the
PawPrint VANDEBILT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL Vandebilt Catholic High School's Newsletter - Winter 2022
FA L L 2 0 2 6
Five Years Later Rebuilding, Remembering, and Moving Forward
ANNUAL REPORT 2025-26 I 1 I
administration Jeremy Gueldner ...................................... President Elise LeBoeuf, Ed.D. '05 ............................ Principal Erica Babin '06 ........................ Dean of Academics Richard Jones ........................ Dean of Student Life
209 South Hollywood Road Houma I Louisiana I 70360 (985) 876-2551
2026-2027 consultative Board
contents 3
School Financials
4
Leadership Giving
5-6
Annual Giving
7
Terrier Tailgate Event Partners
8-9
2026 President's Banquet
Tanner Magee ‘98................................................ Chair James "J.J" Buquet '84 ............................ Vice-Chair Fr. Andre Melancon ’02...............................Chaplain Steve Crispino '84 Jason Dagate '99 Nicholas Hebert '98 Ann Meche '80 Stephanie Prejean '03 Jamie Jo Walker '98 Gary Williams '08
10-11 Five Years Later: Hurricane Ida Tribute 12
Save the Dates
13
Ways to Give
Advancement Team Katie Anderson '02 ................ Director of Communications Katie Blanchard ............................ Assistant to the President Betsy Breerwood .......................... Director of Advancement Mary Ditch '98 ............................................ Director of Alumni Jordan Fazzio ................................. Assistant to Brothers Hall
Stay in touch!
Mission Statement
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To provide students with a holistic education that is rooted in religious values, structured through friendly discipline, nurtured by personal attention, and committed to academic excellence.
CONNECT WITH US @vandebiltcatholichigh
vandebiltcatholic.org
PARTNERS • Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux • Brothers of the Sacred Heart • Marianites of the Holy Cross I 2 I
school financials $8,496,036.94 Total Income
income $
6,548,354.09
Tuition, Registration, and Other Student Fees
$
74,515.61
Interest Income
$
25,135.44
Required Services Reimbursement (Reimbursement by the state for performing state-required services)
$
656,346.46
Cafeteria
$
1,191,685.34
Other School Income: Annual Fund, Terrier Athletic Club, Band Boosters, Mothers Club, Capital Improvement Fee, and Athletic Income
$8,393,273.78 Total Operating and Improvement Expenses
Expenses $
939,006.06
Administrative Expenses: Salaries for Administration & Secretaries, Public Relations, Office Expenses, and Diocesan Administrative Fee
$
3,347,053.37
Instructional Expenses: Salaries for Teachers, Department Expenses (Art,Band,etc), Textbooks, and Other Academic Expenses
$
134,531.09
Transportation
$
633,435.89
Cafeteria
$
981,554.60
Operation/Maintenance of Plant: Custodial Salaries, Subcontracted Services, Utilities, Maintenance of Plant & Equipment, Technology
$
1,931,478.68
Insurance & Benefits: Social Security & TDA Expense, Hospitalization Insurance, Casualty Insurance
$
236,563.46
Co-Curricular Activities, Athletics, and Bookstore
$ Please note: The 2025-2026 surplus is $102,763.16. All surplus resides in co-curricular accounts and are a result of donations directed to specific programs.
189,650.63
Plant & Property Improvement
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letter from the president Dear Vandebilt Catholic Family and Friends, When I think about what makes Vandebilt Catholic special, I think first of the people; the generations of students who have walked our halls, the faculty and staff who have invested in their lives, and the families, alumni, and friends who continue to believe in the mission of this school. At Vandebilt Catholic High School, our mission is rooted in faith, strengthened by family, and expressed through excellence. Each day, we form students not only academically but spiritually, preparing them for lives of faith, service, and purpose. The Annual Fund sustains the Vandebilt Catholic experience. Tuition alone does not cover the true cost of educating each student, and your gifts help close that gap, supporting our faculty and staff, technology, campus safety, faith formation, and the traditions that define our school. We believe stewardship begins with transparency: every gift is used with care and accountability, including financial assistance for families in need. This year's annual report tells two stories that reflect who we are. As we mark five years since Hurricane Ida, we remember the challenges we faced and celebrate the faith, generosity, and resilience that helped us rebuild. We also honor our President's Banquet honorees, whose lives of service and commitment embody the values that have shaped Vandebilt Catholic. Thank you for your continued commitment. Your support ensures we honor our past, strengthen our present, and build a faith-filled future for generations of Terriers. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and prayers. God Bless and Geaux Terriers,
Mr.Jeremy Gueldner
leadership giving
We are so grateful to our leadership donors who make a transformative impact for VCHS students.
