion Ms. Ruth G. Joffrion

In Memory of Jean McLeod St. Joseph’s Academy Faculty and Staff

In Memory of Dr. Larry Messina Mrs. Linda Messina In Honor of Ms. Erin Michel ’20 Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Michel

In Memory of Marjorie A. Laville Laurie Kleinpeter Laville

In Honor of Mia Grace Miller ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Stan Harbour

In Honor of Mrs. Bobby LeBlanc Mr. and Mrs. John Nosacka In Memory of Elaine Dixon LeBlanc ’58 Mr. and Mrs. Christopher M. Adams

In Memory of Sister Jane E. Moore, CSJ ’41 Mrs. Marie Ruggiero

In Honor of Ms. Estelle Elise LeBoeuf ’25 Mrs. Jean Forman

In Memory of Ms. Courtney Myshrall ’95 Mrs. Lisa Catalanatto Ms. Sharon Myshrall

In Honor of Adeline Louise Ledoux ’20 Mrs. Glenna Ledoux

In Memory of Wesley J. Neal Mr. and Mrs. John E. Lurry Sr.

In Memory of Roy H. Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Sammy Collura

In Honor of Ms. Emma Neyland ’23 Mrs. Corinne Gussman

In Honor of Claire Morgan Lofland ’24 Mrs. Sally Lofland

In Honor of Lucy O’Brien ’27 Re and David DiVincenti

In Memory of Daniel J. Lorio Mrs. Shirley Lorio

In Honor of Mackenzie O’Brien ’25 Re and David DiVincenti

In Memory of Sister Felix Loup, CSJ Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Wilson

In Memory of Mrs. Joyce Eldridge Olinde ’46 Mr. and Mrs. Randy Olinde

In Memory of Clara B. Kleinpeter Pat Kleinpeter Odom

In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Leslie L. Lurry Sr. Mr. and Mrs. John E. Lurry Sr.

In Memory of Diane L. Patula Mr. Donald and Dr. Paula Elliott

In Memory of Dr. Mary Elizabeth Kleinpeter ’41 Laurie Kleinpeter Laville

In Honor of Madison Grace Mannino ’24 Mrs. Deborah Parks

In Memory of Nicole F. Perry Ms. Celeste Collins

In Memory of Sara C. Mansur Mrs. Carole Termini Mansur

In Honor of Margaret Elise Pesses ’27 Mr. and Mrs. Dave Pesses

In Honor of Ms. Andrea Matus ’19 Mr. Aldo and Dr. Ghedy Matus

In Memory of Dr. and Mrs. David P. Planche Ms. Connie M. Planche

In Memory of Helen Jung Mr. and Mrs. David Giardina In Memory of Ntumba C. Kasongo Ms. Elizabeth Kasongo In Memory of Mr. Patric Kasongo Ms. Elizabeth Kasongo In Memory of Gary W. Keyser Mr. and Mrs. Gary Keyser In Memory of Kevin Keyser Mr. and Mrs. Gary Keyser In Memory of Albert and Rosemary Kidd Ms. Suzanne Kidd In Honor of Ms. Caroline Kitchen ’27 Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Evans

In Memory of Patricia Torregrossa Kleinpeter ’46 Karen Kleinpeter Lindsey In Honor of Sister Adele E. Lambert, CSJ ’54 Ms. Patricia Swenson

In Memory of Cathie Wintz May ’69 Ms. Rikki Wintz

In Honor of Ms. Claire Elisa Lanclos ’26 Mr. Francis Lanclos

In Honor of Ms. Katherine McCann ’26 Ms. Gayle Elliott Mrs. Dorothy Rumfellow

In Honor of Gracyn Marie Pope ’23 Mr. and Ms. Michael Snedigar Sr. In Memory of Antoine D. Richard Mrs. Faye Richard Crawford

3 9 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S WINTER 2024

In Memory of Mrs. Jewell Richard Mrs. Faye Richard Crawford

In Memory of Eric S. Smith Mrs. Carol Huguet Smith

In Honor of Ms. Olivia Vaccaro Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lundin

In Honor of Grace Robert Mr. and Mrs. Pete Robert

In Honor of Avery Snedigar ’26 Mr. and Ms. Michael Snedigar Sr.

