The Bell - Spring/Summer 2018

The Bell

S T. M A R T I N ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E

26 STATE OF THE ARTS

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PEERLESS PEREZ

Spring/Summer 2018

20 STEAM POWERED

StM’s arts curriculum

Longtime StM educator

A night of activities

prepares students for

honored with Dorothy

engages Lower School

college and life

Porter Service Award

students and their families

Table of Contents

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22

18

features

in every issue

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5

GROWING TOGETHER

George Cottage students explore plant and gardening

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TREASURED TRADITIONS

The head of school shares a message with the StM community

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Shannon Huber celebrates her last Kindergarten Tea Party as a parent

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BREAKING RECORDS

MAKING THE GRADE

The Bell sits down for a Q&A with the Class of 2018’s valedictorian and salutatorian

NEWS + NOTES

News about StM students, faculty, and staff

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Alums and parents lead the charge for a Day of Giving that shattered the record books

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FROM THE DESK OF MERRY SORRELLS

GIVING BACK

Community support enables StM students to become leaders in an ever-changing world

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ALUMNI EVENTS

Alumni stay connected to St. Martin’s through a variety of engaging events

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SCATTERED SAINTS

Keep track of alumni “no matter where e’er life’s cares may drive us”

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MESSAGE FROM BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Ana Mesa Ortega ’85 shares a message as chair of the Board of Trustees

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THE ARTS LEAD THE WAY

Guided by faculty who are experts in their fields, St. Martin’s students are engaged across a broad spectrum of the visual and performing arts. Students are encouraged to dig deep, take risks, and reach for the stars.

The Bell

S T. M A R T I N ’ S E P I S C O P A L S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E

Spring/Summer 2017

The Bell is published twice each year by St. Martin’s Episcopal School.

Spring/Summer 2018 stmsaints.com/thebell CREDITS Editor: Meghan Weaver Contributors: Mary Brown, Lisa Davis, Shannon Huber, Aimee Hyatt ’02, Linda Irwin, and Amy Lawler.

Photography: Megan Bauer, Ford Dieth, Sr., Ricky Gilmore, Aimee Hyatt ’02, Wally Porter ’76, Parker Waters, and faculty, parent, grandparent, and alumni submissions.

Design: KP Creative ON THE COVER Seniors Evan McCollum and Lillian Doskey take the stage of the Solomon Theater. The duo also appeared on stage together in the spring production of Grease.

All inquiries and comments should be addressed to: The Bell St. Martin's Episcopal School 225 Green Acres Road Metairie, LA 70003 504.733.0353 thebell@stmsaints.com

More StM to love: STMSAINTSLA @STMSAINTS STM_SAINTS

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MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

The Bell

TIN S T. M A R

CO ’S EPIS

HOO PA L S C

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INE

Fall/Winter

2017

SPOTLIGHT ON STUDENT WORK Several students have contributed their work to this issue of The Bell. From photography to sculpture to mixed media and more, we’re proud of these hard-working, creative students and are pleased to showcase their work.

Inbox The Bell welcomes letters!

Email thebell@stmsaints.com or write to us at The Bell, 225 Green Acres Road, Metairie, LA 70003.

Please include your full name

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VEN ATHLETI

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dents to Teaching stu s on and be champion

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ol students Upper Scho d national earn local an nors academic ho

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and a way to contact you. All correspondence may be edited for length and clarity. The Bell will also consider comments posted on St. Martin’s social media accounts for print publication.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I loved the Heard on Campus section in the last edition of The Bell. It’s great to see how much fun was had at the Saints Community Organization (SCO) Back to School BBQ Bash last year. The dodgeball game in the gym was epic! It’s such a great event that the SCO does to kick off each school year.

I’m so excited to be SCO President for the 2018-19 school year! I love the SCO, it’s a great way for parents, grandparents, teachers and alumni to get involved and stay connected to our St Martin’s community. Everything we do as an organization benefits our children and we get to have a lot of fun in the process. We have lots of events planned, so be sure to keep an eye out for SCO event notifications.

Which brings me to THIS year’s Back to School BBQ Bash. Please join us as we kick off the 2018-19 School Year on Sunday, August 19 from 3pm to 5pm in Saints Hall. We’ll have tons of food and fun things to do – maybe even another epic dodgeball tournament! And, of course, bouncy houses for the little ones to enjoy. See you then!

Penny Salvaggio SCO President, 2018-19

4 | The Bell

e

Sculpture by

Mixed Media by Marley Shepard,

yle, 12th grad Grayson Do

2nd grade

STMSAINTS.COM’S MOST READ STORIES Pedro Perez Named Winner of the 2018 Dorothy Porter Service Award Cast of Grease Announced Saints Earn High Marks at District Rally Two Faculty Members Named Ones to Watch St. Martin’s Benefactors Support the Arts at Spring Gala

KEEP IT CURRENT Recently changed your email address or phone number?

Not sure if we have your most updated contact information?

Please contact Mary Brown at mary@stmsaints.com and let us know how to reach you!

If you have received a copy of this magazine addressed to someone who no longer resides in your home, please notify us so that we may update our records.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

It didn’t take me long, when I was younger, to realize that I wasn’t an artist.

My “best event” in visual arts was perspective drawing, because it only required a long ruler and a concrete object to replicate. My serious attempt at portraiture resembled a Picasso drawing. In the performing arts, I was great in a chorus, one voice among many. There was no one in my school who encouraged me to continue. What they saw in me was a young student who was better at sports and languages, so my attempts at the arts were shallow and brief.

I write about my experience with the arts because my observation is that St. Martin’s students have an altogether different experience. Our arts teachers are not only incredible performers and creators themselves, but they have the amazing ability to bring out these wonderful talents in our students.

Beginning in the Cottage, students’ inner artists are nurtured and developed through playful activities that offer them courage and confidence to create. Our visual art shows feature amazingly beautiful artistic creations in a variety of media, representing students from every division. From Raku firing to pot throwing to laser drawing to watercolor, our students are encouraged to spread their artistic wings and soar. Our new Gibbs Family Center for Innovation + Design has provided a variety of new venues and media for pursuing the arts. Now our students have the opportunity to sew, solder, program, record, and film! In the Gibbs CID, the possibilities are endless!

The most recent example of our faculty’s immense dedication and expertise was seen in the casting of our spring musical, Grease. Performing Arts Director Meredith Long-Dieth approached an Upper School student about playing a major role that she saw as perfectly suited for him. He had no prior experience on stage. After a little prodding and encouraging, he agreed to try the role. Before he knew it, he was singing and dancing! He was a natural, and had so much fun discovering this new talent. What a life-changing experience that was for this unassuming young man!

And what a treat it was for the audience.

St. Martin’s students are given the opportunity to dig deep within themselves and develop new talents that will last a lifetime. Our teachers encourage our students to take risks and find their voices in the arts. Students are free to express themselves in imaginative ways, and also hone their creative thinking and problem solving skills.

And our St. Martin’s family is so generous in providing us with the amazing facilities and tools with which to teach the arts.

As you flip through the pages of this magazine, you will find stories of faculty encouraging our students to be the best they can be, and stories of students excelling with the support of their families and faculty mentors. While it is exciting to be a part of such a vibrant, successful school, what is truly rewarding is the knowledge that St. Martin’s is preparing each of our students not only to thrive in excellent colleges, but to continue to succeed long after graduation.

Merry Sorrells Head of School

St. Martin’s students are given the opportunity to dig deep within themselves and develop new talents that will last a lifetime.

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Spring/Summer 2018 | 5

NEWS + NOTES

SPANISH TEACHER

lassroom

Kindergarten C

Dedicated to

JULIE DIETH

St. Martin’s celebrated a beloved former faculty member, Julie Dieth, for her commitment to the education of her students and her love for StM, by dedicating a kindergarten classroom in her honor on May 11. The ceremony coincided beautifully with Cowboy Day, one of many special kindergarten traditions that Mrs. Dieth helped to establish during her tenure at StM from 1982-2013. The Rev. Dr. Michael Kuhn, Assistant Head of School, officiated at the ceremony; a reflection was given

by Ford Jones Dieth, Jr. ’89. Joining the Dieth family in attendance were alums, students, parents, administrators, faculty, former faculty, and friends.

Admission Update

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SARA BROUSSARD

AWARDED FELLOWSHIP

St. Martin’s Lower School Spanish Teacher Sara Broussard was one of 487 teachers nationwide to receive a grant from Fund for Teachers (FFT), a national nonprofit that awards grants to pre-k through 12th grade teachers for self-designed fellowships. This summer Broussard will participate in an intensive language workshop in Madrid, Spain, to improve her Spanish proficiency and create engaging units of study that accelerate students’ language acquisition and create cultural connections between Spain and New Orleans.

“I am thrilled to use my experience in Spain to create a real connection between my students and another country,” said Broussard. “Our unique program is highly effective because St. Martin’s values its teachers’ growth and the idea that all students should become proficient in a second language.”

Total number of visits and tours.

A 29% increase from last year.

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651 Total number of inquiries .

Alumni and current parents: there are admission incentives available for you. Learn more online at stmsaints.com/admission.

11% Growth in enrollment.

Compared to a 1% decline nationally.

6 | The Bell

English Teacher CHRISTOPHER SHIPMAN Publishes Book of Poetry Upper School English teacher Christopher Shipman, with collaborator Brett Evans, has recently published a new book of poetry titled Keats Is Not the Problem. It is the second collaboration between the two authors. Keats is “a book about the process of writing and the process of life,” said Shipman in a recent interview.

Shipman is author or co-author of seven books. His work appears in journals such as Cimarron Review, PANK, Plume, and Salt Hill, among many others. His poem, “The ThreeYear Crossing,” was a winner of the 2015 Motionpoems Big Bridges prize, judged

by Alice Quinn. A Ship on the Line (2015), coauthored with Vincent Cellucci, was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Award.

At St. Martin’s, he is the faculty sponsor the The Lyre, the school’s literary magazine.

Published each spring, it contains literary work and artwork by students from all divisions.

Merry P. Sorrells, Ed.D. In May, Head of School Merry Sorrells earned her Doctorate of Education in Executive Leadership from the University of Holy Cross, New Orleans after successfully defending her dissertation, titled “An Action Research Study of an American High School as it Adapts to Support the Transition of Chinese Students.” Sorrells also has a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of New Orleans and a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Principia College in Elsah, Illinois.

Hardy Weaver ‘04

Hosts Master Class for StM Students Hardy Weaver ’04 lost count, somewhere around 130, of the Broadway audition rejections he received. But he never stopped auditioning. After nine months and multiple auditions, Hardy landed the role of a lifetime, in the Broadway production of “The Book of Mormon.”

“I’ve found that when I tried to play a certain character in the way that I thought the director or casting agents wanted, it didn’t work,” Hardy said. “What sets you apart is you. Don’t be safe. Be you.”

Hardy played four different roles during his five-year span with the production. It was a demanding schedule, with eight shows and only one day off each

week. Despite the marathon pace, Hardy says he truly enjoyed the work.

In January, Weaver hosted a Master Class for Middle and Upper School students where he spoke about his successes and also some of the failures, disappointments, and lessons he has learned along the way.

Hardy, who is the son of third grade teacher Barbara Weaver, was born and raised in New Orleans andattended St. Martin’s. He also participated in the musical theatre program at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts during his high school years. He went on to Florida State University’s renowned

“Having any performing artist talk to students is inspiring and provides insights,” Director of Performing Arts Meredith He has participated in several Dieth said. “I especially love it national tours, including “A when our alums come back to Chorus Line” (in which he their alma mater to meet with played the role of Bobby) and current students. It is “CATS” (in which he played exciting to see St. Skimbleshanks). He Martin’s alumni has worked at several “What sets you achieving their regional theaters, apart is you. such as the Pittsburgh Don’t be safe.

Civic Light Opera, Be you.”

Seaside Music Theater, Gateway Playhouse, Tulane Summer Lyric, and Le Petit Theater. Hardy is a frequent guest faculty member at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts where he trains high school students in acting.

Hardy Weaver He has also taught numerous master classes at universities, high schools, and dance studios goals and sharing the message around the country focusing on that big goals are not out of areas such as acting, coaching, reach as long as you work hard audition technique, jazz dance, and are prepared.” and musical theatre dance.

Music Theatre Program, where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Two Faculty Members Named Ones to Watch Meredith Long-Dieth, Director of Performing Arts, and Christina Heath, Lower and Middle School Counselor, were named recently to New Orleans CityBusiness magazine’s “Ones to Watch: Education” list.

As director of the performing arts program, Meredith Long-Dieth gives students in all grade levels the opportunity to explore the arts by performing on stage or pursuing set design, lighting design, sound design, and audio recording through St. Martin’s stage performances. She works to nurture each student’s talent, creativity, and unique voice while teaching self-confidence, self-discipline, creativity, imaginative play, vocal projection, listening skills, and how to work as part of an ensemble.

Originally from New Jersey, Long-Dieth is a graduate of the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music and has performed off Broadway, in national tours, on cruise ships, and in various regional theatres around the country. She also worked for Disney Cruise Line and numerous regional and touring companies.

Christina Heath, M.Ed., LPC, NCC is trained in play and art therapy for children of all ages, and brings a wealth of expertise to St. Martin’s Student Support Services. She provides services and resources to St. Martin’s families that help students develop their spiritual, academic, vocational, social, and personal strengths. In her role as a member of the student support services, she has hosted special events and guest speakers to help guide families through academic, personal, and social challenges.

Heath is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. A New Orleans native, she has seven years of experience in the counseling field. She is also a counselor in the Challenges Summer Program and has a private practice located in Harahan. She has an M.Ed. in counseling from the University of New Orleans and a B.S. in psychology with a minor in sociology from Louisiana State University.

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NEWS + NOTES

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to S t M.

Retiring Employees Dr. Bill Rosenbaum, a beloved member of the St. Martin’s faculty since 1971, is retiring. Rosenbaum taught and counseled generations of St. Martin’s students, serving as a Middle School social studies teacher, Upper School teacher, and of course, leader of St. Martin’s counseling program.

Rosenbaum was instrumental in forming that program in the 1980s. As he became increasingly aware of the importance of counseling, he became a licensed Mental Health Therapist before eventually completing his doctorate in counseling.

He made a huge impact on our school, creating such traditions as Career Day, the Life Skills course, and the Senior Internship Program.

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“Over [the last 47 years], I’ve come to believe in St. Martin’s School for many reasons,” Rosenbaum said in his retirement message to the St. Martin’s

“I live and breathe StM red and blue. From attending football and volleyball games to serving as a club sponsor, this place is my home. Preparing to say goodbye is harder than I imagined it would be because I have so many great memories here.

It is truly a bittersweet departure.”

8 | The Bell

Head of School Merry Sorrells said she believes his contributions to StM will be forever lasting.

“Bill has a way of seeing the good in everyone he encounters, and holding the lantern high so others can see it too,” said Sorrells. “I have no doubt that Bill’s wonderful lessons and example will continue to touch our lives for decades to come, and I am filled with gratitude that he has been a part of our school family for so many years.”

