Eagles' Nest - St. Thomas More Catholic Church

St. Thomas More Catholic School
Eagles’ Nest
A bi-annual publication for the extended STM school community, Spring 2012
Dear Grandparents, Past Parents, Alumni and Friends of STM,
STM students continue to perform at the very highest academic levels and the improvements to the campus will now
support the school’s evolving, modern curriculum. Charged with the responsibility for continuation of this precious
resource, the St. Thomas More Catholic School Board is executing the comprehensive strategic plan that began with a
needs assessment ten years ago. The STM plan calls for continuous curriculum development and facility modernization
to meet the education challenges of the 21st Century. Thousands have benefited from STM over the past 50 years and
with this effort the Board has positioned the school to help thousands of children develop their Catholic faith and grow
personally for many years to come.
The STM School Board formed the STM Excellence Campaign Committee last year to reach out to all those who have
been positively impacted by the school – alumni, current and former students’ parents, current and former students’
grandparents, STM and St. Patrick parishioners and friends, and area businesses-- to ask for help praying for and
financially supporting this effort. We are excited to share with you the following updates.
Construction Progress
• The construction of the new Library/Technology Center with administrative offices was completed on May 11.
• The initial work in parts of the 2nd/5th/6th grade and old library began May 1. Extensive renovation and redesign of
this building begins May 25 and is scheduled for completion by August 1.
• The renovation of the main school building to consolidate 1st through 4th grade begins May 25 and is scheduled for
completion by August 1.
• The construction of new junior high science lab and new music room will be completed by August 1.
Financial Progress
Total Estimated Cost of Construction Project $ 3,160,083
Construction Cost Paid to Date (1,090,711)
Balance of Construction Cost to be Paid 2,069,372
Cash Reserves and Donations 1,064,798
Outstanding Pledge Balances 264,065
Sources of Funds 1,328,863
Anticipated Loan from Diocese $ 740,509
Please know how much we sincerely appreciate your continued support of prayers, finances, and guidance. We are
excited to return to school next year with state-of-the-art buildings because of your generosity.
We remember the bounty of blessings in our lives and pray in gratitude, especially for you and your families, each
Monday during Morning Assembly.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Judy Hickman Armstrong, Ph.D.
Principal
“It is in giving oneself that one receives”

Religious Education
STM Students Perform Passion Play
As part of the Lenten tradition, St.
Thomas More Catholic School students
perform a dramatic presentation of
the Passion Play during an all-school
Mass. Jesus, Vincent Bianca, Simon,
Brennan Burke, Soldiers, Casey Crouch
and Ashlyn Hindrichs, Mary, Catherine
Pearson, Veronica, Emily Harris, Friend
of Jesus, Olivia Brown and Joshua Duke,
Women of Jerusalem, Jansen Bourgeois,
Savannah Esteve, Elise Farris, Amie
Martinez and Madison Szekeley,
Liturgical Dancers, Ashley Johnson and
Jessie Quantrille, Narrators, Madeline
Bailey, Jordan Klemm, and Allison
Mermigas, Cantors, Danielle Adams and Annie Jones, assisted by the Liturgy Choir,
and Accompanists, Joshua Duke and Elise Farris portray the trial, suffering and
death of Jesus.
Service Project Nets Big Rewards for Pharmacy
Wonders of the Human Body
During the first half of the Lenten season, our
students graciously supported the St. Vincent de Paul
“Prescription Phil” collection, raising $3,183.58. This
service project helps purchase prescription medicine
and other medical supplies for those in our Baton
Rouge community who cannot afford them. Students
were encouraged to earn the money they donated by
doing extra chores for family and friends.
STM has raised $49,136 for the Pharmacy over the
past 16 years. This has resulted in thousands of lives being saved!
Academic Education
St. Thomas More Catholic School second grade students
learned about the wonders of the human body in a fun,
interactive way. The day was a culmination of what the
students have learned in the classroom. Several different
stations used various hands-on activities to teach the
children about how the body functions.
The stations allowed the students to discover how
complex systems: respiratory, digestion, circulation, and
nervous work together to keep us alive.
Everyone worked out learning how their different
muscles work, listened to their heart, walked through
the digestive system, looked at red blood cells and
platelets under a microscope, and learned how the lungs
functioned and that breathing is a necessity of life.
By the end of the day the students had a better understanding of how their body
works.
Honoring Blessed
Virgin Mary
STM students honored the Blessed
Virgin Mary during a May Crowning
ceremony. Students brought live
flowers that they carried in the
procession. Eighth grader Savannah
Esteve crowned our Blessed Mother
escorted by fellow classmates
Blair Bogan and Chase Priest, and
kindergarten and second grade
participants.
