The Torch Summer 2017

The Torch

Vol. XXVIV, No. 2

St. Mary’s Dominican High School

Summer 2017

Inside this edition:

class of 2017

Graduation

From the President

In This Issue ON THE COVER

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Dear Members of the St. Mary’s Dominican High School Community, We believe that life offers extraordinary opportunities for those who seek to live Gospel values, the foundational values of a Dominican Catholic education.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School continues to celebrate the many blessings of our faithful God, and these blessings are evidenced by the people who make up our school community. We sincerely thank you for your countless demonstrations of support for the Dominican Mission. We hope that as you read this edition of The Torch, you will see many expressions of the mission appropriate for our times.

We specifically congratulate the members of the Class of 2017 and celebrate their outstanding accomplishments. We thank the graduates for their enthusiasm and commitment to Dominican’s mission. We also look forward to celebrating all their future successes.

At the end of graduation each year, we pray The Irish Blessing. Not only does this blessing commemorate our school’s legacy of the Dominican Sisters from Ireland, who founded St. Mary’s Dominican High School, but it also beautifully captures what we hope for the graduating class and for all members of the Dominican Community.

We extend this blessing to you: “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

We also pray this additional prayer for you: May you always value the sacredness of life and offer your life in generous service to others. May you gratefully remember and acknowledge all who accompanied and will accompany you along your life journey. May you always make some time for daily prayer and holy silence. May you seek Truth, Veritas, through the integration of prayer, study and respectful, charitable dialogue with others; and, in the spirit of our Dominican Sisters of Peace, may you always seek and work for peace in our world. Amen.

Terrance Osborne commissioned relief painting of St. Mary’s Dominican High School.

The Osborne prints can be purchased via http://www.stmarysdominican. org/osborne-painting/

Student .........Achievement

Athletics..........

Community ....Involvement Classroom & Club Activities Special School Events

Experience Dominican......

.....Alumnae

Blessings and Peace to you,

Special Alumnae Events............

Cynthia A. Thomas, Ed.D. President MISSION STATEMENT St. Mary’s Dominican High School, sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace, is a Catholic college-preparatory program for young women rooted in the tradition of prayer, study, community, and service. With Jesus at the center, the Dominican community preaches the Word, radiates joy, advocates peace, promotes justice, seeks Truth, manifests Catholic values, and ministers to others.

Alumnae ...........News

Student Achievement

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Class of 2017

I don’t think there was an exact moment when Dominican switched from being just our school to our second home. Dominican embedded itself in our hearts without our even realizing it.

Celeste Mire ’17, Salutatorian

”

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Class of 2017

Student Achievement

The Valedictory Award, presented by Carolyn Favre, Vice President, Principal, to the honor graduates who achieved the highest cumulative grade point average in their program of studies, was merited by seniors Catherine Margaret Cerise, Gabrielle Lee Nguyen, Elizabeth Anne Champagne, Madison Grace Miller, Abigail Kaitlyn Morici, and Emily Suzanne Doyle.

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Class of 2017, my dream is for you to dream. Looking out at my classmates, my sisters, a group of 166 intelligent, talented, and beautiful women, I see more than a crowd of familiar faces that formed my past; I see an unimaginable future built by each of your fulfilled dreams.

”

Gabrielle Nguyen ’17, Valedictorian

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The Salutatory Award, presented to the honor graduate who achieved the second highest cumulative grade point average in her program of studies, was merited by senior Celeste Marie Mire, with Carolyn Favre.

Four graduates were selected by leadership, administration and faculty to receive the Veritas Award, the most prestigious Dominican award, in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments in Dominican’s four pillars of prayer, study, community, and service. Award recipients were Katherine Alexander, Jennifer Baker, Margaret Duplantier, and Adelia Obioha, with Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas, President.

“

“

I am incredibly grateful for these past five years, for every memory I’ve made, for every stress I’ve endured, for every teacher, for every class, for my family, and for you, Class of 2017, without whom these past years could not have been so memorable.

”

Abigail Morici ’17, Valedictorian

The Mother Mary Magdalen O’Farrell, O.P. Service Award, was presented by Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas to Madeline Puente and Margaret Duplantier in recognition of their outstanding and dedicated service to St. Mary’s Dominican High School. Dominican life and growth are mirrored in the honorees’ reflection of the school’s philosophy by belief in God and respect for the dignity of all human beings.

Class of 2017 7 Seniors Recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation v 88 honor graduates v Admission

112 colleges & universities v More than $16.4 offers from

million in scholarships & awards v

430 semester hours of college credit earned v 31,276 community service hours completed v Class Size:

The Sister Mary Ambrose Reggio, O.P. Alumnae Award, was presented by Ms. Katie McGlone ’98, President of the Alumnae Association, to Margaret Duplantier, Madeline Puente and Adelia Obioha, selected by their classmates as most representative of Dominican spirit and ideals.

Dominican’s motto, “To Praise, to Bless, to Preach” is an integral part of the honorees’ lives, as is their commitment to truth, Veritas.

166

The American Legion Award, sponsored by the Henry Thomas Ross Post No. 137, was merited

by Jennifer Baker and Adelia Obioha who were selected by administration, faculty, staff and fellow students for reflecting the qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service.

Toast of Praise The Torch - Summer 2017 | 3

Scholarship Offers

Student Achievement

Seniors earn more than $16.4 million in scholarships

Members of the Class of 2017 earned more than $16.4 million in scholarships and awards as of May 2017.* MADELINE ELIZABETH ABADIE Presidential Scholarship to University of South Alabama, Academic Excellence Scholarship to The University of Southern Mississippi

AVERY CHRISTINE ARMAND Recognition Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Talent Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans

SCARLETT ANN ABRAMS Academic Excellence Scholarship to The University of Southern Mississippi, Academic Honors Scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design, Out of State Fee Waiver Scholarship to Missouri State University

BROOKE ANGELLE BAILEY The Charles McClendon Scholarship to Louisiana State University

REICE CLAIRE ACOSTA Dean’s Scholarship to University of Denver, Residence Hall Grant to University of Denver KATHERINE REBECCA ALEXANDER Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Catholic University Scholarship to The Catholic University of America, Parish Scholarship to The Catholic University of America, Louisiana Tiger Legacy Excellence Scholarship to Louisiana State University, Fordham Jogues Scholarship to Fordham University ANDREA KIM ALTOBELLI Housing Scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University, Honors Scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University, Presidential Scholarship to University of South Alabama

JENNIFER ELIZABETH BAKER Louisiana Tiger Legacy Merit Scholarship to Louisiana State University, Portier Leader Award to Spring Hill College OLIVIA ROSE BERNSTEIN Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University CECILIA KATHERINE BOURG Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Faculty Scholar Award to Belmont University, President’s Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Music Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, University Freshman Scholarship to Florida State University, Out of State Tuition Award to Florida State University, National Merit Scholarship Corporation Commended *Does not include Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) awards.

MONET CLAIRE BRIGNAC Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, President’s Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Academic Distinction Award to Tulane University, Founder’s Scholarship to Grinnell College, Outstanding Student Scholarship to University of Louisiana Lafayette HANNAH MARIAH BROOKS Recognition Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans TAYLOR CYANNE BROWN Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans MELANIE KAY CAILLOUET Academic Scholarship to University of Louisiana Lafayette MARY CATHERINE CARR Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Vice Presidents’ Scholarship to Saint Louis University, Enhanced Merit Scholarship to Saint Louis University, Presidential Scholarship to The University of Alabama, Presidential Fellowship Award to High Point University, Presidential Scholar Award to Spring Hill College

The Class of 2017 gained acceptance into 79 colleges and universities around the United States and internationally The University of Alabama • The University of Arizona • Arizona State University • Auburn University • Baton Rouge Community College • Ball State University • Barry University • Baruch College of CUNY • Baylor University • Belmont University • Boston University • Brandeis University • Brooklyn College of CUNY • University of California • California Polytechnic State University • The Catholic University of America • Centre College • Chapman University • College of Charleston • City College of New York CUNY • University of Colorado • Concordia University • University of Dallas • Delgado Community College • University of Denver • Eckerd College • Emory University • Fashion Institute of Technology • The University of Findlay • Florida A&M University • Florida Southern College • Florida State University • Fordham University • George Mason University • The George Washington University • The University of Georgia • Grinnell College • University of Hawaii at Manoa • University of Hawaii at West Oahu • High Point University • College of the Holy Cross • University of Holy Cross • Howard University • Hunter College of CUNY • University of Illinois • Indiana University • The King’s College • Knox College • University of Louisiana Lafayette • University of Louisiana at Monroe • Louisiana State University • Louisiana Tech University • Loyola Marymount University • Loyola University Chicago • Loyola University New Orleans • Manhattanville College • University of Miami • University of Michigan • Millsaps College • University of Mississippi • Mississippi College • Mississippi State University • Missouri State University • New College of Florida • University of New Orleans • Nicholls State University • The University of North Carolina • Northwestern State University • Northwestern University, Illinois • University of Notre Dame • Oberlin College of Arts and Sciences • Oregon State University • Purchase College State University of New York • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • Rhodes College • Rice University • Roanoke College • Rollins College • Saint Louis University • Samford University • University of San Diego • University of San Francisco • Savannah College of Art and Design • Seton Hall University • University of South Alabama • University of South Florida • Southeastern Louisiana University • University of Southern California • Southern Methodist University • University of Southern Mississippi • Southern University and A&M College • Spelman College • Spring Hill College • University of Saint Thomas • Stetson University • The University of Tampa • Texas Christian University • The Ohio State University • Trinity University • Tulane University • University of Tulsa • Vanderbilt University • Villanova University • University of Virginia • Washington and Lee University • Webb Institute • West Virginia University • Wofford College • Xavier University of Louisiana • Yale University

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Student Achievement CATHERINE MARGARET CERISE Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship to Vanderbilt University, Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, LSU Alumni Association Global Leaders Award to Louisiana State University, National Merit University of Southern California Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship Corporation Finalist

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ELIZABETH ANNE CHAMPAGNE Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, LSU Alumni Association Global Leaders Award to Louisiana State University, Charger Excellence Scholarship to The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Dean’s Scholarship to Indiana University, Hutton Honors College Scholarship to Indiana University, Malcolm A. Kochert Scholarship to Indiana University, National Merit Finalist Scholarship to the University of Arizona, Fordham Scholarship to Fordham University, National Merit Scholarship to The University of Arizona, National Merit Scholarship Corporation Finalist BRIGETTE JOHANNA CHEVALIER Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship to Mississippi State University, Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship to Mississippi State University, Outstanding Student Scholarship to Louisiana Tech University, President’s Scholarship to The University of Findlay, Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Academic Scholarship to University of Louisiana Lafayette

Scholarship Offers

Whatever choices you’ve made, whatever brilliant futures you’ll inevitably create, I hope you find your deepest joy.

