St. Mary’s Dominican High School juniors who received Book Awards are, Row 1 (from left): Katherine Mazzanti, Margaret Latham, Haley Williams, Madelyn DeRamus, Olivia Singleton, Vivian Palmer, and Alexandra Minnard. Row 2: Anne Alexander, Indya Taylor, Elena Bateman, Ahjah Yunusah, Anne D’Armond, Cecelia Zimmermann, and Rebecca Triche. Row 3: Anaise Thomas, Camille Scandurro, Julia Cazabon, Chloe Nguyen, Olivia Whitcomb, Alexandra Chauvin, and Elise Cresson. Not Pictured: Patricia Kelly Jackson, Rose Doskey, Saheba Cuccia, Dina Alawamleh, Kathleen Brechtel, Ashley Patron, and Isabela Tablan.

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

Brandeis University – Katherine Mazzanti; Bryn Mawr – Margaret Latham; Chatham University – Haley Williams; Colorado School of Mines – Patricia Kelly Jackson; Dartmouth – Madelyn DeRamus; Denison University – Olivia Singleton; George Washington – Vivian Palmer; Harvard – Rose Doskey; Johns Hopkins – Anne Alexander and Alexandra Minnard; Kenyon College – Indya Taylor; Mount Holyoke – Elena Bateman; Randolph College – Ahjah Yunusah; Rensselaer Polytechnic – Anne D’Armond; Rochester Institute of Technology – Kathleen Brechtel and Saheba Cuccia; Sewanee Book Award for Excellence in Writing – Ashley Patron; St. Anselm’s – Anne D’Armond; St. Lawrence University – Cecelia Zimmermann; St. Michael’s College – Rebecca Triche; Stonehill College – Camille Scandurro; Tulane University – Patricia Kelly Jackson; University of Chicago – Anaise Thomas; University of Rochester: Bausch and Lomb – Cecelia Zimmermann; Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Leaders Award – Haley Williams; Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology – Julia Cazabon; George Eastman Young Leaders Award – Ahjah Yunusah; Villanova – Isabela Tablan; Washington College Leadership and Community Service – Alexandra Minnard; Washington College Academic Achievement – Chloe Nguyen; Washington and Lee – Chloe Whitcomb; Wesleyan University – Alexandra Chauvin; William and Mary Leadership Award – Dina Alawamleh; Williams College – Elise Cresson.

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Fr. Scott O’Brien, O.P., the former Novice Master and currently the Vicar Provincial and Bro. Carlos Salas, visited Dominican where they met with President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas, Guidance Counselor Bro. Roger Shondel, O.P.,  and Jill Cabes, Vice President of Dominican Catholic Identity.

Bro. Carlos Salas, a Novice for the Southern Dominican Province of St. Martin de Porres who is making his Novitiate at St. Dominic Priory in Denver, Colorado, was visiting the various apostolates where the Southern Dominican Friars minister in New Orleans. In addition to St. Mary’s Dominican High School, the Dominican Friars minister at St. Dominic Parish, St. Anthony Parish, Archbishop Hannan High School, Xavier University, Notre Dame Seminary, Archdiocese of New Orleans Hispanic Apostolate, Archdiocese of New Orleans Office of Evangelization, Ochsner Foundation Hospital, St. Joseph’s Seminary College, Tulane University’s Center for Catholic Life, Provincial Office of St. Martin de Porres Province, and elderly Friars in residence at Our Lady of Wisdom Health Care Center. There are 25 Dominican Friars ministering in the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Fr. Scott O’Brien, O.P, Jill Cabes (Vice President of Dominican Catholic Identity), Bro. Carlos Salas, Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas (President), and Bro. Roger Shondel, O.P. (Guidance Counselor).

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At the annual Youth Leadership Celebration and Awards presentation held at St. Louis Cathedral, 14 Dominican students were among the honorees recognized for their commitment to their parishes in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. There were 39 parish youth ministries represented, with 102 teenagers receiving Outstanding Parish Youth Awards. The national St. Timothy Award for leadership, at both the parish and archdiocesan levels, was presented to 15 high school students.

Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond said, “It is always encouraging to witness the joy with which these young women and men share their faith with their families and friends. It gives me great hope for our Church!”

Abby Hassinger received the Matt Hill Award, given annually by the Catholic Youth & Young Adult Ministry Office of the Archdiocese of New Orleans to a young man and a young woman who have excelled in the Catholic Youth & Young Adult Ministry Athletic Leagues and also exhibited leadership qualities and a desire to serve others. Described as more than simply an athletic award, the young people who are honored are well-rounded members of their church parishes who witness to the gospel by their lives.

Among the Outstanding Youth Award honorees were Halle Briede, Saheba Cuccia, Shannon Daly, Alexis Daugherty, Rose Doskey, Abby Hassinger, Chloe Lemoine, Morgan Muscarello, Emily Piglia, and Meghan Rotolo. The award recognizes the honorees’ leadership and service in their Church parish.  

