The Torch 2023-2024

The Torch

2023-2024

St. Mary’s Dominican High School

From the President

Dear Members of the Dominican Community,

In this edition of The Torch, we highlight and celebrate the many accomplishments of our students, particularly the Class of 2024. As a St. Mary’s High School Dominican Community, we celebrate how our students thrive in the opportunities they have through prayer, study, community, and service. We thank our students, parents and guardians of our students and graduates, our benefactors, alumnae, faculty, staff and administration, the Dominican Sisters and the Board for all the ways they contribute to Dominican’s successes.

As we send out this edition of The Torch, the 2024-2025 school year has begun with the celebration of the Mass of the Holy Spirit and exciting Spirit Week activities. Beginnings awaken hope, present opportunities, and offer times to recognize the Holy Spirit working in our lives. Making time for prayer each day is key to listening and better understanding the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives and within the communities we share.

We pray for the Class of 2024 and current Dominican students in each stage of their formational and educational journey that they embrace opportunities while remaining firmly rooted in the pursuit of Truth, Veritas. As they pursue dreams and aspirations may they always seek to do the will of God and be assured of God’s enduring presence with them.

Please join us in remembering the Class of 2024 and our current students in the prayer from 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12.

“… we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith, that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.”

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary and St. Dominic, we pray for continued blessings on our Dominican community.

Blessings, peace, and gratitude,

Cynthia A. Thomas, Ed.D. President

MISSION STATEMENT

St. Mary’s Dominican High School, sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace, is a Catholic collegepreparatory program for young women rooted in the tradition of prayer, study, community, and service. With Jesus at its center, the Dominican community preaches the Word, radiates joy, advocates peace, promotes justice, seeks Truth, manifests Catholic values, and ministers to others.

St. Mary’s High School

Kathryn Larkin Fine

CLASS OF 2024 Valedictorians

Sahithi Koneru

Meredith Marie Kononchek

Camille Claire Truxillo

The Valedictory Award, presented to honor graduates who achieved the highest cumulative grade point average in their program of studies, was merited by seniors Kathryn Larkin Fine, Sahithi Koneru, Meredith Marie Kononchek, and Camille Claire Truxillo.

Kathryn Larkin Fine will attend the University of Notre Dame and was awarded a National Merit Corporation Scholarship to the college of her choice. The Dominican Scholarship Student was a member of Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Sahithi Koneru will attend Georgetown University. The Dominican Scholarship Student was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Meredith Marie Kononchek will attend University of Notre Dame and received the Dominican College Corporation Scholarship to the Catholic college of her choice. The Dominican Scholarship Student was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Camille Claire Truxillo will attend the University of Notre Dame that offered her the Provost Scholarship and the University Scholarship. The Dominican Scholarship Student was a member of Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, National Honor society, Science National Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Salutatorian

Samantha Leigh Wild

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 Samantha Leigh Wild.

Samantha will attend the University of Alabama that awarded her the Out-of-State Presidential Scholarship and the National Merit Finalist Scholarship. The Dominican Scholarship Student held membership in Mu Alpha Theta, National Art Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society.

Veritas Award Recipients

The Veritas Award was presented by St. Mary's Dominican High School President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas to Camille Claire Truxillo and Kathryn Larkin Fine

The Veritas Award is the most prestigious award presented to a St. Mary’s Dominican High School graduating senior. Selected by the leadership, administration, and faculty, the award recipient demonstrates exemplary understanding of the Dominican Charism. Following the example of St. Dominic de Guzman, founder of the Dominican Order, the Veritas Award recipient faithfully strives to seek Truth through prayer, study, community, and service. She preaches the Truth of the Gospel through the example of her life and calls forth the best in others.

Service Alumnae

The Mother Mary Magdalen O’Farrell, O.P. Service Award was presented by Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas to Kathryn Larkin Fine.

The award recognizes the student’s outstanding, dedicated service to St. Mary’s Dominican High School. Dominican life and growth are mirrored in her reflection of the school’s philosophy by belief in God and respect for the dignity of all human beings.

AOH Legion

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Award was presented by Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas to Reese Cathryn Macicek.

Selected by administration, faculty, and students, the award is given to the senior who exemplifies the motto of the AOH: friendship, unity, and Christian charity.

The Sr. Mary Ambrose Reggio, O.P. Alumnae Award was presented by Alumnae Association President Nelita Ramey (Class of 1979), to Grace Elizabeth Koenig.

The recipient is selected by her classmates as one who represents Dominican spirit. Dominican’s motto: “To Praise, To Bless, To Preach,” is an integral part of her life as is her commitment to truth, Veritas.

The American Legion Award was presented by Mr. Tom Nenos, a member of the American Legion Post 307, to Grace Elizabeth Koenig

She was presented the award in recognition of possessing the essential qualities of leadership, honor, courage, patriotism, and service to school and community.

Scholarship Offers

*Scholarships and awards as of June 2024. Does not include Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) awards.

Student Achievement

SARAH HUSSAIN ALSHEREES

Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Distinguished Scholar Award to University of Colorado Denver, Gaels Scholar's Award to Saint Mary's College of California, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, New American University Provost's Scholarship to Arizona State University, Peak Award to University of ColoradoColorado Springs, Provost's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Provost's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University

Scholarships!

AUDREY GRACE ADAMS

Cypress Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Honors Housing Scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University, Honors Scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University, Provost's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans

LEEN HATEM ALRESHEQ

Jonathan Allen Scholarship to Alfred University, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, Presidential Scholarship to Millsaps College, Provost's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Provost's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Transformation Merit Resident Award to Louisiana State University

ELISABETH CAROLINE AMATO

Academic Honors Scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design, Achievement Honors Scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design, Merit Scholarship to Pratt InstituteMunson, SAIC Incentive Merit Scholarship to School of the Art Institute of Chicago

ISABELLE CORTINA ANDERSON

Catholic University Scholarship to the Catholic University of America, Parish Scholarship to the Catholic University of America, Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Rhodes Award to Rhodes College, Rhodes Grant to Rhodes College, Transformation Merit Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Freshman Leadership Scholarship to Belmont University, Abounding Excellence Scholarship to Belmont University

JULIA D'ARCY BADINGER

Cardoner Opportunity Grant to Loyola University New Orleans, Dean's Award to Holy Cross College

SANA BAIG

Distinguished Scholars Award to Tulane University, Louisiana Excellence Full-Tuition Award to Tulane University, Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, President's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans

CLAIRE LYNN BAILEY

Cypress Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Moreau Award to Holy Cross College, Presidential Scholarship to Millsaps College, Provost's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Provost's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans

TESS BRELAND BAKER

64 Parish Strong Scholarship to Louisiana State University, Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University

STEFANI ANN BALDINI

Nautilus FTIC Merit Scholarship to University of West Florida, President's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Provost's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Burger King Scholars Scholarship to the College of Her Choice

The Class of 2024 gained acceptance into 190 colleges and universities around the United States and internationally Agnes Scott College • University of Alabama • University of Alabama at Birmingham • Alabama A&M University • University at Albany, SUNY • Alfred University • Arizona State University • University of Arkansas • Auburn University • Ave Maria University • Averett University • Baylor University • Belhaven University • Belmont University • Benedictine College • Bethune-Cookman University • Boston University • University of California San Diego • Catholic University of America • Centenary College • University of Central Florid • Christian Brothers University • Clark Atlanta University • Clarkson University • Clemson University • College of Charleston • University of Cincinnati • Colorado School of Mines • Colorado State University • University of Colorado Boulder • University of Colorado – Colorado Springs • University of Colorado Denver • Columbia College • University of Connecticut • Cornerstone University • University of Dallas • Delaware Valley University • Delgado Community College • DePaul University • University of Denver • University of Detroit Mercy • Dillard University • Drake University • Edward Waters University • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University • Fashion Institute of Technology • Fisk University • Florida A&M University • Florida Atlantic University • Florida Gulf Coast University • Florida Institute of Technology • Florida Southern College • Florida State University • University of Florida • Fordham University • Furman University • University of Georgia • Georgia Southern University • Georgia State University • Georgetown University • Grambling State University • Grand Canyon University • Hardin-Simmons University • Hawaii Pacific University • University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy • High Point University • Hendrix College • Holy Cross College • University of Holy Cross New Orleans • University of Houston • Howard University • Indiana University • Jackson State University • Jacksonville University • Keiser University • Kennesaw State University • University of Kentucky • Knox College • Langston University • Long Island University • Louisiana State University • University of Louisiana at Lafayette • Louisiana Tech University • Loyola University Chicago • Loyola University Maryland • Loyola University New Orleans • University of Maine • Marquette University • Mary Mount Manhattan College • University of Massachusetts-Amherst • University of Maryland Eastern Shore • University of Memphis • Mercer University • University of Miami • University of Michigan-Ann Arbor • Miles College • Millsaps College • Milwaukee School of Engineering • Mississippi College • Mississippi State University • University of Mississippi • University of Montana • Morgan State University • Mount Saint Mary College • University of New Orleans • University of New Mexico • New York University • Nicholls State University • University of North Carolina Asheville • North Carolina Central University • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill • North Carolina State University • Northeastern University • Northeastern University – London Campus • Northwestern University • University of North Florida • University of North Georgia • University of Notre Dame • Ohio State University • Otis College of Art and Design • University of Oklahoma • University of Oregon • Pace University • Parsons: The New School • Pennsylvania State University • Pepperdine University • University of Pittsburg • Pratt Institute •Pratt Institute – Munson • Purdue University • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute • Rhodes College • University of Rhode Island • Rochester Institute of Technology • Rollins College • University of Saint Andrews • Saint Joseph’s University • Samford University • Saint Louis University • Saint Louis University-Madrid • Saint Mary’s College • Saint Mary’s College of California • Salem College • Salve Regina University • Samford University • San Diego State University • University of San Diego • University of San Francisco • Santa Clara University • Sarah Lawrence College • Savannah College of Art and Design • School of the Art Institute of Chicago • Seton Hall University • Sewanee: The University of the South • Shaw University • University of South Carolina-Columbia • South Carolina State University • University of South Florida • Southeastern Louisiana University • Southern Methodist University • Southern University and A&M College • Southern University New Orleans • Spring Hill College • St. Thomas University • Stonehill College • University of South Alabama • University of Southern Mississippi • SUNY College at Oswego • Syracuse University • University of Tampa • Texas A&M University College Station • Texas A&M University Galveston • University of Tennessee Knoxville • University of Tennessee Chattanooga • Texas Christian University • Texas Southern University • University of Texas at Dallas • Troy University • Tulane University • Tuskegee University • University of Virginia • Virginia Commonwealth University • Voorhees University • Wake Forest University • Washington State University • Western Carolina University • University

College • Xavier University of Louisiana

4 | The Torch - 2023-2024

From kindergarten to high school to college and beyond, God has been and always will be a constant in our lives. In kindergarten, we dreamed and wondered about our exciting future. Well, that exciting future is right before our eyes. Let us, the Dominican Class of 2024, be the class to live the four Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and service.

”

Meredith Kononchek ’24, Valedictorian

LINZY MADISON LEE BATES

Evergreen Community Grant to Loyola University Maryland, Troy E. Quinn Merit Award to Morgan State University

EVAN ALISABETH BELLOW

Academic Excellence Scholarship to University of Houston

LAUREN ALINA BISHOP

Cypress Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Ecce Quam Bonum Award to Sewanee: the University of the South, Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans

MIRANDA LILIAN BISHOP

Cypress Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Distinguished Academic Award to Long Island University, Ecce Quam Bonum Award to Sewanee: the University of the South, Out-of-State Crimson Legends Scholarship to the University of Alabama, Pere Marquette Scholarship to Marquette University, President's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, President's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University

HAILEY LEONA BOURGEOIS

Academic Excellence Scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi

REBEKAH ANN BROCKWAY

Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Founders Award to Tulane University, Out-of-State Tuition Award to Florida State University, President's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans

ELLA ELIZABETH BROWN

Volunteer Scholarship to University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Academic Charter Scholarship to Auburn University, Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, STEM Major Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to Milwaukee School of Engineering, Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, LA Tiger Legacy Excellence Award to Louisiana State University, Out-of-State Collegiate Scholarship to the University of Alabama, Distinction Award to Baylor University

EMMA KATHLEEN BULLARD

Academic Merit Scholarship to Hendrix College

Tuition Advantage Award to Hendrix College Color Guard stipend to Louisiana State University, Transformation Merit Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Provost's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans Provost's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Trustee Scholarship to Salve Regina University

AVA ELIZABETH BUQUOI

Academic Charter Scholarship to Auburn University, Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University

KAYLIN SHAYE BUSH

Dean's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Early Action Scholarship to Millsaps College, Second Century Scholarship to Millsaps College, Provost's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Ignatian Award to Spring Hill College

TESSA ALYSE CAFFERY VALENZUELA

Dean's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans

FAITH ELIZABETH CALAGNA

Catholic Education University Grant to University of Detroit Mercy, Merit Scholarship to University of Detroit Mercy, Catholic High School Award to Saint Louis University, Chancellor's Scholarship to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Classic Scholarship to the University of Georgia, Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Four-year Housing Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Fouryear Meal Plan Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Live Oak Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Living and Learning Award to Arizona State University, New American University President's Scholarship to Arizona State University, Merit Scholarship to Clemson University, National Buckeye Scholarship to the Ohio State University, Provost Scholarship to the Ohio State University, Out-of-State Presidential Scholarship to the University of Alabama, Out-of-State Tuition Award to Florida State University, President’s Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Presidential Scholarship to Loyola University Chicago, Superlative Award to University of South Carolina, Vice President's Scholarship to Saint Louis University

KAYLEE MARIE CARO

Athletic Scholarship to Keiser University, Merit Scholarship to Keiser University, NU Merit Scholarship to Keiser University

LAYAH MARIE CAVETT

Cypress Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana

TAYLOR LEE CHRISTIAN

Volunteer Scholarship to University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Husky Achievement Award to University of Connecticut, Summit Scholarship to University of Oregon

ELIZA DAY CHRISTOVICH

Academic Scholar Distinction Award to University of South Carolina, Merit Scholarship to University of South Carolina, Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Vice President’s Scholarship to Saint Louis University, Catholic High School Award to Saint Louis University, Dean's Scholarship to Rollins College, Diehl Scholarship to Rhodes College, Future Forward Scholarship to DePaul University, Green and Gold Presidential Waiver Award to University of South Florida, Merit Scholarship to College of Charleston, Out-ofState Tuition Award to Florida State University, Presidential Scholarship to DePaul University, Presidential Scholarship to Loyola University Chicago, Out-of-State Scholar Scholarship to the University of Alabama

JESSICA RAE COOK

Academic Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Cardoner Opportunity Grant to Loyola University New Orleans, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, SCADNow Scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design

OLIVIA CLAIRE CORLEY

Bayley Award to Seton Hall University, Cypress Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Dean's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Dean's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, General Academic Merit Scholarship to Belmont University, Presidential Scholarship to University of Rhode Island

Scholarship Offers Student Achievement

BRYCE SURGALA COUVILLON

Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to Christian Brothers University, Catholic Scholarship to Christian Brothers University, Out-of-State Scholarship to Christian Brothers University, Ecce Quam Bonum Award to Sewanee: the University of the South, George Pepperdine Achievement Award to Pepperdine University, Presidential Scholarship to Drake University, Presidential Scholarship to Loyola University Chicago, Presidential Scholarship to University of Tampa, Ralph C. Hon Scholarship to Rhodes College

ELIZABETH MARIE DALY

Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University

LIMAR SAMER DARWISH

Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Academic Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, Ignatian Leader Award to Spring Hill College, Jonathan Allen Scholarship to Alfred University, President's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, President's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Presidential Scholarship to Mount Saint Mary College, Weatherhead Scholarship to Tulane University, Distinguished Scholars Award to Tulane University

HANNAH RAE DELACERDA

Land of Lincoln Award to Knox College, Provost Scholarship to Knox College, Presidential Scholarship to Millsaps College, Provost's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Provost's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans

LILLIAN ELIZABETH DERAMUS

Cypress Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette

JALYN GABRIELLE DOUGLAS

Academic Honors Scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design, Crosland Scholarship to Samford University, Davis Scholarship to Samford University, University Scholarship to Samford University, Frog Family Scholar Award to Texas Christian University, Trustee Award to University of Memphis

LILIAN MARIE DREUIL

Magis Scholar Award to Spring Hill College

IRIEL KATIE DUPLESSIS

Academic Excellence Scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi, Academic Scholarship to Dominican University New York, St. Dominic's Scholarship to Dominican University New York, Second Century Scholarship to Millsaps College

AYA MOHAMED ELMADAH

Dean's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Dean's Scholarship to Marymount Manhattan College, Directors Award to Loyola University Chicago, Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University Chicago, Merit Scholarship to Xavier University, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, Provost's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Weatherhead Scholarship to Tulane University

HEATHER ELISE ENGELHARDT

CU Boulder Chancellor's Achievement

Scholarship to University of Colorado, Dean's Scholarship to University of Denver, Distinguished Cougar Award to Washington State University, Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Founders Award to Tulane University, Green and Gold Scholarship to Colorado State University, President's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans

EMMA ROSE ERNST

Dean's Scholarship to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Women of Excellence Award to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, First Robotics Scholarship to Florida Institute of Technology, Panther Fund Academic Scholarship to Florida Institute of Technology, Merit Scholarship to Jacksonville University

EMMA GRACE EUSTIS

Trustee Award to Saint Mary's College

EMILY MARIE EVANS

Academic Excellence Award to Louisiana State University

KRYSTAL ANNE FERNANDES

Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Ensemble Award to Loyola University New Orleans, Honors Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Jesuit Identity Award to Loyola University New Orleans, President's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans

KATHRYN LARKIN FINE

Distinguished Scholars Award to Tulane University, Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, LA Tiger Legacy Excellence Award to Louisiana State University, Fordham Full-Tuition Scholarship to Fordham University, National Merit Corporation Scholarship to the College of Her Choice

A'MAYA PAIGE FREEMAN

Academic Achievement Award to University of Memphis, Carl & Ann Jones Regions Scholarship to the University of Alabama, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, USA Freshman Admission Scholarship to the University of South Alabama, USA Jaguar Achievement Talent and Ability Scholarship to the University of South Alabama, The National Association of University Women, New Orleans Branch Trailblazers Scholarship to the College of Her Choice, 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans College Scholarship to the College of Her Choice

From Rally Days to Carol-Offs to Bleacher Swaps, I don't think the sense of community that Dominican has provided can be replicated anywhere else. Thank you to all of the Dominican faculty and staff who work so hard every day to make sure that we can have these fun activities that make up such a core part of our high school experience. Thank you especially to our teachers, club moderators, and coaches for encouraging us inside and outside the classroom.