Dr. Bill Rosenbaum

Toni Caserta began at St. Martin’s in 1980 as the assistant to Harold Whitman, who was Head of School at the time. After 38 years of service to the school, having served as the administrative assistant to six heads of school and three interim heads, Caserta is retiring. Though she has enjoyed working with different administrations, it is the experience of getting to know St. Martin’s students that Caserta treasures most.

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community. “I have witnessed through the years what a wonderful and nurturing place this is for children and adolescents – academically, physically, socially, and spiritually... As I say goodbye to an institution that has nurtured me so much, I thank you for the tremendous sense of purpose St. Martin’s has given to my life.”

Toni Caserta

Caserta also served as the Fashion Club sponsor in the 1980s and 1990s. As a Jazzercise instructor from the 1980s to the 2010s, she even helped football players work on their coordination.

Caserta’s two sons, Sal ’89 and Mario ’95, attended St. Martin’s, a fact that Caserta cherishes to this day.

“I watched my sons grow here and become successful because they received a great education here,” said Caserta. “They went on to the universities of their choice and have been successful. I attribute that to St. Martin’s and our incredible faculty.”

Caserta says her retirement plans include taking time to relax and spend time with her family.

“Toni’s institutional knowledge is priceless, and has been an essential guide in helping us remain true to who we are as a school,” said Sorrells. “An endless line of alums who come to campus find their way to her office to seek her out. She is one of the many wonderful memories they have from their years at St. Martin’s. She has always gone above and beyond in her service to our school.”

We Go Together

StM Performing Arts Presents Grease to Sold-Out Crowds

In front of sold-out crowds for three nights in April, St. Martin’s Performing Arts Department presented the popular musical, “Grease.” Led by senior Lillian Doskey as Sandy Dumbrowski and senior Evan McCollum as Danny Zuko, St. Martin’s students brought the audience into the world of the singing and dancing students of Rydell High. The Pink Ladies, played by Brianne Milioto as Rizzo, Katelynn Oster as Frenchy, AnnaBeth Talbot as Marty, and Gabby Killet as Jan, joined the Burger Palace Boys: Nic Lobrano as Doody, Kyle Winkler as Kenickie, Tanner Sykes as Sonny LaTierri, and Nic Arensman as Roger.

Several others students rounded out the cast. Abby Beck took on the role of Patty Simcox. Elyse Kann danced her way across the stage as Cha-Cha Digregorio. Kyle Lawrence played the memorable Eugene Florczyk, while Ethan Kann and Maia Christina took on the roles of Johnny and Cassy Casino, respectively.

“Grease” was the word for several faculty members joining the production.

Ford Dieth crooned as the Teen Angel. Robby Stanley ruled over the danceoff as Vince Fontaine, and MaryKay Beck served as Miss Lynch.

The cast also included these students as featured dancers: Bentley Boudreaux, Chloe Fejka, Camila Figueroa, Alyssa Garrido, Leven Greene, Anabella Imbornone, Diego Ortega, Erica Ricci, Farah Wells, and Patience Zar. Serving in the ensemble were Emy Farber, Sophie Chailland, Bennett Nettles, Lila Coe, Ruby Crawford, Ella Bozeman, Jocelyn Martinez, Allison Deutcsh, Lia Beverly, Leland Crawford, Kiley Salge, Westley James, and Jack Rowland.

Backstage crew for this production were Max Bugg-Gaspard, Zachery Day, Eva Morenc, and Zelia Wolf.

Meredith Long-Dieth directed the pop musical classic. She worked with writer Jim Jacobs twenty years ago in the national tour and has enjoyed sharing her memories with the students. Music direction was by Natalie True, with choreography by Kendra Wills and incredible scenic and lighting designs by Emily Ross.

During performance preparations, the cast got the surprise of their lives when John Holly, who played Vince Fontaine in the original Broadway production of “Grease,” visited a rehearsal. Holly stood on the Solomon Theater stage and spoke to the cast about how being an actor has shaped his life. In his frank discussion with students, he described the benefits and frustrations of a life given to the theatre.

NEWS + NOTES

QUIZ BOWL MAKES TOP 10 AT NATIONALS Science Olympiad Shines at National Tournament For the second year in a row, St. Martin’s Upper School Science Olympiad team qualified to attend the Science Olympiad National Tournament. In its performance this year, the team’s 39th place finish improved upon last year’s 45th place finish in the final team standings.

This year, the 34th Annual Science Olympiad National Tournament was hosted on May 18-19 by Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colorado. St. Martin’s team qualified for the national tournament after winning the state championship. The Science Olympiad National Tournament is the pinnacle of achievement for 120 of the country’s best Science Olympiad teams, which include more than 2,000 students.

This year several StM students placed in the top 20 in their individual events:

Seventh in the nation: That’s the Upper School Quiz Bowl Team’s final ranking at the Small School National Championship Tournament, the National Academic Quiz Tournament’s (NAQT) annual championship event for small high schools, in April. Team members included seniors Caitlin Bagnetto, Alexandra Bartholomew, Chloe Bartholomew, Jules France, and Bryce Monier, with junior Elise LaFleur. For the second consecutive year, Bryce Monier was the overall high scorer at the national tournament. He was also named to the Louisiana All State Team and recognized as a NAQT player of the week. The Quiz Bowl Team is coached by Upper School English teacher Lee Klebba.

GABBY KILLETT Honored by

Sociedad Española of New Orleans

Alexandra Bartholomew and Chloe Bartholomew Anatomy and Physiology (18th) Lainey Pickens and Bryce Monier Disease Detectives (15th) Bryce Monier and Clara Conatser Dynamic Planet (16th) Bryce Monier and Bharat Solanky Remote Sensing (13th) Lainey Pickens and Jessie Pickens Rocks and Minerals (18th) Caitlin Bagnetto and Collin Shannon Towers (15th)

Members of the StM Science Olympiad team include seniors Caitlin Bagnetto, Alexandra Bartholomew, Chloe Bartholomew, Jun Choi, Bryce Monier, Collin Shannon, and Maansi Solanky. Juniors on the team are Natalia Bourg, Rico Coleman, Elise Lafleur, Jessica Pickens, and Lainey Pickens. Rounding out the team are sophomore Bharat Solanky and freshmen Isabella Bartholomew and Clara Conatser.

Junior Gabriella Killett was recently awarded the José Luis Baños Award for Excellence in Spanish by the Sociedad Española of New Orleans. The award recognizes “exceptional achievement in the study of the Spanish language by students in the greater New Orleans area.” Killett was recognized for her passion for the Spanish language and her enthusiasm to learn about the cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.

Last year she scored the highest in Spanish III in the Louisiana High School Rally association. Killett is also president of St. Martin’s Spanish Club.

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Arts Festival Showcases Variety of Student Talent The Visual Arts and Performing Arts Departments hosted its annual Arts Week, April 30 - May 4, to showcase students’ work from throughout the school year.

Sponsored by the Upper School Art Club, the week featured artwork from students in all divisions, as well as artistic performances, activities, and displays.

Students in the Advanced Placement in Studio Art class showcased their collection of work for guests in the Merrick Visual Arts building. Visitors viewed the portfolio pieces and spoke with the talented young AP artists:

Grayson Doyle, Olivia Ernst, Zoe Ohmes, Anabella Imbornone, and Kolby McWilliams.

Arts Week activities continued with the fan-favorite Raku firing. Upper School art students used this Japanese process of creating hand-modeled pottery where the clay is fired at a low temperature and moved while hot to a closed container with combustible materials like paper or sawdust. The materials ignite and cause a reaction that creates beautiful colors and patterns.

An opening reception welcomed guests to the Gibbs CID for the inaugural Music + Nosh. With displays of student artwork and a musical performance by special guest Gerardo Ortega in the Solomon Theater, this event surprised and delighted guests.

Arts Week 2018 concluded with the Lower School’s annual Maypole dance and musical performance. Second graders ushered in the start of spring with this traditional event for an audience of loved ones and the Lower School student body.

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More than 20 Upper School students earned first place at District Rally!

Congrats to these stellar Saints! #faithSCHOLARSHIPservice #stmsaints #stm1718

Twitter Stacy Richards @STMsrichards Last stop - GRAND ISLE- barrier island formation, erosion, and recovery. #environmentalscience @stmsaints @STMjoevaccaro @STMmbond

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Comment stm_saints On his 18th birthday, St. Martin’s senior Andrew Devall signed to play basketball with Millsaps College, an NCAA Division III and Southern Athletic Association program. #stmsaints

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Spring/Summer 2018 | 11

NEWS + NOTES

Scholarly Saints Class of 2018 Earns National Merit Honors Six members of St. Martin’s Class of 2018 were recognized as National Merit Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Seniors Alexandra Bartholomew, Chloe Bartholomew, Hyoungjun ‘Jun’ Choi, Bruce Miller, Bryce Monier, and Maansi Solanky were among the nation’s top 16,000 high scorers.

This spring, the National Merit Scholarship Program announced Alexandra Bartholomew, Chloe Bartholomew, Jun Choi, and Bryce Monier earned National Merit Scholarships. Each year, about 7,500 students nationwide earn National Merit scholarships with a total worth of more than $31 million.

In addition, Caitlin Bagnetto, Jules France, and Collin Shannon were named Commended Scholars by the National Merit Corporation.

In total, more than 20% of the eligible members of St. Martin’s Class of 2018 were recognized this year by the National Merit Corporation.

About 1.6 million juniors in 22,000 high schools entered the National Merit Competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The nationwide pool of semifinalists, representing less than one percent of high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.

Roughly 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are honored for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2018 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2018 competition by taking the PSAT/ NMSQT.

Two Speech & Debate Saints Finish Top 5 at State Tournament, Earn All-State Honors Six members of St. Martin’s Speech and Debate team traveled to Lafayette, Louisiana to compete in the State Tournament of Champions (TOC) on March 24, led by Coach Jay Angerer and Assistant Coach Ali Simon and supported by Volunteer Judge Kelly Lulich. This was the team’s first TOC appearance.

Sophomore Andrew Gary earned second place and State Runner-Up in Novice Lincoln-Douglas Debate.

Gary experienced initial success when he came in first in this category

at the opening tournament of the season. He continued to have a strong season, placing third at another local tournament and second at the St. Augustine Tournament.

Junior Ishmael Blackstone earned fourth place for Original Orator. Both Gary and Blackstone earned All-State honors by placing in the top eight of their events.

Renee Angerer, Andreas Poulis, Tanner Sykes, and Katie Williams also competed at the TOC, closing out the team’s solid season.

Students Set Records at State Rally A number of Middle and Upper School students placed in the top three in Division IV (enrollment of 151-250 students) of the 2018 State Literary Rally, hosted by the Louisiana High School Rally Association, on April 21 at Louisiana State University.

Students from across the state competed in the rally, each taking the same tests. Twenty-three students represented St. Martin’s, having advanced to State from their top district finishes in February.

This year StM had a record three overall state winners: Clara Conatser (French III), Bennett Kahn (Advanced Math: Functions & Statistics), and Bryce Monier (Physics).

Several Saints also won their subjects or earned Superior ratings: Samuel Kellum (Advanced Math: Pre-Calculus), Brandon Stokes (Chemistry), Elliot Peyton (Spanish III), Lainey Pickens (French IV

12 | The Bell

StM Students Earn Academic Recognition

Interpretive Reading), Gabby Killett (Spanish IV Interpretive Reading), Nigel Tatum (Spanish IV Extemporaneous Speaking), Ishmael Blackstone (Original Oratory), Abbie Beck (Speech Interpretive Reading), and Katie Main (Spanish I Interpretive Reading).

Students qualified to participate in the state competition by finishing in the top five in a literary event at the District Literary Rally, or by being chosen by the academic department to represent the school in open foreign language events. Each student may test in only one State Rally Literary Event.

More than a quarter of a million high school students take part in ten district rallies throughout Louisiana, with more than 6,000 district winners advancing to the State Rally held annually at Louisiana State University.

Saints Take First in Local Math Competition

Cum Laude Society Inducts New Members

St. Martin’s took first place overall in a math competition hosted by Brother Martin’s chapter of Mu Alpha Theta, a national mathematics honor society, in February. Several StM mathletes earned top finishes on individual tests: Tristan Karno (7th grade), Bharat Solanky (Algebra II), Jessie Pickens (Pre-Calculus), and Bryce Monier (Calculus BC). Three StM teams also took home first place finishes on team tests: Ricky Pickens and Tristan Karno (7th grade), Deen Choi and Bharat Solanky (Comp Math 1.5: Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry), and Maansi Solanky, Jun Choi, Bryce Monier (Potpourri). Team members Deen Choi, Bharat Solanky, Jessie Pickens, Lainey Pickens, Harry La, Bennett Kahn, Natalia Bourg, Elise Lafleur, Maansi Solanky, Jun Choi, and Bryce Monier took first place in the Interschool Test.

Modeled after Phi Beta Kappa, the Cum Laude Society was established in 1907 to recognize scholastic achievement on the secondary school level. Each year, St. Martin’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society inducts into its membership those seniors and juniors who are academically in the top 20% and 10% of their class, respectively.

Two Students Earn Perfect ACT Scores

Sophomore Selected to Youth Legislative Council

Girls’ State and Boys’ State Delegates Announced

Sophomore Andrew Gary was selected to the 2018-2019 Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC). Gary was one of 31 students selected from 120 applicants. Created by state law, LYAC is composed entirely of high school students with an interest in representing the voices of young people across the state.

It opens the line of communication between youth and the legislature and gives students the opportunity to be involved in the workings of government.

Each year, the faculty nominates students to attend the Louisiana Girls’ and Boys’ State programs during the month of August. These programs train students in the practical mechanics of government.

Girls’ State delegates: Ellie Hurley, Gabby Killett, and Elise Lafleur.

Boys’ State delegates: Ben Bone, Bennett Kahn, and Ritchie Whitney.

Two St. Martin’s Episcopal School students — senior Bruce Miller and junior Lainey Pickens — earned the highest possible composite score of 36 on the September ACT test. On average, less than one-tenth of one percent of students who take the ACT earns the top score.

The ACT is a standardized test for high school achievement and college admission in the United States. The ACT tests student skills in English, mathematics, reading, and science.

Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 36 and a student’s composite score is the average of the four

Seniors: Ally Bartholomew, Chloe Bartholomew, Caitlin Bagnetto, Jun Choi, Bruce Miller, Bryce Monier, Collin Shannon, and Maansi Solanky.

Juniors: Bennett Kahn, Elise Lafleur, Jessie Pickens, and Lainey Pickens.

Middle School Latin Classes Boast Impressive Results on National Exam Several students in Keith Schwarz’s Middle School Latin class earned stellar scores on the National Latin Exam. Earning Magna Cum Laude distinctions were eighth graders Lauren Bone, Halle Bryan, and Lilly Rabe, while Daniel Thompson earned a distinction of Cum Laude.

Seventh graders Luke Alvendia, Justin Hall, Tristan Karno, and Ricky Pickens each earned a Purple Ribbon and Certificate of Outstanding Achievement. Harris Huber, Ian Linden, George Mueller, Conner Nicoladis, Kiley Salge, and Samantha Thompson all earned Certificates of Achievement.

