Catholic Schools Touch All the Bases for Success

Page 2 | CLARION HERALD CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 26, 2019 | New Orleans Catholic schools touch all the bases for success his week we join the To S erv e 20 1 8 had a graduation rate system in the country, edu- nation in celebrating Our Catholic school stu- of 99 percent, and I have full cating students in eight civil Catholic Schools Week, dents live out the call to serve faith that our graduates will parishes in southeast Louisi- T Dr. RaeNell a celebration of our schools, continue to be prosperous ana. HOUSTON every day. Our students are our students, our educators, the perfect examples of ser- in leading as they go on to Our schools provide stu- our parents and all who SUPERINTENDENTvant leaders in our commu- college, careers and beyond. dents with an exceptional ed- make up our Catholic school nity. In the 20 1 7 -1 8 school Our high schools, on average, ucation, steeped in Catholic community. In refecting on year, our students performed provide at least 3 0 clubs and values, where they are taught the N ational Catholic E duca- 1 1 sports teams for students to know, love and serve the embracing the diverse needs more than 4 25 ,0 0 0 service tional Association’s Catholic to join, proving that our Lord. That’s the ultimate suc- of our students by imple- hours. The 20 1 8 graduating Schools Week theme – “Cath- schools aim to empower stu- cess of Catholic schools. menting new and innova- class alone performed more olic Schools: Learn. Serve. dents as leaders beyond the Please join us as we cele- tive teaching methods. This than 27 5 ,0 0 0 service hours. Lead. Succeed.” – I began classroom. brate Catholic Schools Week! year, 1 2 of our N ew Orleans Our schools not only produce to think of all the ways our academic scholars but also Our nation will celebrate schools follow through with Catholic Schools integrated To S ucceed Catholic Schools Week Jan. the Blended Learning Model, students who are taught to this theme on a daily basis. As superintendent, I be- 27 -Feb. 2. We will begin which allows students to ben- treat others in a sacred way. lieve that those who came our celebration of Catho- eft from small group instruc- With grade-level retreats, To Learn before us would be proud of lic Schools Week with the Our Catholic schools help tion, personalized learning student-led Masses, daily the schools we have built and “Champions of Catholic form individuals who come paths, and data and feedback prayer and frequent com- the values we continue to E ducation” second collection to know God in all things through fun and engaging munity service projects, our instill in students across the at all Masses the weekend of and through all things. Cath- practices. Additionally, at Catholic schools are commit- Archdiocese of N ew Orleans. Jan. 26-27 . Thank you for olic high school students least 1 0 of our schools have ted to educating the whole The class of 20 1 8 received your continued generosity! in the Archdiocese of N ew either continued or started child by providing programs more than $ 220 million in I would also like to invite Orleans, on average, have differentiated learning pro- and services to enrich the scholarships, and 94 percent you to join us as we con- consistently scored higher grams, meaning our schools spiritual development of the of the graduating class went tinue to celebrate Catholic on the ACT than their public are continuing to embrace student in family life, friend- on to attend four-year col- schools throughout the week school peers, evidenced by students who may benefit ships and as a member of the leges. This year, we had 5 6 with art displays and perfor- the state’s average ACT score from instructional strategies larger community. N ational Merit semifnalists mances from our schools. in every subject. This year and practices that differ from To Lead and an abundance of state- The Catholic Schools Week alone, our students’ aver- those found in the more tra- Our schools produce na- champion athletic teams. Arts and Music Festival will age composite score was 4 .2 ditional classroom setting. tional merit finalists, reli- Although much of our be held at Lakeside Shopping points higher than the state’s In a variety of ways, our gious leaders, Ivy-League stu- success is communicated Center from Monday, Jan. 28 , average composite score. students are demonstrat- dents, accountants, govern- through data and statistics, through Thursday, Jan. 3 1 . Aside from our academic ing academic growth and ment offcials, medical pro- our success isn’t confned to We will conclude our cel- data, our faculty members are achievement. fessionals, globally known grade-point averages or test ebration with an all-schools athletes, artists, educators, scores; it’s about forming Mass to give thanks for the AB OU T THE COV ER : attorneys, military and law the whole person, spiritu- gift of Catholic education on The Clarion Herald asked Catholic elementary enforcement personnel and ally, academically and mor- Friday, Feb. 1 at 1 0 a.m. at St. and high schools to submit school photos of more! More importantly, our ally. Catholic Schools in the Catherine of Siena Church in two of their students so that we could develop schools produce students Archdiocese of N ew Orleans Metairie. a striking photo mosaic symbolizing the unity who are taught to treat oth- have been educating students Dr. R aeN ell H ou s ton is s u p erin diversity of our Catholic schools. Maybe if ers with dignity and respect for more than 290 years, and intendent of C atholic s chools you look closely enough, you can find your because they realize that we continue to build on that f or the A rchdioces e of N ew student. Where’s Waldo? every person is created in the rich legacy as the 1 1 th-largest O rleans . S he can be reached at image of God. The Class of Catholic diocesan school rhou s ton@arch- no.org. January 26, 2019 | New Orleans CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK CLARION HERALD | Page 3 S t. Thé rè se to open in fall for special-needs students B y B et h Do nz e N ew Orleans, Holy Rosary C l a r i o n H e r a l d thrived as a traditional, co- ed parish elementary school Our Lady of Divine until dwindling numbers of Providence E lementary in school-age children living in Metairie and Holy Rosary its Bayou St. John/ E splanade E lementary and High Ridge/ Mid-City drawing area School in N ew Orleans forced its closure in 1 991 . will close permanently in In a change in mission May, paving the way for spearheaded by Father James a new school designed Tarantino, then-pastor of Our exclusively for elementary Lady of the Rosary Church, and secondary students with the E splanade campus mild to moderate learning reopened in 1 996 as a middle challenges, the Office of school for boys with learning Catholic Schools announced diffculties. A few years later Jan. 1 6. it opened admission to girls and expanded to grades 1 -8 . Catholic Schools Photo by Frank J. Methe | CLARION HERALD Holy Rosary opened a Superintendent Dr. RaeN ell S t. Thé rè se Academy for E xceptional L earners will open this fall on the M etairie campus of Our L ady of D ivine Houston said the new school, Pr ovidence E lementary, pictured above. OL DP w ill close in M ay, as will the K -12 Holy R osary S chool. high school in 20 0 5 – on to be named St. Thé rè se a separate campus at St. Academy for E xceptional learning challenges, such as quality education leading to Avenue. Lawrence the Martyr Parish Learners, will open this autism and dyslexia. a high school diploma. The Meitler study pointed in Metairie – but Hurricane fall at Our Lady of Divine “We love our children, A sustainability study to a budgetary deficit at Katrina sent all grades (K-1 2) Providence’s campus at 1 0 0 0 and we want to continue to completed by Meitler – a Holy Rosary of more than to the E splanade campus N orth Starrett Road. embrace and serve them, but national Catholic planning $ 5 0 0 ,0 0 0 for the 20 1 8 -1 9 and opened up enrollment Although the earliest we (also) want to do that in organization – projected that school year and projected to both traditional and non- available grade of entry to the best possible way, and be Holy Rosary’s enrollment that this shortfall would traditional learners. the new school has not yet responsible