In Memory of Geraldine Levy Venincasa ’52 Mr. Louis Venincasa

In Honor of Caroline Roberts ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Jim Roberts

In Honor of The Future St. Joseph’s Academy Graduates Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Adams

In Honor of Audrey Vidrine ’24 Mr. and Mrs. Christopher T. Vidrine

In Honor of Camille Starkovich ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Don Starkovich

In Memory of Mrs. Sonya Virgets Ms. Patricia Talbot Mr. and Mrs. Timothy F. Virgets

In Honor of Mary Roberts ’27 Mr. and Mrs. Jim Roberts In Honor of Ms. Ella Robichaux ’24 Dr. Francis Robichaux In Honor of Eva Robichaux ’24 Dr. Francis Robichaux In Honor of Cameron M. Rongey ’25 Ms. Ann Rongey In Honor of Lyla Frances Roper ’25 Mr. Edward Roper In Memory of Harold J. Rose Ms. Melanie M. Rose In Honor of Caroline Roussel ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schonberg In Honor of Lillian Roussel ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schonberg

In Memory of John W. Starring Stephanie Starring Hodges In Memory of Marie Sutton Mr. and Mrs. Homer B. Delafield In Memory of Mario S. Termini Mrs. Carole Termini Mansur In Honor of Grace Toler ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Ben Toler In Honor of Madeline Toler ’19 Mr. and Mrs. Ben Toler In Honor of Sydney Trainor ’18 Pat and Billy Reed In Memory of Kathleen G. Troxler Ms. Kathleen Gaines

In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Antony N. Scardina Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Quinlan III

In Honor of Averi Grace Truitt ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Ed Peters

In Memory of Max Scott Ms. and Mrs. Marvin Miller

In Honor of Adeline Uter ’24 Anonymous donor

In Honor of Mrs. Lisa Yoder Shannon ’85 Pat and Billy Reed

In Honor of Emily Uter ’21 Anonymous donor

In Honor of Morgan Simmons ’24 Mr. and Mrs. Bill Simmons Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Stadolnik In Honor of The Sisters of St. Joseph Mary T Heffron deBrueys

In Honor of Caroline Uzee ’24 Mr. Dan Bradshaw In Honor of Ms. Gabrielle Vaccaro Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lundin In Honor of Mrs. Jennifer Vaccaro ’98 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lundin

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

In Honor of Angelle Agnès Waguespack ’18 Dr. and Mrs. Eric M. Waguespack In Honor of Cecile Waguespack ’21 Dr. and Mrs. Eric M. Waguespack In Honor of Charlotte Waguespack ’24 Dr. and Mrs. Eric M. Waguespack In Memory of Melissa Wall ’95 Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm E. Wall III In Honor of Piper Ward ’25 Mrs. Linda Ward In Memory of Richard Weimer Mrs. Judith Weimer In Memory of Rachael Willis ’00 Mr. and Mrs. Earl Willis In Memory of Charles W. Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Wilson In Memory of Pam Yoder Pat and Billy Reed In Memory of John Zeno Mr. and Mrs. Jess J. Waguespack In Honor of Emery Zeringue ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Steve Thomas In Honor of Harper Zeringue ’27 Mr. and Mrs. Steve Thomas

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TRANSITIONS

WEDDINGS ’08 Alexis Rabalais to Michael Bergeron 1/21/2023 ’11 Libby Lemoine to Harley Bordelon 10/21/2023 ’14 Kathryn Meyers to Zach Bertrand 11/4/2023 ’14 Victoria Pipes to Eric Smith 11/17/2023 BIRTHS ’04 Elena Hartlage Legendre: daughter, Mabel Babin, born 8/31/2023 ’04 Katie Jeter Valenciano: son, Parker James, born 6/28/2023 ’09 Brienne Griffin Bice: son, Julian Miles, born 10/26/2023 ’11 Maria Moore Brasher: daughter, Eloisa, born 5/29/2023 ’13 Grace Mikesell Farrar: son, Beau Price, born 10/9/2023 ’14 Natlie Lewis Eischen: daughter, Rosemary Louise, born 9/1/2023

