Eagles' Nest - St. Thomas More Catholic Church
Eagles' Nest - St. Thomas More Catholic Church
Eagles' Nest - St. Thomas More Catholic Church
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<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>More</strong> <strong>Catholic</strong> School<br />
Eagles’ <strong>Nest</strong><br />
A bi-annual publication for the extended STM school community, Spring 2012<br />
Dear Grandparents, Past Parents, Alumni and Friends of STM,<br />
STM students continue to perform at the very highest academic levels and the improvements to the campus will now<br />
support the school’s evolving, modern curriculum. Charged with the responsibility for continuation of this precious<br />
resource, the <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>More</strong> <strong>Catholic</strong> School Board is executing the comprehensive strategic plan that began with a<br />
needs assessment ten years ago. The STM plan calls for continuous curriculum development and facility modernization<br />
to meet the education challenges of the 21st Century. Thousands have benefited from STM over the past 50 years and<br />
with this effort the Board has positioned the school to help thousands of children develop their <strong>Catholic</strong> faith and grow<br />
personally for many years to come.<br />
The STM School Board formed the STM Excellence Campaign Committee last year to reach out to all those who have<br />
been positively impacted by the school – alumni, current and former students’ parents, current and former students’<br />
grandparents, STM and <strong>St</strong>. Patrick parishioners and friends, and area businesses-- to ask for help praying for and<br />
financially supporting this effort. We are excited to share with you the following updates.<br />
Construction Progress<br />
• The construction of the new Library/Technology Center with administrative offices was completed on May 11.<br />
• The initial work in parts of the 2nd/5th/6th grade and old library began May 1. Extensive renovation and redesign of<br />
this building begins May 25 and is scheduled for completion by August 1.<br />
• The renovation of the main school building to consolidate 1st through 4th grade begins May 25 and is scheduled for<br />
completion by August 1.<br />
• The construction of new junior high science lab and new music room will be completed by August 1.<br />
Financial Progress<br />
Total Estimated Cost of Construction Project $ 3,160,083<br />
Construction Cost Paid to Date (1,090,711)<br />
Balance of Construction Cost to be Paid 2,069,372<br />
Cash Reserves and Donations 1,064,798<br />
Outstanding Pledge Balances 264,065<br />
Sources of Funds 1,328,863<br />
Anticipated Loan from Diocese $ 740,509<br />
Please know how much we sincerely appreciate your continued support of prayers, finances, and guidance. We are<br />
excited to return to school next year with state-of-the-art buildings because of your generosity.<br />
We remember the bounty of blessings in our lives and pray in gratitude, especially for you and your families, each<br />
Monday during Morning Assembly.<br />
Sincerely Yours in Christ,<br />
Judy Hickman Armstrong, Ph.D.<br />
Principal<br />
“It is in giving oneself that one receives”
Religious Education<br />
STM <strong>St</strong>udents Perform Passion Play<br />
As part of the Lenten tradition, <strong>St</strong>.<br />
<strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>More</strong> <strong>Catholic</strong> School students<br />
perform a dramatic presentation of<br />
the Passion Play during an all-school<br />
Mass. Jesus, Vincent Bianca, Simon,<br />
Brennan Burke, Soldiers, Casey Crouch<br />
and Ashlyn Hindrichs, Mary, Catherine<br />
Pearson, Veronica, Emily Harris, Friend<br />
of Jesus, Olivia Brown and Joshua Duke,<br />
Women of Jerusalem, Jansen Bourgeois,<br />
Savannah Esteve, Elise Farris, Amie<br />
Martinez and Madison Szekeley,<br />
Liturgical Dancers, Ashley Johnson and<br />
Jessie Quantrille, Narrators, Madeline<br />
Bailey, Jordan Klemm, and Allison<br />
Mermigas, Cantors, Danielle Adams and Annie Jones, assisted by the Liturgy Choir,<br />
and Accompanists, Joshua Duke and Elise Farris portray the trial, suffering and<br />
death of Jesus.<br />
Service Project Nets Big Rewards for Pharmacy<br />
Wonders of the Human Body<br />
During the first half of the Lenten season, our<br />
students graciously supported the <strong>St</strong>. Vincent de Paul<br />
“Prescription Phil” collection, raising $3,183.58. This<br />
service project helps purchase prescription medicine<br />
and other medical supplies for those in our Baton<br />
Rouge community who cannot afford them. <strong>St</strong>udents<br />
were encouraged to earn the money they donated by<br />
doing extra chores for family and friends.<br />
STM has raised $49,136 for the Pharmacy over the<br />
past 16 years. This has resulted in thousands of lives being saved!<br />
