Winter 2010 - St. Joseph's Academy

where we are ... graduations ... accolades ... what we’re doing’69 Lisa Delpit, executivedirector/eminentscholar for the Center forUrban Education and Innovationat Florida InternationalUniversity,was a speaker at SouthernUniversity’s 2009-2010 DelpitChancellor’s Lecture Series.She is the visiting lecturer at Southern’s Collegeof Education and recently assisted theAdvance Baton Rouge team in identifying positivechanges for the East Baton Rouge ParishSchool System.’76 Kathy Barnett,Ph.D. is an assistant professorof management andthe internship coordinatorat Loyola University’s Collegeof Business. She wasfeatured in the fall issue ofBarnettthe university’s magazine as afaculty member committed to academic excellence.’79 Elizabeth Ponti Wilcox has been nameddirector of business operations for Nolan CatholicHigh School in Fort Worth, Texas. She livesin Flower Mound, Texas, with husband Stephenand son Samuel.’80 Donna Nunnally, M.D. was honoredwinner. She is a dermatologist and owner ofDermatology & Aesthetic Institute.’96 JeanMarie GrowerDigges recently completedher master’s degree in childhealth from Virginia CommonwealthUniversity tobecome a pediatric nursepractitioner. She worksfor Child Development DiggesResources, a not-for-profitorganization in Williamsburg, Virginia, thatprovides healthcare to children below the federalpoverty level.’98 Julianne FormanAudiffred, a doctoral candidatein engineering scienceat LSU, was selectedto attend the 59th annualNobel Laureate Meetingin Lindau, Germany, lastsummer. Since completing Audiffredbachelor’s and master’s degreesin biological engineering, she has studied cellularand molecular engineering applications of development.’99 Katie AllenThompson has beennamed vice president ofphilanthropy for 2010 bythe Association of FundraisingProfessionals. She isthe assistant director of developmentat the Louisiana ThompsonArt & Science Museum. Sheis a member of Forum 35 and Planned GivingCouncil of Greater Baton Rouge.’00 Lauren BarksdaleHill is a Baton Rouge BusinessReport’s Forty Under40 award winner for 2009.She is the owner of LaurenBarksdale Hill Fine Art &Design. Her Elle Alexanderstationery line is sold in stores nationwide.’01 Amy Bower, Au.D.,CCC-A, graduated witha doctorate in audiologyfrom LSU Health SciencesCenter in May. She is employedwith Drs. Cucinotta,Occhipinti, LifseyBowerand Burke in Metairie.’02 Suzette Songy and Melissa Daniel receivedtheir doctorates of physical therapy in Augustfrom Belmont University. Suzette receivedher undergraduate degreefrom LSU and ispursuing her career inAustin, Texas. Melissa,a graduate of AuburnUniversity, is pursuingher career in Birmingham,Alabama.’03 Erica Combsgraduated in May from LSU Health SciencesCenter with a bachelor of science in dentalhygiene. She resides in New Orleans, where sheis employed as a dental hygienist.’05 Juliana Rome graduated in May fromAuburn University with a bachelor of sciencein entrepreneurship and family business. While versity’shostesses for the men’s and women’sbasketball programs.’06 Kristen Amond is asenior at Tulane Universitymajoring in legal studiesin business. She studiedinternational law in Copenhagen,Denmark, last fall.In addition to her studies,she works as a paralegal.After graduation, she plans tojoin AmeriCorps in New Orleans; following ayear of service, she will enter law school.’06 Katie Tebo is a senior at Millsaps College,majoring in psychology. She was inducted intoPsi Chi, the national honors society of psychology,in April and is serving as vice president ofthe Millsaps chapter for 2009-2010.’07 Matilda Asuzu is majoring in communicationsat MississippiState University with anemphasis in broadcastingand a minor in computerscience. She participatesin MSU’s improvisationalcomedy troupe and is anhonors college student.Songy and DanielAmondAsuzu Connections-friends Connectionsof the Academy. Alumnae news, story ideas, photographs and address changes should be sent to Connections, 3015 Broussard Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70808-1198or connections@sjabr.org. Call (225) 388-2258. Because of space limitations, we reserve the right to edit submitted news. Mindy Brodhead Averitt, Communications Director;Communications Molly Sanchez, Development Director; Sister Joan DirectorDevelopment Laplace, CSJ, of Major Gifts and Director;Director Planned Giving; Wendy Ragan, Assistant Development of Major Gifts Director; and Planned LaurenGivingAssistant Development Director;Alumnae Coordinator; Development Assistant; ElectronicMedia/Communications Specialist.