MARY CATHRYN GARVEY

Ann Cull New Orleans Louisiana Chapter Endowed Scholarship to the College of Her Choice, Out-of-State Crimson Legends Scholarship to the University of Alabama

LAUREN MAI GIARDINA

President's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans

SKYLER MADISON GIVENS

Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University Maryland

MOLLY ELIZABETH GLAS

Catholic High School Award to Saint Louis University, Vice President’s Scholarship to Saint Louis University, Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, LA Tiger Legacy Excellence Award to Louisiana State University, USA Freshman Admissions Scholarship to the University of South Alabama, Out-of-State Scholar Scholarship to the University of Alabama, President's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans

RACHEL JANET HAASE

Distinguished Scholars Award to Tulane University, Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, President's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, President's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Out-of-State Presidential Scholarship to the University of Alabama, Leadership and Achievement Scholarship to the University of Alabama

NOELIE COLLEEN HADDAD

Academic Merit Scholarship to Texas Christian University, Founder's Scholarship to Southern Methodist University

ALLISON THERESA HARMON

Academic Scholarship to Mississippi College, Holy Cross Excellence Scholarship to University of Holy Cross, General Academic Merit Scholarship to Belhaven University, Premier Scholarship to Millsaps College, Presidential Scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi

CAROLINE ELIZABETH HAYDEL

Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of Mississippi

SOPHIE MARIE HAZARD

Academic Achievement Award to University of Oklahoma, Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Charles McClendon Scholarship to Louisiana State University, Summer Scholarship to Seton Hall University, University Scholarship to Seton Hall University

BROOKE HELEN HOLLINGSWORTH

Cypress Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette

People will tell you that you'll never make friends quite like the ones you made in high school, and it sounds cliché, but it is undeniably true. You all are what make Dominican the remarkable high school that it is. The Class of 2024 has racked up plenty of impressive achievements in academics, athletics, the arts, and more, but we must acknowledge that we didn't accomplish any of these things alone. We had each other. We built a network of friendship and love that carried us all the way to the finish line, and hopefully, that network will remain a part of each of our lives long after we leave campus.

Kathryn Fine ’24, Valedictorian

JAYCEE LAYNE HOLMES

Dean's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Honors Scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University

JEANNE MARIE HOLMES

Ignatian Leader Award to Spring Hill College, Incentive Award to Pace University, Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Merit Scholarship to Hawaii Pacific University, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, Academic Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Out-of-State Competitive Admissions Scholarship to the University of Alabama

LUCIE EVANGELINE HOWENSTINE

Borja Scholarship to Saint Louis UniversityMadrid, Catholic High School Award to Saint Louis University-Madrid, Cypress Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette

DALYA ISVANDI

Dean's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, Provost’s Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Transformation Merit Resident Award to Louisiana State University

REESE MARIE JENNINGS

Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Academic Success Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Fordham Tuition Award to Fordham University, Magnolia Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Two-year Partial Housing Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, President's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, TN Explore Scholarship to University of Tennessee, Knoxville

”

LAUREN BAILEY JOHNSON

Academic Merit Scholarship to University of Montana, Bayley Award to Seton Hall University, Summer Scholarship to Seton Hall University, University Scholarship to Seton Hall University, Transformation Merit Resident Award to Louisiana State University

JULIA CLAIRE JONES

Dean's Scholarship to Rollins College, Ecce Quam Bonum Award to Sewanee: The University of the South, Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Founders Award to Tulane University, General Academic Merit Scholarship to Belhaven University, Out-of-State Tuition Award to Florida State University, Out-of-State Scholar Scholarship to the University of Alabama, Pegasus Gold Scholarship to University of Central Florida, Pfeiffer Scholarship to Florida Southern College

HIDAYA NUREEN KHAN

President's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Honors Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Provost's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University

GRACE ELIZABETH KOENIG

Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Out-of-State Competitive Admissions Scholarship to the University of Alabama, Presidential Scholarship to Drake University, Todd and Valerie Schexnayder Endowed Scholarship to Louisiana State University, Transformation Merit Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Donald T. Bock Education Grant to the School of Her Choice

Scholarship Offers

Student Achievement

Playdoh reminds us of how Dominican has shaped us but also of how it kept us in touch with our childhoods. {...} As we head off to college, don't lose that childlike playfulness and creativity. Though you might feel too "grown up" to play, it's actually the opposite. It's time to take the Playdoh into your own hands and shape your own future. Meet new people. Try new things. Go new places. Play the part of the woman God made you to be: that's what Dominican has been preparing us for.

Camille Truxillo ’24, Valedictorian

ISABELLA ROSE KOENIG

Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, LA Tiger Legacy Excellence Award to Louisiana State University, Out-of-State Scholar Scholarship to the University of Alabama

SAHITHI KONERU

Distinguished Scholar Waiver to University of Florida, Distinguished Scholars Award to Tulane University, Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University

MEREDITH MARIE KONONCHEK

Academic Heritage Scholarship to Auburn University, Academic Merit Scholarship to Milwaukee School of Engineering, Destination MSOE Scholarship to Milwaukee School of Engineering, Out-of-State Presidential Scholarship to the University of Alabama, Parish Scholarship to the Catholic University of America, University Honors Scholarship to the Catholic University of America, St. Mary’s Dominican College Corporation Scholarship to the Catholic College of Her Choice

BROOKE MARCELLINE LAMBERT

Academic Excellence Scholarship to University of Connecticut, Panther Fund Academic Scholarship to Florida Institute of Technology, Presidential Scholarship to Loyola University Chicago, Presidential Scholarship to Rochester Institute of Technology, University Merit Scholarship to Mercer University, Volunteer Scholarship to University of Tennessee, Knoxville

ANDREA KATHERINE LANDRY

Academic Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Magnolia Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Twoyear Partial Housing Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette

ELISABETH AMELIE LEVASSEUR

Out-of-State Provost Scholarship to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Second Century Scholarship to Millsaps College

AMIE MCKENNA LEWIS

Academic Scholar Award to University of Pittsburg, Academic Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Capstone Scholarship to Howard University, Chancellor's Award to University of San Francisco, Hilltop Scholarship to University of San Francisco, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, Presidential Scholarship to Drake University

KENNEDY PAIGE LEWIS

Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana

ADDISON RAE LOBELL

James W. Trott Jr. Scholarship to Louisiana State University, Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University

REESE CATHRYN MACICEK

Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Chancellor's Leadership Class Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Presidential Scholarship to Auburn University, Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University

GABRIELLE MARIE MAGGIO

Juanise Scoggin Johnson Memorial Scholar to University of Arkansas, New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award to University of Arkansas, LA Tiger Legacy Superior Award to Louisiana State University, Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University

GABRIELLE MARIE MARCELLO

Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Merit Scholarship to College of Charleston, Academic Scholarship to College of Charleston, Academic Tuition Waiver to University of New Mexico, Housing Scholarship to University of New Mexico, LA Tiger Legacy Superior Award to Louisiana State University, Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Out-of-State Competitive Scholarship to the University of Alabama

”

JULIETTE CLAIRE MARINO

Academic Charter Scholarship to Auburn University, Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University, LA Tiger Legacy Excellence Award to Louisiana State University, Out-of-State Collegiate Scholarship to the University of Alabama, Volunteer Scholarship to University of Tennessee, Knoxville

JADE CAROL MASON

Academic Excellence Scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi, Achievement Scholarship to Tuskegee University, Catholic Scholarship to Christian Brothers University, Out-of-State Scholarship to Christian Brothers University, Maurelian Scholarship to Christian Brothers University, Cypress Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Dean's Scholarship to Dillard University, Dean's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Distinction Award to Baylor University, Founder's Scholarship to Averett University, Full-Tuition Merit Scholarship to Alabama A&M University, Holy Cross Excellence Scholarship to University of Holy Cross New Orleans, Ignatian Leader Award to Spring Hill College, Leadership Scholarship to Howard University, Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, Outstanding Scholars and Leadership Scholarship to Fisk University, Panther Fund Academic Scholarship to Florida Institute of Technology, Provost Academic Scholarship to Jackson State University, Provost's Scholarship to Western New England University, Troy E. Quinn Scholarship to Morgan State University, Trustee Scholarship to Hardin Simmons University, The Knights Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary Louisiana State Conference Merit Scholarship to the College of Her Choice

ALYSSA ANNE MCDUFFIE

Burger King Scholars Scholarship to the College of Her Choice, Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University

MADDIE RACHELLE MCGUIRE

Academic Scholarship to the University of New Orleans

ISABELLE CATHERINE MCKNIGHT

Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Presidential Scholarship to Auburn University, Bell Tower Scholarship to Furman University, Ecce Quam Bonum Award to Sewanee: The University of the South, Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Honors Scholarship to Spring Hill College, Portier Leader Award to Spring Hill College, New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award to University of Arkansas, Old Main Scholarship to Wofford College, President's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Presidential Scholarship to Loyola University Chicago, Out-of-State Presidential Scholarship to the University of Alabama, Presidential Scholarship to Tulane University

VIOLET ELAINE MILES

Academic Merit Scholarship to Ave Maria University

MADELEINE CHRISTINE MOLINA

Academic Success Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi

JAYLA MICHELLE MONTGOMERY

Out-of-State Competitive Admissions Scholarship to the University of Alabama, Dean's Scholarship to Indiana University, Hudson Holland Scholarship to Indiana University, Hudson Program Scholarship to Indiana University, New American University Dean's Scholarship to Arizona State University, Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship to Mississippi State University, Summit Scholarship to University of Oregon, Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University

JILL MARIE NEUMEYER

Academic Recognition Award to Tulane University

GABRIELLA MY-HUYEN NGUYEN

Annual Admission Scholarship to Belhaven University, Baylor Distinction Award to Baylor University, Baylor Grant to Baylor University, Dean's Scholarship to Loyola University Chicago, Directors Award to Loyola University Chicago, Dean's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Legacy Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Holy Cross Excellence Scholarship to University of Holy Cross New Orleans, Hail State Scholarship to Mississippi State University, Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship to Mississippi State University, Innovation Award to Louisiana State University, Merit Scholarship to Tulane University, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, Provost's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Stonehill Scholarship to Stonehill College, Louisiana Horatio Alger State Scholar Award to the College of Her Choice

KAITLYN MAI-KHANH NGUYEN

Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Distinction Award to Baylor University, Distinguished Scholars Award to Tulane University, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, President's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, President's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans

HANNAH LAYNE OHLSSON

Academic Honors Scholarship to Savannah College of Art and Design, Merit Scholarship to Parsons: the New School, Presidential Scholarship to Otis College of Art and Design

BRIDGET LYNN PALERMO

Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, LA Tiger Legacy Excellence Award to Louisiana State University

KATHERINE PAIGE PATRON

Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Irene Burrus Scholarship to the College of Her Choice

JIYAH BRIELLE PAYTON

Ignatian Leader Award to Spring Hill College, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana

ELIZABETH CECILIA PHILLIPS

Cypress Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Transformation Merit Resident Award to Louisiana State University

BLAIRE ELIZABETH POWER

Transformation Merit Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Golden Girls Stipend to Louisiana State University, Dance Program Scholarship to the University of Alabama

SARAH KAY QUIGLEY

Academic Scholarship to the University of New Orleans

CATHERINE NAN REDMANN

College Music Participation Award to Benedictine College, Honors Program Scholarship to Benedictine College, St. Benedict Scholarship to Benedictine College, Flagship

Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Moreau Award to Holy Cross College, Scholars of Excellence to University of Dallas, Trustee Scholarship to University of Dallas

MARGARET ANNE REDMANN

College Music Participation Award to Benedictine College, Honors Program Scholarship to Benedictine College, St. Benedict Scholarship to Benedictine College, Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Moreau Award to Holy Cross College, Scholars of Excellence to University of Dallas, Trustee Scholarship to University of Dallas

MIA ROSE REYES

Cypress Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Merit Scholarship to Clarkson University, Outstanding Student Scholarship to Louisiana Tech University, Provost Award to Colorado School of Mines

RYLEE LAUREN RICHARD

Honors Scholarship to Southeastern Louisiana University

SARA MARIE ROUSE

Two-year Partial Housing Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Magnolia Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship to Mississippi State University, Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Volunteer Scholarship to University of Tennessee, Knoxville

ISABELLA NICOLE SACHITANO

Volunteer Scholarship to University of Tennessee, Knoxville, President's Scholarship to Colorado School of Mines

JOSIE KATE SANDERS

Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Catholic High Award to Saint Louis University, Vice President’s Scholarship to Saint Louis University, Ecce Quam Bonum Award to Sewanee: The University of the South, Presidential Scholarship to DePaul University, Provost's Scholarship to University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Volunteer Scholarship to University of Tennessee, Knoxville

LAUREN LIMA SANTOS

Academic Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Cardoner Opportunity Award to Loyola University New Orleans

KHULLIE CARLYN SEALS

Academic Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana

SOPHIA ANGELINA SHERWOOD

Academic Recognition Award to Tulane University, Bell Tower Scholarship to Furman University, Dean's Scholarship to Rollins College, Distinction Award to Baylor University, Ecce Quam Bonum Award to Sewanee: The University of the South, President's Scholarship to Rochester Institute of Technology, President's Scholarship to University of Miami, Presidential Scholarship to Loyola University Chicago, Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Trustees Scholarship to Agnes Scott College, Audrey Elora Peralta Stewart Endowment Scholarship to the College of Her Choice

The

Dominican pillar of service taught us humility and the importance of kindness and lifting others as we climb. It allowed us to step beyond our comfort zones and make a tangible difference in the world. Some of the best memories of our class were participating in the annual canned food drives. It wasn't just the competition that gave us so much joy, but it was the impact we made on those in our city by coming together with a shared goal. Samantha Wild ’24, Salutatorian

IMAD SIDDIQUI

Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, Renewable Scholarship to Sarah Lawrence College

MILAN ARIANNA SOLIS

Holy Cross Excellence Scholarship to University of Holy Cross New Orleans

RUBY R SPEDALE

Freshman Admissions Talent and Ability Scholarship to the University of South Alabama

CARRIE GRACE ST. MARIE

Academic Excellence Scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi, Academic Scholars Resident to Louisiana State University, Distinction Award to Baylor University, Founders' Scholarship to Texas Christian University, Outstanding Student Scholarship to Louisiana Tech University

BERIT GIFFORD STOLZ

Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Out-of-State Scholar Scholarship to the University of Alabama

LILLIAN CLAIRE STOUDER

Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Loyola Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans

AMELIE FRANCISCA SZAPARY

SJU Opportunity Award to Saint Joseph's University

RACHAEL THERESE TATFORD

Chancellor's Award to University of San Francisco, Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Presidential Scholarship Award to University of San Francisco, Summer Scholarship to Seton Hall University, University Scholarship to Seton Hall University, President's Scholarship to Colorado School of Mines

GABRIELLE THERESEA TOCA

Academic Success Non-Resident Award to the University of Mississippi, Founder's Scholarship to Texas Christian University, New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award to University of Arkansas

ISABELLA MARIE TOTORICO

Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Red & Blue Scholarship to the University of Mississippi, Presidential Scholarship to DePaul University

CHLOE ALYSSA TOYE

Magnolia Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Two-year Partial Housing Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, President's Scholarship to Loyola University New Orleans, President's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans

CAMILLE CLAIRE TRUXILLO

Cambridge Scholarship to Rhodes College, Rhodes Impact Award to Rhodes College, Classic Scholarship to the University of Georgia, Leadership and Achievement Scholarship to the University of Alabama, Out-of-State Presidential Scholarship to the University of Alabama, Merit Scholarship to Clemson University, Moreau Award to Holy Cross College, Provost's Scholarship to University of Notre Dame, University Scholarship to University of Notre Dame, Randall D. Ledford II Scholarship to Wake Forest University, University Honors Scholarship to the Catholic University of America, Parish Scholarship to the Catholic University of America

KALIE DAN ANH TU

Academic Scholarship to the University of New Orleans

VICTORIA BETH VOLPE

Academic Merit Non-Resident Scholarship to the University of Mississippi

KYILIE EMIRI-J'AI WASHINGTON

Academic Merit Scholarship to the University of New Orleans, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana, Dean's Scholarship to Dillard University, Cardoner Opportunity Grant to Loyola University New Orleans, Outstanding Scholars and Leaders Award to Fisk University, Spirit Award to Salem College

SAMANTHA LEIGH WILD

Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Out-of-State Presidential Scholarship to the University of Alabama, National Merit Finalist Scholarship to the University of Alabama

LAURYN GRACE-MARIE WILLIAMS

Cypress Scholarship to University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Academic Merit Scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana

TAMIA FAITH WILLIAMS

Provost's Scholarship to the University of New Orleans

KAITLYN DEANNA WISMAR

Tiger Excellence Scholar Resident Award to Louisiana State University

LYDIA REDEAT WOLDEMICHAEL

Catholic Award to Christian Brothers University, Out-of-State Academic Scholarship to Christian Brothers University, Troy E. Quinn Award to Morgan State University

OLIVIA KATE ZIMMER

Volunteer Scholarship to University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Academic Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University, Dean's Scholarship to Rollins College, Distinction Award to Baylor University, Distinguished Scholar Award to University of Oklahoma, Ecce Quam Bonum Award to Sewanee: The University of the South, General Academic Merit Scholarship to Belmont University, Pathfinder Award to University of Oklahoma

Profile of a Dominican Graduate

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:

National Merit Student Achievement

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Approximately 15,000 students of the 1.5 million juniors who entered qualified as finalists.