Th e Mar i ani te Circl e
b ro the r alfre d so cie ty
$25,000 - $49,000
$5,000 - $9,999
Mr. James '84 and Mrs. Sinclair '84 Buquet James J. Buquet Jr. Foundation
Mr. Edward '73 and Mrs. Cynthia '73 Daigle Mr. Hunt and Mrs. Linda '66 Downer Express Weld Mr. Lee and Mrs. Geri Welch
fath e r vand eb i l t so c iety $10,000 - $24,900 Mr. Kirk '80 and Mrs. Ann '80 Meche
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annual giving Gifts dated 7/1/25 through 6/30/26
the President's Club 2,500–$4,999
$
The Gray Foundation Mr. Edward '80 and Mrs. Allison LaCour Woodmen of the World
the Principal's Club 1,000–$2,499
$
Mr. Shane and Mrs. Melanie Adams Mrs. Mary Belleau Mrs. Angelle Galjour Bergeron Mr. Charles and Mrs. Julia '84 Bourque Mr. Carleton and Mrs. Andree '80 Casey Anonymous Class of 1986 Class of 1995 Anonymous Dr. John Dagate '71 Mr. Mark Delaune
Anonymous Dr. Jake Ellender '10 Anonymous Mr. Morris and Mrs. Sandra Hebert Mr. David Hymel '75 Mr. Minor '86 and Mrs. Jill Pipes Roux For A Reason Anonymous Mr. Robert and Mrs. Alice Schmidt Mrs. Marilyn Sonnier Mrs. Tina Walker '86 Mrs. Shirley Walsh '48 Mr. Damon Woodfork and Dr. Elena Mann
The Alma Mater Club 500– 999
$
$
Mr. Travis and Mrs. Rene David Mrs. Beth Deitchman '75 Mr. Mark '74 and Mrs. Jackie Duthu Mr. Cade Evans '89 Mr. Brian and Mrs. Katie Hebert Mr. Timmy Husband '70
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Anonymous Mrs. Holli Politz '87 Dr. Jeffrey and Dr. Kellin Reynolds Anonymous Mr. Joseph Sonnier '85 Mr. Bill Watkins '74 Anonymous
the Blue and Gold Club 250–$499
$
Mr. Michael '78 and Mrs. Angelique '79 Barker Mr. Dale Benoit Mrs. Rose Brown Mr. Donald and Mrs. Mary Callais Cannata's Family Market Dr. Jay Clune '82 Ms. Laurie Conkerton '79 Anonymous Anonymous Mr. Michael Fitzgerald Mr. Jerome Guidry '66 Dr. Florent Hardy Dr. Scott '87 and Mrs. Sarah Haydel
Mr. Jeffrey '99 and Mrs. Marion '00 Larke Mrs. Mandy LeBlanc Mr. Myron and Mrs. Jean Leboeuf Mrs. Colleen Lewis '73 Mr. Danny and Mrs. Carolyn Lirette Ms. Lindsey Long Mrs. Kim Lukinovich '77 Mr. Chris Terracina Mrs. Jane Voss-Lerille '78 Mr. David '79 and Mrs. Carmen '79 Waitz Mrs. Jan Walker
Terrier Friends 1–$249
$
Mr. Michael Amico '91 Mr. Jeffrey Anderson Mrs. Kelly Anderson '95 Mrs. Erica Babin '06 Mr. Richard Barker '77 Ms. Judy Beeson Mr. Jude and Mrs. Jami '00 Bennett
Mrs. Beth Black '84 Anonymous Mr. Derek and Mrs. Kristy Bollom Mr. Bobby Bond '84 Ms. Andrea Boudreaux '09 Ms. Lauren Bourg '85 Mr. David and Mrs. Joellen Bourgeois Mr. Frank and Mrs. Susan Bourgeois Anonymous Mr. Vernon and Mrs. Jeanne '77 Bourgeois Mrs. Robin Braud '80 Ms. Elizabeth Breerwood Anonymous Mr. Alan Brigoli Mr. Gary and Mrs. Sonda Brown Mr. Donald Calhoun Anonymous Mr. Kip Campbell Mrs. Stacy Campbell Mrs. Katie Champagne '02 Mr. Kurt Charpentier Mr. Larry '79 and Mrs. Leslie '82 Chauvin Mr. Thomas Chauvin '76 Mrs. Clare Cinnater Mr. Daniel Coffman Mr. Jason Dagate '99 Ms. Arlene Dehart '74 