Halle Briede, Emma Duckworth and Lucy Hood were among the recipients of The St. Timothy Award, the highest award the Archdiocese of New Orleans can bestow upon a young person. The national award recognizes, on a diocesan level, outstanding youth who exemplify Christian service, Catholic leadership, and good moral standards. The youth who receive this award are not only outstanding in their church parish, but also in the larger archdiocesan community. These individuals have displayed high ideals and have grown spiritually while offering their time and talents in the service of the church parish and the community at large.

Read the Clarion Herald article here >>>

15 teens are named St. Timothy Award recipients

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St. Mary’s Dominican High School awarded school scholarships to 20 current seventh graders based on the students’ academic records and their performance on the High School Placement Test. The scholarships were presented during the May 12 scholarship ceremony held on Dominican’s campus.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School Scholarship recipients: Seated (from left): Brooke Babin, Isabella Bagnetto, Amelia Bernard, Madelaine Brown, Katherine Ellis, Amelia Haab, Katherine Harper, and Bailey Johnson. Standing: Madeline Kerber, Lily Martory, Roma McAlear, Logan Meredith, Monica Muscarello, Christina Rareshide, Charlotte Raymond, Abi Scanlan, Lillian Stricker, and Emma Zhou. Not pictured: Katherine Gomez and Annette Haynie.

Recipients, their current schools and scholarships awarded:

Brooke Babin, St. Dominic School, Siena Endowed Scholarship;

Isabella Bagnetto, Kehoe-France School, Ruth U. Fertel Endowed Scholarship;

Amelia Bernard, St. Dominic School, Drs. Jewell (Lozes) and Richard Wunderlich Endowed Scholarship;

Madelaine Brown, Academy of the Sacred Heart, Denise Galatoire Schoen Endowed Scholarship;

Katherine Ellis, Christian Brothers School, Veritas Endowed Scholarship;

Katherine Gomez, Lake Castle School, Von Wolff I Endowed Scholarship;

Amelia Haab, Kehoe-France School, Von Wolff I Endowed Scholarship;

Katherine Harper, St. Catherine of Siena School, The Class of 1957 Endowed Scholarship;

Annette Haynie, George Washington Middle School, Dorothy D. Porter I Endowed Scholarship;

Bailey Johnson, St. Catherine of Siena School, Lolita Fernandez de la Reguera Pittman Endowed Scholarship;

Madeline Kerber, St. Catherine of Siena School, The Father Jean Marie Germain Tuition Endowed Scholarship;

Lily Martory, St. Andrew the Apostle School, Vivian Agnes Chasez Coney Memorial Endowed Scholarship;

Roma McAlear, St. Paul’s Episcopal School, Gauthier Endowed Scholarship;

Logan Meredith, St. Edward the Confessor School, Carol Lohfink Drawe Scholarship;

Monica Muscarello, St. Christopher School, Alumnae Association Endowed Scholarship and Glenn Mary Garitty Gandolfi Scholarship;

Christina Rareshide, Holy Name of Jesus School, Carol Lohfink Drawe Scholarship;

Charlotte Raymond, Trinity Episcopal School, Joan Frischhertz Mascaro Endowed Scholarship;

Abi Scanlan, L.W. Ruppel Academy, Karen Graffagnini Favret ’62 Endowed Scholarship;

Lillian Stricker, St. Rita School, Kathleen Lier Endowed Scholarship;

Emma Zhou, Kehoe-France School, Sr. Waldia Warden, O.P. Endowed Scholarship.

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Lou Reilly Awards

The Lou Reilly Award is presented in memory of a wonderful Dominican graduate. For many years she had 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 this athlete. The final decision is left to the discretion of the coaches.

TENNIS: Amelia Vallette

JV SOFTBALL: Tatum Miller

VARSITY SOFTBALL: Bella Brocato

TRACK & FIELD: Alexandra Rosenbohm

GOLF: Rene Bourdais

8TH GRADE SOFTBALL: Abigail Gaubert*

8TH GRADE TRACK & FIELD: Alaina Becnel

*not pictured

Louisiana High School Athletic Association All-Academic Scholar

Presented for outstanding academic achievement by maintaining a cumulative Grade-Point Average of 3.5000 or higher during their academic career while participating in varsity high school athletics.

Cole Pittman, Softball

Amelia Vallette, Tennis

Caroline Hensley, Golf

Renee Breaux, Track & Field

Emily Johnson, Track & Field

Marcelle Lafranca, Track & Field*

Elise Peyroux, Track & Field

Abby Slattery, Track & Field

*not pictured

End of the Year Awards

Dominicanite Award

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

Caroline Hensley

Scholastic Award

This award is presented to the senior who has participated in at least 2 varsity sports each year and has the highest cumulative GPA.

Caroline Hensley

Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award

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

Cole Pittman

Lolita Fernandez de la Reguera Pittman Award

Mrs. Lee Fernandez de la Reguera Pittman ’51 has demonstrated extraordinary support of Dominican’s Athletic Program. From her own participation in Dominican athletics as a member of the State Championship Basketball Team of 1951, to her present day game attendance and her extraordinary financial support of the athletic program, Mrs. Pittman’s dedication and commitment to Dominican exemplifies the highest level of Dominican team spirit. 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.

