paw print - Vandebilt Catholic High School

The
CATHOLIC HIGH
PAW PRINT
FALL 2013
2013 VCH Alumna of the Year – Mrs. Laurie Calhoun Robichaux
Each year at
our Senior Honors
Convocation,
we recognize
a graduate of
Vandebilt, Houma
Central Catholic
High, or St.
Francis de Sales
High School who
is outstanding by
the manifestation
of lessons about
service to others,
wholeness of character, and living as a
Christian example learned as a Catholic
school student.
This year’s honoree is Mrs. Laurie
Calhoun Robichaux, a Vandebilt Catholic
faculty member.
Laurie Calhoun Robichaux graduated
from Vandebilt with honors in 1984. She
received a Bachelor of Arts degree from
Nicholls State University and a Master of Fine
Arts degree from the University of Tennessee
in Knoxville with honors as well.
Laurie is experienced as a visual
arts director and an art instructor in both
Tennessee and Louisiana. She is currently
chairperson of the Vandebilt Visual Arts
Department, teaching Art I, II, III, and IV. She
has received the Brother Alfred Kolb Teacher
of the Year Award and the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux Teacher of Excellence Award for
her work in the classroom and beyond.
Laurie’s commitment to service and
dedication to her students is exemplified
in her organizing and overseeing her art
students’ participation in “Memory Project”
and “Books of Hope,” initiatives that benefit
underprivileged children around the world.
Leading her students to serve others,
Laurie coordinates the annual Vandebilt
Soup Bowl Benefit, which features a silent
auction of hand-glazed soup bowls created
by art students and art club members.
Proceeds benefit various charitable causes;
last year’s donation of $10,000 will assist in
financing an adaptive park for special-needs
children. Laurie has also established an art
endowment that annually assists a Vandebilt
art student with tuition.
Using her God-given talents to help others,
Laurie recently created and donated a drawing
of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral to benefit
the cathedral school. A print of her original
artwork is on display here and is featured
in our new project, “Alumni Art Works,”
spotlighting
our talented
graduates.
Laurie is
continuing
the tradition
of Catholic
education
provided by her
parents, Dee and
Don Calhoun,
for her and her
brothers, Donnie, Cary, and Tommy. Laurie
and her husband, Keith, have four children,
all of whom attend Catholic school. Isabella is
a Vandebilt junior, Sophia is an eighth grader
and Jackson and Harrison currently attend
St. Francis de Sales Elementary School.
Laurie Calhoun Robichaux is truly
deserving of the honor of Vandebilt Alumna
of the Year not only for her performance in
the classroom but also for her contributions
to the school and our students, to the local
community, and to the global community.
Laurie epitomizes the qualities that Vandebilt
strives to instill in its students. She serves as
a role model for young people, demonstrating
ways that a Vandebilt graduate can make a
difference in this world.
Welcome to Our Newest Alumni - Class of 2013
Blessing of Graduates
God of our beginnings,
We thank you for the gifts of these graduates;
their excitement, their awesome wonder and curiosity,
their open speech and encouraging words.
As they step forward into the world that awaits,
comfort their fears with the full knowledge of your divine presence.
Strengthen their resolve to walk in the footsteps of Jesus
in a world that needs their spirit.
Guide their feet as they move through life,
while they help to lead future generations
into the warmth and promise of your light.
A publication for alumni, parents & friends of Vandebilt Catholic High School by the VCHS Advancement Office.
We welcome the submission of material for possible publication.
Mailing Address: The Paw Print, 209 S. Hollywood Road, Houma, LA 70360
or e-mail us at [email protected]
A note from the president...
another very successful Christmas project, providing gifts
for every student in Schriever Elementary School. Our Art
Department and Art Club, through their fundraising efforts,
were able to donate $10,000 toward a local park that will
be designed for handicapped youth.
In athletics, the school captured its first state
championship in girls’ bowling. Eleven different teams
won district championships, with many of those reaching
the quarterfinal round of playoffs or beyond. The varsity
football team enjoyed its finest season in recent years,
earning an 11-2 record, going undefeated in district, and
advancing to the state quarterfinals. Girls’ soccer continued
its dominance as the team won its twenty-fifth consecutive
district championship and reached the state finals for the
sixth consecutive year!
In all our co-curricular programs, students were able
to develop their talents while learning life lessons like selfdiscipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and commitment.
Vandebilt, like all Brothers of the Sacred Heart schools,
believes in a holistic education and that our young people
learn from the total school experience. That education, we
believe, is part of what makes Vandebilt Catholic special.
The 2012-2013 school year, the one hundred fortythird in our school’s rich history, was one in which the
school moved forward, becoming a leader in the use of
technology in South Louisiana. Through the efforts of our
administration and teaching faculty, dedicating over a year
in preparation and learning, Vandebilt took the giant leap
forward in adopting a One-to-One iPad Program for our
student body.
As one of the few schools in the state to institute this
program, Vandebilt issued to every student an electronic
tablet, enabling every student to use the device in the
classroom for note taking and researching. Additionally,
students utilize the device outside the classroom for
reading textbooks, creating projects and presentations,
and communicating with the teachers for assignments and
questions.