Mr. Timothy Detiveaux Ms. Sandra Dill Mrs. Mary Ditch '98 Mr. Ricky Dowell Mr. Andy and Mrs. Darlene Dufrene Mr. James Dugan '87 Mrs. Eydie D’Arcangelo Anonymous Mrs. Marie Eschete Mr. Eddie Evans '67 Anonymous Mr. Robert Farrell '76 Anonymous Anonymous Mr. Edward and Mrs. Linda Fleniken Mr. Ron and Mrs. Jessica Folse Anonymous Mr. Shane Garner '12 Mr. Jonathan Gautreaux '05 Mrs. Amanda Godkin GORCO, Inc. Mr. Hunter Gray '00 Mr. Jeremy and Mrs. Mary Catherine '98 Gueldner Mr. Rudy Guidry Anonymous
Mr. Harvie '87 Hamilton and Mrs. Ginny '91 MedinaHamilton Anonymous Mr. Gordon and Mrs. Toni Hebert Mrs. Kimberly Hebert Mr. Timothy '87 and Mrs. Samantha '88 Heck Mrs. Ashley Heigl Mr. Gary Henley '13 Mrs. Rachel Henning '08 Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Michelle '91 Hoychick Mrs. Michelle Keehn '00 Mr. Robert Kilgo Ms. Elizabeth Kolwe '70 Mr. Michael Lagarde Mr. Edward Lapeyre '84 Mrs. Amanda Lapeyrouse Mr. Brandyn Leboeuf '97 Mr. Douglas and Mrs. Jo Ann LeBoeuf Dr. Elise LeBoeuf '05 Anonymous Mr. Patrick Ledet Ms. Rhonda Ledet '93 Mrs. Julie LeRay '93 Anonymous Mr. Linwood and Mrs. Lori Liner Mr. Avery and Mrs. Iva Lirette Anonymous Mrs. Mary Mann Mrs. Holly Marsh '77 Mrs. Earline Mcelroy '53 Mrs. Hazel McElroy Mrs. Rebecca McNamara Mr. Gerald Michel Mr. Bryan Molaison '78 Mrs. Katherine Mouille '56 Mr. James Mullooly Ms. Carole O'Hara '69 Mr. Douglas and Mrs. Kristi Olivier Mr. Jules '77 and Mrs. Gina '77 Oubre Mr. Hunter Parra '04 Mr. Nicholas and Mrs. Michelle '00 Pellegrin Mr. Ryan '96 and Mrs. Lacie '97 Picou Ms. Kaylee Pitre Mr. Brennan Pizzolato Mr. Charles and Mrs. Rosemary Porche Mr. Christopher '90 and Mrs. Melissa '90 Pulaski Mr. R. J. Hebert Mrs. Alice Ramirez Mrs. Suzanne Reeves '81
Mrs. Catherine Rein '64 Anonymous Ms. Nevelyn Richard '66 Mr. Whitney and Mrs. Annirie Richoux Mrs. Jari Lynn Ring '79 Mr. David Risher Ms. Leona Robichaux Ms. Cicily Robinson '94 Anonymous Mrs. Misty Rosamond Mr. Jeff Routier '90 Mrs. Emma Safley '11 Ms. Amy Savoie '69 Ms. Lynn Schroeder '87 Mr. Colin and Mrs. Renee '92 Seibert Dr. Katherine Sevier '99 Anonymous Mrs. Tammy Songy Mrs. Susan Szush Mahamat Tahir Abakoutou Mrs. Diane Tatje Ms. Cherie Tregre '98 Ms. Julie Trotter Mrs. Gena Truxillo Mr. Luigi and Mrs. Lisa Vegas Mrs. Lanie Victory '02 Mr. Rickey Vining Mrs. Erin Wagner '88 Mrs. Mary Kay Walk Mrs. Nonna Whitney Anonymous Ms. Holli Yandle '93 Anonymous
This report gratefully acknowledges the alumni, parents, grandparents, faculty/ staff, friends, and partners who generously supported Vandebilt Catholic High School in 2025-2026. We deeply appreciate everyone who contributed their time, talents, and resources to our mission. While we strive for accuracy, this list of gifts reported from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, may contain errors or omissions. If your name is missing, please accept our apologies and contact us at (985) 580-1868 to be included in future publications.