Uncle of Juli Bahlinger ’66, Patricia Bahlinger Capdevielle ’70, Mary Gay Bahlinger Larrick ’70, Ann Bahlinger Bernard ’77, Barbara Bahlinger Griffin ’77, Lisa Bahlinger Marcello ’79, Katherine Bahlinger Surek ’81, Mimi Bahlinger Bueche ’81, Carla Bahlinger Morel ’82, Andre Bahlinger Treadwell ’85, Nicole Bahlinger Geske ’86 and Melissa Bahlinger Brocato ’89 Great-uncle of Marie Capdevielle Blackstone ’95, Jamie Hernandez ’97, Kelli Black Ferachi ’00, Mary Katherine Bernard ’13, Mary Josephine Surek ’15, Katherine Lee Surek ’17, Claire Marie Surek ’19 and Olivia Brocato ’23 Great-great-uncle of Hensley Grace Blackstone ’21 and Grace Elizabeth Hernandez ’27 Great-nephew of Josephine Bahlinger 1877 (dec.) Reid Boteler Bateman Father of Rebecca Bateman ’22 Patricia Marian Grass Boone Mother of Gwen Grass Theophilus ’69 and Jeanne Anne Grass LaRose ’72

’14 Lauren Johnson Schultz; twins, Amelia Vernon Joseph Broussard Brother of Amy Broussard Echols ’90 and Charles, born 10/25/2023 Uncle of Elizabeth Mathews Buchert ’97 ’14 Courtney King Tupper: son, Haynes Rose Mary Ponsock Brown George, born 12/4/2023 Mother of Mary Rose Brown Dawson ’86 Grandmother of Christina Stephens ’98 ’14 Morgan Tatman Waguespack: son, and Jennifer Anne Stephens ’08 Michael, born 10/6/2023 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 January 4, 2024. Wayne Lawrence Arena Grandfather of Brynn Catherine Arena ’24 Harold Ignatius Bahlinger Sr. Husband of Claire Wilson Bahlinger ’53 Father of Anne-Scott Bahlinger Pourciau ’88 Grandfather of Mary Scott Pourciau ’18 Brother of Sister Kathleen Bahlinger, CSJ ’56 (dec.) 42 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S Transitions

Stanley Eugene Cheatham Grandfather of Shelby Ann LeBlanc ’17 and Madison Anne Cheatham ’20 Joseph Richard Corsentino Father of Sheila Corsentino Blount ’71, Darlene Corsentino Cunningham ’74 and Michele Corsentino LaPorte ’84 Charles Francis D’Agostino Father of Sara D’Agostino Mathias ’96 Stepfather of Ashley Dabadie Ray ’90 and Kristi Dabadie Burlingame ’93

Martha Evelyn Mallory Dolese Grandmother of Caroline Catharine Dolese ’19 Great-aunt of Mary Camille Savoie ’15 Joyce Glaeser Eiserloh Grandmother of Estelle Carrie Eiserloh ’15, Grace Anne Eiserloh ’16 and Mary Helen Eiserloh ’19 Virginia Gentile Mother of Lori Gentile St. Germain ’82 Grandmother of Lauren Elizabeth St. Germain ’07 and Megan St. Germain Ponseti ’11 William Gregory Husband of Patricia Downey Gregory ’53 Barbara Louque Guidry Mother of Susan Guidry Aguilar ’84 and Stephanie Guidry Aucoin ’88 Grandmother of Erin Aguilar Russo ’10 and Emily Elisabeth Guidry ’10 Abigail Renee Hamilton ’84 Sister of Mary Hamilton Heywood ’86 Margaret Price Heck Grandmother of Melissa Heck Brown ’94, Lindsay Dawn Heck ’98 and Lauren Heck Odom ’00 Great-grandmother of Margaret Isabella Heck ’27 Martha Louise Shellington Hess Mother of Dorian Hess Dees ’09 and Samantha Jordan Hess ’10 Lynn Thomas Hill Husband of Renee Svoboda Hill ’69 Father of Toni Hill Wood ’83 Stepfather of Michele McDaniel Coco ’90 Joseph Gebelin Hynes Father of Jessica Hynes Babcock ’02 Brother of Mary Anne Hynes Frenzel ’61 Grandson of Elizabeth Walsh Gebelin 1895 (dec.) Uncle of Elizabeth Frenzel Becker ’86 Mary Mack Jeansonne Mother of Jerri Marí Mack ’93