In order to implement this program, much work had
to be done to the infrastructure of the school. We needed
to provide fiber optics to the school in order to handle the
vast increase in Internet traffic that one thousand devices
would demand. Our server was changed to one with
much more capacity and speed. We had to install a Wi-Fi
network to cover virtually the entire campus, allowing for
the devices to work not only in classrooms but also in the
gymnasiums, band hall, cafeteria, and field house as well
as many outside areas. The decision was made to go with
the Apple iPad 2, a device which had proven to be fairly
durable. Our first year of the program proved this as we had
very few devices fail and only a small number of incidents
of screen breakage. Implementing these changes took
time, in addition to much capital.
Alumni who are interested are invited to come by for a
visit, and we can tour the school so that you can see how
this program has moved the school forward in preparing
our students for the world they will face upon graduation.
Our students continue to shine in the academic arena.
With an average ACT score well above the local, state, and
national averages, over seventy-two percent of the Class
of 2013 qualified for TOPS scholarship dollars. In all, the
graduates were offered over $5.9 million in scholarships,
which averaged in excess of $33,000 per graduate! The
school was recognized by LSU in the spring for the eleventh
time with the Golden Achievement Award, given to the top
twenty high schools which participate in their Spring Testing
Program. The fifteen seniors who tested at LSU earned
a total of 248 hours in credit as a result of their excellent
scores.
The school excelled in other ways as well. In the area
of spiritual growth, our Campus Ministry was very active,
leading the student body Masses and retreats. Additionally,
two relatively new organizations, Sisters in Christ and Men
of Christ, provided opportunities for our students to reflect
more deeply into their spirituality. Our senior class led
Sincerely,
David Keife ‘67
President
Table of Contents
Letter from the President----------2
Hall of Fame----------------------------3
Terrier Tales------------------------- 4
Precious Pups---------------------- 7
A Gift of Love----------------------- 8
Wedding Bells---------------------- 6
In Loving Memory----------------- 9
Special Alumni Feature --------10
Reunion News---------------------10
Upcoming Alumni Events----- 11
Alumni News----------------------- 11
Endowments-----------------------12
2
2013 Hall of Fame
Mrs. Margaret Haydel Johnson
has had a lifelong affiliation with
Catholic education in Houma; nearly
thirty of those years have been
spent at Vandebilt. After receiving
her educational foundation at St.
Francis de Sales Cathedral School,
Margaret attended Vandebilt and
graduated in 1983. She then enrolled
at McNeese State University, where
she was a four-year letterman in
both volleyball and softball. Margaret
earned a Bachelor of Science in 1988 and continued her stint
at McNeese as a graduate assistant teaching two college
courses. Joining the Vandebilt faculty in 1989, Margaret has
since served in the capacities of head volleyball and softball
coach, Physical
Education Department chairperson, assistant athletic
director, and classroom teacher. Margaret has enjoyed
tremendous success during her career at Vandebilt. She
has been recognized as Coach of the Year numerous times
on the district, regional, and state levels. Margaret served
as head coach of Louisiana’s high school all-star teams in
1996 and 2010, and she was inducted into the Louisiana
Softball Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame in 2004.
Margaret was honored by Vandebilt in 2009 as the Brother
Alfred Kolb Teacher of the Year. In her twenty-three years
as a head coach at Vandebilt Catholic, Margaret has led her
softball team to the state tournament twenty times, resulting
in seven state championships and five state runner-up titles.
Margaret’s success is supported by her husband, Ricky, and
their sons Joshua (VCHS 2010) and Hayden (VCHS 2013).
Margaret recognizes the opportunity that her parents gave
her by providing her with a Catholic education. Influenced
by her family, the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross, and the
Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Margaret’s teaching and
coaching philosophy consists of “faith in God, firm but fair
discipline, respect for others, compassion and empathy,
and belief in the achievement of others beyond their own
expectations.”
Hall of Fame recipients are pictured with Mrs. Marian Fertitta,
School Superintendent of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, and
Mr. David Kiefe, VCHS president.
Mr. Terry P. Braud, Jr., a native
and resident of Houma, has served
the Catholic Church and the local
community throughout his adult
years. A graduate of St. Bernadette
Elementary School and valedictorian
of the H.L. Bourgeois High School
Class of 1980, Terry entered Nicholls
State University to study accounting.
After receiving a Bachelor of Arts
with honors in 1983, Terry earned
his accreditation as a Louisiana
Certified Public Accountant in 1993; he is a member of the
Louisiana Society of CPA’s and the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants.
Terry joined the Houma-Terrebonne Jaycees, the Junior
Chamber of Commerce, as a young accountant and served
in the capacity as vice president for two years, followed by
a one-year term as president of the organization. He later
became a member of the Krewe of Terreanians, participating
as treasurer and vice president; Terry is the current president
of the club and continues to serve on its board of directors.
Terry feels that “our Catholic faith stands as the very
foundation of our lives. Our faith is continuously influenced by
our families, our academic endeavors, and the environment
in which we live daily.”
As a parishioner of St. Bernadette, Terry served as
commentator, assisted with marriage preparatory ministry,
and participated as a member of several committees. In 2005
Terry became a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church
and has represented that parish on the Vandebilt School
Advisory Council since 2007. As a parent, Terry has been
quite active at Vandebilt. During the years that his children
attended Vandebilt, Terry not only served on the Advisory
Council, where he was president for seven years, but he
also belonged to the Terrier Club and the Terrier Regiment
Band Boosters.
