GRADUATION ISSUE Summer 2009 GRADUATION Valedictorian’s Address Ana Christina Melara’09 Surprise! You’re all surprised to see me up here, right? I safe haven on the bayou. would like to wish a good morning to the Missionary Sisters Yes, we will struggle, of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the members of the Board of and yes, there will be Trustees, the administration, faculty, and staff of Cabrini High times when giving up School, and the family and friends of my fellow classmates. may appear to be the only When Mrs. Hrapmann called me at nine-thirty Monday morn- option, but ultimately, we ing to officially congratulate me on achieving valedictorian will succeed. I know that status, the only thing that was on my mind was going back we can do it, because to sleep. An hour later (after a considerably delightful nap), we have done it before. I I was running around the house in a panicked frenzy, finally know that you can do it grasping what was expected of me. This goal of being vale- because I’ve seen you. I dictorian was five years in the making, but really I had never have seen some of you considered how to address the very people who helped get bare your souls before me here. your classmates to express some unseen internal battle. I “Make it funny,” said the class clowns. have seen some of you cry tears of frustration, finally pushed “Make us cry,” said the sentimentals. to your limits. I have seen some of you at your lowest points, “Make it your own,” I was told by one Denise Theriot, struggling to get back up after a fall. But I have never seen and I intend to do just that. any of you broken beyond repair. Here you stand, testaments I doubt anyone of my classmates can look back at her to the undeniable spirit of the Cabrini student. years in high school and think, “That was really easy! I Before me are ninety-three women—ninety-three COMMENCEMENT 2009 would love to do that again!” Of course, this may change a distinct futures. Our futures are what we make of them. Until few years down the line, but as of right now, it holds true. this point, we have never fully been in control of our ability to Each one of us has our own tales of joy and sadness, our do so. Today is the day when our futures are now dependent own share of triumphs and defeats. We have each struggled solely on us. If, right now, you are struggling for what you equally to get to this day—the light at the end of the tunnel, want for yourself, if you are waiting for a sign to spur you the last lap of the grueling mile run. But I can tell you right forward, this is it. Take this as your sign, and take with it all now, the struggle is far from over. of your lessons, all of your heartaches and sweet memories, Our pasts are what and move forward. shape us into our pres- “We have been molded into women of substance, I would now ent selves, but they like to take this time need not define what challenged both mentally and academically. We to give special thanks we are to become. have been prepared for this day ever since we first to the people who While we cannot stepped into that safe haven on the bayou.” helped put me up change the past, we here. possess the ability to determine our futures. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Today marks the day when we finally step out of the faculty of Cabrini High School. I know at times it may have protective shelter of high school to do just that. For some of seemed that anything you said to us went in one ear and us, that entails staying close to home to test our newfound out the other, but we really do care about you. Without your freedom before completely entering the adult world. For oth- guidance and support, I probably would not be up here. You ers still, it means a complete departure from the comfort and serve as inspirations and mentors; my fears have more than familiarity of home to attend universities across the country. once been placated by what you advise. Thank you, thank Cabrini has gifted us with the tools necessary to suc- you, for playing such a vital role in our high school lives and ceed in our futures, wherever we may end up. Instilled within for nurturing our minds with such care. each of us are the core values of respect, excellence, and I would like to thank my family for their unending, ever- service—attributes that will surely aid us in the difficulties lasting support in all of my endeavors. Words cannot possibly to come. We have been molded into women of substance, express what we as a family have been through to get to this challenged both mentally and academically. We have been point. Ma and Daddy, I cannot tell you enough how much you prepared for this day ever since we first stepped into that have pushed me forward, and how much you are responsible   GRADUATION Salutatorian’s Address Alejandra Bran’09 Good morning Mis- why people always say Cabrini is like family. Katrina was sionary Sisters of the a challenge, but as a class, and more importantly, as “sis- Sacred Heart, members ters,” we overcame that obstacle. Along with big sister, of the Board of Trustees, little sister party, Candlelight, making graduation hats for our administration, faculty, senior sisters and eating lunch with them, this was the year staff, family, friends, and we learned that all of these events were part of cherished my fellow class of 2009. I Cabrini traditions. am honored to have the Sophomore year was quite a bit more normal. We knew opportunity to address our way around campus, and we were not considered you this morning. It seems “babies” anymore. We even proved it by beating the Swash- went on our senior retreat; I do not think I will ever forget the me so much and I hope that I make you just as proud as you that it was just yesterday buckling Seniors at intramurals because the Saintsational group of girls that ran on the hills with their onesies outfits on. make me. To my friends, thank you so much for being there we were lining up to get Sophomores had more class spirit. The year quickly ended with the senior slideshow and senior for me through my ridiculous “Oh my gosh, I think I am going our senior sweaters and Junior year was the year we realized that school was countdown. After all of this, it is our time to go, but we could to fail” moments, because you supported me and believed walking around campus knowing it was our turn to be the going by faster than we thought. Besides making dogs for not have done it by ourselves. in me. You know how to make me laugh, which to me is the “big dogs” on campus. Now, after countless memories and our senior sisters and hosting their ring dance, it was evident The one person that has been there for all of us, through best thing ever. Even your parents believed in me, and I hope hardships, our time is up and it is our turn to graduate. Al- that senior events for the class of 2009 were starting to take thick and thin is God. He never abandoned us, and although I make you proud. though we may hand down our class symbol, may we always place. Ordering our senior rings became a priority, as did we may ask, “Why me?” we should remember that God does And last but not least, I want to thank my classmates. remember the significance of the violet. Mother Cabrini used Junior Prom. On Step-Up day we were finally considered not give us anything we can not handle. Anything that comes I stand among great women. Look around, this is our last violets in representation of the missionaries she dreamed seniors, and we felt like we ruled the school. After that, we our way is for a reason. Although Ashely Newell is not physi- time together as a class. We have made college and career about sending around the world. We, the Class of 2009, are started to realize that we only had one more year at Cabrini cally present with us today, she is here in spirit. I believe that choices and I wish you much happiness and success in your her next missionaries. We have been instilled with the core and only one more year to bond with our classmates. she, along with the rest of us, were meant to be part of the future endeavors. Cabrini has molded us for the future, so I values of respect, excellence, and service and have put them Senior year has finally arrived and has quickly sped by. I violets, Class of 2009 at Cabrini High School. have no doubt that you will all succeed. In the words of Mr. to practice. May the violet be something that will always do not know about you, but I never thought high school would To our faculty, staff, and administration: Thank you. If it Distler, “Always be your true self.” Now, I want to share a remind us of Cabrini and unite us as a class. end so fast. We did everything we thought we would do were not for your encouragement and support, we would not poem with you that I thought expresses the sisterhood within Everyone remembers how freshman year began, we senior year. First, we received our senior sweaters. People be where we are today. We whined about homework, tests, our senior class. were the little sisters being forced to dress up and sizzle like thought we were crazy for not taking them off in the New and papers, but you knew what you had to do to make us bet- bacon. We were “just getting to know” our senior sisters and Orleans heat, but we kept them on because it represented ter students and you did everything possible to prepare us for Sisters letting our light shine when Katrina hit. Our Cabrini campus who we were as a class. We received our rings, after waiting college. We now know you were not trying to make our lives © Angelica Machado was fortunate to receive nothing more than just minor water anxiously for the announcement of the school to reopen impossible, and we know that over the years you have grown God sent us to be sisters damage and much debris. Whoever thought that walking following Hurricane Gustav. Little did we know that we to love each and every one of us. I wish I could thank every So we can be best of friends through those large wooden doors from Esplanade Avenue would even be the senior class to experience snow. We then teacher individually. But as you see us making our speeches To be there for one another would have such a great significance? We truly understood dominated intramurals as “Seniors Say That’s All Folks.” We and receiving our diplomas, you should know that there is no Even when there is pain greater reward. I thank the lord for sending my sisters to me I would also like to thank my family and friends. If it were For whom I truly love and care not for you, I do not think I would be standing here today. I We shared so many things together would like to thank my mother and father for working harder Like laughter and some scares Valedictorian’s Address (cont.) than ever so that I am able to continue my education. Every- It’s funny how we sometimes argue thing I do, and everything thing I have done and every award I guess its normal, in this world for my being here as I am. You always tell me that you are sisters, my Cabrini class of 2009. Never before have I seen I have received, I completely dedicate it to you. I know that all But, having you as my sister proud to have me as your daughter, but I cannot say enough things so clearly as I do right now; never before have my you desire in life is for your daughters to be successful and Means more to me, more than you’ll ever know how proud I am to be your daughter. Alex and Carlos, thank eyes been as opened as they are now at this very moment. independent. I dedicate this award and honor to you. To my I wouldn’t trade you for anything you for witnessing the side of me that I had never shown to Thank you, all of you, for proving to me that such wonder- amazing sister Carol, I have no idea what I would have done I will never let go any of my classmates, and for comforting me when I felt I had ful people exist in the world. Thank you for talking to me, for without you. If you would not have taught me how to study As our friendship continues to grow no one else. laughing with me, for crying with me. Thank you for being when we were younger, if you would not have been there So will my love for you I would like to thank the family and friends of my class- who you are and loving me for who I am. I love you all, and I for me, just in general, I would not be the person I am today. mates. Thank you for putting them in my path so that I could wish you the best of luck in your futures. Which, by the way, Whenever I take myself too seriously, you are the first one to Thank you. know and love them as I do now. are so bright, we need shades. crack a “Why didn’t the chicken cross the road?” joke. You Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank my think it would get old, but I laugh every time. You have taught   GRADUATION GRADUATION Principal’s Wecome Address President’s Commencement Remarks On behalf of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of In those choices lie your growth and happiness. My dear graduates who are the class of 2009: great women we have nurtured you to be. Go forth and help Jesus, members of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Hanemann, the people. Be a good person, a great woman who is guided by administration, faculty and staff, welcome to Cabrini High’s I also shared with you the importance of recognizing So now it is done. It is completed. Your years at Cabrini have morals and not popularity. When the time comes, be a good 47th Commencement Exercises. The Class of 2009 has met and developing your Emotional Intelligence which is been fulfilled. But rest assured, it is not over. You have been parent – probably the toughest job you’ll ever have should and exceeded our expectations. I am proud to announce the comprised of self-knowledge, self-awareness, social given a rare gift – a Cabrini education. You are among the you choose to do so. class has earned scholarship funds sensitivity, empathy, and the ability few – in the world – who for four or totaling over $2.8 million. Please join to communicate effectively with five years has lived on holy ground; No matter how much you succeed, me in applauding their outstanding others. Recent research suggests who has sat where a saint sat; who and you will, professional success achievements. that emotional intelligence is has walked where a saint walked. means nothing if you are not a good Congratulations, ladies, you have more accurate in determining You have been taught according to person in your heart. Respect other finally made it. one’s success in communication, Mother Cabrini’s charge to educate people and treat them with the dignity I believe that through your education relationships, and leadership than both the mind and the heart. But for that God gave them. Be a good at Cabrini you have acquired the is mental intelligence. You have what? To what end? Why did Mother citizen. Be a good Christian. The knowledge you need for future benefited from the privilege of being Cabrini establish schools? Why do question should be: how can I help to success, and the understanding formed in our Catholic Cabrinian the Missionary Sisters still consider make a difference in another person’s that the search for truth is a lifetime school environment, where these education a primary part of their life, not how much money can I make pursuit. You are well prepared for qualities and characteristics have mission around the world? Why do at another person’s expense. the challenges and surprises God been fostered. As you go forward administration, faculty, and staff work has planned for you. When in doubt, to higher education to further your to move you intellectually, spiritually, Years from now, say to yourself: I remember the Lord’s words from the intellectual development, also and emotionally? successfully graduated from Cabrini first reading, the book of Jeremiah, continue to build greater emotional High School. What have I done to “My plan for your future has always intelligence. For one reason: for you to go forth carry Mother Cabrini’s charism been filled with hope.” Principal Yvonne L. Hrapmann’76 and carry Mother Cabrini’s charism President Ardley R. Hanemann, Jr. forward? Surround yourselves with “balcony people” and beware to the world. What does that mean? What is this word It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as your of “basement people.” Be a “balcony person” for others “charism?” What is this all about? Depending on the answer, you’ll know if you are a woman of principal during your high school years. I hope you feel I by lifting them up and helping them bring out the best in substance. You’ll know if you are the great woman you have have served you well. Before I relinquish the final moments themselves and in turn, the best in you. Mother Cabrini’s charism simply is to follow Christ by being a been given the gifts to be. of this privilege, I’d like to remind you of some thoughts I passionate lover of humankind and to become bearers of that shared with you during a recent visit to your religion classes. When alumna Nairoby Otero visited our campus recently to love in any work that needs to be done. In other words, use I love you girls. share with you her experience of working in the presidential what you have been given and do good in the world: be the Remember to continue to unwrap one of your “birth gifts,” as campaign, she quoted poet Anais Nin. It seems fitting to author Rick Warren calls the freedom you have to choose repeat the quote today. your response to any situation. Recall the lines from poet Hafiz: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Although the There are so many gifts intimate moments you have shared as classmates and friends are Still unopened from your birthday, lifetime treasures you want to hold closely, you have blossomed There are so many hand-crafted presents and are ready to make your own way. Remember the gift of That have been sent to you by God. sisterhood and the importance of supporting and standing up for The Beloved does not mind repeating, the dignity and respect of one another and all women that come “Everything I have is also yours.” in and out of your lives. There are so many gifts, my dear, Still unopened from your birthday. Finally, I challenge you to respond to your calling as bearers of the Cabrini legacy, and embrace the works of Next to life itself, the power to choose is your greatest gift. our foundress St. Frances X. Cabrini by serving those in You are free to choose, to direct your own life. Because you need through works of healing, teaching, caring, and giving, are human, you can make choices based on your values. particularly addressing the needs and realities of women, This power to choose allows you to choose the direction of children, immigrants, and the elderly. You are being sent out your life. It is a gift that allows all of your gifts to be used; it today bearing the light of your Catholic Cabrinian education enables you to elevate your lives to higher levels. and our hope for you.