marriages...births...memorialsMarriages’88 Georganne Buccine to Travis Hamilton 10/10/09’89 Andree Martin to Donnie Woods 10/4/08’97 Ainsley Anderson to Brent Garrett 11/7/08’98 Dr. Lauren Anderson to Dr. Oscar I. MorenoPonte 10/3/09 Alicia Gonzalez to Dev Daniel Engle 10/10/09 Jeanette Smith to Christopher Robert 11/20/09 Births born 10/29/09 born 1/10/08born 7/16/09 born 3/21/09 Lynwood, born 6/16/09 born 10/4/09born 8/26/09Elizabeth, born 3/23/08born 8/5/09born 9/16/09 born 7/30/08 born 8/6/09born 4/23/09born 12/17/08 born 5/15/09born 3/9/09born 7/31/09 born 7/9/09born 3/6/09 William, born 9/3/09born 7/1/09Claire, born 8/12/09 Ava Grace and Olivia Anne, born 7/10/09 born 7/9/09In MemoriamNotices which appear in this issue were received byDecember 1, 2009. The SJA family extends sincereBen C. Ashcrafthusband of Petty Vedros Ashcraft ’57Eleanor Ann Bortnickmother of Cindy Bortnick Phillips ’72Joseph M. Canatellabrother of Mary Ann Canatella Raudales ’55mother of Cammie Comeaux Carville ’66, AdrienneComeaux ’74 and Jeanne Comeaux ’75; grandmotherof Jennifer Carville ’89Virginia Manisco DiVincentigrandmother of Marlana DiVincenti ’00Louise Mestayer “Lou” Garrettmother of Ginger Garrett Quinn ’80 and Cissy GarrettLandry, alum by choice; grandmother of MargaretLandry ’08 and Jennifer Landry ’12Michael James Haight IIIson of Leah Didier Haight ’94Florian A. “Flo” Haydel Jr.father of Missy Haydel Diaz ’79PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH!Robert Joseph Heroman Jeanmard ’90; preceded in death by his mother, EliseDoiron Heroman ’36Carrol Mary Jennaro ’42Humphrey Baylor Lansden Sanford Philip “Sandy” Lemoine Sr.father of Alcia Lemoine Plaisance ’72, MichelleWinifred Lemoine Porter, alum by choiceAurelie “Lee” Holliday Melancon LeBlanc ’58sister of Linda Holliday ’69Francis William “Bill” LeBlancbrother of Sister Dorothy LeBlanc ’43, Ann MarieLeBlanc Conner ’47, Theresa LeBlanc Terrio ’50 andWilliam C. “Bill” Lovebrother of Madeline Love Burke ’52 and Stella LoveAtwell ’54Frank Joseph Marabella Sr.father of Theresa Marabella Vitrano ’73 and RosalindMarabella Breaux ’76continued on page 12Send us your news. We would love your photo, too! We would also like to keepyour record up to date. Please let us know if you have a change in address,phone number, email address or occupation. _____________________________________________________________First Middle/Maiden Last____________________________________________________________ ________________________________ _________ _____________ ____________ ______________________________ ____________________ ______________________ ______________________________ _________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Connections, 3015 Broussard Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70808or email your news to connections@sjabr.org

leaders...mothers...professionalsDiocese to Honor Distinguished GraduateRenee Thibodeaux Brian, a 1986 graduateof St. Joseph’s Academy, will be the recipientof the 2009-2010 Distinguished GraduateAward for SJA when the Catholic Schools its annual Distinguished Graduates Awardsprogram. The event will take place on February2 at the Baton Rouge Marriott duringCatholic Schools Week.Brian earned a degree from LSU incommunications with a minor in Spanish.Following graduation, she worked at theCardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Center stay-at-home mom.Brian dedicates her life to her family andis involved in every aspect of her children’slives. She has served as a room mother, classcoordinator, chaperone, Beta Club moderatorand in countless other roles at St. JudeSchool, including as an active member of theHome and School and Athletic associations.She is currently teaching Come Lord Jesus to theeighth-grade classes.She is an active member of St. JudeChurch and is involved in several ministries.She often attends daily mass, participates inprayer groups and is a Eucharistic minister.She visits the sick and elderly in hospitals andnursing homes. She is also involved with theParish Fair as the coordinator of the “ItalianFood Booth.”Throughout her life, Brian has had a passionfor dance. She studied classical balletfrom 2 years of age until well into college.Over the years, her love of dance