The Science Behind the Pop 🍿 In Mrs. Judy Homes’ Chemistry class, students recently explored a big concept using a very small (and very tasty) example: popcorn. But this wasn’t snack time...it was science in action! Why does popcorn pop? Each kernel contains a small amount of water (about 13–14% of its mass) trapped inside a tough outer shell. When heated, that water turns into steam. As the steam expands, pressure builds inside the kernel.  Because the shell is so strong, the steam can’t escape right away. The pressure keeps rising until — POP! — the kernel bursts open, and the starchy inside puffs out into the fluffy popcorn we recognize. The chemistry behind it all: This simple snack connects directly to core chemistry concepts: - Phase change: Liquid water turns into steam when heated. - Percent composition: Students calculate how much of the kernel’s mass is water. - Conservation of mass: The mass lost after popping equals the water that evaporated. - Gas laws: Expanding steam creates the pressure that causes the pop. Students measured kernels before and after heating to determine how much water was present — applying stoichiometry in a hands-on, real-world way. Why the water percentage matters: The sweet spot for popcorn is right around 13–14% water. - Too little moisture? Not enough pressure to pop. - Too much? The popcorn turns out chewy instead of light and fluffy. That tiny percentage makes all the difference. In Mrs. Homes’ classroom, chemistry isn’t just something students read about. It’s something they can see, measure, calculate… and occasionally smell like movie night.

Allie Mixon Named LHSAA District Champion in Shot Put and Discus We are proud to celebrate an incredible accomplishment by senior Allie Mixon, who delivered a standout performance at the LHSAA District Meet on April 23, 2026. Allie placed 1st in both shot put and discus, earning the title of 2026 LHSAA District Champion in both events. This remarkable achievement is a testament to her strength, focus, and dedication throughout the season. To claim a district championship in one event is an impressive feat — to win both throws showcases Allie’s versatility, discipline, and competitive spirit. Her hard work in training and her commitment to excellence truly paid off on the field. Allie’s performance not only reflects her personal determination but also brings great pride to the entire Chapelle community. We are excited to see her continue this momentum as she advances in postseason competition.  Congratulations, Allie! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.

Celebrating Faith, Legacy, and Providence: Founder’s Day Mass 2026 Yesterday, the Chapelle family gathered in gratitude and joy for our annual Founder’s Day Mass, a beautiful celebration of faith, tradition, and the generations who make our school so special. A Gift of Prayer and Unity We were honored to present Archbishop Aymond with two meaningful gifts: - A rosary designed in our five class colors—Lavender, Blue, Red, Green, and Yellow—symbolizing the unity of our grade levels as one circle of faith. - A book of prayers written by each Theology class, offered in gratitude for his service and as a promise of our continued prayers. Both gifts reflect the deep gratitude we have for Archbishop Aymond and the legacy he will leave in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. We pray for joy and happiness as he enters his retirement! Outstanding Catholic Student Awards One of the most special moments of the morning was recognizing students who exemplify Catholic identity and Christ-like leadership on campus and in the community. Congratulations to our 2025–2026 Outstanding Catholic Students: - 8th Grade: Sophia Hunter - Freshman: Leila Abbate - Sophomore: Anna Claire Occhipinti - Junior: Audrey Dubuc - Senior: Kyla Apostolakis Each of these young women lives her faith with sincerity, kindness, and dedication—truly reflecting the beauty of Catholic education at Chapelle. Faculty & Staff Years of Service We proudly honored members of our Chapelle family celebrating milestone anniversaries: 10 Years of Service - Ghada Chokr - Trina Hille - Dale LaCour - Susan Panzavecchia - Frank Ready - Anne Southworth - Samantha Urso 20 Years of Service - Judy Homes - Julie Hunter - Martha McCann - Jessica Reeg Their dedication continues to shape the lives of our students and strengthen our mission. Deus Providebit Award In the spirit of our motto, Deus Providebit — God Will Provide — we honored our 2026 recipients: Deacon Drea and Brenda Capaci With more than five decades of service to Chapelle and the Church, their lives reflect unwavering faith, family devotion, and generous service. Their legacy is woven deeply into the fabric of our school. 2026 Alumna of the Year We proudly recognized Lyndsey Manalla Dyle ’03 as the 2026 Alumna of the Year — the youngest recipient of this honor. A devoted alumna, business leader, entrepreneur, and dedicated mother, Lyndsey continues to give back to Chapelle, most notably through her leadership of the beloved Alumnae Decade Rally. Honoring the Class of 1976 We were thrilled to welcome back the Class of 1976, celebrating their 50th anniversary. Each graduate received a commemorative diploma, and the class surprised us all by singing their senior song — a beautiful reminder that the Chapelle spirit lasts a lifetime. Looking Ahead: Incarnate Word Hall In her closing remarks, Head of School Connie Dantagnan shared exciting news about our future. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have raised $8 million toward our $10 million vision for Incarnate Word Hall. This summer marks the next phase of construction, bringing us closer to a sacred space dedicated to prayer, worship, and spiritual growth for generations to come. Founder’s Day reminded us that Chapelle is more than a school — it is a living testament to faith across generations. As we continue forward, we do so with gratitude for our past, confidence in our present, and hope for our future.  Deus Providebit — God Will Provide.