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AWARDS

STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AT AWARD CEREMONIES

End of the Year Awards Fourth and Fifth Grade Awards

The Class of 2025 made history as the first fifth grade class in the Middle School division this year. Typically, the Lower School celebrates the fifth grade each May in a recognition ceremony. This year the Class of 2025 instead celebrated this milestone as part of Middle School, while the Lower School celebrated with a Fourth Grade Recognition Ceremony.

SHILLING AWARD

Presented out of love and gratitude for Penny Shilling, former teacher and friend.

Awarded by the faculty and students to Sean Gardner (5th grade) and Ava Schott (4th grade) on the basis of scholarship, service, and amiability.

FOURTH GRADE

(From left) Citizenship Award winner, Jacob J. Odom; Marjorie Conatser Award winner, Russell Huber; Shilling Award winner, Ava Schott; Millican Cup winner, Alex Schueuermann; Citizenship Award winner, Dax A. Rizer

MILLICAN CUP

Presented in appreciation for the innovation of Mary Lou Millican, beloved former Head of Lower School. Awarded to Isabel Lovera (5th grade) and Alex Schueuermann (4th grade) who have excelled in academic achievement and have consistently displayed the characteristics of good citizenship.

MARJORIE CONATSER AWARD

Presented in thanksgiving for the vision and dedication of Marjorie Conatser, former teacher and Lower School Head. Awarded to Anisha Mitra (5th grade) and Russell Huber (4th grade) who have attended St. Martin’s for at least five years and possess integrity, initiative, creativity, and enthusiasm.

CITIZENSHIP AWARD

Awarded to Dax Rizer (4th grade) who has consistently demonstrated kindness, helpfulness, and empathy toward his peers throughout the school year.

14 | The Bell

FIFTH GRADE

(From left) Marjorie Conatser Award winner, Anisha Mitra; Shilling Award winner, Sean Gardner; Millican Cup winner, Isabel Lovera

DON SCHWARTZ DEAN’S AWARD

Presented to Ryan Johnson by the Head of Middle School for excelling academically and displaying dedication to St. Martin’s ideals of faith, scholarship, and service.

“

Middle School Awards

You were brave and strong in pushing the boundaries and in proving that you could handle the responsibilities of Middle School. You creatively shaped the path for those who will follow in your footsteps.

You supported each other. You showed compassion for those around you. You welcomed newcomers with open arms and open hearts. You laughed, cried, and laughed some more.

You took big steps, giant leaps really, without asking for a safety net. Then you turned around to look us as if to say: “Well, aren’t you coming?”

We weren’t sure you were ready for the impact that Middle School would have on you. Shame on us… for how little did we foresee the impact you would have on us?

SIXTH AND SEVENTH GRADE AWARD WINNERS

(From left) Highest Class Average winner Gabrielle Rubin (sixth grade), sixth grade Outstanding Citizenship winners Patrick LaForge and Emerson Arensman, seventh grade Outstanding Citizenship winners Justin Hall and Zoe Tatum, Highest Class Average winner Luke Alvendia (seventh grade).

Continue to face your world with confidence, creativity, and grace. Your generation — I know that phrase makes me sound really old — will face complex and daunting challenges concerning a growing population, global tensions, sustainability, and dwindling resources.

This class, in particular, is poised to face those challenges.

But begin now. Be bold and resolute. Demand of yourself and each other that your St. Martin’s education be used for the greater good.

— Jenny Velasquez Head of Middle School

EIGHTH GRADE AWARD WINNERS

(From left) Citzenship winner Bryce Bohanan, Highest Class Average winner Lauren Bone, Citzenship winner Kylar Coleman, and Don Schwarz Dean’s Award winner Ryan Johnson.

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AWARDS

Upper School Awards

THE SPIRIT OF ST. MARTIN’S AWARD

THE MICHAEL JOHN MOSELEY AWARD

Presented to senior Jun Choi, selected by the Upper School faculty for best possessing and representing St. Martin’s qualities of faith, scholarship, and service.

Commemorating the outstanding record that was established at St. Martin’s by Michael John Moseley ’67, who was a scholar and a leader in service and athletics. Presented by the Student Council to Evan McCollum, who excels in athletics, scholarship, and service.

THE REV. JOHN STONE JENKINS CITIZENSHIP AWARD

THE DR. W. BROOKS EMORY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Presented to two seniors, Chloe Bartholomew and Alexandra Bartholomew, selected by the Upper School faculty based on character, courage, scholarship, leadership, and service.

Established by Dorothy Dorsa Porter to honor Dr. Emory’s professional efforts and friendship.

This legacy in her estate provides a modest scholarship for the recipient’s junior year.

Presented to sophomore Lindsey Laforge, who exemplifies “Faith, Scholarship, and Service.”

THE JOHN F. AKER AWARD

THE O.E. HARING MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Commemorating affection and respect for a former colleague and English teacher. Presented by the Upper School faculty to junior Clara Rabe, whose effort, example, and character have made an outstanding contribution to St. Martin’s Episcopal School.

THE MILDRED ELLIS HERRON MEMORIAL AWARD

THE GUSTAF R. WESTFELDT, JR. AWARD

Presented in memory of Millie Herron ’88 and selected by the Upper School faculty and administration to Lillian Doskey, who exemplifies an enthusiasm for life, school spirit, and true friendship not only to the St. Martin’s community but to the community at large.

Presented to sophomore Jack Reeves, who is noted for attitude, effort, example, and service.

The recipient has provided outstanding service to the school and community out of a desire to be helpful, without thought of recognition or praise. This award honors a student chosen by the sophomore class from a list of nominees selected by the Upper School faculty.

THE E.O. VAN SLATE SERVICE AWARD

THE COATNEY LEADERSHIP AWARD

In recognition of the respect and affection of the faculty for the former Head of School. Presented by the Head of School to senior Jack McElveen, who has provided outstanding service to the school.

16 | The Bell

Presented to junior Ritchie Whitney, who has set an example of exemplary Christian citizenship on campus, making a significant contribution to the religious life of the school. The recipient is selected by the Head of School and the school clergy from Upper School faculty nominations.

Presented to junior Griff Thomas, selected by the junior class from Upper School faculty nominations. Coatney Leaders guide by example and take effective action based upon thorough knowledge of a particular situation, with concern for the good of St. Martin’s students and the greater community as well.

They give graciously of their time and skills, thus inspiring others to do likewise.

THE JOE MOOTY AWARD

THE JUDY KETCHUM BAEHR AWARD

Presented to underclassman Jacob Thomas, who through his attitude and work ethic exhibits a love for the game of basketball.

Presented to athletes who have distinguished themselves by lettering in three or more varsity sports during their senior year. Merited this year by (from left) John Hurley, Bryce Monier, Chloe Bartholomew, Alexandra Bartholomew, and Colin Shannon.

THE JAMES M. BURLINGAME AWARD

Presented to Will Leopold, who has demonstrated superior athletic achievement and ability in two or more varsity sports during the school year.

THE GLENN “ABE” MARTIN AWARD

THE DAVE RICE AWARD

Presented to seniors Lillian Doskey and Tony Manzella, varsity athletes who have displayed the most caring attitude and devotion toward their teammates.

Presented to Garrett Kalogiratos, selected by the Athletic Department, who has demonstrated the highest ideals of leadership, character, spirit, and athletic achievement while participating in two or more varsity sports during the school year.

THE E. DOUGLAS JOHNSON AWARD

THE A.G. “TONY” PORTER AWARD

Presented to Khaja Bradley, selected by the Athletic Department, who has demonstrated superior athletic achievement and ability in two or more varsity sports during the school year.

Commemorating St. Martin’s affection for and admiration of Tony “Chief ” Porter. Presented to track team members Ellie Hurley and Colin Shannon, who are spirited and unafraid to take risks and try new events for the improvement of the team. They possess the qualities of dedication, commitment, and hard work.

THE ROBERT L. PETTIT AWARD

Presented to Chloe Bartholonew, selected by the Athletic Department, who has demonstrated the highest ideals of leadership, character, spirit, and athletic achievement while participating in two or more varsity sports during the school year.

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Spring/Summer 2018 | 17

StM ATHLETIC HONORS 2017-2018

SAINTS RACK UP

POST-SEASON HONORS

5

Baseball First Team All-District Barrett Shepherd (pitcher) Caleb Laird (pitcher and utility) Kolby McWilliams (utility) Barrett Shepherd (outfielder) Second Team All-District Kolby McWilliams (pitcher) Ethan Everett (catcher) Ben Bone (outfielder) District Coach of the Year Joseph Laird Boys Basketball First Team All-District Brett Pfefferle Andrew Devall

Boys BASKETBALL

WINS District + Regional Championships

Class 1A All Academic Team John Hurley Girls Basketball First Team All-District Jade Punch Zoe Frey Second Team All-District Kylar Coleman Gabby Killett (honorable mention) Boys Soccer First Team All-District Jun Choi, Will Leopold, Israel Ibiwoye, and Emmanuel Fleischer District Defensive Most Valuable Player Will Leopold Girls Soccer First Team All-District Patience Zar (defender) Sara Brechtel (defender) Elyse Kann (forward) Prudence Dudley (goalkeeper) Softball Class 1A All-State Softball Team Khaja Bradley (honorable mention)

First Team All-District Khaja Bradley (outfielder) Malorie Saucier (infield) Lindsey LaForge (catcher) Second Team All-District Sophia James (outfield) Halle Bryan (infield) Colby Mayeux (infield) Boys Track and Field Individual State Champion Samuel Kellum (3200 m Run) Girls Track and Field Individual State Champions Kylar Coleman (100m Hurdles) Alexandra Bartholomew (800m Run) Chloe Bartholomew (1600m Run and 3200m Run) Regional Meet Most Valuable Player Alexandra Bartholomew

STATE CHAMPIONS The girls track and field team set school records and breezed to a district championship in April.

Senior Alexandra Bartholomew set a new school record in the 800 meter run (2:24.22). She was also awarded Most Valuable Female Runner for her three wins in the 800 meter run, 400 meter dash, and 200 meter dash.

Other strong finishes for the girls included senior Chloe Bartholomew’s first place finish in the 1600 meter run and second place finish in the 3200 meter run. Eighth grader Kylar Coleman won the 100 meter hurdles and took second in both the 100 meter dash and the long jump.

Freshman Renee Angerer and junior Ellie Hurley each finished third and fourth in the discus event, respectively. Freshman Isabella Bartholomew took home third and second place in the 1600 meter run and 300 meter hurdles.

All-District Basketball John Hurley (honorable mention)

All-District Most Valuable Player Khaja Bradley

TRACK TEAMS SHINE

The boys team also had a strong showing at district, finishing fourth in the team standings.

Junior Rico Coleman won the 1600 meter run and 800 meter run. Junior Samuel Kellum finished first in the 3200 meter run and second in the 1600 meter run. Sophomore Emmanuel FleischerDjoleto was runner-up in the 100 meter dash.

After more strong performances at the regional track and field meet, several athletes qualified for the Class 1A State Track & Field Championships at LSU. The girls team finished second, an improvement from the 2017 meet, where the team took home a third place finish. Senior Alexandra Bartholomew was awarded Most Valuable female runner of the meet. The boys team finished in sixth place at the meet. Head Coach Warren Lind said this year more athletes qualified for the state track meet than in previous years.

At the LHSAA Class 1A State Track & Field Championships on May 4 at Bernie C. Moore Track Stadium on LSU’s campus, five St. Martin’s athletes brought home six individual state championship wins: Kylar Coleman (100 meter hurdles), Alexandra Bartholomew (800 meter run), Chloe Bartholomew (1600 meter run and 3200 meter run), and Samuel Kellum (3200 meter run).

Additionally, both teams improved upon their results from last year. In team scoring, the girls team finished 4th out of 31 teams, an improvement from 12th place overall last year.

The boys team finished 5th out of 29 teams. Last year the team was seventh overall. A school record was also set at the meet. Junior Samuel Kellum ran the 3200m at 9:47.31, breaking the previous record set in 2002.

Girls TRACK + FIELD

WINS

District Championship + Regional Runners-up

18 | The Bell

“Both teams improved upon their state championship finishes from last year. These athletes have set new school and personal records this year and have worked hard all year long.”

— Head Coach Warren Lind

THE NEXT BIG THING Middle School athletics have had a strong year, bringing six NOAL Ivy League Championships home to Green Acres: co-ed soccer, 7th/8th grade girls basketball, 5th/6th grade boys basketball, 7th/8th grade boys basketball, and 7th/8th grade boys track and field this spring, in addition to the boys flag football championship last fall.

ATHLETIC UPDATE

BASKETBALL REVELS IN

Thank you to the

Champions Club

RECORDBREAKING SEASON

Charter Members

Toni and Devon Becnel Thomas “Beau” Bethune ’92 Jack Boelte Gary Brewster ’71 Cherie and Eddie Cabos Janet and Frank DellaCroce Ninette and Perry Eastman ’62 John Eastman ’64 Parke Ellis ’77 Marian and Larry Gibbs Jimmy Gundlach ’54 Shannon and Stephen Huber ’89 Trudy and Tim Hurley Susanne and Robert Israel Susan and Doug Johnson ’60 Chillon and Lew Kahn Nicole and Stephen LaCoste Joanne Mantis Melanie Manzella ’87 Nicole and Danny McMyne Bob Merrick ’62 Alfredo Mesa ’89 Carlos Mesa ’87 Nicole and Bruce Miller Sallie and Mike Odom Ana ’85 and Gerardo Ortega Jennifer ’76 and Bruce ’75 Parkerson Joan Parkerson Anne Adair and David Reeves Ernie Sims ’70 Stephanie and Kelly Williamson

When the boys basketball team started the season, they had high expectations for themselves, but little did they know that this season would be one for the record books. Though the Saints have made it to the playoffs for the past 12 consecutive seasons, this year their hard work and dedication took them farther than ever before.

Led by head coach Michael Odom ’92, the Saints started the season 3-0, after defeating Haynes, Thomas Jefferson, and Pope John Paul II to win the Haynes Tournament. Later they were invited for the first time in Odom’s tenure to play in the exclusive local CYO tournament. St. Martin’s was the smallest school in the tournament, and the only team from its district.

As the season progressed, the team notched more wins. With strong performances all season long, the Saints were pleased with their efforts.

“This is the most difficult schedule we’ve had since I began coaching the team [in 2002],” Odom said.

“Most of our losses this season were to 4A and 5A schools. Playing a strong schedule like this really tested the team early in the season and prepared us for a playoff run.”

The team ended the regular season with an impressive 21-12 overall record and a 5-2 district record. Only one other Saints Basketball team has had 20+ wins in a season since 1988.

Heading into the state playoffs as the eleventh seed, the Saints hosted 22-seeded St. Edmund Catholic School at home, where they easily came out on top, 69-32. After a 51-40 victory over Ouachita Christian, the team advanced to the Division IV quarterfinals for the first time in the school’s history. Ultimately, they fell to third-seeded Hamilton Christian Academy of Lake Charles.