stewards with the would drop to fewer than 90 spiral to nearly $ 1 million In 20 1 2, Holy Rosary been finalized, St. Thé rè se resources that we have,” the students by 20 23 . The school, over the next fve years. moved the K-1 2 school will provide a seamless and superintendent said. which serves grades K-1 2, to its present location on posted a total enrollment of S hifting locations, missions N apoleon Avenue – the personalized education to Few er and few er pupils Meitler concluded that students diagnosed with 1 24 students in 20 1 7 -1 8 and former campus of Our Lady The decision to close the Holy Rosary’s failure to mild-to-moderate special saw that fgure dip to 1 1 0 in of Lourdes E lementary. In two schools and create a new attract students and support needs from the elementary the current school year. 20 1 7 , the school redefned its one comes after a year-long from outside donors partly ages through the 1 2th grade. For the last several focus yet again, reverting to study by the archdiocese on was due to the school’s accepting only students who “This model will follow years, the archdiocese has how to address declining multiple campus relocations had been diagnosed with a highly individualized subsidized Holy Rosary at a enrollments at both Our Lady and mission changes over the mild to moderate learning curriculum with a low cost of $ 5 0 0 ,0 0 0 to $ 60 0 ,0 0 0 of Divine Providence and years, inadequate marketing challenges. student-teacher ratio to allow annually – far exceeding its Holy Rosary of fewer than original pledge to provide and unappealing and aging for learning to be tailored to 20 0 students in recent years, $ 20 0 ,0 0 0 in annual assistance campus facilities. S pecial learners embraced the students’ unique abilities while offering area families to offset rental fees paid to Founded in 1 90 8 at its Declining enrollment and learning styles,” said an innovative and sustainable Blessed Trinity Parish, which eponymous home parish at Our Lady of Divine Houston, noting that St. educational model offering owns the campus fronting of Our Lady of the Rosary Providence, which opened Thé rè se’s curriculum will non-traditional learners a the 24 0 0 block of N apoleon on E splanade Avenue in S e e NEW SCH O p O a L g e 4 ➤ include physical education and art and music therapy. Its administration will be led by an experienced educator with certifcation in special education, while its team of educators will be composed of qualifed faculty supported by a specialist in curriculum and instruction, she said. “Our commitment to the community that we serve at Holy Rosary is strong. We are not going to abandon that community,” Houston said, referring to families whose children had found a welcoming school home at Holy Rosary, which exclusively serves students with mild to moderate Page 4 | CLARION HERALD CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 26, 2019 | New Orleans are dedicated exclusively NEW S CH O O L to those with learning ➤ From PAGE 3 differences (St. Michael for students with profound in 1 967 and currently enrolls learning challenges, and St. 1 7 0 students ages six weeks Thér è se for those with mild through grade 7 , also put to moderate diffculties). its long-term survival in Houston said children question, Houston said. The currently enrolled at Holy school had seen its student Rosary, including those numbers impacted by post- participating in the Louisiana Katrina competition from Scholarship for E xcellence charter and magnet schools Program (vouchers), and in Jefferson Parish, a decline students at Our Lady of Divine in families seeking a Catholic Providence who are currently education and rising tuition. receiving individualized For more than a decade, Our instructional programs, will Lady of Divine Providence be transferred to St. Thé rès e. Photo by Frank J. Methe | CLARION HERALD (OLDP) has welcomed If families decide to choose children in need of specialized Holy R osary S chool, pictured above at its main entrance on J ena S treet, has been educating children and teens with another Catholic school, the support – including those mild to moderate learning challenges since 1996. It s students will be ofered places at the new S t. Thé rè se Academy Office of Catholic Schools for E xceptional L earners, to open in the fall on the former campus of Our L ady of Di vine Pr ovidence E lementary. with autism, dyslexia and will work with families to other sensory processing Providence’s campus, whose community, a need that they Catholic education in the facilitate transfers. All other disorders – into its traditional amenities include about 20 already support,” Houston Archdiocese of N ew Orleans, students from Our Lady of academic programs. E lvina classrooms, a media center said. “And it will give what which strives to respond Divine Providence will be “Dee” DiBartolo, OLDP’s for library and computer used to be Holy Rosary to the needs of all families, given priority admission to principal, said about 7 0 of instruction and a large play School a new home – we will whether they are seeking other area Catholic schools. her students – roughly 4 0 yard, will not have to be have this new creation in St. a school for traditional F am ilies w ith q u es tions percent of Our Lady of Divine altered for its new role as St. Thér ès e.” learners, one with a blend or concerns are inv ited to Providence’s current student Thér ès e, Houston said. of traditional classrooms call the O f f ice of C atholic body – have been assessed “(St. Thé rè se) will bring A ll styles of learning and “pull-out” resources for S chools at 8 6 6 - 7 9 1 6 or em ail with mild to moderate something to Our Lady Houston said St. Thé rè se special learners, or a school s u p erintendent@arch- no.org. learning challenges. of Divine Providence that would become an important like St. Michael or the soon- Beth Donze can be reached at Our Lady of Divine is already part of that piece of “the puzzle” of to-open St. Thé rè se, which [email protected]. New S t. Eliz abeth Ann S eton S chool rising

The long-awaited new campus of S t. E liz abeth Ann S eton E lementary S chool in K enner will open in August 2019 . The top two photos show the covered play area. The third photo shows the two-story classroom (grades K -7 ) building on the left and the administration building and early childhood center on the right. At left is the reception area of the main ofce. Photos by K athy Del Ri o | S T . ELIZ AB ET H ANN S ET ON S CHOOL Page 6 | CLARION HERALD CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 26, 2019 | New Orleans S t. A ndrew : A B lue R ibbon ‘ Lighthouse’ B y B et h Do nz e C l a r i o n H e r a l d

St. Andrew the Apostle E lementary School in Algiers has been named a 20 1 8 -1 9 “Blue Ribbon School of E xcellence” by the eponymous non-proft that heralds exemplary in- ternational role models of elementary and secondary education. St. Andrew the Apostle received Blue Ribbon Schools’ highest honor, becoming one of one of only 25 schools se- lected as “Lighthouse” places of learning. This latest acco- lade renews the Lighthouse status previously earned by the school in 20 1 3 . Father John Talamo Jr., St. Andrew’s pastor, said he be- lieves every Catholic school would benefit from Blue Ribbon Schools’ rigorous ac- creditation process – which helps schools identify their weak spots as well as their strengths – because superior Photo | COU RT ES Y S T . ANDREW T HE APOS T LE S CHOOL and ever-improving schools S t. Andrew the Apostle debuted its S TE M lab in October. The Algiers elementary would attract more families school was named a 2018-19 “ L ighthouse” school by B lue R ibbon S chools to Catholic education. of E xcellence, a non-proﬁt that touts the success stories of model schools. “If (Catholic schools) are going to offer an education The pastor, a former high “We can’t just have the sta- we need to be at the top of school principal himself, tus quo,” Father Talamo said. our game,” Father Talamo said his weekly meetings “I don’t give (the school’s ad- said. “What Blue Ribbon does with school administrators to ministration) an option; we is give us a set of goals and troubleshoot areas of campus have to stay certifed. It is key ideals to strive toward and weakness are bearing fruit: to what we’re doing here.” attain, both spiritually