transformedher from student to teacher. She began teachingin college and continues to teach preschooldance and ballet. She has touched thelives of many girls, some now with childrenof their own.Being a dance instructor also led Brian toone of the most rewarding experiences of and physically challenged children at LaSalleElementary. She has learned to sign to the childrenwho are deaf and communicate in specialways to the children with severe disabilities.Never backing away from a challenge, Brianopened these children’seyes andhearts and inspiredthem to accomplishwhat theynever dreamedthey could. Eachyear, she sharesthis experiencewith the St. Judeand SJA cheerleadersby organizing Renee Thibodeaux Brianevents that allowinteraction between the diverse groups.In the community, Brian is involved withthe Inner-City Nutcracker and is a volunteerin the neonatal cuddler program at Woman’sHospital. She is a fundraiser for the AmericanHeart Association and an active member ofJunior League.At SJA, her involvement includes servingas the Alumnae Annual Giving chairperson,a Parents Annual Giving volunteer, Partnersin Excellence Breakfast committee member,class representative, Mothers’ Club volunteerand Alumnae Association volunteer. AtCatholic High School, she is involved withseveral groups, including Parents Meeting inPrayer and the Mothers’ Club.SJA Hosts Gathering ofKansas GraduatesWhen Development/Alumnae officepersonnel Wendy Granier and Laurension,they hosted a gathering for alumnaeliving in the area. Three graduates, LaurenRichard ’98, Jill Cronan Adams ’00 andBrandi Blackburn Meyers ’01, joined them“I had a wonderful time connecting withSJA alums,” Adams said. “It was great to beupdated about the progress of the school asit strives to provide young women with anexceptional education and values that willlast a lifetime.”Clockwise from left: Lauren Richard, Jill Cronan Adams,Alum Breakfast Set for January 19The SJA Alumnae Association will hostits fourth annual Partners in Excellence a.m. in the Dining Hall. The theme for thisyear’s breakfast is Relationships: Sacred Threadsthat Connect.Planning committee members are chairRenee Thibodeaux Brian ’86, Grace GuttnerAnderson ’69, Christi Gulotta Pierce ’95, ’65, Mary Perrault Williams ’79, Sheryl WallLaplace, Molly Sanchez and Wendy Granier.Table captains are Penny Nichols ’64, LizConley Walker ’69, Celia Cangelosi ’70, ColleenPeeler Rando ’79, Renee ThibodeauxBrian ’86, Julie Brabetz Perrault ’91, WhitneyOurso Graves ’95, Dorothy Aertker Ewen Salvant ’02, Charlene Muffoletto Favre ’68,Jane Bayhi Wood ’74, Elizabeth Allgood ’85, Leigh Ann Brooksher Butler ’76, Judy place,Stephanie Fourrier Fontaine ’00 andDebbie Landry, alum by choice.For more information, contact Lauren 388-2246 or

scholars...volunteers...friendsClass of 2009 Enjoys6-Month Reunion-Members of the class of 2009 returned tocampus on December 21 to celebrate theirsix-month reunion. The annual event, inwhich recent graduates visit with classmates,faculty and staff and receive their yearbooks,is hosted by the Alumnae Department.Spirituality Center Offers Variety of ServicesThe St. Joseph Spirituality Center, asponsored ministry of the Sisters of St.Joseph, is celebrating 25 years of promotingreligious education and the spiritualdevelopment of adults. The center, locatedon the SJA campus, is staffed by graduates Sister Cynthia Sabathier ’58 (SJA-NO),director; Sister Lucy Silvio ’59, associateThe mission of the center is rooted in all may be one as you, Father, are in me andI in you; I pray that they may be one in us.”The three Sisters on the center’s staff aretrained spiritual directors who offer one-ononespiritual direction to men and womenof the Catholic faith and other seekers, aswell. Other services offered are the SpiritualExercises in daily life retreat for groups; with decision making; opportunities forpersonal growth; and workshops featuringarea theologians and nationally recognizedauthors in spirituality.The focus of the center’s offerings isgrounded in sound biblical theology andspirituality, Ignatian spirituality and thecharism of inclusive love that is the watermarkof the Sisters of St. Joseph.The center was founded by Sister LydiaChampagne ’42. Sister Jane Moore ’41worked at the center