Catherine Cerise ’17, Valedictorian

EVA DANIELA DOI Founders Scholarship to Tulane University, Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University SARAH LYNNE DOMINIQUE Academic Scholarship to University of Louisiana Lafayette CARLIN MARGUERITE DOUGHERTY Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University EMILY SUZANNE DOYLE Premier Scholar Award to Tulane University, Presidential Scholar Award to Spring Hill College, Louisiana Post of the Society of American Military Engineers Award, Dean’s Scholarship to Fordham University, Academic Scholarship to the Webb Institute DREW ALLISON DUNCAN Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Provost Scholarship to Oregon State University ELIZABETH NORMAN DUNCAN Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University

MARGARET ADELE CONRAD Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Distinguished Scholar Scholarship to Tulane University, National Merit Scholarship Corporation Commended

MARGARET MARIE DUPLANTIER Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Loyola Marymount University Achievement Award to Loyola Marymount University

SAMANTHA LEIGH CONWAY Dean’s Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans

CHLOE LOUISE DUSANG Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University

JACQUELINE KAY DELACERDA Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Tulane Scholarship to Tulane University, Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship to Mississippi State University, Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship to Mississippi State University

OLIVIA FRANCES EDWARDS Presidential Scholar Award to Spring Hill College, Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Academic Excellence Scholarship to The University of Southern Mississippi, Presidential Scholarship to Millsaps College, University Scholarship to Seton Hall University, Summer Scholarship to Seton Hall University, Presidential Scholarship to King’s College, Leadership Scholarship to King’s College

ALYSSA MARIE DELATTRE Outstanding Student Scholarship to University of Louisiana Lafayette, Presidential Scholarship to University of South Alabama MARY CATHERINE BETULIA DEMATTEO UA Scholar Scholarship to The University of Alabama

GIULIANNA ISABELLE ESCOBAR Gautrelet Award to Spring Hill College, Presidential Scholarship to University of South Alabama

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ISABELLA MERCEDES ESPARZA Capstone Scholar Scholarship to The University of Alabama, Academic Excellence Scholarship to The University of Mississippi, Academic Excellence Non-Resident Award to The University of Mississippi, Holmes Scholarship 1 to The University of Mississippi ELIZABETH HALL EVANS Vice President’s Scholarship to Saint Louis University, President’s Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Academic Merit Scholarship to Belmont University, Presidential Scholar Award to Spring Hill College, Discovery Scholarship to The University of Southern Mississippi KATHRYN MARIE FASOLD Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Academic Recognition Award to Tulane University, Presidential Scholar Award to Spring Hill College, Catholic University Scholarship to The Catholic University of America, Parish Scholarship to The Catholic University of America, Blazer Pride Scholarship to The University of Alabama at Birmingham, UA Scholarship to The University of Alabama, Engineering Scholarship to The University of Alabama OLIVIA LAUREN FINGER Regents Scholarship to Concordia University Chicago, Academic Scholarship to Knox College, Founders Scholarship to Knox College, Writing Scholarship to Knox College, Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans HAILEY ALISE FOLSE Housing Scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University ADDISON MICHELLE FRANKLIN Academic Scholarship Award to The University of New Orleans ANDREA GARCÉS Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Academic Scholarship to Baylor University, Talent Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans JULIA ANN GIACONA Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans

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Student Achievement

Scholarship Offers VICTORIA KOURTNEY GILLAM Dean’s Scholarship to Saint Louis University, Outstanding Student Scholarship to Louisiana Tech University, Academic Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, Fordham Jogues Scholarship to Fordham University TERESA JOSEPHINE GIORLANDO Presidential Scholarship to The University of South Alabama BROGAN CAROLINE BICKERSTAFF HAUSKNECHT Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University of New Orleans, Talent Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans JAILYN JULIET HEISSER Presidential Scholar Award to Spring Hill College, Academic Recognition Award to Tulane University, Board of Trustees Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana SARAH ELIZABETH HELMSTETTER Presidential Scholarship to The University of South Alabama SOPHIA ALEJANDRA HILL Academic Honors Scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design, Dean’s Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Achievement Award to Loyola Marymount University, African American Alumni Scholarship to Loyola Marymount University ANNA LOUISE HINYUB Tiger Excellence Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Academic Excellence Award to The University of Southern Mississippi, Academic Scholarship to University of Louisiana Lafayette EMMA JEWEL HURLEY Capstone Scholarship to The University of Alabama, Centennial Scholarship #1 to University of Louisiana Lafayette, Academic Excellence Scholarship to The University of Southern Mississippi ANABELLE FRANCES JOHNSON Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University

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KAMRYN ELISE JONES Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Presidential Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, Academic Recognition Award to Tulane University, Church’s Chicken Community Scholarship to Louisiana State University MARCELLE THERESE KEPPER Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Collegiate Scholar Scholarship to The University of Alabama YASMEEN KHAN Academic Recognition Scholarship to Tulane University, Dean’s Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, UNO President Scholarship to The University of New Orleans, Presidential Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana KRISTINA MARIE KRIZAN Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Ignatian Leader Award to Spring Hill College, Academic Excellence Scholarship to The University of Southern Mississippi JEANNE ANDRE LASSERE Blazer Pride Scholarship to The University of Alabama at Birmingham LAN QUI LE President’s Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Academic Recognition Award to Tulane University OLIVIA MARIE LEBLANC Presidential Scholar Award to Spring Hill College, Presidential Scholarship to Millsaps College, Academic Excellence Scholarship to The University of Southern Mississippi, Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Tulane Academic Award to Tulane University, UA Scholar Scholarship to The University of Alabama EMILY ELIZABETH LICATA Girl Scout Gold Award to The University of Southern Mississippi

All of us have brilliant futures. As doctors, engineers, scientists, musicians, artists, teachers, businesswomen, policymakers, and everything in between, we will create, discover, and inspire the world.

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Elizabeth Champagne ’17 Valedictorian

EMMA FAY LOETZERICH Board of Trustees Scholarship to Manhattanville College, Mason Merit Scholarship for Dance to George Mason University ELIZABETH ANN LORENZO Outstanding Student Scholarship to Louisiana Tech University, Gautrelet Award to Spring Hill College, Second Century Scholarship to Millsaps College, Catholic University Scholarship to The Catholic University of America, Parish Scholarship to The Catholic University of America, Centennial Scholarship #2 to University of Louisiana Lafayette, NSU Award to Northwestern State University, University Honors Scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University CELESTE ELAINE MAFFEI Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, National Merit Scholarship Corporation Finalist ERIN MARIE MALONE Academic Scholarship to University of Louisiana Lafayette, Presidential Scholar Award to Spring Hill College, Academic Recognition Scholarship to Tulane University, Presidential Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana ABIGAIL ELAINE MARZIALE Academic Excellence Scholarship to The University of Southern Mississippi STEPHANIE LYNNE MAYER Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Academic Recognition Award to Tulane University ASHLEY GRACE MCGREGOR Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University ANNA ALESSI MERMILLIOD President’s Alumni Scholars Award to Louisiana State University, Presidential Leadership Scholarship to University of Georgia, Presidential Scholar Award to Tulane University SAMANTHA ANNE MESSONNIER Louisiana Tiger Legacy Superior Scholarship to Louisiana State University HANNAH RASALAN MEYER Presidential Scholarship to The University of Alabama, National Merit Scholarship Corporation Finalist

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Student Achievement

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Scholarship Offers

I will dive into the world alongside all of you strong, dedicated, wonderful women. Let’s continue to help and support one another through mistakes that challenge us to find what works for us, what doesn’t, and who we want to be.

Madison Miller ’17, Valedictorian

”

EMMA ISABELLE MILLER Academic Excellence Scholarship to The University of Mississippi, Academic NonResident Award to The University of Mississippi MADISON GRACE MILLER Presidential Scholarship to The University of Alabama, National Merit Scholarship Corporation Finalist CELESTE MARIE MIRE Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Presidential Scholarship to The University of Alabama, Premier Scholar Award to Tulane University, Academic Excellence Scholarship to The University of Southern Mississippi, Distinguished Scholarship to Southern Methodist University, Discovery Scholarship to Southern Methodist University LAUREL ANNE MIRE Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Premier Scholar Award to Tulane University TAYLOR RENEE' MIRE Academic Recognition Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Monroe, Distinguished Freshman Scholarship #2 to University of Louisiana Lafayette ANYA MICHELE MONTGOMERY Provost’s Scholarship to University of San Francisco, Dean’s Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, African American Alumni Scholarship to Loyola Marymount University ABIGAIL KAITLYN MORICI Distinguished Scholar Scholarship to Tulane University, President’s Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Presidential Scholarship to Millsaps College, Presidential Scholar Award to Spring Hill College, Cambridge Scholarship to Rhodes College, Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship to Mississippi State University, Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship to Mississippi State University, Alumni Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship to Mississippi State University

CAMILLE FRANCES NELSON Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Academic Scholarship to High Point University, Academic Scholarship to Samford University, Founders Scholarship to Samford University, University Award to Samford University, Wofford Merit Scholarship to Wofford College MAGGIE MICHELE NEUPERT Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, UA Scholar Scholarship to The University of Alabama, Academic Excellence Scholarship to The University of Southern Mississippi, Fordham Jogues Scholarship to Fordham University, Fordham Tuition Award to Fordham University GABRIELLE LEE NGUYEN Premier Scholar Award to Tulane University, President’s Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Presidential Scholarship to The University of Alabama, The Rensselaer Medal Scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Dominican Sisters, Congegation of St. Mary, and St. Mary’s Dominican College Scholarship to the Catholic college of her choice GRACE HUYEN NGUYEN Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Louisiana Tiger Legacy Excellence Scholarship to Louisiana State University, Presidential Scholar Award to Tulane University LAUREN QUYNH-NHU NGUYEN Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Academic Excellence Award to University of Louisiana at Monroe, Presidential Scholar Award to University of Louisiana at Monroe, Dean’s Scholarship to Southern Methodist University, Discovery Scholarship to Southern Methodist University, Faculty Scholarship to Texas Christian University, St. Thomas Scholarship to University of St. Thomas Minnesota, Murchison Scholarship to Trinity University Texas, Presidential Scholar Award to Spring Hill College, Provost Gold Scholarship to Baylor University

ABIGAIL APPEL NIX Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Tiger Legacy Excellence Scholarship to Louisiana State University YARINA VALENTINA NOVICK Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University ADELIA OGECHI-NJAMKOU OBIOHA Dean’s Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Dean’s Recognition Award to Tulane University CHIZOBA CHIDINMA OGBUEFI Academic Recognition Award to Tulane University, Presidential Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana NANAMI SOPHIA OKAWAUCHI Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans CASSIDE YVONNE PARFAIT Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University KAYLA CHANTEL PEREZ Outstanding Student Award to Louisiana Tech University, Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship to Mississippi State University, Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship to Mississippi State University, Portfolio Award to Tulane University, Founders Scholar Award to Tulane University MARIE CLARE PLUNKETT Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University MADELINE LORRAINE PUENTE Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, UA Scholar Scholarship to The University of Alabama, Presidential Special Scholarship to The University of Alabama, McCrimmon Scholarship to The University of Alabama MCKAY KATHRYN RESOR Honors Scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University, Provost Scholarship Award to The University of New Orleans