Always remember: Between stimulus and response there is I love you and I will miss you. a space.

In that space lies your freedom and power to choose your  response.  GRADUATION 2009 College Scholarship Awards

REBECCA ACKERMANN MICHEL COLLINS, Magna Cum Laude University of New Orleans Decennial TOPS Opportunity Award Xavier University of New Orleans Scholarship JASMINE ADAMS Academic Scholarship Xavier University of Louisiana Academic Savannah College of Art & Design TOPS Opportunity Award Scholarship Academic Honors Award TIFFANY COYLE, Cum Laude TOPS Performance Award EMMA ALEF University of Southern Mississippi VICTORIA McCLENDON TOPS Opportunity Award Regional Award University of New Orleans Napoleon Scholarship MARANDA ALVAREZ, Cum Laude LAUREN FLINT TOPS Opportunity Award Louisiana State University New York Times TOPS Opportunity Award Multicultural Scholarship MICHELE FRADELLA, Cum Laude KAYLA McGEE, Cum Laude TOPS Performance Award TOPS Opportunity Award TOPS Opportunity Award GABRIELLE ANSARDI, Magna Cum Laude JENNIFER GAUDET ANA CHRISTINA MELARA, Summa Cum Laude TOPS Opportunity Award TOPS Opportunity Award Loyola University New Orleans Academic Competitiveness Grant KAITLYN AUSTIN AMANDA GIESE, Magna Cum Laude Loyola University New Orleans Academic TOPS Performance Award University of Louisiana Lafayette Scholarship Academic Excellence Scholarship ASHLEIGH BIENEMY Loyola University New Orleans Campus TOPS Performance Award TOPS Opportunity Award Visit Grant MICHELLE BILLINGS, Magna Cum Laude LAURA GIESEMANN, Cum Laude Tulane University Valedictorian University of Louisiana Lafayette TOPS Opportunity Award Scholarship Distinguished Freshman Housing JADE GIOIA University of New Orleans Valedictorian Scholarship TOPS Opportunity Award Scholarship TOPS Performance Award HALEIGH HESNI, Magna Cum Laude TOPS Honors Award 2009 Mother Cabrini Award Nominees (L to R): Brittney Puyau, Alejandra Bran, Lauren Huner, Michelle Billings, Deri Anne OLIVIA BLANCHARD Loyola University New Orleans Academic DOMINIQUE MELDER Meilleur, Nyajia Williams, Natalie Oalmann, and Michelle Pizer TOPS Opportunity Award Scholarship Ithaca College Flora Brown Award ANASTASIA BOSTICK Loyola University New Orleans Point Park University Community Service Xavier University of Louisiana Academic Recognition Award and Leadership Award Achievement Scholarship Marion Military Institute Army ROTC Point Park University Conservatory of TOPS Honors Award Scholarship Performing Arts Theatre Scholarship Spring Hill College Gautrelet Award BRITTANY BOUDREAUX, Cum Laude The University of the Arts Artist Grant University of New Orleans Decennial Spring Hill Louisiana Matching Gift University of New Orleans Napoleon Commencement Awards TOPS Opportunity Award Scholarship Ninety-one seniors of Cabrini High School were awarded a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Scholarship TOPS Performance Award ASHLEY HOLMES, Magna Cum Laude TOPS Opportunity Award Loyola University New Orleans Academic diplomas by Ardley R. Hanemann Jr, President, and Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. She was named to BROOKE BOUDREAUX, Magna Cum Laude LILIAN MOLINA, Magna Cum Laude Scholarship Louisiana State University Chancellor’s Yvonne L. Hrapmann’76, Principal, in the school’s 50th the Alpha Honor Roll for four consecutive years. University of New Orleans Decennial Scholarship University of Southern Mississippi Scholarship year at St. Joseph’s Church. TOPS Performance Award Academic Excellence Scholarship TOPS Performance Award University of Southern Mississippi Lauren Huner received the coveted Mother Cabrini KATELYN BOUDREAUX, Magna Cum Laude JESSICA MORAN, Cum Laude Regional Award Northwestern State University Opportunity Father Tony Rigoli, OMI assisted by Deacon Uriel Durr Award. The Mother Cabrini award is the highest honor University of New Orleans Decennial TOPS Performance Award Scholarship Award celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass for members of the bestowed upon a Catholic member of the senior class. TOPS Performance Award JAMIE HOLMES Northwestern State University TOPS Opportunity Award Presidential Honors Scholarship ALEJANDRA BRAN, Summa Cum Laude class of 2009 and their guests immediately before the The faculty, staff, and administration, as well as the University of Southern Mississippi Elks National Foundation Most Valuable JESSICA HOLMES Regional Award school’s 47th Commencement Exercise. senior class, nominate students who have demonstrated Student Scholarship TOPS Opportunity Award LAUREN HUNER TOPS Opportunity Award core values of respect, excellence, and service Loyola University New Orleans Academic Scholarship University of Southern Mississippi GABRIELLA MÚJICA Ana Christina Melara earned Valedictory honors. throughout their career at Cabrini. The recipient is TOPS Opportunity Award Regional Award TOPS Opportunity Award Melara served as president of Mu Alpha Theta and chosen based on a vote of the faculty. The nominees BRANDY BREAUX BROOKE JACKSON EMILY MUMME Spring Hill College Gautrelet Award TOPS Opportunity Award Spring Hill College Gautrelet Award vice president of National Art Honor Society. She was a from the class of 2009 were: Michelle Billings, Alejandra Spring Hill College Louisiana Matching EMILY KULAKOWSKI, Magna Cum Laude Spring Hill College Louisiana Matching member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Bran, Lauren Huner, Deri Anne Meileur, Natalie Oalmann, Grant Loyola University New Orleans Academic Grant Scholarship TOPS Opportunity Award Honor Society. She participated in the Greater New Michelle Pizer, Brittney Puyau, and Nyajia Williams. BRITTNY BREAUX Spring Hill College Gautrelet Award Loyola University New Orleans Cardoner ALEXIS NAPOLITANO, Cum Laude Orleans Literary Rally, Louisiana State Rally, and was Spring Hill College Louisiana Matching Leadership Fellow Award TOPS Opportunity Award TOPS Performance Award JANAÉ NEELY, Magna Cum Laude named to the Alpha Honor Roll for five consecutive years. Other awards presented at the 2009 Commencement Grant TERESA BRISTOW, Magna Cum Laude CHAU LE, Magna Cum Laude Loyola University New Orleans Academic Exercises were the Parents’ Association Scholarship Loyola University New Orleans Academic University of New Orleans Pontabla Scholarship TOPS Performance Award The Salutatorian of the class of 2009 was Alejandra M. Award to Michelle Billings, the Leadership Award to Scholarship Scholarship University of Southern Mississippi CHI LE, Cum Laude NATALIE OALMANN, Magna Cum Laude Bran, vice president of the student body and a member Alejandra Bran, the Service Award to Brittney Puyau, Regional Award Loyola University New Orleans Academic Knights of Columbus National Catholic of Students Against Drugs and Alcohol. Bran was also and the Respect Award to Brooke Boudreaux. TOPS Performance Award Scholarship Youth Leadership Scholarship   GRADUATION GRADUATION 2009 College Scholarship Awards (cont.) WHERE THE CRESCENTS WILL BE The class of 2009 is headed off to… Louisiana Bowling Proprietors Association ERIN REGAN ROSEMARY TATE Grand Prix Scholarship TOPS Opportunity Award TOPS Opportunity Award USBC SMART Program Scholarship RACHEL RIZZO ALLISON ULI CABRINI COLLEGE Whitney Yeatman (Also accepted to University of Southern Mississippi TOPS Opportunity Award Kiwanis Club of New Orleans Service Academic Excellence Award Michelle Pizer (Also accepted to Loyola Loyola University) ELIZABETH ROSER, Cum Laude Award University of Southern Mississippi TOPS Opportunity Award Louisiana State University Department of University, Louisiana State University, Regional Award Petroleum Engineering Summer YVONNE SINGER, Cum Laude University of New Orleans) LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY TOPS Performance Award Geology Camp Scholarship KAITLIN PALMER Loyola University New Orleans Academic Gabrielle Ansardi Scholarship TOPS Performance Award TOPS Opportunity Award Loyola University New Orleans KRISTIN VARVARO, Cum Laude DELGADO COMMUNITY COLLEGE Dantrell Hutchinson (Also accepted to MICHELLE PIZER Recognition Award Savannah College of Art & Design Lauren Armit Nicholls State University and McNeese Cabrini College Achievement Grant Academic Honors Award TOPS Opportunity Award Melinda Duffy University) Cabrini College Full-Tuition Scholarship TAMARA SOUBLET TOPS Performance Award Loyola University New Orleans Brenau University Faculty Excellence VY VU Taylor Higgins Recognition Award Scholarship TOPS Opportunity Award TOPS Opportunity Award Ashlee Nunemacher LOYOLA UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS Centenary College Trustee’s Scholarship AMBRIA WASHINGTON, Cum Laude BRITTNEY PUYAU Taylor Schwab