and St. Andrew’s enrollment has academically. The focus is not increased steadily over the S kills gauged q uarterly solely on academics – it’s the last six years, and the school In operation since in 1 95 3 whole package. It includes is tied with one other school at 3 1 3 1 E ton St., St. Andrew every facet of education, in- as Blue Ribbon’s most highly accepts children ages 8 weeks I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious. cluding the support and the and frequently accredited through grade 7 and has a – A l b e r t E i ninvolvement s t e i n of the parents.” schools. S e e U LB E R O B B I p a N g e 7 ➤ January 26, 2019 | New Orleans CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK CLARION HERALD | Page 7 “It gives us a snapshot of need and how they can fll BL U E R IB B O N where they are and it helps those needs,” Konecni added. ➤ From PAGE 6 us individualize instruction,” “We’re also growing together said E lizabeth Konecni, St. as a professional community current enrollment of 4 4 0 Andrew’s headmaster, noting with our teachers, so when students. that teachers meet with the we sit down for those meet- Blue Ribbon Schools began school’s leadership team of ings, we’re really getting to evaluating St. Andrew last six administrators to exam- know our instruction, we’re spring, conducting site visits ine learning trends in each getting to know our students, and launching a thorough classroom. and we’re getting to know survey of students, parents, “We look at the data and how we can better serve them faculty and staff probing we put a plan in place to meet in the classroom.” school culture, the level of each student at their point of faculty and student engage- need. Then we teach, teach, Ev ery teacher is mentored ment, campus spirit and cur- teach and we see what the The palpable culture of ricular and extra-curricular growth was,” Konecni said. administrative and faculty satisfaction. For example, when the fall cooperation, which includes The survey heaped praise 20 1 8 assessments revealed the continuous and deliber- on St. Andrew’s high aca- that many third and fourth ate professional development demic standards and dedi- graders were weak in the of every teacher, “intrigued” cation to teachers’ ongoing area of fractions and second Blue Ribbon Schools, Konec- professional development, graders needed help with ni said. Photo | COU RT ES Y S T . ANDREW T HE APOS T LE S CHOOL but also shed light on an identifying “cause and ef- In addition to meeting two area in need of attention: fect” in reading comprehen- to three times a week with a F aculty and administrators bond at S t. Andrew the Apostle S chool’ s two- week “ S ummer In stitute,” which paired their professional development with the importance of gathering sion, their respective teachers curriculum coordinator to fun activities, such as an educators’ “ garage sale” of free school supplies. regular skills data on every stepped up to the plate. plan their math and reading student – so teachers could “Our teachers put a plan lessons for the coming week, implement new education- ing on in the classroom. tailor their instruction more in place and taught (the every teacher at St. Andrew al strategies. The mentors We try to be in every single effectively. targeted material) in small is lovingly mentored by one regularly visit their mentees’ classroom, every single day, In response, starting this groups. As we move forward, of the six members of the classrooms, even teaching doing observations and see- leadership team. Mentors school year, students in we’re seeing some growth,” “model lessons” to their stu- ing what’s going on in the grades K-7 are assessed quar- and their assigned mentees Konecni said. dents when needed. campus,” Konecni said. terly in E nglish/ language arts “The teachers are really able meet bi-monthly in a book “Administration is on the and math. to see what their students club setting to discuss and same page with what’s go- S e e U LB E R O B B I p a N g e 8 ➤ Page 8 | CLARION HERALD CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 26, 2019 | New Orleans

supplies to give to their col- Such deliberate classroom something that sets us apart,” (aloud) from novels. E very BL U E R IB B O N leagues at no charge. The engagement has produced a said Katherine Houin, St. An- morning starts with some- ➤ From PAGE 7 summer institute concluded friendly and smiling student drew’s principal. thing different,” Houin said. with faculty members work- body that participates fully in The positive tone is set at “E very morning we also Blue Ribbon also lauded St. ing together to set up their school Masses and keeps its the student assembly each teach a little bit about what Andrew’s two-week summer classrooms and install age- campus spotless by picking morning – once used as a it’s like to be a child of God institute, in which faculty appropriate libraries and up trash whenever litter is time to do last-minute home- and how we can give back to and administrators received math manipulatives in each. spotted. work – and now seized as a our community. We’ll take professional development “It really brought us to- “When you walk through time in which to foster St. on a kindness challenge or training from a visiting ex- gether as a faculty before the our campus, you will notice Andrew’s Catholic identity. a prayer challenge,” Houin pert and held an educators’ school year even started,” that students will stop when “Some days we start with added, pointing to lessons as “garage sale” in which teach- Konecni said. they see someone they’re music, other days we’re learn- simple as reminding students ers were invited to bring in not familiar with and tell ing about presidents or the to show respect to adults by books and other classroom Liv ely, happy bunch them hello. I think that’s angels among us or reading “looking them in the eye.” W ide assortment of clubs Supporting the positive spirit at St. Andrew is the school’s wide assortment of extra-curricular activities, all offered after school. In addition to the usual seasonal sports, students can join girls’ and boys’ soccer, swim team and take lessons in golf and dance. Other offerings include choirs for children in two grade divisions; com- plimentary guitar lessons offered by parish music director Greg Merritt; a Mission Club of about 25 fourth through seventh graders; a CY O that brings school and parish children together for Friday activities and a monthly Y outh Mass beginning in the ffth grade; and a Bricks for Kids pre-robotics club for younger students. Two afterschool art clubs complement the weekly art lessons students receive as part of their weekly school curriculum. Focus on B ayou S tate Last October, St. Andrew unveiled its most recent en- hancement: a STE M lab with a building and engineering section for younger students, and a focus on Louisiana’s environment for older students. The latter part of the lab features an aquarium with live frogs, maps and stunning photos of the state’s coastline and ecosystems. All grades go the STE M lab for a minimum of 4 5 minutes each week. “We want it to keep it focused on Louisiana so the students can give back to Louisiana,” Konecni said, noting that future plans include cultivating marsh grasses that students will later plant in vulnerable areas of the coast. Beth Donze can be reached at [email protected].

Page 10 | CLARION HERALD CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 26, 2019 | New Orleans S tudents speak: H ow Catholic schools hav e changed my life The Clarion Herald posed the following three ques- ➤3. How inspired have you been by the example tions to students attending Catholic schools in the of your parent(s) who have had to sacriﬁce in order Archdiocese of New Orleans: to send you to Catholic school? ➤1. What teacher has had an impact on your life, The response was overwhelming. The Clarion Herald and how did that happen? received about 150 submissions from across the arch- ➤2. What blessings have you received from your diocese. The next few pages speak of the beauty of Catholic school education? Was there a challenging Catholic education more simply and poignantly than situation that your school (teachers or fellow students) just about anything else we could dream of. helped you overcome? Thank you teachers, parents and students!

