PUBLISHED ON August 5, 2025
Archbishop Chapelle High School: Louisiana State Champion for the Vocabulary Bowl
Archbishop Chapelle High School is thrilled to announce that our students have been crowned Louisiana State Champions for both the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 seasons of the Vocabulary Bowl, hosted by Vocabulary.com!
During the Fall 2024 season, which ran from October 1 to November 30, our students mastered an impressive 12,876 words, securing first place in the state. This hard work not only earned us bragging rights but also a banner to commemorate the achievement. Continuing their dedication and enthusiasm, our students rose to the challenge again during the Spring 2025 season, from February 1 to March 31, emerging as state champions once more.
What is the Vocabulary Bowl?
The Vocabulary Bowl is a nationwide competition hosted by Vocabulary.com that inspires students and schools to strengthen their vocabulary skills. Through this interactive platform, participants answer vocabulary questions to earn points for their school. Leaderboards track progress at state, regional, and national levels, recognizing top-performing schools and students at the end of each season.
Vocabulary.com’s adaptive learning system tailors word lists and quizzes to match individual progress, making the learning experience both personalized and engaging. This innovative platform helps students build their vocabulary while promoting critical thinking and communication skills.
Chapelle’s Approach to Vocabulary Success
At Archbishop Chapelle, Vocabulary.com is a vital tool in our students’ educational journey. While it’s primarily used in English classes, teachers across all subject areas are encouraged to integrate the platform into their lessons. This allows students to:
- Master vocabulary related to specific topics they are studying.
- Prepare effectively for standardized tests like the ACT and SAT.
Chapelle has incorporated Vocabulary.com into our curriculum since the 2017-2018 school year, and it has become a cornerstone of our commitment to academic excellence.
Why Vocabulary Matters
A strong vocabulary is essential for success in school and beyond. It enhances communication, comprehension, and critical thinking, while also fostering a deeper connection to reading and writing. The more words students know, the more effectively they can express themselves, analyze texts, and engage with the world around them.
A Legacy of Excellence
These back-to-back state championships are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students, faculty, and entire Chapelle community. The recognition from the Vocabulary Bowl not only highlights our commitment to academic achievement but also celebrates the spirit of learning that defines Archbishop Chapelle High School.
- Congratulations to our students for this incredible accomplishment! Your efforts have brought pride to our school, and your success serves as an inspiration to us all.
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Victoria McCann Named Best High School Volleyball Player in Louisiana by MaxPreps Archbishop Chapelle High School is proud to celebrate senior Victoria McCann ’27 on being named the Best High School Volleyball Player in the State of Louisiana by MaxPreps heading into the 2026 season. In its national feature, “High school volleyball: Best player in all 50 states heading into the 2026 season,” MaxPreps highlighted top volleyball players from across the country, recognizing one standout athlete from each state. Victoria was selected as Louisiana’s top player, an incredible honor that reflects her talent, dedication, and impact on the court. MaxPreps recognized Victoria, a 6-foot outside hitter, noting that she “heads into 2026 having surpassed the 1,000-kill mark for her career.” This milestone places her among an elite group of high school volleyball players and speaks to her consistency, work ethic, and leadership throughout her Chapelle career. For Victoria and the Archbishop Chapelle High School volleyball program, this recognition is a tremendous achievement. Being chosen as the top player in Louisiana by a national high school sports outlet is a testament not only to Victoria’s individual success, but also to the strength of Chapelle Athletics and the competitive spirit of our student-athletes. Victoria has been a powerful presence for the Chipmunks, leading by example through her athletic ability and commitment to her teammates. As she enters her senior season, she continues to represent Chapelle with excellence both on and off the court. Archbishop Chapelle High School congratulates Victoria on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to cheering her on throughout the 2026 volleyball season. Source: MaxPreps, “High school volleyball: Best player in all 50 states heading into the 2026 season,” by Aaron Williams, published August 13, 2026.
Chapelle Begins the School Year with Mass and Consecration to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Archbishop Chapelle High School began the new school year in the most meaningful way, gathering together as a school community for a beautiful Mass and the consecration of our school to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. As we enter a new year of learning, growth, faith, and sisterhood, this consecration serves as a powerful reminder that the Sacred Heart of Jesus is our refuge and guide. We pray that His love continues to lead us, protect us, and strengthen our community throughout the year ahead. The morning was filled with several special Chapelle traditions. Our new students received their Chapelle pins and Bibles, marking an important step in their journey as Chipmunks. The senior sweaters were also blessed, celebrating the Class of 2027 as they begin their final year at Chapelle. One of the most memorable moments of the Mass came when the Class of 2027 sang their Senior Song, “Let Us Stay Home,” for the very first time. Their voices filled the space with emotion and joy, making the morning even more special for students, faculty, staff, and families. It was a beautiful beginning to the school year and a reminder of the faith, tradition, and love that make Chapelle such a special place to call home. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us! Deus Providebit, God Will Provide!