Terry and his wife, the former Robin Hebert (VCHS 1980),
have three children who have graduated from Vandebilt:
Diana (2004), Elise (2005), and Patrick (2012). Terry
continues to serve on the Vandebilt Advisory Council.
Join us in praying for the
following intentions:
•
•
•
•
•
for all alumni and their families
for all military alumni serving our country
for all alumni serving or discerning the religious life
for all VCHS staff
for our benefactors and all who generously serve
our school, ensuring the future of Vandebilt
Please
send prayer requests for special
intentions. Send requests to
[email protected].
3
Terrier Tales...
Kathleen Champagne LeBlanc ’67 retired from teaching at St. Mary’s
Nativity School in Raceland after twenty-seven years of service. In the
Teacher Spotlight feature of St. Mary’s newsletter, Kathleen stated, “To
all my students, their families, and the wonderful people I’ve worked with,
thank you for being a part of my life. I will cherish the memories of St.
Mary’s School forever.”
40s
Ray Marcello ’40 graciously donated his
picture of the Class of 1940 to VCHS. The class
consisted of 24 students, 14 young women and
10 young men.
Dr. James Mire ’67 was named
in Acadiana Profile’s Top Dentists
across twenty-two parishes. The
list is based on detailed evaluations
of dentists and professionals by
their peers. Dr. Mire practices
general dentistry in Houma.
Shirley Rome Watkins ’45 was honored as the 2011 Volunteer of the Year
by ARC of Louisiana. She has helped out at Terrebonne ARC for sixteen
years. TARC (Terrebonne Association of Retarded Citizens) assists adults
with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
50s
Members of the Class of ’67 are pictured
as they gathered for dinner recently.
70s
Ollie Porche Voelker ’53 is a retired teacher
and educational diagnostician whose interest
in genealogy led her to write Home at Last: An
Acadian Journey. It is historical fiction about the
deportation of the Acadians from Nova Scotia in
1755. She is a descendant of several Acadian
families who were deported from Nova Scotia.
Mrs. Voelker is working on another historical fiction
book about one of her Acadian ancestors. She lives with her husband in
Destrehan, Louisiana.
Joan De La Bretonne Faust ’73, professor and
undergraduate coordinator of English at Southeastern
Louisiana University, donated a copy of her recent
book to the Vandebilt library. The book, Andrew
Marvell’s Liminal Lyrics: The Space Between, is an
interdisciplinary study of the major lyric poems of
seventeenth century British metaphysical poet Andrew
Marvell. Joan is a member of the executive committee
of the John Donne Society and serves as executive secretary of the
Andrew Marvell Society in addition to being on the executive board of the
South-Central Renaissance Conference.
Katherine “Kakie” Tabor Mouille ’56 writes, “Houma and St. Francis
de Sales are deeply embedded in my heart and soul. I am so grateful
that God gave me my wonderful parents and ‘planted’ me in a beautiful
Catholic community, Houma. At seventy-five years of age, memories of
that safe, loving environment sustain me and make me look forward to the
next life in God’s kingdom.”
Ken Perry ’74 owner and president of Perry Flying Center says his
company has marked its thirtieth anniversary of operation. “I am proud
and humbled that my company has made it to this milestone.” The fixedbase operator at the Patterson, Louisiana, airport, has received World
Fuel Services/The Hiller Group’s highest award for fuel quality control.
It is the eleventh time PFC has attained this honor since 2000. PFC
was recognized for its exemplary quality control in receiving, storage,
dispensing, and documentation procedures.
Lisa Chauvin ’79 writes that she has lived in south Florida, where has
taught social studies for the past thirty years. She states, “I have to
attribute my love for my profession to the incredible teachers I had at
Vandebilt. I can’t believe how the years have flown by and look back on
my high school years at Vandy with great fondness.”
Ray Lapeyrouse ’58 donated to Vandebilt several of his oil paintings
depicting the “Old Boys’ School.” Mr. Lapeyrouse began painting three
years ago and truly enjoys his hobby. His paintings are on display at the
Vandebilt Brothers’ Hall.
60s
Karl Morgan ’79, Mississippi Valley State University
head football coach, is one of twenty finalists for the Eddie
Robinson Coach of the Year award. The Delta Devils
enjoyed their most successful season in quite some time
under Morgan’s leadership. In his third year as coach,
he led MVSU to its best conference finish since 2006.
Coach Morgan was a featured guest on the radio talk
show, Saving Rural America, which included an interview
and an opportunity to answer questions from callers.
Judge Glynn Voisin ’65 has served as Chief
Administrative Law Judge for the New Orleans, Louisiana
Hearing Office since May 2005. Under his leadership,
the New Orleans Hearing Office received 2008, 2009,
and 2010 Chief Administrative Law Judge Citations for
excellent management skills and outstanding effort.
80s
Glen Breerwood ’66 and his wife, Mary,
were presented with an award at Vandebilt’s
2013 graduation ceremony for their belief
in and support of Catholic education as
evidenced by their seven VCHS graduates:
Aaron ’94, Craig ’97, Aimee ’98, Glen ’01,
Christopher ’07, David ’11, and Joseph ’13.
Kirk Meche ’80 was named president and chief operating officer of Gulf
Island Fabrication in Houma. The company builds offshore oil platforms
and related structures and is one of the area’s largest employers.
Sr. Renee Daigle, MSC, ’81 is vocations director
for the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross and campus
ministry director at Southeastern Louisiana University.