Teresa Bristow (Also accepted to Southeastern Louisiana University NYAJIA WILLIAMS, Magna Cum Laude Southeastern Louisiana University Academic Scholarship University of New Orleans Decennial Kristine Sciambra Louisiana State University and Academic Scholarship Southeastern Louisiana University Scholarship Southeastern Louisiana University Robyn Sedgebeer (Also accepted to University of Southern Mississippi) Housing Scholarship TOPS Performance Award Housing Scholarship Spring Hill College Ignatian Leader Award Disney College and University of Haleigh Hesni (Also accepted to TOPS Honors Award WHITNEY YEATMAN, Magna Cum Laude Spring Hill College Louisiana Matching Loyola University New Orleans Academic Louisiana at Lafayette) University of Louisiana at Lafayette, SHARON RAINEY, Cum Laude Grant Scholarship University of New Orleans Decennial Nicole Stewart Spring Hill College, Our Lady of Holy Xavier University of Louisiana Academic TOPS Performance Award Scholarship Scholarship Lane Whitener (University of New Cross College) TOPS Performance Award Xavier University of Ohio Honors Award Orleans, University of Louisiana at Ana Christina Melara (Also accepted to KATHERINE RAYMOND TOPS Performance Award Lafayette, Southeastern Louisiana Tulane University and University of Dillard University Merit Scholarship LAURYN SPERA, Cum Laude Loyola University New Orleans TOPS Opportunity Award University, University of Southern New Orleans) Recognition Award Mississippi, Our Lady of Holy Cross Janae’ Neely (Also accepted to TOPS Opportunity Award College, and Nicholls State University) University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and Louisiana State University) JOHN JAY BEAUTY COLLEGE Yvonne Singer (Also accepted to Caitlin Ford Louisiana State University, University of Margaret Goodwin Louisiana at Lafayette, and Belmont Class of 2009 Class Agent Abbey University) Kayla Wichterich’09 was Seniors were encouraged to apply for Class Agent and LABORATORY INSTITUTE OF honored at the Senior Luncheon a selection committee reviewed the applications and MERCHANDISING, NYC MCNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY as Cabrini’s first Class Agent. voted based on a list of criteria. Jasmine Adams (Also accepted to Erin Williams (Also accepted to Spring Savannah College of Fashion and Hill College and University of Louisiana The position of Class Agent is Kayla embodies the mission of Mother Cabrini and Design and Clarke Atlanta University) at Monroe) designed to support the efforts understands the importance and spirit of service as well of the Alumnae Office with the as the significance of being an Alumna of Cabrini. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY NUNEZ COMMUNITY COLLEGE goal of keeping each graduating Maranda Alvarez Kayla Wichterich (Also accepted to class united as Alumnae. One She put it best in her application essay when she wrote, Kaitlyn Austin (Also accepted to Delgado Community College) Class Agent will be selected University of Louisiana at Lafayette) from each future graduating class to serve as a point “There wasn’t one day I wasn’t excited to go to school Ashley Holmes (Also accepted to Loyola OUR LADY OF HOLY CROSS COLLEGE person for the Director of Alumnae. to be with my sisters. For all the times they have helped University, New Orleans, University of Rheagan Arnold me, been there, and made me laugh I will always be Southern Mississippi, and Auburn The Class Agent’s duties may include helping plan grateful. I want to keep our class as close as possible for University) PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY reunions, serving on various alumnae committees, but as long as possible. The Class of 2009 is and will always Lilian Molina Emily Kulakowski (Also accepted to most importantly the Class Agent will be the eyes and be family to me.” Gabriella Mujica (Also accepted to Loyola University and Louisiana State ears of her class. She will inform the alumnae office on Southeastern Louisiana University) University) her classmates successes beyond Cabrini. Allison Uli 10 11 GRADUATION GRADUATION WHERE THE CRESCENTS WILL BE (cont.) SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY Brittny Breaux UNIVERSITY OF NEW ORLEANS Nyajia Williams Rebecca Ackermann TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY Brittany Boudreaux (Also accepted to Ashleigh Bienemy (Also accepted to Ambria Washington (Also accepted to Spring Hill College) UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI University of Louisiana at Lafayette and University of New Orleans, Xavier Brooke Boudreaux Lauren Huner (Also accepted to University University of New Orleans) University of Louisiana, Northwestern Katelyn Boudreaux (University of of New Orleans) Cortney Blackwell (Also accepted to State University, and Ithaca College) Louisiana at Lafayette, Auburn Jessica Moran (Also accepted to University of Louisiana at Lafayette and University and University of Alabama) Southeastern Louisiana University, Dillard University) UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE Tiffany Coyle (Also accepted to University University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Ashley Boudreaux (Also accepted to Emma Alef of Southern Mississippi, Loyola and Northwestern State University) Nicholls State University and the Michelle Billings University, and University of Louisiana Natalie Oalmann (Also accepted to University of Louisiana at Lafayette) Olivia Blanchard at Lafayette) University of New Orleans) Marissa Cosse’ (Also accepted to Anastasia Bostick (Also accepted to Sierra Cumpsten Nicholls State University) Louisiana Tech University) Eve Ellison XAVIER UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS Emily Exnicios Alejandra Bran (Also accepted to Lauren Flint (Also accepted to Nicholls Michel Collins Jessica Gros (Also accepted to University Southeastern Louisiana University and State University, Jackson State Chi Le (Also accepted to Loyola University of Southern Mississippi) Loyola University, New Orleans) University, and University of Alabama) and University of New Orleans) Christina Laughlin (Also accepted to Brianne Cash Jennifer Gaudet (Also accepted to Ambria Washington Delgado Community College and Our Michele Fradella (Also accepted to University of Louisiana at Lafayette) Lady of Holy Cross College) Louisiana State University and Jade Gioia (Also accepted to Casey Minton (Also accepted to University of New Orleans) Southeastern Louisiana University and University of New Orleans and Amanda Giese University of Louisiana at Lafayette) University of Southern Mississippi) Laura Giesemann (Also accepted to Jamie Holmes Randi Neubeck Louisiana State University) Jessica Holmes Brittney Puyau (Also accepted to Christina Ingrassia (Also accepted to Brooke Jackson (Also accepted to University of New Orleans) Southeastern Louisiana University and University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Rachel Rizzo (Also accepted to Louisiana University of Southern Mississippi) Nicholls State University, and Our Lady State University and University of Alexis Napolitano (Also accepted to of Holy Cross College) Louisiana at Lafayette) University of Alabama) Mary Le Tamara Soublet (Also accepted to Erin Regan Victoria McClendon University of South Alabama, Xavier Elizabeth Roser (Also accepted to Kayla McGee University of Louisiana, Xavier of Ohio, University of New Orleans and Dominique Melder (Also accepted to Centenary College of Louisiana, Southeastern Louisiana University) University of the Arts, Ithaca College, Brenaw University, and Spring Hill Lauryn Spera and College of Santa Fe) College) Kristin Varvaro (Also accepted to Kaitlin Palmer (Also accepted to Nicholls Melissa St. Amant Louisiana State University and State University) Savannah College of Art and Design) Sharon Rainey (Also accepted to Loyola SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, BR Ivy Veal (Also accepted to Dillard University) Krischel Burl (Also accepted to Tuskegee University, Southern University, and Katherine Raymond (Also accepted to University, Xavier University of Tuskegee University) Loyola University, University of Louisiana, and Dillard University) Louisiana at Lafayette, Xavier UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE University, Dillard University, Our Lady SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY, NO Emily Mumme (Also accepted to Spring of Holy Cross College, and Deri Anne Meilleur Hill College, University of Louisiana Southeastern Louisiana University) Lafayette, and Delgado Community Rosemary Tate (Also accepted to Clark SPRING HILL COLLEGE College) Atlanta University) Brandy Breaux Vy Vu 12 13 GRADUATION GRADUATION