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Scholarship Offers SOFIA ELOISA RODRIGUEZ Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Dean’s Science Emerging Excellence Scholarship to Louisiana State University, Dean’s Scholarship to Texas Christian University, Premier Scholar Award to Tulane University, Distinguished Scholar Scholarship to Southern Methodist University, Discovery Scholarship to Southern Methodist University, Academic Presidential Scholarship to Auburn University, College of Sciences and Mathematics Scholarship to Auburn University, Presidential Scholarship to The University of Alabama, University Scholarship to University of Notre Dame GRACE JOSEPHINE RYAN Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University JILLIAN LUCIA EVELYN SILK SANDOZ Presidential Scholarship to Millsaps College, Catholic University Scholarship to The Catholic University of America, Parish Scholarship to The Catholic University of America KATIE LAUREN SCIORTINO Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Portier Award to Spring Hill College, Academic Scholarship to University of Louisiana Lafayette KAYLAN ARLENE SMITH Outstanding Student Scholarship to Louisiana Tech University

Student Achievement

GILLIAN GRACE SUDDERTH Centre Award to Centre College, Royal Blue Scholarship to The University of Tulsa, Academic Excellence Scholarship to The University of Mississippi, Academic NonResident Scholarship to The University of Mississippi, STEM Major Non-Resident Scholarship to The University of Mississippi, Holmes Scholarship to The University of Mississippi, Trustee’s Scholarship to Trinity University San Antonio CAITLIN MARIE SULLIVAN Presidential Scholarship to Stetson University, Presidential Scholarship to The University of Tampa, Trustee Scholarship to Eckerd College, Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University, President Scholarship Award to The University of New Orleans, Presidential Scholarship to Rollins College, The Danforth Scholarship to Florida Southern College, Out of State Fee Waiver Scholarship to New College of Florida GABRIELLE HELEN TERRANOVA Ignatian Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Distinguished Scholar Scholarship to Tulane University, Presidential Scholar Award to Spring Hill College, Presidential Scholarship to Mississippi College, Outstanding Student Scholarship to University of Louisiana Lafayette

ELIZABETH MACLEAN THOMSON Collegiate Scholar Scholarship to The University of Alabama, Blazer Gold Scholarship to The University of Alabama TAYLOR ELIZABETH STANSBERRY at Birmingham, Academic Excellence Academic Scholars Resident Award to Scholarship to The University of Mississippi, Louisiana State University, UA Scholar Academic Excellence Non-Resident Scholarship to The University of Alabama, Scholarship to The University of Mississippi, Academic Excellence Scholarship to The Holmes Scholarship 1 to The University of University of Mississippi, Academic Excellence Mississippi, Tiger Excellence Scholarship Non-Resident Scholarship to The University Resident Award to Louisiana State University of Mississippi, Presidential Scholarship to The University of South Alabama KIRSTEN RENEE' TURNER Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New EMMA MARIE STEEG Orleans, Academic Scholarship to Xavier Academic Scholars Resident Award to University of Louisiana, Dean’s Scholarship Louisiana State University, Non-Resident to The University of Tampa, Academic Tuition Scholarship to Mississippi State Scholarship to Baylor University, Barry University, Academic Charter Scholarship Scholarship to Barry University to Auburn University, Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship to Mississippi State MARIA ISABEL AJANEL WALTER University Presidential Scholarship to Loyola University Chicago, Trustee Scholarship to University AUDREY ELORA PERALTA STEWART of Dallas, Deans’ Scholarship to Saint Louis Academic Scholars Resident Award to University, Blazer Gold Scholarship to The Louisiana State University, Engineering University of Alabama at Birmingham Leadership Scholarship to The University of Alabama, UA Scholar Scholarship to The ALLISON ANITA WEBB University of Alabama Tiger Excellence Scholarship Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Academic Scholarship to University of Louisiana Lafayette

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EMILY ROSE WILSON Academic Scholarship Award to The University of New Orleans SARAH ELIZABETH WOLFF Dean’s Award to Roanoke College, Scholarship of Distinction to West Virginia University SOPHIA THERESA ZAERINGER Academic Honor Scholarship To Nicholls State University, Room and Board Scholarship to Nicholls State University, Academic Excellence #2 to University of Louisiana Lafayette

TRUTH

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By choosing Dominican, we all chose to accept an immense challenge, a challenge to not simply glide through life, but to graefully attack it and never settle for the easy or expected road. Over the past four or five years, we did more than check the boxes; we dove into life with enthusiasm and embraced the challenges that attempted to deter our success and motivation.

”

Emily Doyle ’17 Valedictorian

Profile of a Dominican Graduate X

A Dominican graduate is encouraged to be a woman of integrity who seeks Truth,

Veritas.

Embracing the

Dominican program and aspiring to its ideals, she:

X

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Academic Honors Every year, Dominican honors the achievements the students have earned during the second half of the school year.

Student award recognition included State Rally, Book Awards, National French Contest, National Greek Exam, National Spanish Examinations, and National Latin Exam. Students are also recognized for the service they performed throughout their years at Dominican.

National Spanish Examinations

Grand Concours, National French Contest

Spanish II Gold: Paige Wilson Silver: Katherine Belleau, Olivia Higgins, Lyndsey Jones, and Vivian Liu Bronze: Emma Barnes, Carmen Bell, Victoria Chan, and Molly Gaffney Honors: Madison Bertucci, Elise Bourgeois, Kate Heller, Sara Miller, Onyinyechi Okeke, Catherine Ward, and Xiomara Castillo

French I Honors Silver: Catalina Torres Honorable Mention: Olivia Olson, Caroline Ondrusek, Kennedy Payne, and Natalie Queyrouze French II Honors Gold: Sydney Raymond Silver: Anaise Thomas and Emilie Wensel Bronze: Monet Brignac and Ashley Miles Honorable Mention: Sarah Dominique, Olivia Edwards, and Alexandra LaNasa French III Honors Bronze: Jessica Wallesverd Honorable Mention: Colette Carriere, Erynn Johnson, and Ahjah Yunusah French IV AP Silver: Abigail Nix Bronze: Sophie Nabonne Honorable Mention: Andrea Garcés

X

Spanish I Gold: Sophia Law Silver: Sophia Cao, Madison Ferguson, and Ashley Patron Bronze: Sophia Forest Honors: Isabelle Fitzmorris, Alexandra Minnard, Mary Parker Whisnant, and Reese Dawson

Spanish III Bronze: Lorissa Gallardo Honors: Amani Charif, Saheba Cuccia, Madelyn DeRamus, Gabrielle Duhe, Katherine Mazzanti, Olivia Singleton, and Alexa Schexnayder Spanish AP Gold: Fernanda Bonet Bronze: Clara Garcia and Victoria Liu Sociedad Espanola, Jose Luis Banos Award is presented to Victoria Liu for excellence in the Spanish Language.

X

Andrea Garcés – recipient of the Les Prix d’Excellence de L’Union Francaise Plaque for exceptional achievement in the French language by a student who exhibits and enthusiasm for the language and culture.

The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, Louisiana Chapter presented the following awards to Louisiana students based on their performance on the National Spanish Exam in the bilingual category awards.

National Greek Exam

Spanish III Lorissa Gallardo – 3rd place

High Honor – Abigail Morici With Merit – Catherine Cerise, Elizabeth Champagne, Margaret Conrad, Celeste Maffei, and Marie Plunkett

Spanish IV Fernanda Bonet – 1st place Clara Garcia – 4th place

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National Latin Exam Latin I Cum Laude: Emily Dominique and Emily Hemelt Silver Maxima Cum Laude: Alysa LaGarde Gold Summa Cum Laude: Anna Fayard Latin II Cum Laude: Catherine Bickerton, Brooke Boyd, Gracie-Mae Manthey, Tessa Paul, Irene Yu Magna Cum Laude: Celeste Patron Silver Maxima Cum Laude: Elise Bourg Latin III Magna Cum Laude: Kassidy Meredith, Julia Cazabon, Elise Cresson, Isabela Tablan, Isabelle Mermilliod, and Margaret Latham Silver Maxima Cum Laude: Anne D’Armond Gold Summa Cum Laude: Rose Doskey and Camille Scandurro Latin Prose IV Cum Laude: Anna Hansen and Renee Breaux Silver Maxima Cum Laude: Annie Smith and Rebecca D’Antonio Gold Summa Cum Laude: Lillian Cerise, Caroline Bickerton, and Audrey Buck Latin V Silver Maxima Cum Laude: Clare Plunkett Gold Summa Cum Laude: Elizabeth Champagne

X

Elizabeth Champagne was recognized for achieving five gold medals on the National Latin Exam.

Lillian Cerise and Caroline Bickerton were recognized for achieving four gold medals on the National Latin Exam.

The Classical Association of the Middle West & South (CAMWS) recognized Clare Plunkett and Lillian Cerise as recipients of the CAMWS Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in Classical Studies.

Student Achievement

Academic Honors

The Latoya Cantrell District B City Council Citizenship Award for excellence in education and outstanding service was awarded to Anna Mermilliod and Adelia Obioha.

X

The Students of the Year Awards Program is designed to recognize outstanding 12th grade students who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement, leadership ability, and citizenship. The program is sponsored by the Louisiana State Superintendent through the State Department of Education and the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. St. Mary’s Dominican High School’s nominee this year was Madeline Puente.

X

The Knights of Columbus Award, presented to the senior who has displayed the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism and in doing so has displayed the highest degree of citizenship by helping others especially those less fortunate, was awarded to Kathryn Fasold.

During their years at Dominican, the Class of 2017 completed 31,276 hours of service. 51 students earned the St. Mary’s Dominican Service Award by performing over 200 hours.

Seven students earned over 500 hours, from left: Sofia Rodriguez (528 hours), Kayla Perez (689 hours), Kathryn Fasold (666 hours), Madison Miller (627 hours), Madison Meyer (525 hours), Madeline Puente (572 hours), and Stephanie Mayer (617 hours).

The Ronald Reagan Student Leader Award: In recognition of exceptional leadership and character was presented to Samantha Siliezar, Kayla Gibson, Adelia Obioha, and Hope Quigley.

Each year seniors who have been accepted and are attending a Catholic college or university have the opportunity to apply for the St. Mary’s Dominican College Corporation Scholarship.

Sister Dominic Savio, O.P. ’56, presented Gabrielle Nguyen this scholarship in memory of the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary who established, maintained, and supported both St. Mary’s Dominican College and St. Mary’s Dominican High School.

X

The Student Council Award, given to the Student Council Executive Board members for outstanding leadership and service, demonstrating school spirit, boundless energy, and superlative planning skills, was presented to the officers: Marcelle Kepper, Treasurer, Maddie Wadkins, Secretary, Adelia Obioha, Vice President, and Jennifer Baker, President.

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Student Achievement

Academic Honors In State Rally Competition, over a quarter of a million Louisiana high school students participated in 10 District rallies held throughout the state with over 5,000 district winners advancing to State Rally at Louisiana State University. Dominican students received honors in places 1, 2 or 3 in eight different subject areas.

