Alumna Spotlight: Dr. Michelle Knecht Lechler ’04 💚🎗️ A few weeks ago, in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we welcomed Dr. Michelle Knecht Lechler ’04 back to Chapelle to share her story with our students.  On December 9, 2025, Michelle was diagnosed with Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer after a screening mammogram. Over the months that followed, she underwent six months of chemotherapy, breast surgery, and radiation therapy, with additional preventive treatments planned. On August 27, 2026, Michelle was officially cancer-free! Throughout her journey, Michelle found strength in the motto she first knew as a Chipmunk. “I have trusted our motto ‘God Will Provide’ the most over the past year, and God has truly provided the most amazing medical and community support to help me through this difficult journey.” By returning to campus and sharing her experience, Michelle brought our students a meaningful reminder of the importance of caring for their health, supporting one another, and leaning on faith during uncertain times. She encourages everyone to discuss the appropriate timing of cancer screenings with their doctors and to support cancer research, with the hope of earlier detection and more cancer-free days. Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your story so openly with our students. Your Chapelle family celebrates this milestone with you and keeps you in our prayers as your care continues. 💚

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.

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.

Alumna Spotlight: Taryn Miller Rogers ’00 Joins River Region Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors  Archbishop Chapelle High School is proud to spotlight Taryn Miller Rogers ’00, who recently joined the Board of Directors for the River Region Chamber of Commerce. Taryn shared that she has been involved with the River Region Chamber since its inception many years ago, making this new leadership role especially meaningful. Her continued commitment to community engagement, economic development, and relationship-building reflects the same values of leadership and service that Chapelle strives to instill in every student. Since September 2022, Taryn has served as Corporate Affairs Manager for Dow St. Charles Operations. In her current role, she oversees geographic communications and all public relations efforts, including local governmental affairs and community engagement. Prior to joining Dow, Taryn spent 18 years with Valero Energy Corporation as Public Affairs Manager. In that role, she oversaw public affairs, community relations, and local government affairs for all of Valero’s Louisiana assets, including two refineries and pipeline operations. She also served as a board member of the company’s political action committee. Throughout her career, Taryn has remained deeply involved in the communities she serves. She has served on several boards and committees, including St. Charles United Way, Southeast Louisiana United Way, St. Charles Economic Development Council, Nunez Community College Foundation, St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation, St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce, The Center for Family and Youth Services, and many others. Since joining Dow, Taryn has also become involved in several Employee Resource Groups, as well as the Dow Ambassador Program. She currently serves as the global communications lead for the Women’s Inclusion Network at Dow, continuing her commitment to empowering others and fostering connection. Reflecting on the foundation she received at Chapelle, Taryn shared: “Archbishop Chapelle High School prepared me for a career in Public Relations by helping me develop strong communication skills, confidence, and a commitment to service. Through strong academics, leadership opportunities, and involvement in school activities, I learned how to connect with people, work collaboratively, and adapt to different situations.” During her time at Chapelle, Taryn was involved in cheerleading, Student Council, Eucharistic Ministry, and other organizations and clubs. She continued: “Chapelle also emphasized professionalism, integrity, and the importance of building relationships—qualities that are essential in Public Relations. The supportive environment encouraged me to find my voice, think critically, and communicate effectively, all of which have been invaluable throughout my career. Most importantly, Chapelle instilled in me the confidence to represent organizations, tell meaningful stories, and engage with diverse audiences in a thoughtful and authentic way.” Taryn’s advice to current students is simple and powerful: “ENGAGE. Get involved, make friends, and be part of your school community — you never know how much of a difference you can make.” We are incredibly proud of Taryn and the many ways she continues to lead, serve, and represent the Chapelle sisterhood in her professional and community life. Congratulations, Taryn!

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.