The National Merit® Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) recognized Dominican seniors Kathryn Fine, Camille Truxillo, and Samantha Wild as National Merit Finalists for 2024. They were among the 15,000 Finalists in the 69th annual National Merit® Scholarship Program. As Finalists, these academically talented high School seniors had an opportunity for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that were offered in the spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition.

Kathryn Fine was selected as a winner of a National Merit® $2500 Scholarship. Samantha Wild was selected as a winner of a college-sponsored National Merit Scholarship. Chosen from the 15,000 distinguished Finalists, National Merit $25oo Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC and by approximately 400 business organizations. Approximately 3,800 National Merit Scholarships are awarded from 160 colleges and universities.

Dominican seniors Ava Buquoi, Bryce Couvillon, Sahithi

Koneru, Meredith

Kononchek, Brooke Lambert, Catherine Redmann, and Rachael Tatford have been named Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit® Scholarship Program. Commended Students place among the top 30,000 students who entered the competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Although these students did not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, they were recognized for their exceptional academic promise.

Finalists Commended

Sahithi Koneru

Ava Buquoi Bryce Couvillon

Rachael Tatford

Brooke Lambert Catherine Redmann

Meredith Kononchek

Samantha Wild

Kathryn Fine Camille Truxillo

In September 2023, 20 Dominican Students (Class of 2024) and 21 graduates (Class of 2023) of St. Mary’s Dominican High School earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program (AP) Exams. AP tests are scored on a scale of 1-5.

The AP Scholar designation recognizes students who earned scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. The AP Scholar with Honor designation recognizes students who earned an average of 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more AP exams. The AP Scholar with

recognizes students who earned an average score of 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scored 3 or higher on five or more AP exams.

Amelia Alberts ’23 AP Scholar with Honor

Carol Alley ’23 AP Scholar

Katherine Ellis ’23 AP Scholar

Bryce Couvillon ’24 AP Scholar with Honor

Brooke Babin ’23 AP Scholar with Distinction

Sana Baig ’24 AP Scholar with Distinction

Inchara Anand ’23 AP Scholar

Faith Calagna ’24 AP Scholar

Taylor Christian ’24 AP Scholar with Honor

Ellen Darcey ’23 AP Scholar

Krystal Fernandes ’24 AP Scholar

Kathryn Fine ’24 AP Scholar with Distinction

Amelia Haab ’23 AP Scholar with Honor

Lauren Giardina ’24 AP Scholar with Distinction

Rachel Haase ’24 AP Scholar with Honor

Katherine Harper ’23 AP Scholar

Distinction designation

AP Scholars Student Achievement

Sahithi Koneru ’24 AP Scholar with Distinction

Minseung Kim ’24 AP Scholar

Stella Martin ’23 AP Scholar

Madeline Kerber ’23 AP Scholar

Meredith Kononchek ’24 AP Scholar with Honor

Cadence Jackson ’23 AP Scholar with Honor

Brooke Lambert ’24 AP Scholar

Lily Martory ’23 AP Scholar with Honor

Jill Neumeyer ’24 AP Scholar

Monica Muscarello ’23 AP Scholar with Honor

'Angelle Nash ’23 AP Scholar

Kaitlyn Nguyen ’24 AP Scholar with Honor

Charlotte Raymond ’23 AP Scholar with Distinction

Christina Rareshide ’23 AP Scholar with Honor

Catherine Redmann ’24 AP Scholar with Honor

Shania Raimer ’23 AP Scholar with Distinction

AP Scholars Student Achievement

College Board National Program Scholars

Four Dominican students were among 32,000 students from across the country to earn academic honors from the College Board’s National Recognition Programs. The designation is based on the students’ remarkable academic achievements and outstanding performance on the PSAT and/or AP exams. The College Board, which administers the PSAT and SAT among its activities, recognizes academic excellence through its National Recognition Programs. Students selected for this prestigious honor can cite it on their college and scholarship applications. In turn, colleges use the listing of this honor as a way of identifying students from underrepresented groups (i.e. ethnic minorities and/or those who attend school in rural areas or small towns), who have excelled on their PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, or AP exams and in their classwork.

College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholars

College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar

Taylor Christian

Jayla Montgomery

Nyla Larsen

Amie Lewis

Angeline Tran ’23

AP Scholar with Distinction

Rachael Tatford ’24

AP Scholar with Distinction

Camille Truxillo ’24

AP Scholar with Distinction

Lillian Stricker ’23

AP Scholar

Samantha Wild ’24 AP Scholar with Honor

Kiley Rousselle ’23

AP Scholar

Margaret Redmann ’24

AP Scholar with Honor

Isabella Sachitano ’24 AP Scholar

Abi Scanlan ’23

AP Scholar with Distinction

Student Achievement

8TH GRADE

STATE LITERARY RALLY:

District and State Qualifiers:

Evelyn Aucoin - French I

Addison Crescioni - Spanish I

Camille Hymel - English I

Therese Hymel - Algebra I

Kylie Lefort- Physical Science

Madelyn Nguyen - English I

Sophia Perez - World Geography

Freshman Scholastic Achievement Award:

Evelyn Aucoin- 1st in French I

Therese Hymel - 1st in Algebra I

Kylie Lefort - 1st in Physical Science

Madelyn Nguyen - 1st in English I

Sophia Perez - 1st in World Geography

Division II State Rally Winners:

Therese Hymel - 1st in Algebra I

Sophia Perez - 1st in World Geography

Elizabeth Redmann - 1st in Latin I

FOREIGN LANGUAGE AWARDS

National Spanish Exam Level 1:

Macie Hebert – Honorable Mention

Amelia Hernandez – Honorable Mention

Talia Madi – Honorable Mention

Eleanor Button – Bronze Medal

Addison Crescioni – Silver Medal

Sophia Perez – Silver Medal

National Latin Exam:

Elizabeth Redmann – Gold Summa Cum Laude

Therese Hymel – Gold Summa Cum Laude

Camille Hymel – Gold Summa Cum Laude

Madelyn Nguyen – Cum Laude

Le Grand Councours, the National French Exam:

Evelyn Aucoin – Silver Medal

FRESHMEN

STATE LITERARY RALLY:

District and State Qualifiers:

Katherine Amick - English II

June Diket - Fine Arts Survey

Lourdes Hanemann - Biology I

Emma Knock - Fine Arts Survey

Clara Marshall - French II

Hailey Walker - Spanish II

Freshman Scholastic Achievement Award:

Katherine Amick - 1st in English II

Lourdes Hanemann - 1st in Biology I

Emma Knock - 1st in Fine Arts Survey

Clara Marshall - 1st in French II

Division II State Rally Winners:

Shanlee Raimer – 3rd in Latin II

Clara Marshall – Overall Winner in French II

FOREIGN LANGUAGE AWARDS

National Spanish Exam Level 2:

Lourdes Maristany - Honorable Mention

Lily Raymond - Honorable Mention

Riya Shah - Honorable Mention

Ava Stack - Honorable Mention

Lourdes Hanemann - Silver Medal

Hailey Walker - Silver Medal

Victoria Salazar - Gold Medal

Le Grand Councours,

the National French Exam:

Leah Plaisance – Honorable Mention

Aiofe Reed – Bronze Medal

Ardenne Kijko – Honorable Mention

Clara Marshall – Silver Medal

Marta Giarrusso – Bronze Medal

SOPHOMORES

STATE LITERARY RALLY:

District and State Qualifiers:

Sadeen Alresheq - Spanish III

Kristian Champagne - English III

Grace Chategnier - Chemistry

Sophie DesForges - French III

Danielle Morgan - French III

Isabelle Tsien - Spanish III

Freshman Scholastic Achievement Award:

Sadeen Alresheq - 1st in Spanish III

Danielle Morgan - 1st in French III

Division II State Rally Winners:

Sadeen Alresheq - 1st in Spanish III

FOREIGN LANGUAGE AWARDS

Sociedad Espanola of New Orleans – José

Luis Banõs Award

Sadeen Alresheq

National Spanish Exam Level 2:

Mia Rodriguez - Silver Medal

National Spanish Exam Level 3:

Sadeen Alresheq - Honorable Mention

Ashlynn Dinh - Honorable Mention

Adriana Jauregui - Bronze

Vanessa Liu - Honorable Mention

Leah Patterson - Honorable Mention

Isabelle Tsien - Bronze

National Latin Exam:

Natalie Cage - Magna Cum Laude

Grace Chategnier - Magna Cum Laude

Abigail Nuccio - Cum Laude

Truc Nguyen - Cum Laude

Anastasia Redmann - Silver Maxima Cum Laude

Le Grand Councours, the National French Exam:

Tess Carriere – Honorable Mention

Sophie DesForges – Honorable Mention

Evariste Dewenter – Honorable Mention

Golda Ghahremani – Silver Medal

Evelyn Ieyoub – Silver Medal

Ellie Morgan – Honorable Mention

Emi Lou Nathan – Honorable Mention

Mihaela Niles – Silver Medal

Lillie Reyes – Honorable Mention

Britta Stolz – Honorable Mention

Rojon Zamin – Honorable Mention

JUNIORS

STATE LITERARY RALLY:

District and State Qualifiers:

Sofia Chanes - Spanish IV

Annabelle Cheramie - Biology II

Mary Le - Psychology

Gabriela Munoz - Spanish IV

Diana Nguyen - Psychology

Emma Nguyen - Biology II

Emma Scholl - American History

Freshman Scholastic Achievement Award:

Mary Le - 1st in Psychology

Gabriela Munoz - 1st in Spanish IV

Emma Nguyen - 1st in Biology II

Division II State Rally Winners:

Gabriela Munoz - 1st in Spanish IV

Emma Nguyen - 2nd in Biology II

FOREIGN LANGUAGE AWARDS

National Spanish Exam Level 3: Ashley Montoya - Silver

National Spanish Exam Level 4:

Gabriella Brent - Bronze

Sofia Chanes - Silver

Gabriela Munoz - Silver

Kavya Paramesh - Bronze

Lauren Webre - Honorable Mention

National Latin Exam:

Annabelle Cheramie – Cum Laude

Le Grand Councours, the National French Exam:

Karis Brooks - Honorable Mention

Sahara Garcia - Honorable Mention

Sophie Spera - Honorable Mention

Reese Tatford - Honorable Mention

Le Prix d’Excellence Award: Sahara Garcia

Senior Academic Honor Day

SENIORS

STATE LITERARY RALLY:

District and State Qualifiers:

Kathryn Fine – Calculus I

Sahithi Koneru – Government

Meredith Kononchek – Calculus I

Alyssa McDuffie – Civics

Carrie St. Marie – Advanced Math –Functions and Statistics

Camille Truxillo – Physics

Freshman Scholastic Achievement Award:

Kathryn Fine – 1st in Calculus I

Alyssa McDuffie – 1st in Civics

Camille Truxillo – 1st in Physics

Louisiana High School State Rally:

Isabelle Anderson – Superior Performance in Treble Solo Low Voice

Mia Bavido – Superior Performance in Treble Solo Low Voice

Kathryn Fine – Superior Performance in Treble Solo High Voice

Catherine Redmann – Superior Performance in Treble Solo High Voice

FOREIGN LANGUAGE AWARDS

National Latin Exam:

Catherine Redmann - Silver Maxima Cum Laude

Le Grand Councours,

the National French Exam:

Catherine Redmann – Gold Medal

Margaret Redmann – Silver Medal

Council for the Development of French in Louisiana Award:

Berit Stolz

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS AWARD

Camryn Chatellier received 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 shown the highest degree of citizenship by helping others especially those less fortunate.

ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN COLLEGE CORPORATION SCHOLARSHIP

Meredith Kononchek received the St. Mary’s Dominican College Corporation Scholarship, presented by Sr. Angeline Magro, O.P. The Scholarship is in memory and honor of the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary who established, maintained, and supported St. Mary’s Dominican College and St. Mary’s Dominican High School.

Service

2023-2024

STUDENT COUNCIL EXECUTIVE BOARD

Student Council Executive Board (E-board) officers were presented with E-Board Medals in recognition of their outstanding leadership and service (from right): President Grace Koenig; Vice-President Amie Lewis; Secretary Ella Brown; Treasurer Lauren Johnson

THE AUDREY ELORA PERALTA STEWART SCHOLARSHIP

Presented to Sophia Sherwood by Mrs. Angela Stewart and Mr. Ron Stewart in memory of their daughter Audrey, Class of 2017, this fund helps to identify remarkable young women by empowering them with academic scholarships and encouraging lifelong leadership development. Audrey’s passion for civil engineering and her desire to help young women enter this maledominated, challenging field is the driving force behind this legacy scholarship.

Service is one of the four pillars of Dominican life and collectively during their years at Dominican, the Class of 2024 completed 27,839 hours of service.

Nine students earned recognition by performing more than 400 hours.

Zoha Mahmood: 441 hours; Josie Sanders: 476 hours; Jeanne Holmes: 505 hours; Layah Cavett: 512 hours; Lauren Santos: 524 hours; Lauryn Williams: 526 hours; Allison Harmon: 573 hours; Bridget Palermo: 616 hours; Tess Baker: 1,263 hours

From left: Tess Baker, Bridget Palermo, Allison Harmon, Zoha Mahmood, Josie Sanders, Layah Cavett, Lauren Santos, and Lauryn Williams. Not pictured: Jeanne Holmes.

Academic Honors Student Achievement

SCHOLASTIC ARTS AND WRITING COMPETITION

Dominican seniors Ellory Schultz and Rachel Haase, and junior Riley Bonnet received Honorable Mention awards in the Scholastic Art and Writing competition for the Southern US Region. Honorable Mention recognizes accomplished works submitted to local programs showing great skill and potential. Their Dominican Art teacher was Ms. Angelle Caffery.

Riley Bonnet ’25 Painting for Sisterhood

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers. The Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their remarkable work to the world through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The awards give students opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships. Students across the United States and Canada entered more than 300,000 original works in 28 different categories of art and writing.

Ellory Schultz ’24

Digital Art for Manta Ray

Rachel Haase ’24

Mixed Media for Book Collage

Student Achievement Academic Honors

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF ENGLISH AWARDS

DOMINICAN JUNIOR RECEIVES ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS IN WRITING FROM NCTE

Dominican junior Margaux Dagley was selected for the 2024 Achievement Awards in Writing from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). During this school year, Margaux was in Ms. Casey Lefante's Creative Writing class.

Margaux received Excellent designation. National judges evaluated each piece of writing for expression of ideas, language use, and unique perspective and voice. For the second year, the Achievement Awards in Writing contest has four designations: First Class, Superior, Excellent, and Merit. The NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing is a school-based writing program established in 1957 to encourage high school students to write and to recognize some of the best stud ent writers in the nation.

This year, schools nominated 633 students to participate in the Achievement Awards in Writing Program. From the United States, students were nominated from 44 states, as well as Guam and Washington, D.C. Internationally, teachers nominated students from Canada, Greece, Jordan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Addison Crescioni Madelyn Nguyen

DOMINICAN 8th GRADERS NAMED PROMISING YOUNG WRITERS BY NCTE

Dominican 8th grade students Addison Crescioni and Madelyn Nguyen were recognized as 2024 Promising Young Writers by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). Addison Crescioni received Excellent honors and Madelyn Nguyen was awarded Superior honors. They were students in Ms. Casey Lefante’s English I Honors class.

National judges evaluated each piece of writing for expression of ideas, language use, and unique perspective and voice. For the second year, the Promising Young Writers contest has four designations: First Class, Superior, Excellent, and Merit. The Promising Young Writers Program represents NCTE’s commitment to early and continuing work in the development of writing. The school-based writing program was established in 1985 to stimulate and recognize writing talents and to emphasize the importance of writing skills among eighth-grade students.

This year, schools nominated 177 students to participate in the Promising Young Writers Program. Students were nominated from 33 states and Puerto Rico, as well as Canada and South Africa.

NAACP ACT-SO

Dominican senior Evan Bellow was awarded a Bronze Medal in painting by the National Association for the

Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) yearlong enrichment and achievement program called ACT-SO (AfroAmerican Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics). She was an Art III Advanced Placement: Studio Art, Drawing student; teacher Ms. Angelle Caffery. Her winning painting was entitled, “Growing Pains.” The primary youth initiative of the NAACP, the program is designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. It was founded in 1978 by author and journalist Vernon Jarrett.

CELEBRATING ART National Art Contest

CelebratingArt.com is devoted to the promotion and appreciation of student art. Their student art contests intend to motivate student artists. The top entries are published in an anthology that will record the creative works of today's student artists.

