PUBLISHED ON January 16, 2024
Congrats to Melanie Sittig Harmon '11, an esteemed educator, who was honored with the title of New Teacher of the Year at J.C. Ellis Elementary School in 2021. Demonstrating her commitment to continuous professional development, she recently achieved Early Childhood Education Teachers certification in July 2023, positioning herself as a certified instructor for Pre-K through 3rd grade within her community. Currently, Melanie excels in her role as the Pre-K 4 teacher at J.C. Ellis Elementary School in Metairie, LA.
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Exploring Careers in Occupational Therapy: Guest Speaker Rebecca Ford Inspires Honors Anatomy & Physiology Students On September 23, students in our Honors Anatomy & Physiology class had the privilege of learning from Rebecca Ford, a faculty member in the Department of Occupational Therapy at LSU Health Science Center. With an impressive background in providing occupational therapy services to adults and children with orthopedic and neurologic diagnoses at West Jefferson Hospital, Rebecca brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our students. What is Occupational Therapy? Rebecca’s presentation began with an overview of the role of occupational therapists and the variety of settings where they work, from hospitals and schools to outpatient clinics. She walked students through the educational pathway required to become an occupational therapist, offering valuable insights into what it takes to pursue this rewarding career. Hands-On Learning Activities The highlight of Rebecca’s visit was the hands-on activities she introduced to the class. Students had the opportunity to try their hand at some of the tools and techniques occupational therapists use to help their patients regain independence and improve their quality of life. Here are just a few of the activities students participated in: - Sock Helper Challenge : Students learned how to put on a sock using an assistive device, showcasing how occupational therapists help patients with limited mobility. - Adapted Dressing Techniques : Rebecca demonstrated how to put on and take off a shirt with one arm paralyzed, giving students a glimpse into the daily challenges faced by patients. - Therapeutic Putty Exercises : Students played with putty to understand how fine motor skills are improved through therapy. - Mini Mental State Exam Practice : Students practiced administering this cognitive test, which is often used to assess memory and mental function. Rebecca’s passion for her profession was contagious, energizing the classroom and making the session interactive and engaging. Inspiring Future Healthcare Professionals Many of the students in our Honors Anatomy & Physiology class are exploring careers in healthcare, and Rebecca’s visit provided them with a valuable opportunity to learn about the diverse and impactful field of occupational therapy. Whether or not they pursue this specific path, the experience broadened their understanding of how healthcare professionals make a difference in the lives of their patients. We are so grateful to Rebecca Ford for taking the time to share her expertise and enthusiasm with our students. Opportunities like this help inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and open their eyes to the wide variety of careers available in the medical field.
🏐✨ Volleyball Recap: Chipmunks Take Down Newman in a Thrilling Match! What a match! Our Chapelle Chipmunks faced off against the Newman Greenies on Wednesday and walked away with a hard-fought 3-2 victory. It was a nail-biter from start to finish, but the Chipmunks showed heart, determination, and teamwork to secure the win! 💚 After falling behind 2-1 heading into the fourth set, the Chipmunks rallied in true Chapelle spirit, taking the final two sets and clinching the match. The set scores were 19-25, 25-17, 19-25, 25-18, 15-11, with every point earned through grit and perseverance. 🌟 Standout Performances: - Avah Gilchrist led the way with 8 digs and 2 aces, her highest ace count since October 2024! - Audrey Dubuc made her presence known at the net with her first blocks of the season, showing off her defensive skills. The win brings Chapelle’s record to 6-5, while Newman’s home winning streak came to an end, leaving them at 14-4. Looking ahead, the Chipmunks are ready for more action as they take on Hahnville at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Let’s pack the stands and cheer on our girls! 🐿️💚
By Raegan Tuttle “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” This theme for Campus Ministry is all about trusting the Lord and His plan for you. In this reflection, I would like to share a story of mine that reflects this. During junior year, I was in a low place spiritually. I felt lost, and I did not know if God still had faith in me. I was constantly comparing myself to others, seeing how their spiritual life was so much stronger than mine. But I was told about a mission trip that would be during the summer. This mission was to help the people of Belize. At first, I was hesitant about whether I should take this opportunity. I had heard so many amazing things about the mission, and I wondered if I would experience those things as well. After much thought and prayer, I took the opportunity. I wanted to fully put my trust in God and see if I could revive what I felt was lost. During the formation nights, I could tell that the group going on this mission had the same ideas as me. We all wanted to grow our faith whilst helping others in the process. I was also still questioning my place within the mission and why God called me to serve. Once we got there and saw how the Belizean people were living, I realized why I was called. God wanted me to put my trust in him so I could help others. Seeing how they still worshiped the Lord even when they were living a hard life really showed me how the Lord can provide and how he speaks to others. I started to give my mind and soul to him, and I saw and felt his presence as I saw in others. After getting back home from the mission. I finally felt like my spiritual life was rejuvenated. I felt the Lord speaking to me in other ways that I had not heard before. Once I had fully put my faith in Him, he spoke so many new things, and I felt truly free. As this verse from Proverbs says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6)
Chapelle Alumna Hannah Volpi '19 Named Head Beach Volleyball Coach at Southeastern Louisiana University! 🏐💚 We are thrilled to celebrate Hannah Volpi '19, who has been named the Head Beach Volleyball Coach at Southeastern Louisiana University! Hannah’s volleyball journey began right here at Chapelle, where she helped lead the Chipmunks to a state runner-up finish. After her time at Chapelle, she competed in beach volleyball for the UNO Privateers, excelling on the sand and continuing to develop her passion for the game. Now, as a head coach, Hannah is inspiring the next generation of athletes while making the Chapelle family proud. Congratulations, Hannah—you are a shining example of Chapelle pride and excellence!