(L to R) Jessica Holmes, Natalie Oalmann, Lauren Huner, Alexis Napolitano, Chi Le, Yvonne Singer, Sharon Rainey, Christina Ingrassia, Lane Whitener Brianne Cash, Christina Laughlin, Emily Mumme, Vy Vu, Kaitlyn Austin, and Jamie Holmes

President Ardley Hanemann and Senior Class President Rachel Brandy Breaux, Amanda Giese, Brittny Breaux SENIOR Rizzo

LUNCHEON Kayla McGee, Casey Minton, Randi Neubeck, Michelle Pizer, Robyn Sedgebeer, Janae Neeley, and Erin Williams 14 15 STUDENT/FACULTY RECOGNITION STUDENT/FACULTY RECOGNITION Cox Inspirational Hero - Jane Carriere’11 Bienes’10 Receives Spanish Award Jane Carriere’11, daughter of Dr. Victor and Mrs. Leigh Carriere of Kenner, has been honored as a Cox Inspirational Hero. Cox Sarah Bienes’10 was awarded the Sociedad Española José Luis Baños Award for exceptional achievement in the study of the Communications’ Inspirational Heroes program recognizes students who succeed despite personal adversities. Spanish language. Sociedad Española is an organization that supports Spanish language and cultural education.

Jane excels at Cabrini with a 4.1 GPA despite dealing with the effects of Spina Bifida, a birth defect affecting the spine. Carriere Bienes, an honor student at Cabrini, maintains a 4.7 GPA. She serves as student body vice president for the 2009-2010 school year. wears leg braces and uses crutches while walking to help deal with some of the symptoms of the disease such as painful hip In addition to being a Eucharistic Minister, she is a member of the Quiz Bowl team, the robotics team, the National Honor Society, dislocation. and Mu Alpha Theta.

“I’m honored that people think of me that way - as a hero,” said Carriere. “I just think of myself as a normal kid trying to lead a normal life.” Jane is a member of Quiz Bowl, the National Honor Society, the National French Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta, Students Excel at District and State Rallies a mathematics honor society. She is also a piano and voice student at the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts’ River Ridge Seventeen students from Cabrini High School placed at the Greater New Orleans District Literary Rally. Eight of the seventeen School of Music. earned a spot at the Louisiana State Rally in Baton Rouge. The Greater New Orleans District is divided by school enrollment size into five divisions; Cabrini competed in Division III. Jane hopes to become an art therapist. Art therapy teaches people, who have been through some type of trauma, to express their feelings through art. Sophomore Brianne Jones won the district overall in Radio Speaking. Other Crescents who placed at district include: senior Nyajia Williams (French IV); Sarah Bienes’10 (Advanced Math I), Taylor Masson’10 (Advanced Math II), Elaine Broussard’11 (English III), Elizabeth Hoerner’11 (Algebra II), Janecia Neely’11 (Environmental Science), Cassie Ernst’12 (Spanish II) and Charity 2009 Taylor Scholars Sylvester’12 (English I). Four Cabrini High School students were recognized as Taylor Scholars and the recipients of Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Lisa Smith’12 won the district overall in the Introduction to Business category and placed second in the state rally. Amanda scholarships for the 2008-2009 school year by Phyllis Taylor, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Taylor Energy. The Cabrini Giese’09 placed first at the district rally in Division III in Psychology and went on to compete at the state rally. Lilian Molina’09 scholars included Brandi Goff’10, Alacia Shelton’10, Shendella Vado’10, and Kayla Wichterich’09. The Taylor Scholars Program placed third at the state rally in Accounting. Other state qualifiers were; Jodilee Trapani’11 (Chemistry), Gabrielle Ansardi’09 (Free ceremony and reception was held at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). Emcee of the event, John Bullard, NOMA Director, Enterprise), Christina Melara’09 (Biology II), Brittney Puyau’09 (World Geography), and Elizabeth Roser’09 (Business Computer introduced Lt. Gov Mitch Landrieu who congratulated the students on their accomplishments and thanked Mrs. Taylor and her Applications). late husband Patrick F. Taylor for their forethought and perseverance in establishing the program in Louisiana. Remarks were concluded by City Council President, Jackie Clarkson. Ochsner STAR Summer Program source: ochsner.org Students Receive Loyola University Foreign Language Awards Sarah Bienes’10 and Tamara Soublet’09 were selected to participate in the highly competitive Ochsner STAR Program. Every summer, the Ochsner Academic Division welcomes 12 students into a six-week intensive program designed to give high Nyajia Williams’09 and Kelsey Bradbury’10 were named Outstanding Foreign Language High School Students by Loyola University. school students who excel in science an opportunity to participate in hands-on scientific research in a laboratory setting with research scientists. Nyajia Williams received an Outstanding Foreign Language High School Student Award in French. Williams maintained a 3.7 GPA at Cabrini where she was a member of the French club, the speech team, and the campus ministry team. She was also a member This year, the STAR program, which stands for Science, Technology, Academics and Research and is a free, educational summer of the National Honor Society. Nyajia will attend the University of New Orleans where she will major in international studies. camp, was expanded to high school students from schools in Jefferson, Orleans, St. Tammany, Plaquemines and St. Charles parishes. Only students who have demonstrated an interest in science and healthcare and have come highly recommended from Kelsey Bradbury received an Outstanding Foreign Language High School Student Award in Spanish. Bradbury is student body their high schools were chosen for this year’s program. president for the 2009-2010 school year. She maintains a 4.7 GPA. Kelsey is a member of the National Honor Society, robotics team, quiz bowl, swim team, and Mu Alpha Theta, a mathematics honor society. She is also a Eucharistic Minister. Following Participants must also meet other criteria, including: graduation in 2010, Kelsey plans to study business and medicine at Tulane University. • Be a rising sophomore, junior and/or senior • Demonstrate a focus on and dedication to academics • Be at least 16 years old by May 1 of the program year

Robert’12 Qualifies for National Speech Tournament Student applications were evaluated by the STAR Program Panel and a Finalist “meet and greet” was held to answer any parent Crescent Speech team member, Taylor Robert’12 gave a speech in oral interpretation at the New Orleans Catholic Forensic and student questions. Twelve students from the metropolitan area were chosen for the 2009 STAR Program. The chosen student League Tournament that qualified her for the National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) Tournament. Forensics is the art of formal participants represent ten high schools. public speaking and presentation. The NCFL Grand Nationals will be held in Albany, NY this year. The Ochsner STAR Program began June 1 with a one-week orientation that introduced students to Ochsner hospital policies and “I got involved in speech through a speech class that I took last year at Cabrini. My teacher, Mrs. Harris’87, told me that I had a procedures. Students spent the remaining five weeks working with Ochsner scientists, attending science classes, learning to use talent for speech and suggested that I audition for the speech team,” Robert explained. the medical library for research, and attending mini lectures.

Now in her second year on the speech team, Robert believes she has found her niche. Although undecided on the career that she will pursue as an adult, she would like it to involve public speaking. “I’m very grateful to Ms. Fortier’97 (Cabrini’s speech coach),” All-Metro Swimmers said Robert. “She has really helped me to improve.” Kelsey Bradbury’10, Marissa Burridge’10, Emily Bozant’11, Kimberly LaBrosse’11, and freshman Jesslyn Digiovanni’12 were recognized for the achievement during the Greater New Orleans Metro Area Swim Banquet held at Newman High School. Cabrini Taylor Robert, daughter of James and Yolanda Robert, maintains a 3.8 GPA. In addition to speech, Taylor is active in the Cabrini head coach Chip Bozant was also honored at the event as 4A Metro Swim Coach of the Year. Ambassadors, a recruiting and public relations club. 16 17 STUDENT/FACULTY RECOGNITION STUDENT/FACULTY RECOGNITION

Over her sixteen years of service to Cabrini, Thompson called me, she had a couple of hundred donated dresses. worked to organize and improve the standardized test By the time the dresses were delivered to Cabrini in a program and preparation at Cabrini. In conjunction with donated truck, there were thousands.” the administration, faculty, and the guidance office she worked to make sure all students are assessed on college The prom dress drive and donations received world wide readiness standards by the ACT Educational Planning and attention. “When the dresses arrived there were local Assessment (EPAS) series test each year. Currently Cabrini and international television stations all over the campus. prefreshmen take the EXPLORE test while freshmen and People magazine did a huge spread on Marisa and Cabrini, sophomores take the PLAN test. Juniors and seniors take the London Daily News carried pictures and a story. CBS the ACT. Morning News flew Marisa and her parents down to New Orleans so she could attend prom. CBS broadcast from the Under the direction of the administration, she also Cabrini campus the morning of prom. National Geographic implemented sophomore testing on the Preliminary SAT/ did a live feed from the prom itself. The entrance to National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) the prom had so many photographers, it looked like the by first organizing an alternative testing opportunity for the Academy Awards, really. higher achieving sophomores. Currently, all sophomores and juniors take the PSAT test, giving sophomores practice “My role was to organize the entire project from for their eleventh grade year, when the PSAT becomes the coordinating with Marisa, organizing the delivery, and then deciding factor for National Merit Finalists. Miss Thompson the distribution. By the time prom came, we had alumnae worked closely with faculty to analyze test scores and use flying in to do hair, nails, and makeup for the young ladies. them to adjust curriculum and instruction to further improve We had donated jewelry, shoes, everything anyone needed. L to R: Mrs. Patricia Shirer and Ms. Judy Thompson student achievement. It was truly overwhelming but so, so wonderful for our girls.”