Sophomore Brianna Raphael, Relief; Juniors Payton Amedee, The World is Your Oyster; Cristin Angelo, Blossom; Sarah Miller, Sweet Treats; Grace Ohlmeyer, Ball Pit Madness; Seniors Evan Bellow, Chained; Madeline Branch, Looking into Space; Ava Buquoi, Donut; Abigail Callhover, Dancing with Death; Avery Darbonne, Plump and Get Glossed; Elisabeth Levasseur, Freedom; Alyssa McDuffie, Christmas Night; Katherine Patron, Nostalgia of the Gumball Machine; Ellory Schultz, Future; Julia Badinger, Myrl’s Memory; Emma Bullard, Fruity Pebble Pancakes; Amelia Meyer, Oyster Shells; Addison Lobell, Jax; Ava Schnauder, Citrus Fruits; Lillian Stouder, Girls Just Want to Have Fun; Kaitlyn Wismar, Cat & Cat Yawning

Margaux Dagley

Scholarships Student Achievement

St. Mary’s Dominican High School awarded Scholarships to 15 students during the St. Martin de Porres Scholarship Awards Ceremony, which honored recipients and benefactors. St. Martin de Porres is the patron Saint of social justice. Recipients and Scholarships awarded are:

Abigail Comeaux

Blanchard-Kelvin Memorial Scholarship

Joy Nesanovich Hillebrand and Lauren Nesanovich Kinberger Endowed Scholarship

Maiya Emilien

Shirley “Sherps” Wiemers Endowed Scholarship

Endowed Agape Scholarship in Memory of Mary Truxillo Boudreaux ’51

Mia Francisco

Carolyn Wood Kinabrew Endowed Scholarship

The Grandparent’s Tuition Assistance Fund

Kaylee Gonzalez

Maria (Maruja) Fernandez Leon Tuition Grant Assistance

Londyn Greely

Ann M. Lewis Endowed Tuition Grant Scholarship Von Wolff II Endowed Scholarship

Syndei Harvey

Sr. M. Teresa Mittelbronn, O.P. Endowed Scholarship

The Kitchen Family Endowed Scholarship

Alaynna Johnson

The Chiappetta Family Scholarship, Dorinda, ’83, Shelly, ’85, and Dawn ’89

Elaine Prager Ridgley ’53 Endowed Scholarship

Brooklyn Johnson

Dorothy D. Porter II Endowed Scholarship

Sr. Delia McDonald, O.P. Endowed Scholarship

Ryleigh Juhas

Reuther Family Endowed Scholarship

Josephine Melnyk

Joyce Saia Palermo Martin de Porres Scholarship

Alenna Nitcher

Sid and Harry Kammer II Endowed Scholarship

Julie Waltzer Flick ’69 Endowed Scholarship Fund

Siegen Palmisano

Joseph G. and Marguerite Ayala ’35 Lier Endowed Scholarship

Ruth U. Fertel Endowed Scholarship

Elizabeth Redmann

James P. Raymond Jr. Foundation Endowed Scholarship

Sr. Mary Veronica Miceli, O.P. Endowed Scholarship

Sophia Salvaggio

Elaine Bernissant Conlan Scholarship Endowment Fund

Sr. Mary Veronica Miceli, O.P. Endowed Scholarship

Brenna Tamborella

Margaret Allen and Elmo C. Waltzer Endowed Scholarship

Marianna “Tootie” Bertucci Scholarship

St. Mary’s Dominican High School scholarship recipients, Front Row (from left): Abigail Comeaux, Maiya Emilien, Mia Francisco, Kaylee Gonzalez, Syndei Harvey, and Alaynna Johnson. Second Row: Ryleigh Juhas, Josephine Melnyk, Alenna Nitcher, Siegen Palmisano, Elizabeth Redmann, Sophia Salvaggio, and Brenna Tamborella. Not Pictured: Londyn Greely and Brooklyn Johnson.

Student Achievement

In honor of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Mary’s Dominican High School awarded academic scholarships to 20 incoming 8th graders representing 15 different elementary Schools. Academic Scholarship awards are based on the students’ academic records and their performance on the High School Placement Test. Recipients and scholarships awarded:

Emily Amick

Vivian Agnes Chasez Coney Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Aurora Bezdek

The Joan Frischertz Mascaro Endowed Scholarship

Charlotte Burke

Drs. Jewell Lozes and Richard Wunderlich Endowed Scholarship

Sydney Chalmers

Sid and Harry Kammer Endowed Scholarship

Chloe Cobb

Carol Lohfink Drawe Endowed Scholarship

Molly Evans

Sr. Waldia Warden, O.P. Endowed Scholarship

Gabrielle Gremillion

Denise Galatoire Schoen Endowed Scholarship

Erin Holley

Lolita Fernandez de la Reguera Pittman Endowed Scholarship

Mahogany Ivey

Kathleen Lier Endowed Scholarship

Madeleine Light

Karen Graffagnini Favret ’62 Endowed Scholarship

Hannah Lyons

Dr. and Mrs. William Dardis Scholarship

Kali Moseley

The Father Jean Marie Germain Tuition Endowed Scholarship

Eliza Palmisano

Veritas Endowed Scholarship

Maya Parker

Ruth U. Fertel Endowed Scholarship

Julia Porteous

Siena Endowed Scholarship

Emily Taylor Von Wolff I Endowed Scholarship

Harper Treadway

Dorothy D. Porter I Endowed Scholarship

Ava Truxillo Class of 1957 Endowed Scholarship

Lane Vonderhaar

Gauthier Endowed Scholarship

The Alumnae Association Endowed Scholarship

Bailey Worth

Patricia J. Blanchard Scholarship

Scholarship recipients, Front Row (from left): Front Row (from left): Emily Amick, Aurora Bezdek, Charlotte Burke, Sydney Chalmers, Chloe Cobb, Molly Evans, Gabrielle Gremillion, and Erin Holley. Back Row (from left): Mahogany Ivey, Madeleine Light, Hannah Lyons, Kali Moseley, Eliza Palmisano, Maya Parker, Julia Porteous, Emily Taylor, Harper Treadway, Ava Truxillo, Lane Vonderhaar, and Bailey Worth.

Book Awards

Fifteen St. Mary’s Dominican High School juniors were presented Book Awards from universities and colleges to celebrate the achievements of the Junior Class. The annual Book Awards are in recognition of academic excellence, strong character, and commitment to community service. School counselors, teachers, and administrators nominate the student or students they feel best embody the criteria set by each college or university.

Elle Thomas – The Brandeis University Book Award

Alivia Christiansen – The Chatham Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award

Ava Ranson – The Clarkson University High School Achievement Award

Reese Tatford – The Clarkson University High School Leadership Award

Annabelle Cheramie – The Dartmouth Club of the Gulf Coast Award

Ella Jones – The Lasell University Book Award

Emma Nguyen – The Rensselaer Medal Award

Sofia Chanes – The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Art and Design Award

Olivia Ranson – The RIT Business and Leadership Award

Eliza Jones – The RIT Computing Award

Kennedy Duggan – The RIT Science and Math Award

Mary Le – The RIT Humanities and Social Sciences Award

Violet Matherne – The RIT Women in Stem Award

Sophie Spera – The Stonehill College Award

Haley Valdine – The Tulane Book Award

St.

Timothy Award Recipient

Senior Camille Truxillo of St. Dominic Parish received the St. Timothy Award. The national St. Timothy Award is the highest award the Archdiocese of New Orleans can bestow upon a young person. The award seeks to recognize, from the diocesan level, outstanding youth who exemplify Christian service, Catholic leadership, and good moral standards.

Faculty & Staff Highlights

5 years

Jerry Brumfield

Janis Dabney

Kathleen Fasold

Joann Haydel

Dennis Panepinto

10 years

Dione Prince

April Myers

15 years

Patrice Cooper

Kristen Bernard Miner

Theron Ferry

Katie Belou Kirkwood

Casey Lefante

Martha Smith

25 years

Meg Womble

30 years

Cathy Rice

Sina Baldwin

45 years

Julie Cristina

61 years

Sr. Dominic Savio, Retired

- 2023-2024

St. Mary’s Dominican High School personnel (from left): Dione Prince, Patrice Cooper, Kathleen Fasold, Casey Lefante, Theron Ferry, Cathy Rice, Sr. Dominic Savio, O.P., Julie Cristina, Sina Baldwin, Meg Womble, Katie Kirkwood, and Kristen Miner.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School juniors who received Book Awards, (Above) front row; from left: Elle Thomas, Alivia Christiansen, Ava Ranson, Annabelle Cheramie, Ella Jones, and Emma Nguyen. Back Row (from left): Sofia Chanes, Olivia Ranson, Eliza Jones, Kennedy Duggan, Mary Le, Sophie Spera, and Haley Valdine. (Right): Violet Matherne. Not pictured: Reese Tatford.

Cognia School of Distinction

St. Mary’s Dominican High School has been named a 2023 Cognia® School of Distinction for excellence in education. The Cognia® award presentation followed the annual Mass of the Holy Angels at Dominican. The recognition was based on the results of Cognia’s rigorous Accreditation Engagement Review process. With over 1,100 engagement reviews for accreditation completed in the 2022-2023 school year, Cognia® recognized 25 schools and eight systems in 12 states and five countries with this distinct honor.

“We at St. Mary’s Dominican High School, are extremely excited and honored to be recipients of this prestigious recognition from Cognia!” said Carolyn Favre, Dominican’s Vice President/Principal. “This award validates our commitment to continuous improvement, and it is wonderful to have our efforts recognized. St. Mary’s Dominican High School has been accredited since 1927, and we continue to recognize the importance of a selfstudy process which ensures that we engage in continuous school improvement. During the study, every aspect of the school community is evaluated, from our Dominican Catholic Identity, governance, and structure to our academic program and our extracurricular offerings. Our Leadership Team, administration, faculty, staff, students, and parents are all engaged in the self-study,

offering input in various areas. It is a collaborative effort by all constituencies to affirm that we are serving the Dominican Catholic educational mission, spiritual, physical, social, and emotional needs of our students we serve today. The self-study process revolves around continuous school improvement, and we are committed to this process. Participation in the study, although quite exhausting at the time, assists us in strategic planning, evaluation, and implementation of current best practices and sound pedagogy in all areas for the next six years. This sustains a tradition of excellence – our Dominican Catholic tradition!”

“I am pleased to congratulate St. Mary’s Dominican High School for their designation as a 2023 Cognia® School of Distinction, a program which recognizes public and non-public institutions that exemplify excellence in education and service to learners,” said Dr. Mark A. Elgart, President and CEO of Cognia®. “Dominican is to be commended for earning the designation as a School of Distinction. Cognia® Accreditation is already a mark of school quality recognized around the world. Being named a School or System of Distinction further acknowledges the demonstrated commitment to education quality and a mindset of continuous improvement Dominican has for its learners.”

During the 2022-2023 school year, Dominican participated in Cognia’s rigorous Accreditation Engagement Review process, which is grounded in research-based performance standards. The process includes a third-party review of evidence by education experts, interviews, and classroom observations. The review evaluates institutions and seeks evidence of growth in learning, a healthy culture for learning, engaging and high-quality instructional environments, and effective leadership for learning –all characteristics Cognia® expects to see in quality schools that also demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.

For its Global Network member institutions, Cognia® offers an opportunity to earn designation as a school or system of distinction in the year in which an accreditation engagement review is held. Unlike the typical six-year accreditation cycle, this program recognizes institutions that host a Cognia® Accreditation Engagement Review within the recognition year and winners carry the designation for one year. Cognia® is dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. It offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and improvement services within a framework of continuous improvement. Serving 40,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia® brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning.

This sustains a tradition of excellence — our Dominican Catholic Tradition!

At the presentation of the Cognia® School of Distinction award are (from left) St. Mary’s Dominican High School Assistant Principal Dr. Lindsay Huber, Vice President/Principal Carolyn Favre, retired Assistant Principal Patricia Byrne, Cognia® Director of Southeast Region Christy McCreary, and President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas, O.P.A.

Swim Team Division I State Runner Up Athletics

DISTRICT CHAMPIONS

METRO CHAMPIONS

• Annalise Gagliano – District Champion in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle

• Kayleigh Jollands – District Champion in the 100 yard breast stroke and State Runner Up in the 200 yard IM

• Haley Valdine – District Champion in the butterfly and the Metro and State Champion in the 200 yard IM

• Virginia Robinson – State Runner Up in the 100 yard freestyle

• Terese Vocke – District Champion in the 200 and 500 yard freestyles and State Runner Up in the 200 and 500 yard freestyle

• Kendall Jollands – District Champion in the 200 yard IM and the 100 yard backstroke. She was the Metro Champion and State Champion in the 100 yard butterfly and backstroke, and named the Girls Swimmer of the State meet.

• The 200 yard medley, the 200 IM medley, and the 400 yard freestyle relays were District, Metro, and State Champions!

Coached by Mr. Bret Hanemann

Cross Country Team State 3rd Place

DISTRICT RUNNER UP

Coached by Mr. Paul Garvey

Cross Country Team members who competed in the LHSAA State Cross Country Meet - 3rd place in State (font row, from left): Enna Hawes, Morgan Trauth, and Caroline Bailey. Back Row: Cara Thomas, Grace Schneider, Kaitlyn Wismar, and Katherine Patron.

LHSAA Division I State Runner Up Swim Team (front row, from left): Kaylee Caro, Lila Merchant, Marta Giarrusso, Kendall Jollands, Sydney Ranson, Mary Pilie, Julia Davis, Lauren Giardina, and Moderator Erin Baker. Back row: Assistant Coach Sarah Daigle, Haley Valdine, Blair Foss, Embry Palmisano, Terese Vocke, Annalise Gagliano, Virginia Robinson, Kayleigh Jollands, and Head Coach Bret Hanemann.

Volleyball Team Division I State Champions - Four-Peat!

OVERALL RECORD of 43-2

The Pink Volleyball Games raised over $21,000.00.

Camryn Chatellier was named Miss Louisiana Volleyball, Metro Player of the Year, and State Player of the Year.

Coached by Mrs. Jessica Chatellier who recorded her 500th win this year.

(Top photo) The Dominican Varsity Volleyball team celebrates winning the Division I STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME - FOUR YEARS IN A ROW ! Front row (from left): Athletic trainer Peyton Uzee, Rachel Zamjahn, Ava Ranson, Maia Briuglio, Lauren Pipitone, Camryn Chatellier, Olivia Ranson, Molly Baker, and Assistant Coach Ashlee Juhas. Back row: Athletic Director Paul Spitzfaden, Head Coach Jessica Chatellier, Assistant Coach Heather Nunez, Finley Nunez, Aurore Tortorich, Gabrielle Marcello, Tamia Williams, Noelie Haddad, Ava Lusco, Mihley Clayton, Zoie Mitchell, Mallie Mahoney (manager), Keira Mahoney (manager), Assistant Coach Bob Martory, and Principal Carolyn Favre.

Soccer Team

DISTRICT RUNNER UP

DIVISION I QUARTERFINAL ROUND

OVERALL RECORD of 20-7-3

Coached by Mr. Al Silvas

The Varsity Soccer Team (front row, from left): Gia Thompson, Ella Jones, Lizzie Philips, Grace Koenig, Sara Rouse, Bryce Couvillon, Juliette Marino, Mallory Cascio, Kiersten Smith, and Abby Nuccio, Back Row: Zoe Miller, Caroline Conner, Valentina Smith, Mattie Cantrelle, Stella Zippert, Evelyn Ieyoub, Corinne Lannan, Theresa Newburger, Mary Katherine Werling, Alena Nitcher, Grace Wattigney, Ashley Montoya, and Kristian Champagne.

Basketball Team

PLACED 3RD IN DISTRICT

DIVISION I REGIONAL ROUND

OVERALL RECORD 15-17

Coached by Mr. Ryan Reuter

The Varsity Basketball Team (from left): Leah Patterson, Lillian Reyes, Emma Lirette, Zoie Mitchell, Sophie Naquin, Kalie Tu, Molly Baker, Rachel Zamjahn, Harper Griffin, Grace Blamphin, Vida Alvarado, Catherine Trimber. Not pictured: Gabby Davis.

Golf Team State 7th Place

DISTRICT CHAMPION

METRO RUNNER UP

REGIONAL - 8TH PLACE

Sahithi Koneru placed 10th at the State Tournament.

Coached by Mr. Rick Ciolino

Gymnastics Team

Gymnastics team members competed in the LHSAA State Gymnastics meet.

Meredith Huck placed 2nd in the parallel bars at the LHSAA State Meet.

Coached by Mr. Ryan Reuter

Softball Team

OVERALL RECORD 12 – 16

PLACED 4TH IN DISTRICT

DIVISION I REGIONAL ROUND

Coached by Mrs. Dawn Benoit

Dominican Softball team members (from left): Autumn Green, Evelyn Booth, Ava Lusco, Maddie Branch, Raegan Porche, Sarah Steeg, Delaney Durr, Aubrey Daigrepont, Jovie Leingang, and Phoebe Cosse.

(Top photo) Golf team at the state tournament (from left): Coach Rick Ciolino, Lily Hutchinson, Layla Dykes, Sahithi Koneru, and Moderator Lt. Colonel Jerry Brumfield.

Gymnastics Team members (from left): Ava Buquoi, Bryce Couvillon, Meredith Huck, Kailey Trombley, and Mary Katherine Werling.

Tennis Team State 3rd Place

REGIONALS RUNNER UP

DISTRICT RUNNER UP

The doubles team of Sophia Chanes and A'Maya Freeman placed 2nd in regionals.

Coached by Mrs. Stephanie Bollman

Track & Field

DISTRICT RUNNER

UP

PLACED 5TH IN REGIONALS

The 4 x 100 relay team of Kaitlyn Byrd, Olivia Bordes, Madigan Lee, and Kylee Singleton were district champions with a school record time of 50.33.

Olivia Bordes was the district champion in the 400 meters with a school record time of 58.31.

The 4 x 800 relay team of Kaitlyn Wismar, Enna Hawes, Jalyn Douglas, and Grace Schneider were regional champions with a school record time of 10:10.97.

The following athletes qualified for the state meet: Kaitlyn Wismar, Enna Hawes, Jalyn Douglas, Grace Schneider, and Olivia Bordes.