The 65-52 loss finally brought the team’s recordbreaking season to a close.

“I am incredibly proud of this team and their success this season,” said Odom. They grew as players, as teammates, and as athletes. They showed great sportsmanship and represented St. Martin’s well.”

The 2018-19 Champions Club membership drive is underway now.

“But at the end of the day, it’s not all about wins and losses. We faced tough competition, and the team rose to the occasion.”

— Head Coach Michael Odom ’92

The StM athletic department relies heavily on these funds to provide the support necessary to ensure our athletes have the equipment, coaches, facilities, and resources they need to compete at the highest level.

Please consider joining with other StM athletic fans to help our scholar athletes perform at the top of their game. For more information about the Champions Club, contact Lisa Davis at 504.736.9960 or lisa.davis@stmsaints.com.

Member benefits and dues can be found at stmsaints.com/ChampionsClub.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 19

Congratulations CLASS of 2018

BY THE NUMBERS

6

3.429

Mean GPA on a 4.0 scale

26

Mean ACT score on a 36 scale

1229

Students named National Merit Finalists All 6 earned National Merit Scholarships

3

National Merit Commended Scholars

Average SAT score

6

Average number of college applications per student

6

Students successfully applied through binding Early Decision

258

College applications submitted

20 | The Bell

40

%

Seniors received their diplomas from their parents on stage at graduation

will attend institutions in state.

WHERE’S THE StM CLASS OF 2018 GOING?

60

3

%

will attend institutions out of state.

Caitlin Elisha Lily Bagnetto Gabriela Roció Fuentes Barahona Alexandra Lin Bartholomew Chloe Min Bartholomew Stephen G. Benton III Bethany Anne Black Khaja Keira Bradley Karly Bruss Noemí Alibel Garo Carbajal Hyoungjun Choi Andrew Cole Devall Dreux Paxton Dongieux Lillian Elise Doskey Grayson Daniel Doyle Jules Preston France

Rice University John Paul the Great Catholic University University of Chicago University of Chicago Southeastern Louisiana University Loyola University New Orleans Wentworth Institute of Technology University of Denver Saint Augustine’s University University of Southern California Millsaps College University of Louisiana at Lafayette Louisiana State University St. Edward’s University The College of Wooster

CLASS OF 2018

3 students will attend schools ranked among the TOP 5 UNIVERSITIES in US News & World Report 2018 19 students will be the only student from StM’s Class of 2018 to attend their college 10 students will attend schools ranked among the TOP 50 UNIVERSITIES in US News & World Report 2018

42 students in the Class of 2018

Adrian Luke Giordano John Schell Hurley Israel Oluwatamilore Ibiwoye Gerassimos Garrett Kalogiratos Charles Karnes Kellum Chase Michael Kohler-Descant Elizabeth Grace Kuehne Hannah Eve LeJeune William Christopher Leopold Dionne Rashawn Lewis Nathaniel Michael Ma Rimi Roshmi Mandal Anthony Richard Manzella III Evan Pierce McCollum Jack Johnson McElveen V

Louisiana State University Louisiana State University University of New Orleans Lehigh University University of Louisiana Louisiana State University Mount Holyoke College College of Charleston Texas A&M University, Galveston University of Redlands Roanoke College Tulane University University of New Orleans Tulane University Illinois Wesleyan University

Brianne Alexis Milioto Bruce B. Miller III Sarah Catherine Millican Bryce Joseph Monier Eva Morenc Diego Fabricio Ortega Brett Michael Pfefferle Margot Roya Scott Collin Laird Shannon Maansi Solanky Zelia Kirsten Lendal Wolf Yi Xu

Louisiana State University Tulane University Louisiana State University Columbia University University of New Orleans Sewanee: The University of the South Southeastern Louisiana University Loyola University New Orleans Case Western Reserve University University of Southern California University of New Orleans University of Pittsburgh

Members of the 14-Year Club | Members of the 13-Year Club

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Senior

CLASS OF 2018

Events

1 Ally and Chloe Bartholomew learn more about deciphering MRI and CT scans during their internship at Touro Hospital. 2 Chase Descant and Sarah Millican enjoy their Baccalaureate service.

3 As part of her internship in construction management, Bree Milioto visits a job site in advance of an inspection. 4 The Class of 2018 poses for its official portrait before heading to Commencement. 5 Carly Bruss and Elizabeth Kuehne show off their diplomas. 6 Tony Manzella and Lillian Doskey pose for a pic after graduation. 7 Nate Ma surveys ships during his internship with Dufor, Laskay & Stouse, Inc., a worldwide marine surveying firm. 8 Head of School Merry Sorrells and Board of Trustees Chair Ana Mesa Ortega ’85 present Diego Ortega with his diploma. 9 Members of the 13- and 14Year Clubs ring the Lower School bell to begin their last day at StM. 10 Maansi Solanky and Deen Choi are headed to USC in the fall. 11 On Senior Chapel Day, Khaja Bradley and Brett Pfefferle enjoy lunch hosted by the Alumni Association.

12 Bethany Black and Hannah LeJuene celebrate at their Baccalaureate service. 13 Members of the Class of 2018 who will be off to LSU this fall pose for a pic during their Senior Chapel Day. 14 Merry Sorrells and 2018 Commencement speaker Fred Devall ’87 present third-generation Saint Andrew Devall with his diploma.

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Spring/Summer 2018 | 23

Making the

24 | The Bell

CLASS OF 2018

V

Grade

aledictorian Bryce Monier and salutatorian Alexandra Bartholomew have the first and second highest rankings in the Class of 2018. Their hard work throughout their academic career is noteworthy, but it is their formation as leaders of their class and athletic teams that makes them truly shine.

On the evening of Commencement, The Bell sat down with them to talk about their StM experience and their plans for the future.

How do you think St. Martin’s has prepared you for life after graduation?

Alexandra Bartholomew: I think St. Martin’s has taught me a lot about tenacity and also about how to question things. My experience here has taught me how to push boundaries and not just accept whatever you are given.

Bryce Monier: It has prepared me well in terms of a very strong education.

I also feel like I’ve received lots of preparation in terms of leadership skills and working with others.

Alexandra and Bryce were honored with the Head of School’s Academic and Athletic Achievement Award, presented to the students who have attained the highest academic average for the school year while lettering in two or more sports.

What is one piece of advice you would impart to current StM students?

Ally: Appreciate the time that you have here at St. Martin’s and make sure you’re truly learning from it. Don’t take it for granted. Always question things.

As I mentioned, I believe St. Martin’s is great about teaching that.

Bryce: It’s really important to find things you enjoy doing and commit yourself to them. Have fun, but also focus on working hard so you can achieve the things you want in high school and the future.

How will you spend your last summer before heading off to college?

Ally: We’re travelling with our family and I’ll probably be going to some cross country practices over the summer with my siblings. And I’ll probably take some time to relax and sleep before I head off to college.

Bryce: I don’t have any big plans as of right now. I’ll probably spend the summer relaxing.

Who has been the most influential person in your time at St. Martin’s?

What was your favorite part about attending St. Martin’s?

Ally: I would have to say, teacherwise, Mr. [Warren] Lind. He was my science teacher in Middle School. In High School he is our cross country and track coach and also our Science Olympiad coach. He has taught me a lot about various things in life. He has truly influenced not only me, but I know so many other St. Martin’s students. And also my sister, Chloe. I would not have been able to do any of the things I have without her.

Ally: Right from the beginning, Chloe and I loved St. Martin’s. It is such a unique, welcoming community. It really does feel like a family here. I know that sounds cliche, but I think it is true.

Bryce: There are several teachers who have made a great impact on me, but if I had to pick just one, I think I’d say Mr. Lind because he has made a great impact as a cross country coach and as a mentor for Science Olympiad. He’s very close with me and my family and I really think he’s been a great influence on me.

Bryce: The food. [Laughs.] Truly, it has been really great to have this small, close-knit class. Everyone knows each other and feels connected to each other. Especially those of us who have been together for years and years.

We’ve formed a close bond and I think that’s really special.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 25

INSIDE THE CLASSROOM

;OrRSn 5 @WbbZS

George Cottage three-year-olds grow through an exploration of plants and gardening

With their hands in the dirt, students in the George Cottage Trees class are learning more than they realize. The children revel in getting dirty as they play, not realizing that each trip through the garden is a well-disguised learning experience.

And that’s exactly what their teachers Jenny Collins, Shannan LeJeune, and Jeanie L’Hoste were hoping for.

26 | The Bell

The Trees spent much of the spring semester immersed in discovering the wonders of nature through a play-filled exploration of flowers, herbs, vegetables, and other plants.

“Play is where children do most of their learning,” said L’Hoste. “From simply playing, children can learn in so many different ways: academically, cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically.”

The class began with a discussion on plants and what plants need to grow and thrive. Teachers explained to students how to help plants grow by giving them water and access to sunlight.

Once they discussed the concepts, students began their first lesson in plant biology by growing red bean plants. They started with a bean and placed it in a wet cotton ball inside a plastic bag, and taped the bag to a window.

“We checked our growing bean plants each day to see how they were changing,” Collins said. “The children noticed right away that there was quite a bit of condensation inside the bag, as if we’d created our own little greenhouse inside the bag. After a few days, we noticed that some of the seeds started to develop a root system.”

Once the plants developed leaves, students moved them to a garden outside their classroom and continued to water the plants and measure their growth. The bean plants grew alongside other plants in their garden, including cilantro, rosemary, and garlic chives.

Scientific discovery abounds in gardens. Children discover that animals, insects, and worms are attracted to gardens. They observe the ecosystem in their garden as they see and learn about visiting bees pollinating plants, and worms breaking down organic matter while living in the soil.

“Gardening can teach real-life lessons,” said Collins. “Children begin to have an early understanding of scientific and math concepts. Gardening can

also help increase their planning, organization, and problem solving skills as they experience hands-on what it takes to help plants grow.”

Collins, Lejeune, and L’Hoste prepared a number of provocations that helped students explore concepts around plants and gardening while teaching early reading comprehension and science and math concepts. One such provocation involved three white carnations, each in a vase with a different colored water. Together the class watched how the stems absorbed the colored water and dispersed it to the flower. The edges of the flower were the first area to present with the color of its new water, showing students that a stem works much like a straw.

“Math and science lessons are woven throughout each activity and provocation,” said LeJeune. “The activities we offer to the children allow them to explore, and immerse themselves in the discovery and understanding of their world.”

Each of the provocations the teachers prepared for students highlights George Cottage’s Reggio Emiliainspired approach to early childhood education. Modeled after methods developed in the infant and toddler centers of Reggio Emilia in Italy, George Cottage’s program values the child as strong, capable, resilient, and rich with wonder and knowledge.

Throughout the process, the students’ natural curiosity helped them discover and hone new skills, such as: • Responsibility and patience while they care for a tiny seed as it grows into a plant.

• Understanding as they learn about cause and effect. (For example, plants wither without enough water.)

• Self-confidence from achieving their goals and enjoying the food they have grown.

• Reasoning as they learn about the science of plants, animals, weather, and the environment.

• Cooperation and teamwork as they work together to tend the garden or on other group activities.

Toward the end of the exploration, the students enjoyed playing and “working” in a flower shop, “making” and “selling” bouquets to each other.

They brainstormed on a name for their shop and landed on “Flower Shower.”

The teachers worked with staff in the Gibbs Family Center for Innovation + Design to design and laser-cut a sign with the name to hang proudly in their classroom garden.

To close out their eye-opening exploration, students were finally able to enjoy the fruits of their labor. They celebrated by eating chips and salsa their teachers prepared with the cilantro that the children nurtured so lovingly.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 27

HEARD ON CAMPUS

Ringing in Senior Year Ring Day 2018

At the annual Ring Day chapel service each spring, in front of an audience of their friends and family, members of the junior class receive their class rings from specific seniors chosen for each student. The speaker for this year’s event was St. Martin’s alumna Amanda Abrams ’98.

This St. Martin’s tradition takes place at the end of each student’s junior year, signifying their transition to serving as the leaders of the student body. The shift is completed on the last day of school when the seniors and juniors participate in the Passing of the Light ceremony.

“I’ve been at StM since the Cottage so I’ve been looking forward to being a senior for a long time.

Getting your ring really makes you excited to finally be a senior. It makes it real.”

—Ruby Reeves ’19 “Ring Day as a senior was totally different. It was fun to get to be the one to present the ring to the junior, but it made you realize that your time as a senior is coming to an end.”

—Andrew Devall ’18 “Last year, before our son received his class ring, I watched my husband frantically look for his 1986 StM ring so that he could wear it to the ceremony. He was so excited that he still had it, even though it only went halfway on his finger.

The pride that he had in that ring as he showed it to Will and his friends was heartwarming. This year I watched my son and daughter walk up the aisle together knowing this was the last time, as a full family, that we were going to experience the beginning and ending of one of their achievements in their young lives. As I heard the audience say, ‘Awwww,’ I knew we had made the right decision in continuing the tradition of sending our children to this school.”

—Joanna Leopold, mother of Will ’18, Charley ’19 and Sydney ’20, and wife of Chris Leopold ’86

28 | The Bell

“There is no way of knowing what lies ahead, so take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Look to what you’ve learned at St. Martin’s through faith, scholarship, and service, and find your passion. You are the future and your leadership starts now.

I can’t wait to see what will come of it.”

—Amanda Abrams ’98, 2018 Ring Day Speaker “As a teacher, I’ve seen many Ring Days.

It was especially nice to get to participate in the ceremony this year, and be a part of this day that has so much meaning in our community.”

—Joe Vaccaro, Upper School faculty member and senior class adviser

TREASURED TRADITIONS

The Kindergarten Tea Party

By Shannon Huber

The Kindergarten Tea Party, which began with beloved former teacher Julie Dieth, is part of the kindergarten curriculum that introduces students to the spring season. The spring curriculum starts with a discussion of the differences between living and nonliving. Students learn about different types of plants, as well as the parts of and the life cycle of a plant. Each spring, the tradition continues as kindergarten students tour the Botanical Gardens at City Park. During the tour, students discuss the plants they see and the uses of the different plants. They also have an opportunity to plant a seed to take home and nurture. Most importantly, students gain a better appreciation of and respect for nature.

Following the field trip, they return to the Alumni Lawn at the Van Slate House for a tea party, complete with tea sandwiches, tea cookies, and chocolatecovered strawberries. At the “fancy” party, students wear elaborate hats of their own creation and sip on tea from real teacups and saucers, all while practicing their best table manners.

My oldest son, Harris, first started the Tea Party tradition in our family when he was in Mrs. Julie Dieth’s kindergarten class. While I’m sure he did enjoy all of the snacks on that day, what he remembers most was the etiquette lessons she taught them leading up to the party. (Thank you, Julie!) I hope that as he enters eighth grade, he will still remember where his napkin belongs.

The tradition continued with our middle child, Russell, who was lucky to celebrate not only his Tea Party in 2014, but also Mrs. Hillary Alread’s first tea party as a kindergarten teacher!

Leading up to the 2018 Tea Party, our daughter, Meredith, had been debating for weeks which dress she was going to wear for the big day.