my dad is one the of the great- time reading and learning. M y father, my hero est blessings of my Catholic Mrs. Susan became my tutor J OEY PIWKO education. I have learned a before I was at St. Benilde. SENIOR lot in my years at Archbishop While I was learning to read, ARCHBISHOP RUMMEL Rummel, but the example of she helped me get used to the In Jefferson Parish, it’s diff- sacrifice that my father has school. She introduced me to cult to get an adequate educa- given me has taught me more some of the teachers I would tion without paying for it, so than anything I could learn in have once I started school. lots of parents opt for private the classroom. I pray that my On my frst day, I was re- schooling. E veryone makes faith continues to carry me ally nervous and cried a lot. sacrifces in some way to be throughout my life and I pray Mrs. Susan came to my car able to go to Catholic schools. that I, too, will one day be the and walked me into school. This is true especially for par- type of father to my children She helped me feel safe. That ents. as my father has been to me. year was hard for me. Mrs. My father, a widower, has Susan always checked on me devoted everything he has to Going the ex tra mile and made sure I knew she was ensure that my brother and I there if I needed her. She did have had an adequate educa- SUTTON TALLANT not just help me with reading; tion. This means that my fam- 4 TH GRADE she protected me and gave me ily has less vacations than an ST. BENILDE self-confidence. She always average family, and that my A teacher who made an im- treated me with kindness, love father has had to work more pact on my life was Mrs. Susan and respect. hours doing physical labor at Connick. Before I was at St. That is what Catholic 63 years old. My dad’s actions Benilde, I was homeschooled. schools teach you, right? and commitment to me have My mom noticed I was having When I was picked to read inspired me to give my all to a hard time learning how to at Mass in front of the whole everything that I can and to read. My Mom, Y aya and Papa school, I was not nervous. I never waste an opportunity were very concerned. was excited! My whole family to help others. He has taught I was tested and I was told came to see me. Mrs. Susan me that if I truly care about that I have a learning dis- was there, too. something, I shouldn’t give it ability. My Mom searched for In Catholic school we are any less than my best. help for me and found that taught that we are made in Wonder is the desire for knowledge. This commitment to me and St. Benilde has a program for – S t . T h o m a smy A education q u i non a the s part of kids like me who have a hard S e e LIFE-GIVING p a g e 1 1 ➤ January 26, 2019 | New Orleans CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK CLARION HERALD | Page 11

with Operation Upgrade for this, so he worked as hard as gave me snacks and sometimes my godmother. LIFE-GIVING the last four years and serving possible to make sure that this we would make a craft. She I know that God had sent ➤ From PAGE 10 as witness to Mr. Michalik’s one mistake wouldn’t ruin this mostly helped me in math and her to me. She helped me unbelievable spirit of com- kid’s chance at a phenomenal handwriting. become close to God. I will God’s image. We have to love passion. N othing shows Mr. Jesuit education. It was the first time I started always love and respect Ms. each other as we would love Michalik’s compassion like his That summer, Mr. Michalik to love school. Bonura! him. Mrs. Susan is a great discernment for each of his taught me that rules are very I was very excited because example and a great follower students. For example, there important, but they aren’t she was my teacher in third B ringing j oy to others of God. I am thankful for Mrs. was one student who made it everything. Mr. Michalik has grade. I had to study very hard. Susan and the example of to his third and fnal year in had a huge impact, not only She helped me understand the AVA BURAS God’s love she has shown me. the program. He was bright on my life, but also on count- work that was hard for me. She J UNIOR and remarkably talented – do- less young men. He teaches us wanted everyone in the class MOUNT CARMEL Gift of second chance ing geometry in the seventh through his actions to put God to understand what we were Coming to a Catholic high grade! He was a perfect ft for frst and to truly be a man for learning. N ow, I really loved school as an eighth grader, I WILLIAM BOSTICK J R. Jesuit’s challenging curriculum others. going to school! was not very religious. Howev- SENIOR – until one day he got into a Ms. Bonura met my baby sis- er, there was always that little J ESUIT HIGH SCHOOL fght with another student. ter the frst day she tutored me. voice in the back of my head Mr. Michalik is the Jesuit The rule at Operation Up- I began to lov e school She was very interested in my that questioned my actions: instructor who is the admin- grade is simple: If you fght, KATE PROWELL sister and cared about her. She Why don’t you believe? istrator of Operation Upgrade, you’re gone. 4 TH GRADE would walk me to my mom’s And I could never quite an- Jesuit’s academic summer Y et for some reason, Mr. ST. BENILDE van after tutoring because she swer it. In the midst of confu- program for economically dis- Michalik found the tiniest Ms. Bonura at St. Benilde knew it was hard for my mom sion and doubt, it was through advantaged males in the ffth loophole imaginable and let is the teacher who has made to carry my sister. She would my Catholic education that I through seventh grades. him stay in the program. the greatest impact in my life. always ask how my sister was was given the opportunity to Mr. Michalik has a special For a while, I wondered I started at St. Benilde in the doing. experience my so-called beliefs gift in the way he relates to whether Mr. Michalik had second grade. I was very ner- My sister was sick a lot, and in ways that actually made his students. At frst impres- made the right decision. Until vous to start a new school. Ms. sometimes I would have to sense to me. It wasn’t until sion, one would think that his one day we gave the kid a ride Bonura and I were both new leave school early. I put in the effort that I saw gift is his jocular personality. home and he told me his rou- to the school that year. She is In March, she became very results. However, his true strength tine: because of his family situ- the third-grade teacher. She sick and went to heaven. Ms. One time I was singing in is his genuine concern and ation, every day he rode the started tutoring me in second Bonura stood by my side and St. Joseph Church’s choir for wholehearted love that he bus (90 minutes) and walked a grade. She would help me helped me through this time. an E aster Mass, and I watched has for each and every single mile each way, schoolbag and study after school and made She became a special friend a woman in the frst pew drop individual. all, to attend camp. That rou- me feel more comfortable at to me and my family. Then, to her knees and cry during I have been blessed with tine would make anyone liable school. I loved going to her somehow, my mom realized the offertory as her husband the privilege of volunteering to explode. Mr. Michalik knew classroom after school. She Ms. Bonura had grown up with S e e LIFE-GIVING p a g e 1 2 ➤ Page 12 | CLARION HERALD CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 26, 2019 | New Orleans

make the most of my educa- lic education that you can’t get anxiety became easier to man- school parents have helped me LIFE-GIVING tion by taking challenging anywhere else. age. Ms. Fav’s faith is so strong by coming to the hospital and ➤ From PAGE 11 courses, joining clubs, and and infuential, whether it be praying. Father Cooper even taking advantage of service A nurturing soul praying before a show or her went to Memphis, Tennessee, and children consoled her. My opportunities. The last thing I benefts for those who are in to see me when I was in the choir director afterward gave a wanted was for my parents to SAMANTHA ARNOLD, need. She’s one of the most hospital. Lots of parents are speech about how much our feel that I was ever ungrateful SENIOR hard-working women I know, my friends and worry about singing really touches people, for the work they put in to ACADEMY OF OUR LADY and I’m so lucky to have been me. They make me feel happy and it wasn’t until that mo- send me to a private institu- I’ve had many amazing in many of her classes. She is because I know they love me. ment that I really understood tion. teachers in my lifetime; how- truly a force to be reckoned They still show me love by the words she had been telling I remember when I was at- ever, one teacher has really with. spending time with me and me for years. My gifts have the tending orientation for Mount made a noticeable impact on showing me how to cook. ability to not only