Jason Evert Inspires Chapelle Students with a Powerful Message of Authentic Love 💛 What an inspiring day at Archbishop Chapelle High School! On Tuesday, September 16, our students had the incredible privilege of hearing from Jason Evert, a world-renowned Catholic speaker and founder of the Chastity Project. Jason’s impactful presentation centered on the difference between real love and lust, and the beauty of living out the authentic love we are all created for. A Message That Resonated Jason’s engaging and relatable style had our students absolutely captivated. Through humor, heartfelt stories, and practical advice, he shared how we can recognize the difference between fleeting attraction and the lasting power of true, chaste love. Our girls laughed, learned, and left the talk inspired to live out their relationships with dignity, self-respect, and faith. The message was clear: authentic love is worth the wait, and it’s worth fighting for. Living Out the Message Jason’s presentation challenged our students to see relationships through a new lens—not through the fleeting ideals of culture but through the lens of God’s plan for holy and beautiful relationships. His words were a reminder that true love honors and uplifts, and it requires courage, patience, and faith. Gratitude for Jason Evert We are so grateful to Jason Evert for sharing his wisdom, humor, and faith with our Chapelle family. His message was a powerful reminder of the beauty of living a life rooted in virtue and love. Thank you, Jason, for inspiring our students to embrace the love they are created for and to pursue relationships that reflect God’s plan for their lives. This was a day our students won’t soon forget! 💛
Chemistry in Action: Chromatography T-Shirts in Mrs. Homes's Class! 🧪👕 This week in Mrs. Homes's Chemistry class, our Chapelle students had a hands-on opportunity to explore the fascinating world of chromatography—and they did it in style by creating their very own chromatography t-shirts! What is Chromatography? Chromatography may sound complex, but it’s a method used by scientists to separate substances in a mixture based on how they move through a medium (like a t-shirt or coffee filter). Here’s how it works: - The Process: A solvent (a liquid that dissolves molecules) is used to carry the molecules in a mixture through a porous material. - The Science: The molecules in the mixture need to be different sizes. Smaller molecules will travel farther along the material, while larger ones stay closer to where they started. - The Result: As the solvent moves, it separates the molecules based on their size, creating a colorful and visual representation of the mixture’s components. - In Mrs. Homes’s class, students applied this principle to design shirts that not only look amazing but also showcase the science of solubility and polarity. Turning Science into Art 🎨 Using shirts as their medium, students experimented with various ink mixtures and solvents. They observed how different components of the ink separated and spread across the fabric at different rates, creating unique and colorful patterns. The activity demonstrated key chemistry concepts, including: - Solubility: How easily substances dissolve in a solvent. - Polarity: How molecular structure influences movement through the medium. By turning their t-shirts into vibrant works of science-inspired art, students gained a deeper understanding of chromatography while having a blast! Why Hands-On Learning Matters 💡 This fun and innovative project allowed students to see chemistry in action, making complex concepts like molecular size, polarity, and solubility easier to understand. Plus, it’s always more exciting to learn when you can take home a tangible reminder of the lesson—like a one-of-a-kind, chemistry-themed t-shirt! A Big Thanks to Mrs. Homes! Thank you, Mrs. Homes, for bringing creativity and innovation into the classroom. This project was a perfect blend of science, art, and fun, and our students will surely remember it for years to come. To our budding scientists: Keep exploring, experimenting, and embracing the wonders of chemistry! 👩🔬👕
Alumnae Career Engagement Presentation Recap: General Nursing Archbishop Chapelle High School was honored to welcome Amanda Ippolito Del Buono ’06, a Post Kidney and Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Nurse Coordinator, back to campus for a Career Engagement Session. Amanda shared her journey in nursing and offered an inside look at the rewarding and diverse opportunities in healthcare. A Day in the Life of a Transplant Nurse Coordinator Amanda manages care for 150 post-kidney transplant patients, helping them adjust to life with their new organs. Her duties include: - Teaching patients how to care for their new organ(s). - Managing appointments and clinic visits. - Advising on protocols to ensure a smooth recovery. - Her dedication to patient care showcases how nurses make life-changing impacts every day. What We Learned Amanda shared valuable insights with our students, including: - Nursing is diverse. From hospitals to home health, there’s a path for everyone in this field. - Empathy is key. Supporting patients emotionally is as important as physical care. - Lifelong learning matters. Staying up-to-date with evolving medical practices is critical for success. Thank You, Amanda! We are so grateful to Amanda for inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals at Chapelle. Her passion and expertise reminded our students that nursing is not just a career—it’s a calling to make a difference in the lives of others.