She told me all about the hat she designed for the special occasion. She wouldn’t let me walk her into class the week before the party, lest I see her design and ruin the big reveal. The secrecy was worth it. The smile on her face as she disembarked from the bus after visiting the botanical garden made my week! All of the students were so happy to see the lawn full of tables with fancy tablecloths, flowers, and tea snacks. Who knew that Bugles could be such a great tea-time snack?

Because I am not originally from New Orleans, when it came to choosing a school for our three children, I happily deferred to my husband Stephen [’89] for this decision. When I took my first tour of St. Martin’s, I was thrilled at how much the school reminded me of my own Episcopal school in Mobile, especially when it came to valuing school traditions.

As I stood on the Alumni Lawn at the Van Slate House for my last Kindergarten tea party, I had a bittersweet thought. Now that our third child is finishing kindergarten, I realized that our family is in the process of experiencing all the Lower School traditions for the very last time.

The weather, the sandwiches, the cookies, and the company were all outstanding. This year, as I walked away from my last tea party, I thought there was no better way to spend an afternoon — surrounded

by St. Martin’s friends and enjoying one of our school’s most special traditions.

Treasured Traditions first appeared in The Bell in 2007 as a way to document St. Martin’s time-honored traditions. If you have a treasured StM tradition to share, email alumni@stmsaints.com.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 29

IN FOCUS

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ARTISTS IN THE MAKING Students in all divisions participate in the arts, creating incredible works

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across a variety of media.

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1 Ava Campo, 4th grade 2 Grayson Doyle, 12th grade 3 Marley Shepherd, 2nd grade 4 Alec Ricci, 11th grade 5 Riya Shah, 3rd grade 6 Elise LaVie, 1st grade 7 Mya Porter, 9th grade 8 Carter L’Hoste, George Cottage Buds 9 Bellen Davis, 5th grade 10 George Cottage Seedlings and Sunflowers 11 Molly Rivas, 7th grade 1 2 Anabella Imbornone, 11th grade 13 Noemi Garo, 12th grade 14 Abigail Beck, 9th grade 15 George Cottage Acorns 16 Clara Rabe, 11th grade; Mya Porter, 9th grade; and Nigel Tatum, 11th grade 17 Olivia Ernst, 11th grade

Spring/Summer 2018 | 31

OUTSIDE THE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM CLASSROOM

Full

F

Ahead

Fourth grader Russell Huber—pictured below with his dad Stephen Huber ’89— has always enjoyed his working on STeaM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities at St. Martin’s, but one of his favorite activities is when he brings his entire family to participate in the Lower School Family STeaM Night.

For three years, St. Martin’s Lower School STeaM Lab has hosted the Family STeaM Night, inviting families to compete in a variety of activities with the help of Innovation + Design team members.

From creating a simple lever made from recycled materials to launch ping pong balls to using limited supplies to build the tallest structure to using a MaKey MaKey to create a familiar tune on a piano, STeaM Night activities engaged families in the types of exciting, hands-on work students explore everyday through the Innovation + Design program.

Director of Lower School STeaM Lab Mary Lee Saucier ’91, who organizes the event each year, believes exploring STeaM and Innovation + Design projects is critical for students’ future success. This year, nearly 50 families joined Saucier on January 11 to take part in this much anticipated event.

“The careers of the future, regardless of the discipline, will require critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills,” said Saucier. “STeaM-based curriculum encourages the development of those skills.”

Throughout the evening, families competed to win raffle tickets for a chance to take home a Makey MaKey Go or Collector’s Edition Set. 32 | The Bell

The event also gave parents the opportunity to explore St. Martin’s Innovation + Design program. Both parents and students enjoyed the evening of learning and fun-filled, friendly competition.

“The mindset we are trying to develop is that thriving in school – and in college or life – is not about one particular subject,” Saucier said. “I love seeing students guide their families through the problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity aspects of each activity – because it is all the skills they’re learning here at St. Martin’s every day.”

FEATURE FEATURE

STEAM NIGHT ELEMENTS STeaM Night provides a great framework for engaging the whole family in StM’s Innovation + Design program. A few key concepts Saucier keeps in mind while planning the evening include: Make It Interactive STeaM skills are not spectator sports, and the evening’s activities reinforced that. Almost every point in the evening required interaction: students explained their ideas, students taught parents how to complete activities, and families even worked together on a interactive piece of art!

Encourage Play Games are a great way to make a STeaM night interactive, and to start conversations between parents and children about a variety of topics.

The games don’t need to be obviously related to STeaM topics to be interactive and engaging for the whole family.

Cross the Curriculum It’s not just about science and math, Saucier says.

One of the most popular activities was a piece of art that eventually was an auction item at the Gala.

Bringing in activities across the curriculum helps hold the evening together as a cohesive experience.

Involve the Entire Community Not only does Saucier try to encourage individual families to work together, but she also tries to find a way to bring the entire Lower School community together. “Seeing the entire Lower School community come together is one of the things I love most about STeaM night,” said Saucier.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 33

COVER STORY

the arts L E A D T H E W AY

34 | The Bell

GUIDED BY FACULTY WHO ARE EXPERTS IN THEIR FIELDS, ST. MARTIN’S STUDENTS ARE

ACROSS

A BROAD SPECTRUM OF THE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS. STUDENTS ARE

TO DIG

DEEP, TAKE RISKS, AND REACH FOR THE STARS.

A rich, varied experience in the arts is essential to educating the whole student, and St. Martin’s students at all levels enjoy ample opportunities to explore their creativity through the performing arts and visual arts.

Students are engaged across a broad spectrum of visual and performing arts — including painting and drawing, photography, sculpture, design, drama, musical theatre, theatre design, band, chorus, and photography — with a faculty of active professionals who bring their work, relationships, and connections straight into our state-of-the art studios, spaces, and theatre.

COM P R EHEN SIV E IN ST R UC T I ON St. Martin’s arts classes encourage not only creative expression, but also critical thinking skills. Students discover through hands-on art experiences that there is often more than one solution to a problem.

“Arts education is very important in teaching problem solving,” said Middle School art teacher Leslie Gamble. “The arts celebrate multiple perspectives.

Students learn from practicing the arts that there are many ways to see and interpret the world.”

New research from Tulane University’s A. B. Freeman School of Business shows that employers value tacit knowledge — skills such as teamwork, communication, self-management, and the ability to prioritize tasks — in all employees, not just managers as previous research suggested.

Visual Arts Department Chair Allison Thomas strongly believes that studying the arts teaches students how to thrive not only in college and the workforce, but life beyond.

“Students learn how to become independent thinkers,” said Thomas.

“They learn how to problem solve. And they learn to explore their own ideas about whatever they think is important. It fosters independence.”

Director of Performing Arts Meredith Long-Dieth agrees, saying, “Theatre and improvisation teaching touches on so many important life skills — confidence, grit, intuitive thinking.”

Middle and Upper School students are encouraged to perform on stage or explore supporting roles in set design, lighting design, sound design, and audio recording through 20 performances each year. Several performance opportunities are opened to Lower School students throughout the year as well. Even students in the George Cottage threeyear-old classes have chances to perform on stage.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 35

COVER STORY

With the addition of The Gibbs Family Center for Innovation + Design in the 2017-18 school year, students have begun exploring the the striking relationship between STEM and the arts, exploring and creating their own STeaM education through the use of the Gibbs CID’s 3D printers, laser cutters, digital design software, and other tools in the Build Shop and Woodshop. Technical theatre classes have also begun exploring the capabilities of the space to bring their theatre scenery and prop ideas to life.

In a world where technology is always at our fingertips, the St. Martin’s arts programs give students an outlet to discover new ideas, make creative choices, and interpret material in expressive ways. When students explore these concepts, they are pushed to find unique solutions to solve the problems. These learning experiences help them hone the skills and mindsets necessary to succeed in college and in life.

I NS PIRED SPACES “We are so fortunate to have the beautiful art classrooms and spaces like the Solomon Theater,” said Long-Dieth. “It is more than fantastic.

It brings our school up another level.”

Students perform throughout the year in St. Martin’s 500-seat Solomon Theater, which features professional lighting and staging.

“I can be loud,” said Dieth. “I don’t have to worry about the other classes that are going on. I can separate the class and have set building going on in one location and while we work on blocking on stage.”

These spaces are more than just stops along a campus tour. They are spaces that enhance instruction and inspire student learning.

The Merrick Fine Arts Building features 2,800 square feet of space with a ceramics studio, two 2D drawing studios, a Lower School art room, and a beautiful naturallylit center gallery to display art.

“The building gives us a wonderful opportunity to work together in one location,” said Gamble. “The space allows us get to know all the kids really well.”

Th

d ra G

“The studios have wonderful natural light and enough space for students to fill in and crawl around and spread out to create the work that they’re here to explore,” said Lower School Art Teacher Stephanie Parr.

o 7 ot s, Ph iva al R in lly rig o O yM b

The spaces help enhance not only collaboration and coordination, but can also help with individual creativity.

e

36 | The Bell

PART OF AS A SCHOOL. ST. MARTIN’S WOULD NOT BE ST. MARTIN’S WITHOUT THEM. — M ER RY SO R R E L L S H EAD O F SCHOOL

ST M A RTS ST UD EN TS

Freshman Renee Angerer’s artwork was selected for Teen Art Show at the Contemporary Art Center.

Freshman Clara Conatser was named to two honor bands in Louisiana: the Louisiana Music Educators Association District VI Honor Band and the All-Parish High School Honor Orchestra.

Senior Elizabeth Kuehne was honored by Governor John Bel Edwards with National Medal in Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

Four St. Martin’s students were selected to be recitalists at the Louisiana Federation of Music Clubs Festival Honors Recital: Luke Alvendia, Jessie Pickens, Lainey Pickens, and Clara Conatser.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 37

Endowment Funds

St. Martin’s Board of Trustees FACULTY RECOGNITION SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Spotlight on the Lewis Lagniappe Fund for Students

The Little Things Can

Make the Biggest

This scholarship was established in 2007, by St. Martin’s Board of Trustees, to honor certain long-serving, retiring faculty members. Proceeds from the fund are awarded to students based on academic merit and financial need.

THE 2018 HONOREES Toni Caserta Bill Rosenbaum PREVIOUS HONOREES Doris Baron Eileen Beckman Margaret Budde Carolyn Busenlener Jane Caine Julie Dieth Peggy Fransen Susan Godchaux Dianne Greer Jane Guillory Tina Hintz Ginny Hoffmann Vicki Johnson Betsy Kaston ’72 Jim Marsalis ’62 Janis McCormick Chick McGeehan Rex Mooney Susan Pansano ’66 Pedro Perez Stephenie Pittman Cheryl Resignola Sue Shaw Gloria Siegel Michelle Snow Linda Trevino Linda Trotter Winnie Wendel

“

Whether soccer cleats or a prom dress or other incidental items, a number of expenses come up throughout a child’s time at St. Martin’s that families

For more information on how to give back to StM, contact Lisa Davis at 504.736.9960 or lisa. davis@stmsaints.com.

38 | The Bell

may need help with, and which go beyond financial aid.

—Donna Lewis

The Legacy Societies of St. Martin’s

Difference Having a sports coat, athletic cleats, a musical instrument, or even a prom dress may seem inconsequential, but in reality, these small items can help students feel their best, perform at a higher level, and reach their full potential.

For more than four decades, Don and Donna Lewis quietly helped to provide special gifts that touched the lives and hearts of countless St. Martin’s students.

“We just couldn’t bear to see a student not on a level playing field with their classmates,” said Donna. “Whether soccer cleats or a prom dress or other incidental items, a number of expenses come up throughout a child’s time at St. Martin’s that families may need help with, and which go beyond financial aid.”

Don and Donna joined the St. Martin’s community in 1971 when their oldest daughter, Allison, entered first grade. Since that time, Donna has volunteered, worked as a substitute teacher, taught first grade, and served as Director of Admission. She continues to serve on the Board of Visitors.

Don, although frequently traveling in his long career as a pilot and captain for Delta Airlines, was an avid volunteer as well, serving with the Dads’ Club and co-chairing the Annual Giving Campaign.

Together, Don and Donna put Allison Lewis Wagner ’82, also a former faculty member, and Melissa Lewis Salus ’84 through school at St. Martin’s. Their granddaughter, Taylor Michals, is also a St. Martin’s alum of the Class of 2009, as is their nephew, Beau Bethune ’92.

All the while, Don and Donna lived directly across the street from the school.

Throughout the years, the couple came to know many St. Martin’s students on a personal level. And discreetly helping take care of incidental expenses for students became a regular occurrence, one they both took great joy in.

Before Don’s passing in 2013, he and Donna created the fund to continue the work they started. The Lewis Lagniappe Fund for Students, now in its fifth year, continues to assist students with incidental costs of an StM education beyond tuition.

Current students and their families who think they may benefit from the fund may contact the Advancement Office to inquire about becoming a fund recipient. For more information about the Lewis Lagniappe Fund for Students or how to give back to StM, contact Lisa Davis at 504.736.9960 or lisa.davis@stmsaints.com.

Those who remember St. Martin’s Episcopal School through a will, trust, designation, or other planned gift, are invited to join the Legacy Societies. Involvement in the Legacy Societies gives benefactors the opportunity to enjoy the company of others who, like themselves, care about leaving a legacy to protect and strengthen this community.

Mrs. Margaret Stainbach Adams ’75 Mrs. Carol Appel Senator Conrad Appel Mr. Brian Bossier ’78 Mrs. Margaret Dannenberg Bossier ’78 Mr. Alan Brackett Mrs. Linda Eckles Brackett Mr. John D. Broadbent Mrs. Karon Brenes Broadbent ’61 Rev. Daryl Canfill* Mrs. Lynn Coatney Mr. Michael Coatney Mrs. Ethel G. Coupland* Mr. Sean Daly Mr. John DeMartini ’80 Mrs. Sandra DeMartini Mr. F. Otway Denny Mrs. Beth Hughes DePass ’79 The Rev. Fred Devall IV ’87 Mr. Michael A. Flick Rev. William Gedge Gayle, Jr. Mr. Lawrence Gibbs Mrs. Marian Gibbs Mr. John Girault ’55 Mrs. Murrell Girault Dr. Tejas Godiwala Mr. John Graham Mr. Peter Hagan* Ms. Jan M. Hayden Mr. Tom Huber* Mr. Tim Hurley Mr. Hans A.B. Jonassen ’58 Mr. John P. Labouisse ’60* Mrs. Meredith Labouisse* Mr. Dan LeGardeur ’68 Mr. John King Mayer* Mr. Michael J. McHugh ’68 Mrs. Mary Anne O’Neil* Mrs. Anthony Porter* Mrs. Mary Sue Roniger ’60 Mrs. Charlotte Smith* Mr. Gary N. Solomon, Sr. Mr. Doyle Spell ’52 Mrs. Billie Poag Walters ’63* Mr. Parker Waters Dr. Susan Wilkie *deceased

St. Martin’s is grateful for the profound impact these benefactors and their gifts have on the school.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 39

SCO UPDATE

PARENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE St. Martin’s is grateful for the dedicated parent volunteers who spent countless hours helping to strengthen our school and the student experience. This year, our parent group, the Saints Community Organization (SCO), hosted a variety of socials, parent seminars, and fundraising events to help foster fellowship and financial support for our students and school.