She received a third place award from the Catholic
Press Association for “Best essay, religious order
magazines.” The judges commented, “Vow by vow,
Mr. and Mrs. Glen Breerwood accept their
award from Mrs. Marian Fertita, School
Superintendent of the Diocese of HoumaThibodaux.
4
Terrier Tales...
this essay offers very human and revealing considerations of living a life of
faith, and the rewards that follow.”
Tab Benoit ’85, for the third time, was named BB
King Entertainer of the Year. This award is the Blues
Foundation’s highest honor. He has also received awards
for Best Contemporary Male Performer and the Offbeat
Music Award for Best Blues Band, Best Blues CD, and
Best Blues Song. Gambit magazine’s Big Easy Awards
named Tab Best Blues Performer. Tab is a multiple
Grammy-nominated blues guitarist and was inducted into
the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. He started Voice of the
Wetlands, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising
awareness of preserving Louisiana’s wetlands.
Chris Erny ’86 is serving as president of the Terrebonne Port Commission,
which is responsible for maintaining and improving all waterways in
Terrebonne Parish. These waterways are natural and cultural resources and
are vital for navigation, commerce, and recreation. Chris also serves on the
Vandebilt School Advisory Council.
Catherine Schwab Coreil ’86 appeared in Acadiana
Profile’s publication highlighting Top Dentists Across
Acadiana. Dr. Schwab Coreil’s specialty is orthodontics.
Criteria considered for inclusion in the list are 15 years of
experience, continuing education, manner with patients,
and use of new techniques and technologies. Dr. Schwab
Coreil has been working to develop a program to serve
the orthodontic needs of the underprivileged through a
combination of scholarships and grants. Her practice, Le
Centre Orthodontic Arts, is located in Houma.
Susan Fakier Courtney ’86 and husband, Keith, have been married over
twenty years. They live in Morgan City and have two children, Adam and
Austin, along with two dogs. Susan is a stay-at-home mom and enjoys deer
hunting season, which helps her relax from the everyday stresses of life!
Todd Denson ’86 is Director of Alumni and Volunteer Programs for Sigma
Nu Fraternity. Todd resides in Lexington, Virginia.
Angela Robichaux St. Germain ’89 was recently baptized Catholic at St.
Bernadette Church. She credits her spiritual background to her years at
Vandebilt.
Reverend Scott Circe ’89 is currently assigned to Most Precious Blood
Church in Oviedo, Florida.
Chad Duhe ’87, a graduate of West Point in 1994, was promoted to the
rank of Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army. He has served duty both in
Iraq and Afghanistan and is currently assigned to a NATO base just north
of Milan, Italy. Chad is the son of Leonard ’65 and Gail Duhe. Chad and his
wife, the former Katherine Olivier, are the parents of two children, Gavin, 9,
and Lelia, 7.
90s
expecting their third daughter who will join sisters Stella and Clara.
Louis Duhé ’94 was promoted to Senior IT Operations Director at The
George Washington University Hospital. Louis received his Master
of Healthcare Administration from Tulane University and completed
the Master of Science in Information Systems Technology program at
George Washington University.
Jaime Theriot ’94 is a partner in the Atlanta office
of the law firm of Troutman Sanders LLP, practicing
in business litigation. Jaime also serves as associate
general counsel of the firm. Besides having written
several publications, Jaime was selected as a Rising
Star in Business Litigation by Law & Politics and
Atlanta Magazine, and she was named to the list of
Top Women Attorneys in Georgia (2013).
Brandon Belanger ’96, former Tulane Green Wave
pitcher, was inducted into the Tulane Athletics Hall of
Fame on October 3, 2013. The Hall of Fame Class
was honored at halftime of the Tulane vs. North Texas
football game on October 5, at the Mercedes-Benz
Superdome. After a period of playing minor league
baseball for the San Diego Padres, he decided to
give it up in order to complete his education and start
a family and a new career. Brandon now resides in
Conroe, Texas, with his wife, Angie, and three sons,
where he is the national sales director for Pernix Therapeutics.
Josh Garrett ’97 was featured in the Houma
publication Point of Vue. He has three albums
thus far and tours the country playing his style of
music, a blend of Louisiana blues, New Orleans
funk, rock and roll, and zydeco. Audiences enjoy
his emotional, soulful style and the Louisiana
flavor of his compositions. Josh and his wife, Erin Chauvin Garrett ’02,
reside in Baton Rouge.
Craig Breerwood ’97, his wife, Heather, and newborn son reside in
Monongahela, Pennsylvania, where Craig is employed as a CPA.
Gary Thomas ’97 spent seven years playing minor league baseball as
an outfielder, ending this career with a serious hip injury. He went on
to receive a degree in cardiopulmonary care and works as a pediatric
respiratory therapist in Livingston, Louisiana, where he resides with his
wife, Kathryn, and son, Ashton. However, he manages to stays close to
the game he loves, giving baseball lessons to youngsters and working
with the local high school players.
Matthew Toups ’99 retired from m the U.S. Army as a sergeant. He
graduated from Trident University International in Cypress, California.
He resides in Melvindale, Michigan, with his wife and three children.
Matt is the owner of Detroit Moving Boxes.
Reshelle Jones ’90 is employed as an occupational therapist at Terrebonne
General Medical Center.
00s
Shelly Hay Fernandez ’91, multimedia teacher, was selected as Terrebonne
High School’s Teacher of the Year.