bring joy Carmel, my mother sat beside my life. Kelly Favaloro – Ms. In sickness, prayer My Catholic school commu- into this world but also to heal, me and told me that if I didn’t Fav for short – was that person. nity has shown me blessings of and that’s when my sense of get the scholarship I had ap- She’s mostly known for being CHRISTOPHER MONISTERE prayer, support, love and heal- purpose came to fruition. I am plied for, she wasn’t sure if she the drama and speech teacher 6 TH GRADE ing. That is the best education here for others, and that’s my could send me to the school. at AOL, but she teaches a ST. BENILDE SCHOOL anyone could ever have. true path toward happiness. When they announced my variety of other subjects. Her How do you think my Cath- E ven as a child in middle name, I was not only relieved speech class changed every- olic school community helped S piritual w elcome mat school, I was aware of my par- but grateful. I know that my thing for me. me deal with having a brain OLIV IA ARNOLD ents’ fnancial situation and parents could have easily sent I was an awkward sopho- tumor? SENIOR struggles. This taught me that me to public school, but they more in high school with a My teachers, fellow stu- ACADEMY OF OUR LADY from a young age, success is love of speaking; however, dents, parents, and Father Rob- didn’t, and when reading My Catholic school educa- defned by the work you put I had a giant weight on my ert Cooper made my life better. into that, it means something tion has impacted me in many in. Knowing that, I went into shoulders. I had severe social They helped me when I got the greater to me. It shows that ways. N ot only do I strive to be high school determined to there’s something from Catho- anxiety, therefore I was very tumor, had many surgeries, quiet in class. I joined speech was receiving chemotherapy a better student, but I strive to class to push myself out of my and recovering. They gave me be a better person for God. comfort zone, and Ms. Fav did the blessings of prayer, sup- Regarding my faith, I am just that. She not only pointed port, love and healing in many Lutheran, but when I was in out my obstacles, but also ways. I am blessed they are still fourth grade, I transferred to helped me overcome them helping me today. a Catholic school. I switched in speaking. I found myself My teachers came and vis- because of bullying reasons, getting excited every time her ited me in the hospital. They and my personality was turn- class showed up on the sched- brought get-well cards made ing negative. ule, and I started challenging by my class. They prayed the I was nervous switching myself more and more. rosary for me. My teachers schools, not only because it Fast-forward to the spring spent extra time helping me was a new school, but also musical. I wanted so dearly to with schoolwork. They visited because it was focused on a audition. However, my anxi- me at my house. N ow, they whole new religion. I thought ety held me back. Just when still help me with my school they were going to force reli- I decided not to audition, Ms. work and pray I keep doing gion on me and “convert” me. Fav told me otherwise and sug- well. However, on the frst day of gested I do it. I was about to Some of my classmates came school, I was proven wrong. cry from happiness; it fnally to the hospital to see me. My E verybody was so accept- felt like all the times I pushed whole class came to see me at ing and caring. They walked down my fear and spoke in my house and brought me a through the difference of the class paid off. pillow. They helped carry my religions, which is not all that Little does Ms. Fav know books. They were nice to me. much. Throughout the years, that all of those little compli- My classmates made me feel I started becoming selfess and ments and remarks about my happy. My classmates also started reaching out to other speeches, acting or voice slow- prayed for me. N ow, they keep people. ly built me up. I found my love helping me. The blessings I have received for acting and eventually, my Father Cooper and many from my Catholic school education have caused a complete personality makeover. N ot only have the teachings and curriculum helped shape my personality, they also have allowed me various opportunities to grow in my faith. My education has given me the privilege to go to religious retreats to help grow in my faith and to put on retreats for my peers so they could do the same. Thanks to these opportunities, my faith is as strong as ever. The most important thing I have learned from going to a Catholic school is to treat others the way I would like to be treated and to do everything for the love of God. The S e e LIFE-GIVING p a g e 1 3 ➤ January 26, 2019 | New Orleans CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK CLARION HERALD | Page 13

helped raised my grades from lives by God. I remember LIFE-GIVING D’s and F’s to A’s and B’s. I start- the day my parents told me. ➤ From PAGE 12 ed changing my behavior and, I wasn’t excited, but it was a development of my faith has as a result, my grades started new experience, considering helped me immensely. I have picking up. I was starting to what I had been put through really bad anxiety, and I stress feel good about my grades at my previous school. out about every little detail, and was doing well in all my My parents never discussed whether it be about school classes. All of my teachers the financial struggle of plac- or life. With the guidance of started noticing an improve- ing me in Catholic school, my teachers and friends, I am ment in my behavior and my but as I got older, I started learning how to keep it un- grades. Since I changed my to understand and see what der control, giving all of my behavior, my grades went up, they were going through. I’m struggles to God. and I passed the fifth grade. grateful for my parents taking I have also learned about N ow, I am in the sixth grade, me out of the bad situation I the importance of time man- and my behavior is better than was in and giving me a better agement. I’ve been extremely ever. My grades for the frst option. They went through blessed for the opportunities quarter were fantastic. I had various hardships, trying to I have in my life, and I owe a all A’s and one B. My princi- place everything in line for huge thank you to my Catho- Photo by S etareh T aj baks h | IMMACU LAT E CONCEPT ION S CHOOL pal, Deacon Houston, tells me me to have a better life. I knew lic school education. The Clarion Herald is a great source of Catholic news – but it also came in every day that I have changed that, if I worked hard and got handy when second-grader M ason J ohnston of I mmaculate Conception a lot, and he is very proud of good grades, I could help them S chool in M arrero needed some protection for his painting exercises. me. I am truly thankful for with the cost of my tuition for Changed behav ior Mrs. Haynes taking the time the rest of my years here. SHANE SCOTT of math class. Mrs. Haynes the good in me. The conver- to encourage me to stay on the E ven though I was helping 6 TH GRADE happened to be passing by, sation pulled me back on the right path. by maintaining my scholar- ST. PETER CLAV ER and she saw me and said, right path. The conversation ship, I still saw them struggling The teacher who has had “Why are you not in class? ” touched my heart. That was a S acriﬁ ce is w orth it just as much. E ating out at an impact on my life is Mrs. My reply to her was, “I was conversation I really needed restaurants became more infre- Dawn-Annrose Butler, but playing in class.” to hear that day. I am thank- DARIA BALL quent, going to the nail salon now we call her Mrs. Haynes, Mrs. Haynes took me into ful for Mrs. Haynes and every SENIOR to get our nails done became because she has recently got- her classroom and had a very word of encouragement in ST. MARY’S ACADEMY monthly instead of weekly, ten married. Mrs. Haynes has long conservation with me. that conversation. When I was 1 1 , my mother and we even started celebrat- had a huge impact on my life. The conversation touched me The conversation made a told me I was going to attend ing everyone’s birthday as a Mrs. Haynes helped turn my and helped change me for the tremendous impact on my Catholic school. She has al- group instead of individually. life around. It all started in better. It also made me feel life. It changed my behavior ways been a big advocate of fifth grade when I got put out happy that someone really saw from bad to good. It also surrounding her children’s S e e LIFE-GIVING p a g e 1 4 ➤ Page 14 | CLARION HERALD CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 26, 2019 | New Orleans LIFE-GIVING S he taught us to dance Classmates rallied ➤ From PAGE 13 CECE COOK ANDREW BOSCO These adjustments really SENIOR 7TH GRADE made me want to ensure my ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART ST. CHARLES BORROMEO SCHOOL grades