Academic Education<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>More</strong> <strong>Catholic</strong> School second grade students<br />
learned about the wonders of the human body in a fun,<br />
interactive way. The day was a culmination of what the<br />
students have learned in the classroom. Several different<br />
stations used various hands-on activities to teach the<br />
children about how the body functions.<br />
The stations allowed the students to discover how<br />
complex systems: respiratory, digestion, circulation, and<br />
nervous work together to keep us alive.<br />
Everyone worked out learning how their different<br />
muscles work, listened to their heart, walked through<br />
the digestive system, looked at red blood cells and<br />
platelets under a microscope, and learned how the lungs<br />
functioned and that breathing is a necessity of life.<br />
By the end of the day the students had a better understanding of how their body<br />
works.<br />
Honoring Blessed<br />
Virgin Mary<br />
STM students honored the Blessed<br />
Virgin Mary during a May Crowning<br />
ceremony. <strong>St</strong>udents brought live<br />
flowers that they carried in the<br />
procession. Eighth grader Savannah<br />
Esteve crowned our Blessed Mother<br />
escorted by fellow classmates<br />
Blair Bogan and Chase Priest, and<br />
kindergarten and second grade<br />
participants.<br />
Math-a-thon Raises $9,057<br />
for <strong>St</strong>. Jude<br />
As one of our Lenten service projects,<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>More</strong> <strong>Catholic</strong> School<br />
adopted the <strong>St</strong>. Jude Math-A-Thon<br />
that benefits <strong>St</strong>. Jude Children’s<br />
Research Hospital®. Our school<br />
raised $9,057 to benefit <strong>St</strong>. Jude,<br />
where doctors and scientists work to<br />
eradicate childhood cancer and other<br />
catastrophic childhood diseases.<br />
The program included a free math<br />
curriculum supplement for grades<br />
K-8 that our students completed<br />
after obtaining sponsorships from<br />
family and friends. Many thanks<br />
to all the students and teachers who<br />
participated and the sponsors.<br />
Teachers Honored for Years<br />
of Service at Diocesan<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Schools Week<br />
At our All-School liturgy held during<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> Schools Week, several<br />
teachers were recognized for their<br />
years of dedication and service to<br />
<strong>Catholic</strong> education. Receiving special<br />
certificates were: Tootie Lee, 10 years;<br />
Kelley McDonald, 10 years; Patty<br />
Donahue, 20 years; and Theresa<br />
Cannon, 35 years. Congratulations<br />
to these women for their life-long<br />
commitment to <strong>Catholic</strong> education<br />
and to <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>More</strong>.<br />
2 Eagles’ <strong>Nest</strong>
Future City Team Places 6th at Nationals<br />
Congratulations to the STM Future<br />
City Team who won sixth place at the<br />
National Future City competition held<br />
in Washington D.C.<br />
Of 35,000 students who began Future<br />
City this year, only 111 made it to<br />
National Competition.<br />
Team members, Vincent Bianca,<br />
Sam Lovretich, and <strong>St</strong>ormi Verret<br />
were also awarded the Best Use of<br />
Innovative Construction Materials<br />
and Techniques Award for their future<br />
City, CASA.<br />
While in Washington D.C. the team toured the West Wing of the White House<br />
and met with Supreme Court Justice Clarence <strong>Thomas</strong> at the Supreme Court.<br />
A special thank you to their teacher, Shirley Newman, and volunteer engineer<br />
mentor, Casey O’Quin, P.E., for their help and support.<br />
Congratulations to Mrs. Newman who was invited by Shell Oil to attend a science<br />
conference this summer.<br />
Again, congratulations! We are so proud of you!<br />
Nurturing Environment That Fosters Self- Discipline<br />
STM Honors Grandparents<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>More</strong> <strong>Catholic</strong> School enjoyed welcoming<br />
our grandparents on campus February 14, 15 and<br />
16. These special days gave each grandchild the<br />
opportunity to show off their talent, work, classrooms<br />
and school. It also celebrated the role grandparents<br />
play in the students’ lives.<br />
The theme for this year’s grandparents day was “It is in<br />
giving oneself that one receives”. The morning began<br />
with grandparents and special guests being treated<br />
to a reception by the Home and School Association.<br />
Everyone then visited their grandchild’s classroom<br />
and made a project together based on the theme. To<br />
close out the special day, grandparents joined their<br />
grandchild for mass and a special musical presentation.<br />