One of her most cherished memories, and for many of the Thompson also founded the nationally recognized Crescents also, was the Prom Dresses. The spring after Investment Club with Dean of Students, Terry Heller. She Hurricane Katrina when everyone was struggling and trying also partnered with Physical Education Department Chair, Patricia Shirer & to regain a sense of normalcy, Thompson received a phone Joan Fontaine in establishing a canoe course on Bayou St. call from Marisa West, a high school senior in Washington, John for physical education students. D.C. Marisa explained that while shopping for her own prom dress she began to think about the girls in New Orleans and She will always remember, “Watching the girls mature and Judy Thompson Retire how they would be able to go to their proms. “Marisa said grow over their four or five years at Cabrini.” With combined service to Cabrini of almost fifty years, planned intramurals, prepared for prom, and anticipated she wondered if they would have money for dresses, if they Pat Shirer after thirty-two years and Judy Thompson with graduation day.” had stores to buy dresses, how would their ‘big night’ be These two ladies’ calm direction and leadership were sixteen years, have retired. effected by Katrina. So, Marisa put up a few signs in her true role models for thousands of Crescents. They will be “What I will miss most will be the girls - their chatter and area asking for prom donations for the girls in New Orleans. greatly missed. Pat Shirer came to Cabrini in 1977 and during her tenure has spirited laughter through the hallways and echoing up The response was like nothing anyone expected. When she taught Reading I, Study Skills I, English I, English III, English the balcony from the courtyard. I will miss those faculty III Honors, English IV, English IV Honors, and AP English members and administrators who set out on this journey Language and Composition. Her legacy to the Crescents with me all those years ago. Cabrini is a special school through the years has been profound. like no other- it is community of educators and mentors Pre-freshmen and Freshmen Academic Sholarship Recipients who love and nurture our young women. We share in their Marlyn Otero’04 told the story of having a college English successes and we support them, as well as each other, professor pull her aside and say, “You don’t know how in times of tribulations. I am blessed and honored to have many students I see that enter college not knowing how to been a part of Mother Cabrini’s mission in educating young write. Your paper stood out because you do. Where did you women who will exemplify the values she treasured so go to high school?” dearly-Respect, Excellence, and Service.”

“I contribute that compliment to Ms. Shirer,” Otero said. Judy Thompson served as Director of Guidance and a counselor for all of her sixteen years at Cabrini. On her In thirty-two years one collects many memories. For Pat time here, Thompson said “Working at Cabrini has been Shirer, her favorite memory is “the years that I taught the best way to finish my career in education. The caring seniors and was a senior moderator. Each senior class and loving atmosphere made coming to work every day a has its own unique personality and vitality, and each year pleasure. I will miss the people most, associating with the I had the honor of sharing the excitement and joy of the entire Cabrini family-students faculty, staff, parents, and girls as they received their rings, made graduation orders, alumnae.” L to R: Amber Domingue’13, Catherine Sisung’14, Rachel Morris’14, Jenna Grice’14, Lauren Lohfink’14, and Shelby Gross’14 (not 18 pictured: Chloe Huff’13) 19 STUDENT/FACULTY RECOGNITION SPRING ATHLETICS & EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Graduates Receive St. Timothy Award Soccer Brittney Puyau’09 and Erin Williams’09 were awarded the St. Timothy Award by the Archdiocese of New Orleans. For the second consecutive year, the Cabrini soccer team finished the regular season as undefeated champions of District 7-II.

The St. Timothy Award is the highest award that the Archdiocese of New Orleans can confer on a young person. The Archdiocese Cabrini finished its eight-match regular season with an impressive thirty-five goals for and only one goal against. The Crescents presents this award annually to young people who have demonstrated exemplary service, leadership, and moral standards. also finished the regular season undefeated in Division II play.

Out of the entire metro area, fourteen young people were chosen for the honor this year; two of the fourteen are Crescents. Lilian Molina’09 and Teresa Bordlee’12 have been named to the Louisiana High School Soccer Coaches Association All State soccer teams for the 2008-2009 season. Molina has been selected to the Division II Academic All State soccer team, while Puyau, of St. Cletus Parish is the president of her parish CYO and an altar server. Puyau has performed many service projects. She Bordlee made the Division II first team Freshman All State team. is also a CCD teacher, a youth minister assistant, a school extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and a member of Teen Cross. Nine players from the Cabrini High School soccer team garnered All-District recognition. Amani Allen’10 was named the offensive Williams’09, of St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great Parish is an altar server, a member of the parish CYO, and a liturgical dancer. MVP for District 7-II and Molina was selected as the district’s defensive MVP.

Other All-District players from Cabrini include Elaine Meyers’10, Sarah Cutrera’11, Hannah Graham’11, Laura Neil’11, Alicia Regent Scholars Serrano’11. All-District Honorable Mention honors went to Bordlee and Jessica Gros’09. Fourteen graduates from the Class of 2009 have been named Regent Scholars by the Louisiana Board of Regents. Basketball Michelle Billings, Brooke Boudreaux, Katelyn Boudreaux, Alejandra Bran, Teresa Bristow, Michel Collins, Amanda Giese, Haleigh Hesni, Ashley Holmes, Emily Kulakowski, Ana Melara, Lilian Molina, Janae’ Neely, and Nyajia Williams were recognized at For the 2008-2009 basketball season, Cabrini High School basketball player Emma Alef’09, was named to the All District basketball ceremonies at the school during commencement week. team from District 7-II. A three-year member of the Cabrini basketball team, Alef plans to study business next year at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Regent Scholars are selected from graduates who have completed a rigorous college preparatory program with an unweighted grade point average of 3.5 or higher. An unweighted grade point average is calculated without any quality points for honors or Nancy Walsh has been named head basketball coach for the 2009-2010 season. Walsh has served as head coach of the girls’ advanced placement courses. basketball team at De La Salle High School. While at De La Salle, she was named Clarion Herald Coach of the Year, District Coach of the Year, and led the Cavaliers to an undefeated district championship.

Prior to her time at De La Salle, Walsh spent eight seasons as the first assistant basketball coach and recruiting coordinator at the SPRING ATHLETICS & EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES University of New Orleans from 1995 until 2004. She has also served as an assistant basketball coach at Pensacola Junior College and McHenry County College.

Walsh, who holds a master’s degree in education from UNO and a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Central Methodist Track Completes Championship Season University in Missouri, will also serve as a physical education teacher at Cabrini. Cabrini track took the Class 4A Region III and the District 9-4A titles this Spring and finished a strong seventh place out of thirty- one Louisiana high schools, earning a spot in the State Farm/Louisiana High School Track & Field Championships in Baton Rouge. City Bowling Champs Devin Rolland’11 led the way for the Crescents winning the state championship in the long jump with a leap of 18 feet and 7.75 Cabrini bowlers won the 2009 City Bowling Championship. Cabrini Gold, a four-member squad, garnered the city title in the roll-off. inches. Rolland had also won the long jump regional and district championships. She garnered a fourth place showing in the 200 Natalie Oalmann’09, Katie Noble’10, Amy Vinson’10, and Cecilia Tran’11 bowled for Cabrini Gold. Noble led the way with a score of meter dash, an event in which she won regional and district championships. 210. The Cabrini team defeated teams from four other New Orleans-area schools, which qualified to compete in the championship roll-off: Mount Carmel, Dominican, Chapelle, and Academy of Our Lady. Cabrini’s relay team finished third in the state in the 4x100 relay and fifth in the 4x400 relay, those runners include: Rolland, Angelina Cardenez’11, Taylor Odum’11, and Bria Winston’10. Crescents winning a district championship in the relay, not competing Christina Plaia’12 won the handicapped division of the Pepsi Cola State Tournament in Shreveport. The Cabrini bowling team is in the event at state, include: Leigh Kingvalsky’10, Janeicia Neely’11 and Jiana Wyche’11. coached by Doug Black and Bill Trinchard.