Math-a-thon Raises $9,057
for St. Jude
As one of our Lenten service projects,
St. Thomas More Catholic School
adopted the St. Jude Math-A-Thon
that benefits St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital®. Our school
raised $9,057 to benefit St. Jude,
where doctors and scientists work to
eradicate childhood cancer and other
catastrophic childhood diseases.
The program included a free math
curriculum supplement for grades
K-8 that our students completed
after obtaining sponsorships from
family and friends. Many thanks
to all the students and teachers who
participated and the sponsors.
Teachers Honored for Years
of Service at Diocesan
Catholic Schools Week
At our All-School liturgy held during
Catholic Schools Week, several
teachers were recognized for their
years of dedication and service to
Catholic education. Receiving special
certificates were: Tootie Lee, 10 years;
Kelley McDonald, 10 years; Patty
Donahue, 20 years; and Theresa
Cannon, 35 years. Congratulations
to these women for their life-long
commitment to Catholic education
and to St. Thomas More.
2 Eagles’ Nest

Future City Team Places 6th at Nationals
Congratulations to the STM Future
City Team who won sixth place at the
National Future City competition held
in Washington D.C.
Of 35,000 students who began Future
City this year, only 111 made it to
National Competition.
Team members, Vincent Bianca,
Sam Lovretich, and Stormi Verret
were also awarded the Best Use of
Innovative Construction Materials
and Techniques Award for their future
City, CASA.
While in Washington D.C. the team toured the West Wing of the White House
and met with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas at the Supreme Court.
A special thank you to their teacher, Shirley Newman, and volunteer engineer
mentor, Casey O’Quin, P.E., for their help and support.
Congratulations to Mrs. Newman who was invited by Shell Oil to attend a science
conference this summer.
Again, congratulations! We are so proud of you!
Nurturing Environment That Fosters Self- Discipline
STM Honors Grandparents
St. Thomas More Catholic School enjoyed welcoming
our grandparents on campus February 14, 15 and
16. These special days gave each grandchild the
opportunity to show off their talent, work, classrooms
and school. It also celebrated the role grandparents
play in the students’ lives.
The theme for this year’s grandparents day was “It is in
giving oneself that one receives”. The morning began
with grandparents and special guests being treated
to a reception by the Home and School Association.
Everyone then visited their grandchild’s classroom
and made a project together based on the theme. To
close out the special day, grandparents joined their
grandchild for mass and a special musical presentation.
Many thanks to the Home and School Association and
to all who helped make this day a success!
Duke Talent Identification
Program Results
• Thirty-one 7th grade students
qualified to take the ACT based
upon their prior Terra Nova
Achievement Test Scores
• Of these 31 eligible students, 30
took the test (1 student was sick
and could not participate)
• 18 received state recognition in
English (scored > 20)
• 7 received state recognition in
Math (scored >20)
• 10 received state recognition in
Reading (scored > 21)
• 3 received state recognition in
Science (scored > 21)
• 1 received national recognition
in Reading (scored > 30)
• 1 received national recognition
in Science (scored > 27)
Congratulations to all our Duke
Scholars!
Eagles’ Nest 3

Tammy Bogan Receives Mother Seton Award
The Mother Seton Award is presented annually
by each school in the Catholic Diocese of Baton
Rouge. This award honors those individuals
whose volunteer service and dedication has been
worthy of recognition, who espouses the Gospel
values, and emulates the qualities of Elizabeth
Ann Seton. The St. Thomas More Catholic
School and Home and School Association is
proud to announce that Tammy Bogan has
been selected as the 2012 Mother Seton Award
recipient. Tammy exemplifies Mother Seton
with her kindness, patience, common sense,
wit, and courtesy when working tirelessly for
our school and students, St. Michael High School and Baton Rouge communities
over the last 14 years. Her efforts and dedication always focus on creating the best
possible experience by quietly serving God and others.
Tammy and husband, Pat, have three children: Ashley, a student at LSU; Cade, a
Junior at St. Michael High School and Blair, an 8th grader at STM.
Thank you Tammy for your many years of service to STM.
Alumni News
Congratulations to the following STM Alumni who were named National Merit
Semifinialists: Ethan Beaman and Jake Bowers of Catholic High School, and Caroline
Morganti and Krisha Sherburne of St. Joseph’s Academy.