Many thanks to the Home and School Association and<br />
to all who helped make this day a success!<br />
Duke Talent Identification<br />
Program Results<br />
• Thirty-one 7th grade students<br />
qualified to take the ACT based<br />
upon their prior Terra Nova<br />
Achievement Test Scores<br />
• Of these 31 eligible students, 30<br />
took the test (1 student was sick<br />
and could not participate)<br />
• 18 received state recognition in<br />
English (scored > 20)<br />
• 7 received state recognition in<br />
Math (scored >20)<br />
• 10 received state recognition in<br />
Reading (scored > 21)<br />
• 3 received state recognition in<br />
Science (scored > 21)<br />
• 1 received national recognition<br />
in Reading (scored > 30)<br />
• 1 received national recognition<br />
in Science (scored > 27)<br />
Congratulations to all our Duke<br />
Scholars!<br />
Eagles’ <strong>Nest</strong> 3
Tammy Bogan Receives Mother Seton Award<br />
The Mother Seton Award is presented annually<br />
by each school in the <strong>Catholic</strong> Diocese of Baton<br />
Rouge. This award honors those individuals<br />
whose volunteer service and dedication has been<br />
worthy of recognition, who espouses the Gospel<br />
values, and emulates the qualities of Elizabeth<br />
Ann Seton. The <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>More</strong> <strong>Catholic</strong><br />
School and Home and School Association is<br />
proud to announce that Tammy Bogan has<br />
been selected as the 2012 Mother Seton Award<br />
recipient. Tammy exemplifies Mother Seton<br />
with her kindness, patience, common sense,<br />
wit, and courtesy when working tirelessly for<br />
our school and students, <strong>St</strong>. Michael High School and Baton Rouge communities<br />
over the last 14 years. Her efforts and dedication always focus on creating the best<br />
possible experience by quietly serving God and others.<br />
Tammy and husband, Pat, have three children: Ashley, a student at LSU; Cade, a<br />
Junior at <strong>St</strong>. Michael High School and Blair, an 8th grader at STM.<br />
Thank you Tammy for your many years of service to STM.<br />
Alumni News<br />
Congratulations to the following STM Alumni who were named National Merit<br />
Semifinialists: Ethan Beaman and Jake Bowers of <strong>Catholic</strong> High School, and Caroline<br />
Morganti and Krisha Sherburne of <strong>St</strong>. Joseph’s Academy.<br />
David Broussard Named as STM Distinguished Graduate<br />
<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>More</strong> <strong>Catholic</strong> School is proud to<br />
honor David Broussard, 1978 alum, as the 2011<br />
Distinguished Graduate. This award is presented for<br />
outstanding personal, professional and community<br />
achievements. His life serves as a witness to the<br />
values that <strong>Catholic</strong> schools profess. In recognizing<br />
David as a distinguished graduate, we emphasize<br />
those qualities that make <strong>Catholic</strong> schools give<br />
meaning and purpose to life.<br />
Mr. Broussard has been actively involved in <strong>St</strong>.<br />
<strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>More</strong> <strong>Catholic</strong> <strong>Church</strong> and School through<br />
his service on numerous committees and activities. Dr. Armstrong stated<br />
that “David is always willing and eager to help STM School and Parish at any<br />
time. When I called him to ask him about honoring us by serving as this year’s<br />
distinguished graduate, he humbly replied, “….but I have so much more to do<br />
and so many more years to help.” We are thankful and blessed that he is so<br />
supportive of our community.”<br />
When asked about the value of a <strong>Catholic</strong> School Education, David stated, “I<br />
believe <strong>Catholic</strong> Schools are an integral part of the <strong>Church</strong>’s mission to teach<br />
young people how to live the Gospel, build faith based communities, and promote<br />
service to others.”<br />
David is married to Beth Broussard and they have three children, all STM<br />
students. David is actively involved in the STM Men’s Club, Festival Commitee,<br />
Parish council, “This Man is You”, and the Annual Giving Campaign. Over the<br />
years he has participated in numerous projects on campus. He has also been<br />
involved over the years in United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Come Lord Jesus,<br />
and Scouting (Eagle Scout, Friends of Scouting Campaigns). David will be<br />
honored at a banquet on January 31 at which time The Most Reverend Bishop<br />
Muench with present him with a plaque in honor of his service to <strong>Church</strong>, school,<br />
and community.<br />
Congratulations David for being named the STM 2011 Distinguished Graduate<br />
and thank you for all you do for STM School and <strong>Church</strong>.<br />