for several years.For more information, call (225) 383-3349.Where Are These St. Joseph’s Academy Graduates Now?Sister Jean FryouxSister Drita Maris(Dana) GonzalesPictured below is Sister Drita Maris(Dana) Gonzales, MC, a 1985 graduate ofSJA. She entered the Missionaries of Charityin 1986 after meeting Mother Teresa ofCalcutta when she visited Baton Rouge.ministered in the Bronx, Harlem, Dallas,San Francisco, Charlotte and Atlanta. Sheis currently in Memphis.Sister Mary CorripioSister Jean Fryoux ’38, right, whotaught at SJA for three decades and nowresides at the Mt. St. Mary retirement cen-visit by Sr. Helen Prejean ’57.Sr. Jean began her educational ministryin 1941, teaching in New Orleans, BatonRouge and Bay St. Louis. She taught basicscience, religion and biology at St. Joseph’sAcademy in 1961-63 and 1968-97.Sister Mary Corripio, SNDdeN, a vows in the Sisters of Notre Dame deNamur on November 21 in the Sisters’Chapel in Ipswich, Massachusetts.For the past six years, she has workedfor the Archdiocese of Boston in multiculturalministries and is currently direc-

Tribute DonationsThe following tribute donations weremade during the period of August 7 toNovember 30, 2009. Please rememberthose being honored, as well as those whohonored them, in your prayers.If you wish to make a special gift inhonor or memory of a family memberor friend, please use the SJA Foundationenvelope found in this issue. If you haveany questions or wish to request more envelopes,please call the SJA DevelopmentIn Memory of Mr. John AnconaMr. Frank BolognaIn Honor of Sister Kathleen Bahlinger,CSJ ’56Drs. Gary and Allyson MayeuxIn Memory of Mrs. Joy BaniDrs. Jeff and Jeanne Fourrier-EggartIn Memory of Mrs. Fran BergeronMr. Frank BergeronIn Memory of Mrs. Maria BolognaMr. and Mrs. John MarantoMrs. May Glo MonteleoneIn Memory of Ms. Catherine Brown ’68Mrs. Ruth BrownIn Memory of Mr. Orland M. Brown Jr.Mrs. Ruth BrownIn Memory of Mr. Paul BurkeMr. Frank BolognaIn Memory of Mr. William ButlerDr. and Mrs. William F. HagemannIn Memory of Ms. Agnes CarneyMr. and Mrs. Laury J. BordelonIn Memory of Ms. Allison Clement ’81Mr. and Mrs. John A. ClementIn Memory of Mr. John A. Collier IIIMr. Frank BolognaIn Memory of Mr. Vincent CoyleMr. and Mrs. Paul P. BolognaIn Memory of Mr. Abel DaigleMr. Frank BolognaIn Memory of Mr. John L. Daniel Sr.Ms. Johnice DanielIn Honor of Mrs. Josie Fourrier DanielMs. Johnice DanielIn Honor of Ms. Rachelle D. Dantin ’03Mrs. Robin DantinIn Memory of Dr. Robert J. DevlinIn Memory of Mr. Stewart L. DietrichMr. Daryl DietrichIn Memory of Mrs. Virginia DiVincentiMr. and Mrs. Eugene M. BolognaMr. Frank BolognaIn Memory of Brother FelicianFourrier, SCMs. Johnice DanielIn Memory of Mrs. Louise GarrettMr. and Mrs. Christopher D. AbadieMr. and Mrs. Jeff Hathaway and FamilyMr. Steven JohnsonMr. and Mrs. Brian RosenthalMr. John G. Turner and Mr. Jerry FischerIn Memory of Mrs. Genevieve HanksHeine ’44Mr. Stan HeineIn Memory of Mr. Daniel HoffmanMrs. Alice NelsonIn Memory of Mrs. Jamie LousteauHoldstein ’80Mr. Albert LousteauIn Memory of Ms. Frances P. Holliday ’55Dr. George BryanIn Memory of Mr. David M. James Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Bernard CuretIn Memory of Mrs. Delores LoeMr. and Mrs. John L. Daniel Sr.In Memory of Sister Felix Loup, CSJIn Memory of Mrs. Mary MontagninoMarino ’44Mr. Sam MarinoIn Memory of Mr. Larry MartinezIn Memory of Mr. Joe MaselliMr. Frank BolognaIn Memory of Ms. Marjorie ClaireMcAnelly ’95Ms. Amanda RegisterIn Memory of Mrs. Anna MenierThe Honorable and Mrs. William T.In Memory of Mrs. Lynn MistrettaMr. Frank BolognaIn Memory of Mr. Paul MooreBeta Sigma PhiMrs. Diane BezdekMr. and Mrs. David CassidyIn Honor of Mrs. Camilla RachalDr. and Mrs. Howard HallIn Memory of Mr. Anthony SalvaggioMr. Frank BolognaIn Memory of Mr. James SmithMr. and Mrs. Laury J. BordelonIn Memory of Mr. Karam ThomasMr. and Mrs. Ralph Dupuy Jr.Mr. J. Marion Matherne

