PUBLISHED ON November 17, 2025
Join us for a fantastic evening at our Emerald Gala on February 28, 2026 at 6:30 PM in Chapelle’s gymnasium.
Enjoy live music by The Mixed Nuts, delicious cuisine from Pigeon’s Catering & Events, and a wonderful night of socializing, plus both silent and live auctions. It’s sure to be an unforgettable night of fun and excitement that you won't want to miss!
Questions? Contact Tanya Dempster '95, Director of Community Events, at tdempster@archbishopchapelle.org

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Career Engagement Spotlight: Erica Schimpf Collins '99 💚✨ We’re so proud to spotlight Erica Schimpf Collins ’99, one of our recent Career Engagement Speakers who continues to embody Chapelle’s values of Faith, Tradition, and Excellence in all she does! 🌟 Erica currently serves as a Contracting Officer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Mobile District Headquarters, where she supervises a team of five professionals in the Government Contracting field. In her role, she builds and maintains strategic partnerships with industry leaders to ensure government requirements are met responsibly, efficiently, and in compliance with all laws and regulations — including competition and small business participation goals. Before her current position, Erica proudly served our country for 12 years — 6 years on Active Duty and 6 years as a Reserve Air Force Senior Enlisted Officer — and has been a dedicated civil servant since 2007, working across multiple federal agencies. 🇺🇸 Her commitment to service, leadership, and integrity shines as a model for our current Chipmunks, proving that a Chapelle woman can make an impact anywhere — from the classroom, to her community, to our nation. 💚 Thank you, Erica, for sharing your experience and inspiring our students to pursue their dreams with courage and character!

Signing Day Celebration! Congratulations to Kelsie Schmidt ’26 on officially signing to play softball at Coastal Alabama Community College! Kelsie's hard work, dedication, and passion for the game have truly paid off — and we couldn’t be prouder to see you take your talent to the next level. Once a Chipmunk, always a Chipmunk! Congratulations, Kelsie!

CHIPMUNKS SWEEP INTO THE NEXT ROUND! On Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the Cajundome in Lafayette, the Chapelle Chipmunks defeated the Mount Carmel Cubs in a 3‑game sweep in their LHSAA Division I Volleyball Quarterfinal matchup! Chapelle moves on to the final four, and faces off against Slidell in the semifinal round on Friday, November 14 — let’s go Chipmunks!

Chapelle Attends the 2025 Holy Cross Prayer Breakfast 🙏☀️ On a beautiful morning filled with faith and fellowship, Archbishop Chapelle High School was honored to attend the 2025 Holy Cross Prayer Breakfast! Representing Chapelle were Mrs. Reeg, Emily LeBlanc, Abby Naquin, and Ms. Lannan (pictured left to right). 💚 It was an inspiring event surrounded by fellow Catholic schools from across the area, all gathered in prayer and community to celebrate the shared values that unite us in faith. Moments like these remind us how blessed we are to be part of the vibrant Catholic school community of New Orleans. ✨

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Class of 2030: Their First Chapelle Retreat! What a truly special day for our Class of 2030! 💚 Our newest Chipmunks experienced their first-ever Chapelle Retreat at the CYO Office and St. Martin de Porres Church, marking a beautiful beginning to their spiritual journey at Archbishop Chapelle High School. With the guidance of our dedicated Campus Ministry Leadership Team and the support of Chapelle faculty and staff, the 8th graders spent the day growing in faith, friendship, and community — the heart of what it means to be a Chapelle student. Friendship with Jesus and Each Other The theme of the retreat, “Friendship with Jesus and Good and Holy Friendships with Each Other,” reminded students that true friendship begins with Christ and overflows into their relationships with those around them. Throughout the retreat, students: 🌿 Gathered in prayer and reflection 💬 Shared stories of their personal journeys with the Lord 🎯 Played team-building games to connect and build lasting bonds 💚 Discovered ways to nurture their faith and friendships through kindness, trust, and joy This retreat offered the Class of 2030 a meaningful glimpse into what each year of retreats will bring — opportunities to strengthen both their relationship with God and their connections with one another. Growing Closer to the Lord, Together We are so blessed to walk alongside these young women as they begin this special journey of faith and friendship. The Chapelle community looks forward to witnessing how their love for Christ and one another continues to grow throughout the years to come. Welcome, Class of 2030 — your journey of Faith, Tradition, and Excellence has just begun! 💚

By Kyla Apostolakis '26 “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” (adapted from Romans 8:38–39) When I read this verse, what really sticks with me is that nothing can separate us from God’s love. That’s such a powerful promise. Sometimes I feel like life is overwhelming. School, friends, activities, and just trying to figure out who I am can make it feel like God is far away. When I mess up or feel like I’m not good enough, it’s easy to forget that His love never changes. Being in high school can be a stressful experience. I’ve felt pressure to excel in class, keep up with my friends, and plan for the future. There are moments when it seems like God is quiet, but I’ve learned that He’s always close. His love isn’t something I have to earn, and it doesn’t go away just because I make mistakes or feel unsure. Even when I feel anxious, sad, or unsure about myself, the Lord’s love is still holding me. Fear, failure, or anything else can’t break that. God meets me right where I am, even in the middle of chaos or stress. This month, I want to remember that no matter what happens, God’s love is always there. I can always come back to Him because His love never gives up on me.