SCO FUNDRAISING

HOW MUCH DID WE RAISE?

SCO membership is free and all parents and faculty are welcome and encouraged to attend meetings, volunteer time and talents, and join in the activities sponsored by the SCO.

MARK YOUR CALENDERS NOW FOR THE

2018-19 SCO EVENTS

$32,574.00

$80,000.00

BACK TO SCHOOL BBQ BASH August 19

FALL MEETING September 11

DONUTS WITH DAD Cottage and Lower School (August/September)

GOLF TOURNAMENT November 16

Family Fest Concessions Stepping Stones Golf Tournament Gala

$1,935.00 $1,533.00 $1,731.00 $32,574.00 $80,000.00

TOTAL RAISED

$117,773.00

WHERE DO YOUR GIFTS GO?

WINTER MEETING January 15 $17,060.00 SPRING GALA April 6

$75,000.00

$32,574.00

TEACHER APPRECIATION May 8

FAMILY FEST May 17

SCO VOLUNTEER BANQUET May 22

StM would not be the school it is today without help and support from our dedicated parent volunteers. For more information on how to get involved, join us at the Back to School BBQ Bash on August 19 or contact 2018-19 SCO President Penny Salvaggio at pennysalvaggio@gmail.com.

40 | The Bell

Spirit Items BBQ Bash/Homecoming/ Donuts with Dads/ Hospitality Wish List Items Athletics Visual and Performing Arts Boys and Girls State

$3,412.00 $9,086.00 $17,060.00 $32,574.00 $75,000.00 $2,550.00

TOTAL

$139,682.00

Note: The SCO account balance at the beginning of the year was $38,071.00

LIVING THE MISSION

Amy and Chris Lawler believe their sons are thriving because of the caring and supportive environment St. Martin’s provides. The Lawlers are active participants in the StM community. Chris is an alum of the Class of 1990, and Amy has served as a room parent and teacher appreciation committee chair. She has also served on the SCO Executive Committee — last year as vice president and this year as president — and has served as the Gala Chair three times. Amy and Chris are the proud parents of Christopher and Colin.

Here, Amy tells why she gives back to St. Martin’s

in her own words.

For more information on how to give back to StM, contact Lisa Davis at 504.736.9960 or lisa.davis@stmsaints.com.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 41

GIVING BACK

Community Events

1 Kindergartener Vivienne Comer and sixth grader Emerson Arensman enjoy a ride at the SCO Family Fest in City Park.

2 At the SCO Banquet, Merry Sorrells (left) and Director of Advancement Lisa Davis honor outgoing SCO President Amy Lawler for her service. 3 StM families ride on the Ladybug Roller Coaster at the SCO Family Fest. 4 Students, parents, faculty, and the staff join Head of School Merry Sorrells to celebrate exceeding the StM Day of Giving goal of $40K in one day by raising an incredible $50,250 in 24-hours.

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5 Nicole and Stephen LaCoste are thanked for their service as chairs of this year’s Golf Tournament at the SCO Banquet.

6 Members of the Arts Department accept a certificate from the SCO. The organization awarded $75,000 to the department from the 2018 Gala proceeds. 7 Nolan Dewey encourages the entire community to join in the StM Day of Giving fun.

8 Jason, Sawyer, and Muffin ’96 Adriance enjoy the SCO Family Fest.

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discover more

stmsaints.com/news

42 | The Bell

BENEFACTORS SUPPORT THE ARTS AT SPRING GALA

PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

They may have been dressed all in white, but for the partygoers at St. Martin’s Art & Soul Gala, the evening was anything but plain. Chairperson Amy Lawler orchestrated a night filled with colorful art and soulful music. The SCO netted $80,000 from the evening.

Guests began their evening at the Patron Party, in the lobby of the Solomon Theater, which was elegantly decorated in shades of white. At the main event, an explosion of color greeted guests, in stark and lovely contrast to the all-white aesthetic in the Patron Party.

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Prior to the start of the live auction, StM benefactors Robert W. Merrick ’62 and the Solomon Family were honored for their outstanding support of the arts at St. Martin’s. Honorees were presented with paintings by Olivia Ernst ’19. Presenting sponsor for the evening, Didriksen, Saucier, Woods & Pichon, PLC, was also recognized.

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1 Alejandra Gomez and Caleb Didriksen 2 Gala Chair Amy Lawler and her husband, Chris Lawler ’90 3 Marcella and Stephen Fink 4 Board Chair Ana Ortega ’85, Head of School Merry Sorrells, and Joanne Mantis 5 Honorees Martha and Gary Solomon, Sr. and Sheryl and Robert Merrick 6 Michelle and Bart Cranford and Jackie and John Morgan

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St. Martin’s Board of Trustees | Patron Party Sponsor Mid City Yacht Club - Stefanie & Ben Markey | Patron Party Bar Sponsor Solomon Group | Event Experience Sponsor Lorin and Jed D’Arensbourg | Entertainment Sponsor Donovan & Lawler, PLC | Patron Party Gift Sponsor Annie and Wesley Palmisano | Patron Party Specialty Cocktail Sponsor Gian Durand | Gala Specialty Cocktail Sponsor Chehardy, Sherman, Williams - The Mueller Law Firm | Patron Party Entertainment Sponsor Houghtaling Law Firm, LLC | Grab Bag Sponsor Wally Porter Associates | Event Photography Services GOLD SPONSORS Sarah and Wes Bordelon Marian and Larry Gibbs Lobrano Family/Carver Darden Law Firm Dawn and Tim Mayeux Titan Construction

STM FRIENDS Claudia Everitt-Andrews and Shane Andrews Lauren and Roby Arensman ‘91 Melissa Bennett Alyson and Kevin Berthelot Robin and Mark Bone Ashley Bozeman ‘85 Doris and Tommy Bryan Sylvie Tran and Jeb Campbell Wanda and George Castaneda Melissa and Mitch Chailland Monique and Murphy Christina Sherri and Fred Collier Christina ‘91 and Patrick Comer Kimberley ‘87 and Mark Crawford Holly Dalferes Lisa and Bret Davis Virginia Davis Leigh ‘94 and Arthur Deutcsh Lisa and Fred Devall ‘87 ​Ninette and Perry Eastman Brenda P. Falanga Yanira and Rafael Figueroa Marcella and Stephen Fink Ashley Salge and Freda Freeman Kristi and Jay French Leslie and Randy Gaspard Laura and Troy Heytens Cynthia Hill Trudy and Tim Hurley Linda Irwin Mary Margaret Kean

RED & BLUE SPONSORS Valerie and Chuck Corcoran ‘88 Michelle and Bart Cranford Shannon and Stephen Huber ‘89 Nicole and Danny McMyne Jackie and John Morgan Kristen and Michael Nicoladis ‘78 Ana ‘85 and Gerardo Ortega - GBS Nikki Rabalais Dena and Parker Waters Rachel Jurisich and Donald Klotz Kirsh and Mark Kronenberg Cheryl and Paul Lawrence Kyle and Ivan Lopez Maria Bernal and Jesus Lovera Rebecca and Mark Lovisa Melanie Branton Manzella ‘87 Stefanie and Benjamin Markey Alicia Vial ‘89 and Matt Molaison Susan and Mark Morere ‘74 Kathleen ‘87 and Mike Morin Laura and George Mueller Provance Chiropractic Sports & Wellness Susan and Peter Rigney Susan and Fred Rodriguez ‘68 Brandi Jones and Mitch Rubin Margaret and Walker Saik ‘02 Penny Salvaggio Traci and Charles Schlosser III Cynthia ‘74 and Lenny Schmidt Amy and Chris Segar Melissa and Floyd Simeon Merry and Kim Sorrells Julie and Larry Stokes Shannon and Aaron Thompson DeAnna and Todd Tillery Katrina Tran Salvador Valencia Michele ‘87 and Jeff Varon Ashley Vignes Kathleen Williams

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Spring/Summer 2018 | 43

TEACHER FEATURE / ALUMNI AWARD

Dedicated to His Students

Pedro Perez Honored with Dorothy Porter Service Award

Since 2002, the school has presented an exemplary St. Martin’s citizen with the Dorothy Porter Service Award. Representing the school values of Faith, Scholarship, and Service, Pedro Perez was honored as the 2018 recipient at the Alumni Spirits Party on May 12.

When St. Martin’s announced Pedro Perez as the 2018 recipient of the Dorothy Porter Service Award, there was an outpouring of support in the form of social media comments from parents, alumni, and former colleagues. Many people wished Perez well, sent him congratulations, and shared fond memories.

One of those comments came from Ondina Canales ’00. When she learned the StM community was honoring Perez this year, she was thrilled. Canales believes there is no better way to honor Perez for his service to this school and its students.

“During my junior year, I remember discussing my dreams for college and beyond with Señor Perez,” said Canales.

“As the conversation went on, we discussed how part of that process for me involved registering for specific Advanced Placement courses and examinations. At the time,

44 | The Bell

one of those courses was not offered at St. Martin’s. In a way that only he could, Señor Perez encouraged me to take the course as an independent study. That’s exactly what I did.”

With his guidance and support, Canales juggled the independent study along with her other courses and extracurriculars. While it was a challenge, she says the experience was a great primer for college. More than that, she believes it is a testament to his unparalleled dedication to his students.

When alumni and community members reminisce about St. Martin’s, they often call out specific people by name. Perez’s name is frequently included in such listings, and with good reason. Perez served the school for nearly four decades and during that time was an excellent classroom teacher who was consistently committed to the achievement of his students.

His dedication to Upper School led him to serve as a department chair, Student Council sponsor, junior class lead advisor, and even the varsity boys soccer coach. In each of these roles, he showed that he was not only interested in students’ classroom learning, but also in their personal growth.

Nearly a decade ago the Upper School established the Pedro Perez Spanish Award, recognizing a student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to learning Spanish and becoming bilingual throughout her or his Upper School years. The award speaks not only to the impact Perez had on his students, but also to his lasting legacy in the hallowed history of the school.

To read more about the Dorothy Porter Service Award, see past recipients, or nominate a 2019 recipient, visit stmsaints.com/awards.

H O NO R

TH OSE

W H O

H AV E

made a difference

Honor the St. Martin’s teacher, coach, or staff member who made a difference in your life.

When you send your gift of $25 or more, tell us why you chose to honor that person and we’ll share your sentiments with the honoree in a personal letter.

Honorees’ names will be posted on the website and featured in the next issue of The Bell.

Find out more about the Honor a Teacher program at stmsaints.com/give.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 45

ALUMNI

Alumni Events 1 Members from the Class of 1988 celebrate at the Alumni Spirits Party in May. 2 Rickea Coleman and Curry Cappel visit with Head of School Merry Sorrells during the Class of 2017 Yearbook Lunch. 3 Peter Adair ’98 and his son fill their basket at the Alumni Easter Egg Hunt.

4 Susan Mitchell Montgomery ’78 and Evelyn Fried Lazear ’78 catch up at the Spirits Party.

5 Savannah Watermeier and Bailey Taylor, of the Class of 2017, meet up at their Yearbook Lunch. 6 During the Martin de Tours Award reception, siblings Virginia Nelson Dodge ’68, Martha Nelson Frost ’62, Mary Sue Nelson Roniger ’60, Charles Nelson ’65, and

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46 | The Bell

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Kenneth Nelson ’73 pose for a picture in the StM woodshop named for their father, Waldemar S. Nelson. 7 Jaulet Ebrahimpour ’17 and Julia Reggio ’17 peruse their senior yearbooks during their Yearbook Lunch. 8 Friends from the Class of 1968 enjoy the Spirits Party. 9 Bonnie Baber Depoi ’83 and Karen Kuebel Cameron ’83 stop to chat at the Spirits Party. 10 From the Class of 1992, Suzie Shaw Dieth, Ray Orrill, Truitt Balart, and David Jackson have a good time at the Spirits Party. 11 Retiring Assistant to the Head of School Toni Caserta with her son Sal Caserta ’89 at the Spirits Party. 12 Perry Eastman ’62 and his wife Ninette with Buddy Spell ’76 and his wife Annie during the Spirits Party. 13 Tim Deano ’74 and his grandchildren get their picture with the Easter Bunny during the Easter Egg Hunt. 14 Liz Martin Armstrong ’78 and Charlotte Robinson Pritchard ’78 have a blast during the Spirits Party. 15 Charles Leche ’65 and Patty Habeeb Muehlemann ’65 at the Martin de Tours Award reception. 16 Former winners of the Dorothy Porter Service Award pose with the 2018 recipient, Pedro Perez.

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Spring/Summer 2018 | 47

AlumniArtists

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Rising

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Kyle Ridley ’08 and Dustin DiSalvo ’08

Kyle Ridley ’08 and Dustin DiSalvo ’08 Musicians

Ridley and DiSalvo are members of the band “John The Martyr,” playing to sold out crowds in New York City. Their first single, “Feeling Good” was released in February. The group has been featured on local New York news stations and in the New York Post. They have served as the opening act for Rebirth Brass Band in NYC shows and local fans have seen the band play at the Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo.

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Michael Moore ’09 Actor

After graduating from Elon University in 2013, Moore acted in European touring musicals, including “Saturday Night Fever,” “Daddy Cool,” and “Hair”. Moore is fresh off the heels of his second tour playing the role of Woof in “Hair.” He is currently living outside Cologne, Germany and is excited about future opportunities with other companies and productions.

48 | The Bell

3

4 Christina Noya ’11

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Kyler Duhe ’11

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Christina Noya ’11

Kyler Duhe ’11

Michael Moore ’09

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Artist

Duhe graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design in 2015 with a degree in Fine Arts. She is currently living and working in Austin. Her current work, which can be found on her website kylerduhe.com, is acrylic on wood panel and canvas. Duhe regularly posts videos of her artistic process on Instagram @kyler.duhe.

Fashion Accessories Designer

With a BFA in Fashion/Apparel Design from Parsons School of Design, Noya is up-and-coming in the fashion industry. She is currently working as a designer at Global Brands Group in New York City. Noya works on cold weather accessories, such as hats, scarves, and gloves, as well as printed scarves, summer hats, and baseball caps. While at Parsons, Noya interned for brands such as Mara Hoffman, Proenza Schouler, and Marc Jacobs.

Participating in the arts during their time on Green Acres gave StM alumni

a strong foundation to work with. Whether on the stage, in the studio, or on the screen, alums are making waves across the world in the creative industries. Here’s the scoop on just a few.

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Alexandra Kern ’14

Cassidy George ’13

Adler Hyatt ’14

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5 Cassidy George ’13

8 Levi Thompson ’15

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Photographer

George is a Berlin-based journalist and photographer who writes for Sleek, an online and quarterly printed magazine dedicated to featuring avant-garde art and fashion. George has also been featured in a number of art and fashion magazines, including Indie, Dazed, i-D, and Nylon. Recently W Magazine called her one of Berlin’s “most promising photographers.”