OVERALL WINNER: Victoria Liu, Spanish IV FIRST PLACE: Lillian Cerise, U.S. History Victoria Liu, Spanish IV Camille Scandurro, English III SECOND PLACE Lorissa Gallardo, Spanish III Margaret Latham, Algebra II THIRD PLACE Caroline Bickerton, Advanced Math: Pre-Calculus Elizabeth Champagne, Physics Sydney Raymond, Physical Science OPEN FOREIGN LANGUAGE French I Interpretive Reading: Courtney Mercadel, Excellent French II Extemporaneous Speaking: Emilie Wensel, Excellent French III Extemporaneous Speaking: Erynn Johnson, Good French IV Extemporaneous Speaking: Abigail Nix, Superior Spanish II Interpretive Reading: Nayah Thomas, Superior Spanish III Interpretive Reading: Gabrielle Duhe, Excellent Spanish AP Interpretive Reading: Tia Peck, Superior Spanish AP Extemporaneous Speaking: Victoria Liu, Superior

St. Mary’s Dominican High School students who received Book Awards are: First row, (from left): Melissa Berner, Annie “Mackie” Smith, Caroline Troendle, Rebecca D’Antonio, Addison Hall, Sophie Ondrusek, and Abigail Webb. 2nd Row: Abigail Slattery, Caroline Bickerton, Audrey Buck, Maygan Miguez, Tia Peck, Rebecca Koenig and Nia Smith. 3rd Row: Renee Breaux, Victoria Liu, Emma Duckworth, Caroline Hensley, Halle Briede, Catherine Cabes, Cole Pittman, Kristen Larche, and Bridget Adam. Not pictured: Lillian Cerise.

2017 Book Awards Twenty-eight Book Awards from universities and colleges were presented to St. Mary’s Dominican High School juniors in recognition of academic excellence, strong character and commitment to community service.

Brandeis University – Melissa Berner; Bryn Mawr – Annie “Mackie” Smith; Chatham University – Victoria Liu; Colorado School of Mines – Caroline Troendle; Dartmouth – Rebecca D’Antonio; Denison University – Maygan Miguez; Kenyon College – Addison Hall; Mount Holyoke – Emma Duckworth; Randolph College – Sophie Ondrusek; Rensselaer Polytechnic – Abigail Webb; Sewanee Book Award for Excellence in Writing – Caroline Hensley; St. Anselm’s – Lillian Cerise; St. Lawrence University – Halle Briede; St. Michael’s College – Abigail Slattery; Stonehill College – Catherine Cabes; Tulane University – Abigail Webb; University of Chicago – Caroline Bickerton; University of Rochester: Bausch and Lomb – Audrey Buck; Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Leaders Award – Lillian Cerise; Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology – Maygan Miguez; George Eastman Young Leaders Award – Tia Peck; Villanova – Audrey Buck; Washington College Leadership and Community Service – Cole Pittman; Washington College Academic Achievement – Kristen Larche; Washington and Lee – Rebecca Koenig; William and Mary Leadership Award – Bridget Adam; Wesleyan University – Nia Smith; Williams College – Renee Breaux.

MUSIC EVENTS Girls Vocal Solo High Voice: Cecilia Bourg, Superior, Elise Bourg, Superior; Girls Vocal Solo Low Voice: Molly Gaffney, Superior, Annie Smith, Superior; Music Girls Trio: Cecilia Bourg, Catherine Cerise, Lillian Cerise, Superior

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Study

Faculty & Staff Achievement

Vice President, Prinicipal Carolyn Favre and Ashley Reso

Ashley Reso Receives Veritas Award At Academic Honor Day, Math Department Chair Ashley Reso received the 2017 Veritas Award in recognition of her exemplary commitment to the four pillars of Dominican life: prayer, study, community and service.

Reso, who joined Dominican’s faculty in 1995, has served as moderator for Student Council and Mu Alpha Theta.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics from Loyola University New Orleans.

School President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas, who presented the award, said, “Today we honor a teacher who is, as described by one of her colleagues, a ‘forward thinking, master teacher’ who is ‘always focused on the good of the school and the needs of her students. She is analytical, professional, and genuinely loving.’ All who serve at St. Mary’s Dominican High School with her can attest that she is dedicated, kind, and professional in every way.

“This teacher always seeks ways that we can be a better school community, and not only does she recognize ways that we can improve as a school community, she is always ready to work to participate in solutions to the problems identified – she is truly a community builder. A faithful member of her Church community, she loves learning as demonstrated by her on-going professional development, specifically in technology and topics particularly pertinent to mathematics in a college preparatory school. She has been recognized by her peers as an excellent teacher of mathematics.”

The Veritas Award reflects Dominican’s legacy. The green glass base represents the school's foundation, established by the Dominican Sisters who traveled in 1860 from Cabra, Ireland to New Orleans where they began teaching.

The cupola on the top of the award is modeled after the Veritas Tower’s cupola, representing the light of Christ.

St. Dominic the founder of the Order of Preachers, was also referred to as "the light of the Church."

Service Years Saluted St. Mary’s Dominican High School honored faculty and staff for service years ranging from five to 50 years. Sr. Angeline Magro, O.P., recognized for 50 years of service, reflected on her tenure that ranges from teaching to her current work in the Library and Media Center. She shared with her colleagues, “I have enjoyed every minute, I have no regrets, and I would do it all over again.”

Others recognized: 10 Years – Claudia Vallejo (Foreign Language), Dawn Frick (Guidance), Shannon Hauler (English), Paul Garvey (Director, Facilities), Patricia Byrne (Assistant Principal of Professional Development, Student Records, and Technology), and Kwantrell Rideau (Facilities); 50 Years – Sr. Angeline Magro, O.P.; 25 Years – Brenda Castillo (Fine Arts Chair); Five Years – Amy Calongne (Math), Ashlyn Ciolino (Health/Physical Education), Joan Rupp (Foreign Language), and David Ruth (Technology Specialist). Not pictured: 10 years – Michelle Baxter (Math).

Ones to Watch in Education CityBusiness’s May issue profiled Charlene Ford, Dominican English teacher, as Ones to Watch in Education.

Ford has been on the faculty since the 2005-2006 school year. She is a member of Technology Cadre, the School Improvement Committee and the AdvancED Steering Committee.

Ford also serves on AdvancED review teams for other schools seeking accreditation. As senior coordinator, she leads the Student Formation Committee for seniors. Last fall, she received Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in Microsoft Office OneNote. She also completed the Microsoft Innovative Educator Training Academy, allowing her to train other educators using Microsoft’s training materials. In December, she earned a master of education in educational leadership from LSU.

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Student Achievement

Class of 2022

St. Mary’s Dominican High School Scholarship recipients, standing (from left): Kelsey Major, Abigail Mandella, Catherine Mansfield, Kaylie Nguyen, Katelin Obletz, Isabella Paul, Spencer Protti, Riley Sciambra, Maeve Storm, Sarah Swaim, Jenna Thomas, and Kate Weiss. Seated: Madeleine Ascani, Kate Baker, Jane Bickerton, Jane Bostick, Monica Cabes, Anne Carr, Bakhit Cuccia, Jasmine Ferrier, Rowan French, and Erin Kramer. Not pictured: Ada Holmes and Elizabeth Mobley.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School awarded school scholarships to 24 current seventh graders based on the students’ academic records and their performance on the High School Placement Test. The scholarships were presented during the May 13 scholarship ceremony held on Dominican’s campus. Recipients, their current schools and scholarships awarded: Madeleine Ascani St. Christopher the Martyr School Audrey and John Cocchiara Scholarship

Rowan French Holy Name of Jesus School Gauthier Endowed Scholarship

Katelin Obletz St. Catherine of Siena School Sr. Waldia Warden, O.P. Endowed Scholarship

Kate Baker St. Catherine of Siena School Margaret Groetsch Hogan Scholarship

Ada Holmes Louise S. McGehee School Lynn and Arthur Mann Family Scholarship

Isabella Paul St. Catherine of Siena School Drs. Jewell (Lozes) and Richard Wunderlich Endowed Scholarship

Erin Kramer St. Matthew the Apostle School Kathleen Lier Endowed Scholarship

Spencer Protti St. Andrew the Apostle School The Class of 1957 Endowed Scholarship

Jane Bostick St. Paul’s Episcopal School Ruth U. Fertel Endowed Scholarship

Kelsey Major St. Pius X School Siena Endowed Scholarship

Riley Sciambra St. Catherine of Siena School The Class of 1959 Endowed Scholarship

Monica Cabes St. Dominic School The Father Jean Marie Germain Tuition Endowed Scholarship

Abigail Mandella St. Angela Merici School Von Wolff I Endowed Scholarship

Maeve Storm Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy Alumnae Association Endowed Scholarship and Joan Frischhertz Mascaro Endowed Scholarship

Jane Bickerton St. Dominic School Sr. M. Teresa Mittelbronn, O.P. Endowed Scholarship

Anne Carr St. Matthew the Apostle School Vivian Agnes Chasez Coney Memorial Endowed Scholarship Bakhit Cuccia Christian Brothers School Veritas Endowed Scholarship Jasmine Ferrier St. Paul’s Episcopal School Lolita Fernandez de la Reguera Pittman Endowed Scholarship

Catherine Mansfield St. Ann School Dr. and Mrs. William Dardis Scholarship Elizabeth Mobley Louise S. McGehee School Karen Graffagnini Favret ’62 Endowed Scholarship Kaylie Nguyen St. Ann School Dorothy D. Porter I Endowed Scholarship

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Sarah Swaim Kehoe-France School Carol Lohfink Drawe Scholarship Jenna Thomas St. Christopher the Martyr School Denise Galatoire Schoen Endowed Scholarship Kate Weiss Ursuline Academy Patricia J. Blanchard Scholarship

Athletics Basketball golf Gymnastics Soccer softball tennis Track & Field

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Athletics

Student Achievement

Lou Reilly Awards The Lou Reilly Award is presented to the athlete “who continually tries to improve her skills and who has listened to her coaches and teammates. This is an athlete who encourages those playing while she is not in the game, and while playing herself, gives her full effort at each moment.” The student athletes themselves have a nominating vote in the selection of the award, while the final decisions are left to the discretion of the coaches.

Taylor Bienvenu – 8th Grade Soccer

From left: Claire Perez – JV Soccer; Maddie Wadkins – Varsity Soccer; Danielle McCartney – JV Basketball, and Adelia Obioha – Varsity Basketball.

Gracee Reeves – 8th Grade Softball

From left: Laney Thomson – Track & Field, Morgan Forshag – Tennis, Rene’ Bourdais – Golf, Teresa Giorlando – Varsity Softball, and Elizabeth Crochet – JV Softball.

*Bryce Perkins – 8th Grade Volleyball and *Reese Dawson – 8th Grade Cross Country *Correction to information in Winter 2016-2017 Torch.

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Student Achievement

Athletics

End of the Year Awards The Lee Fernandez de la Reguera Pittman ’51 Award, voted by the Dominican coaching staff recognizing the overall varsity athlete who exhibits great athletic ability, strong character and a positive attitude, was merited by Adelia Obioha.

The Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award, presented to the outstanding senior in athletics, leadership, and academic excellence, was presented to Emily Doyle.

The Dominicanite Award recognizes the senior athlete who participated in the most athletic teams during her years at Dominican. This honor was awarded to Samantha Messonnier.

The Scholastic Athletic Award, given to the senior who participated in at least two sports each year while maintaining the highest cumulative GPA, was awarded to Emily Doyle.