Jessica Portier Gifford ’00 has moved back to Houma, where she is a
professional photographer and owner of K.I.S. Photograph.
Rachel South Boquet ’94 was a guest speaker at the VCHS Faculty Day of
Reflection in March 2013. She related that everyday circumstances frequently
put her in touch with people associated with Vandebilt. That VCH bond has
endeared her to the spirit of community experienced in her professional and
personal life. A former Vandebilt faculty member, Rachel is now a practicing
attorney with the Cancienne Law Firm. She and her husband, Kerry, are
Glen Breerwood ’01 and wife, Jessica, live in Broussard, Louisiana,
where Glen is a manager of a Halliburton office.
5
Beaux Duhé ’02 graduated from University of Louisiana in Monroe,
where he majored in risk management and insurance, which emphasizes
the development of people skills and the unique fields of surplus lines
Terrier Tales...
and reinsurance. Beaux earned honor roll status at ULM. He interned in
Atlanta and Baton Rouge for Gresham and Associates, where he is currently
employed as a property and casualty broker.
Chris Breaux ’03, a 2011 Loyola Law School graduate, joined Block Law
Firm in Thibodaux.
Joseph Tregre ’03 was ordained to the Sacred Order of
the Priesthood of Jesus Christ in May 2012. Father Joseph
currently serves in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux at
Annunziata Church. He frequently offers Mass at VCHS
for the students and faculty.
Allison Belanger James ’04 is currently employed as a mechanical
engineer for URS Corporation. She and her husband, Michael, reside in
Round Rock, Texas.
Anna Wheeler ’05 graduated in 2012 from LSU
Paul M. Hebert Law Center in Baton Rouge. She
is employed as an associate attorney in Bradley
Murchison Kelly & Shea LLC’s Shreveport office.
Jordan Callais ’07 graduated from Boston University in May with a Bachelor
of Science in Hospitality Administration. He will begin a professional
internship with Boston’s largest theatre company, the Huntington Theatre
Company.
Eddie Guilbeau ’07 spent a year at Jesuit
Volunteer Corps Northwest in Portland, Oregon. As
food pantry coordinator, Eddie and other staff ran
the hospitality center ministering to those battling
addictions, mental illness, and poverty. The center
provided food, coffee, clothing, hygiene kits, and
prescription assistance. Eddie stated, “I could tell
you a million stories about how I’ve ‘ministered’ to
people in the community, and it gets given right
back to me in a lot of good ways.” With a 2011
bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Notre
Dame in Indiana, he is presently employed in Erie, Pennsylvania, at GE
Transportation Operations Management Leadership Program.
Greg Rodrigue ’07 served our country for four years in the United
States Navy. He is attending Arkansas State University, studying sports
management and accounting. He played on the rugby team there, which
placed second in the nation this past year, losing to BYU in the national
title game. Greg is finishing up his final year at ASU and begins his rookie
season with the semi-professional rugby league team, the Boston Thirteens.
SSGT Ben Graham ’08 is currently serving in the United States Air Force
as an air traffic controller in
Mountain Home, Idaho. He and his wife, Adrienne, are expecting their first
child in November.
Joel Ross ’08 graduated from the University of
Southern Mississippi in 2012 with a degree in sports
management. Joel played football for the SMU Golden
Eagles during his college career. Earning his degree
in four years, Ross was a redshirt senior during the
past football season. He hopes to attract the eyes of
pro-football scouts.
6
Harry Rabalais ’08 is stationed in Bahrain after
serving on a 110 foot Coast Guard cutter operating
out of Key West, Florida. While in Bahrain he
has visited numerous ports on the Persian Gulf,
experiencing the local cultures. His stay has
afforded him the opportunity to visit members of the
armed forces of various states. He is nearing the
completion of his deployment in Bahrain and is in
the process of identifying his next duty station with
the Coast Guard. He enjoyed a trip to New Zealand
for rest and relaxation.
Isabelle Tabor ’08 received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Sciences and Disorders, graduating summa cum laude in May 2012 from
LSU. Presently, she is pursuing a master’s degree at LSU in speech and
language pathology.
Amanda Graham ’09 is attending Nicholls State University, where she
will graduate in December 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Ross Mullooly ’09 was posthumously
awarded the American Cancer Society
Spirit Award, given by the board of
directors. Following his diagnosis of cancer
at age nineteen, Ross created a nonprofit charitable organization, The Ross
Mullooly Project, to raise awareness of this
deadly disease and to provide funds for
organizations that assist cancer patients
and their families. Ross lost his courageous
battle with cancer in April 2013.
10s
Theresa Plaisance ’10, an LSU basketball forward, was
named to the 2013 Associated Press All-Southeastern
Conference First Team, the SEC All-Defensive Team,
The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association AllRegion 3 Team, and the WBCA Honorable Mention
All-America Team. She was also honored as the 2013
LSWA Louisiana Player of the Year and was named to
the LSWA All-Louisiana First Team. Theresa is a senior
majoring in general business.
Leslie Rabalais ’10 enjoyed the summer working at Glacier National Park
in Montana. She is currently studying early childhood education at the
University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Hunter Bown ’11, one of the drum majors
of the 2013 world champion drum corps
Carolina Crown, is pictured holding the
world championship flag immediately after
Drum Corps International Championships.
Hunter attends the University of North Texas,
studying vocal performance and instrumental
music education.
Contact Us!