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special thanks to the 2025 Terrier Tailgate Event Partners gold Sponsors:
blue Sponsors:
white Sponsors:
Bayou Fire and Sprinkler Blondie Balloon Mark and Kerry Diebold Drunken Rouxsters Freetown Builders Inspired Designs Kirk & Ann Meche La Carreta & Ember Kitchen + Cocktails Romaguera Photography Terrebonne General Health System
Allstate - The Hebert Agency Classic Business Products Clearwater Pools Coastal Safety Gulf Coast Social Services L&M Botruc and Express Weld Lee & Geri Welch Morris P. Hebert, Inc. Onshore Construction OrthoLA Piranha Rentals Rouses Markets Safeworx Safety Solutions, LLC Southern Endodontic Specialists
April & Iris Castagnos Goodwin Utley Engineers L.L.C. DDG Farm Bureau Insurance - Jacob Rhodes Landry Magee Law Firm M & L Industries, LLC MORRISON Oral-Facial Surgery Center South Louisiana Bank Synergy Bank Sysco Trapp Cadillac Chevrolet Volute Inc. Waitz & Downer
auction donors: AG Designs Anonymous Artistic Embroidery Ashton Rose Designs Balfour Coach Hal Bauland '82 Blessed Beads Full of Grace by Kacey DeRoche Kellie Scott Brunet '92 BSN Sports CKSM Rentals / Mark & Kerry Diebold Community Coffee Cristiano Ristorante Crown Marketing Crumbl Cookies Bradley DeRoche Keely & Kerry Diebold Mark & Kerry Diebold Dominique's Bistro Ember Kitchen + Cocktails Extraordinaire Beauty & Gift Salon - Dawn Jarveaux Scott and Sarah Haydel Jake's School Uniforms Jani King of South Louisiana Just Be La Carreta LAMAR Advertising of Houma
Isabella Landry Lil Sweet Pea's Boutique Liner Laser Specialties, LLC Nick J. Hebert Designs Nothing Bundt Cake Off the Hook Oil States Industries Outside and In Peppers Pizzeria of Houma Coach Kevin Ramirez Riley John's Blue Boot Foundation Mr. George and Mrs. Ann Robichaux Laurie Robichaux '84 Romaguera Photography Rome Boutique Rouses Markets Sarah K Kreations SLMA Skin Bar St. Bernadette School Sysco The Celestine - Robert LeBlanc '95 The Chloe - Robert LeBlanc '95 The Vane Studio VCHS 4-H VCHS Alumni VCHS Bass Fishing Team VCHS Baseball Team & Coach Chad Menard VCHS BETA VCHS Big Brother / Big Sister
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VCHS Bowling Team VCHS Boys Basketball VCHS Boys Soccer VCHS Bridge Team VCHS Campus Ministry VCHS Cheer VCHS Choir VCHS Class of 2026 VCHS Cross Country Team VCHS Dawghouse Spirit Shop VCHS Football Team VCHS Girls & Boys Golf Teams VCHS Girls Basketball VCHS Girls Soccer Team VCHS H.O.P.E. Buddies VCHS Men of Christ VCHS Mothers' Club VCHS Powerlifting VCHS Pro-Life Club VCHS Regiment VCHS SGA VCHS Sisters in Christ VCHS STEM Club VCHS Stitchers Club VCHS Swim Team VCHS Tennis Team & Coach Scott Rhodes VCHS Volleyball Team VCHS Wrestling Team VCHS Yearbook Staff & Photography Club Vintage Vanity on behalf of VCHS Track & Field
2026
president's banquet
On Friday, May 29, Vandebilt Catholic High School hosted the sixth annual President’s Banquet in the Kolb center on campus. Jeremy Gueldner, VCHS president, presented awards for Distinguished Service and Hall of Fame. Mary Ditch '98, VCHS Alumni Director presented the award for Alumna of the Year. Guests included VCHS administration and faculty, Diocesan officials, family, friends, supporters, and past Alumni of the Year and Hall of Fame inductees.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
MR. PATRICK “PAT ” FLOOD
