PUBLISHED ON May 14, 2026
Class of 2026 Valedictorians
We are proud to celebrate the three Valedictorians of the Class of 2026: Alexandra Elizabeth Daigre, Anita Ning Shan Li, and Emma Mong-Ai Tran!
Over the past five years at Chapelle, these remarkable young women have demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence. Their commitment to striving for their very best has earned them the distinguished title of Valedictorian.
We are incredibly proud of Alexandra, Anita, and Emma, and we have no doubt that they will continue to accomplish extraordinary things as they begin their college journeys and step confidently into the future. 💚

Alexandra Elizabeth Daigre
As she turns the page to an exciting new beginning, Alexandra Daigre leaves Chapelle with an impressive legacy of academic excellence, leadership, and determination. This fall, she will attend Louisiana Tech University, where she plans to major in Chemistry.
During her time at Chapelle, Alexandra fully embraced the academic challenge, completing more than 10 AP courses and earning recognition as an AP Scholar through the College Board. She is also a member of the 27+ ACT Club, maintained Distinguished Honor Roll all four years, and received both Maxima Cum Laude and Cum Laude honors on the National Latin Exam, including the prestigious Maxima Cum Laude award. In addition, she was recognized with the First-Generation Award.
Her leadership extended beyond the classroom as well. Alexandra served as President of Mu Alpha Theta (MAO) and was an active member of NEHS, NHS, and JCL, contributing her talents and dedication to each organization.
When reflecting on her favorite Chapelle memories, Alexandra shared that AP Human Geography Pictionary during freshman year stands out most. The activity not only prepared the class for an upcoming test but also brought everyone together in a fun and memorable way.
Alexandra credits Mrs. Homes as the faculty member who impacted her most, inspiring and nurturing her passion for chemistry. Through engaging labs, encouragement, and positivity, Mrs. Homes helped Alexandra discover her future path and solidify her college major.
In addition to her acceptance to Louisiana Tech, Alexandra was also awarded the Presidential Scholarship (Spring Hill College), Academic Scholar (LSU), and Outstanding Student (Louisiana Tech University) — a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Alexandra, your commitment to excellence and love of learning have truly defined your time at Chapelle. We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see all you accomplish in this next chapter.

Anita Ning Shan Li
As she prepares to begin an exciting new journey, Anita Li will head to Tulane University this fall to major in Business Management.
During her time at Chapelle, Anita distinguished herself as both a scholar and a leader. She served as Historian of the National Art Honor Society during her junior and senior years and as Historian of Chips for Cultural Awareness from sophomore through senior year. She was also an active member of Garden Club, National Honor Society, and National English Honor Society.
Anita’s academic accomplishments are equally impressive. She earned the Latin Cum Laude Award, maintained Distinguished Honor Roll, and was recognized as an AP Scholar with Honors. She received the highest grade in both AP Human Geography and AP United States History, and scored a 5 on the AP U.S. History exam.
Beyond the classroom, Anita represented Chapelle at Louisiana Girls State, participated in Trust Your Crazy Idea her junior and senior years, and served as a Mock Trial Attorney during her senior year.
When reflecting on her favorite Chapelle memory, Anita fondly recalls her freshman year chemistry lab with friends, where Mrs. Homes created an environment that allowed students to experiment, collaborate, and truly enjoy learning.
Anita credits Mr. Giardina as the faculty member who impacted her most. His ability to encourage students to explore history from multiple perspectives and engage in thoughtful discussion helped her better understand complex political concepts. His kindness and dedication left a lasting impression on her educational journey.
In recognition of her hard work and achievement, Anita received the Loyola University President’s Scholarship and the Tulane Merit Award.
Anita, your curiosity, leadership, and commitment to excellence have shaped your time at Chapelle in meaningful ways. We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see all you accomplish at Tulane and beyond.