Neely and Rachel Eskine’11 finished sixth in the state in the javelin and 3,200 meters, respectively. Eskine won the 3,200 meters regional and district championships; Neely was the triple jump regional and district champion. Chamber Ensemble Other district champion Crescents were: Bria Winston’10 (100 meter dash), Courtney Schmitt’13 (1600 meter dash), as well as Ashley Holmes’09 (javelin) and Emily Kulakowski’09 (800 meter dash). Spring Concert Softball Cabrini softball took the District title for the 2009 season. From that champion team, five of the seventeen spots on the 2009 All- District 9-4 A softball team were Crescents. Those players included Megan Altemus’11 (infield), Laura Neil’11 (outfield), Colleen Levy’12 (catcher), Magan Resendez’12 (pitcher), and Jade Luke’13 (utility). Cabrini head coach Shannon Mascair Austin’94 was named District Coach of the Year. 20 21 FEATURES FEATURES Cabrini High School turns 50 years old! Distinguished Educators The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Administration, Faculty and Cabrini High School recognized sixteen outstanding teachers from elementary Staff of Cabrini High School invite you to schools in the metropolitan area, with the Cabrini Distinguished Educator the 50th Anniversary celebratory events. Award. This award is given to elementary school teachers who have done an In September of 1959 Cabrini opened its outstanding job preparing their students to succeed in high school. doors as a high school. Please join us in celebrating fifty years of excellence. Cabrini students who have demonstrated outstanding character and hold a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher may nominate the elementary school teacher Schedule of Events: that made the biggest positive impact on their lives. Each eligible student submits an essay about the impact their nominee had on them and why they Wednesday, September 9, 2009 should be honored. A committee of Cabrini faculty, staff, and administrators Student Mass then selects the recipients. 8:30-10 AM Bianca Encalarde Trittel’94, and Cassi The 2009 honorees and their students include: Ernst’12 Thursday, September 10, 2009 Homecoming Patricia Allo, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School - nominated by Janie 4:30 PM Golden’13, Brenna Kennair’13, & Ashlyn Murray’13 Volleyball (Cabrini vs. McGehee) Lisa Benoit, St. Charles Borromeo School - nominated by Rebecca Heraty’13 Cabrini Gym, Alumnae VIP Room Ed Caire, St. Agnes School - nominated by Emeral Delorenzo’10 Alumnae athlete recognition in between JV Connie Cassini, St. Pius X School - nominated by Elizabeth Hoerner’11, and Varsity matches Margaret Hoerner’10, & Asia Molezion’12 Pam Catalano, St. Rita School - nominated by Jessica Hidalgo’11 Friday, September 11, 2009 Karen Donnelly, St. Francis Xavier School - nominated by Sarah Bienes’10 Alumnae Cocktail Party Emma Fiorella, St. Dominic School - nominated by Jodilee Trapani’11 6-8 PM Melanie Gaumond, St. Mary Magdalen School - nominated by Kelsey Cabrini Courtyard Bradbury’10 & Kate-Lyne Hecker’12 Zetta Gauthe, Immaculate Conception School - nominated by Jasmine Crissy Giacona, and Kristen Schultz’12 Saturday, September 12, 2009 Evans’12 Alumnae Legacy Tea Crissy Giacona, St. Matthew the Apostle School - nominated by Kristen Schulz’12 1 PM Jane McGovern, Lake Castle Private School - nominated by Tracy Mai’12 Alumnae Hall Carolee Miller, St. Edward the Confessor School - nominated by Rachel Eskine’11 Marilyn Powell, Lynn Oaks School - nominated by Elaine Meyers’10 and Stephanie LaFrance’13 Sunday, September 13, 2009 Janie Roberts, St. Andrew the Apostle School - nominated by Clare Messina’12 Community Mass Sue Stein, St. Christopher School - nominated by Kayla Hampton’12 Cabrini Gym Bianca Encalarde Trittel’94, St. Cletus School - nominated by Cassi Ernst’12 3 PM Reception to follow in the Cafeteria The inaugural Distinguished Educator Award Ceremony was held May 5, 2009 (National Teacher Day) in Cabrini’s historic Sacred Heart Chapel. A reception for honorees, their principals, the students who nominated them, administration, and guests was held in Alumnae Hall immediately following the ceremony. 2008-2009 Annual Fund Drive Drawing to a Close Even in tough times, Cabrini alumnae, parents, and reach out to help the school that you have shown grandparents, parents of alumnae, faculty and staff, and that you love. Your participation gives back to Cabrini friends again have been very generous with their gifts. what Cabrini gave to you and enhances what it means to This demonstrates a spirit of kindness and love that you today. Mother Cabrini would appreciate. We are pleased to announce that Pamela Stacy Over the past 4 years, annual fund contributions have Delord’63 will chair this year’s Alumnae Giving drive, and climbed steadily to reach an increase of 88% while Jerry and Ann Simms (Allie’11) will chair the Parents’ gaining hundreds of new donors. Annual Giving drive. Cabrini Principal Yvonne Hrapmann’76, Pam Catalano, and Lynn Oaks Principal Kim Duplantier, Elaine Meyers’10, Marilyn Jessica Hidalgo’11 Powell, and Stephanie LaFrance’13 As the 2009-2010 year opens, please listen to your hearts Please assist them with their work. 22 23 EVERY ISSUE CRESCENTS’ UPDATES 1989 is currently working for Children’s Texas, where she is pursuing her Wendy Allen Angelety has been living Hospital and the Greater New Orleans doctoral degree in Counselor Education in Atlanta, Georgia since Hurricane Immunization Network as a registered and Supervision at the University of Katrina. She is a Policy and Fiscal nurse. Texas at San Antonio. Analysis Specialist for the State of Georgia in the Governor’s Office of Connie Borne Fiorella is working 2003 Planning and Budget. She and husband as a home health nurse for Amedisys Allison Superneau presented Anthony Angelety III have been married Home Health Care in Picayune, research on possible causes of breast since 1996 and their son Anthony IV is Mississippi. She and husband Anthony cancer on Capitol Hill in Washington, nine years old. are celebrating their 17th year of D.C. last August. Superneau, earned a marriage this year and recently bought Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish with 1991 a new home in Slidell. They have three a minor in criminology, and a Bachelor of Immaculata Bucksell married Jimmie daughters Ashley, Alexis, and Anna. Science degree in biology from Cabrini Taylor in New Orleans in May. They College in Radnor, PA. Superneau’s spent their honeymoon in Nassau, 2001 research was displayed at the National Bahamas. Elizabeth Minnix Larson and husband, Conference for Undergraduate Research Cabrini’s Miracle Student Troy just bought their first home in in San Francisco, the Undergraduate 1992 Peoria, Illinois. Elizabeth is a Digital Research at the Capitol - Pennsylvania It is fitting that freshman Laura Frigola would find herself at a Help did come. The Cuban community and many others Alyce Jackson Barrett lives in Virgina Signal Processor for PARC and mother of in Harrisburg, and the American high school named for the patron saint of immigrants. While from around the New Orleans area joined together to assist with husband Nicholas and children sons, Nicolas and Dominick. Society for Cell Biology Conference in almost all of her peers came to Cabrini High School in eighth the Frigola family. Laura came out of her coma and slowly Nicholas and Chloe. Alyce volunteers Washington, D.C. or ninth grade from New Orleans area elementary schools, recovered. Cabrini High chaplain, Deacon Uriel Durr, baptized with various art and community 2002 Laura’s journey to Cabrini has been unique. Laura and her sister in the hospital’s chapel. Coutin became organizations and is a member of the Mary Belsom Buzzetta married Sean 2005 godmother to Laura and Lauriet. Junior League. Buzzetta on August 8, 2008 in Hammond, Mykell Clem graduated from LSU in Laura’s world changed dramatically in April 2008. Laura and her Louisiana. Mary graduated from the December of 2008 with a Bachelor of family lived in Cuba where food was scarce and freedoms of Among the places Coutin would turn to for help was her school. Shannon O’Bryan DuMontier and University of Southern Mississippi in Arts in English. She will be attending Law August of 2009 with her Master’s degree school in the Fall of 2009. religion and speech were non-existent. Laura’s mother, Mirtha, When Coutin asked Cabrini High President Ardley Hanemann, Brandon DuMontier have a nineteen in Counseling Psychology. She and her decided that her family could no longer bear living in the Jr. and Principal Yvonne Hrapmann if Cabrini could help Laura, month old son and are expecting baby number two in December. Shannon husband currently reside in San Antonio, oppressive communist regime. Mirtha wanted her daughters to they immediately agreed. live in freedom, so the family decided to escape from Cuba. The entire Cabrini community banded together to help this grandfather of Christina Perez’04. Rena Laborde After constructing a rudimentary boat and hoarding supplies family in the spirit of Mother Cabrini’s mission. Religion teacher Mother-in-law of Peggy Scott for months, Laura’s family set out to find freedom in Cancun, Maria Bienes’ class wrote cards and donated money to the In Memoriam Lester Francis Echelard Laborde’71. father of Celeste Echelard Keller’71. Mexico. They chose Cancun, rather than Florida, because the Frigola family, while they were still in the hospital. Laura, who Geraldine Arnold Ruth Labatut aunt of teacher, Sandra Granier. Cuban government does not monitor the seas as closely for does not speak English, began auditing courses at Cabrini in Robert Frigo mother of Cherie Labatut Dorning’70. escape attempts bound for Mexico. Two days into what the August. Uniforms were donated by vendors for Laura. Older father of Mary Frigo Cranmer’76 and Janice Boudreaux group of 14 Cubans expected to be a two and a half day trip, students and faculty volunteered to drive Laura to and from Melissa Frigo Breland’78. Alex LaSalle mother-in-law of Gina Bono grandfather of Alexandria Walker’10 the engine on the boat died and the GPS ran out of batteries. school. Sr. Maria Loretta Caeti of the Missionary Sisters of Boudreaux’85 and grandmother of Lynn Frost and Amber Walker’05. The situation turned worse when oil from the engine poured the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC), who serves as a pastoral Ashley Boudreaux’09. former track coach and father of Ashley into the boat and ruined their drinking water. Over the next ten associate at St. Frances Cabrini Church in Houston, traveled to Frost Vogel’99 and Brigette Frost’00. Velma Leticia “Tikky” Madrid’70 rainless days, the boat floated with the tides as the sun beat New Orleans in February to spend two weeks at Cabrini High Gayle Ann Corona sister of Donna Corona Brocato’70, down on the helpless Cubans. School teaching English to Laura for four hours each day. Alice Mae Miller Gelpi Lucien Kennedy Moss, Sr. aunt of Abby Brocato’00 and Adrienne mother of Susan Gelpi Joffrion’72 and uncle of Anne Argus DiPaola’96, Mary Brocato’03. Without water, the group was forced to drink their own urine The Cabrini Mission Foundation donated nearly five thousand Mary Ellen Gelpi Gines’71. Argus’86, and teachers, Elizabeth Argus Meehan and Caroline Argus-Harris’87. Dwight Bluford to maintain life. They even turned to drinking saltwater. Sadly, dollars to the Frigola family covering the cost for them to Debra Barker Hamburger’70 father of Madison Baudy’14. six of the fourteen passengers, including Laura’s father, would achieve residency in the United States. Cabrini alumna, Lucy sister of Linda Barker Rhoton’67. Jerome Pepper die before their boat was spotted by a Venezuelan oil tanker. Bustamante’98, anchorwoman for WWL Channel 4 News, grandfather of Kristin Pepper’10. Gertrude Danner Dorothy Huberta Hubert Jumonville The tanker radioed the U.S. Coast Guard, which brought the covered the story from the beginning when Laura was in the mother of Roseanna Danner’70. refugees to New Orleans. Sixteen-year-old Laura was taken hospital and followed Laura’s recovery process with a follow mother of Jeanne Jumonville Marvin T. Rogers Pfefferle’73. grandfather of Jennifer Rogers’13. to the pediatric unit at Ochsner Medical Center in a coma. Her up story that aired in April. Guillermo deBango mother and twenty-three year old sister, Lauriet, were also father of Grace deBango Perez’80 and hospitalized. “Thanks to the Missionary Sisters and the Administration at Cabrini, Laura has never been denied anything,” said Coutin. Cabrini High Spanish teacher Vivian Coutin, who escaped from Cuba in 1961, learned about the Frigolas’ plight. “I did not know One may never know if heavenly forces were involved in them, but I thought it was my mission to help. I visited them in bringing her to Cabrini, but the birth of Christian spirit that her The Cabrini Alumnae Office has sent Crescent Bibs to: the hospital. I brought money, clothing, and prayers. I called situation has inspired over the past year is undeniable. Samantha Claire Michael Clement Jonathan Landry everyone that I could think of who might be able to help,” Leslie Heller Alleman’00 and Cory Anne Argus DiPaola’96 and Bill DiPaola Kathy Dupre Kluttz’94 and Carl Kluttz Coutin recalls. Alleman 24 25 EVERY ISSUE EVERY ISSUE

ALUMNAE PROFILES Edited by: Jane Dabdoub Bartlett’70 2009 Reunions at a Glance... Adrienne St. Pierre Dormody - Class of 1967 “After college, I married and moved to Morgantown, West Virginia, where I received a Master’s in Education from West Virginia University. While living there, I was a teacher for approximately 10 years. Morgantown is where my son, Allen, was born, so it will always have a special place in my heart.