Winter & Spring Sports Accomplishments 2017

BASKETBALL • Overall record of 24 – 8 • Advanced to the semi-final round of the playoffs

SOCCER • Placed 2nd in District • Overall record of 20 – 3 – 4 • Advanced to the quarterfinal round of playoffs

SOFTBALL • Overall record of 19 – 13 •

State Runner-Up

GOLF

• Placed 2nd

in District

TENNIS • District and Regional Champions • State Runner-Up • Doubles State Champions: St. Mary’s Dominican High School Seniors (seated, from left) Gabrielle Terranova and Jillian Sandoz have signed college athletic scholarships for the fall 20172018 school year. Standing are Peggy Miner (Head Coach Tennis), Carolyn Favre (Principal), Cindy Koenig (Assistant Coach Tennis), and Paul Spitzfaden (Dominican’s Athletic Director).

Seniors Sign Athletic Scholarships Gabrielle Terranova signed with Loyola University New Orleans where she will play tennis. A four-year member of Dominican’s tennis team and four year letter recipient, she was State Runner Up in singles (2014), State Champion in doubles (2016), and member of the 2014, 2015, and 2016 District Championship teams and State Championship teams.

Jillian Sandoz signed with Millsaps College in Jackson, MS where she will play tennis. She is a four-year member of Dominican’s tennis team and four-year letter recipient. She is a member of the 2014, 2015, and 2016 District Championship teams and State Championship teams.

Team of Gabrielle Terranova and Morgan Forshag

TRACK AND FIELD • District Champions • Individual District Champions:

Emily Doyle - 1600 and 3200 meters

Abby Slattery - Javelin

Elizabeth Messonnier - High Jump

Cecelia Chaney - 100 Hurdles and Triple Jump

GYMNASTICS • Division I State Runner –Up

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Community Involvement

«

Witnessing God’s Love in the People of Baní

by Kathryn Fasold, ’17 According to 1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” Over the Mardi Gras break, I had the honor and privilege to see God’s love in the people of Baní, a rural town about two hours outside of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

These people do not have much in the material sense, but their spiritual trust in God and the joy in their hearts was evident throughout the trip. In all honesty, this mission trip was the most challenging thing I have ever done. There was no air conditioning, the electricity fluctuated in and out throughout the day, and the language barrier made having a conversation extremely difficult; however, this trip was one of the most amazing experiences I have been a part of.

My favorite days were the ones that the group spent working with the first through fourth graders at Espírutu Santo School. The children did not care that I had no clue what they were trying to tell me, rather they just wanted me to join them in whatever game they were playing. Working with the high school students was much more intimidating for me since these kids were my age, yet they seemed much older. After dancing and singing together, it felt as though an invisible barrier had been broken.

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This trip is not about how uncomfortable you are, but rather it is about love responding to love. The children whose lives we made an impact on will never understand the impact they made on our lives and on our hearts. Seeing the look of joy followed by laughter on every one of their faces is something I will never forget.

“

This trip is not about how uncomfortable you are, but rather it is about love responding to love. The children whose lives we made an impact on will never understand the impact they made on our lives and on our hearts.

”

Many people automatically associate the Dominican Republic with vacationing and are not aware of the poverty that surrounds several of the tourist spots. I no longer take for granted the blessings I have. Simple things, such as sports equipment or sheets and towels, and the more complex issues of providing clean water, mean so much to the people of Baní. I was told during the trip that this experience never leaves you once you walk with the people, but it was not until after I got home that I understood this message.

Community Involvement

Second Harvest Food Drive Lion King efforts at St. Mary’s Dominican High School’s annual canned food drive roared to a total collection of 20,228 cans of food during their annual one-week food drive. The total equates to 19,378 pounds of food which Second Harvest Food Bank says will provide more than 16,000 meals for families in need across south Louisiana. Dominican’s food donation helped feed victims of the tornados that struck New Orleans East, in addition to Second Harvest’s network of agencies across the 23 parishes of south Louisiana.

Students participated in the school’s Lion King-themed competition among religion classes to collect the canned goods.

Each religion teacher spearheaded one of the seven teams named after characters in the musical: Teams Pumbaa, Rafiki, Nala, Zazu, Timon, Simba, and Mufasa. Daily announcements by these characters gave updates on team efforts and the daily total of cans collected.

This marks the 18th year for Dominican’s annual food drive, the largest school food drive in the Greater New Orleans area. Since 2011, Dominican has donated 119,508 pounds of food to Second Harvest.

Second Harvest distributes 28 million meals through a network of 500+ partners and programs across south Louisiana. Second Harvest provides emergency food assistance to 210,000 people annually, including 25,000 seniors each month. The Second Harvest Kids Café program provides daily hot meals to more than 200,000 children annually.

“

This year I really put everything into this canned food drive. I volunteered to go shopping for my class twice, and it was such a rush.

We are so fortunate to be able to provide the amount of cans that we do, and helping made me realize how truly blessed I am.

”

Mary Coll ’17

service

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Classroom & Club Activities

At the Chefs’ Charity for Children to benefit St. Michael’s Special School, St. Mary’s Dominican High School Veritas Volunteers club members were volunteer servers at the annual event. Celebrity chefs conducted cooking demonstrations and benefit attendees enjoyed their culinary creations. Veritas Volunteers lead moderator is Dione Prince and Dawn Frick is moderator.

Students in Mrs. Theresa Maquar’s Chemistry I class looked at the connections between science and faith when they explored the chemical principles involved in creating the perfectly dyed Easter egg.

Students studied the properties and effects of acids and bases. The egg dyeing activity presented them with a fun way to see chemistry in action, including how the acid in vinegar does make a difference in the saturation of color on the dyed eggs. In keeping with Dominican’s STREAM™ initiative, the students also learned about the Christian symbolism represented by the colored eggs. They researched the origins of the practice of dyeing eggs at Easter, and the ties to early Christianity. The students’ papers covered the ancient traditions of the Catholic Church and symbols that originated from the ancient Eastern Church.

On the inaugural one day college tour, 13 juniors, five sophomores and six freshmen, accompanied by guidance counselors Suzanne Ladmirault and Dione Prince, traveled to Alabama to experience first-hand two colleges in Mobile.

During visits to the University of South Alabama and Spring Hill College, the group toured the campuses and met students and faculty.

Sr. Nancy Murray, O.P., a member of the Adrian Dominicans, who travels the world performing her one-woman “play” of St. Catherine of Siena, gave a performance at a Lay Dominican Conference for the Southern Dominican Province in Rosaryville and included a visit to St. Mary’s Dominican High School.

For the past two summers Sr. Murray has met several Dominican student preachers at the Preaching Conferences held in Adrian, Michigan.

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At the 35th Annual Foreign Language Festival, 21 Dominican Spanish students brought home several honors. Victoria Liu received the Special Award prize. This first place award is given to the student who demonstrated the most outstanding delivery in the category of the Oral Interview. Liu was recognized as the best student participating in the category of Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking 4. She was presented with a $1,000 travel gift certificate toward travel to a Spanish-speaking country within one year from the awarded date. Dominican students took third place in five different categories: Victoria Bordelon (Spanish I) – prose Native Speaker; Hannah Champagne (Spanish II) and Nayah Thomas (Spanish II) – music; Tia Peck (Spanish AP) – poetry; Clara Garcia (Spanish AP) – poetry Native speaker; and Fernanda Bonet (Spanish AP) – extemporaneous speaking Native speaker. Dominican received third place award in the Spanish music category. Spanish teachers Hannah Hess and Claudia Vallejo accompanied the group.

National Art Honor Society members, commissioned by Phyllis Landrieu ’52 to artistically represent St. Philomena in a glass project, created 45 glass orbs. Glass blowers Mark Rosenbaum, owner of Rosetree Glass Studio in New Orleans, and Eamon Kelly assisted the students whose artistic vision was reflected in the glass design. During a campus visit, Mrs. Landrieu met with students Addison Hall, Chloé Lemoine and Maddison Lewis to scout potential sites for the permanent display of the glass project.

John Martinez with Hilti North America delivered new tools to the Robotics team during a campus visit. Martinez, Interior Finish Specialist and Key Account Manager at Hilti, covers the New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Northshore area. “Our students on the Robotics team are looking forward to working with the new tools,” said Crissy Giacona, science teacher and a Robotics coach.

STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT CANCER RESEARCH

Article and Photos by Stephanie Mayer ’17 According to the National Cancer Institute, 39.4 percent of men and women will have some form of cancer in their lifetimes. Cancer spreads rapidly because it bypasses natural cell death or apoptosis. This devastating disease is tricky to treat, which is why many professional organizations spend millions of dollars researching different drugs that are aimed at stopping cancer.

This statistic illustrates the relevance of cancer research and chemotherapy testing.

In response to this ever-growing epidemic, St. Mary’s Dominican High School’s Biology II Honors class, led by biology teacher Janine Koenig, recreated an example of experiments used to do cancer research. They tested two new compounds that have the ability to accelerate cell death and could be possibly used as cancer fighting drugs. “If my students already understand this and are doing this research in high school,” said Koenig, “maybe they will one day be the researchers or doctors who help win the war against cancer.”

The experiment featured spectrophotometers and lysate solutions borrowed from Louisiana State University Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Center, as part of Dominican’s participation in BEST (Bioscience Enrichment for Students and Teachers) Science! The objective of BEST Science! is to advance an interest among New Orleans area high school students in biomedical research and health sciences and to ultimately stimulate further education and vocation in these areas. BEST Science! is a partnership between Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, Ochsner and local school districts.

Before the experiment began, the students required: • a negative control which were cells that have not been pre-treated • a positive control that has a high concentration of enzymes that are crucial to cell death • lysate from cells treated with the new Compounds 1 and Compound 2, as well as lysate from cells treated with the market drug and lysate from cells treated with a combination of both compounds • • • • • • •

to occur and change the color of the substance.

Students then transferred the substances to a cuvette, which is a small container used by the spectrophotometer. Finally, the protein absorbance was processed by the spectrophotometer, and the effectiveness of the drug was determined. The greater the protein’s absorbance level determines the cell death process which is important to eliminate cancer cells.

Before the spectrophotometer can determine the effectiveness of the compound, St. Mary’s Dominican High School senior Reice Acosta carefully adds the color substrate in order to change the color of the different compounds. The Biology II Honors class performed this experiment in order to examine a real-world example of compounds that speed up cell death.

In order to determine protein absorbance, St. Mary’s Dominican High School juniors (from left) Susan Endom, Katie Mayer and Rebecca Koenig micropipette the compounds into the cuvette container. The Biology II Honors class performed the experiment in the school’s Research Laboratory. The experiment focused on testing compounds that have the possibility to induce cell death and decrease cancer.

“

Spectrophotometers have the ability to measure the wavelength of light that a substance absorbs. These instruments are vitally important to this type of experiment because they measure the amount of light absorbed by the Caspase3 protein, an indicator of drug effectiveness.

“It was amazing that we were able to work with this type of professional equipment, especially since this is our first year working with the spectrophotometers,” said senior Sofia Rodriguez.

The results of the experiment illustrated that cells treated with Compound Two produced more Caspace3 than cells treated with Compound One. The combination of the two compounds was most effective in producing the protein, but may be too toxic for even normal cells. Conducting this experiment, students applied information studied in class by using micropipettes and spectrophotometers.

If my students already understand this and are doing this research in high school, maybe they will one day be the researchers or doctors who help win the war against cancer.