Pat Flood moved to Houma in 2007 while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. During his distinguished 25-year military career, he served around the world before retiring in 2014. While stationed at Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Houma, he organized the annual Coast Guard Golf Tournament benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project. Pat and his wife, Angel, also a retired Coast Guard member, chose Houma to raise their family. Their daughters, Ainsley ’23 and Dorothy ’24, are Vandebilt Catholic graduates. Pat has remained committed to serving his community through youth sports and his involvement with the Terrier Athletic Club since 2021. He generously volunteers at the TAC Alumni Softball and Golf Tournaments, continuing to support Vandebilt Catholic athletics and student development even after his daughters’ graduation. His dedication to country, community, family, and Vandebilt Catholic exemplifies a true spirit of service.
AlumnA of the YEAR
MS. GAYLE MOORE WESTLEY '69 A proud member of the Vandebilt Catholic Class of 1969, Ms. Gayle Moore Westley has dedicated more than five decades to faith, education, service, and the advancement of students throughout Terrebonne Parish. Raised in the faith community of St. Lucy Catholic Church, Gayle developed a lifelong commitment to service, serving her parish in numerous ministries. She continued her education at Xavier University of Louisiana, earning a degree in Secondary Education and Social Studies, and later pursued graduate studies at Nicholls State University. Gayle recently completed her 51st year in education, inspiring generations of students through her passion for American history and social studies. Her distinguished career includes teaching at schools throughout Terrebonne Parish, leadership with the Terrebonne Council of Social Studies, and numerous honors, including being named a Top Five Finalist for Louisiana State Teacher of the Year and receiving multiple Teacher of the Year recognitions. Beyond the classroom, Gayle has championed local history, culture, and community outreach. Her unwavering faith, servant leadership, and lifelong dedication to education have left a lasting legacy throughout South Louisiana and make her a truly deserving Alumna of the Year.
call for
Nominations
2027 Vandebilt Catholic Hall of Fame and Alumnus of the Year Nominations due by February 26, 2027.
HALL OF FAME
ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR
Full descriptions of each award and complete biographies of this year's honorees can be found at vandebiltcatholic.org.
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hall of fame inductees MR. RICHARD H. BARKER III '53 A proud graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School, Class of 1953, Richard “Dickie” H. Barker III has dedicated his life to business, community leadership, and Catholic education in Terrebonne Parish. Dickie began his career in the automotive industry in 1955 with Terrebonne Ford and went on to build a successful family of dealerships through Barker Auto Group. His leadership has extended well beyond business, including service with local banks, the Nicholls State University Foundation, Louisiana Dealer Services, and numerous civic organizations. Faith, family, and Catholic education have remained central to Dickie’s life. Eight of his children attended Vandebilt Catholic, and his family’s Terrier legacy continues through his grandchildren and great-grandchild. A longtime supporter of the Terrier Athletic Club, Dickie has generously volunteered his time and resources to countless school events, fundraisers, and athletic programs. His lifelong commitment to Vandebilt Catholic and the Terrebonne Parish community reflects a legacy of generosity, leadership, and service.