were the best so my While I could list every Mrs. McCarroll has made a parents could see that their teacher I’ve ever had and a huge impact on my life by put- money wasn’t going to waste. unique quality that each of ting a smile on my face every Seeing their struggle made me them holds, I think it is most day. She has also shown me want to work even harder and important to recognize Ms. the good things in life. E ven do more to get me closer to Leslie Graf, who was my math though she has gone through my goal of attending medical teacher in seventh and eighth tough times, she still makes school, so they would know grade. She was not only some- her students her N o. 1 priority. that their sacrifces were not one who taught formulas and I have received the knowl- in vain. In the end, I want problems, but she was a role edge of the Catholic faith from my parents to see their child model as well. St. Charles Borromeo. When I as the God-fearing successful She was the teacher who was in sixth grade my grand- young woman I am growing would skip any lunch and stay father had a heart attack and to be. hours after school to make sure I thought my life would never each middle schooler fully be the same. I was struggling A q uiet w itness understood one lesson. Y ou to stay positive and all I could could tell Ms. Graf truly loved think about was my Grandpa. TRUITT BALART her job and each student. If a Thankfully my classmates and 6 TH GRADE student was having a bad day, teachers cheered me up and STUART HALL SCHOOL FOR BOYS she would not hesitate to stop prayed for him. My grandfa- One person who has in- whatever she was doing and ther survived on the prayers spired me is our school’s check in. of St. Charles Borromeo. maintenance man, Mr. Terry One of the only teachers My mom has inspired me by Washington. Once, when one who would request a dance working overtime in order to of my friends became sick party at the end of many class- pay for Catholic school. Also in class, Mr. Terry came and es, Ms. Graf was determined she has taken me to church helped to clean up everything for everyone to leave her room on Sundays and holy days of for us. with a positive attitude so that obligation. As a family we go This moment made me we would spread happiness to on one vacation to be able to think about how little we ap- the next person we saw. afford Catholic school. preciate the jobs that many Our school community took people have. Without Mr. a turn when we received the Terry, our school would not tragic news that we had lost I w ill giv e back be clean. Mr. Terry is always Ms. Graf last year. A role model HAYWARD EX POSÉ very enthusiastic about his for years, my class questioned SENIOR job, which is not always easy how the school would con- ST. AUGUSTINE to do. Mr. Terry is always nice tinue learning in a positive All my life, my parents to everyone. He always says environment without her have worked so hard to pro- hello to me in the hallways, here. However, we did exactly vide me with an education. and he is a positive role model what she had taught us. We When my parents sent me to for me and my friends. came together, celebrated her St. Augustine High School, I I think it is a great thing life and laughed at all of our learned so much about how to that we have Mr. Terry at Stu- fun memories that she had mature and survive as a black art Hall. I think if everyone provided. man in this world. They have in the world had Mr. Terry’s Ms. Graf was always encour- sacrifced their time, money positivity, the world would aging and supportive, and and even their jobs just so I Education is not the flling of a pail, but the lighting of a fre. be a better place without without her I would not be as can be safe and happy. There – W i l l i a m Bcomplaining. u t l e r Y e a t s confdent as I am today. S e e LIF E-GIV INGp a g e 1 5 ➤ January 26, 2019 | New Orleans CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK CLARION HERALD | Page 15

best. She explains that this is of childbirth, my mother, has emergencies, and using large my tuition at Brother Martin. LIFE-GIVING not about the grade on a test, greatly infuenced my life to amounts of money to pay my I am grateful to have a mom ➤ From PAGE 14 but about using our very best make me into the person I am tuition instead of buying a who works very hard just so talents. Ms. Chapotel makes today. Throughout my entire new car. that she can see me succeed in were even moments when my me want to do my best, not life, l’ve known my mother as She has also made sacrifces life. Just knowing that inspires parents have even risked not for the grade, but so I am the a strong-willed woman who for her country, as well. She me to do better than excellent. eating just to pay my tuition. very best me. never lets anyone walk over has retired from the N avy and Because of these actions, I’ve her. now she works at the V eterans P eaceful presence learned to never take your A strong mom Since the beginning of my Administration. E very day she SOPHIA SCHIELDER parents for granted as well as NICHOLAS BENNETT Catholic school education, my picks me up from school and 6 TH GRADE to work harder every day. 8 TH GRADE mom made multiple sacrifces tells me about what a grueling ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR Dr. J.P.Chia once said, “Pa- BROTHER MARTIN such as giving up her time to task her job as a nurse is, but A challenging situation for rental love is the only love that My primary caretaker and help me with school, switch- she always tells me that she me was last year at my old is truly selfess, unconditional the person who went through ing jobs so that she could have that she continues to work school. I went through bul- and forgiving.” Following the hard but rewarding trial easier access to me in case of there so that she can pay for S e e LIF E-GIV INGp a g e 1 6 ➤ those words, we need to learn how to be more appreciative of our parents and the sacrifces they make for us. There are moments when my parents annoy me, but I know they love me. I know they would do anything for their kids. My parents inspire me to work harder and to give back to the ones who don’t have a lot. In the future I plan to follow in my parents’ footsteps and sacrifce as much as my parents did for me. Going to St. Augustine has had a positive effect on my life. This school has taught me how to work hard, stay focused and follow my faith. When I wake up every morning, I’m am glad to know that I’m going to a school that is preparing me for my future. The best part of going to St. Augustine is the love and brotherhood from both the faculty and students. Be- cause of my parents’ sacrifce, I am now at a school where I feel like I belong. ‘ M ax imum Effort! ’ EMMA FAYE FLYNN 4 TH GRADE ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR The teacher who has had the most impact on my life is the fourth-grade teacher at St. E dward the Confessor, Ms. Chapotel. Ms. Chapotel is always kind and fair. She is always trying to fnd new ways to help a student who may be struggling. She fnds creative ways to help us all learn, and expects us all to improve who we are as a person and student. She teaches us about the importance of being a good student in subjects like math, science, reading and spelling, but she also teaches us about being a good friend and person in life. She, also, teaches us through her example how to be kind, use manners and our faith. On her board she has a saying “Maximum E ffort” to remind us to give our very Page 16 | CLARION HERALD CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 26, 2019 | New Orleans and I want a scholarship, I est, I have seen my mother and LIFE-GIVING want my parents to stop pay- father struggle to keep us in ➤ From PAGE 15 ing my tuition in high school, school. My mother is a nurse, so they can do more in their and I remember watching her lying, and most days I really life and have another bill leave one job, picking us up hated going to school to the gone. from school, and dropping us point that I didn’t want to be My parents are my bless- off at home. After feeding us there. But when I got away ings God sent to me, I focus and making sure we fnished from all that, it was like a on making excellent grades our homework, she’d get ready dream come true. My parents because I want to become suc- to go to her other job. She made a decision to remove me cessful and do things for them worked day in and day out just from there and put me in St. to show how grateful I am for to keep us afoat at home. E dward. all the sacrifces they made for My dad had only one job, When it was my frst day at me. but his was just as time-con- St. E dward, I was super ner- suming as my mother’s. He’d vous because I had never been wake and leave at 1 1 to be at to another school before. After A w atchful eye LEAH CARDINAL work for 1 2. We rarely saw a week or two, I had met new him. As soon as he got home, friends