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ALUMNAE NEWS

Alumna Spotlight: Karen Hassinger Virga ’87 💚 We are proud to celebrate Karen Hassinger Virga, Class of 1987, who was recently honored with the Credit Human Teacher Excellence Award, presented by Good Morning Louisiana. This well-deserved recognition highlights her decades of dedication to Catholic education and student leadership. Karen is completing her 34th year of teaching at St. Benilde School, where she has taught every subject to grades 5 through 8 over the years. While much of her career has focused on religion and math, she currently teaches 6th and 7th grade math and science. Beyond the classroom, she has coached for many years and has served as Athletic Director for the past several years. Her commitment to forming young people extends far beyond academics. Karen has long been involved in parish youth ministry, previously serving as Director of St. Catherine of Siena CYO and continuing to volunteer as a coach and chaperone. She remains active in her parish community and is a member of both national and Louisiana professional organizations for math and science educators. This summer, she will also serve as an adult advisor for the WorldStrides Junior National Young Leaders Conference, mentoring middle school student leaders from across the country. Karen credits Chapelle with helping form the strong foundation of faith and perseverance that guides her vocation today. As a Chipmunk athlete and student, she learned teamwork, resilience, and the importance of striving for excellence — lessons she now passes on to her own students. We are incredibly proud of Karen and the countless lives she has impacted through her ministry in education. Congratulations on this special honor, and thank you for continuing to live out our motto, Deus Providebit — God Will Provide.

Alumnae Induction 2026: Welcome to the Sisterhood 💚 On Friday, May 8, 2026, the Class of 2026 officially became part of the Archbishop Chapelle Alumnae Sisterhood during the Alumnae Induction Ceremony at Chateau Golf & Country Club in Kenner. The morning began with an opening prayer and brunch blessing led by Bonnie Perkins Jones ’75 and Macey Lane ’26, followed by a warm welcome from Alumnae Board Co‑President Tricia McDonnell Lara ’98. Generations of Chapelle women — from the Class of 1962 to 2026 — gathered together to celebrate this meaningful milestone. A highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of Lyndsey Manalla Dyle ’03, the 2026 Alumna of the Year, introduced by Kelly Mullen Shepherd ’84. Her reflection reminded the soon‑to‑be graduates what it truly means to live out the Chapelle mission. During the Pinning Ceremony, led by Maria Cervini Eaton ’06 and Susan Chocheles Panzavecchia ’90, each senior received her alumnae pin — a symbol of lifelong loyalty to green and white. The Class of 2026 then recited the Alumnae Induction Oath, led by Judy Golemi Spadafora ’66 and Kelsey Doyle ’26, promising to uphold Chapelle’s Catholic formation, educational excellence, and noble ideals, always trusting in our motto: Deus Providebit — God Will Provide. The lighting of the Unity Candle, presented by Debbie Robert Vigo ’04, lit by Shannon Whitman Impastato ’96 and Catherine Jouet ’26, symbolized the bond between past, present, and future alumnae. Head of School Connie Leggio Dantagnan ’88 offered closing remarks before the ceremony concluded with prayer and a heartfelt singing of the Alma Mater — a powerful reminder that while their time as students is ending, their sisterhood is forever. “We walked as sisters, hand in hand. Now we step out, trusting God’s plan.” Welcome to the Sisterhood, Class of 2026. 💚

Alumna Spotlight: Theresa Schembre Hebert ’97 We are proud to celebrate Theresa Schembre Hebert ’97, who has officially been named the new Principal of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, effective July 1, 2026. With 24 years in education, including 14 years in Catholic education, Theresa brings both experience and heart to her new role. Over the years, she has served as a middle school Math teacher, a dedicated Principal for three years, and most recently as the Assistant Principal at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton since the 2022–2023 school year. She also holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, further equipping her to guide and inspire students, faculty, and families. Her leadership journey is especially meaningful as she follows in the footsteps of another Chapelle alumna, Joan Nastasi Kathmann ’74, the current Principal of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. What a powerful testament to Chapelle women leading the way in Catholic education. Theresa’s Chapelle legacy continues at home as well. She is the proud mom of Gabriella Hebert, Class of 2030, carrying the Green and White tradition into the next generation. We are incredibly proud to see Theresa stepping into this new role and continuing to make an impact on students and families.
ALUMNAE EVENTS