Coached by Mrs. Ashlee Juhas

Track and field members who competed in regionals - Front row (from left): A'Jah Canselo, Cara Thomas, Grace Schneider, Kate Gaudet, Madison Bazile, Olivia Bordes, Madigan Lee, Kaitlin Pilie, Mary Pilie, and Kaitlyn Byrd. Back row: Emma Lirette, Autumn Johnson, Iriel Duplessis, Jalyn Douglas, Katherine Patron, Enna Hawes, Kaitlyn Wismar, Mihley Clayton, Bryce Couvillon, Josie Sanders, Harper Griffin, Gabrielle Davis, and Kylee Singleton.

Tennis team members and coaches (front row, from left): Caroline Thomas, Enna Hawes, Mackenzie Hertz, and Amelia Mayfield. Back row: Coach Stephanie Bollman, Leah Plaisance, Sofia Chanes, A’Maya Freeman, Ella Brown, Caroline Haydel, Elle Thomas, Lourdes Maristany, and Assistant Coach Peggy Miner.

LOU REILLY AWARD

The Lou Reilly Award is presented in memory of a wonderful Dominican graduate. For many years she served the community as an educator with a special love for athletics and student athletes. She saw athletic competition and sportsmanship as an important part of the Dominican High School spirit. The award recognizes the athlete who continually tries to improve her skills and listens to her coaches and teammates. This athlete encourages her teammates and gives her full effort at each moment. The student athletes themselves have a nominating vote in the selection of award recipients. The final decision is left to the discretion of the coaches.

JV CROSS COUNTRY: Annabelle Hamada

VARSITY CROSS COUNTRY: Caroline Bailey

VARSITY SWIMMING: Haley Valdine

JV SOCCER: Yara Benedetto (not pictured)

VARSITY SOCCER: Elizabeth Phillips

JV BASKETBALL: Grace Blamphin

VARSITY BASKETBALL: Kalie Tu

8TH GRADE VOLLEYBALL: Aubrie Dalton

JV VOLLEYBALL: Delaney Durr

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL: Noelie Haddad

TENNIS: A’Maya Freeman

GOLF: Sahithi Koneru

JV SOFTBALL: Lily Roussell

VARSITY SOFTBALL: Ava Lusco

JV TRACK & FIELD: Zoey Ochoa

VARSITY TRACK & FIELD: Josie Sanders

GATORADE VOLLEYBALL

Athletics

Louisiana High School Athletic Association

LHSAA ALL ACADEMIC TEAM

Presented for outstanding academic achievement by maintaining a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.50 or higher during their academic career while participating in varsity high school athletics.

• Evan Bellow – T&F

• Maddie Branch – SOFTBALL

• Ella Brown – TENNIS

• Ava Buquoi – GYMNASTICS

• Kaylee Caro – SWIMMING

• Camryn Chatellier – VOLLEYBALL

• Bryce Couvillon – SOCCER/ GYMNASTICS/T&F

• Jalyn Douglas – CC/T&F

• Heather Engelhardt – CC

• Mary Cate Garvey – CC/T&F

• Lauren Giardina – SWIMMING

• Noelie Haddad – VOLLEYBALL

• Brooke Hollingsworth – GOLF

• Grace Koenig – CC/SOCCER

• Isabella Koenig – CC

• Brooke Lambert – SWIMMING

• Gabrielle Marcello – VOLLEYBALL

• Juliette Marino – SOCCER

• Jayla Montgomery – T&F

• Bridget Palermo – T&F

• Katherine Patron – CC/T&F

• Elizabeth Phillips – SOCCER

• Sara Rouse – SOCCER/GOLF

• Josie Sanders – T&F

• Morgan Trauth – CC

• Tamia Williams – VOLLEYBALL

• Kaitlyn Wismar – CC/T&F

LHSAA ALL ACADEMIC 4.0 SCHOLAR TEAM

A student-athlete’s six-semester GPA must have an un-weighted 4.00. The award is presented for exemplary academic achievement by maintaining the highest Grade Point Average among all athletes during their academic career while participating in varsity high school athletics.

• Sahithi Koneru – GOLF

• Meredith Kononchek – GOLF

• Camille Truxillo – CC

• Samantha Wild – T&F

KAYLEE CARO

Keiser University

Swimming

of the Year Award Recipients College Signings

CAMRYN CHATELLIER

Louisiana State University Beach Volleyball

End

DOMINICANITE AWARD - Bryce Couvillon

This award is presented to the senior who has participated in the most athletic teams throughout her Dominican career.

SCHOLASTIC AWARD - Katherine Patron

Presented to the senior who has participated in at least two varsity sports each year and has the highest cumulative GPA

ST. SEBASTIAN AWARD - Sahithi Koneru and Noelie Haddad

This award is presented to the outstanding senior in athletics, leadership, and academic excellence.

LOLITA FERNANDEZ DE LA REGUERA PITTMAN AWARD - Camryn Chatellier

Mrs. Lee Fernandez de la Reguera Pittman ’51 has demonstrated extraordinary support of Dominican’s Athletic Program. This award is presented to the overall varsity athlete who exhibits great athletic ability, strong character, and a positive attitude. She is a leader by example through her passion, encouragement, and true love of the game. This award is voted on by the entire coaching staff of Dominican High School.

Second Harvest Canned Food Drive Service

Marking the 25th year for its annual canned food drive, St. Mary’s Dominican High School collected 48,499 donations for Second Harvest Food Bank. The theme for this year’s competition was, “Cars,” with all class levels and alumnae participating. The school’s annual drive is led by Dominican’s Campus Ministry Club.

Donations breakdown:

Seniors – 15,479

Juniors – 9,272

Freshmen – 9,084

Sophomores – 7,991

8th Grade – 5,630

Alumnae – 1,043

Second Harvest Food Bank leads the fight against hunger in South Louisiana by providing food access, advocacy, education, and disaster response. Second Harvest provides food and support to 450+ community partners and programs across 23 parishes. The staff and volunteers distribute the equivalent of more than 43 million meals to 300,000+ people a year.

“Food insecurity is a very local problem in all communities in South Louisiana,” noted John Sillars, Chief Strategy Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank. “In Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, there are roughly 115,000 people who face food insecurity, and more than 40,000 of them are children. These are families who are struggling to make ends meet and face an unexpected expense. That means their food budgets will take a hit. Thankfully, your food donation will quickly be distributed to pantries like the Broadmoor Food Pantry in Orleans or the Kenner Food Bank in Jefferson where families like that can find relief.”

Happy Feet Sock Drive

Dominican’s Happy Feet Drive collected 822 pairs of socks for the Ozanam Inn. Dominican was among the 10 area schools that participated in the drive. Freshman Lourdes Maristany spearheaded the drive at Dominican. She has been helping with Happy Feet since she was in the 4th grade. Recognizing the need for socks for the homeless on cold winter nights, Lourdes has worked with the starter of Happy Feet as well as two to three other students each year to organize the drive. "To date, we have collected over 15,000 pairs of socks!”

Thanksgiving Baskets Community

Adopt-A-Family

Dominican delivered the Christmas spirit adopting 131 individuals and making 28 Family Bags for families through Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans for the school’s annual Adopt-A-Family drive. Family Bags of backpacks or suitcases were filled with essential items that included dish soap, first aid kits, and shampoo. Receiving gifts were individuals and families from St. Rita Catholic Church, Metro Centers for Community Advocacy, and two programs of Catholic Charities – Cornerstone Builders and Refugee Services.

Gifts were provided by students in their religion classes and through donations from school personnel. Campus Ministry Club officers organized the gifts. Dads Club members and a Dominican mom volunteered to load vehicles with gifts for delivery to Catholic Charities.

Kindness Week

St. Mary’s Dominican High School’s annual Thanksgiving Baskets Drive collected food to fill 100 Thanksgiving baskets with all the fixings for hearty and delicious meals for Dominican’s neighbors who reside within the area of St. Rita Catholic Church. Students, through homerooms and clubs, and personnel collected items. The Dominican alumnae donated 30 of the baskets and St. Rita Church donated 100 turkeys.

Thanksgiving cards were made by Dominican’s 8th Grade class as the service project at their retreat. Once the vehicles were loaded, parents transferred the baskets from Dominican to St. Rita, and Campus Ministry Club members and parents helped with distribution. There were 30 extra items placed in St. Rita’s food pantry.

February 2024, Student Council carried on the tradition of Kindness Week, started by the 2020-2021 Executive Board. Each day of the week had a theme to help spread kindness. Students and personnel discovered little ways to add kindness into their daily routines and spread kindness to each other whenever possible. Students sent digital notes of encouragement to one another, and inspirational messages on the “Take What You Need” display were available. Student Council members hand-made TPWK (Treat People With Kindness) bracelets and designed stickers for purchase. During ‘Be a Sweetheart Tuesday,’ E-Board passed out candy at locker break and lunch included a bake sale hosted by Beta Club - How sweet!

Classroom andExperienceBeyond! Match Day Lesson

At the St. Albert Initiative on Science and the Catholic Faith, held February 2nd at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Dominican students and personnel joined attendees from other area schools. The half-day program on science and faith was for Catholic high school students, teachers, and parents as well as the general public (high school age and above). It featured talks by Catholic scientists and the opportunity for attendees to meet, eat with, and ask questions of Catholic scientists in many fields and at various stages of their careers.

Students in Mr. Kenneth Lannes' Intro to Engineering class were introduced to the field of civil engineering by using a Level Transit to master the art of surveying in the field on campus. With predetermined markers as their guideposts, students were tasked to pinpoint their destination with precision. Through careful calculations, angles, and directions, they navigated their way to within an impressive 5 feet of the target!

Despite a cloudy day, Dominican students witnessed glimpses of the solar eclipse. Mrs. Katie Kirkwood brought her Advanced Math Honors class to view the solar eclipse at maximum coverage. They learned the orbits of the earth and moon are polar curves, not just circles. The eclipse is when those polar curves intersect.

Match Day returned for a second year at St. Mary’s Dominican High School with Dominican students in Mrs. Janine Koenig’s Biology II Honors class and Archbishop Rummel High School students in Dr. Brian Credo’s Bio-Med class participating. Match Day occurs annually across the country when the National Resident Matching Program releases the results of applicants seeking residency and fellowship training positions in the United States.

Prior to Match Day, the Dominican and Rummel students researched a medical specialty of interest and locations throughout the country with residency programs in that specialty. Students ranked programs in order of preference. On Match Day they opened their envelopes to see if they matched their program of interest. All students paired off to interview each other to determine what residencies they chose.

“This year, 22 students selected 17 different specialties. Emergency Medicine, Dermatology, and Neurology were selected by more than one student, each student sharing their particular reason for choosing that residency program. After researching different residency specialties, the week culminates with the actual recreation of a Match Day. It is a fun and memorable experience for both our students and the Rummel students and will possibly encourage them to consider a career in medicine,” noted Mrs. Koenig.

LSU Coastal Roots

50 plus students in Mrs. Joann Haydel’s Earth Science class planted 350 Cypress and Water Hickory tree saplings in the Bonnet Carré Spillway. Mrs. Haydel’s Earth Science students started these trees from seeds in April 2023.

“The park ranger at the spillway tagged our trees so we can keep in touch and monitor progress,” said Mrs. Haydel. “We learned that the cypress and persimmon we planted last year are doing well, but several of our trees didn’t survive because of the drought. In April 2024, Earth Science students planted new seeds, so next year’s class will have a whole new crop of trees to take care of and plant in the Spillway next winter.”

Dominican was awarded a STEM Library Lab Service Learning Program Grant for the school’s partnership with the LSU Coastal Roots Program and the Bonnet Carré Spillway.

Members of Mrs. Joann Haydel’s Earth Science classes traveled to Cocodrie, LA to partner with LUMCON, the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. It is a research and education facility where the Dominican students learned the importance of estuary monitoring and contributed to the datasets used by scientists in Louisiana and beyond. While aboard the LUMCON research vessel, the Acadiana, students conducted water quality tests and ecosystem sampling of benthic species at two different locations in Terrebonne Bay.

On a field trip to the 24th Judicial District Court, seniors and juniors in Mr. Dennis Panepinto’s Law Studies Class met with Judge Shayna Beevers Morvant to discuss law and procedure. The students also had the opportunity to observe civil and criminal cases.

Dominican 8th grade students in a religion class taught by Ms. Cynthia Donnelly, OP, listened intently to guest speaker Sr. Rita Schwarzenberger, OP from her home in Kanduna, a state in north central Nigeria. This past September she received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award, in recognition of her dedicated work as a missionary in the African nation for nearly a half-century. The award is one of the highest papal honors that is conferred for distinguished service to the Catholic Church.

Club Awards & Recognitions Debs Robotics

DOMINICAN ULTRAVIOLET ROBOTICS TEAM FINISHED 1ST IN REGIONALS TO ADVANCE TO WORLD COMPETITION

St. Mary’s Dominican High School Robotics team, Dominican Ultraviolet (Team 9637), advanced to world competition after taking 1st place for the Inspire Award and 3rd place for the Connect Award at the Louisiana FTC Regional Championship held in Denham Springs.

“This is the equivalent to winning a state athletics championship!" said Dominican Robotics Coach Crissy Giacona. Dominican Ultraviolet competed April 17-20 in Houston at the FIRST™ Championship, the culminating, international event for the youth robotics competition season and an annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Dominican Ultraviolet was one of two teams to represent Louisiana in the world championship that drew more than 40,000 people.

place for the Innovate Award at the FTC Regional Championship.

From left: Emma Ernst, Elisabeth Amato, and Anna Houin.

DEBS TOOK HOME WINS AT STATE

The Dominican Debs were named JAZZ STATE CHAMPIONS at the American All-Star Louisiana State Dance/Drill Team Championship!

AWARDS: Division II

First Place – Jazz

First Place – Pom

First Place – Game Day

Overall State

First Place – Jazz, Choreography Award

Third Place – Pom

Third Place – Game Day, Technique Award

Sweepstakes in High School Division – Third Place

DOMINICAN DEBS NATIONALLY RANKED 5TH IN GAME DAY

Dominican Debs attended Universal Dance Association’s National Dance Team competition in Orlando, FL.

The Debs placed 5TH in the nation for Medium Varsity Division II in GameDay and were named a jazz semi-finalist for the Small Varsity Division.

Debs JV

WORLD COMPETITION A FIRST FOR DOMINICAN ROBOTICS

The first all-girls’ team from Louisiana that advanced to the world competition!

Championship! They came in 2nd place in Pom, Division 2 - Junior High.

Dominican Valkyries (Team 11526) earned 1st

The Dominican Debs at the American All-Star Louisiana State Dance/Drill Team Championship are, Front Row (from left): Ava Windmeyer, Madison Pearce, Reese Macicek, and Madison Minor. Middle Row: Delaney Hedrick, Claire Kirsch, Alivia Goertz, Remi Layne Hernandez, Kaitlyn Vlosich, Maggie Dominque, and Lucie Burke. Back Row: Ceci LaGraize, Aubrie Duplantis, Brenna Tamborella, Gracyn Sapp, Adair Hoke, and Lena Tabony. Not Pictured: Reagan Macicek.

The new Dominican Debs JV dance team competed for the first time in the American All-Star Louisiana State Dance/Drill Team

Members of Dominican’s award-winning robotics team, Dominican Ultraviolet, Front Row (from left): Isabella Sachitano (holding sign); Middle Row: Mia Reyes, Meredith Kononchek, Tess Baker, Angeli Bautista, Ardenne Kijiko, and Marisa Acevedo. Back Row: Hidaya-Nureen Khan, Violet Matherne, Kate Vatter, Kaylee Gonzalez, and Vanessa Liu.

Front Row (from left): Ava Stack, Rosemary Cantrelle, and Aubrey Burl. Middle Row: Coach Kailyn Smith, Carey Quigley, Avery Boland, Gabrielle Generes, Addisyn Matthews, and Coach Virginia Babin. Back Row: Kymani Singleton, Lilly Tucker, and Avery Perez.

Club Awards & Recognitions

Band & Choir

LOUISIANA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION (LMEA)

LMEA VOCAL SOLO & SMALL ENSEMBLE ASSESSMENT FESTIVAL

Superior Rating

Solo: Isabelle Anderson, Mia Bavido, Monica Bertucci, Kathryn Fine, Leah Gilmore, Mercedes Ohlmeyer, Sophia Perez, Catherine Redmann, Anastasia Redmann, and Elizabeth Redmann.

LMEA INSTRUMENTAL SOLO AND SMALL ENSEMBLE ASSESSMENT FESTIVAL

Superior Rating

Solo: Flute: Addison Crescioni; Clarinet: Leah Gilmore; Tenor Saxophone: Abbey Sweeney; French Horn: Sophia Perez. Ensemble: Percussion Ensemble: Lauren Giardina, Emily Giardina, Jai’Dyn Jones, Athena Nguyen, Marianne Kononchek, Rania Benslimane, Zoha Mahmood, Emily Praner, Eilyn Smith, Elise Grazulis. Woodwind Duet: Victoria Wiebelt, Abigail Beben. Woodwind Trio: Claire Mansfield, June Diket, Rachel Lindner. Senior Ensemble: Krystal Fernandes, Heather Engelhardt, Camille Truxillo, Sahithi Koneru, Lillian Stouder, Lauren Santos, Kathryn Fine, Brooke Lambert, Emma Ernst, Elisabeth Amato, Molly Glas, Meredith Kononchek, Isabelle Tsien, Lauren Giardina, Zoha Mahmood.