Payton Nunez

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This week, Dominican personnel enjoyed food, fun and wellness, compliments of the Dominican Alumnae Board and Association in appreciation of faculty and staff for all they do, each and every day, to make St. Mary’s Dominican a wonderful place.

• Monday featured breakfast, (compliments of Stephanie Douglass McGehee ’00 and owner of Blue Line Sandwich Company, 2023 Metairie Road), and festive décor, (compliments of hostess Katherine M. Johnson ’01).
• Tuesday’s lunch of delicious pizza was compliments of Alexis Arcemont ’10 and owner of Mo’s Pizza (1112 Avenue H, Westwego).
• Wednesday kicked off with specialty coffee, (compliments of Shannon Rodi Nash ’85, Re/Max Associates, and Jeanne Guilbault Zinsel ’86, owner of Royal Blend Coffee and Tea House, 204 Metairie Road), followed by healthy snacks, (compliments of Shelley Mateu Cesulka ’92), and an afternoon stress-free break with mini chair massage, (compliments of Allied Chiropractic).
• Thursday’s hostess was Nancy Miller Glueck ’84. In the morning, there was assortment of baked goods (compliments of Yvonne Calvo ’82 and Marley Bankston Belou ’05), and CoolBrew (compliments of Danielle Boyce Batten ’89, Chief Marketing Officer, New Orleans Coffee Co., Inc.). There were fresh fruit and nuts through the early afternoon, (compliments of the Dominican Rosary Ladies); and mini chair massage.
• Friday was sweetened with a cornucopia of chocolates, (compliments of Jennifer Rosiere Bordes ’00, parent and owner of Lolli’s Chocolates, 1827 Hickory Avenue, River Ridge), and Bundtini’s, (compliments of Lee Pittman ’51, Janet Gaudet Emig ’78, Vallerie Maurice ’78, and Jessica Patrick Esteve ’99).

PHOTO GALLERY

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District Literary Rally Competition

22 St. Mary’s Dominican High School students placed in the following categories at District Literary Rally Competition at Southeastern Louisiana University:

English

English I: Mia DeGiovanni, 4th; Jane Bickerton, 3rd

English II: Sophia Law, 1st

English IV: Julia Cazabon, 2nd

Foreign Language

French I: Sara Landry, 2nd

French II: Adelaide Madary, 1st

Spanish I: Caroline Blais, 2nd

Math

Algebra I: Mauve Storm, 4th

Geometry: Sydney Raymond, 2nd

Advanced Math-Pre Calculus: Anne D’Armond, 2nd; Camille Scandurro, 3rd

Calculus: Lillian Cerise, 1st

Science

Biology I: Madison Ferguson, 3rd

Biology II: Eugenie Rodrigue, 3rd

Chemistry: Anaise Thomas, 4th

Physical Science: Lucy Perschall, 1st

Social Studies

World Geography: Elizabeth Mobley, 2nd

World History: Catherine Bickerton, 2nd

US History: Katherine Mazzanti, 3rd

Civics: Nia Smith, 2nd; Renee Breaux, 3rd

State Rally Competition

In State Rally Competition, over a quarter of a million Louisiana high school students participated in 10 District rallies held throughout the state with over 5,000 district winners advancing to State Rally at Louisiana State University. Dominican students received honors in First, Second or Fourth places in 12 different subject areas. 

Overall Winners

Anne D’Armond, Advanced Math: Pre-Calculus

Lillian Cerise, Calculus I

First Place

Anne D’Armond, Advanced Math: Pre-Calculus

Lillian Cerise, Calculus I

Anaise Thomas, Chemistry

Adelaide Madary, French II

Sydney Raymond, Geometry

Jasmine Ferrier, Latin I

Anna Fayard, Latin II

Elizabeth Mobley, World Geography

Second Place

Maeve Storm, Algebra I

Brooklyn Comeaux, Journalism

Caroline Blais, Spanish I

Fourth Place

Sophia Law, English II

Open Foreign Language

French II Interpretive Reading: Kennedy Payne, Good

French II Extemporaneous Speaking: Catalina Torres, Good

French III Extemporaneous Speaking: Emilie Wensel, Good

French III:  Interpretive Reading: Sydney Raymond, Excellent

Spanish III: Extemporaneous Speaking: Vivian Liu, Excellent

Music Events

Girls Vocal Solo High Voice: Molly Gaffney and Elise Bourg, Superior                       

Girls Vocal Solo Low Voice: Annie Smith and Elise Karcher, Superior

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French Awards

Students in French I Honors, French II Honors, and French III Honors participated in the National French Contest, Le Grand Concours.

French I Honors

Gold – Adelaide Madary

Silver – Catalina Torres

Honorable Mention – Rebekah Haase, Rebecca Koenig, Olivia Olson, Caroline Ondrusek, Kennedy Payne, Mia Pettit, and Natalie Queyrouze.