A Sweet Year Ahead for our Big Sis/Lil Sis Program
Preparing Hearts for Consecration On Monday, August 10, Archbishop Chapelle High School had the privilege of welcoming Katie Ibarra ’06 back to campus to speak with faculty and staff as the school prepares for a meaningful beginning to the new school year. Katie delivered a thoughtful and faith-filled presentation in anticipation of Chapelle’s consecration to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, which will take place on Thursday, August 13, during the first school Mass of the year. During her presentation, Katie reflected on what it means for the Sacred Heart to be our refuge. She invited faculty and staff to consider how they can create that same sacred space for our students, one where they feel known, loved, protected, and supported as they grow in faith and confidence. As we enter a new school year, this time of reflection served as a beautiful reminder of Chapelle’s mission to educate young women in a Catholic community rooted in faith, love, and trust in God’s providence. We are grateful to Katie for sharing her wisdom, her faith, and her love for Chapelle with our faculty and staff. As we prepare to consecrate our school to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, please join us in praying that our campus continues to be a place of refuge, growth, and grace for every student who walks through our doors.
Student Council Theme for the 2026–2027 School Year: STUCO Under the Big Top The excitement was impossible to miss as Chapelle Student Council revealed their highly anticipated theme for the 2026–2027 school year: STUCO Under the Big Top! This fun and spirited circus-inspired theme sets the stage for a year full of excitement, creativity, school spirit, and unforgettable memories. The reveal came to life through the colorful costumes of the STUCO Executive Board, with each officer representing a different part of the circus. From the ringmistress to popcorn, cotton candy, and more, the officers brought the Big Top to Chapelle in the most energetic way. Meet the 2026–2027 STUCO Leaders 🎪 President Audrey Dubuc: Dressed as the Ringmistress, Audrey is ready to lead the show and guide Chapelle through a year filled with spirit, service, and exciting events. 🍿 Vice President Victoria McCann: As the popcorn seller, Victoria brought a classic circus favorite to life and reminded everyone that this year is sure to be full of fun, energy, and moments worth sharing. 🦁 Secretary Lauren de la Gardelle: Dressed as a lion with a ring of fire, Lauren represented courage, strength, and the bold spirit STUCO hopes to inspire throughout the year. 🤡 Treasurer Anna Claire Occhipinti: As a circus clown, Anna Claire brought laughter, joy, and playful energy to the reveal, setting the tone for a year filled with smiles and school spirit. 🍭 Historian Sloan Boudoin: Dressed as cotton candy, Sloan added sweetness and color to the theme while preparing to capture all of the special moments that will make this school year one to remember. With STUCO Under the Big Top as this year’s theme, Chapelle students can look forward to a year packed with creativity, connection, and plenty of Chapelle spirit. The curtain is rising on an exciting new school year, and STUCO is ready to make it one for the books!
To all the members of the Class of 2027
Alumna Spotlight: Tara Centanni Reese ’88 Elected President of CCSCC Archbishop Chapelle High School is proud to celebrate Tara Centanni Reese ’88 on her recent election as President of the Council of Catholic School Cooperative Clubs (CCSCC). Tara has dedicated her professional life to education, serving 23 years with Jefferson Parish Public Schools. She currently works as a Master Teacher (Instructional Coach) at Isaac G. Joseph at Stella Worley, a PreK–8 school. For more than a decade, she has served as a Master Teacher in various schools across the parish, mentoring educators and supporting instructional growth. Her commitment to learning began long before her career in education. Tara earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing in 1997 and her Master’s in Education in 2006, both from the University of Holy Cross. Beyond the classroom, Tara has consistently stepped into leadership roles within both educational and Catholic communities. She has served as President, Vice-President, and Secretary of the University of Holy Cross Alumni Board, as well as on Chapelle’s Alumnae Board. At St. Clement of Rome, she served as President and Vice-President of the Co-Op Club, and for the past four years, she has been a member of the Hospitality Committee for Chapelle’s Parent Club. Her election as President of the CCSCC comes after 10 years of service on the council, including time as 2nd Vice-President and participation on numerous committees. Reflecting on her time at Chapelle, Tara shares, "Chapelle prepared me both academically and spiritually for the path I have taken. It gave me the skills and confidence to succeed in my profession while instilling the values, faith, and commitment to service that continue to guide my volunteer work." We are incredibly proud of Tara’s leadership, dedication to Catholic education, and continued service to our community. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
Alumna Spotlight: Brigid Higgins Van Timmeren ’87 Named Principal of St. Cletus Elementary Archbishop Chapelle High School is proud to celebrate alumna Brigid Higgins Van Timmeren ’87 on her appointment as the new principal of St. Cletus Elementary School. Brigid shared, “It is with great joy and excitement that I become the new principal of St. Cletus Elementary School. My journey in education has been fueled by a commitment to my Catholic values and academic excellence nurtured long ago by my family, close friendships, and the dedicated faculty at Archbishop Chapelle High School.” A lifelong servant-leader, Brigid brings more than 26 years of experience in education and over 30 years in music ministry at St. Rita Catholic Church to her new role. Most recently, she served in leadership positions at Metairie Academy for Advanced Studies and with the Jefferson Parish Talented Music Program, where she mentored teachers and supported students in achieving academic and creative excellence. Brigid’s commitment to Catholic education is rooted in Gospel values and a deep belief in servant leadership. Her dedication to mentoring teachers and forming students spiritually and academically reflects the mission we hold dear at Chapelle. We are incredibly proud of Brigid and the impact she will continue to make in Catholic education. Congratulations, Mrs. Van Timmeren! Our Chapelle family is cheering you on! 💚