Emma Mong-Ai Tran
As she begins an exciting new chapter, Emma Tran will attend Tulane University this fall, where she plans to major in Chemistry on the Pre-Dental track.
Emma’s time at Chapelle has been marked by academic excellence and involvement across campus. She is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Quizbowl, Mu Alpha Theta, Science Olympiad, Junior Classical League, and National Art Honor Society, and she served as Vice President of Garden Club.
Academically, Emma earned Distinguished Honor Roll honors and is a proud member of the 30+ ACT Club. She considers scoring a 5 on both AP U.S. History and AP English Language among her greatest academic achievements — a testament to her hard work and dedication.
When reflecting on her favorite Chapelle memory, Emma shared a sweet and simple moment from eighth grade English class, when a conversation about a small plush sparked a friendship that has lasted all five years of high school.
Emma shared that while many teachers impacted her journey, Ms. Urso made a particularly meaningful difference.
Teaching Emma for four years, Ms. Urso encouraged her growth, believed in her potential, and instilled confidence in her even during moments of self-doubt.
Emma, your dedication, curiosity, and quiet determination have shaped your time at Chapelle in beautiful ways. We are so proud of you and look forward to seeing all you accomplish at Tulane and beyond.
Recommended Posts

Lights, Camera, Creativity! 🎬 Our Reading Lab students recently stepped into the roles of writers, directors, and producers as they created their own movie pitches inspired by what they have been learning in class. Blending their understanding of author’s purpose and genres of writing, students developed original movie concepts that reflected specific themes, tones, and writing styles. From persuasive dramas to imaginative adventures, each pitch demonstrated how literary elements shape storytelling across different formats. The project required students to craft a compelling movie summary and design a creative movie poster to bring their vision to life. The results were impressive, showcasing not only their comprehension of literary concepts but also their creativity and collaboration skills. By transforming reading strategies into cinematic storytelling, our students proved that strong literacy skills can shine on any stage — even the big screen!

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.

Students recently took part in an engaging, hands-on simulation to better understand the process of redistricting. The class was divided into “parties” and assigned the colors red or blue. Each group was tasked with creating five districts with equal populations, modeling how a hypothetical state might be divided. To bring the activity to life, students physically grouped classmates together and taped them into their designated “districts.” After forming fair and equal districts, each party was given the opportunity to redraw the lines in a way that could benefit their side. This portion of the activity introduced the concept of gerrymandering and sparked thoughtful discussion about fairness, representation, and the impact of district boundaries. By physically stepping into the process, students gained a deeper understanding of how redistricting works and why it plays such an important role in the democratic system.

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.

Campus Ministry Night: Keeping Christ at the Center On Thursday, April 30, students gathered for the final Campus Ministry Night of the school year. It was an evening centered on faith, fellowship, and preparing hearts for the summer ahead. Led by Director of Campus Ministry Emily Lannan, the night focused on a meaningful theme: How do we keep Jesus at the center of our lives during the summer when we are no longer in our normal routine? During the school year, students are surrounded by daily prayer, Theology classes, and the steady rhythm of faith-filled community. Summer can look different — and this night encouraged students to think intentionally about how they can continue growing in their relationship with Christ even outside the classroom. The evening began with good food and joyful fellowship before the event team introduced a creative and engaging twist on a classic game: Summer Pictionary. Each group had to guess the summer-themed object being drawn, but with a Chapelle spin: they also had to “preach” about the object, connecting it to their life with God (with a fun nod to current trends!). The activity sparked laughter while encouraging students to think deeper about how faith can be found in everyday moments. Mrs. Rodrigue then offered a thoughtful reflection, sharing practical and tangible ways students can stay close to Jesus throughout the summer months. From intentional prayer time to staying connected to faith communities, her message served as a reminder that our relationship with Christ doesn’t take a vacation. Students then gathered in small groups led by Campus Ministry leaders for discussion and encouragement, followed by a beautiful time of prayer. The night concluded with opportunities for Adoration, Confession, and Praise and Worship, allowing students to end the year grounded in God’s presence. As the final Campus Ministry Night of the year — and the last for Mrs. Lannan in her current role — the evening was especially meaningful. It was a celebration of a year of ministry, growth, and community, and a powerful reminder that wherever summer takes us, Christ goes with us.