support...family...working togetherMrs. Elizabeth PeneguyDr. and Mrs. Michael L. RolfsenMrs. Suzie Shilling In Memory of Mrs. June TownsendMr. Frank Bologna In Honor of Mrs. Mary PerraultWilliams ’79Ms. Rosemary WilliamsIn Memory of Mr. Sanchez WilliamsonMrs. Drusilla B. BalkomMr. Frank BolognaIn Memory of Ms. Rachael L. Willis ’00Mr. and Mrs. Earl R. WillisAlways the Academy Capital CampaignTo make a contribution, visit the SJA website at and follow the links to GiveOnline. Or, complete the contribution card below and send it in the envelope providedin this issue.Always the Academy Capital Campaign to be paid over the next three years. I/we will pay this pledge in installments of (circle one)Annually Semi-Annually Quarterly Monthlyor Always the AcademyCapital Campaign. Please do not include my name in donor reports.Signature Date Please print your nameMake checks payable to SJA Always the Academy.Parents Annual Giving Needs Your HelpAt the beginning of the secondsemester, our Parents Annual GivingProgram has 21 percent parent participation.We have a lot of work todo to reach our goal of 100 percentparent participation, and we needyour help.For the 2009-2010 school year, tuitioncovers 93 percent of the actualcost of an Academy education, leavinga difference of $725 per student.We understand that not every familycan afford to give this amount tocover the gap, but we ask that eachfamily consider a gift in support ofthis important program.If you have not yet returned yourpledge card, please do so as soon aspossible. Gifts may also be made onlineat the Academy’s website (www. If you have questions aboutthe Parents Annual Giving Program,please contact Wendy Granier, assistantdevelopment director, at (225)388-2336 or As of December 3, 2009, we havethe following percentages of parent 21 percent; class of 2011, 18 percent;class of 2012, 25 percent; and class of2013, 19 percent.Please remember that your gift,combined with the gifts of fellowparents, helps the Academy continueits tradition of excellence begun in1868 and will add up to a Blue Ribboneducational experience for yourdaughters, today and into the future.Scholarships Give the Giftof a Catholic EducationSince a student’s ability to pay fulltuition has never been a criterion to beconsidered for admission to St. Joseph’sAcademy, assistance from endowed scholarshipsis at the heart of the Academy’sphilosophy.John and Ileane Bellecci establishedthe Bellecci Family Scholarship in 1999to benefit Academy students throughtuition assistance. The Belleccis have astrong legacy of family members whohave attended SJA. Two daughters are granddaughters have graduated from theIf you are interested in learning moreabout SJA Scholarships or EndowedFunds, please contact Sister Joan Laplace,388-2220 or

support...family...working togetherGrandparents, Freshmen EnjoySpecial DayGrandparents of St. Joseph’s Academyfreshmen visited campus on October 26 fora special jambalaya lunch with their granddaughters.The family members gathered inthe Activity Center for lunch, then enjoyedtours of campus and family photographs.The annual Grandparents Day celebration isPresident Sister Adele Lambert, CSJ,welcomed the visitors to all three lunchhours, then led them in a prayer. “We hopeyou enjoy this special time with your grand-Freshman Sydne Cunningham and her grandmother, BillieFrank Bologna Honored by Epicurean SocietyFrank Bologna was honored by theBaton Rouge Epicurean Society as therecipient of the Grace “Mama” MarinoLifetime Achievement Award. Bologna wasrecognized on August 27 at the society’sFete Rouge at the Sheraton Atrium.In addition to receiving the award, Bolognawas named an honorary mayor bya key to the city. Governor Bobby Jindal senta proclamation.Bologna is the third recipient of theaward, which honors individuals who havededicated much of their lives to serving theBaton Rouge community.Freshman Brandi Vielee shows her grandmother, KlisVielee, around campus following lunch.daughter,” Sr. Adele said. “Thank you forvisiting us today, and please remember thatgrandparents are a source of inspirationand love.”The SJA Mothers’ and Dads’ clubsprepared and served lunch, which featuredjambalaya, salad, roll and assorted desserts.Mark Sanders cooked the jambalaya.Leidenheimer Bakery donated the bread.The Mothers’ Club provided the desserts.Frank Bologna, third from left, honored in August by theBaton Rouge Epicurean Society, poses with his childrenfrom left, Gene Bologna, Phyllis Bologna Kerr ’77, PaulBologna, Re Bologna DiVincenti ’71 and Sandra Bolo-Elusive AlumnaeIf you know the current address