LMEA VOCAL LARGE ENSEMBLE ASSESSMENT FESTIVAL

Superior Rating (Stage) and Excellent Rating (Sightreading) – Overall Superior Rating

LMEA INSTRUMENTAL LARGE ENSEMBLE ASSESSMENT FESTIVAL

Excellent Rating (Stage) and Superior Rating (Sightreading) – Overall Excellent Rating

DISTRICT HONOR BAND, DISTRICT HONOR CHOIR & CHORUS

District Junior High Honor Band: Elizabeth Aubin, Flute; June Diket, Clarinet; Lillian Lambert, Electric Bass; and Emily Giardina, Percussion. District Senior High Honor Band: Krystal Fernandes, Flute; Camille Truxillo, Alto Saxophone; Emma Ernst on Trombone; and Isabelle Tsien, String Bass. District Youth Honor Chorus: Hannah Geihsler. District Senior High Honor Choir: Isabelle Anderson, Monica Bertucci, Kathryn Fine, Lauren Giardina, Emily Praner, and Catherine Redmann.

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY HONOR BAND AND ALL-STATE CHOIR

Dominican seniors Krystal Fernandes (Flute) and Camille Truxillo (Baritone Saxophone) were selected to perform in the Loyola University Colonel John Bourgeois Honor Band.

Dominican students selected to perform in the LMEA All-State Choir were Marina Vincent, Isabelle Anderson, Anastasia Redmann, and Kathryn Fine.

Speech and Debate Team Club Awards & Recognitions

NATIONAL SPEECH AND DEBATE TOURNAMENT

Dominican Speech and Debate Team member Shanlee Raimer competed at the National Speech and Debate Association Tournament June 16-21 in Des Moines, Iowa. Every summer, more than 6,000 middle and high school students travel to the largest academic competition in the world to debate current events, voice their views, and share their stories. Raimer competed in one of Louisiana’s two World Schools Debate teams. Each team is comprised of students from across the state who are chosen by the Louisiana District Committee.

Academic Games

NATIONAL ACADEMIC GAMES TOURNAMENT

Academic Games members Isabelle Anderson, C.C. Truxillo, Camille Hymel, and Therese Hymel brought home wins from the Academic Games National Competition in Atlanta, GA.

Camille Hymel and Therese Hymel were on the New Orleans Middle Division team, placing 6th in On-Sets, 7th in Presidents, 5th in Propaganda, and 2nd in Equations. Their team also won 4th place in overall Sweepstakes!

Isabelle Anderson and Camille Truxillo were on the New Orleans Senior team, placing 1st in Presidents, 4th in Propaganda, 5th in OnSets, and 4th in overall Sweepstakes. Individually, Camille Truxillo placed 4th in Presidents and 5th in overall Sweepstakes.

Isabelle Anderson who was one of only six seniors in the nation to receive the prestigious Outstanding Senior Award!

Mu Alpha Theta

MU ALPHA THETA STATE CONVENTION

Thirty-one Dominican students attended the Louisiana Mu Alpha Theta State Convention in Baton Rouge. They competed with 731 students from 27 schools across the state. They placed in 13 of the 16 events in which they participated.

Individual Tests:

Algebra 2: Tess Carriere 18th place; Advanced Math: Grace Mandella 9th place; Integration: Sana Baig 5th place; Differentiation: Brooke Lambert 5th place, Isabelle McKnight 7th place, and Kaitlyn Nguyen 10th place; Theta Individual Test: Tess Carriere 8th place; Mu Individual Test: Kathryn Fine 16th place, Camille Truxillo 19th place

Individual Events:

Mu A Descartes: Brooke Lambert 5th place, Camille Truxillo 6th place

Team Events:

Mu A Ciphering: Kathryn Fine, Meredith Kononchek, Rachel Haase, and Grace Kim 3rd place; Isabelle McKnight, Sana Baig, Isabella Sachitano, and Kaitlyn Nguyen 5th place; Theta Ciphering: Tess Carriere, Mia Rabalais, Gabby Romero, and Krisitian Champagne 7th place; Mu A Gemini: Bridget Palermo and Allie Harmon 9th place, Reese Macicek and Lauren Giardina 10th place; Calculus Interschool Test: 7th place; Poster Contest: Katherine Patron, Lauren Giardina, and Krystal Fernandes 2nd place; T-shirt Contest: 1st place.

Color Guard

Dominican Color Guard placed 2nd in its class at two LouisianaMississippi Color Guard and Percussion Circuit (LMCGPC) competitions during the season! The Color Guard team won the bronze medal in the Scholastic AA Class at the LMCGPC State Championship!

Club Activities

Robotics NAHS

To earn their Robotics badges, Brownie Troops had a Saturday session in Dominican’s Robotics Lab, hosted by Mrs. Giacona and Dominican’s Robotics students. The Brownies programmed an EV3 Robot, learned about the FTC (FIRST Tech Challenge) competition, drove an FTC outreach robot, and observed how 3D printers work.

NEHS

112 members of Dominican’s National English Honors Society attended the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival’s performance of Romeo and Juliet

Craft Club

Dominican Craft Club officers took a trip to City Park to set up their Celebration in the Oaks display - "Frosty the Snowman Brings Magic to DHS!" To create the snowmen ornaments, Craft Club members upcycled coffee creamer containers, a creative reuse transforming unwanted products into new materials.

Dominican National Art Honor Society (NAHS) students Andrea Landry, Grace Olhmeyer, and Alivia Christiansen participated in the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Program

“Chalk Painting Our Hispanic Heritage: Student Contest.” The NAHS students chose Guatemala because Alivia's family is from there. They wanted to learn about the uniqueness of her grandparent's and mother's home country. The chalk art was a beautiful representation of Guatemala's produce, wildlife, and architecture.

A ‘TEXAS’ Toast of Praise to Raising Cane’s for their amazing community outreach programs with local schools to decorate Mardi Gras ladder seats representing a mix of Cane’s, Mardi Gras, and school spirit elements.

Dominican’s NAHS students teamed up with the New Orleans store at 3235 S. Carrollton Ave. for a display. Under the direction of Ms. Angelle Caffery, NAHS Moderator, senior Samantha Wild designed Dominican’s ladder, painted with senior Emma Bullard, and created the wonderful Muse’s shoe representing Dominican’s spirit song, “Toast of Praise.” The ladder seat portrays the Dominican’s marching band on the back, Cane’s mascot in Mardi Gras gear on the sides, Dominican’s spirit song praising Cane’s, and our school’s iconic saddle oxfords!

at Dixon Hall on Tulane’s campus.

Club Activities

Student Council

Student Council kicked off Mardi Gras season with a King Cake Tasting Party during lunch! Each grade’s Student Council representatives picked their favorite cake to buy and share with students and personnel. Tasters sampled five different king cakes and voted on their favorite.

Spanish Club & Honor Society

During the school year, Dominican’s Spanish Club and Spanish Honor Society celebrate special occasions with food from various countries.

The Spanish Club celebrated Navidad Latina with servings of Pupusas, a thick griddle cake or flatbread that originates from El Salvador and Honduras.

Celebrating Pink Game week, Spanish Club and Spanish Honor Society members enjoyed churros originating from Spain and Portugal.

The Music Department presents Domini-Jazz Fest

This year, Dominican's Music Department hosted a fall and spring Domini-Jazz Fest. The lunchtime festivals featured performances by the Dominican Jazz Band, snoballs, popcorn, SAGE pasta, and a bake sale.

Special School Events

St. Mary’s Dominican High School presents Anastasia

Dominican’s production of Anastasia debuted on April 5. The cast and crew dedicated 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!

Spring Musical

Special School Events

Ring Day

New Student Induction

At the beginning of their senior year, the Class of 2024 received their rings during a Mass and ceremony in the Sr. Ambrose Reggio, OP Gymnasium. After the ceremony, the seniors 'ran the halls' to have their rings turned – a Dominican tradition!

Seventh Grade

Special School Events

Baccalaureate Mass

Dominican was thrilled with a surprise visit by Mrs. Gayle Benson who shared her faith journey at an assembly of students, faculty, and personnel. Faith has been a constant guide for Mrs. Benson who shared that faith shows the reality of what we hope for. Acts of kindness also are important. “When we are kind, it does not cost us anything. We will never know what a person is experiencing, but your kindness will be felt.”

Gayle Benson Visit

Parents Co-Op and Dads Club Events

Bleacher Swap

Mother Daughter Senior Tea

E-Board Elections

Executive Board incoming officers (from left): President - Ava Ranson; Vice President - Julie Bellow; Secretary - Ella Pitsci; and Treasurer -Gabby Brent

Sophomore

Summer Camps

DominiCamp · Jumpin' for

From softball and cheerleading, to arts and crafts and conducting experiments, campers at DominiCamp and Jumpin' for Joy channeled their creativity in a variety of activities, including the arts, sports, dance, music, and science.

Walkin' on Walmsley

Incoming students enjoyed Walkin’ on Walmsley, an exciting week of orientation where they met faculty and fellow students, made new friends, and had fun as they discovered their new school. Lunch, locating lockers, reading and math time, a service project, enjoying Italian ice treats, and a Friendship Talk led by the Counseling Department were some of the many activities that packed their week. Trivia, snoballs, and a photo booth were some of the last day events.

Upcoming Recruitment Events

FALL SPEND-A-DAYS

GIRLS IN GRADES 5-7

September 6, 11, 20

October 21, 29, 31

November 1, 6, 12

WEDNESDAYS ON WALMSLEY

PARENTS AND GIRLS IN GRADES 6-7

September 18

October 2

November 6

DEB MINI CAMP

GIRLS IN GRADES K-7

September 14

DOMINICAN DISCOVERY DAY

PARENTS AND GIRLS IN GRADES 6-7

September 28

CHEER MINI CAMP

GIRLS IN GRADES K-7

October 12

OPEN HOUSE

October 17

DEBS JV DANCE CLINIC

GIRLS IN GRADES PREK4-7

October 19

DOMINI-DEB DAY

GIRLS IN GRADES 3-7

November 1 & 2

March 14

SEPTEMBER 25

New Student Induction

OCTOBER 5

Mother Daughter Luncheon

OCTOBER 17

Open House

OCTOBER 25

Tennis & Pickleball Tournament

OCTOBER 29

Volleyball Pink Games

NOVEMBER 8 & 9

Instant Theatre

NOVEMBER 13

Career Day

MARCH 22 Gala

MARCH 28 and 29

APRIL 4 and 5

Spring Musical

ALUMNAE

February 2021, the Alumnae Association created the first monthly Rosary via Zoom. The first Tuesday of every month, alumnae numbering 11 to 50 have logged into Zoom to say the Rosary with fellow classmates from around the country. To date, 1000 plus alumnae have participated.

How to Stay Connected

Please update your contact information on our website

Social Media

We are on FACEBOOK! Follow DHS by “LIKING”

The School page: ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH SCHOOL

The alumnae page: ST. MARY’S DOMINICAN HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNAE

We are on INSTAGRAM too! Follow DHS at stmarysdominicanhighSchool.

Peace Center Gift Registry

A request from 2022-2024 Alumnae Advisory Council President Nelita Ramey ’79 for the Alumnae Association to establish a gift registry supporting the Peace Center’s resources was unanimously board approved and is a resounding success. A ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, the Peace Center has supported the Gert Town community since it opened August 2014. Collaborating with local partners, the Peace Center offers education and recreational programming for local children, career education and social support for adults, and physical, social, and community support for elderly residents, serving nearly 2,500 people annually.

a Mass

your

Alumnae Association Dues for 2024 - 2025

Established in 1901, the St. Mary’s Dominican High School Alumnae Association continues to strengthen its heritage with each graduating class.

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 Shadow My Saddles, Breakfast with Baby Jesus, Easter Egg Roll, Cocktails in the Courtyard, Homecoming Weekend, and so much more!

Class of 1937 - 1965...........Dues

$20

Class of 1966 - 2018...........Dues $40

Class of 2019 - 2024...........Dues $20

Please make checks payable to DHS or visit our website, www.stmarysdominican.org, and click on the Give to Dominican tab - Donate OnlineAlumnae Giving.

If you have any questions, comments, or would like to submit news for The Torch, email Alumnae Director Celeste Shelsey Anding ’82 at canding@stmdhs.org.

Thank You!

MILESTONE REUNIONS

2025 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 2000

25 year reunion

Class of 2010 15 year reunion

Class of 2005 20 year reunion

UPCOMING REUNIONS

CLASS OF 1974 - 50 YEAR REUNION

Saturday, November 2, Dominican's campus, 10:00 am.

CLASS OF 1975 - 50 YEAR REUNION

Friday, April 11, 2025, 7-10 pm, Jefferson Orleans South, contact Janet Emig Gaudet at 504-400-3422 for details.

CLASS OF 1994 - 30 YEAR REUNION

Meg Vincent is organizing this reunion. You can reach her at megdvincent@yahoo.com for more information.

CLASS OF 1995 - 30 YEAR REUNION

Contact Alexa Montgomery Krnjaic, alexmont@gmail.com or Danielle Soldani Carrigan, dscarrigan@yahoo.com.

CLASS OF 2004 - 20 YEAR REUNION

Saturday, September 28, GRITS Bar, 530 Lyons Street, NOLA 70119, 7:00 - 10:00 pm. Contact Jessica at Jmtriche@gmail.com or 504-319-9744.

CLASS OF 2019 - 5 YEAR REUNION

Plans are underway for your 5 year reunion! Please reach out to Camryn Wisniewski at cwisni1@gmail.com.

Class of 2020 5 year reunion

Class of 2015 10 year reunion

REUNION PLANNING GUIDELINES

Planning your next class reunion?

The Dominican Alumnae Office is available to assist you with all your reunion needs!

• We offer on campus and off-site options, with a donation to Dominican built into the cost.

• We make it easy for you to coordinate your class reunion.

• There will be no out of pocket fees for the organizers.

• We will sign the vendor contract, create a link for your classmates to register online, provide your class with volunteers at your check in table, and take your class photo for the next edition of The Torch!

• We will also coordinate with your class to raise funds as a donation to Dominican in the name of your class.

Contact Alumnae Director Celeste Anding ’82 at alumnae@stmdhs.org to get started on your class reunion. We want to make your reunion fun and affordable for everyone in your class.

Alumnae Happenings

Alumnae Appreciate Personnel

Class of 2023 Coffee and Yearbooks

Tournament Alumnae collected 1,043 cans of food for the Annual Canned Food Drive.

Mother Daughter Tea in Honor of the Class of 2024

Easter Egg Roll

Cocktails in the Courtyard & Makers Market

Mother Daughter Generations

3rd Generations

Meg Alsfeld Kaul, Class of 2002, and her sons over the last four years at Dominican's Easter Egg Roll!

Alumnae Happenings

Catholic Schools Week

Shadow My Saddles

Academic Honor Day

Coffee & Cookies at LSU

National Catholic Sisters Week

Dominican Alumnae led the effort to feed Covenant House for one week during Catholic Sisters Week. In 2016, an idea from St. Mary’s Dominican High School alumna Kay McKay Fitzmorris ’62 planted the seed for a way Dominican alumnae could honor women religious during annual Catholic Sisters Week, observed annually, worldwide, the second week of March. Alumnae invited sisters to their homes for dinner and celebration. March 2019 COVID pandemic restrictions stopped the dinners. The Dominican sisters encouraged alumnae to honor Catholic Sisters Week through community service. Since 2020, alumnae have brought meals to the residents and staff at Covenant House New Orleans during Catholic Sisters Week. “This year, Dominican, Cabrini High School, and Mount Carmel Academy each selected one day their alumnae would bring 75 meals to Covenant House,” shared Celeste Anding, Dominican’s Alumnae Director. “There is a special place in my heart, and I know in the hearts of my fellow alumnae, for women who devote their lives to Christ! It is wonderful for us to honor the sisters and serve our community at the same time.”

At Academic Honor Day, the Class of 2024 was welcomed into the Dominican Alumnae Association. Alumnae presented the seniors with a Dominican rosary, designed by Rebecca “Becky” Bellows Crawford ’86 and handmade by Peggy Delarosa ’69.

Alumnae

Dominican alumnae representing classes from 1956 to 2003 enjoyed a holiday party at the Northshore home of Alumnae Director Celeste Shelsey Anding ’82.

Advent Evening of Reflection

In December, the first Advent Evening of Reflection with Fr. Jeremy Lambert L.C., received a wonderful response. The next one is scheduled for Thursday, November 30 with guest speaker Dr. Maureen Wright, O.P., Vice President of Dominican Catholic Identity.

Breakfast with Baby Jesus

Unique Dominican Snow Globes Debut in December

Snow globes with miniature figures that are uniquely Dominican will debut at Breakfast with Baby Jesus (Saturday, December 7). Alumnae Director Celeste Anding presented the idea of creating the figures to science teacher and robotics coach Mrs. Crissy Giacona who was thrilled and invited students on the school’s robotics team, Dominican Ultraviolet, to collaborate on the five designs and the production.

Dominican's 62nd Alumnae Homecoming Alumnae Happenings

St. Mary’s Dominican High School alumnae returned to their alma mater for the 62nd Homecoming Mass and Luncheon on April 13th to celebrate class anniversaries and recognize two honorees for instilling Christian moral values while encouraging the practice of ethical behavior as demonstrated through their dedication to family, public service, and career. Honorees were Dr. Jennifer Mahnke Garnand ’01 who was named Alumna of the Year and Karla Leary Luke, ’77 M.Ed., St. Catherine of Siena Preaching Award recipient. The Reverend Jeremy Lambert, LC, celebrated Mass with music by Dominican Student Choir members and conducted by Brenda Castillo, Dominican’s Fine Arts Chairperson and Director of Band and Choir.

Dr. Jennifer Mahnke Garnand ’01 Alumna of the Year Award

Dr. Jennifer Mahnke Garnand was recognized by her peers as a woman who instills Christian moral values while urging the practice of ethical behaviors as demonstrated through her dedication to family, public service, or career. Mother, Nurse, Paramedic, Firefighter, Educator, Chaplain, Mentor, Advocate are some of her roles. Initially working in education and ministry, she was drawn to nursing as a secondary calling. She has since found meaning and purpose within healthcare, cultivating a passion for being “with and for” others, giving back to her community, and inspiring those around her to achieve their goals.