David Broussard Named as STM Distinguished Graduate
St. Thomas More Catholic School is proud to
honor David Broussard, 1978 alum, as the 2011
Distinguished Graduate. This award is presented for
outstanding personal, professional and community
achievements. His life serves as a witness to the
values that Catholic schools profess. In recognizing
David as a distinguished graduate, we emphasize
those qualities that make Catholic schools give
meaning and purpose to life.
Mr. Broussard has been actively involved in St.
Thomas More Catholic Church and School through
his service on numerous committees and activities. Dr. Armstrong stated
that “David is always willing and eager to help STM School and Parish at any
time. When I called him to ask him about honoring us by serving as this year’s
distinguished graduate, he humbly replied, “….but I have so much more to do
and so many more years to help.” We are thankful and blessed that he is so
supportive of our community.”
When asked about the value of a Catholic School Education, David stated, “I
believe Catholic Schools are an integral part of the Church’s mission to teach
young people how to live the Gospel, build faith based communities, and promote
service to others.”
David is married to Beth Broussard and they have three children, all STM
students. David is actively involved in the STM Men’s Club, Festival Commitee,
Parish council, “This Man is You”, and the Annual Giving Campaign. Over the
years he has participated in numerous projects on campus. He has also been
involved over the years in United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Come Lord Jesus,
and Scouting (Eagle Scout, Friends of Scouting Campaigns). David will be
honored at a banquet on January 31 at which time The Most Reverend Bishop
Muench with present him with a plaque in honor of his service to Church, school,
and community.
Congratulations David for being named the STM 2011 Distinguished Graduate
and thank you for all you do for STM School and Church.
Student News
Congratulations to St. Thomas More’s
Students of the Year: Parker Wilson
(6th grade) and Brennan Burke (8th
grade). Both students represented STM
well and made us all very proud!
Congratulations to Amie Martinez who
was selected as the Grand Prize winner
of the Serra Club Annual Essay Contest.
Her essay was chosen from a pool of 42
essays by a panel of judges.
Congratulations to Blake Bueto, Laura
Kaiser, Savannah Mansion, and
Whitley Moore on receiving Honorable
Mention for their Law Day 2012 poster
submissions. They were presented
certificates during the Law Day opening
ceremony on April 27.
Teachers and Students
Make a Difference
STM’s eighth grade students, Delia
Ardoin and Denver Denison, along
with 3rd grade teacher, Tracy Gaspard,
and bookkeeper Kim Weimer, received
the Neighbors Way Award from Darlene
Shingleur, Business Development
Officer of Neighbors Federal Credit
Union. This award is given to the
outstanding individuals who go the
extra mile and make a difference in the
STM School Community.
ExxonMobil Families Raise
$6,000 for STM
ExxonMobil awarded $6,000 in grant
money to St. Thomas More Catholic
School for the 252 hours the volunteers
logged in 2011. We would like to thank
everyone who made this possible.
2011 Individual Grants Awarded:
Lisa Barnett, Bill Cagnolatti, Gwen
Cagnolatti, Mike Oufnac, Andrea Sides,
and Rawls Sides
2011 Team Grants Awarded: Mission
Day Two Team Grants
Melissa Kaiser, Michael Oufnac, Amelia
Talbot, Patricia Talbot, and Todd Talbot
Cherie Bailey, Madeline Bailey, Andrea
Sides, Molly Sides, and Rawls Sides
Grants for the 2012 calendar year
are already being submitted. All
ExxonMobil employees, their spouses
and children ages 12-25, as well as,
retirees and their spouses, are eligible to
participate in the Volunteer Involvement
Program. If you are interested in getting
involved, please contact Andrea Sides
274-1182, ars123@cox.net, or Kerry
Hunt 275-2820, huntk@stmbr.org.

We Need Your Help
All associated with the Building Campaign are deeply
grateful for the tremendous generosity of all current
donors. However, there remains plenty of need for a
project that will have a significant benefit for future
generations of children in our community. Not only
would we like to fully fund this current phase, the
Board would also like to initiate construction of the
gym renovation. If your life, that of a family member,
or a friend have been touched by STM school, please
consider giving back so that others may benefit for
years to come. There are several ways to give and
your support will forever be displayed at the school.
Specifically:
- Buy an Engraved Brick for $200
- Excellence Level Plaque - $1,800*
- Legacy Level Plaque - $5,000*
- Classroom Naming Opportunity -
$6,000 to $15,000*
- Building Naming Opportunity -
$100,000 to $200,000*
*contributions in a lump sum or over three years
Please visit www.stmexcellence.org to give on line and
for pledge forms or call the STM Development Office
at 275-2820 for more information or to discuss a
commitment.
