PUBLISHED ON September 15, 2025

Interested in Attending Close Up?

Calling all Juniors & Seniors!

Close Up turns Washington D.C. into a living classroom to connect students with the people, institutions and monuments that represent our nation and to build connections between our past and future with the goal of giving students the skills needed to analyze policy issues for themselves. 

Interested in attending? Head to the Close Up Student Interest Meeting on Wednesday, September 17th @ 3:00PM in the Fine Arts Lobby. 

Questions? Email Mr. Giardina at jgiardina@archbishopchapelle.org

Program Information Sheet

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Alumna Spotlight: Kara Conners Pigeon ’90 Archbishop Chapelle High School is proud to spotlight Kara Conners Pigeon, Class of 1990, on being recognized as an Influential Woman in Hospitality & Catering. Kara has built an impressive career in the events and sales industry, bringing more than 30 years of experience, leadership, creativity, and dedication to her work. She currently serves as the Catering Director of Sales for her family’s business, Pigéon Catering, where she continues to help create meaningful and memorable experiences for clients throughout the community. At Chapelle, we have had the joy of working with Kara and Pigéon Catering as they are our official school caterer! During various school events and every day in the Cafeteria, we are grateful for the care, professionalism, and excellence their company brings to each occasion. Kara credits part of her success to the foundation she received during her time at Chapelle. While she remembers Chapelle as a wonderful environment to grow up in, she also shared that balancing high school academics was not always easy. Early on, Kara was deeply involved in extracurricular activities, which made it challenging to maintain her academic focus. Thankfully, Chapelle’s structured environment and attentive faculty helped make a lasting difference. When her teachers recognized her struggles, they stepped in to help her build vital organizational and time-management skills. Those lessons helped Kara balance dance team, two jobs, and coursework during high school. The skills Kara developed at Chapelle became the foundation for her future. Learning how to manage responsibilities, stay organized, and balance a full schedule helped launch her career as an Event Production Manager in the hospitality industry. Today, those same skills continue to guide her success in her role with Pigéon Catering. Kara’s story is a beautiful example of how perseverance, support, and a strong foundation can shape a meaningful career. Her recognition as an Influential Woman in Hospitality & Catering is a testament to her hard work, passion, and commitment to excellence. Congratulations, Kara! Chapelle is proud to celebrate your accomplishments and grateful for the many ways you continue to share your talents with our community.
By Jamie Hanzo • September 29, 2026
RECORD-BREAKING CRAFT FAIR! Archbishop Chapelle High School celebrated a record-breaking Chapelle Craft Fair 2026, presented by Foley Marketing! This year’s Craft Fair was our biggest and best yet, welcoming more vendors, receiving more sponsorship support, and bringing more shoppers to campus than ever before. The day was filled with excitement, community, and Chapelle spirit as guests enjoyed shopping from a wide variety of vendors and spending time together at 8800 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Events like the Chapelle Craft Fair would not be possible without the incredible support of our school community. We are so grateful to our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, families, alumnae, and shoppers who helped make this year’s event such a success. Your generosity, time, and participation helped create a memorable day for everyone who joined us. Thank you to all who came out to support Chapelle and our vendors. We hope you enjoyed your day on campus as much as we did!  We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year for another wonderful Chapelle Craft Fair.
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Class of 2028's Bonding Activity (Written by Yara Zeitoun, Junior Class President)  The Junior Bonding Activity was genuinely so much fun for everyone involved. For the activity itself, we wanted to do something fun and bonding, but most of all, create an event that builds unforgettable memories. We did a Junior Movie Night, or, in other words, a Junior Sleepunder; we wanted it to seem like one big sleepover. To build that vibe, we let everyone wear pajamas and slippers and bring blankets, pillows, and snacks. We got this huge inflatable screen and used a projector to watch Enola Holmes, a mystery movie that the grade voted on. Something that made the experience more enjoyable was turning off all the lights in the gym; it made it feel much more intimate amongst all of us and was so cool seeing our school in the dark. As the juniors walked in with their comfy pajamas on, they grabbed gems, paint pens, and ribbon to decorate a picture frame of all of us to do while they watched the movie. Furthermore, every group got boxes of pizza to share amongst themselves to truly make that sleepover vibe. We even surprised them with an ice cream bar, which they loved! Honestly, it was so much fun as we all decorated, laughed at the movie, and played in the dark. We even began to play a little game with the movie, cheering every time a character appeared. It is those little things that truly made the whole experience so memorable for all of us.
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By Jamie Hanzo • September 24, 2026
Celebrating Leadership, Faith, and Excellence at Our Deus Providebit Mass Archbishop Chapelle High School celebrated its Deus Providebit Mass on Tuesday, September 22. Rooted in Chapelle’s beloved motto, Deus Providebit...God Will Provide, the Mass was a special opportunity for the school community to come together in faith, gratitude, and trust in God’s providence. Following Mass, Father Austin Barr, Chapelle’s Chaplain, blessed leadership pins for students serving in leadership roles across campus. This blessing served as a meaningful reminder that leadership at Chapelle is not only about holding a title, but also about serving others with faith, humility, responsibility, and love. During the ceremony, each Club Moderator for the organizations being honored spoke about what it means to be a leader within their group. The student leaders were then called forward to receive their pins in recognition of their commitment to their classmates, organizations, and the Chapelle community. Chapelle is proud to recognize the following student leaders: Senior Class Officers: President — Mia Impastato Vice President — Kendall Allen Secretary — Claire Willmott Treasurer — Kaia Braendel Historian — Julia