<strong>St</strong>udent News<br />
Congratulations to <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>More</strong>’s<br />
<strong>St</strong>udents of the Year: Parker Wilson<br />
(6th grade) and Brennan Burke (8th<br />
grade). Both students represented STM<br />
well and made us all very proud!<br />
Congratulations to Amie Martinez who<br />
was selected as the Grand Prize winner<br />
of the Serra Club Annual Essay Contest.<br />
Her essay was chosen from a pool of 42<br />
essays by a panel of judges.<br />
Congratulations to Blake Bueto, Laura<br />
Kaiser, Savannah Mansion, and<br />
Whitley Moore on receiving Honorable<br />
Mention for their Law Day 2012 poster<br />
submissions. They were presented<br />
certificates during the Law Day opening<br />
ceremony on April 27.<br />
Teachers and <strong>St</strong>udents<br />
Make a Difference<br />
STM’s eighth grade students, Delia<br />
Ardoin and Denver Denison, along<br />
with 3rd grade teacher, Tracy Gaspard,<br />
and bookkeeper Kim Weimer, received<br />
the Neighbors Way Award from Darlene<br />
Shingleur, Business Development<br />
Officer of Neighbors Federal Credit<br />
Union. This award is given to the<br />
outstanding individuals who go the<br />
extra mile and make a difference in the<br />
STM School Community.<br />
ExxonMobil Families Raise<br />
$6,000 for STM<br />
ExxonMobil awarded $6,000 in grant<br />
money to <strong>St</strong>. <strong>Thomas</strong> <strong>More</strong> <strong>Catholic</strong><br />
School for the 252 hours the volunteers<br />
logged in 2011. We would like to thank<br />
everyone who made this possible.<br />
2011 Individual Grants Awarded:<br />
Lisa Barnett, Bill Cagnolatti, Gwen<br />
Cagnolatti, Mike Oufnac, Andrea Sides,<br />
and Rawls Sides<br />
2011 Team Grants Awarded: Mission<br />
Day Two Team Grants<br />
Melissa Kaiser, Michael Oufnac, Amelia<br />
Talbot, Patricia Talbot, and Todd Talbot<br />
Cherie Bailey, Madeline Bailey, Andrea<br />
Sides, Molly Sides, and Rawls Sides<br />
Grants for the 2012 calendar year<br />
are already being submitted. All<br />
ExxonMobil employees, their spouses<br />
and children ages 12-25, as well as,<br />
retirees and their spouses, are eligible to<br />
participate in the Volunteer Involvement<br />
Program. If you are interested in getting<br />
involved, please contact Andrea Sides<br />
274-1182, ars123@cox.net, or Kerry<br />
Hunt 275-2820, huntk@stmbr.org.
We Need Your Help<br />
All associated with the Building Campaign are deeply<br />
grateful for the tremendous generosity of all current<br />
donors. However, there remains plenty of need for a<br />
project that will have a significant benefit for future<br />
generations of children in our community. Not only<br />
would we like to fully fund this current phase, the<br />
Board would also like to initiate construction of the<br />
gym renovation. If your life, that of a family member,<br />
or a friend have been touched by STM school, please<br />
consider giving back so that others may benefit for<br />
years to come. There are several ways to give and<br />
your support will forever be displayed at the school.<br />
Specifically:<br />
- Buy an Engraved Brick for $200<br />
- Excellence Level Plaque - $1,800*<br />
- Legacy Level Plaque - $5,000*<br />
- Classroom Naming Opportunity -<br />
$6,000 to $15,000*<br />
- Building Naming Opportunity -<br />
$100,000 to $200,000*<br />
*contributions in a lump sum or over three years<br />
Please visit www.stmexcellence.org to give on line and<br />
for pledge forms or call the STM Development Office<br />
at 275-2820 for more information or to discuss a<br />
commitment.<br />
Save These Dates<br />
Plan to join us as we monitor the construction progress<br />
and celebrate the completion of these important<br />
projects.<br />
June 10 – Fellowship Sunday after 10 a.m. Mass in<br />
the New Technology and Library Media Center<br />
August 9 – Donor Appreciation Reception,<br />
Evening<br />
August 10 – Blessing and Ribbon Cutting with<br />
Bishop Muench, Afternoon<br />
August 14 & 16 – Back to School Nights for Parents<br />
of STM <strong>St</strong>udents<br />
Thank you for your prayers and ongoing support of<br />
STM School in living its mission of “continuing a legacy<br />
of excellence in religious and academic education”.<br />
Because of your comprehensive support, many will<br />
grow and prosper.<br />
Continued Blessings,<br />
STM School Board<br />
STM Excellence Committee<br />
Construction Photo Update<br />
Exterior of New Library/Technology Center<br />
and Administrative offices<br />
Interior of New Library/Technology Center<br />
Interior of Project Lab
Mr. Noel Ardoin<br />
Dr. Judy Armstrong<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bahlinger<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Bailey<br />
Mrs. Julia Bardwell<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Bax Baxley<br />