Leading the Way: Emily Ledet's Journey as Raider Band Drum Major The Rummel/Chapelle Raider Band is a program known for its dedication, talent, and tradition. This year, one of the band’s Drum Majors, Emily Ledet, a senior from Chapelle, is leaving her mark as a leader, mentor, and musician. In this spotlight, Emily shares her journey, insights, and the impact the Raider Band has had on her life. A Journey That Began in 8th Grade Emily first joined the Raider Band in her 8th-grade year, starting as a trombone player—a role she held for four years before stepping into her current position as Drum Major. Reflecting on her journey, she notes how the program has shaped her identity and fostered her love for music. From her first rehearsals to leading the band on the field, Emily's dedication to the Raider Band is evident. What Being a Drum Major Means To Emily, being a Drum Major is more than just a title—it’s a responsibility and a privilege. “Being a drum major means setting the standard for the rest of the band. I know I have a lot of people relying on me to do well, and I feel truly grateful for that. I know how crucial it is to have a great role model, and I truly strive to be that for the band.” Emily’s commitment to being a positive example is at the heart of her leadership. She understands that her actions set the tone for the entire group, and she embraces the opportunity to inspire others. The Reward of Hard Work For Emily, the most rewarding part of being Drum Major is seeing the band’s collective efforts come to life, especially during the final performance of the season. “When our final competition of the season is over, that is usually the time when the entire band finally realizes how much we have accomplished. It is also the time we all realize this is the last performance we will have with this exact group of people.” The bittersweet nature of these moments underscores the unique bond shared by band members. Emily treasures the role she plays in creating these unforgettable experiences. The Dedication Behind the Scenes One thing Emily wishes more people knew about the Raider Band is the level of hard work and commitment required to make their performances shine. “We rehearse 3 times a week from 3:45 to 6:00 pm. We also perform at all Rummel football games and even some basketball games. We have multiple competitions throughout October and November that we begin prepping for in July.” From conditioning in the heat to auditioning for honor ensembles, Raider Band members dedicate countless hours to perfecting their craft. Their passion and perseverance are what make the program so special. A New Direction: Music and Leadership Emily credits the Raider Band for shaping her career goals. Initially interested in becoming a therapist, her experience in the band and an audio engineering class with Mr. Broussard ignited a love for music that changed her path. “I realized this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. The Raider Band has also given me the opportunity to grow not only as a person but also as a leader. I have had the privilege to learn numerous leadership skills from the band that I know will help me in the future.” Her passion for music and leadership is a testament to the transformative power of the Raider Band program. Advice for Future Drum Majors For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Emily offers this piece of wisdom: “Be confident in your leadership skills. It’s like the saying, ‘fake it until you make it.’ If you instill confidence in your leadership, then as time goes on, you will become a better leader. It is crucial to allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them.” Her advice highlights the importance of perseverance, self-trust, and growth. A Leader and Role Model As Emily prepares to graduate, she leaves behind not only a legacy of musical excellence but also an example of strong, compassionate leadership. Her time as Drum Major and her experiences within the Raider Band have shaped her future and inspired those around her. Emily Ledet’s story is a reminder of the incredible impact music programs like the Raider Band can have on young leaders. The program is more than just rehearsals and performances—it’s a family, a foundation, and a launching pad for success. Congratulations to Emily on her achievements, and best of luck as she continues to shine in music and beyond!