for anyof the following alumnae, please call theJohnny Childress ’60Catherine Bahm Claudet ’60Diana Hindery ’60Patricia Betancourt Scardina ’60Marie Erie ’70Jean Roche Atwell ’80Cindy Bravata Blouin ’80Gretchen Staub Bugeaud ’80Debbie Coonan ’80Lisa Fortenberry Lopez ’80Tracy Hodges Schlatter ’80Mary Cardillo Shattuck-Thurman ’80Carol Crapanzano ’85Sharon Williams Leahy ’85Jan Walet ’85Laure Williamson Watts ’85Jennifer Rountree Barrientos ’90Holly Brown ’90Nikki Fontenot Ford ’90Michelle Seeger ’00Annual Report NowPosted OnlineWe at St. Joseph’s Academy aregrateful for the generosity of somany supporters during the 2008-2009 academic year. This year, inour ongoing efforts to “go green,”we have published the 2008-2009Annual Report online. To view it,please visit the SJA website at www. and click on the Developmentlink. If you would like to receivea printed copy, please contactWendy Granier at (225) 388-2236 or

support...family...working togetherGraduates Part of LSUBand, CheerleadersGreetings from the SJA PresidentFour SJA graduates and 12 CatholicHigh alumni are currently members of theLSU Tiger Band. SJA alumnae shown are,second from left, Avery Barrilleaux ’09,Hannah Honeycutt ’09 and Erin Barrilleaux’07. Not shown is Lauren Harpole ’08.Additionally, three SJA graduates are LSUcheerleaders. Pictured below are BrittanyDay ’09 and Hanna Lee ’09. Not picturedSister Judith Brun HonoredSister Judith Brun, CSJ, who served as principal of St. Joseph’sAcademy for 25 years, was the commencement speaker at theMassachusetts School of Professional Psychology in West Roxbury,Massachusetts. She received an honorary doctor of lettersdegree during the graduation ceremony.Sr. Judith was asked to deliver the keynote address because ofher distinguished work with the underserved, particularly thosegrateful hearts as we recall the gifts and letters, your cards with photographs,your stories of families and friends andespecially those who were with us forChristmas Eve Mass in the Chapel atSt. Joseph’s Academy to celebrate andremember Jesus’ humble birth morethan 2,000 years ago. We say thank youto each of you.Among the gifts we received are alovely Baldwin piano for the Chapel anda Werlein piano for the new AcademicPerforming Arts Center. Thanks to ourgenerous donors.During January 2010, the North-South wing of Mother Alice Hall(formerly the Sisters’ residence) will betransformed into state-of-the-art roomsfor the Visual Arts Department, a cookinglab and dining room for the CulinaryArts and a spacious sewing lab. Theserooms are beautifully designed formaximum student use and accessibility.for Fine Arts and Theology instruction.The renovations include both facultyand student auxiliary rooms, alongshared by both. The transformationof the building was made possible bygenerous donors to the SJA Foundation.Sister Judith BrunWe are grateful. Weare also thankful toPost Architects andWomack Constructionfor completion Sister Adele Lambertof the project. vationof Mother Alice Hall is a partof the Master Plan for St. Joseph’sAcademy and a part of the Alwaysthe Academy Capital Campaign for theVisual and Performing Arts, includingthe Academic Performing Arts Center.From the capital campaign bookletoutcome is that the Master Plan willenhance and strengthen the entire SJAcurriculum, provide adequate facilitiesfor every department and include visualand performing arts as a complementto the Academy’s strong academic curriculum.”The Always the Academy Capital Campaignwas designed to solicit gifts from2008 to 2012. To this date, we havereceived more than half of our desiredgoal of $6 million. With the arrival of2010, we ask each of you to consider agift to Always the Academy at this time.Every gift enables us to move a littlecloser to the reality of a new AcademicPerforming Arts Center.As we plan our Academy events thisspring, we will include tours of MotherAlice Hall. We know you will enjoy seeingour new classrooms. We encourageyou to consider planning your reunionevents on campus this year in MotherAlice Hall. We always enjoy seeing youand hearing your stories.Thank you for staying connected toSJA and remembering us in prayer andin your good works. We continue to holdyou and your loved ones in prayer andwith great affection.