Then I moved to Minnesota, where I entered the profession of Social Work and accrued 10,000 hours of supervised experience and 30 more college credits, earning my Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) licensure, which is the highest level of licensure in the state of Minnesota. I’m sure my dedication to this field was rooted in the values of service and helping others emphasized at Cabrini.

During my time in Minnesota, I have worked at Mayo Clinic in Rochester as a Clinical 40 Year Reunion - Class of 1969 35 Year Reunion - Class of 1974 Social Worker, Nicotine Dependence Specialist and am now an Education Specialist overseeing the development of all media in four different departments.

On a recent visit to New Orleans to celebrate my mother’s 80th birthday, I passed by Cabrini to show my son and his girlfriend where I had gone to high school. I had always appreciated the architecture and atmosphere of the old and new buildings, as well as the architecture of the entire neighborhood, but I appreciate it even more now. It is such a beautiful and special part of the city and I was encouraged to see how much has improved since Katrina.

My Dad, Albert St. Pierre, was one of those people who was stranded for a week in his house, rescued by boat and helicopters, and then flown to Minnesota, where I took care of him during what was to be the last year of his life. His sister drowned in the flood. I know our beloved New Orleans is filled with thousands of those stories.

My husband, Stuart Dormody, has gone down to New Orleans three times with our church working to help repair and rebuild damaged houses in the city. Stuart is a wedding photographer and has done weddings near and far. (A southern wedding during a Minnesota winter would work just fine, thank you very much.) Between us, we have three sons; two are married. We are looking forward to our first grandchild in April, 2009.”

25 Year Reunion - Class of 1983 15 Year Reunion - Class of 1994 Ashley Smith Chauvin - Class of 1997 “I thank Cabrini High School for my successes in life. I am fortunate to have had dedicated teachers to lead me into greatness. I am successful in business due to my Cabrini education. I am living and teaching in Jefferson Parish at Gretna Middle School. (In 2007, I also started my own photography business called Follow Me Photo. I am happy to say that the business is thriving.) I am a good teacher, thanks to the amazing models that I had at CHS, and I have a wonderful family life (I was married in 2006) based on the love that I have been shown from Mother Cabrini, Cabrini High School, the teachers, and all that have attended there.

I have been very blessed in all that I have done. Cabrini taught me that there are no limits in my life; that I can be successful at anything and that I should try everything. I am a lucky woman to have been educated by the teachers of Cabrini and am very proud of all my accomplishments. I want the future women of Cabrini to know that anything really is possible. 10 Year Reunion - Class of 1999 Here is a run down of the recent awards I have received: 5 Year Reunion - Class of 2004

• Teacher Who Made a Difference Award 2007 issued by University of Kentucky. (I was the only teacher in Louisiana to win the award.) • Teacher of the Year for 2008- 2009 for my school. • eBoard of Excellence Award issued by eBoard company. (I was the only teacher in Louisiana to win this award as well.) • Middle School Teacher of the Year for LACUE (Louisiana Association of Computer Using Educators.) for Region One. • Joined the Citizens Police Academy in 2008. Attention 0’s and 5’s: You Are Up Next! My mother recently passed away and she was so proud of me and all that I did. I am grateful that she provided me with a Cabrini education and I will continue to honor her by doing my best. I thank Cabrini for the encouragement. I speak highly of Cabrini to my Consider having your reunion with the Cabrini Gala or in our newly renovated students and only wish they had the wonderful advantages that I have received from CHS.” Alumnae Hall! Contact Alumnae Director, Rebekah Perkins, to volunteer on your class’ reunion committee. Call (504) 483-8675 or email [email protected]. 26 27 ON THE BAYOU...