Turnipseed Junior Class Officers: President — Yara Zeitoun Vice President — Nora Michelli Secretary — Ava Kennedy Treasurer — Reese Follette Historian — Ella Matherne Sophomore Class Officers: President — Rylee Ford Vice President — Eleanor Cerise Secretary — Ava Kissinger Treasurer — Isabella Pelitire Historian — Jordan Morris Freshman Class Officers: President — Lena Macaluso Vice President — Nina Occhipinti Secretary — Kate Mancuso Treasurer — Leigh Hess Historian — Sophie Naquin 8th Grade Class Officers: President — Audrianna White Vice President — Olivia Kennedy Secretary — Peyton Graves Treasurer — Taylor Horn Historian — Mary Jane Schmidt The spotlight then shifted to our Ambassador Leadership Team, a group of students who exemplify the best of Chapelle. These leaders are often the first impression of our school, welcoming prospective students and families with warmth and enthusiasm. Ambassador Leadership Team: Addison Brouillette Eden Flowers Rory Pilie Rylie Stierwald Elise Storey Emma Myer Marcella Casanova Lucy Guillot Kylie Burke We also celebrated the National Honor Society Officers, who embody service, scholarship, and leadership in their commitment to helping those in need. Under the leadership of President Gabrielle Bush, this group is set to achieve new heights in serving both our school and the greater community. National Honor Society Officers President — Gabrielle Bush Vice President — Brianna Borne Secretary — Alyssa Pesantes Treasurer — Yara Zeitoun Historian — Piper Blackburn Our Campus Ministry Leaders were commissioned to guide the student body in faith, hope, and love. From organizing retreats to planning spiritual events, these leaders will bring the light of Christ to every corner of campus. Campus Ministry Leaders: Leila Abbate Kendall Allen Maddie Allesandro Brianna Borne Kylie Burke Abbey Capella Rosie Cardella Caroline Cortez Ava Deutsch Layla Diaz Audrey Dubuc Molly Glorioso Emily Hedrick Ava Held Mia Impastato Emily Leblanc Talia Luke Adamaris Melara Nora Michelli Payton Morris Abby Naquin Melody Renaudin Cambry Roberts Molly Saia Abby Spiess Addie Terrio Kenzie Verges Sophia Willis We also recognized our Altar Servers and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, who play essential roles in our school liturgies, ensuring that Christ is at the center of our community. Altar Servers: Leila Abbate Emily Fox Ye’Lyna Ortiz Isabella Pelitire Grace Rieth Lauren Rieth Elizabeth S. Amelie Sharp Elise Storey Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Kendall Allen Gabrielle Bush Allyson Cardella Rosie Cardella Caroline Cortez Audrey Cure Kendall Decourt Taylor Dubrock Audrey Dubuc Sophie Exnicios Emma Flynn Mia Impastato June Mumphrey Abby Naquin Miley Perkins Karoline Roche Kenzie Verges We congratulate all of our student leaders and thank them for the many ways they serve Archbishop Chapelle High School. May they continue to lead with courage, compassion, and faith, trusting always that Deus Providebit...God Will Provide.
By Jamie Hanzo • September 22, 2026
Alumna Spotlight: Christie Clements Taliancich ’97 Archbishop Chapelle High School is proud to spotlight Christie Clements Taliancich, Class of 1997, and celebrate the meaningful work she is doing through Small World Daycare of Destrehan. Christie began her journey in childcare in 2008 after stepping away from a corporate career. Through prayer and a desire to be more available for her family, she made the decision to begin offering in-home childcare. What started as a small program in her living room quickly became a calling that allowed her to rediscover a passion she had long carried. Her work with babies and young children opened her eyes even more to the importance of early childhood care, a field she believes is incredibly meaningful and often overlooked. Over the years, Christie’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to families have helped her small beginning grow into a fully licensed facility now serving more than 90 families in St. Charles Parish and surrounding areas. Today, Small World Daycare of Destrehan provides care for children from 12 weeks old through Pre-K4 education. Christie spends her days caring for, encouraging, and helping shape young future leaders during some of the most important years of their development. Throughout her journey, Christie has remained grounded in faith. She shared that Deus Providebit — God Will Provide has been the backbone through every challenge along the way. She is grateful to Chapelle for helping instill the strong faith that has allowed her to serve others in such a fulfilling and meaningful way. Christie’s story is a beautiful example of following a calling, trusting God’s plan, and using one’s gifts to make a difference in the lives of others. As she shared, “Love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life!” Congratulations, Christie! Chapelle is proud to celebrate your success and the heart you pour into your work each day.
By Jamie Hanzo • September 21, 2026
Chips for Life Members Attend Pro-Life Youth Leadership Summit Members of Archbishop Chapelle High School’s Chips for Life Club recently attended the Pro-Life Youth Leadership Summit sponsored by Louisiana Right to Life. The summit, held at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, welcomed students from schools across the area for a day focused on education, leadership, and advocacy. The event provided students with the opportunity to learn more about what it means to be pro-life, including education on the reality of abortion, Louisiana laws regarding life issues, and ways to thoughtfully respond to common questions and objections about the pro-life movement. Students also explored how they can use their voices to speak up for life in their schools, communities, and beyond. Throughout the summit, students heard from a variety of speakers and witnesses, including women impacted by abortion, Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Evelyn Griffin, OB-GYN, Secretary of State Nancy Landry, and other leaders. Their testimonies and presentations offered students both information and personal perspectives on the importance of protecting life. For Chapelle’s Chips for Life members, the summit served as both an educational experience and a leadership opportunity. Students shared that they were especially impacted by what they learned and felt better prepared to understand and discuss pro-life topics with compassion and confidence.  As Chapelle prepares for Pro-Life Month in October, this summit helped equip students with knowledge, perspective, and encouragement to continue living out their commitment to respecting and defending the dignity of every human life. We are proud of our Chips for Life members for representing Chapelle and for their willingness to grow as informed and compassionate leaders.
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