As the Chief Flight Nurse for Ochsner Health, she had an impactful role overseeing the organization’s medical aviation program, coordinating the interdisciplinary teams of local 911 emergency response and critical care transports across the country. She oversaw FEMA’s national emergency rescue operations and medical disaster relief efforts in Puerto Rico and St. Croix in 2017. When the World Health Organization designated 2020 as “The Year of the Nurse” it was amidst the global pandemic.

Jennifer was named Louisiana Nurse of the Year and one of Louisiana Life Magazine’s Top Nine Louisianians of the Year. Other credits: Associate Chief Nursing Officer for Missouri Baptist Medical Center, University Medical Center Director of Oncology, Great 100 Nurses of Louisiana, Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Medical Training Officer for Third District Volunteer Fire Department, Board of Directors for Help A Sister Out nonprofit and Charity School of Nursing, where a nursing award was recently named in her honor. She holds an MBA from LSU Shreveport and a PhD from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she published her research and doctoral dissertation entitled, “Predictors of Engagement in Nursing Professional Practice: Transforming Organizational Culture in the Post-COVID Healthcare Environment.”

President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas (right) and Alumnae Board President Nelita Ramey ’79 (left) presented Dr. Jennifer Mahnke Garnand ’01 the Alumna of the Year Award.

St. Catherine of Siena Preaching Award

Karla Leary Luke, M.Ed. ’77

Karla Leary Luke, a graduate of St. Mary’s Dominican College where she earned a degree in biology, holds a Master of Education from Marymount University, with a concentration in Educational Leadership and Administration. Classmates describe her as one who exemplifies and loves all the traits of a Dominican graduate. The first Tuesday of every month, she joins Dominican alumnae and their family members for recitation of the rosary. Always finding joy in serving, Karla started her career at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Elementary School in New Orleans where she taught religion and science from 1992 to 2005. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, she, her husband Leo Luke Jr., and their sons Leo III and Christopher, moved to Mississippi. There, Karla first worked temporarily as a school secretary. At St. Therese Catholic School, she taught 6th through 8th grade science and religion and served as lower school principal followed by appointments in the Catholic Diocese of Jackson, Office of Catholic Education: Coordinator of Operations and Support Services; Assistant Superintendent of Education.

In 2021, she was appointed Executive Director of Catholic Schools that includes four high schools, nine elementary schools, and four early learning centers. Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, for the Catholic Diocese of Jackson, appointed her to the crucial leadership position when schools were emerging from the COVID-19 Pandemic. He noted that Karla’s extensive experience in the Jackson Diocese and previously in her home state of Louisiana, “had prepared her to shoulder this responsibility with grace, confidence, and competence. She is a woman of faith and prayer who embraces the teachings of the Catholic Church in light of the Dominican tradition and heritage. The peace of Christ is her strength. She is a critical thinker who is steeped both in Gospel values and the hard sciences, faith and reason, a background that enabled her to lead with confidence and humility during the pandemic.”

Honoree Karla Leary Luke, ’77 M.Ed., is presented the St. Catherine of Siena Preaching Award by President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas and Alumnae Board President Nelita Ramey ’79.

Alumnae Happenings

In an effort to preserve and document our heritage, the Alumnae Office is asking for donations to complete the Legacy Wall of all class composites. We are creating composites for the missing classes from 1927-1970. The cost is $1000 for each class composite to be produced, printed, and framed. If you would like to donate to your class composite, or your mother's or grandmother’s, you can send a check to the Alumnae Office. Please include Class Composite and the class year on your check. Use the QR code to pay online.

REGINA ROSARII

We are looking for copies of the Regina Rosarii yearbook/magazine from 1930, 1931, and 1932. Please email Celeste Anding at canding@stmdhs.org or call 504-865-7823 if you have a copy and would be willing to share it.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School Class of 1972 Gifts Legacy Tree to Alma Mater

Rich in Dominican symbolism...

The Legacy Tree, a bronze sculpture by the renowned Italian artist Master Albano Poli, was presented by the Class of 1972 to St. Mary’s Dominican High School at the Alumnae Homecoming in May. The artist, born in Verona in 1935, created bronze sculptures, stained glass, and murals all over the world, including the Vatican – www. poliartesacra.com/en

Rich in Dominican symbolism, class members envision the Legacy Tree teaching generations about Dominican’s roots and its legacy. They shared the story about the Legacy Tree at homecoming and Academic Honor Day. In planning their 50th reunion, the Class of ’72 wanted something meaningful.

After brainstorming several ideas, they focused on what symbolically meant so much to them after they graduated – the class ring.

Years ago, Barbara Cole ‘72 met Poli on a visit to Verona with her parish choir. “He had sculptured the corpus for our local parish,” she recalled. “What I did not know was that he was a master artist in the history of Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Raphael for the Vatican. This 80-year-old artist’s creations are all over the world and created in his Renaissance style studio. He was an artistic time traveler. I knew the minute I stepped foot in his studio I was on Holy Ground.”

Classmate Kathy Pastorek said the initial idea was for a processional piece that could be used each year for the seniors’ ring ceremony. The challenge was how to bring meaning of the ring’s calling to serve. The design process transformed into the Legacy Tree sculpture, “enjoyed 365 days a year instead of one, with the ring still being the focus. It offers symbolism of our heritage and growth at Dominican.”

Last fall, Barbara, Kathy, and classmate Debbie Horn Caluda visited Poli’s Verona studio to see the clay prototype. At Dominican there were meetings on campus with President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas and class members, who also met via Zoom with Maestro Poli and his staff. Twice the artist sent his family to Dominican for research. There were also meetings with students and faculty.

“The Dominican Legacy Tree mirrors the Live Oak, a prominent part of the New Orleans area landscape,” noted Kathy. “The sculpture’s tree roots are etched with the names of the seven Irish Dominican nuns –Mother Mary John Flanagan, Mother Mary Magdalen O’Farrell, Sister Mary Hyacinth McQuillan, Sister Mary Brigid Smith, Sister Mary Osanna Cahill, Sister Mary Xavier Gaynor, and Sister Mary Ursula O’Reilly who in 1860 traveled from Cabra, Dublin in Ireland to New Orleans, where they educated students.

“The other three roots are etched with the three locations where Dominican was based: Dryades Street, St. Charles Avenue, and Walmsley Avenue. The tree trunk is etched with familiar school phrases: A Toast of Praise, Saints and Sages, Alma Mater, Home of Learning, Veritas, Known for Loyalty, Steeped in Tradition, Serve to Others, Academic Excellence. From the trunk of tradition emerges four female hands, representing the generations of grandmother, mother, daughter, and granddaughter, continuing the Dominican Legacy of receiving the Senior class ring – one of the most exciting events of the senior year before we set out to make a difference in the world. The tree branches with golden leaves represent generations of past, present, and future students.”

Barbara noted, “What you see before you is years of planning, prayer and hope that our class might leave to your classes a connection of what we each carry to the world, where Veritas never wanders and what we have been given in these halls by faculty and staff –by Saints and Sages. We stand on the same shoulders – you, me, and our classmates. We reflect the same profile of a graduate. We seek Veritas.”

THE STORY CONTINUES…..

Sr. Mary Dominic Savio Estorge, O.P. '56 Writes A History of St. Mary’s Dominican High School 1860-2021

Sr. Mary Dominic Savio (Celeste) Estorge, O.P. says she has always been fascinated by stories and “seeing how things fit together.” Her love for books began in early childhood when her parents took Celeste Estorge and her older brother Numa to the New Orleans public libraries. There, they could select five books for each library visit. As soon as she finished reading her five books, Sr. Savio would read the five books her brother had selected. A few years later, her younger brother Ted occasionally joined them on their library visits. When she was a fifth grader at St. Matthias Elementary School, the teacher, Sr. Mary Ann, O.P., would not include the ending of the book she read to her class on Friday afternoon. That way the students’ curiosity would be satisfied the following week for the story’s ending or they checked it out of the library.

Her years at St. Matthais nurtured her love of learning and enlightened her about St. Dominic. “After I was taught by the Dominican Sisters at St. Matthias Elementary School, the history of St. Dominic and his Order gradually became my own,” she recounts. “However, it was in preparation for the celebration of Dominican’s sesquicentennial for 2010 when school president Dr. Cynthia Thomas asked me to write our history that I realized how well blended it is and how strongly connected it remains to its underpinnings in the Dominican Order.”

Toward the end of eighth grade, she told her mother that she wanted to attend Rosaryville, the Dominican Sisters’ high school for girls who were contemplating a religious life. Mrs. Estorge wanted her daughter to attend a high school that offered “an ordinary life.” Recalls Sr. Savio, “I attended Dominican, at that time was on St. Charles Avenue, and participated as fully as possible in varied activities.”

In 1956 she graduated from St. Mary’s Dominican High School and entered the convent. When her mother was diagnosed with

cancer, she went home to take care of her and in 1960 she reentered the Dominican Sisters Congregation of St. Mary. While working on a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from St. Mary’s Dominican College (1963), she student taught the ninth grade at Dominican. Her first full time teaching job was from Fall 1962 to Spring 1963 at Saint Leo the Great Elementary School where she was an eyewitness to the Civil Rights Movement. She attended the National Defense Education Act Institute in English at Tulane University (1965), earned a Master of Arts in English from Indiana University (1972), and a Master of Education in Secondary Administration from Loyola University New Orleans (1990).

Recounting her first year teaching at Dominican, Sr. Savio smiles. “The students were so good, excited, and delighted to be in the classroom,” she shares. “It was wonderful to see their curiosity and enthusiasm.” She has taught three generations of Dominican alumnae. On campus and in the community, she encounters her former students who inquire how she is and share their latest news. They tell me how much their education at Dominican had a positive impact on them.”

Sr. Savio’s distinguished 61-year tenure at St. Mary’s Dominican High School includes leadership, administrative, and faculty positions: Assistant Principal (1973-1976); President (1994-1997); Attendance Office Administrative Assistant (2010-2020). She also was English Department Chairperson; taught English and Religion; Yearbook Moderator for 28 books.

Sixteen years she served on the General Council of the Congregation of Saint Mary’s until it merged with seven other congregations to become the Dominican Sisters of Peace. Membership includes National Councils of Teachers of English, National Catholic Educators’ Association, Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society, and Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society. She also served on the high school’s Alumnae Advisory Council and St. Mary’s College Alumnae Board.

For Sr. Savio, the joy she experienced penning the history of her alma mater truly was in the journey. She feels blessed that she was able to devote numerous years cataloging the school’s photo archives, cross-checking dates, names, timelines, and writing the history of St. Mary’s Dominican High School. “For me, this experience has been most enjoyable. It was work, but who would not find joy in reminiscing about a gratifying experience when the memories are good? It was good to recall stories and remember teachers, friends, and experiences. It is also exciting to see how things have changed, evolved, or remained the same.”

“I believe that Sr. Mary Dominic Savio was the perfect one to write the history of St. Mary’s Dominican High School!” said Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas, President of St. Mary’s Dominican High School. “Sister’s love of the Dominican Order, extraordinarily long tenure serving in numerous roles at the high school, and her past leadership roles with the Dominican Sisters Congregation all offer a unique perspective to be preserved and shared.”

For all who read The Story Continues…A History of St. Mary’s Dominican High School 18602021, Sr. Savio said she knows that the book will speak to current students and generations of alumnae. The author hopes that the history she has penned, “awakens memories and gratitude for what we learned those many years ago – or just this past semester – and how it had impacted our lives. I would hope that each person will find at least one thing for which she is still grateful and dwell on it.”

Sr. Savio’s new home is in Columbus, Ohio with the Dominican Sisters of Peace community.

The mailing address: Dominican Sisters of Peace 2320 Airport Drive Columbus, OH 43219

Visit https://oppeace.org/ for more information and news about the Dominican Sisters of Peace.

I hope this book awakens memories and gratitude for what we learned those many years ago – or just this past semester – and how it had impacted our lives. I would hope that each person will find at least one thing for which she is still grateful and dwell on it.

”

Named St. Mary’s Dominican High School President in 1994, Sr. Savio was presented a framed school seal from Sr. Therese Leckert, O.P. Prioress of the St. Mary’s Dominican Sisters.

Photo reviewer was one of numerous tasks Sr. Savio welcomed as Moderator for 28 of Dominican’s yearbooks. Following Ring Mass for the Class of 1996, Sr. Savio turns one of many senior class rings. Sr. Angeline Magro, O.P. and Sr. Savio, O.P. shared more than 50 years being an integral part of St. Mary’s Dominican High School.

Featured Alumna

SARAH JANE McMAHON BRISCOE '98

Opera singer, soprano soloist, sacred music director, voice teacher – Sarah Jane McMahon Briscoe performs many musical roles. She's quick to credit her family for the gift of music. “I grew up in a musical household," she explained. "My mother and her cousins sang together in a ukelele band and even performed at the White House for President Lyndon Johnson. My oldest sister sings professionally, and my middle sister is an excellent pianist. And my dad, well, he'll claim all the talent came from him!"

Sarah Jane developed her inherited talent from an early age, taking piano and dance lessons, singing in choirs, and performing in musicals across the city. All of this helped reveal her talent. "It seemed like in my early years that I was blessed with a gift for singing. Singing in church was and still is one of my favorite things to do," she said. "Even when I was just starting, I recognized that God worked through the gift He gave me when people would approach me to say how much they enjoyed hearing me sing. It's humbling to be His instrument in some small way.”

Reminiscing about her Dominican years, she said that while there are too many outstanding Dominican teachers and classes to recount, her classmates had the most lasting impact on her. “My classmates helped me see how we all bring different gifts and talents to build a community; it's our responsibility to contribute what God has given us to create a better world for those around us.”

At Loyola University, New Orleans, she majored in Vocal Performance, minored in Communications, and took pre-dental course requirements (a backup career plan suggested by her father). The summa cum laude graduate accepted Yale University’s invitation to join their graduate program with only one spot available for her voice type. Post graduation, renowned tenor Placido Domingo asked Sarah Jane to join his company, Los Angeles Opera, which helped launch her career with opera companies and symphony orchestras across the country and around the world. In 2006, she headlined at Lincoln Center as Galatea in Handel’s “Acis and Galatea” at New York City Opera. This led to subsequent leading roles at Lincoln Center and concerts at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, NYC on Broadway, and beyond.

WHEN YOU THINK OF DOMINICAN, WHAT COMES TO MIND?

When I think of Dominican, I think of five wonderful years of my life that prepared me spiritually, academically, and socially. I was in the first 8th grade class and have maintained great friendships from that class. I think of Veritas, black and white, and a close-knit community that pushed and supported me to always do my best.

Through all her travels performing, there has always been one constant. “Being able to find the nearest Catholic Church and knowing it would be the same whether I was in New York, Vienna, or Argentina was always a comfort to me.” Among her recordings is I Thank My God, a sacred music album recorded in the aftermath of 2005 Hurricane Katrina that left much of New Orleans under water. She recorded the album in St. Pius X Church in Lakeview. There were many challenges recording in a recovering city--obtaining music licenses, hiring musicians, and finding companies to make and sell the CDs. “On top of that learning curve, we had to record around the parish lawn mowing, a leaking roof, and even crickets that had made a home inside the church! But St. Pius was my childhood parish and grammar school, and the whole St. Pius family has been extremely supportive of me and my career.”

My classmates helped me see how we all bring different gifts and talents to build a community; it's our responsibility to contribute what God has given us to create a better world for those around us.

Since 2021, she has served as Director of Sacred Music/Cantor at the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France in the historic French Quarter. “As the Director of Music, I have many duties including programming music for Masses, special events, concerts, visiting groups and more; recruiting and rehearsing musicians and singers; and managing the logistics and administrative work for all of these events and people. Fortunately, I have excellent colleagues and choir members who help ensure the liturgies are as beautiful as possible.”

Sarah Jane has been able to evolve her performing career to center mostly around concert work that requires shorter trips away. “I can still perform out of town because of the support of my wonderful husband, my parents, and my in-laws.” For this mother of three, she is forever grateful for the veritas and values Dominican has instilled in her life. “It's a basic faith in God and belief in Jesus and Mary, and the values follow from living out that faith. What I hope the most is to pass the torch of my faith and music to my children.”

Featured Alumna

CHRISTINA CANNIZARO HORSMAN '98

At an early age, Dr. Christina Cannizzaro Horsman always knew she would attend St. Mary’s Dominican High School. Her mother, teacher and realtor Norma Gonzalez Cannizzaro, graduated in 1971. Christina’s sister, Laura Cannizzaro Rodrigue, an attorney, is a 1999 graduate.

“My mother always spoke so highly about Dominican. She loved Dominican and my grandparents were proud of the Dominican education,” Christina recounted. “It was always a given that we would go there. Before Dominican, my sister and I attended an elementary school that had a high school where most of our classmates planned to attend. When they asked us if were going there as well, we said no.”

School Board member, Committee Chair for Health and Safety, and Student Life Committee Chair; Our Lady of the Lake Pediatric Residency Term Newborn Rotation Director. A full fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and its LA Chapter, she is an AAP Council on School Health Member.

Christina and husband Dr. Thomas Horsman, who specializes in pediatric pulmonology at Ochsner, are the parents of three daughters. “We both loved our work and Baton Rouge, but I always hoped our children could go to Dominican,” she said. “A wonderful opportunity led us to Ochsner and back to New Orleans. Now we have one daughter at Dominican and her two sisters will soon follow.”

She is a newborn hospitalist at Ochsner Medical Center. A newborn hospitalist, also known as a neonatal hospitalist, is a highly trained pediatrician who specialize in the care of sick neonates, in addition to well newborns.

It is all of the little routine things that I remember about being a student at Dominican – the Masses, Rally Day, the class schedule, lunch in Alumnae Hall, walking the halls, and all the ways to embrace your faith.