and felt more comfort- V ISITATION OF OUR LADY A teacher who has had a he would shower, eat, sleep able. and wake at 1 1 the next morn- I realized that all schools big impact on my life was Mrs. Gloria. In kindergarten, ing. This continued for most weren’t the same. I am blessed of our lives. Both struggled that my parents loved me we were playing tag at recess when I tripped and fell right so we’d not only receive the enough to make sure that I was education we deserved, but in a good environment. onto the cement and I busted my chin open. also do the things we wanted. My mom came to school I am proud to say that I’ve P arents at forefront and checked me out. We been a cheerleader for almost 1 0 years. They worked so MAKAYLA CHANEY headed to the hospital and I many hours and never com- FRESHMAN got six stitches. plained, because it would ST. CHARLES CATHOLIC Mrs. Gloria took me un- make a better life for our fam- Seeing my parents sacrifce der her wing when I came ily. There were some things my to send me here is my moti- back to school. E ven though family couldn’t do because of vation to succeed in all my she was not my teacher, she tuition payments. We gave up classes. I’ve had a Catholic would always say, “I have to most of the luxurious things school education since I was in watch that you don’t fall.” that we used to do. We didn’t pre-K3 . When I was younger I She would come talk and play get our hair done every other did not see how blessed I was with me during recess. She week and stopped vacationing to attend a Catholic school, is still so nice. I am in ffth every summer. but as I get older I realize ev- grade, and I still remember I am glad I am older and can eryday that God blessed me to everything she did for me. I help out with the expenses. be at a private school and I am always will. I will use the education my grateful. parents struggled so hard to My parents were able to send Lov e w ithout limits give me and make a better life me to Catholic school when ARLETTA COLAR for all of us. times were hard. I consider SENIOR that the dedication and love ST. MARY’S ACADEMY they give to me. E very time My parents have two beauti- R elationship w ith God I didn’t make the honor roll ful girls. We attended Catholic SEREN RODRIGUEZ I used to feel like I let them schools all of our lives. To have 6 TH GRADE down, but now in my ninth- grown up in a school that ST. BENILDE SCHOOL grade year it’s different. not only teaches my religion I am so grateful that I go to I try harder than I ever did but also respects it has been a St. Benilde Catholic School. because I think about colleges blessing. Since I am the young- S e e LIFE-GIVING p a g e 1 7 ➤ January 26, 2019 | New Orleans CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK CLARION HERALD | Page 17

kids. LIFE-GIVING Compassion in grief Parents have to pick you up, ➤ From PAGE 16 ERIN POWELL drop you off, pack your lunch 8 TH GRADE or pay for your lunch. Some When I frst moved to Lou- ST. CHARLES CATHOLIC parents take off of their work isiana, I went to a public Because of my Catholic just to pick you up and help school, and it was completely education, I have a close rela- you with homework. different. When I arrived at St. tionship with God and with So be grateful that you’re Benilde, Mrs. Kristy Lacoste my family. My education getting school clothes and sup- was the frst person to wel- has allowed my faith to grow plies and have the opportunity come me and made me feel at stronger and has helped me to go to a Catholic school. home. It is because of her that to reach the realization of my I have a deeper relationship faith’s value to me as well as S w eet music my value to my faith commu- with God. SARAH GROSSE nity. When I started at St. Be- J UNIOR My dad recently passed nilde, I had not yet been bap- ARCHBISHOP CHAPELLE tized, but Mrs. Lacoste helped away. It was extremely hard Both during and before my me learn more about God and on my family. My fellow class- time at Chapelle, Dr. Compag- made me want to be baptized mates and teachers have been no (Doc, as we call him) has so I could take my frst Com- there for me through these faithfully served as our band munion, frst reconciliation tough times. They have been director. His passion for music and be a child of God. She supportive of all of my deci- shines through his teaching was very understanding about sions and have been there for every day, and he inspires all of having a new student halfway my entire family. us to reach our fullest potential through the frst quarter. She as musicians. treated me like any other Giv e or take a thousand We always joke around with student, but when I needed J AKE DUMARS Doc in class, and he gives us help, I felt like I was her only 6 TH GRADE so many tools to succeed. His student. ST. BENILDE SCHOOL humility and dedication to his The way Mrs. Lacoste wel- Do you realize how hard students is so admirable, and comed me into her classroom parents work? They have to I’m so grateful to have him as and showed me the ways of pay for a school for you to go my teacher! God impacted my religious to, buy supplies and clothes, and also have to pick you up life by teaching me about and bring you to school. P riority is on school God and wanting to be a fol- Do you know how much PATRICK GARV EY lower of him. She was the frst money it is to get into a Catho- 7TH GRADE teacher to show and teach lic school? It’s over $ 1 ,0 0 0 ! ST. PHILIP NERI SCHOOL me about the Catholic faith. They have to save up THE IR A teacher who has had an I feel like, in the end, she was own money just to get you impact on my life is my math welcoming me into God’s into a good school. Some par- teacher, Ms. Hebert. She has classroom. ents have to work two jobs to helped me in multiple prob- I see her every day, and pay for a Catholic school. They lems and tells me that every- every day she still has the give up their free time just for thing is gonna be all right. same bright smile that makes you to have a better education! She has encouraged me a lot me happy and has made me Parents have to buy you and has told me that I can do happy for the last four years. clothes and supplies, which anything if I put my mind to I would like to thank Mrs. is about $ 1 0 0 , at least. If you it. Lacoste for being so impact- want the best clothes and sup- The blessings I have received ful in my life. I hope that one plies, it costs extra money. from my Catholic school are day I could be like her, help Parents have to work extra learning how to read, tying my others, be a disciple of Jesus hard for that extra money, shoes, helping me overcome An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. and spread the word of God. especially if they have multiple S e e LIFE-GIVING p a g e 1 8 ➤ – B e n j a m i n F r a n k l i n Page 18 | CLARION HERALD CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK January 26, 2019 | New Orleans A teacher who has had an friends, counselors, and my display my talents of acting matter how badly you want LIFE-GIVING extreme impact on my life is teachers, I am able to pursue and singing. give up, there is always a light ➤ From PAGE 17 Ms. Paige Holtgreve. anything I put my mind to. The most important inspi- at the end of the tunnel. Ms. Holtgreve is a history Over these five years, my ration I receive is from my Coach Roth had dozens of tough situations and teaching teacher but is also one of my parents have truly been in- parents. They are incredible. mantras posted all over the me to do good and to always best friends. Our relation- spirational to me. They are so They have sacrifced for my locker room such as: “Y ou be kind no matter what. ship has been growing ever strong, and I am so grateful siblings and me to have a good don’t get what you want, you I have also been super in- since my pre-freshman year at to have them in my life. Both Catholic education. This is get what you earn” and “Hard spired by my parents because Cabrini, and she is truly some- my mother and father have something they chose to do work beats talent when talent they do everything they can to one who I can trust with any- taken up extra jobs to support for me when they didn’t have doesn’t work hard.” make me and siblings happy thing. She has been there for my education and allow me to to. I am truly thankful! They I will always live my life and healthy, and I want to me through all of my troubles, go to such an amazing school want me to have a great and by the simple phrases Coach be exactly like them when I including both school life and like Cabrini. We have missed successful life so that I may Roth gave us each season. E ach grow up. We couldn’t go on personal life. Ms. Holtgreve out on vacations, fun events, become a better person, and thing we did for football had a many vacations in the summer is genuinely a caring person and more just to support my give to others as they have deeper lesson within it. I