Share your news with us. Please
tell us about graduations, weddings, births, employment
changes, relocation, or any other good news in your family.
Your classmates would also love to know. Let us help you
spread your good news!
Vandebilt uses Alumni Research, Inc., to help us keep
track of our graduates. We ask you to visit them at www.
alumniresearch.com to update your information if necessary.
They can also be contacted by phone at (800) 299 – 1230 or
by mail at 3333 US Highway 19, Suite 6, Holiday, FL 34691.
Precious Pups
Elizabeth Boyne Canady ’98 and husband recently welcomed
a baby girl, Charlie Elizabeth, to their family. Charlie’s proud
grandparents include paternal grandfather, alumnus Charles
Boyne ’73.
Jaime Theriot ’94 and her husband, Wes
Tailor, happily announce the adoption of
their son, Colton Nathaniel, born January
9, 2013.
Gabby Archila Cotten ’98 and her
husband, Joe, announced the birth of
their third child, Juliet Adele. She was
born on June 17, 2013, and weighed
8 pounds and 12 ounces. Juliet was
happily welcomed by her older sisters,
Elle and Olivia. Among the excited
grandparents is maternal grandmother,
Judith “Candy” Larke Archila ’64.
Sarah Larke Brooke ’94 and Rich
Brooke ’00 welcomed their first child,
Richard Anderson,
on May 30, 2012,
weighing 8 pounds
and 15 ounces. On May 23, 2013, Harrison
Stephen, joined their family, weighing 8
pounds and 8 ounces. Among the tickled
grandparents are alumni James ’66 and
Beth Rome Larke ’67.
Marion Levy Larke ’00 and
husband, Jeffrey ’99, welcomed
their second daughter on
November 9, 2012. Elise Catherine
joins her older sister, Elizabeth.
Elise’s thrilled grandparents include
James ’66 and Beth Rome Larke
’67.
Mimi LeBouef Wozniak ’95 and husband, Greg, celebrated
the birth of their second son, Drew Thomas. Drew joins his
two-year-old brother, Walter. The joyful grandparents include
maternal grandmother, alumna Katie “Drew” White LeBouef
’64.
Glen Breerwood ’01 and wife, Jessica,
had a baby girl April 25, 2013. Gianna
Grace weighed 6 pounds and 9 ounces.
They live in Broussard, where Glen is a
manager of a Halliburton office. Glen
’66, paternal grandfather, is among the
pleased grandparents.
Lucia Archila Wood ’96 and her husband,
Hugh, announce the birth of their second
child, Peyton Reese. Peyton was born
March 28, 2013, weighing 7 pounds and
11 ounces. Her older sister, Presley, was
pleased to have a baby sister. Peyton’s
happy grandparents include maternal
grandmother, Judith “Candy” Larke
Archila ’64.
Angelle Couvillon Tompkins ’02 and her husband, Michael
Tompkins ’07, announce the birth of their daughter, Allison
Claire.
Amanda Boudreaux Larke
’96 and James Larke, Jr. ’97
celebrated the birth of their second
son, Joseph Maurice, on July
29, 2013. Joseph weighed 6
pounds and 5 ounces and joins his
brother, James III. Alumni James
’66 and Beth Rome Larke ’67
and Louis ’68 and Luane Prejean Boudreaux ’70 are the
delighted grandparents.
Jonathan Gautreaux '05 and
his wife, Kristen, welcomed
their daughter Addison Grace
Gautreaux on April 11, 2012.
Addison weighed 6 pounds, 12
ounces and was 18 inches long.
Jamie Chauvin ’06 and his wife, Kristen
Vice Chauvin, welcomed their first child,
Matthew Thomas, on September 3,
2013. Matthew weighed 4 pounds and 13
ounces. His grandparents include proud
paternal grandfather, Tommy Chauvin
’76.
Craig Breerwood ’97 and his wife,
Heather, announced the birth of their
first child, Adam James, who weighed 8
pounds and 12 ounces and measured 21
inches. Adam was born on September 16,
2013, and one of his proud grandparents
is Glen Breerwood ’66.
7
2012-2013 School Highlights
iPads
Vandebilt welcomed 940 students to the 2012 – 2013
school year on Wednesday, August 8. To ensure that
Vandebilt has a leading edge in today’s educational
technology, each faculty member and student received an
iPad. The learning process will be enhanced as access to
the iPad helps create unique instructional experiences.
Christmas Project
For our annual Christmas project,
Va n d e b i l t s t u d e n t s b o u g h t ,
wrapped, and delivered gifts to
each child at Schriever Elementary
School. The event delighted the
little ones and allowed the “big kids”
to experience the spirit of giving in
Jesus’ name.
Grandparents Day 2013
Agnes Breaux Blanchard ’61 and her
husband, Tommy, are pictured with their
granddaughters for Vandebilt’s annual
welcoming of grandparents.
8
Wedding Bells
Megan Rau ’04 and Troy Bergeron were married
March 24, 2012, in Houma.
Ashli Spence ’04 wed Blaise Bernard at the
Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales on January 21,
2012.
Something Old, Something New
Something Gold, Something Blue
Jessica Talbot ’04 and Kenneth Tharpe exchanged vows
on April 21, 2012, at Evergreen Cajun Center in Houma.
Mark Duhe ’05 and Alexandra Karnath were married
December 30, 2011, at St. Mary Mother of the Church in
Lafayette, Louisiana.