”

Students transferred these cell combinations and placed them in a 24 well plate in order to be organized and observed during the experiment. Next, color substrate was added to each well, which allows a chemical reaction

“Doing this experiment really opened my eyes to how intense the process of curing cancer can get, and this was only a taste of it,” said junior Alison Dupré.

Koenig emphasized the importance of cancer research. “Understanding the mechanisms of cancer allows us to develop new weapons for the war against the disease,” she said.

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Club Awards & Recognitions band and choir

Mu Alpha Theta

BAND Dominican’s band won Sweepstakes - Superior Rating on Stage Performance and Sight-reading at the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) District Instrumental Large Ensemble Assessment Festival.

CHOIR Dominican’s choir won an overall Superior Rating - superior on their Stage Performance and an excellent in Sight-reading at the LMEA District Vocal Large Ensemble Assessment Festival.

Mu Alpha Theta attended a math tournament held at Brother Martin High School on Saturday, March 11. 364 students from 19 schools participated.

Dominican students placed in the following categories: Individual Tests: Algebra II - 2nd Place – Haley Williams, Honorable Mention: Elise Cresson and Rose Doskey; Pre-Calculus - 1st Place – Mackie Smith, 3rd Place – Caroline Troendle, Honorable Mention – Addison Hall, Caroline Hensley, and Abby Slattery; Calculus - 4th Place – Kathryn Fasold, Honorable Mention – Gabby Nguyen; Math Bowl/Ciphering: Algebra II 2nd place – Team A – Elise Cresson, Rose Doskey, Catie Ward, and Haley Williams, 4th Place – Team B – Saheba Cuccia, Kassidy Meredith, Isabela Tablan, and Ahjah Yunusah; Pre-Calculus 4th Place – Bridget Adam, Emma Duckworth, Mackie Smith, and Nia Smith; Calculus - 4th place – Monet Brignac, Catherine Carr, Kathryn Fasold, and Gabby Nguyen. Overall, Dominican placed 3rd in Sweepstakes.

JCL Convention At the Louisiana Junior Classical League (LJCL) State Convention, seven students competed in several athletic and academic events and took awards. Representing Dominican were Ceci Bourg, Elizabeth Champagne, Maggie Conrad, Celeste Maffei, Clare Plunkett, Savanah Rodrigue, and Kristen Tholen. The LJCL College Scholarship for 2017 was awarded to Celeste Maffei. Dominican’s Greek and Latin teacher Dr. Wayne Rupp is Chair of the Foreign Languages Department. Events and awards were: Olympika: (athletic events/individual and group) Obstacle Course – 4th place Maggie Conrad. Creative Arts: Modern Myth – 1st place Elizabeth Champagne. Academic Testing: Academic Decathlon (Level 4/5) 4th place Elizabeth Champagne; Classical Literature (Level 4/5) – 1st place Elizabeth Champagne; Mythology (Level 4/5) – 4th place Clare Plunkett, 1st place Celeste Maffei; Greek (Level 1) – 4th place Elizabeth Champagne, 2nd place Clare Plunkett; Mottos and Abbreviations (Level 4/5) – 3rd place Maggie Conrad; Reading Comprehension (Level 4/5) – 2nd place Elizabeth Champagne; Roman Life and Culture (Level 4/5) – 4th place Celeste Maffei, 2nd place Claire Plunkett, 1st place Elizabeth Champagne.

Individual Academic Sweeps: 5th place Elizabeth Champagne. Graphic Arts: Charts – 2nd place Celeste Maffei; Decorative Stitching – 1st place Elizabeth Champagne; Game Design – 1st place Celeste Maffei; Impromptu Art – 3rd place Maggie Conrad; Ink – 2nd place Clare Plunkett; Map – 4th place Clare Plunkett, 2nd place Celeste Maffei; Miscellaneous – 1st place Celeste Maffei; Mosaic – 5th place Clare Plunkett, 4th place Celeste Maffei; Pencil – 4th place Ceci Bourg; Photography – 3rd place Celeste Maffei; Pottery – 1st place Clare Plunkett. Individual Sweeps: Graphic Arts – 10th Clare Plunkett, 4th Celeste Maffei; School Banner – 2nd place; Chariot – 3rd place; Scrapbook -2nd place; T-shirt – 4th place; School Spirit for Small School Delegation – 1st place; Service – 2nd place; Overall Individual Sweeps – 9th place Celeste Maffei, 8th place Elizabeth Champagne; Overall Club Sweeps – 5th place.

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Club Awards & Recognitions Color Guard

DEBS

St. Mary’s Dominican High School Color Guard competed in the April 8 Mississippi-Louisiana Winter Guard Championships and finished in the Top 10. The team also competed in various ensemble and solo routines. Team member Kristen Tholen finished 3rd place for her solo routine. Color Guard coach is Frazier Wash. Moderators are Caroline Boelte and Anne Comiskey.

The Dominican Debs brought home several awards from the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Camp in New Orleans. Among their wins: Superior trophy for every Deb earning superior ribbons for their performances on the last day of camp; Spirit Stick from the UDA staff every day of camp and winning the final and only Super Spirit stick passed to the Debs from another team at camp. In the Team Routine taught by the UDA staff, the Debs were one of 10 teams out of 30 given special recognition for their version of the routine and execution of the dance with a Team Full Out award. Six members auditioned and were named to the All-American team that was invited to perform in the New Year’s Day parade in London, England. Those members are Virginia Babin, Alison Dupreˊ, Madelyn McGovern, Abbey Monzon, Bailey O’Quin, and Paige Wilson. At the camp, every coach and team must vote for one team they consider as leaders throughout the entire camp. The Debs were one of two groups honored.

Senior Captain Maddie McGovern was invited to audition for 2018-2019 UDA staff. Debs moderator is Sina Baldwin and Fran Moran is coach.

community Robotics

CHEERLEADERS

At the Regional FTC Robotics Competition, Dominican’s two robotics teams won awards in competition that drew 19 teams from across the state.

Dominican was one of two all-girl teams at the regionals held March 4.

Dream Machine won First Place for the Motivate Award and Third Place for the Connect Award. Digibots took Third Place for the Think Award.

The Dominican Cheerleading team traveled to Fort Walton Beach, Florida to participate in the Victory Emerald Coast Nationals Competition on Saturday, April 22. The squad earned the top spot for their division and the title, National Champions.

Dream Machine: Brooke Boyd, Lauren Cage, Nicole Girau, Kate Heller, Nia Hudson, Logan Jackson, Kayla Nguyen, Abigayle Rainey, and Anita Whitner.

Digibots: Catherine Bickerton, Victoria Chan, Olivia Cheung, Kelly Jackson, Mia Nguyen, Allie Norvell, Onyinyechi Okeke, Heather Ordoyne, Ariana Prator, Indya Taylor, and Jose Wood. Coaches are Crissy Giacona, Head Coach; Matt Foss, Programming; and Madelyn Maldonado, Engineering Notebook.

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Bleacher Swap

Mother Daughter Senior Tea

E-Board Elections

Executive Board incoming and outgoing officers Jennifer Baker with incoming President Mackie Smith; Adelia Obioha and Vice President Cole Pittman; Maddie Wadkins and Secretary Katie Mouton; Marcelle Kepper with Treasurer Tia Peck.

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DominiScience Saturday

Special School Events Black & White Friday Night

Baccalaureate Mass

Justice Awareness Mass

prayer Lenten Assembly

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Special School Events Legacy Gala

A

On February 10, the Legacy Gala: A Night for All Generations brought together Dominican alumnae, parents and supporters who enjoyed an evening of dining, dancing, silent and live auctions at The Cannery on Toulouse Street. (A) Members of a Dominican Legacy Family (from left) Amanda Steen, Kathleen Lalla Steen, Elizabeth Lalla Steen, Katherine Stafford McGrittigan, Carolyn Lalla Bailey, Anne Lalla Babin, and Sarah Babin.

Among the silent auction items eight science laboratory drawers, reincarnated into art by alumnae artists from Louisiana and Texas. The drawers were in science teacher Julie Cristina’s science laboratory from 1963 to 2014. (B) Legacy Gala auctioneer Bruce Katz and spouse Karen Kloesel Katz, one of the Dominican alumnae artists, with Dominican teachers Crissy Giacona and Mazie Stewart.

B

The evening’s festivities began with a Patron Party where guests were entertained by the Dominican Jazz Ensemble. Throughout the evening Gala attendees enjoyed culinary offerings from over a dozen favorite establishments. Vieux Carre was the night’s entertainment. Our thanks to all who made Legacy Gala a success.

Golf Tournament

C

Alumnae, friends and supporters of St. Mary’s Dominican High School gathered under clear skies at Audubon Park Golf Course for the school’s annual golf tournament that benefits the Sr. Mary Anne McSweeney, O.P. Faculty Endowment Fund. The fund supports Dominican’s commitment to attracting, retaining, and rewarding quality teachers for the ministry of Dominican Catholic education. (C) Golf Tournament Committee members were (from left) chairman Michael Babin, Mike Lecler, John Laughlin, Cory Lobell, Melvin Rodrigue, and Walter Wild. Not Pictured: Tim Murphy.

St. Joseph Altar The St. Joseph Altar in Alumnae Hall celebrated the cultural treasure of St. Joseph Altars that have been part of the New Orleans fabric for generations. (D) Deacon Colm Cahill of the Archdiocese of New Orleans blessed the altar, a beautiful display of deep faith and culinary artistry.

(E) The altar represented many hours of students baking 700 fig cookies, under the guidance of alumnae who baked 800 biscotti. Cakes and breads were in forms of Christian symbols – the Pascal Lamb, a Bible, crosses, and a crown. Other bread shapes of fish, alligator and crawfish gave a nod to local bounty. Two years ago, Dominican alumna Karen LaCour Puente ’78 and daughter Madeline ’17 helped lead Dominican’s St. Joseph Altar. “When I learned from Madeline that the school did not have a St. Joseph Altar, she immediately said yes, she wanted to help,” Karen said.

“It is such an honor and privilege to be part of Dominican’s altar, and a joy to do this with my daughter.” Madeline added, “The altar is full of symbolism. It is a beautiful New Orleans, Catholic tradition, and we both felt strongly about bringing the tradition to Dominican and having students learn and be a part of this experience.”

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D

E

RALLY DAY

AlOHA DHS 2021 SopHomores sTeAl Home

Juniors AnD THe cHocolATe FAcTory

FlAsH BAck Fres H men

Senior sAluTe

The Torch - Summer 2017 | 27

Spring Musical

St. Mary’s Dominican High School presents

42 Street nd

St. Mary’s Dominican High School’s production of 42nd Street debuted on March 31. The cast and crew devoted their time and talent for many months leading up to the production and their hard work came to fruition on stage in a spectacular performance!

28 | The Torch - Summer 2017

Experience Dominican

What’s Coming Up in the Fall?

Spend-a-Days

SEPTEMBER 8, 15, 22, 25, 29 OCTOBER 2, 18, 23, 26, 31 NOVEMBER 1, 7, 10 All girls in grades 5-8 are invited to attend!

Registration for Fall Spend-a-Days will be available on the website in August!

Deb & Cheerleader

Mini-Camp

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Girls in grades K - 7 are invited.