French III Honors

Gold – Sydney Raymond

Silver – Emilie Wensel

Jessica Wallesverd received Les Prix d’Excellence de L’Union Francaise Plaque for exceptional achievement in the French language by a student who exhibits and enthusiasm for the language and culture.

National Latin Exams

Latin I

Cum Laude – Elise Detiller and Lucy Perschall

Magna Cum Laude – Olivia Cassreino

Silver Maxima Cum Laude – Ada Holmes, Elizabeth Mobley, Kaylie Nguyen, and Maeve Storm.

Gold Summa Cum Laude – Jane Bickerton, Jenna Thomas, and Jasmine Ferrier

Latin II

Cum Laude – Sophie Ross and Emily Adams

Magna Cum Laude – Emily Broussard, Anna Fayard, Lucy Hansen, Emely Hemelt, Shelby Jackson, Alysa Lagarde, and Jenna Pertuit

Silver Maxima Cum Laude – Audrey Wild

Gold Summa Cum Laude – Emily Dominique

Latin III

Cum Laude – Tessa Paul

Magna Cum Laude – Catherine Bickerton, Meagan Morici, and Irene Yu

Silver Maxima Cum Laude – Elise Bourg and Brooke Boyd

Latin Prose IV

Cum Laude – Julia Cazabon and Margaret Latham

Magna Cum Laude – Elise Cresson

Summa Cum Laude –  Rose Doskey, Anne D’Armond, and Camille Scandurro

Latin V

Magna Cum Laude – Lillian Cerise

Camille Scandurro received a book in recognition of four gold medals on the National Latin Exam.

The Classical Association of the Middle West & South (CAMWS) recognized Anne D’Armond as recipient of the CAMWS Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in Classical Studies. 

National Spanish Exams

Spanish I

Silver: Madeline Asacani, Caroline Blais, Betsy Cao, Erin Kramer, and Marisol Torres

Bronze: Jane Bostick, Ellen Daly, Caroline Lavie, Clare Sanders, Claire Shraberg, and Chloe Tufts

Honors: Haneen Awadallah, Mia Digiovanni, Corine Lobell, and Reilly Macicek

Spanish II       

Silver: Madison Ferguson, Sophia Forest, and Sophia Law

Bronze: Grace Hamblin and Sara Medina

Honors: Lisee Borrouso, Sophia Cao, Reese Dawson, Isabella Icamina, Alexandra Minnard, Mackenzie Paradis, and Abigail Perez

Spanish III   

Silver: Lyndsey Jones, Vivian Liu, and Paige Wilson      

Bronze: Olivia Higgins

Honors: Sophia Barros-Casanova and Zoe Hunter

Spanish AP

Gabrielle Duhe, Elena Bateman, Lorissa Gallardo, and Tai Sutherland

Sociedad Espanola, Jose Luis Banos Award was presented to Lorissa Gallardo for excellence in the Spanish Language. 

Victoria Liu received the 2018 Joseph Adams Senior Scholarship from the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (SHH), an honor society for high school students studying Spanish, for her dedication to the study of Spanish and excellent skills in the language. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to only 60 students from over 2,400 chapters across the United States. Students become eligible by being an inducted member of SHH and then by submitting samples of their written and oral work in Spanish to a selection committee appointed by the American Association of Teaches of Spanish and Portuguese (AATPS).              

Southeastern Louisiana University 36th annual Foreign Language Festival

Sophia Barros-Casanova, First Place, Spanish Native Speaker Translation

Victoria Duhe, Third Place, Extemporaneous Speaking, Spanish I

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St. Mary’s Dominican High School saluted students for achievements in academics and service at the end of the school year Academic Honor Day.  Student award recognition included District Rally, State Rally, Louisiana Music Educators Association, National French Contest, National Latin Awards, and National Spanish Examinations. A Salute to Seniors presentation recognized seniors in the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Tri-M, Language Honor Societies, and also Advanced Placements, National Merit Recognition, Honor Graduates, and colleges and universities acceptances.

St. Mary’s Dominican College Corporation Scholarship

Caroline Bickerton received the St. Mary’s Dominican College Corporation Scholarship, presented by Sr. M. Dominic Savio Estorge, O.P.  The annual scholarship is given in memory of the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary who established, maintained and supported both St. Mary’s Dominican College and St. Mary’s Dominican High School. Graduating seniors who have been accepted and are attending a Catholic college or university have the opportunity to apply for the scholarship.

Knights of Columbus Award

Cole Pittman received the Knights of Columbus Award, given to the senior who has displayed the principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism and in doing so has displayed the highest degree of citizenship by helping others especially those less fortunate.

Jay H. Banks District B City Council Citizenship Award

The Jay H. Banks District B City Council Citizenship Award for excellence in education and outstanding service was awarded to seniors (from left) Rebecca Koenig (left) and Kristen Larche, with Principal Carolyn Favre.