On Campusacademics...traditions...facultySJA collected 8,623 pounds of cannedand other food items during the Can thePrincipal food drive, held October 19-23. The school-wide effort was spon-the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. - with so much food that she would beforced out of the area. By the end of thedrive on Friday morning, she was workingat a desk in the hallway.“Our girls rolled up their shirtsleevesin the spirit of giving,” Harvison said. “Iam proud to have been canned.”The total poundage of 8,623 is equivalentto 11,497 meals, according to AmySellers, director of food procurementfor the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.“The students truly have made a differencefor the hungry in our community,”Sellers, a 1997 Academy graduate, said.“This is a true win for the hungry.” palinitiative netted 7,805 pounds offood. The goal of this year’s drive wasto surpass that total. Through daily announcements,emails tracking each day’sprogress and even a song sung duringmorning announcements, students weremotivated to help feed the less fortunate.Senior Class SpendsDay in ServiceSeniors scrape paint from fence rails at BREC’s CedarRidge Park.The senior class spent October 13 inservice to the Baton Rouge community.Seniors volunteered their time at severalvenues, including Alzheimer’s Services,Baton Rouge Green Tree Farm at theRural Life Museum, Baton Rouge Zoo,Cancer Services, Capital Area ViolenceIntervention, CASA, BREC Cedar RidgePark, Habitat for Humanity, Mary BirdPerkins Cancer Center, Ollie Steele Burden,PACE, Park Elementary School,Sisters of St. Joseph Archives, St. ElizabethFoundation, St. Joseph Hospice,St. Paul’s Adult Learning Center and St.Vincent de Paul Dining Hall.Science Club Members Featured on VanThe LSU Coastal Roots Program,for which St. Joseph’s Academy servedas a pilot, recently acquired a researchvan, thanks to a generous donation tothe LSU College of Education by Harmanand Renae Chandler of Shreveport.The van will be used to transportmaterials and equipment to and fromparticipating schools and planting sites.The Coastal Roots program was establishedin 1999, and for more thana decade, LindaMessina’s sciencestudentsand ScienceClub membershave been activeparticipants.Louisianastudents infourth gradethrough highschool take partin the programby establishingwetland plantnurseries at their schools. Studentsgrow native plant seedlings to plantin a coastal habitat restoration project.Most planting sites have beenseverely impacted by hurricanes.The van features pictures of studentsfrom participating schools, includingSJA. Graduates Emilie Gelpi and Eliza- donare prominently displayed on thevehicle.left, and Jeanne Boudreaux, right.

O n Campushonors...athletics...studentsStudents Enjoy Master Dance Workshop hosted The Nan Giordano Dance Workshopon October 16. The two-hourworkshop, taught by Nan Giordano, was dentswho enrolled.SJA dance students, CHS Bruinettesand other interested students enjoyedthe opportunity to work with Giordano,artistic director of Giordano Jazz DanceChicago since 1993. She is a member ofthe faculty at the Giordano Dance Centerand has toured internationally as aguest teacher. She received her trainingat Giordano Dance Center and SouthernMethodist University.Student-Athletes Sign Scholarship PapersSt. Joseph’s Academyseniors Cori Martone,Lauren Mira andScarlett Williams signedscholarship papers onNovember 11 to competeathletically at thecollegiate level. Martonewill play volleyball atTulane University; Mirawill play tennis at VanderbiltUniversity; andWilliams will join the University of Arkansas’gymnastics team.The student-athletes were joined byfamily, coaches, school administrators,Fall Athletic UpdateThe volleyball team won its thirdconsecutive state championship witha 3-0 victory over Mount CarmelAcademy. The Redstickers capturedtheir seventh state title in nine yearsNan Giordano taught a master dance workshop at SJA.Dancers auditioned for scholarshipsto attend