Dr. and Mrs. Tim Bella<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Bellon<br />
Mr. Kevin Berry<br />
Mr. Michael Boeneke<br />
Ms. Yvette Borel<br />
Ms. Lisa Boudreaux<br />
Ms. Lynn Boudreaux<br />
Mrs. Jean Bourg Williams<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Jon Bowman<br />
Mr. Mark Brady<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Nol Broussard<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Brown<br />
Mr. and Mrs. David Brown<br />
Mr. Herbert Butt<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Callender<br />
Mr. Jack Canzonire<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Caruso<br />
Ms. Theresa Cazayoux<br />
Mrs. Alicita Collins<br />
Mr. Keith Comeaux<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Crifasi<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Monte Danos<br />
Dr. Frank DePaula<br />
Ms. Aimee Deshotel<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Domingue<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Dubreuil<br />
Fr. Tom Duhe’<br />
Mr. Ralph Dupuy<br />
Mr. Darren Esteve<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Favaro<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Fetterman<br />
Mr. Chris Fields<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Randy Fontenot<br />
Ms. Katie Foshee<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Fox<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Benny Fruge’<br />
Dr. and Mrs. C. Farrell Fruge’, Jr.<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Drew Gaudet<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Gaudin<br />
Ms. Catherine Graphia<br />
Mr. Milton Graugnard<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gyan<br />
Ms. Ashla Haack<br />
Mrs. Carol Harlow<br />
Mr. <strong>St</strong>even Hayden<br />
Mrs. Anita Hebert<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hebert<br />
Mr. and Mrs. George Holder<br />
Ms. Jennifer Jantz<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Joffrion<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Neal Johnson<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Jones<br />
Junior High Faculty<br />
Ms. Suzanne Jung<br />
Mr. Manny Kaiser<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Kelleher<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph King<br />
Mr. <strong>St</strong>even Kovacevich<br />
Mr. Keith Kyler<br />
Mr. Hai Son Lam<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth LeBeau<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Ledoux<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Chad Lemoine<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Levron<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Lynch<br />
Ms. Patti Lyons<br />
Mr. and Mrs. John Macus<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Mashon<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Chip Magee<br />
Ms. Lou Magee<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Mascagni<br />
Mr. Bobby Mathes<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Ron McDaniel<br />
Mr. Les Miller<br />
Thank You!!<br />
The STM Excellence Campaign Committee would like to thank the following<br />
families who have purchased bricks as of 5/18/12. The bricks will be displayed<br />
under the Bell Tower.<br />
BRICKS STILL AVAILABLE<br />
Mr. Rene’ Mire<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Moise<br />
Mrs. Madeline Muir<br />
Ms. Dixie Mulhearn<br />
Mrs. Hai Nguyen<br />
Mr. John Nguyen<br />
Ms. Loan Nguyen<br />
Ms. Nancy Oehlre<br />
Mrs. April Palombo Setliff<br />
Ms. Billie Persac<br />
Mr. Robert Philippe, Sr.<br />
Mrs. Bessie Poche’<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Mel Rabalais<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Richardson<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Robbins<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rogers<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Jon Ross<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Ross<br />
Mr. Albert Salzer, Jr.<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Henri Saunders<br />
Sherwood Forest Citizens Association<br />
Mr. Louis Sigur, Jr.<br />
Mr. Kirk Simoneaux<br />
Dr. Sean Smith<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Smith<br />
Ms. Andrea <strong>St</strong>ephens<br />
Ms. Betty <strong>St</strong>evenson<br />
Mr. Konrad Talbot<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Talbot<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thibodeaux<br />
Todd Caruso, Attorney at Law<br />
Mr. Paul Tran<br />
Ms. Laura Triche<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Kerry Uffman<br />
Ms. Jennifer Walker<br />
Mrs. Jamie Watts<br />
Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Webre<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Brian White<br />
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Whitney<br />
Ms. Kathleen Young