St. Mary’s Dominican Service Award

In their years at Dominican, the Class of 2018 completed 31,993 hours of service. Forty-nine students earned the St. Mary’s Dominican Service Award by performing over 200 hours. Students who completed more than 500 hours of service were Jolie Pugh (676 hours), Brooke Loupe (522 hours), Caroline Hensley (520 hours, Abigail Haydel (512 hours), and Caroline Troendle (510 hours). 

Dominican Principal Carolyn Favre (fourth from left), with Jolie Pugh, Brooke Loupe, Caroline Hensley, Caroline Troendle, and Abigail Haydel.

Louisiana Students of the Year Award

Dr. RaeNell Houston, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for Archdiocese of New Orleans, presented an award to Lillian Cerise, 12th Grader of the Year New Orleans Archdiocese Nominee for Louisiana Students of the Year Awards Program. Molly Stavinoha was recognized as Dominican’s 8th Grader nominee.

Other awards included:

E-Board

The 2017-2018 Executive Board (E-Board) officers Cole Pittman (Vice President), Katherine Mouton (Secretary), and Tia Peck (Treasurer) received E-Board medals in recognition of their outstanding leadership and service.

Dominican Principal Carolyn Favre with (from left) Tia Peck, Katie Mouton, and Cole Pittman.

Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) Awards

Elise Bourg – Certificate, Choir; Molly Gaffney – Silver, Orchestra; Lillian Cerise – Bronze, Orchestra; who received the LMEA All State Band-Choir-Jazz-Orchestra Academic Honors Award.

Alumnae Association Induction

Members of the Class of 2018 were inducted into the school’s Alumnae Association. Several alumnae presented each senior with a commemorative rosary as a symbol of sharing the Dominican legacy from one generation to the next. The rosaries were designed and made by Becky Bellows Crawford, Class of 1986.

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The Class of 2018 gifted to St. Mary’s Dominican High a Japanese Blueberry tree that graces the campus quad. The tree, whose flowers have dangling petals, will offer year-round color, producing leaves of green, bronze and bright red.

Planted in front of the Gayle and Tom Benson Science and Technology Complex, the tree was donated by parent Lee Stansberry of Bayou Tree Service whose three daughters are alumnae – Mackenzie (’18), Taylor (’17) and Madison (’15). The Class of 2018 raised funds toward a commemorative plaque.

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One-hundred eighty-three students received diplomas from St. Mary’s Dominican High School during the May 19 graduation ceremony held at 10:00 a.m. on campus. Sr. Suzanne Brauer, O.P., Delegate for the Corporation Member of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, delivered the opening prayer. Mrs. Wendy Grubb, Chair of the Guidance Department, presented graduates. President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas and Vice President, Principal Mrs. Carolyn Favre awarded the diplomas.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School Class of 2018 received numerous honors and awards. In the class, 85 students merited the distinction of honor graduate, earning GPAs of 3.5 or higher. One of the highest academic honors a high school student can receive is National Merit recognition for outstanding academic ability as determined by the student’s scores on the PSAT administered in October of her junior year. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognized seven students this year. The National Merit Scholarship Program named, Audrey Gail Buck and Rebecca Elizabeth D’Antonio, Commended Students. Caroline Francis Bickerton, Lillian Adele Cerise, Emma Margaret Duckworth, Annie McManus Smith, and Abigail Karen Bridgen Webb and were recognized as 2018 National Merit Finalists.

As of May 15, graduates earned admission into 107 different colleges and universities throughout the country. One-hundred and seventeen received 375 scholarships and awards totaling more than $14.1 million dollars. Sixty-one qualified for advanced placement college credit through spring testing and AP programs, earning 557 credit hours. Twenty-two students earned 132 hours of math credit through dual enrollment with LSU. Additional college credits will be awarded in July based on the results of AP exams taken each May by students. The Class of 2018 completed 31,993 hours of community service.

Salutatorian Caroline Marie Troendle received the Salutatory Award for achieving the second highest cumulative grade point average in her program of studies. Troendle, daughter of Lisa M. Troendle and John B. Troendle, will attend Louisiana State University that offered her a Flagship Scholars Resident Award. She was a member of National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta.

Principal Carolyn Favre with the Dominican Class of 2018 salutatorian, Caroline Troendle.

Valedictorians were Caroline Francis Bickerton, Audrey Gail Buck, Lillian Adele Cerise, Rebecca Elizabeth D’Antonio, Annie McManus Smith, and Abigail Karen Brigden Webb. They received the Valedictory Award, presented to the honor graduates who have achieved the highest cumulative grade point average in their program of studies.

Principal Carolyn Favre presented the Valedictory Awards to (from left): Abigail Karen Brigden Webb, Annie McManus Smith, Rebecca Elizabeth D’Antonio, Lillian Adele Cerise, Audrey Gail Buck, and Caroline Francis Bickerton.

Bickerton, daughter of Charlotte Ann Lagarde Bickerton and Dean A. Bickerton, will attend University of Notre Dame. Recognized as a National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist, she received the St. Mary’s Dominican College Corporation Scholarship to the Catholic college of her choice. She was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Latin Honor Society.