Cy Jerome D’Aquila Father of Gina D’Aquila Watson ’86

Susan Marie Jeansonne Aunt of Jerri Marí Mack ’93

Verne Joseph Dicharry Jr. Grandfather of Madison Christine Dicharry ’17, Kennedy Janet Dicharry ’22 and Addie Rebecca Dicharry ’23 Uncle of Aimee Dicharry Meyer ’04 and Mary Katherine Dicharry ’16

Charles Alexander Lepisto IV Stepfather of Caitlyn Marie Rogers ’23 Norris Anthony Marchand Sr. Husband of Emma Jean Hanegan Marchand ’52 Grandfather of Anastasia Garner

Daigle ’08, Michael Ann Marchand ’10, Alixandra Marchand Leithman ’11 and Elizabeth Joy Garner ’16 Robert Van “Bob” McAnelly Father of Marjorie Claire McAnelly ’95 (dec.) and Megan McAnelly Cardaro ’03 Pauline Ebarb Verges Moyer Mother of Mary Verges Barron ’71, Emily Verges Reynolds ’76 and Carol Verges Patty ’76 Laura Simon Nelson Sister of Joyce Simon Nicolle ’50 Great-aunt of Natalie Pyburn Reibert ’02 and Katherine Pyburn Dureau ’04

Barbara Ballina Reilley Mother of Kathleen Reilley ’72, Barbara Reilley Athmann ’73 and Margaret Reilley ’84 Grandmother of Lauren Richard Monaghan ’84, Claire Richard Clouatre ’01, Katherine Ford Chiasson ’04 and Julia Rosemary Athmann ’08 John Thomas Richardson Father of John Richardson (SJA faculty) Grandfather of Grace Eliza Richardson ’19 and Lucy Jean Richardson ’22 April Schaff Mother of Evelyn Elizabeth Schaff ’25

Rosemary Crifasi Orr ’50 Sister of Jennie Crifasi Fonte ’34 (dec.) Great-aunt of Grace Anne Crifasi ’22

Betty Ramirez Scurria ’48 Mother of Gerri Scurria Chesson ’68 and Susan Scurria Moore ’71

Hallie Kathryn Pfefferle Daughter of Laura LaHaye Pfefferle ’08 Granddaughter of Mark LaHaye (SJA staff member) Niece of Stacie LaHaye Bordelon ’05 and Mary LaHaye Lindsey ’13

William C. Smith Jr. Stepfather of Lisa Fortenberry Daly ’80

Robert Ray Pulliam Husband of Twana Michelli Pulliam ’84 Uncle of Katherine Landry Barton ’16 and Anne Lewis Barton ’19

Carolyn Bergeron Talbot Mother of Cheryl Talbot Macaluso ’66 and Debra Talbot ’78

Harold L. Suire Father of Rachel Suire Riley ’92 Grandfather of Allison Clare Riley ’26

Mary Hawkins Baker Templet ’57 Joseph Patrick Terrell Husband of Janet Mansur Terrell ’62 Father of Tiffany A. Terrell ’87 Richard George Weimer Grandfather of Lauren Michel Saunders ’19, Catherine Karen Saunders ’21 and Rachel Caroline Saunders ’25 Charles Connell Wilson Grandfather of Madelyn Grace Wilson ’24 Pamela Jean Fleniken Yoder Sister of Pat Fleniken Reed ’67 Mother of Lisa Yoder Shannon ’85 and Ginger Yoder Dodd ’88 Grandmother Sydney Catherine Trainor ’18 John Louis Zeno Father of Melissa Zeno ’86 and Amy Zeno Waguespack ’89 Grandfather of Kate Elizabeth Waguespack ’25

Buy a Brick, Leave a Legacy Order your personalized brick today at www.sjabricks.org. Please direct questions to Wendy Coniglio at conigliow@sjabr.org.

4 3 | S J A C O N N E C T I O N S WINTER 2024

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FOLLOW SJA! Parents, if your daughter no longer lives at home, please send us her address. If you would like to continue to receive Connections, please call Alumnae Director Alli Bourgeois ’14 at (225) 388-2244 or email her at bourgeoisa@sjabr.org. SJA is a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School Five-Time Winner: 1991, 1996, 2002, 2016, 2023 FC60

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