Save These Dates
Plan to join us as we monitor the construction progress
and celebrate the completion of these important
projects.
June 10 – Fellowship Sunday after 10 a.m. Mass in
the New Technology and Library Media Center
August 9 – Donor Appreciation Reception,
Evening
August 10 – Blessing and Ribbon Cutting with
Bishop Muench, Afternoon
August 14 & 16 – Back to School Nights for Parents
of STM Students
Thank you for your prayers and ongoing support of
STM School in living its mission of “continuing a legacy
of excellence in religious and academic education”.
Because of your comprehensive support, many will
grow and prosper.
Continued Blessings,
STM School Board
STM Excellence Committee
Construction Photo Update
Exterior of New Library/Technology Center
and Administrative offices
Interior of New Library/Technology Center
Interior of Project Lab

Mr. Noel Ardoin
Dr. Judy Armstrong
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Bahlinger
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Bailey
Mrs. Julia Bardwell
Mr. and Mrs. Bax Baxley
Dr. and Mrs. Tim Bella
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Bellon
Mr. Kevin Berry
Mr. Michael Boeneke
Ms. Yvette Borel
Ms. Lisa Boudreaux
Ms. Lynn Boudreaux
Mrs. Jean Bourg Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Jon Bowman
Mr. Mark Brady
Mr. and Mrs. Nol Broussard
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Brown
Mr. and Mrs. David Brown
Mr. Herbert Butt
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Callender
Mr. Jack Canzonire
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Caruso
Ms. Theresa Cazayoux
Mrs. Alicita Collins
Mr. Keith Comeaux
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Crifasi
Mr. and Mrs. Monte Danos
Dr. Frank DePaula
Ms. Aimee Deshotel
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Domingue
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Dubreuil
Fr. Tom Duhe’
Mr. Ralph Dupuy
Mr. Darren Esteve
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Favaro
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Fetterman
Mr. Chris Fields
Mr. and Mrs. Randy Fontenot
Ms. Katie Foshee
Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Fox
Mr. and Mrs. Benny Fruge’
Dr. and Mrs. C. Farrell Fruge’, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Drew Gaudet
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Gaudin
Ms. Catherine Graphia
Mr. Milton Graugnard
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gyan
Ms. Ashla Haack
Mrs. Carol Harlow
Mr. Steven Hayden
Mrs. Anita Hebert
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hebert
Mr. and Mrs. George Holder
Ms. Jennifer Jantz
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Joffrion
Mr. and Mrs. Neal Johnson
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Jones
Junior High Faculty
Ms. Suzanne Jung
Mr. Manny Kaiser
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Kelleher
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph King
Mr. Steven Kovacevich
Mr. Keith Kyler
Mr. Hai Son Lam
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth LeBeau
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Ledoux
Mr. and Mrs. Chad Lemoine
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Levron
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Lynch
Ms. Patti Lyons
Mr. and Mrs. John Macus
Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Mashon
Mr. and Mrs. Chip Magee
Ms. Lou Magee
Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Mascagni
Mr. Bobby Mathes
Mr. and Mrs. Ron McDaniel
Mr. Les Miller
Thank You!!
The STM Excellence Campaign Committee would like to thank the following
families who have purchased bricks as of 5/18/12. The bricks will be displayed
under the Bell Tower.
BRICKS STILL AVAILABLE
Mr. Rene’ Mire
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Moise
Mrs. Madeline Muir
Ms. Dixie Mulhearn
Mrs. Hai Nguyen
Mr. John Nguyen
Ms. Loan Nguyen
Ms. Nancy Oehlre
Mrs. April Palombo Setliff
Ms. Billie Persac
Mr. Robert Philippe, Sr.
Mrs. Bessie Poche’
Mr. and Mrs. Mel Rabalais
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Richardson
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Robbins
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rogers
Mr. and Mrs. Jon Ross
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Ross
Mr. Albert Salzer, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Henri Saunders
Sherwood Forest Citizens Association
Mr. Louis Sigur, Jr.
Mr. Kirk Simoneaux
Dr. Sean Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Smith
Ms. Andrea Stephens
Ms. Betty Stevenson
Mr. Konrad Talbot
Mr. and Mrs. Todd Talbot
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thibodeaux
Todd Caruso, Attorney at Law
Mr. Paul Tran
Ms. Laura Triche
Mr. and Mrs. Kerry Uffman
Ms. Jennifer Walker
Mrs. Jamie Watts
Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Webre
Mr. and Mrs. Brian White
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Whitney
Ms. Kathleen Young