Buck, daughter of Jamie Hughes Buck and Kenneth Buck, will attend Tulane University. A National Merit Scholarship Program Commended student, she received the Distinguished Scholars Award from Tulane. She held membership in Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and National Honor Society.

Cerise, daughter of Irene Gonzalez Cerise and John P. Cerise, will attend Yale University. A National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist, she received the Entergy Community Power Scholarship to the college of her choice. She was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and Latin Honor Society.

D’Antonio, daughter of Dr. M. Christine D’Antonio and Dr. Mike D’Anontio, will attend Louisiana State University. LSU awarded the National Merit Scholarship Program Commended student the Flagship Scholars Resident Award and the Pegues Scholarship. She was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, and Latin Honor Society.

Smith, daughter of Nicole Montgnet Smith and Gene R. Smith, will attend Johns Hopkins University. She is a National Program Merit Scholarship Program Finalist. Membership included Tri-M Music Honor Society, Latin Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta.

Webb, daughter of Beth Bridgen-Webb and Tom Webb, is a National Merit Program Finalist. She will attend Rice University that awarded her the Anne Jones Brice Memorial Scholarship. She was a member of National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta.

The Mother Mary Magdalen O’Farrell, O.P. Service Award was presented to Brooklyn M. Comeaux. The award recognizes a 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.

Brooklyn M. Comeaux, recipient of the Mother Mary Magdalen O’Farrell, O.P. Service Award, with St. Mary’s Dominican High School President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas. The award recognizes a student’s outstanding, dedicated service to St. Mary’s Dominican High School.

The Sr. Mary Ambrose Reggio, O.P. Alumnae Award was presented to Katherine G. Mouton, selected by her classmates for representing Dominican Spirit. Dominican’s motto, “To Praise, to Bless, to Preach,” is an integral part of the honorees’ lives, as is their commit to truth, Veritas.

Katherine G. Mouton receives the Sister Mary Ambrose Reggio, O.P. Alumnae Award from Alumnae Association President Ms. Kathleen McGlone (’98). Mouton was selected by her classmates as one who represents the Dominican spirit.

The American Legion Award, sponsored by the Henry Thomas Ross Post No. 137, was awarded to Cole M. Pittman, who was selected by administration, faculty, staff and students for reflecting the qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas presents Cole M. Pittman with the American Legion Award, sponsored by the Henry Thomas Ross Post No. 137. Pittman was selected by administration, faculty, staff and students for reflecting the qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service.

Six graduates, Lillian A. Cerise, Emily C. Douglass, Alison J. Dupré, Tia A. Peck, Cole M. Pittman, and Alex D. Williams, were selected by leadership, administration and faculty to receive the Veritas Award, the most prestigious award presented to a St. Mary’s Dominican High School graduating senior. The recipient of this award demonstrates exemplary understanding of the Dominican Charism, Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare, to Praise, to Bless, to Preach. Following the example of St. Dominic de Guzman, founder of the Dominican Order, the Veritas Award recipient faithfully strives to seek Veritas, 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.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas (left) with Veritas Award recipients Alex D. Williams, Cole M. Pittman, Tia A. Peck, Alison J. Dupré, Emily C. Douglass and Lillian A. Cerise. They were selected by leadership, administration and faculty to receive the Veritas Award, the most prestigious award presented to a St. Mary’s Dominican High School graduating senior for demonstrating exemplary understanding of the Dominican Charism, Laudare, Benedicere, Praedicare, to Praise, to Bless, to Preach.

In addition to the valedictorians and salutatorian, those graduating summa cum laude (4.0 and above) were Bridget Marie Adam, Cameron Denise Berger, Melissa Eugenia Berner, Renée Elizabeth Breaux, Catherine Curry Cabes, Victoria Tuyet-Ye Cheung, Alison Emily delCorral, Emma Margaret Duckworth, Sara Nicole Gautreaux, Joan Mara Gosciniak, Addison Nicole Hall, Anna Mabel Hansen, Caroline Grace Hensley, Emily Dawn Johnson, Claire Nicole Karcher, Rebecca Renée Koenig, Ann Marcelle Lafranca, Alexis Nicole Lang, Mackenzie Elizabeth LaPlace, Kristen Michele Larche, Victoria Sanyang Liu, Katie Elisabeth Mayer, Madelyn Jane McGovern, Maygan Marie Miguez, Sophie de Lauréal Ondrusek, Tia Angele Peck, Elise Arden Peyroux, Isabelle Serena Poche’, Katherine Quealy Schaumburg, Abigail Therese Slattery, Nia Siobhan Smith, Kristen Alyssa Tholen, Anne deLivaudais Zelden.