Bayou gala Bash

28 29 ON THE BAYOU... ALUMNAE MIDNIGHT RAMBLERS 2009 Alumna of the Year Maria Pieri Bienes’82 Maria Pieri Bienes’82 has been named Alumna and excellence. Maria is a dedicated teacher and of the Year by the Cabrini High School Alumnae a loyal alumna. She is a person who sets a great Association. The award was presented at the example by the way she lives. annual Alumnae luncheon. Maria treasures all her experiences at Cabrini, After graduating from Cabrini in 1982, Maria both as a student, teacher, and parent. She recalls, attended UNO where she earned a General “I have so many fond memories of Cabrini! We Business degree. She had so many fun times then obtained her and laughs together! certification to teach high Intramurals were always school religion through fun. I remember all the Archdiocese of New of our themes- Phar Orleans. She began Out Phreshmen from teaching at Cabrini in the Planet Phininular, August, 1988. Sophomore Superfriends, Japanese Juniors, and She has been married 20 Seniors’ Greetings. We years to Carlos Bienes. cheered our hearts out Maria and her husband for our class! I remember The Cabrini student body enjoyed a performance from the University of Rochester Midnight Ramblers A Capella Singing Group at have two daughters both walking to City Park with a spring assembly. at Cabrini - Sarah’10 and PE class and learning Alyssa’13. square dancing with Mrs. Fontaine. I remember Maria is one of those learning about Romeo and The Crescent includes alumnae updates. Share your news with classmates by rare people who truly Juliet with Mrs. Granier, mailing in the form below or emailing [email protected]. (Cabrini Alumnae embodies the teachings President Ardley Hanemann and Maria Pieri Bienes’82 and the Scarlet Letter What’s New? News, 1400 Moss Street, NOLA 70119.) You can also fax us at (504) 483-8673. of Mother Cabrini. She and The Great Gatsby has always been dedicated to the well being of with Mrs. Shirer. I remember gymnastics (the Last Name ______First ______Maiden ______Class ______others, her classmates and friends, her family, balance beam) with Mrs. Pope and French with Ms. Current Street Address______Apt. # ______City______her students, and the community at large. Maria Dabdoub. Cabrini always taught us to be the best State______Zip ______Email Address______has demonstrated generosity of spirit and time. that we could be. I am very thankful for Cabrini (all Home Phone ______Work ______Cell ______Besides caring for her family and teaching, Maria the good people there) and Mother Cabrini! It is so helps with CYO at St. Francis Xavier Parish, leads neat to see the students going through all the same Colleges/Universities Attended______students on mission trips such as the Right to Life experiences that we had as students!” Bachelor’s Degree ______Master’s Degree ______trips to Washington, D.C., the rebuilding of homes Ph. D. ______Other ______destroyed by Gustav, and she directs service Maria Pieri Bienes is an amazing role model, a Occupation ______Place of Employment ______projects for Cabrini students; she is caring of proud Crescent, and a praiseworthy representative Husband’s Name ______His Occupation ______others whether she knows them well or not, she is of Cabrini High School. His Place of Employment ______Children : Names & Ages ______a good Christian woman whose example reflects ______for her students the qualities of service, character, What’s New (Job, Marriage, Baby, Anniversary, etc.)______30 31 ALUMNAE ALUMNAE I would pull the clothes from the showroom, fly out to the I was instantly smitten. We married in New Orleans, city, book and fit models and get them on air. I did numer- upstairs in the ballroom at the Napoleon House. My The Big Easy Thrives in the Big Apple ous fashion week events as well. I worked my fanny off daughter, Arjeane, was born in March of 1991. Not too and I loved every second of it! The work was fun, yet is long after, my second daughter, Marigny Jane, was born. by Devra Dedeaux’77 was a challenging and exhausting job. Alexander Julian Tufic and I decided to move south and ended up buying a is a southern boy and all of my colleagues were south- beautiful home on the gulf in Long Beach, Mississippi. It I have many memories of Cabrini ....I wasn’t the best work was fulfilling erners. We were a tightly-knit group and they truly gave was great being a mom, but as the girls got older I started student, academically, though my daughters think other- and kept me very me a sense of home and stability. We were all in our to miss the restaurant business. I became Executive Di- wise, French and Algebra were my downfall. However, busy; my parents twenties, far from home and making it in the big city. rector of the Mississippi Coast Restaurant and Beverage one memory that stands out for me is that Mrs. Linda were supportive Association. It was a great job to showcase my restau- Dabdoub Bernhard gave me the opportunity to join in a and appreciative Every Thursday night we would go out en masse to this rant experience and I was able to relate to the problems Humanities Honors class she was going to teach. I re- of my ideas and I funky new restaurant in Greenwich Village called Tortilla and concerns of the more than 350 restaurant members. member feeling so proud that she saw something in me, liked the business. Flats. The four owners were young, fun, and energetic. I got to do things I would never have had the opportunity “Miss C student.” It was one of the most interesting and In addition, my stepfather had a wholesale art, gift, and Tortilla Flats was the place to be and to be seen. Andy to do in New York City….like an annual Food and Wine stimulating classes I ever took. I also remember Miss Louisiana Specialty Food business and was the major Warhol and Bianca Jagger would sit out in their limo; Festival, called Chefs of the Coast. I also put together Jane Dabdoub’s biology class-a different show every day, distributor for Cafe Du Monde, Paul Prudhomme (before waiting for their name to come up on the list...no one got an annual restaurant tradeshow with over 500 booths. one more entertaining than the next. Apart from getting he was famous), Zatarain’s, and Rex products. He also preferential treatment. Everyone waited in line. I became It was a huge job. You can truly be a big fish in a small to know the anatomy of bullfrogs, a big highlight occurred distributed all the major cookbooks from New Orleans... great friends with these wacky, hard working restaura- pond! I was the director for seven years before leaving one day when a deranged man decided to wade into Brennan’s, Commander’s, Emeril, etc. I opened a store off teurs. One Thursday night I was approached by them.... to have my third daughter, Zoe Elizabeth. Bayou St. John totally nude and in full view of our class. of Royal Street just to feature the wholesale line…..prints, they had found another location and they were seriously We all got a few laughs out of that. All of the classes on posters, food stuff, cookbooks, pralines…it was a great considering opening a New Orleans themed restaurant The summer before September 11th, my husband and I the Bayou side of the building were evacuated!! Ms. Pe- showcase. Basically, I left school to become an entre- and they asked if I would be a consultant on food, music decided that we wanted to move back to New York. We ters, the secretary, was all flustered and Sister Catherine preneur. It provided a great income and independence and decor. I leaped at the chance. This was the begin- felt it would be great for the kids to experience New had to call the NOPD! and I was happy. ning of my 27 years in the restaurant business. I worked York and we really missed our friends and life there. We my fashion job by day and managed the Gulf Coast Diner settled in a small college town, 65 miles from Manhat- There is one other stand-out memory, a comment made As fate would have it, about five years later, during at night. We successfully captured the New Orleans vibe tan called New Paltz. I decided it was time to go back to by one of my English teachers. One day, while we were Jazz Fest, this neat guy, who was a writer for Billboard and offered crawfish, gumbo, jambalaya, Dixie Beer, and work when Zoe started pre-school. I reconnected with sitting in groups, she went around the room, predict- Magazine, wandered into my shop. He lived in New York Blue Margaritas. If it swam, we blackened it!! It was an my partners in the city. Gulf Coast had closed, and so ing what we girls might do or be after high school. She and after a fun-filled, get-to-know-each-other week in instant hit. Soon after I was invited to be a partner and had my beloved Sugar Reef. Tortilla Flats was still going looked at me and said that I would probably get married New Orleans together, he invited me to visit. I did –sev- we went on to open two other restaurants: Sugar Reef strong and Cowgirl, our fourth and final venture, was to the first boy I met and have lots of children before I eral times! In fact, I became obsessed with New York and Cowgirl. I managed Sugar Reef which had a pan- alive and well. was 20. This comment has come back to me so many (Leo was okay). I couldn’t get enough of the fast pace, Caribbean menu. The big draw was the Trader Vic style times in my life. I remember at the time it truly angered the energy, the electricity and bright lights, the art, the tropical cocktails and the kitschy décor…palm trees, We just celebrated our twentieth year in business. I com- me and I made a personal pact with myself that I would fashion, the music. I knew that I had to live in New York, steel drum bar, etc. We had another instant hit. We were mute three days a week and I handle all of our special prove this woman wrong. I thought of her at so many no matter what. It was very difficult breaking this news doing great. events and private parties as well as manage the floor intervals and chapters of my life...every time I accom- to my parents; I sold my car, my furniture, and I packed staff and create monthly specials. I am enjoying my life plished something. Of course, I realized many years ago my bags. My family was shocked. (With the voice of that In between restaurants, I traveled extensively throughout and my family. I am starting to feel the pangs of empty her comment made a huge impact! She challenged me unkind teacher in my head) I told everyone the move was the Caribbean, London, France, and Coastal Mexico. I nest, as my eldest is about to leave us for college. She - I tell my girls every day...dream big! for me, not Leo. By September, I was in New York with no loved my life, my friends, New York. The idea to write a will be attending Loyola University in New Orleans (to my contacts apart from my friend Leo and his family. cookbook came about because several customers would delight, she was awarded a fine arts merit scholarship!) After graduating from Cabrini in 1977, I went to LSU ask for the recipes. We figured it would be a cool way to It’s an emotional thing for me, time has just flown by. I where I was fine arts major for two years. Unfortunately, I sublet Leo’s apartment while he traveled in Europe for market Sugar Reef and decided to do a coffee table style have always loved being from New Orleans….she is such with a boyfriend who was eleven years older, I thought three months and I hit the pavement running, looking for book with great recipes and tidbits on the history of the a part of my being. I have been so proud to represent I was too cool and sophisticated to participate in the a job. I was able to get a receptionist job with fashion food. McGraw Hill published the first edition, a beautiful her, through my work, my home, my lifestyle. My other whole college experience. I regret missing out on that. I designer, Alexander Julian. I answered phones and faxes hardbound book. Dell purchased the paperback rights daughters, Marigny and Zoe are hell bent on attending moved back to New Orleans and went to UNO for a year. for six months before becoming Alex’s personal assistant. a few years later. It was a labor of love, I had lots of Louisiana State University and a life in New Orleans. I broke up with the boyfriend and went into business with I was often asked my opinion on model selection and research help from my sister and it took a year to write. (Isn’t that funny?) So a return to New Orleans is definitely my parents. My mother had had a shop in the French wardrobe and soon stepped in as interim Public Relations in my future. Nice bookends for the beginning and end of Quarter off Jackson Square for 20 years that was well Director. Before long I was dealing with the editorial I met my husband Tufic at Sugar Reef....he was a con- my life. known for homemade pralines. I encouraged her to press, coordinating the fashion shows and traveling tractor whom I had hired to correct a fire code violation. start a wholesale praline business and she asked me to across the country with Alex for television appearances, be her partner. We sold pralines to several hotels. The Sally Jessy Raphael, Phil Donahue, and The Today Show. 32 33 ALUMNAE ALUMNAE Crescent Joins the Foreign Service CLASS OF 2008 by Jaime Moody’03 As a teenager, I can honestly say that my I am writing to encourage the young women of Cabrini consciousness didn’t spread out much to pursue studies in the fields of International Rela- further than Louisiana. I knew that the world tions, Foreign Language, Politics and Economics. These Yearbook Party was more than my boot-shaped state, but at that age I fields open you up to a wide range of opportunities and hadn’t bothered to explore it. I’d never left the country, skills that are becoming more necessary to survive in a and had barely left the South. My trips outside of my globalized economy and in a world that is only becoming home state had been to Florida, Texas and one random smaller and smaller. visit to California. As far as I knew, I would go to school, work, and live within Louisiana. Studying International Relations or Political Science means you can be Secretary of State like Condoleezza When I entered high school, I had no concrete ideas Rice, head of a mutual fund and a personal finance about what to do with my life. I remembered being in commentator like Melody Hobson, or even an MTV middle school and overhearing one of my classmates news anchor like Suchin Pak. But if you choose, you say that she wanted to be a lawyer because they made can also become a teacher, a nurse, or an attorney. a lot of money. So from that point on, being a lawyer These fields of study open the doors to a wide range of was on the top of my short “possible career” list. I as- opportunities that are in need of diverse backgrounds sumed I would study English or Political Science once I and perspectives- in other words, more women and (above) Erica Modlin, Erika got to college. more people of color. (above) Elaina Meyers, Kelly Grueninger, Kasie Banks, and Allison, Dominique Gabriel, Ashley Kristen Gross Taylor Then September 11th happened. I can remember ex- Currently I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Global actly where I was when one of the teachers ran into my Finance, Trade, and Economic Integration at the Uni- (left) Kaila Christman, Kalin classroom to tell us that a plane had hit the Twin Towers. versity of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Creighton, and Dawn Jefferson I was in Mrs. Tucker’s History class in the back row, my Affairs. My classmates are from Saudi Arabia, Germany, head leaning against the wall daydreaming. I remember Ethiopia and Nigeria and my professors are British, us bowing our heads in prayer and all assuming it was Algerian, and Indian. While I spend my days learning an accident. And I remember going home and watching about microfinance, globalization, international econom- the news and realizing that it wasn’t. As strange as it ics and development, the one thing that I have really sounds, the terrorist attacks of 2001 were my introduc- taken from my international studies experience is that tion to international relations. Before these horrific there are so many connections between myself and events, I wasn’t aware of the relationship the U.S. had the other students- even the ones that are from differ- with other countries, I didn’t know much about foreign ent countries. Who would’ve thought that I, a Catholic, policy, and I didn’t have an in-depth knowledge of Islam Southern girl from New Orleans, could have such great or any other religion not related to Christianity. Once I conversations with a Muslim international student from began to read and learn about the rest of the world, it Western Saudi Arabia? was like a light bulb went off in my head. In December of last year, I passed the oral exam for the There was so much more to the world than I realized. All United States Foreign Service and once I finish my grad- of a sudden I wanted to learn more about it. I concen- uate degree, I will be joining the Department of State as (above) Jacquelyn Hughes, Emily trated in International Affairs once I entered college and a Foreign Service Officer, also referred to as a diplomat. (above) Kristin Hammond, Kristen Peyton, and Hilary Freeman continued to study French. I studied abroad in Europe Who knows where in the world I’ll be next year? All I Bruno, Amanda Bodenheimer, and was amazed by the many similarities I found be- know is that I’d love to meet some Cabrini women along Kayla Gillespie, Zaina Mansour tween the city of Toulouse, France and the older sections the way. So continue your foreign language training, of New Orleans. I had long conversations with young study abroad, or join the Peace Corps. The world is North Africans about their experiences in France and waiting! Go out and experience it and I look forward to with my homestay family about my life in New Orleans. I seeing you out there. studied religion, comparative politics, and foreign policy- (above) Danielle Hamilton and Lauren Jerome 34 and I really grew to love it. 35 Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 561 New Orleans, LA

WE NEED EMAILS!

Because of the high cost of postage we’re moving more toward e-mail communication and need to gather e-mail addresses for everyone in the Cabrini community (alumnae, parents, grandparents, etc.) Please send us your e-mail addresses and be sure to include full name and class year along with submission. E-mail [email protected] with this information and keep us up-to-date if your e-mail address changes!