Ben Portier ’98 married Katie Geist at St. Anthony of Padua
Catholic Church on September 28, 2013.
Joseph Crispino, Jr. ’85 and Allyson Guidry were married
September 14, 2013, at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales
in Houma.
Maggie Fanguy ’05 wed Smitty Smith on April 13, 2012, at
the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales.
Kelly Streva ’95 wed Michael Pocorello at the Cathedral of
St. Francis de Sales in Houma on May 4, 2012.
Nicholas Rome ’05 and Lisa Kaiser were married in New
Orleans at Le Pavillon Hotel on December 8, 2012.
Joni Johnson ’98 and Tory Fletcher were married June 30,
2012, at Moses Baptist Church in Thibodaux.
Kimberly Theriot ’05 married Brett Means ’05 on November
16, 2012, at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales.
Joshua Robichaux ’98 and Lindsay Brooks exchanged
wedding vows on April 21, 2012, at The First Christian Church
of Roswell in Roswell, Georgia.
Anna Wheeler ’05 was married to Matthew O’Neal on
October 12, 2012, at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales.
Stan Whitney ’99 and Allyce Van Alstine ‘03 were married at
the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales on December 30, 2011.
Jamie Chauvin ’06 and Kristen Vice exchanged wedding
vows on June 2, 2012, at the Cathedral of St. Francis de
Sales.
Allison Daigneault ’00 and Robert Swayze exchanged
wedding vows on June 22, 2013. The marriage took place at
the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales in Houma.
Mary Caroline McConathy ’06 and James Schneider were
married July 20, 2012, at Christ Church Cathedral in New
Orleans.
Anne Kolwe ’00 wed Benjamin Boudreaux on April 26, 2013,
at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales.
Chelsea Price ’07 married Logan Dowden at Mulberry
Baptist Church in Houma on June 23, 2012.
Nicole Clement ’01 married Geneo Longoria on June 2, 2012.
The ceremony took place at the Houma Municipal Auditorium.
In Loving Memory
Kayla Fakier ’01 and Tyler Brown exchanged wedding vows
on February 1, 2013, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in
Houma.
Claire Whitney Lottinger ’39
Gerald Paul Doiron ’51
(First Bishop Schexnayder Award Recipient)
Glen LaGrange ’61
Bernard Breaux ’63
William Chiquelin ’64
Lawrence Molaison ’64
Patrick Trahan ’64
William Null ’65
Wilson Voisin ’66
Jerry Pellegrin ’66
Rev. Guy Zeringue ’67
Edward Robichaux ’74
Eric Robinson ’88
Stephen Inabnet ’91
Anthony Thibodaux, Jr. ’93
Matthew Arceneaux ’02
Ross Mullooly ’09
Bryan Matherne ’09
Stephen Louviere ’12
Katherine Stiel ’02 and Austin McCullough were married
August 3, 2013, at St. James Episcopal Church in Baton
Rouge.
Emily Scurto ’03 married Tanner Garrett on April 28, 2012,
at Cypress Columns in Gray, Louisiana.
Amanda Robichaux ’03 and Christopher Roques exchanged
vows April 19, 2013, at the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales.
Allison Belanger ’04 and Michael James were married
February 2, 2013, at Keystone Ranch Resort in Keystone,
Colorado.
9
Special Alumni Feature
VCHS boasts nineteen alumni staff members for the 2013-2014 school year.
Erica Breaux
Babin 2006
Harold “Hal”
Bauland 1982
Ami Fazzio
Bourgeois 1999
Jerwaski
Coleman 2003
Shirley Gautreaux
Cunningham 1968
Jane Givens
Falgout 2004
Matthew “Tank”
Falgout 1997
Michelle Ledet
Hansen 1992
Margaret Haydel
Johnson 1983
David Keife
1967
Elizabeth “Beth”
Rome Larke 1967
Rhonda Ledet
1993
Fran French
Moss 1969
Bethany Oubre
2001
Laurie Calhoun
Robichaux 1984
Samantha
Schexnayder 2002
Reunion News
Isabelle Rome
Tabor 1975
Class of 1978
The Class of 1978 celebrated its forty-five year reunion
on October 19, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Bobby
and Ginny Corte.
Jane Buckel
Voss 1978
Class of 1983
Erin Wilder
Wagner 1988
The Class of 1983's thirty year reunion was held on
Friday, October 25, 2013, activities were sponsored
by VCHS.
Upcoming
Class Reunions
Class of 1964 is celebrating its fifty year reunion on March
20, 2014. Class members will be honored by the Vandebilt
student body at morning Mass in the Kolb Center. Following
Mass, they will be the guests of honor at a luncheon hosted
by the Vandebilt Alumni Department. Their festivities continue
later in the evening at Ellendale Country Club.
The class of 1994 has set June 7, 2014, as the date for its
twenty year reunion. More details will be provided as plans
are made.
10
Class of 1998
The Class of 1998 held its fifteen year reunion on
Saturday, August 24, beginning with tour of the
school. The tour was followed by Mass in the VCHS
Chapel offered by Father Joseph Tregre ’03, brother
of class member, Cherie Tregre. The classmates
gathered later in the evening at Bar Roussel.