Graduating magna cum laude (3.75-3.99) were Julia Sarrat Bogart, Halle Grace Briede, Allison Claire Briuglio, Nina Grace Casanova, Brooklyn Marie Comeaux, Paige Caroline Dawson, Alison Jewel Dupré, Susan Meade Endom, Madeline Marie Foret, Victoria Angela Gagliano, Catherine Montgomery Glorioso, Alexa Grace Gonzalez, Alexandra Ligia Gutierrez, Jeanine Mohamed Halum, Brooke Hannah Loupe, Chloe Joanna Helene Mendy, Sabrina Quynh Huong Nguyen, Claire Elizabeth Padilla, Cole Massett Pittman, Savanah Clara Rodrigue, Amelia Jeanne Vallette, Jessica Christy Wallesverd.

Graduating cum laude (3.50-3.74) were Adelyn Nicole Becker, Sarah Jenell Becnel, Katherine Monique Belleau, Isabella Lee Brocato, Olivia Camille Busby, Clara Isabel Garcia, Nia Jacenta Hudson, Abigail Christine Kibler, Kelly Ann Kramer, Christina Aline LeBlanc, Madison Lucille Manale, Cassidy Marie Monfra, Abbey Taylor Monzon, Katherine Grace Mouton, Sylvia Catherine Mullen, Payton Marie Nunez, Hannah Elizabeth Paradis, Claire Marcelle Perez, Chrysta Jenée Porter, Kirby Elizabeth Sheridan, Alexis Ja’Juan Stackhouse, Mackenzie Lynn Stansberry, Sarah Clare Wild.

Also graduating were Grace Elizabeth Babin, Jenna Eileen Baltz, Ally Nicole Barteet, Mayne Elizabeth Becnel, Carmen Maria Bell, Katherine Grace Bickford, Calley Robin Blue, René Angela Bourdais, Haiden Elizabeth Bowling, Megan Caroline Brannon, Grace Caroline Brown, Sarah Alexis Buras, Amanda Graciela Burgos, Emily Ann Callia, Anne Marie Camardelle, Alana Marie Castillo, Alexis Marie Ceravola, Cecelia Anne Chaney, Kelsey Gabrielle Clement, Caroline Ann Colomb, Grayson Elizabeth Cooley, Katherine Elizabeth Page Curtis, Riley Bannon Daul, Brooke Ashley Davis, Cassidy Caryn delCastillo, Molly Kate Derbes, Claire Andree’ Dinwiddie, Emily Catherine Douglass, Sophia Alexandra Edmundson, Madelyne Elizabeth Evans, Samantha Madison Ferry, Briaunna Jamie-Leigh Galey, Meghan Ashley Gaubert, Nicole Brooke Girau, Robyn Catherine Giraud, Bridget DeAnne Glueck, Emily Elvera Gomez, Cameron Reha Gordon Hassenboehler, Abigail Marie Hassinger, Abigail Elizabeth Haydel, Dana Rose Heck, Asia Julia Hentkowski, Sophie Renee Herbert, Katherine Adelai Hill, Alexis Myra Hinrichs, Lucy Crane Hood, Isabella Leigh Hotard, Caitlyn Victoria Huff, Hayli Mariah Hunter, Erynn deLane Johnson, Codee Dominque Jones, Cassidy Barbara King, Alexandra Juliette Krouse, Alyssa Marie Lastrapes, Brenna Evan Lauga, Shalaye’ Armani Lawrence, Haylie Anne Lloyd, Aliyah Claire Lombard, Emily Ann Maddie, In’ziya D’Lorrin Magee, Bria Lynn Martin, Makenzie Angelle Martinez, Hailey Marie Mathieu, Amari Rashon McDonald, Hannah Andrea McGowan, Alani Alexis Miller, Madison Victoria Moore, Alexandra Kate Morris, Hailey Brijette Morris, Sandra Claire Murphy, Annalyse Victoria Lidia Nelson, Lauren Ashley Normand, Emilia Victoria Onstott, Bailey Rose O’Quin, Heather Ann Ordoyne, Victoria Helen-Rose Pecot, Elisa Mirian Perriott, Elisabeth Mikes Piglia, Jolie Alena Pugh, Abigail Hope Richeson, Alexandra Elizabeth Rosenbohm, Meghan Bachemin Rotolo, Sydney Althea Scott, Lindsey Elizabeth Sellers, Emily Bonnette Sidora, Caitlin Elizabeth Smith, Kayla Marisa Florestine Steele, Meghan Rebecca Subervielle, Molly Elizabeth Tassin, Angela Kim Tran, Abriana Renee Travis, Amanda Louise Viloria, Miriam Elaine Waguespack, Rebecca Ellen Wennemann, Delanie Patricia Wheeler, Alex Donielle Williams, Hannah Marguerite Wright, Allison Claire Yrle.

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Abigail Haydel ’18

There is a saying that stuck with me when I was becoming a Eucharist Minister, and I wanted to share this phrase with the whole student body so all of you can apply it to your daily lives. Listen to these words carefully: “Talk to God like He is your best friend.” When I heard these words, I immediately starting thinking – that’s it, that is how I can pray.