Seventh Grade Social*

SEPTEMBER SUN

MON

OPEN HOUSE

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19

Domini-Science Saturday

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Girls in grades 4 - 7 are invited to attend.

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Online registration is required for Spend-a-Days, Deb & Cheerleader Mini-Camp, Seventh Grade Social, and Domini-Science Saturday.

QUESTIONS: Contact Jessica Sita Couch ’05, Recruitment Director, at 504.865.9401 ext. 5030 or recruitment@stmarysdominican.org.

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Tons of Fun at DominiCamp Campers Channel their Creativity From basketball and cooking, to bowling and conducting experiments, campers at St. Mary’s Dominican High School’s summer camps channeled their creativity in a variety of activities, including the arts, sports, dance, music, and science.

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Jumpin’ for Joy at Dominican

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Alumnae 2018 is right around the corner and many of you will be celebrating milestone anniversaries.

We invite all of you to come back to Dominican for your Anniversary year reunion.

Class of

Class of

1943

25 year reunion

75 year reunion Class of

1993

1968

50 year reunion

Class of

Class of

2013

5 year reunion

2008

10 year reunion

We look forward to seeing you at St. Mary’s Dominican High School’s alumnae events. For more information on how to make your class reunion easy and fun, please email Celeste Anding ’82, Alumnae Director, at alumnae@stmarysdominican.org or call 504.865.7823.

As always, you are welcome to stop by the Alumnae Office anytime to visit or volunteer.

How to Stay Connected!

Please update your contact information on our website www.stmarysdominican.org.

We are on FACEBOOK! Follow DHS by “LIKING” our page ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNAE.

We are on INSTAGRAM too! Follow DHS at stmarysdominicanhighschool.

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RECENT REUNIONS

’62

Upcoming Reunions 1968 – 50 year reunion (in 2018) The Class of 1968 is calling all classmates to attend the Homecoming Weekend events April 20 and 21. Plans for a Sunday, April 22 event are being finalized. Email Loretta Hamilton at lhamilton@herzing.edu.

1987 – 30 year reunion Saturday, August 26, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm at The Rusty Nail, 1102 Constance Street, New Orleans.

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1992 – 25 year reunion Saturday, August 5 with Prayer Service and Family Picnic on Dominican’s campus from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm and evening event at Rock ’n’ Bowl from 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm. Email Kristie LaCour Broussard at klbrou@hotmail.com.

’02

When the Class of 2002 celebrated their 15th reunion at Rock ‘n’ Bowl on June 3, they raised more than memories. In planning the reunion, the class wanted to raise monies toward one-year of tuition at their Alma Mater. Before their reunion started, more than $3,500 was counted. Under the direction of Therese Adorno Massa, the momentum continued. A mini auction at their reunion featured 45 items and added $3,000 toward their goal. Four days post reunion, the tally came to +$10,000. The goal was met, with some monies to spare! Congrats to the Class of 2002, the youngest class to raise this amount of money in an anniversary reunion year.

Plans are underway for their 20th anniversary reunion. Yes, they have set their goals for 2022. They have challenged the Class of 2003 for their 15th reunion fundraising goal. A Toast of Praise, Class of 2002!

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Alumnae Give Back

Chapter News BATON ROUGE CHAPTER New Chapter Coordinators Kaylyn Blosser ’12 at kaylynblosser@bellsouth.net Darlene Alvarez Daigrepont ’85 at darlenedaigrepont@ gmail.com CENTRAL FLORIDA CHAPTER

Career Day St. Mary’s Dominican High School students gained insights into a range of career paths during the school’s annual Career Day. Thirty-two alumnae were among the speakers who shared career experiences and insights on a range of professions, including medicine, military, engineering, finance, photography, real estate, law, nursing, education, and business.

Denise Cunningham Magee ’87 and Mary Ann Hoffman Rodriguez ’53, both from Florida, attended Mass and enjoyed coffee afterwards to launch the inaugural event of the Central Florida Chapter. Contact Denise Cunningham Magee at neese12@me.com.

CHICAGO CHAPTER

Alumnae Association Dues for 2017 - 2018

Annual alumnae dues are vital to the operational expenses of the Alumnae Office and are used to produce The Torch. Dues also help to offset costs of the many events coordinated by the Alumnae Office, including Lenten Evening of Reflection, Breakfast with Baby Jesus, Easter Egg Roll, Cocktails in the Courtyard, Homecoming Weekend, and so much more!

Roxane Assaf ’81 organized the first Chicago Chapter get together. Ellen Yokum ’11, Jeannie Carmedelle Frey ’76, Roxane Assaf ’81, and Celeste Anding ’82, Dominican’s Alumnae Director gathered at the inaugural event.

HOUSTON CHAPTER

Class of 1930 - 2010...........Dues $35 Class of 2011 - 2017...........Dues $15 Please make checks payable to DHS Alumnae Association. To pay by credit card, go to our website www.stmarysdominican.org and click on the Donate tab - Alumnae Association Dues.

Any questions, comments, or to submit news for The Torch, email Alumnae Director Celeste Shelsey Anding ’82 at canding@stmarysdominican.org.

Thank You! 34 | The Torch - Summer 2017

Katharine “Katie” Granen Ruzensky ’08 (third from left) started a Houston Chapter. Joy Cocchiara ’74, Karen Cambias ’62, and Elizabeth “Betty” Nunnally ’69, joined Katie at their first gathering.

Next event will be a family friendly Houston Astros game, Sunday, September 17 at 1:10 pm. Contact Katie on Facebook at St. Mary’s Dominican High School Alumnae Houston Chapter.

Special Alumnae Events

Lenten Evening of Reflection Alumnae and families gathered in Alumnae Hall for A Lenten Evening of Reflection, with celebrant Brother Louis Couvillon, S.C. officiating and Fr. John Restrepo, O.P. assisting. Music was provided by the Dominican Liturgical Music Ministry Team, with Ms. Brenda Castillo and Ms. Lauren Bordelon.

As part of the Mass of Renewal, the community offered their written intentions that were burned during Mass. A light supper followed the Mass.

Easter Egg Roll Cool weather and bright skies welcomed over 400 children and their families at Dominican’s annual Easter Egg Roll, presented by the Alumnae Association. A bounty of 2,000 plus brightly colored Easter Eggs delighted toddlers who searched for them in The Peace Garden in Honor of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, while the older children canvased the campus grounds and filled their baskets. Finders of gold eggs discovered inside of them a special ticket for selecting a prize. Children of all ages enjoyed the petting zoo where miniature ponies, rabbits, chickens, a llama, pig, and other four-legged friends got close to Easter Egg Roll guests. Children also made crafts and met the Easter Bunny for photos. A highlight was the release of more than 100 butterflies to help replenish their depleting population.

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S

Alumnae Homecoming weekend

t. Mary’s Dominican High School’s alumnae, representing 51 classes, celebrated the annual homecoming weekend with a Thanksgiving Mass on campus and a luncheon at the Metairie Country Club. At the luncheon, they saluted fellow alumnae Yvette Talamo Endom ’90, Alumna of the Year; Dana Ray ’01, Outstanding Young Alumna of the Year; and Jan Geiger Honoré ’56, recipient of the St. Catherine of Siena Preaching Award. The 2017 Sr. Mary Angela Mulhern, O.P. Service Award was presented to Tennis Tournament Committee members Peggy Long Miner ’70, Jennifer Babin Collins ’87, Jaime Miner Thomas ’96, Karen Judge, Cindy Buckley Koenig ’71, Jennifer Watermeier Artigues ’87, Judy Babin, Andree Blakemore, Gabrielle Abadie Champagne ’87, Stephanie Harper Myers ’87, Lauri Hughes Beard ’82, and Angelle Wright Nash ’87.

Mass & Reception

Alumnae reconnected before Mass on campus.

2017 Alumnae Award Recipients

Alumnae and their families attended Mass, followed by a reception.

Congratulations to the 2017 Alumnae Award Recipients.

Honorees, whose lives exemplify the ideals that Dominican tries to instill in its students as described by the Profile of a Dominican Graduate, were nominated by fellow alumnae.

2017 Alumna of the Year

2017 Outstanding Young Alumna of the Year

2017 St. Catherine of Siena Preaching Award

2017 Sr. Mary Angela Mulhern, O.P. Service Award

Yvette Talamo Endom

Jan Geiger Honoré 36 | The Torch - Summer 2017

Dana Ray

Tennis Tournament Committee

Luncheon

50 Year Reunion The Class of 1967 (From left, bottom row): Sr. Dominic Savio, O.P. Clemencia Boada, Susan Azzarello Crumley, Mary Jane Hooper, Joan Ferro, Arleen Brown Conravey, Charlene Toups Laiche, Sharon Maloney Carraway, Jamie Rodriguez Treuting, Deanie Gray Stoulig, Judy Graffagnini Heintz, 2nd row: Margie Perez Ferrer, Darlene Lachart Landry, Ann Prattini Yoder, Karen Vernaci Ferro, Janet Waterman Shaffer, Susan Becnel Williams, Karen Glaudi Underwood, Mary Caldwell Sklamba, Carey Winter Dazet, Darleen Kattan, Judy Garic Ogle, Mary Wambsgans Somers, Lorel Scott, 3rd row: Mary Beth Cook Meyer, Pat Hotard Gilreath, Mary Clare Landry Baricos, Cindy Johnson Hebert, Charlotte Smith Syll, Nancy Bauer Becnel, Linda Constancy Caro, Mary Lynn Johnson Huber, Mary Valiente Mahone, Royann Price Avegno, Terry Heintz Caldwell, Ann Donnelly Reggio, Anne Lovecchio Manschot, Jane Strecker Mix, Top rows: Kathleen Haney Armand, Peggy Waltzer Rosefelt, Pat Cox, Georgie Frentz McPherson, Shirley Duvigneaud Bowler, Kathleen Bradner Fernandez, Patsy Kennedy Seitz, Jane McKay Blanchard, Jean Lennox Norton, JoEllen Becnel Coussan, Kathy Lagasse Bradner, Barbara Breaux Cardella, Jeanine deBoisblanc Stallings, Cheryl David Chinigo, Margie Nolan Pullam, Emily Vath Nolan, Betty Perkins O'Hara, Gerie Leclere Gremillion, Pam Jenkins, Audrey Stiles Gracianette.

(above) Celebrating their 50th anniversary, members of the Class of 1967 were joined by Sr. Dominic Savio, O.P. who began her teaching career at Dominican when they started their freshmen year. At the luncheon, the class gave their alma mater a $10,000 donation toward the school’s STREAM™ – Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math – initiative. (below left) At St. Mary’s Dominican High School’s annual homecoming, milestone reunions were celebrated among the 51 classes represented at the homecoming luncheon. Marjorie C. McKay, a member of the Class of 1937, is congratulated by Dominican President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas. McKay celebrated the 80th anniversary of her high school graduation.

(below right) The Class of 1957 marked their 60th anniversary and presented to Dr. Thomas $15,000 that will go toward the endowment of their class scholarship.