MR. KURT FAKIER '76
A proud member of the Vandebilt Catholic Class of 1976, Kurt Fakier has spent decades giving back to his alma mater and the Houma community. Since beginning his service as a Vandebilt Catholic softball coach in 1995, Kurt has become a beloved fixture of Terrier athletics, serving as a coach, mentor, announcer, supporter, and ambassador.
Known as the “Voice of the Terriers,” Kurt has brought energy and enthusiasm to countless volleyball and basketball games, helping create memorable experiences and fostering pride throughout the Terrier community. He has also been a dedicated member of the Terrier Athletic Club for more than 30 years, generously volunteering his time to support athletics and fundraising efforts. A respected local business leader, Kurt has owned and operated Louisiana Paint and Supply and Houma Paint and Industrial Supply since 1985. Above all, Kurt’s lifelong dedication to Vandebilt Catholic is rooted in family, faith, and an unwavering Terrier spirit. His impact continues to be felt by generations of students, athletes, families, and alumni.
THE LATE MRS. JANICE CHAUVIN PARR A '53
A 1953 graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School, Janice Ann Chauvin Parra lived a life rooted in faith, family, service, and community. After studying laboratory technique in St. Louis, she returned to Houma to serve as a lab technician and medical assistant, reflecting the compassion that defined her life. Janice’s Catholic faith was the foundation of her family and her service. A devoted parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, she instilled a deep love of prayer and Christian values in her children and grandchildren, becoming a beloved “prayer warrior” for generations of family and friends Janice also made a lasting impact on Vandebilt Catholic. In 1972, she helped establish the Vandebilt Catholic Autumn Festival and served as its first chairperson, leading the beloved tradition for more than a decade. She also served on the St. Francis de Sales and Vandebilt Catholic School Boards. Remembered as “Miggy” by her grandchildren, Janice’s legacy of faith, generosity, and love continues through the many lives she touched.
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Five Years Later:
Rebuilding, Remembering, and Moving Forward Five years ago, on August 29, 2021, Hurricane Ida made landfall near Port Fourchon as a Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching 150 mph. In a matter of hours, the storm forever changed our community. The impact of Ida was felt throughout Terrebonne Parish and across South Louisiana. Homes were damaged or destroyed. Businesses were forced to close. Families spent weeks without electricity and water. And here at Vandebilt Catholic, our campus suffered extensive damage that would shape the next several years of our school’s story. In the days following the storm, the images were difficult to see. Roofs had been torn open. Windows were shattered or damaged. Water had entered classrooms, offices, the gyms and other campus facilities. The main school building sustained significant damage, while athletic facilities, fencing, signage and other structures across campus were also affected. But even in those first difficult days, something else was evident: our community was going to come together. The clean-up process began soon after the storm with help from both hired professional crews, along with parents, students and faculty who were more than willing to rake leaves and pick up shingles, fallen tree branches and debris. Everyone played a part in helping our campus begin the long process of recovery. For several weeks, our students learned away from home, sharing the E.D. White campus in Thibodaux through a platooning schedule. On November 8, 2021, after weeks of work to make the campus safe and functional, our students finally returned home. Returning to campus was an important milestone, but it was only the beginning. In the year following Ida, the recovery process was often measured in what remained unfinished: concrete floors, boarded windows, bare walls and spaces that were still waiting to be restored.
and the sheer scope of the recovery across the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Yet, year by year, project by project, Vandebilt Catholic continued moving forward. And today, five years after Ida, the story looks very different.
At an October 2022 Information Night, school and diocesan leaders shared the scope of the damage and outlined the complicated FEMA-driven process required to rebuild. The recovery would move through assessment, design, approval, bidding and construction.
The recovery from Hurricane Ida ultimately became about more than repairing what had been damaged. It became an opportunity to re-imagine what our campus could be.
At the time, the hope was that the work could be completed as early as January 2024. But as anyone who has experienced a disaster knows, rebuilding rarely happens according to a perfect timeline. The process took longer than originally anticipated. There were challenges with materials, contractors, approvals
Through the rebuilding process, Vandebilt Catholic has invested more than $20 million into our campus. New and renovated spaces now include the Academic Excellence Center, main school office complex, Chemistry and STEM labs, Digital Media Center, Counseling and SOAR Resource Center, Tunney Gymnasium, Kolb Center and the newly dedicated Richard “Dickie” Barker Student Union.