intensive summer workshopsat the Giordano Dance Center. Giordanoselected junior Taylor Layman for aone-week workshop and senior GretchenRothermel for a six-week workshop.friends and teammates at a special signingceremony in the library. WBRZ-Channel 2 and WAFB-Channel 9 coveredthe event.state runner-up. The runners tallied lastica.state meet.Acclaimed AuthorSpeaks Via Live FeedThe Academy community enjoyed theopportunity to hear Greg Mortenson, acclaimedauthor of Three Cups of Tea,share the story of his humanitarian effortsto build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.Mortenson was at SJA’s sisterschool, St. Joseph Academy in Cleveland,Ohio, but his speech was seen in BatonRouge via a web-based live stream.President Sister Adele Lambert, PrincipalLinda Fryoux Harvison, AssistantPrincipal of Academics Sheri Gillio andfaculty members John Richardson andJackie Zeller were in Cleveland and wereable to meet the author, who works to especiallybuild schools that educate girls.In his talk to both schools, he said thatimproving female literacy in impoverishedparts of the world is the key to reducinginfant mortality, reducing the populationexplosion and improving the qualities ofhealth and life in local communities.Faculty/Staff NewsTheology teacher Sister Joan Manuel,CSJgregationof St. Joseph on October 31 atSt. Aloysius Church.Science teacher Linda Messina washonored as the 2009 Outstanding BiologyTeacher for the State of Louisiana duringthe National Association of BiologyTeachers’ 2009 convention. The conferencewas held in November in Denver.Volleyball coach Sivi Miller was for 2009.Math teacher Aubrey Cucullu andsocial studies teacher Kate Cook visitedSt. Joseph Academy in Cleveland, Ohio,in September to collaborate with teachersin their subject areas and observe classes.

St. Joseph’s Academy3015Broussard s rd StreetBaton Rouge, LA 70808-1198www.sjabr.orgU.S. PostagePAIDBaton Rouge, LAPermit No. 50A National Schoolof ExcellenceParents, if your daughter no longer lives at home, please send us her address. If you wouldlike to continue to receive Connections, please phone Alum Coordinator Lauren Griffin at(225) 388-2246 or email her at griffinl@sjabr.org.In Memoriam ... continued from page 3Fabian Lawrence Martinez Jr.brother of Patricia Martinez Tessier ’49Anna Richard Meniergrandmother of Paige Menier ’09Lynn Lungaro Mistrettamother of Marilyn Mistretta Martin ’60 and StefaniMistretta ’66; grandmother of Monica Allen Ezell ’92and Ashley Mistretta ’97Peggy Mocklergreat-grandmother of Taylor Mockler ’09Sidney J. Montz Jr., M.D.husband of JoAnna Purpera Montz ’58Paul Clement Moorefather of Paula Moore Zimlicki ’71; grandfather ofNicole Moore ’03Dorothy “Dot” Greaud Oursograndmother of Charlotte Ourso ’11; sister of SisterAgnes Virginia Greaud, CSJ ’32 (dec.)Dr. Lloyd G. Perez Lois Pollet Ristrophgrandmother of Carly Ristroph ’06husband of Clare Cook Riviere ’67Mildred Auzenne Robertsmother of Jennifer Roberts ’73Louis Joseph Rome Jr.father of Judith Rome Barber ’56 and Eleanor Rome ’85, Suzette Rome Say ’86 and Aimee Rome Aaron ’86Jeanette Thomassie Silviograndmother of Amy Scheurich House ’97Craig Thomas Tessonbrother of Janice Tesson Scott ’66 and Ashley Broha ’05Iris Lamar Picou Threeton ’47Joel LeBlanc “Joel Baby” Vettergrandmother of Heather Vetter Schaefer ’86 andGabrielle Vetter ’89Helen Marie Von Grubenmother of Patricia Von Gruben Anderson ’67James Ethod Webb Sanchez Stuart “Bill” Williamsonhusband of Winifred Stuart Williamson ’35; father ofSister Adelaide Williamson, CSJ ’59Betty LeFleur Zachariahmother of Renee Zachariah Boudreaux ’68Esia “Essie” Zenomother of Melissa Zeno White ’86 and Amy ZenoWaguespack ’89School NurseVolunteers SoughtOur students’ health is of primaryconcern to us. With winter upon us andparentthat we need to begin planningfor a school nurse. As we cannot cur- to help in a nurse’s station for a fewhours one day a week.Please contact Principal Linda FryouxHarvison at (225) 388-2244 or viaemail at