Senior Spirit Week 2026: Celebrating the Journey Senior Spirit Week was one for the books as the Class of 2026 celebrated their final days on campus with creativity, nostalgia, and excitement for the future. Each day highlighted a different stage of life — from childhood memories to the bright paths ahead. Monday: 2016 is the New 2026 The week began with a throwback to their middle school days. Seniors embraced the 2016 vibe — think Justice-inspired outfits, bright colors, and iconic trends from the era. The halls were full of laughter as everyone revisited their pre-teen fashion phase in the best way possible.

Spring Showcase 2026: A Night of Music, Memories, and Mission On April 29, the Barn was filled with beautiful harmonies, joyful celebration, and Chapelle spirit at our Spring Showcase 2026. The evening highlighted the incredible talent and dedication of the Archbishop Chapelle Choirs in what was truly a fabulous night of music. A Stunning Performance by the Chorale The Chorale captivated the audience with a powerful and diverse program, performing: - Watercolor Morning - Bridge Over Troubled Water - Esurientes from Magnificat in G Minor - The Lake Isle of Innisfree - Dolly Waits Each piece showcased the group’s vocal strength, musicality, and expressive storytelling, leaving the audience both moved and inspired. The Chorus Brings the Energy The Chorus lit up the Barn with a lively and heartfelt selection of songs, including: - Make a Joyful Noise - Tomorrow from Annie - Dancing Queen - This Little Light of Mine From Broadway classics to uplifting anthems, their performance radiated joy and confidence. Special Solo & Ensemble Highlights The evening also featured standout solo and ensemble performances by Mackenzie Ory, Peyton Klotz, and Madison Adams, each demonstrating poise and vocal excellence. A beautiful trio ensemble performance of All the Pretty Little Horses featured: Peyton Klotz, Shelby Lowrance, Camryn McGregor, Margaux Mouton, Jolyn Pham, and Lia Reinecke. Their harmonies blended seamlessly in a touching and memorable moment of the evening. In true Chapelle fashion, both the Chorale and Chorus concluded the night with a moving performance of “God Will Provide.” The beloved alma mater served as a reminder of the faith that unites our community and the mission that guides everything we do. The evening also included a heartfelt presentation to Mrs. Trina Hille, as the girls gifted her a framed piece commemorating their recent trip to New York City, where they performed at the iconic Carnegie Hall. It was a meaningful tribute to an unforgettable experience and to the leadership that made it possible.

A Living History Lesson:Jerry Hernandez Visits U.S. History Classes Mrs. Katie Hernandez Krajcer’s U.S. History and Advanced Placement U.S. History students recently had the opportunity to experience history beyond the textbook. Jerry Hernandez, a United States Marine Corps veteran and Mrs. Krajcer’s father, visited campus to speak with students about his service in the Vietnam War. Mr. Hernandez served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 for a period of 13 months. During his time overseas, he worked as a translator and also served on patrols, giving him firsthand experience in both communication and combat operations. During his presentation, Mr. Hernandez shared insights into the geographical challenges of fighting in the jungles of Vietnam, explaining how terrain and climate impacted military strategy and daily life for soldiers. He also discussed the guerrilla warfare tactics used by the North Vietnamese Army, helping students better understand the complexity of the conflict. Beyond military strategy and logistics, Mr. Hernandez shared personal stories about serving his country. These stories brought humanity and depth to the historical events students have been studying in class. Hearing directly from a veteran who lived through this pivotal period in American history allowed students to connect classroom lessons to real-world experiences. It was a powerful reminder that history is not just dates and documents. It's the lived experiences of courageous individuals. We are grateful to Mr. Hernandez for his service and for sharing his story with our students.