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Major infrastructure improvements, including a new HVAC system and impact-resistant doors and windows, have strengthened our campus for the future. What began as a response to devastation became an opportunity to create spaces that better serve our students, faculty and families for generations to come. While so much has been accomplished over the past five years, the recovery is not quite complete.
restoration represents one of the final pieces of our journey home. Rebuilding these facilities is expected to be completed by fall 2027 and their return will mark more than the completion of two construction projects. It will represent the closing of a chapter that began with a devastating storm five years earlier and the continued investment in a campus designed to serve future generations of Terriers.
Families helped one another. Parents showed up to clean. Faculty and staff worked wherever they were needed. Students adapted to learning in a different place. Alumni, friends, supporters and community partners stepped forward to help our school recover. There were difficult days. There were setbacks and moments when the finish line seemed far away. But through it all, the Vandebilt Catholic family continued to move forward together.
Of course, buildings tell only part of the story.
Today, five years after Ida, we can walk Two campus buildings—the football through a campus that looks fieldhouse and Brothers Hall—were The most lasting legacy of Hurricane Ida dramatically different from the one the condemned following Hurricane Ida may be what it revealed about the storm left behind. We can see new and remain part of the final phase of the people who make up the Vandebilt classrooms, renovated facilities and rebuilding process. These spaces have Catholic community. stronger infrastructure. We can see long been an important part of the students learning, competing, creating, Vandebilt Catholic experience, and their praying and growing in spaces that were once damaged by a storm. And while there is still work to be done, the path forward is clear. Hurricane Ida changed Vandebilt Catholic. It changed our campus. It changed our community. But it also reminded us of who we are. Faith. Family. Excellence. Five years later, we remember the storm. We remember the challenges. We remember the people who helped us through them. And most importantly, we celebrate how far we have come and look ahead to the completion of our rebuilding journey and all that is still to come.
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investing in
EXPANDING CURRICULUM DIVERSITY PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE
our future
Our curriculum has grown to reflect the needs of our community and the demands of tomorrow's workforce. In 2024, we introduced three innovative courses that connect students directly to local industries, giving them a head start in real-world careers.
OUR ANNUAL GIVING GOAL IS TO RAISE
$
400,000
DRONE CLASS Students can earn an FAA certification and are prepared for careers in growing industry fields.
To Strengthen Student Success and Ensure Institutional Sustainability EACH YEAR At VCHS, we believe that exceptional education is about more than just academics—it’s about providing our students with the support, tools, and experiences they need to thrive. With the help of our dedicated community, we are committed to giving every student the best possible foundation for lifelong success. This year, we are seeking to raise $500,000 to support strategic initiatives that ensure our students excel academically, emotionally, and physically, while safeguarding the sustainability of our school for years to come.
how you
BASIC MACHINE COURSE In partnership with K+B Machines, this class introduces students to manufacturing.
$
can help
PROJECT LEAD THE WAY Our state-of-the-art STEM lab offers students hands-on experience in 3D printing and design. They learn to take concepts from idea to creation.
CASH
CHECKS
ONLINE GIVING Visit vandebiltcatholic.org and click "DONATE"
Your generosity will allow us to meet the needs of today while repairing for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
CREDIT CARDS Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express
Thank you for believing in our mission and being a part of our journey.
Together we can
STOCKS, BONDS, MUTUAL FUNDS & OTHER APPRECIATED SECURITIES
SUPPORT EVERY STUDENT'S ACADEMIC AND EMOTIONAL JOURNEY
PREPARE STUDENTS FOR CAREERS THAT DRIVE OUR LOCAL ECONOMY
EMPLOYER MATCHING GIFT
ATTRACT AND RETAIN OUTSTANDING TEACHERS WHO INSPIRE
MANAGE RISING COSTS TO KEEP VCHS STRONG AND SUSTAINABLE
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VANDEBILT CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 209 South Hollywood Road Houma I Louisiana I 70360 (985) 876-2551
Stay in touch!
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vandebiltcatholic.org CONNECT WITH US @vandebiltcatholichigh
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