don’t because my parents are saving and like many of the Cabrini education, and I am beyond given to me. know where I would be today up for college, phones, bills faculty, she is there to make blessed. I thank them daily without the life lessons Coach and other things. I love and high school the best and most for sending me to a Catholic M ore than a coach Roth instilled in me during my admire my parents very much. comfortable it can be. school because I would not time at Archbishop Rummel. ZACH SMITH The Catholic high school know where I would be with- SENIOR A ngels surrounding me education I have received from out both the education and ARCHBISHOP RUMMEL Thankful for this gift KAYLA ALLEN Cabrini has been nothing but the angels that surround me. When it comes to the teach- V ITO ESHLEMAN SENIOR outstanding. I have been given ers and faculty at Archbishop 7TH GRADE CABRINI HIGH SCHOOL the opportunity to challenge Faith has blossomed Rummel High School, you ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA The relationships I have my brain, push my limita- BREALLE COLEMAN will fnd nobody as caring or Teachers should be a big part built at Cabrini High School tions with AP classes, grow in 7TH GRADE compassionate as this amaz- of every student’s life. They are ones that will never fade. responsibility and leadership, OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR ing group of people. However, spend more time with teachers Because Cabrini is such a small and serve the Lord in my SCHOOL, WESTWEGO in my time at Rummel, one a day than their parents. I have school, I am able to have close community. I tend to over- Catholic School education faculty member in particular a teacher who comes to mind relationships with both my book myself, but I have never has impacted my life greatly. I comes to mind when I think who I believe really helped me peers and with my teachers. been alone. With the help of have been a student in Catho- of someone who has greatly through some tough times. My lic Schools for fve years. In impacted my life. history teacher, Mr. K, is one that time, I have received I met Coach Jay Roth at a that I believe truly made an many blessings. very young age after my father impact on my life. He taught Being in a Catholic school had brought me to see the me that history isn’t some- gives me the opportunity to Raiders play a football game. thing that I should be afraid participate in Mass each week. My father introduced me to of; it should be something Growing stronger in my faith, I Coach Roth, who was very that shows us past mistakes of have become closer to my God intimidating in the eyes of others and how not to make and Savior, Jesus Christ. In someone who was only 6 years the same mistakes as our an- Catholic school we are able to old, but I was determined to cestors. observe feast and saints’ days. grow up and play for Coach As he said at the beginning I even have the privilege of Roth as a member of the Raider of the year, “If you do not being a lector, which I truly en- football team. learn from history, you are joy. We have a religion teacher E ight years later, I joined the doomed to repeat it.” who teaches us the faith each football team at Rummel, and My Catholic school educa- day. This opportunity has Coach Roth’s lessons began: tion is probably the most also allowed me to learn more 6 a.m. workouts, three times important thing in my life. If about the Catholic faith and a week, taught me the habit I didn’t have this same educa- grow spiritually. Participating of getting myself up early in tion, I wouldn’t really know in the Christmas program was the mornings. The tough drills much about God and it’s a real one of my greatest pleasures in and conditioning in the sum- shame that some kids can’t Catholic school. I was able to mer heat taught me that no S e e LIFE-GIVING p a g e 1 9 ➤ January 26, 2019 | New Orleans CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK CLARION HERALD | Page 19 Taught me to be kind I have received the bless- Found my faith also helped me see why some LIFE-GIVING ings of leadership. If it were people could lose their faith ➤ From PAGE 18 CAMRYN CANALE not for my Catholic educa- ANNALISE EIFFERT and that as Catholics, we 5TH GRADE tion, then I would have never SOPHOMORE should support their journey learn about God because of ST. CHRISTOPHER thought of my hidden leader- ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART back to God. fnancial troubles. One of the teachers who ship skills. Ursuline sent me When I was younger, I al- Shortly after finding my My friends here at SCS have has made an impact on my to the Catholic Leadership ways saw going to Mass as a faith again, I started going gotten me through some re- life is Mrs. Pomes. I had Institute (CLI), which helped chore I had to get out of the to a Catholic school, and ally tough times. Recently the chance of being in Mrs. me learn about leadership way on Sunday mornings, the students and teachers my great grandma passed Pomes’ class in frst grade. through my faith. Ursuline and I never forged a deep there helped me even more away, and I was devastated. Mrs. Pomes is not just a good has also allowed me to learn relationship with God. in creating a deeper bond in My friends got me back on teacher but also a parent fg- more about my faith and When I got a little older, I the church. my feet from that dark time. ure. make me want to work for my experienced a life-changing Through projects and ac- They’d always help me out During first grade, I had faith. Our campus minister, event that shattered my life, tivities, such as going on and say “it’s gonna be OK.” surgery and Mrs. Pomes sent Ms. Joubert, has helped me and because I did not have retreat with my class, I have My parents sacrifce a lot my favorite class buddy, Sam, understand my faith in times a strong connection to God been able to continuously for me and my sister to go when I get overwhelmed with to SCS. My dad works a 9-6 a stuffed animal, home with beforehand, I questioned my strengthen my bond with me to keep me company dur- my emotions. I am now ready faith. God. job, and my mom is a teacher and prepared for the chal- at Archbishop Rummel (Go ing my recovery. However, I would say that I would definitely say I She also checked in on me lenges that college will bring this was probably one of the have gained a support group Raiders!). They work long to my faith life. hours, but they and I believe until I returned to school. most important events in from the people at my school, that my Catholic education is She kept me in her prayers my faith because it actually which I think is proof of the worth it. Catholic education and my classmates back at Family that prays strengthened it and showed great things that can come in my opinion is worth any school made get-well cards me that incredible things out of a faith-oriented educa- KASEY SABIDO price in the world. for me. She is nurturing and can come from hard times. It tion. kind. When I went back to 7TH GRADE school I was lucky enough ST. EDWARD THE CONFESSOR Caring teachers that she was patient in get- I’m one of four kids in my family, and I am able to go CAMERON WILLIAMS ting me caught up on all the to a Catholic school. I am SENIOR things I missed. super inspired by the sacrifces ARCHBISHOP SHAW I remember feeling lost I believe going to a Catholic with all the assignments I my parents make to send all school has helped form me missed, but she helped me four of us girls to a Catholic into the young adult I am to believe in myself and that school. My family has never been on an elaborate vacation today. I have received many we would get through this like Disney World or where we blessings from attending a together. Mrs. Pomes has all want to go, Belize. Catholic school. infuenced who I am today My family is full of love, Some of these blessings are because of her kindness. so we don’t need any of that: as simple as having teachers All it takes is one act of all we need is God. “A Fam- who actually care about how kindness to impact some- ily that Prays Together, Stays you do in school and having one’s life. The day she offered Together” – Proverbs 22:6. teachers who want to help Sam for comfort was the day On long days at work, my you succeed. she made a difference in my dad works so hard we barely My biggest challenge in life. She has taught me to be get to see him in the morning school was trying to keep kind. myself focused and pushing or at night. My parents chose through even when I thought to send us to a Catholic school I couldn’t do any better. I Leadership nurtured for a reason. would not have been able to I work my best for my par- get through this if it weren’t by caring teacher ents so I can help them by for my teachers believing in ZOE ELAM getting a scholarship. I hope me and pushing me to do SENIOR to become as good a parent as better. U RSULINE ACADEMY they are someday.