I grew up in a family that was centered on faith, we prayed as a family and I was taught how to pray by myself. Although, I never understood how God would talk back to me or how my prayers would ever be answered. Praying for me used to feel like a one-sided conversation of me asking for simple things, because that is what I thought praying consisted of. Now when I pray I feel a connection and a presence listening to me while I pour out my heart as I talk to my best friend, God. I bet all of you can talk to your best friend for hours and hours about your life, your desires, your dreams, and your hardships. However, your best friend would not be your best friend if you did not talk to him or her or spend time with him or her. Praying in this way might be difficult for some people to just sit in peace and pour out their heart to God, but remember that you could never do anything to lose His love. God also longs for us to have a relationship with Him, and this relationship is the most fulfilling because He has answers that no one else has or even could understand. He created us in His image and likeness and having that faithful connection with Him will help us live out His plan for our lives.

Seniors, we are about to embark on a brand-new journey, and we will be leaving this “Catholic Bubble” of Dominican. This is not a bad thing, but your life will now be filled with people of different morals and beliefs, no matter where you go to college.  God is going to guide you to defend His name and stand up for what you believe in. He wants you to experience new surroundings, but make sure to follow the path God has made for you by continuing your relationship with Him. Many of you might be confused on what to major in, or if you chose the right college, but God will not just lay everything out on the table for you. He wants you to get to know yourselves and Him through the different experiences you go through in life. Just like your best friend, God doesn’t want you to be unhappy and even when you experience disappointments along the way remember that ultimately, he wants the best for you. God is here to guide you through this journey called life. I ask all of you; always remain close to God, because He is your best friend. He wants the best for you and knows what will make you happy. Also, it is okay to be vulnerable; not to be okay. He wants to hear everything on your mind and heart, because He wants to heal you with His love and guide you with His wisdom. With His presence in your life, you will never be alone, and He will always be there to hold your hand. Remember not to forget Him, even when you feel on top of the world, but embrace His goodness and His name; because of Him, true happiness is possible. I hope that all of you walk the path that He paved for you and make your heart His everlasting home.

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Juniors Marian Boyd and Julia Cazabon are recipients of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) 2018 Achievement Award in Writing.

They are the only students from Louisiana that were honored nationally for their academic achievements in writing. 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 student writers in the nation. US accredited schools in the United States, Canada, Virgin Islands and American schools abroad are eligible to nominate students who submit two writings – best (considered the best by the student) and themed (a writing based on the topic developed the Achievement Awards Committee). Teams of teachers across the nation judge entries.

Across the country, 461 juniors were nominated by their English teachers. Of that number, 226 received Certificates for Superior Writing. This school term, Julia and Marian were students in Ms. Casey Lefante’s English IV Advanced Placement class.

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St. Mary’s Dominican High School students Mary Harty, Elizabeth Mobley and Kellie Tucker received awards at the spring New Orleans Academic Games.

Mary Harty and Kellie Tucker (Junior Division), and teammate Michael Zuppardo of Brother Martin High School, placed 3rd in the On-Sets team competition.

Elizabeth Mobley (Middle School Division), placed 3rd in Presidents and 1st in On-Sets. Elizabeth captured the Sweepstakes Winner award for having the highest total score over all four academic games. She also participated in the national competition held in Knoxville, TN where she placed 10th in Presidents and had a perfect score in On-Sets.

Started in 1966 and incorporated as a non-profit in 2010, the New Orleans Academic Games League inspires students to become critical thinkers through friendly competition in challenging mathematics, language arts and social studies games. Nearly 400 students in Grades 4 through 12 from more than 20 schools in the Greater New Orleans metro area compete in the New Orleans Academic Games League each school year. Competitions are open to all schools.

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Photo Galleries from the 1st Week of Camp

DominiCamp – Volleyball – Band

This is just the start! Check back next week for more photos from Week 1!

Jumpin’ for Joy

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At Toast of Praise to Ella Cheramie and Vivian Palmer who are finalists in the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation’s 18 in ’18, an arts competition showcasing the creative talents of high school juniors and their special connection to the culture of New Orleans. The competition honors the Tricentennial of the City of New Orleans.

“As we honor the Tricentennial of New Orleans, it’s important that we capture the voices from our community’s young people,” said Phyllis Taylor, president and CEO of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation.

Ella and Vivian are among 18 finalists selected by a panel of seven judges who reviewed original essays, graphic arts, poems and videos submitted by 47 students from  21 high schools in Orleans Parish. The 18 finalists will be featured in a film produced by high school senior Kelly Yu with assistance from internationally renowned artist and design consultant Xiao Xiao.

One finalist will become the grand prize winner and receive an $1,800 cash award. Additionally, the winning student’s school will receive $18,000. The winner will be announced in October at the opening of the Taylor Education Center.

Read the winning entries by Ella and Vivian.

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Students in Mr. Ryan Reuter’s 8^th and 9^th Grades Physical Science classes took a “field trip” to the Music Room to learn more about sound waves where Band and Choir Director Ms. Brenda Castillo demonstrated several music principles such as pitch, resonance, frequency, and interference.  The students also learned about the acoustics of the band room, how speakers operate, and learned about various music instruments. They also played the “vibraphone” and demonstrated transverse and longitudinal waves with hand chimes.

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