Alumni News
Alumni Parents
Attend Open House for
2012-2013 School Year
1988 Alumnus Participates
in Graduation
Alumni Kevin Parfait and Simone Duplantis Parfait,
both graduates of the class of ’01, attended
Open House for the 2013-2014 school year. Their
oldest child, Madison, is currently a VCHS eighth
grader.
Each year Vandebilt honors twenty-five year alumni
parents and fifty year alumni grandparents of graduating
seniors. This year the lone participant for the May 2013
commencement ceremony was Mr. Damon Daigle from
the Class of 1988. Mr. Daigle delivered the diploma of
his daughter, Kathryn, to Mr. David Keife in the opening
procession of the graduation Mass.
Twenty-five Year Alumnus
Addresses 2013 Seniors
Upcoming
Alumni Events
Chuck Weaver ’88 was the twenty-five year alumnus guest
speaker at the annual VCHS Senior Breakfast.
Chuck emphasized the foundations that impact our lives:
faith, family, friends, and education.
“Foundations have always been and will continue to be
very important in many aspects of life. Whether it be your
spiritual foundation, family foundation, friend foundation,
education foundation or even a home foundation…they are
all the base upon which we build. Vandebilt has given me,
and I hope you, also, several foundations to build upon. The
rest of your life depends what YOU choose to do with the
foundations provided. Enjoy your future, continue to build
on these foundations, and remember your Terrier PRIDE,
Performance Requires Individual Dedicated Effort!”
2013 Alumni Homecoming Events
Friday, October 25
2:00 p.m. Homecoming Pep Rally (Kolb Center)
5:30 p.m. Alumni Pre-Game Party (entrance to
stadium)
Register for prizes
Jambalaya, soft drinks, water
Face painting for children
7:00 p.m. Game (Vandebilt vs. Assumption)
Price: $5.00 advance, $7.00 at gate
8:30 p.m. Alumni Gathering at Pepper’s Piazza Bar
Free appetizers and soft drinks in room adjoining bar
Music by Bandit
Cash bar, Pepper’s cover charge $7.00
remindrrieerrClub golf
The annual Te
April
duled for Monday,
tournament is sche
s are encouraged to
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Al
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14
20
14,
as
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register early for th
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ickly filled! For mor
these spots are qu
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contact the Al
information please
Department.
11
Endowment
“A Gift That Keeps Giving”
Did you know…
* an endowment can be named in honor or in memory of a loved one?
* the principal of endowment funds is never accessible?
* the investor can choose where annual interest will go — operating budget, tuition assistance,
teacher salaries, athletics, arts, resource program — to name a few?
Existing Endowment Funds
The Dr. Garland P. Aycock, Sr. Memorial
Endowed Scholarship (1989)
Proceeds provide tuition assistance to a
deserving student.
Ted Lyons Endowment Fund (1991)
Proceeds from this fund are used for
general operations at VCH.
Mrs. Enola Jeandron Autin Endowment
Fund (1996)
Proceeds are used to support the
resource program for VCH students.
Brothers of the Sacred Heart Endowed
Scholarship (2005)
Proceeds provide tuition support.
Marianites of Holy Cross Scholarship
(2005)
Proceeds provide tuition support.
Brother Alfred Kolb, S.C. Endowment
Fund (2008)
Proceeds from this fund go toward
teacher salaries at VCH.
Brother Ray Kuhn, S.C. Endowed
Scholarship (2008)
Proceeds from this fund are used for
tuition assistance.
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Landry, Sr.
Endowment Fund (2008)
Proceeds from this fund go toward
teacher salaries at VCH.
F.E. and Louise V. Boudreaux
Endowment Scholarship
Proceeds provide tuition support.
Claude Bergeron Endowment (2007)
Interest from this fund goes to the
school’s operating budget.
Laurent-Brewer Endowment (2009)
Interest each year goes to the athletic
program at VCH.
Class of 2006 Endowment
Interest will go toward operating budget.
Class of 2007 Endowment
Interest will go toward operating budget.
Class of 2008 Endowment
Interest will go toward operating budget.
Class of 2009 Endowment
Interest will go toward operating budget.
Class of 2010 Endowment
Interest will go toward operating budget.
Art Endowment
Proceeds from this fund are used for
tuition assistance.
Mothers’ Club Endowment
Proceeds from this fund are used for
academics.
T. J. Cantrelle Endowment.
Proceeds from this fund are used for
tuition assistance.
Ian Haydel Endowment
Use of proceeds will be decided upon
annually by the family.
Gabrielle Hebert Endowment
Interest will be used to award a college
scholarship for a graduating senior.
Megan Hitt Endowment
Interest each year will be divided
between campus ministry and yearbook.
Mary Gail Tabor Landry Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded annually to
five qualifying female students.
When you set up or contribute to a VCH endowment fund, you are
• helping to secure the school’s future.
• honoring individuals and families with a perpetual gift.
• helping to reduce the school’s dependence on tuition dollars.
Non-Profit Organization
U. S. POSTAGE
CATHOLIC HIGH
209 South Hollywood Road
Houma, Louisiana 70360
(985) 580-1868
ALUMNI NEWS IS AVAILABLE
QUARTERLY BY E-MAIL.
GET THE V-NEWSLETTER BY SIGNING
UP AT [email protected].
REMINDER…
If you need help with your class reunion,
please contact the Alumni office at 985-5801868 or [email protected].
SEND YOUR NEWS!
We enjoy hearing from you as do fellow alumni! Pictures are welcomed and encouraged.
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Houma, LA