(From left, bottom row): Kay Broussard Aguillard, Joycelyn Haro Duvernay, Sr. Rose Bowen, Kathleen Weigand Gordon, Kathlee Higgins Lloyd, Jeannie Johnston Martin, Ninette Villarubia LaFranca. Second Row: Cynthia Frady Schulin, Mary Ellen Cassard Yager, Ann Boihem Cambias, Diane Hotard Nielsen, Dottie Ruch Toups, Betty Ann Hilman McLachlan, Dotty Geisel Johnson, Mary Grush Key. Third Row: Ann Wadsworth Fitzmorris, Cathey Brady Daly, Peggy Colson Harmon, Marylynn Mora Judlin, Elizabeth Hymel Eckert, Kathleen Kammer Morgan, Janet Gillen Robinson, Dottie Mendow Guenther, Frances Salvaggio, Sondra Polizzi Murphy, Amilynn Clesi, Lynne Roux, Carolyn Martinez Thiem, Mary Jane Wherritt Becker, Rosemary Seidler, Mary Schutte Reilly.

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Alumnae News 1971 Louise Marie Caldarara is a Docent for The Old Adobe Mission, built at the height of the Great Depression mainly by farm laborers and the first Catholic Church established in the Old Town Scottsdale region in 1933. Louise gives tours to visitors from the area and all over the world.

1975 The Class of 1975 is having a 60th birthday bash at Rock ’n’ Bowl on Saturday, July 15. Email Jeanne Kenney at jkenney@entergy.com.

1984 Cherie Gauthier graduated from Loyola University New Orleans, summa cum laude in Political Science, with a History minor. Her family was there for the special day and mother, Anne Gauthier, who is a member of the university’s Board of Trustees, handed Cherie her diploma.

1989 Robyn Carter Lombardo will return to Dominican this Fall to teach math.

Welcome back!

1990 Amy Coney Barrett, the Diane and M.O. Miller II Research Chair in Law and Professor of Law at the University of Notre Dame, was nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit by President Donald Trump.

1993 Alison Nenos Cernich, PhD, is the Director of the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health. She was honored by the Association of Academic Physiatrists as an individual who has made significant contributions to the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

38 | The Torch - Summer 2017

1995 Katherine Aucoin, PhD, a developmental psychologist for the past 12 years, recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of the opening of Acadian Care, a mental and behavioral health clinic in New Orleans. “The clinic has been serving families on the Northshore for over ten years.

I’m proud to be part of our team in New Orleans, treating children and adolescents, and their families,” shared Katherine.

1999 & 2000 Sophia Rosiere Bodin and Jennifer Rosiere Bordes were featured on WGNO-TV (ABC) News with a Twist! The sisters opened their first Lollis Chocolates Store 11 years ago and are the proud owners of three locations serving Harahan, Lafayette and New Orleans.

2001 Megan Lucy Mouton, owner of Clue Carré, New Orleans’ first live escape game that opened in 2014, is planning for a second location. Game participants are locked in a room and have 60 minutes to break out, using puzzle pieces, logic, keys and codes to find the exit.

Kristen Preau Moore, owner of Jambalaya Girl Food Products, was selected to represent Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at the Vanity Fair Summit in San Francisco in May.

2007 The Blue Vase, by Andree Ory is available at westbowpress.com and Amazon. Readers get a dose of motivation, counseling and Basic 101 psychology understanding of the person through real-life examples of individuals from each stage of Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development.

2009 Melinda Richard, Head Coach at Saint Louis Catholic High School in Lake Charles, LA, led boys’ swim team to their first state championship in November 2016.

Samantha Marie Thiaville graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana, College of Pharmacy.

2010 Aimee Chaumont graduated Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in May. She practices mixed animal medicine in Baton Rouge.

2013 Dartmouth College senior Michaela LeDoux was selected to be a Fulbright Scholar. Michaela, a geography major and art history minor, will spend 2018 in the Czech Republic, teaching English.

Photo by Eli Burakian, Dartmouth News

2004 Claire Gallagher will return to Dominican in this fall as Campus Minister. Welcome back!

2005 Meg Roussel, earned a Masters Degree in Digital Technology Applied to the Humanities from the Ecole Nationale des Chartes in Paris. She is working for the country’s Archives Nationales in Paris as manager of the archives’ mass digitization. The archives range from the letters of Marie Antoinette and Napoleon Bonaparte, to the diaries soldiers kept during World War I. 2006 Karen Lillich Berken is in her final year of OB/GYN residency as Chief Resident at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport.

Rachel Moore, returns this Fall to Dominican to teach English. Welcome back!

2016 Katie Beyer (right), daughter of Sherri Hebert Beyer ’90, made her collegiate opera debut at Colorado State University in the Ralph Opera Program’s, “A Little Night Music,” by Stephen Sondheim. She played the role of Fredrika Armfeldt. A vocal performance major, she was accepted to study voice under Dr. Tiffany Blake, soprano, for the 2017-2018 school year.

Katie said, “It was extremely exciting to be accepted into this program my second semester. Most freshmen in the Voice Department do not get the chance to do this and I am incredibly grateful for Dr. Blake’s faith in me. I would be nowhere without the musical and performance guidance I received at Dominican from Ms. Brenda Castillo and Ms. Rosalie Abadie. Thank you Dominican for preparing me for a career in music!”

HEALING ART Through their unique encounters with medical care for loved ones, four Dominican alumnae shared the healing power of art. August 26, 2015, the day after her daughter Annie was born, Dominican alumna Jamie Richard Tubre’s ’91 (center) daughter was diagnosed with a Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), a congenital heart defect.

Three-weeks later, her two-year-old son John Robert was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). On December 1, 2015 Annie underwent heart surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Susan Sciortino Aucoin ’96, a staff member at Collins Pediatrics, met Jamie when she brought her children to Collins Pediatrics. Inspired by her son Henry who had heart surgery as an infant, Susan founded Henry’s Hearts. The organization provides assistance to children in need of heart surgery. In her search for an artist to enhance the waiting room at Collins Pediatrics, Susan contacted Dominican’s Alumnae Office for names of alumnae artists and connected with Karen Kloesel Katz ’82 (left) who produced a beautiful wall mural for the pediatric office.

Toast of

PRAISE

The mural inspired Jamie to inquire if the waiting room walls of the Hematology/Oncology Triage Unit at Children’s Hospital New Orleans could be enhanced with artwork where her son receives treatment. Given the approval to proceed, Jamie reached out to Karen. Dominican alumna Lynn Skretny Winfield, RN ’87 (far right), Nursing Director of the hospital’s Inpatient and Outpatient Hematology/ Oncology Units, helped facilitate the installation of Karen’s artwork.

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Special Delivery

Alumnae News WELCOMING A GIRL

WELCOMING A BOY

(A) Jennifer Abadie Cvitanovic ’97 (B) Erin Erickson Przybylski ’01 (C) Jan Landry Tankersley ’02 (D) Stephanie Hilferty ’03 (E) Robin Hotard Roche ’04 (F) Katherine Montgomery Helo ’05

(H) Kerrie Schwabe Warren ’91 (I) Christine Held Harper ’94 Whitney Boudreaux Diblin ’98 (J) Jennifer Aponte Fletcher ’01 (K) Elizabeth Schott Rodrigue ’01 (L) Leslie Quaintance Marquez ’02 (M) Amy Nunez Williams ’03 (N) Lauren Gresham Stone ’05 (O) Erin Taravella Oertling ’06 (P) Stacey Gallodoro Dinnell ’08

WELCOMING TWIN BOYS (G) Melissa Sacks ’02

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**Submit news and photos for the Alumnae News section to Alumnae Director Celeste Anding, alumnae@stmarysdominican.org.**

36 | The Torch - Summer 2017 40 |

P

Wedding Bells Angie Bordelon ’94 Robert J. Iglesias, Jr. Laura Theard ’03 Gregory Garcia Alison Jones ’03 Thomas Brown Ellen Carmel Stretzinger ’06 Jack Leary, Jr. Sophie Madách ’07 Corey Garrett Kasey Mang ’08 David Simon

IN MEMORIAM Our Dearly Departed Sisters X Mary Louise Gregory Fitzgerald ’32 Elise Bosarge Guidroz ’32 Charlotte Lozes Todd ’33 Marjorie Waguespack Schmidt ’37 Dorothy Oubre Riedlinger ’39 Gladys Randazza Skiles ’39 Beverly Taylor Guste ’41 Audrey Arnaud Townsend ’42 Elizabeth Salvaggio Mixon ’48 Rosalie J. Parrino ’52 Catherine Cardinale ’53 Violet Morovich Ebert ’54

Destinee Nichole Finnin ’09 Anthony Ramos

Amelia Slovak Goodart ’66 Sally Broussard Dupre ’70 Nancy Clair McCann ’72 Stacy Sibley Buford ’77

X

Our prayers and condolences to all members of our Dominican community and their families who have experienced losses this year.

X

School Masses Mass on campus has been a long standing tradition, whether you were on the St. Charles Avenue campus or the Walmsley Avenue campus. Mass at Dominican is truly a special event with a reflection by one of our Student Preachers concluding the celebration. We invite all alumnae back for Mass on the Walmsley campus in the Sr. Ambrose Reggio Gym. Prior to each Mass, alumnae will receive an email with details and deadline for reservations. Please call or email Celeste Anding, Alumnae Director at 504.865.7823 or alumnae@ stmarysdominican.org to make a reservation. Handicap accessibility and parking are available upon request.

Feast of the Assumption – Tuesday, August 15, 2017 Mass of the Holy Spirit – Monday, August 21, 2017 All Saints Day Mass – Wednesday, November 1, 2017 Immaculate Conception Mass – Friday, December 8, 2017 Justice Awareness Mass – Tuesday, February 20, 2018

The Torch - Summer 2017 | 41

St. Mary’s Dominican High School 7701 Walmsley Avenue New Orleans, LA 70125

The Torch is a publication of the St. Mary’s Dominican High School community for alumnae, parents, faculty, staff and friends.

Thursday, October 19, 2017 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Thursday, January 5, 2018 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Open House

Pizza Party for Class of 2017

Wednesday, October 25, 2017 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Tennis Tournament

Saturday, March 10, 2018 10 am - 12 noon

City Park

Easter Egg Roll

Thursday, November 2, 2017 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Alumnae Evening on Campus St. Dominic Courtyard Thursday, November 9, 2017 6 pm

Heritage Dinner

Breakfast with Baby Jesus Saturday, December 16, 2017 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Dominican Makers’ Market *New this year*

Homecoming Mass and Reception Alumnae Hall

Saturday, April 21, 2018 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Homecoming Luncheon

Audubon Park

2017 2

Golf Tournament

Monday, March 19, 2018 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

St. Joseph Altar

Saturday, December 9, 2017 10:00 am - 12 noon

Friday, April 20, 2018 5:30 pm

Friday, March 16, 2018 1:00 pm Tee Time

2018

2017

Cocktails in the Courtyard

Save the Dates

Chateau Country Club *New location*

Saturday, May 12, 2018 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Mother Daughter Senior Tea St. Dominic Courtyard

Alumnae Hall

Monday, March 26, 2018 5:30 pm

Lenten Evening of Reflection Alumnae Hall

Thursday, May 17, 2018 10:30 am

Academic Honor Day Sr. Ambrose Reggio, O.P. Gymnasium