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Adler Hyatt ’14 Actor

Hyatt graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in acting. In March he had the starring role in The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans’ production of “One Arm” by Moises Kaufman. Hyatt earned rave reviews; The Times-Picayune called his performance “compellingly honest.” It was Hyatt’s second turn with TWTC. He also played the role of Jack in the company’s recent production of “Not About Nightingales.”

7 Alexandra Kern ’14 Filmmaker

After graduating from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts with a BFA in Creative Producing, Kern currently works at Interloper Films as a transcriber in post-production on a documentary about the opioid epidemic. This year Kern was the co-founder and photo editor of LAB-140, a curated print and digital photography magazine created to showcase the photographic works of Chapman University students, independent of a purely academic basis.

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Levi Thompson ’15 Photographer

While still a student at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Thompson is already making a name for himself in the world of photography. He has been freelancing for brands Volcom and Nice Kicks and even earned himself a spot on the South by Southwest Conference & Festivals official photography crew. His work was also recently featured in GUD magazine.

ALUMNI AWARD

Charles W. Nelson ’65 2018 MARTIN DE TOURS AWARD RECIPIENT

Named for the patron saint of the school, the Martin de Tours Award is St. Martin’s highest alumni honor. Honored for his ability to find God in the simple joys of life, Martin de Tours is best known for his spirit of generosity and concern for others. A famous anecdote recounts how, while serving as an officer in the Roman army, Martin met a shivering beggar at the gates of the city of Amiens in Gaul.

Moved with compassion, he divided his cloak into two parts and gave one to the beggar.

Martin de Tours exemplified the aspect of service that is valued so highly at St. Martin’s Episcopal School. This award is given annually to an exemplary citizen who has consistently served his/her community and has demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards in his/her chosen field of endeavor. The 2017-2018 recipient is Charles W. Nelson ’65.

What can one person do to make a difference? If you asked this year’s Martin de Tours Award winner, he would tell you, “Quite a bit.” Charles Nelson maintains that the key is to just give a little bit extra to everything you do. It was a lesson that he learned early on from his father, and it was the message in his Martin de Tours Award acceptance speech as well.

No one could refute that Nelson has consistently been giving extra since he was a student at St. Martin’s. After graduating from St. Martin’s, Nelson earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. He went on to complete a master’s in Coastal and Oceanographic Engineering at the University of Florida in 1974.

Since 2003, Charles has served as chairman of the board of Waldemar S. Nelson & Co., a multidiscipline design and project management consultancy firm based in New Orleans. Charles joined the company in 1978 and served as its president from 1986 to 2012.

As a professional engineer, he is a member of the Louisiana Engineering Society, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. In his leadership role with Waldemar Nelson, Charles has promoted community involvement. To that end, the company encourages and supports employees to participate in community activities. Through the years, the company and its employees have supported many civic groups, such as the United Way, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, GNO, Inc., the World Trade Center, church and school groups, and Children’s Hospital. One of the company’s mainstay projects has been through the Preservation Resource Center’s Rebuilding Together Program.

Nelson has served in numerous leadership roles in the community, including serving on the boards of the Clean Power & Energy Research Consortium, Southeast Louisiana Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Salvation Army, World Trade Center of New Orleans, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Technology Council, Loyola University International Business Center Advisory Board, UNO Engineering Advisory Board, and the Georgia Tech CEE External Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of New Orleans.

To read more about the Martin de Tours Award, see past recipients, or nominate a St. Martin’s alum, visit stmsaints.com/awards.

50 | The Bell

Several organizations have recognized Nelson for his service. In 2013 he was the recipient of the A.B. Paterson Award for an Engineer in Management. He was named 2006 International Business Executive of the Year by Loyola University’s International Business Student Organization and the college’s international business faculty. In 2004 he received the Andrew M. Lockett Award for Civic Activities; this honor is awarded by the Louisiana Engineering Society for distinguished civic service by an engineer, in the interest of the public, without compensation for those services.

Scattered Saints 1957 A group of ladies from the class enjoyed quite a gathering in Pass Christian, Mississippi recently. Sandra Stinson Allen, Nancy Reese Bush, Barbara Becnel Coleman, Betsy Burton Crusel, Beverly Walther Devier, Bitsy Laudeman Duggins, Sue Ruppel Laudeman, and Mary Helen Seago Mason were all in attendance at this reunion of sorts.

It was just announced that the “Richard J. Lietz Class of 1957 Award” for the most proficient social media user of the class will be presented at the annual StM Class of ’57 dinner to be held in the spring of 2019. Details to follow.

1959 Leigh Moise Anderson and her husband, Irwin, are both retired and still live in Natchez, Mississippi. Leigh taught for 43 years. They have three children (two sons and a daughter) and seven granddaughters.

StM Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame member Leo “Chip” Favrot and his wife Vicky are retired and living in Austin, Texas. They play a lot of golf and Vicky still plays tennis, and they monitor their investments. They escape the Austin heat each summer by spending summers in Carmel, California.

The Bell began keeping up with alumni in a feature called Scattered Saints as early as 1963. All the written updates are grouped together by year, then Lifetime Events photos together, and finally Class Reunion photos.

Sue is still hoping to organize a 60-year reunion in 2019 and asks that everyone in the Class of 1959 send her their email addresses at sfskoler@gmail.com. Please send a current address and phone number as well.

was pleased to find a few “lost” Saints who joined in the celebration. The venue for the Friday night event was the Southern Yacht Club, with a Saturday night event held at Brennan’s Restaurant in the French Quarter.

1960

The yacht club event was a casual affair and a great success with 66 classmates and guests. The buffet dinner, consisting of gumbo, red beans and rice, fried catfish, and bread pudding, reflected a decidedly New Orleans flair. The group had a wonderful evening of fun, with classmates mingling and reconnecting.

Mary Sue Nelson Roniger was happy to connect with fellow Saint Sue Fulks Skolar ’59, who lives just outside Boston.

The pair met for lunch at a lovely resort, Ocean House, on the coast in Rhode Island. The two had not seen one another since 1959.

The class was saddened by the loss of Jimmy Conner this spring. He suffered a heart attack after working in his garden.

He is survived by his lovely wife, Charlotte.

Classmates loved Jimmy and sent wonderful messages celebrating his life.

1962 Bob Merrick was presented with the Anti-Defamation League A.I. Botnick Torch of Liberty Award in December. The award honors visionary leaders who show a commitment to the community.

1965 Charles W. Nelson was presented with the Martin de Tours Award in a ceremony on campus in the Dan and Frances White Chapel. The award is St. Martin’s highest alumni honor. Turn to p. 50 to read more about his accomplishments.

Fellow relay team member and Hall of Famer Eddie Ellzey is still living in Metairie. Eddie has experienced some health problems, including recently suffering from a heart attack and some kidney issues. He has two adopted children, a son and a daughter, and five grandchildren (three grandsons and two granddaughters).

1967

Sue Skoler reports that her two precious granddaughters, Rebecca, 16, and Samantha, 14, are quite athletic. Rebecca is an avid golfer and attends a special school for junior golfers in Florida for half of the school year, while Samantha is an avid snowboarder and attends a special snowboarding school in Vermont for four months each winter. Samantha also competes in the Snowboarding Nationals in Colorado each year.

1968

In 2017 Katherine Burk Rutledge received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who in America. She has artwork included in the permanent collection of the LSU Rural Life Museum, the LSU Hill Memorial Library, and the Audubon Institute.

The Class of 1968 held its 50-year reunion celebration the weekend of May 18, 2018, with two events. Classmates traveled from New Mexico, Michigan, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina to attend. The class

The event at Brennan’s in the French Quarter honored the 300th birthday of the City of New Orleans. Forty-two classmates and guests attended the semi-formal, sitdown dinner. The ambiance was elegant, and the cuisine was decadent and delicious.

The final curtain came down Saturday night at 10 p.m. in the Vieux Carre. The class reports everyone is looking forward to a 55-year reunion in five years.

1972 “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” for which Harry Mayronne was conductor at the WW2 Museum, received a Big Easy Award for Best Ensemble. Also, his marionettes and sculptures are currently at Creason’s Fine Art Gallery in the French Quarter.

Mayronne has been doing portrait marionette commissions.

Libby Sartain has retired from full-time corporate life and is now serving as Vice Chair of the Board of AARP and as a director on the boards of ManpowerGroup and Shutterly, Inc. Tom Schneider has written his first novel, Mind Duel, a thought-provoking tale of adventure that addresses the issue of animal rights. Tom says, “After a career in engineering, who would have thought I would reach back to the excellent English class instruction I received at St. Martin’s to become a writer?”

After having to reschedule its October event due to Hurricane Nate, the Class of 1972 celebrated a reunion at Andrea’s Restaurant in March.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 51

SCATTERED SAINTS

The class plans to put together a slide show for its 50-year reunion, tentatively scheduled for June of 2022. Send any submissions to Libby Sartain at libby@libbysartain.com.

1980

1987

This spring Tara Schultz Carvin celebrated the graduation of her son, Ryan Carvin, from LSU with a degree in finance.

This class has a private Facebook page.

Please reach out to Class Agent Libby Sartain for more information.

The class has two marriages to celebrate.

Sally Trufant married Michael D. Hickman last April and they recently celebrated their first anniversary together.

In 2015, Amy Sandridge married a Scotsman, Bill Renaudin, who is Peggy King’s cousin. Also in 2015, Amy earned her master’s in Social Work. She is currently working at Canon Hospice in New Orleans.

One daughter is finishing up high school in Edinburgh in 2019 and the other is in the application process to complete her Ph.D. in Philosophy in the fall.

Rachel Wittich was recognized as an Outstanding Educator in Fort Worth, Texas this school year and was featured in Madeworthy Magazine. She is the founder of Wedgewood Academy.

1973 Bernard Mattox was selected as a semi-finalist in the 2017 Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series. His art was on view this fall at LeMieux Gallery in the Warehouse District.

1976 Ed Ball, a nonfiction writer who has published five books of history and biography, is currently working on a new book. His book Slaves in the Family was the winner of the National Book Award for Non-Fiction in 1998.

1977 Rob Ayerst and his wife, Lisa, were able to celebrate Easter with their first grandson, Joshua Jemison, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Jenelle Schuler Leon is one of six global Maersk Line sales employees to be awarded a 2018 Sales Master Award. The Sales Master Award is an annual recognition program that makes visible the sales employees from Maersk Line who have gone well beyond their individual targets for the year. All Sales Master Award winners, along with their spouses/partners, were invited to Copenhagen for a weeklong celebration in May. They enjoyed a series of social events, sightseeing, and an opportunity to network with fellow high performers and meet the Senior Management from the headquarters. The celebration culminated with the award dinner at the Maersk Leadership Centre in Rolighed where the winners were each presented with the badge of excellence − the Gold Pin − and an engraved plaque.

1978 Rogers Schupp and his wife, Sylvia, who has a master’s in Christian Counseling, founded a 501(c)(3) ministry in 2015 which performs intensive counseling for those in need. They are planning to move from Texas to Cuenca, Ecuador and will move their ministry too.The pair is also assisting two close friends in planting a new church.

52 | The Bell

1982 Guy Favaloro is delighted that he and his daughter are now both alumni of Texas Christian University. Kathryn (StM ’14) graduated this May. The fall she will start PT school at LSUHSC in New Orleans.

1983 Sarah Ferguson recently moved to Germany, where she is very happy.

She reports that it reminds her of New Orleans.

Lauren Sullivan married retired biologist and author Gary Graham in August 2017 in New Orleans, followed by a honeymoon in Greece.

Gary will be joining Lauren this summer in Belize for her next archeological dig.

1985 More TCU alumni: David Favaloro and his wife Laura Schuler Favaloro were pleased to have their daughter Courtney graduate this May from his alma mater, TCU. Courtney is now headed to dental school in Dallas.

1986 Eddie Appel has lived in Gulfport, Mississippi for the past 25 years, and for the past nine years has been the Mississippi Gulf Coast Market Area President for First Bank and Trust based in New Orleans.

His wife, Julie Kersh Appel, is a dietician and specializes in oncology at Memorial Hospital. The couple has three children, Morgan, Melanie, and Madeline, who are respectively studying occupational therapy, graphic design, and chemical engineering.

1989 This summer Shelby Snyder Hammer and her family moved to Midland, Texas, where she is serving as Head of School at Trinity School, a prekindergarten-12th grade independent Episcopal school.

1991 In June, Christina Vial performed with Bryan Hymel’s Opus Opera Project in its presentation of a unique opera experience at the Civic Theatre in New Orleans.

Singers were joined by Liza Rose’s troupe of aerialists, The Fly Circus Company. The event was featured in the Washington Post.

1992 Jennifer Adams was recently named Department Chair of the Toxic Tort and Environmental Litigation practice group at Deutsch Kerrigan, LLP. Jennifer also currently serves on the Managing Committee of the firm.

Claiborne Schmidt has conceived, designed, and manufactured a budding line of lightweight, stylish festival shirts.

DatMamboShirt is a one-of-a-kind festival shirt modeled after the Latin American guayabera. It is a high-quality linen and cotton blend with premium embroidery.

To learn more, visit DatMamboShirt.com.

1998 Amanda Abrams served as the speaker for St. Martin’s 2018 Ring Day Chapel.

Read more on p. 28.

Amanda Reese Terkanian is currently the Group Exercise Coordinator for the Taylor Bend Family YMCA in Chesapeake, Virginia. Her husband is the Commanding Officer of the USCG cutter BEAR, stationed in Portsmouth, Virginia. The couple has three children.

The Class of 1998 had a ridiculously fun 20-year reunion at the home of Matt and Julia Rigdon in the Warehouse District this January. There was an amazing turnout and everyone had a great time catching up with members of the Class of 1997 who also joined the party. The catered food, open bar, and 80s/90s DJ were a huge success, with more than half of the class in

attendance. The general consensus was that the group parties just the same now as it did back in high school, only with much better taste in food and drink. Thanks to all who showed up, and thanks to Matt and Julia for hosting.

2010

2001

2012

Andrew O’Brien graduated in December from the University of New Orleans with a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership. His dissertation, titled “‘More Challenging Than I Expected but More Satisfying: Exploring the Experiences of New Heads of Independent Schools and the Leadership Skills They Employ,” looked at ways in which independent school educators prepare for and execute leadership. He continues to work at St. Paul’s Episcopal School in Lakeview, where he serves as the Latin teacher and middle school principal. He lives in MidCity with his wife, Karen, and son, Alec.

Severin Didriksen graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University.

2003 Mariann Wilson Sengelmann, her husband Robert, and their two boys welcomed baby sister Laine in February 2018.

2004 Jessica Leone Moran, her husband Nick, and son Mayes welcomed Wells Leo Moran on November 28, 2017.

In a recent Master Class, Hardy Weaver met with StM Middle and Upper School theatre students to talk about his successes and the lessons he has learned along the way during his time on Broadway.

2005 In December, Garet Patterson was married to Taylor Edwards.

David Robins married Meg Bertram on October 14, 2017.