“I love the variety and stability at Dominican. I remember my teachers and still see them around town years later. Some still teach at Dominican. I was on the swim team and with Coach Bret Hanemann who is still Dominican’s coach today, actually coaching my daughter. I feel the school environment at Dominican allows you to be yourself and provides strength and confidence. It is all of the little routine things that I remember about being a student at Dominican – the Masses, Rally Day, the class schedule, lunch in Alumnae Hall, walking the halls, and all the ways to embrace your faith.”

In her youth she was inspired by two of her friends who had spina bifida. “They did not make a medical issue define who they were. I saw their uniqueness, not their physical challenges.” Drawn to science and medicine, Christina credits Dominican that “definitely prepared me for college and medical school.” She graduated cum laude from Louisiana State University (LSU) with a major in Biological Sciences, a minor in Psychology. She holds a Doctor of Medicine from LSU School of Medicine New Orleans and completed a pediatric residency at the University of Florida at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Post residency she was a general pediatrician from 2009 to 2014 at Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group, Southeast Pediatrics in Baton Rouge, and then a newborn hospitalist from 2014 to 2020.

Numerous leadership positions in education and medicine include LSU School of Medicine Vice President Community Affairs and Admissions Committee; Woman’s Hospital Physician Information Technology Task Force Pediatric Representative and Obstetrics Patient Care Committee Pediatric Representative; Our Lady of Mercy

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH DOMINICAN STUDENTS?

Always challenge yourself and look at each opportunity as a learning experience. Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

Christina is also Medical Director of Ochsner’s Healthy Schools Program and Medical Director of the Jefferson Parish Public Schools System that includes 74 schools. “The Healthy Schools Program started with the outbreak of COVID when schools instantly shut down. They did not know how to reopen and there were many questions about how to navigate the return to school and get things back to normal,” recounted Christina.

The Healthy Schools Program mission is to improve access to healthcare for all children while fostering a supportive school environment. There are resources for children to improve their physical and emotional well-being while at their school. The program also provides support to educators and school leaders. It serves 169 schools and more than 100,000 students in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas and Hancock, Mississippi. It offers hearing and vision screenings for students; CPR training for staff; science, technology, engineering, and math activities; career chats, connections to important community resources including nutrition education, tobacco prevention, free virtual mental health visits through grade 12, guest speakers, resources and webinars for staff assisting neurodiverse students.

“I am proud of the diversity of the schools we work with. In our area we have public, private, parochial, charter, and independent academies and all are focused on the health and wellness of their students. This initiative impacts children from 6-week-old infants to 22 year old adults. I love being able to help students in my community and to work closely with school leaders and medical professionals. This is definitely a hands-on need. Our program has a 100% retention rate for school partners, and a majority of our nurses who started with our program are still in it, and that speaks volumes.

Christina notes the universal goal: “If we can keep our students healthy, they will stay in school, and that results in better chances for their future success.”

All About Alumnae

ALUMNAE

At St. Mary’s Dominican High School’s Career Day on November 15, there were 35 alumnae among 38 guest speakers on campus who shared their career advice. Guest speakers represented careers ranging from art, education, and journalism to engineering, marketing, medicine, science, and sports. Students had the choice of attending four presentations at the event organized by the Counseling Department.

Guest speakers were: Chelsea Temple Bernard ’03 – Speech Language Pathologist; Karey Kriedt Kinnard ’93 – Pediatric Occupational Therapist; Jamie Mascari Meeks ’05 – Sports Dietician; Catherine Cabes ’18 – Pediatric ICU Nurse; Heather Phillips Razmus ’92 – Certified Nurse Midwife; Kasey Mang Simon ’08 – Nurse (Plastic Surgery); Victoria Burke ’01 – Physician (Infectious Diseases); Jim Ryder – Certified Public Accountant; Andrea Legendre ’12 – Physician Assistant (Orthopedic Surgery); Courtney Arianne Washington ’05 – Physician-Primary Care (Osteopathic Medicine); Corinne Duplantis ’12 – Mechanical Engineer; Emma Steeg ’17 – Zookeeper; Kristen Lee ’08 – Lawyer; Kaylen Lee ’14 – Marketing/Communications Specialist; Courtney Hood ’72 – War Correspondent; Shenique Harris Celestin ’01 – Realtor/Residential & Commercial Builder; Elicia Broussard Sheridan ’97 – Senior Director-Social Responsibility & Youth Sports Development; Renee Michelet Casbergue ’72 – Professor/Author; Shelley Mateu ’92 – Airline Pilot/ Captain; Emily Douglass ’18 – Elementary School Teacher; Allison Martin Condon ’05 – Interior Designer; Lauren Guidroz ’15 –Graphic Designer; Lane Rapier Kozicz ’10 – Architecture; Lauren Beasley ’95 – Boutique Owner; Robyn Tucker Long ’01 – Boutique Owner; Allison Breaux ’15 – Financial Advisor; Caroline Douglass ’16 – Business Consultant; Ali Legendre ’16 – Business Consultant; Lauren Maia Lightfoot ’00 – Business Founder/Owner of Marketing Company; Jessica Treadaway Palazzo ’00 – Senior Consultant/ Marketing; Missy Bagnetto Rogers ’86 – Mechanical Engineer (Owner of Molding and Robotics Company); Gabrielle Schick Glass ’12 –Senior Sales Manager-Corporate Event Planning; Samantha Conway ’17 – Events Associate; Elaine Schneida – Forensic Laboratory Director; Stephen Villere – Digital Forensic Examiner; Madelyn Waguespack ’19 – Electrical Engineer; Kelsey Phillips Delery ’11 – Veterinarian; Ellen Carriere ’16 – Software Engineer.

Connect

ALUMNAE with STUDENTS

MARCH FOR LIFE

At the annual March for Life in Washington DC, Dominican students and chaperones gathered at Mass, joined by alumna Jennifer Gniady '90, an attorney and DC Alumnae Chapter member. After Mass, Dominican's representatives joined thousands to March for Life.

LAW STUDIES

Attorney Rebecca Kittok Wisbar '78 gave a presentation on the topic of mediation to students in Mr. Dennis Panepinto’s Law Studies class. Mrs. Wisbar’s law practice focuses on mediation. She also is Adjunct Professor of Legal Negotiation at Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law School.

SHIP TO SHORE WITH ALUMNAE

It was 5 am and the sun was just rising in the Pacific Northwest over the Hawaiian Islands when Dominican alumnae Catalina Rubiano ’11 and Hannah Paradis ’18 on the international Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus connected with students and faculty from robotics, ecology, earth sciences, physics, biology, and the science honor society who had gathered in the Technology Center for a ship to shore session. During the next hour Catalina and Hannah shared what is like to be part of the Nautilus team.

Hannah graduated in 2022 from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Geology and is currently working on a master’s degree. Catalina has a BS in Earth and Environmental Science from the University of New Orleans (2019) and Master of Science in Marine Science from the University of South Florida (2023).

Catalina is a Navigator and Hannah is on the Science/Data Team. The two did not know of their Dominican connection until they started working on the Nautilus. The Nautilus is a 68-meter research vessel equipped with remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and from other vessels chartered to deploy the Nautilus’ mobile ROV system. The E/V Nautilus Corps of Exploration includes engineers, scientists, technologists, educators, students, and mariners.

“Connecting with our graduates as they are actively engaged in research in the field is not only exciting but inspirational,” said science teacher Mrs. Janine Koenig '82 who arranged for the session and taught Catalina and Hannah. “Seeing other science careers hopefully will encourage our students to pursue other avenues of scientific research and exploration. The research these young women are involved in is absolutely amazing.”

All About Alumnae

1962, 1964 and 1986

Kathleen Louapre Howell ’62, Rebecca “Becky” Bellows Crawford ’86, and Linda Baudier Germany ’64 have joined together to serve their Baton Rouge Community. For the last 30+ years, Kathleen and Linda have volunteered for the Attic Trash & Treasure Sale in March of each year. Over the past few years, Becky Bellows Crawford joined their effort. This annual event has donated over $3M to the Baton Rouge Community.

1969

Deborah Mouney Broussard was among the 2024 New Orleans Archdiocese Distinguished Alumni Award recipients honored at a reception at Notre Dame Seminary. Archbishop Gregory Aymond and Dr. RaeNell Houston, Executive Director and Superintendent of Catholic Education and Faith Formation, presented awards that recognized women and men identified by their alma maters as exemplars of the values taught in Catholic schools. Honorees have made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following ways: exceptional service to the church; exceptional accomplishment in chosen field; exceptional service to local, state, or national entities; exceptional service in support of their school.

1980

Bonnie Canal is the new Manager of Business Continuity at Tulane University!

1982

Janine Jacques Koenig accepted the invitation to join GeneBIORETS – Genetics, Genomics and Biology Research Experiences for Teachers in the Sciences that gives high school teachers the opportunity to engage in research with an LSU faculty mentor. This summer opportunity is sponsored by LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, through the Medical/Public/Allied Health and Graduate School. The program’s goal are for teachers to develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and researchers and provide training experiences that will have long-term impacts on how they impart science education in their classrooms, ultimately inspiring students of diverse backgrounds to pursue and excel in STEM professions.

Shannon McCaffery stands out as a trailblazer in a world where marketing is evolving towards genuine connections and authenticity. With over 30 years of experience ranging from corporate America to her own marketing agency, Soulful Marketing, she has crafted a guide that redefines marketing. Look for “Soulful Marketing Manifesto: Marketing That's As Honest, Authentic, And As ValueDriven As You Are” on book shelves in early 2025.

1988

Clare Carpenter Muscarello and Renee Cangelosi Latino have joined the Dominican Alumnae Advisory Council.

1990

Renee Fortier Digiovanni is the new Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Nursing at Ochsner Medical Center (OMC) – New Orleans, overseeing ten specialty care units and the Nursing Intravascular Access Service/PICC line team. Renee began her nursing career in 1999 at OMC as a staff nurse within Cardiothoracic Transplant. She went on to hold several leadership positions supporting Transplant; Intravascular Access; and Wound, Ostomy and Geriatric Services.

1991

Danielle Terese Haydel – Sister Therese Haydel, OSB, a Benedictine Sister of Cullman, celebrated twentyfive years of monastic profession in Sacred Heart Monastery Chapel (Cullman, AL) on November 25. Sister Elisabeth Meadows, O.S.B., Prioress of the monastic community, received Sister Therese’s renewal of her monastic profession. Over the last 25 years, Sister Therese has used her various gifts and talents in service to her own monastic community, the Monastic Congregation of St. Scholastica and the larger Benedictine family, and the local Church. Her activities include working with maintenance of the monastery grounds and buildings, supervising kitchen staff and activities, vocation work, teaching initial formation classes, directing retreats and giving presentations through the Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, liturgy preparation, website and social media management, photography and artistic endeavors, and serving as the community’s archivist.

1997

Theresa Bertucci Truxillo is the new Director of Enrollment at Jesuit High School. Theresa also graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership from Notre Dame Seminary Graduate School of Theology. In addition to these honors, Theresa is also the proud mother of Camille Truxillo, ’24 Valedictorian.

2001

Kellie O’Neal is the new People Business Partner at Spurs Sports and Entertainment, specifically aligned to Basketball Operations and Front Office, San Antonio Football Club, and the Strategy and Innovation team.

All About Alumnae

2004

Cassie Alsfeld, Founder and CEO of Shoreline Strategies, a digital marketing, messaging and fundraising firm based in New Orleans, providing specialized services for campaigns, companies and causes has been recognized as 40 under 40 by the AAPC – American Association of Political Consultants.

Bridgette Adorno Connorton, O.D. has moved to Jarrettsville, Maryland where she owns Jarrettsville Family Eyecare. She shared, “Jarrettsville is known for beautiful farmlands, specifically sunflowers. This has been an amazing experience becoming acquainted with the local farmers, business owners, and families that have been in Jarrettsville for a long time. Everyone here has welcomed me with open arms, produce, flowers, and other various gifts that are meaningful to the local area. I have quickly immersed myself into the community and give back as often as I can. As an optometrist, I look for ways to serve the community not only in my practice, but outside of it as well. I provide eye care services for families and children in need through the Jarrettsville Lions Club and other programs connected to the surrounding elementary schools. I have been fortunate enough to continue the legacy of the previous owner who started the practice back in 1984. This year marks Jarrettsville Family Eyecare's 40th year in serving the community and I look forward to continuing our service in the decades to come.”

Alexa Schexnaildre presents, "Finding Hope in Our Difficulties," as a part of the Archdiocese of New Orleans' Women in Faith series. Alexa is a featured speaker at numerous Catholic parishes in the Southeast region.

TOAST OF Praise

2005 and 2010

Jennifer Gordon Lampton ’05 and Quinn K. Brown ’10 received the Louisiana State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Bat P. Sullivan, Jr. Chair’s Award on June 6, 2024. Each year the YLD Chair grants this award in recognition of individuals whose contributions have positively impacted the legal profession and demonstrated dedication to enhancing the YLD.

2006

Ashley Keifer Autrey, M.D. was recently named interim Chief and Medical Director of the Pediatric Palliative Care team at Children’s Hospital New Orleans. Palliative medicine provides an extra layer of support for children and their families dealing with serious illness.

Gabrielle Harrington Rich, M.D. is an OBGYN at two hospitals in Texas and was recently reappointed by the governor to the Texas Medical Board Review Committee.

2011

In April 2023, Jennifer Toy became one of 128 people in the world to complete the six major marathons (Chicago, New York City, Berlin, London, Tokyo and Boston) before the age of 30. She has completed a total of 12 marathons and has her eyes set on many more!

2014

Elise Glueck Szeszycki studied Accessory Design and Art History at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA, graduating in 2018. She now works for Parlor Interiors, an interior design firm in Miami. Hailing from New Orleans and enriched by her experiences in Miami, Elise is an interior designer driven by a profound passion for crafting spaces that resonate with the people who move through them. Her journey in design is marked by a commitment to honoring the unique needs and preferences of each client. What fuels her creativity is the dynamic interplay between the clients she works with and the environments she shapes, inspiring her to continuously push boundaries and create spaces that are as functional as they are inspiring.

2015

Molly Katz received a BS in Nursing from University of Holy Cross. She was also the President of the Student Nursing Association.

2016

Amelie Zimmer has joined the Dominican Alumnae Advisory Council.

2018

Anne Zelden is grateful to our Lord for leading her to The Sister Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus Christ Sovereign Priest, a semi-contemplative order with several houses in Europe. United and integrated with the Institute of Christ the Sovereign King Priest and sharing its spirituality, the Sisters have the particular vocation to pray for the sanctification of priests, especially those of the Institute, and to support them in their apostolates.

Congratulations

Special Delivery

WELCOMING A BOY

(A) Amanda Collura Day ’04

(B) Janell Watkins Willis ’04

(C) Ashley Keifer Autrey ’06

(D) Madeline Guillot Schott ’06

(E) Melissa LeBlanc Cross ’09

(F) Kathleen White Moises '10

(G) Madelyn Westholtz Maldonado ’11

(H) Peyton Palermo Uzee ’13

WELCOMING A GIRL

(I) Jennifer Hughes Scorsone ’02

(J) Geralyn Suhor Beler ’03

(K) Lindsay Stewart Huber ’08

(L) Abigail Grace LeGuluche ’08

(M) Veronica Ridgley Rodriguez ’09

Wedding Bells

Elise Karen Glueck '14

James Szeszycki

Our Dearly Departed Sisters

1962 Maude Brown Conley

1962 Ethel Brown Ganucheau

1962 Dianne Crosby Montalbano

1963 Mary Beth Pace Kidder

1963 Nilda Gonzalez Nixon

1963 Joy Spindler Vedros

1964 Sallye Rehberg Haas

1964 Katherine Haydel Hauk

1964 Gwen Gelis Impson

1964 Janice Delery Neumann

1964 Loretta Valenza Roth

1965 Janet Braun Cazaubon

1965 Victoria Noble Weiner

1965 Sandra Christen Whiddon

1967 Jeanette ‘Jeannie’ Ramirez Cashio

1968 Colleen Elizabeth Ryan

1968 Terry Roger Saux

1969 Kathryn “Kathy” Lipps Ferrara

1969 Mary LeBlanc Manriquez

1969 Marie Carr Mundie

1969 Deborah “Debbie” Tossell Steinmetz

1970 Patricia Patty Fulham

1971 Sr. Alice Abate

1972 Cartrecia Chi DiMaggio

Curole Lowrey

1958 Gaynell Lange Reuter

1958 Patricia “Patsy” Collins Smith

1958 Carol Bartels St. Germain

1959 Barbara Murphy Barenis

1960 Gail Blanchard Hemard

1961 Frances Campise Dantin 1961 Musette Mendelson Gonzales

1961 Linda “Linny” Reuther Rabalais

1961 Joyce Nuss Rabel

1961 Melanie Gautreau Zitzmann

1972 Dollye Harrison Mello

1972 Marie-Anne “Marie” Craigie Mulvey

1977 Mary Rooney Nuttli

1980 Bonnie Milligan

1980 Kathleen “Kathy” Moncrief Nastasi

1984 Paula Napolitano Hawkins

1984 Kathryn Kathy Wilbourn

1990 Nijelnia “Nijel” Bieniemy Baron

1994 Dr. Andrea Arnoult Chamberlain

1994 Heather Houin Mebane

2005 Nicole LeBlanc

St. Mary’s Dominican High School

7701 Walmsley Avenue

New Orleans, LA 70125

HISTORY BOOK RELEASE

For Sr. Savio, the joy she experienced penning the history of her alma mater truly was in the journey. She feels blessed that she was able to devote numerous years cataloging the school’s photo archives, cross-checking dates, names, timelines, and writing the history of St. Mary’s Dominican High School. (See article page 64)

Purchase Here

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