Chris Saporito and wife Heide welcomed their first child, baby girl Parker, on October 17, 2017.

2006 Last fall, Ben Bologna was named to the Forbes 30 under 30 in Finance list. Ben is a managing director at Maverick Capital.

The StM Alumni Office is here to help you connect!

For your class agents’ contact information call the alumni office at 504.736.9986 or email alumni@stmsaints.com.

Jeff Favaloro returned to Asia this spring, visiting Thailand and Vietnam. Jeff works for Pro Source, which was recently contracted for IT work at Dow Chemical.

Spencer Didriksen graduated from Baylor University in December, 2017.

2013 Andrew Baird graduated from Loyola, where he majored in History along with taking some music and music production classes.

Paul Chamorro graduated in 2017 from the University of San Diego.

In May Meaghan Mulvey graduated from Tulane University.

2014 Allison Baird graduated from Loyola, where she majored in Communications-PR and minored in Marketing.

Ana Catinis graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California.

Kathryn Favaloro graduated with honors from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, and is beginning the threeyear Doctor of Physical Therapy program at LSUHSC-New Orleans.

Megan Hoolahan graduated on May 13, 2018 from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She is the fourth family member to graduate from UNC. Her father, Paul Hoolahan, graduated in 1972. Her sisters, Molly Hoolahan ’09 and Kate Hoolahan ’07, graduated from UNC in 2013 and 2011, respectively.

David Main was recently installed as Deputy Corps Commander of Texas A&M Maritime Academy. He is the second highest ranking cadet in the Corps of Cadets, which consists of over 500 young men and women.

Tia Schlesinger graduated from Rhodes College.

Lauren Triay graduated summa cum laude from the University of New Mexico and is moving to Washington state to attend medical school.

Samantha Werner graduated from Tulane, where she was a member of the cheerleading team for four years.

Trevor Wilson attended Loyola Chicago on a scholarship and graduated with a B.S. in Economics and with honors in Spanish.

Trevor will be Sail Master at the YMCA Camp Fuller in Wakefield, Rhode Island this summer, and will be teaching English as a second language in Madrid, Spain, during the 2018-2019 academic year.

2015 Margaret Ann Bryan was accepted to TCU’s accelerated master’s program to study language and literacy. She hopes to one day pursue a career in teaching.

Joseph DeCorte worked with a group of student leaders at LSU to bring a chapter of Camp Kesem to Louisiana. Kesem provides a week-long, free summer camp to children who have a parent with cancer.

He will be a co-director of the camp, which will have its first session in the summer of 2019.

Levi Thompson and his budding photography career were the focus of a recent article in GUD Magazine.

2016 During the fall 2017 semester, Maddie Aucoin was named to the Dean’s List at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Queen Tervalon was selected as a UNCF Mellon Mays Fellow, a program that encourages students to become college professors. The program provides a faculty mentor to guide pre-PhD research. Mellon Mays Fellows are provided with a stipend every semester until graduation and are funded for their doctoral program upon graduation. This summer, she will attend the program’s summer institute at Emory University the entire month of June. After the summer institute, she will be going to the Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute for a week in Atlanta. Queen will be entering her sophomore year at Clark Atlanta University, where she is a political science major. She wants to work in developing countries (mainly Africa) to develop their economic systems internally and to promote women as full participants in developing economies as well as encouraging environmental sustainability.

2017 Austin Chamorro was named to the fall dean’s list at the University of Arizona.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 53

SCATTERED SAINTS

Lifetime

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Events

1 Harry Mayronne ’72 and his marionettes and sculptures are currently at Creason’s Fine Art Gallery in the French Quarter.

14 The Favaloro family, Jeffrey ’10, Guy ’82, Kathryn ’14, and Kim, celebrate Kathryn’s graduation from TCU.

2 Carter Balart ’93, Joe Mann, Claiborne Schmidt ’92, Truitt Balart ’92, and Brett Simpson ’92 enjoy Jazz Fest together. Claiborne is wearing his own DatMamboShirt.

15 Brothers Guy ’82 and David ’85 Favaloro, both TCU alumni, now have daughters who graduated from the school as well.

3 Lauren Sullivan ’83 and her husband enjoy a honeymoon in Greece.

4 Scott Schuber ’93, former StM student Michael Hanneman, and Carter Balart ’93 went skiing together over Mardi Gras in Snowmass, Colorado.

5 Tara Schultz Carvin ’80 and her husband celebrate the graduation of her son, Ryan Carvin, from LSU. 6 Lacy Williams Rabe ’87 and her husband celebrate Ring Day at StM with their daughter, Clara ’19.

7 Jordan Estes ’05, Sara Estes, Gabriela Fox ’05, Charlie O’Boyle ’05, Geoff Byers ’05, Mitchell White ’05, David Robins ’05, Meg Bertram, Andrew Matthews ’05, and Jennifer Evans at the wedding of David and Meg. 8 Ana Catinis ’14 graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California.

9 Megan Hoolahan ’14 graduated from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

10 Lauren Triay ’14 graduated summa cum laude from the University of New Mexico.

11 Andrew Baird ’13 and his sister Allison Baird ’14 both graduated from Loyola this spring.

7

16 Sarah Ferguson ’83 in her new home in Germany.

17 Samantha Werner ’14 graduated from Tulane University.

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18 Rob Ayerst ’77 and his wife celebrate Easter with their first grandson.

19 Antonio Imbornone ’16 celebrates StM Ring Day with his sister.

20 Parker, the first child of Chris Saporito ’05 and wife Heide, was born on October 17, 2017.

21 Bert and Ben, the children of Mariann Wilson Sengelmann ’03, welcome new baby sister Laine.

22 StM Athletic Director Sue Bower and her husband celebrate the graduation of son Will Bower ’14 from Rice University.

23 Jenelle Schuler Leon ’77 was recently awarded a 2018 Sales Master Award by Maersk Line.

24 Former members of St. Martin’s World Languages Department reunite for lunch. Pictured are Glen Brady, Carol Baier, Vince Drago, Karen Scott, and Pedro Perez.

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25 Former StM faculty members Eileen Beckman, Ouida Relstab, Mary Sue Nelson Roniger ’60, and Harriet Aguiar-Netto.

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12 Tia Schlesinger ’14 graduated from Rhodes College.

13 Trevor Wilson ’14, with his mom Cheryl Lambert Riess ’77 and family, celebrate his graduation from Loyola University Chicago.

54 | The Bell

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Memorials

Kathryn Reese Baltar Mother of Sheryl Baltar ’62

Margie Savoie Boe Grandmother of Jessica Boe Duhe ’01

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Danny Lee Bowles Grandfather of Kaitlyn Tillery ’24 Capt. Thomas Charles Bryan Grandfather of Emily Bryan ’15, Dyan Bryan ’17, and Halle Bryan ’22 Mary Helen Bryant Grandmother of Jack Hurley ’08, Sam Hurley ’14, and Ellie Hurley ’18 Mae Whitson Christy Wife of Ed Christy ’57 16

17 17 3

Doyle Coatney Grandfather of Jessica Boe Duhe ’01, Erin Coatney Hernandez ’02, Tyler Coatney ’05, and Laura Coatney ’10; father of Michael Coatney and fatherin-law of Lynn Coatney James “Jim” Patterson Conner, Sr. ’60 Brother of David Conner ’57

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Rita Gibbs Grandmother of Lauren Gibbs ’03, Hillary Gibbs Alread ’05, Gillian Gibbs ’07, and Prudence Dudley ’21; great-grandmother of Jack Alread (cottage); mother of Larry Gibbs and mother-in-law of Marion Gibbs Rufus Carrollton Harris, Jr. Father of Rufus Carrollton Harris III ’68, Louise Harris Saik ’71, Charles Dicks Harris ’74, and Douglas King Harris ’75; grandfather of Scott Harris ’03 and Walker Saik ’02 Robert F. Kelley, Sr. Father of Robert Kelley ’82

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Robert L. Kerley Husband of Lynda Stroud-Kerley ’70

Griff C. Lee Father of Griff Lee III ’75, Bob Lee ’78, and Carol Lee Coiron ’81 Jonathan D. Lumpkin Brother of Blair Lumpkin ’07, son of former faculty member Wayne Lumpkin Stewart Main Brother of David Main ’14 and Katie Main ’22 Larry Wayne Manguno Grandfather of Emily Estes Rogers ’03, Jordan Estes ’05, and Madeline Estes ’10 Charlotte Mathes Former faculty, mother of Bill Mathes ’77 Ruth Spetz McKee ’54 Larry Rambis Former StM coach and Athletic Director Jane Redmon Wife of Harry S. Redmon ’52 Ray Rose Father of Stuart Rose ’95, brother of Cathy Rose Reyna ’67 Stanley Edward Sherman Grandfather of Steven Sherman ’97

Wayne Silva Grandfather of Jacob Odom ’26 and Cooper Odom ’24, father of faculty member Holly Silva Odom, and father-in-law of faculty member Mike Odom ’92 Ralph Slifkin Former teacher and coach Ken Storck Husband of Sally Heyerdahl Storck ’59

John Kimble ’69 Brother of Steven Kimble ’67, Linda Kimble Powell ’73, and William Kimble ’78; father of Katie Kimble Arner ’94 and Emily Kimble Durant ’97, father-in-law of Devon Durant ’98

Spring/Summer 2018 | 55

SCATTERED SAINTS

Class

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Reunions

1 Members of the Class of 1968 share memories during their 50-Year Reunion.

7 Chris Beckman and Shawn Brennan Cerchiai snap a pic at the 1988 reunion.

2 Classmates from 1968 enjoy their 50-Year Reunion Dinner.

8 Kelli Beckman and Tyra Danielle Robinson visit during the 30-Year Reunion of the Class of 1988.

3 A group of friends from the Class of 1972 stops for a picture during their reunion party.

4 Members of the Class of 1972 and their guests enjoy dinner after their original reunion was rescheduled due to a hurricane threat.

9 Steve Rue, Amy Whitsell Mangurian, and Julianne Breaux Pulvirenti reconnect at the 1978 party.

0 Friends having fun at the 1988 class reunion.

5 Saints from the Classes of 1998 and 1997 celebrate a joint reunion in January.

11 AndrĂŠ Thionville, Chuck Corcoran, and Sean Keeney of the Class of 1988.

6 The Class of 1978 gathered for a 40-Year Reunion in May.

12 Classmates from 1988 having a blast at their reunion party: Ann Grognono Hallead, Melissa Quiroz Campbell, and Lacey Wood.

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6 WITH A SAINT

McCollum ’18 Evan McCollum ’18 recently met up with The Bell to answer six quick questions in six minutes. McCollum, an active member of the St. Martin’s community, has been involved in performing arts, Honor Council, National Honor Society, The Halo, and the International Student Club. He performed as lead Danny Zuko in St. Martin’s spring musical, Grease.

McCollum is not only busy in the school community but also in the greater New Orleans area. He is an Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America; he was a camp counselor at Camp Rainbow, a camp for special needs children in Jefferson Parish, and a representative at the 2017 Louisiana Boys State program. McCollum was featured as a student activist to watch in the April 2018 issue of St. Charles Avenue Magazine.

Participated in?

Theatre, cross country, International Club, Honor Council, and National Honor Society.

Favorite spot on campus?

A spot underneath the loft backstage in the Solomon Theater. We have some couches there and it’s a place where we hang out and talk.

It’s really nice.

Post-graduation plans?

I’m going to Tulane University and hope to eventually join the Marines.

How has St. Martin’s changed you?

I’ve come out of my shell. I’ve been able to do things here I wouldn’t have been able to do anywhere else. I’ve grown a lot. I’ve been here for 13 years. St. Martin’s has allowed me to make friends that I’ll have for the rest of my life.

Accomplishment you’re most proud of ?

Our recent production of Grease. We put so much work into it and it was truly something special. I’m grateful that this amazing experience was my last play at St. Martin’s.

What is great about St. Martin’s in 15 words or less?

The student atmosphere, and the ability to make friends with everyone.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 57

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

It is a bittersweet occasion when you watch your child walk across the stage at graduation.

In that emotional moment, we as parents are unable to contain our pride, knowing what an incredible accomplishment it is to become a St. Martin’s alum.

For the past 14 years, I have watched my children grow and flourish at St. Martin’s.

As a graduate of the Class of 1985, I am grateful I have been able to share the StM experience with my children. I am so proud of my son, Diego (’18), for how hard he has worked. I am equally proud of my daughter, Sofia (’21), and eager to see what her final three years at St. Martin’s hold.

Ana Mesa Ortega ’85 has been a member of the Board of Trustees since August 2013.

Her term as Chair began in August 2017.

To the Class of 2018, the St. Martin’s community is full of excitement for you. We know the magnitude of this milestone of graduation. As you move on to the next stage in your life, I want to share with you some of what I have learned throughout my time at St. Martin’s: • Just as you did at StM, get involved in your colleges. So many of you in the Class of 2018 are going off on your own to a college where you will not know anyone. Get to know the people around you. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try something completely new.

There is no

• The longest distance between any two points is the shortcut. Wanting something immediately means you will probably pay later. Be willing to be patient, work hard, get dirty, and have blisters.

• Remember that you always have a choice, no matter what the situation.

place like home.

• Show gratitude to everyone who has helped you get to where you are today.

Don’t look down on anyone unless you are helping them up.

Always know

• Success is not measured by your job, your education, how much money you have, or what kind of car you drive. Success is determined by who you are, how you treat others, and how you lead your life.

you are welcome

• And finally, remember: There is no place like home. Always know you are welcome at St. Martin’s. I hope you will return to your alma mater often and realize, as I have, what a wonderful school and community it is.

at St. Martin’s.

This upcoming fall may be your biggest change and challenge yet, but I know each of you will embrace all that life gives you. I know St. Martin’s has prepared you for not only college, but also your life ahead. Congratulations, Class of 2018. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish!

Sincerely,

Ana Mesa Ortega ’85 Chair of the Board of Trustees

58 | The Bell

THEN + NOW

THEN StM students dissected animals in order to explore organ systems, evolution, and even ecology. Seeing these systems in one type of animal allowed students to understand how the processes work in other animals, and themselves.

NOW Today, as part of the seventh grade science curriculum, students dissect frogs each spring. The experience is a teaching tool that has become a rite of passage. A pungent odor pervades the halls, and even the faint of heart may turn into eager participants.

The goal is still an understanding of the biology of living things.

Spring/Summer 2018 | 59

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THE DATE Pre-K Coffee and Kindergarten Coffee

Monday, August 13 George Cottage Opens Half Day for Pre-K (A-L) First Day of School (LS, MS, US)

Wednesday, August 15 First Full Day of School

Thursday, August 16 SCO Back to School BBQ Bash Sculpture by Anabella Imbornone, 11th grade

Sunday, August 19 New Parent Chapel and Breakfast

Wednesday, September 19 Homecoming Game & Fall Fellowship Cookout

Friday, September 28 St. Martin’s Day

Friday, November 10 StM Golf Tournament

Friday, November 16 Grandparents’ Day

Tuesday, November 20