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Celebrating Excellence: Emma Tran ’26 Named National Merit Semifinalist Archbishop Chapelle High School is thrilled to announce that Emma Tran ’26 has been named a National Merit Semifinalist in the prestigious 2026 National Merit® Scholarship Program! This remarkable achievement places Emma among the top high school seniors in the nation. She is one of over 16,000 Semifinalists who have earned the opportunity to continue in the competition for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships , collectively worth nearly $26 million , to be awarded in the spring of 2026. What It Takes to Be a National Merit Semifinalist Emma’s journey to becoming a Semifinalist began with her performance on the 2024 PSAT/NMSQT® , a qualifying test taken by over 1.3 million high school juniors across the country. From this pool, only the highest-scoring entrants in each state—representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors —are named Semifinalists. To advance to the Finalist level, Emma will need to meet several rigorous requirements, including: Maintaining an outstanding academic record throughout high school. Completing a detailed scholarship application with the endorsement of a school official. Showcasing her leadership abilities , community involvement , and academic achievements . Writing an essay and earning SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm her PSAT/NMSQT® performance. About the National Merit Scholarship Program The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), a not-for-profit organization established in 1955, is dedicated to honoring academic excellence and encouraging students to pursue rigorous college studies. The program is supported by NMSC funds, along with contributions from nearly 300 corporate sponsors, colleges, universities, and individual donors . Three types of scholarships are offered: National Merit® $2500 Scholarships awarded on a state-representational basis. Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships provided by businesses and organizations. College-sponsored Merit Scholarships from institutions that support student success. A Bright Future Ahead Emma’s recognition as a National Merit Semifinalist is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and exceptional academic talents. This honor not only highlights her individual achievements but also reflects the commitment to excellence that is at the heart of the Archbishop Chapelle High School community . We are incredibly proud of Emma and look forward to supporting her as she continues in this distinguished competition. Please join us in congratulating Emma on this outstanding accomplishment!
Chapelle Volleyball Shines in Historic District Victory 🏐💚 The Archbishop Chapelle volleyball team is proving that hard work, heart, and determination can lead to incredible achievements. On Thursday, the Chipmunks pulled off a thrilling upset, defeating a powerhouse opponent, Dominican, 25-22, 18-25, 25-15, 25-19 in a key District 8-I match at home. This victory marks the first time Chapelle has defeated Dominican since October 16, 2018—a true milestone for the program. A Program on the Rise Under the leadership of legendary head coach Jodee Pulizzano, now in her second year at Chapelle, the volleyball program is experiencing a resurgence. Pulizzano, who boasts an incredible 1,025 career wins over 35 years, has been a part of six state championships and nine finals appearances during her illustrious career. “This one ranks very high,” Pulizzano said of the victory. “You preach to your team that they are good. Until they actually achieve that goal, then they start believing. The energy was great. You have to learn how to win the big game. That’s a culture thing. I think we’re turning the corner. It’s a phenomenal group of kids.” A Team Effort The Chipmunks’ performance on Thursday was nothing short of extraordinary—a true demonstration of teamwork and grit. 🏐 Victoria McCann led the way with an impressive 26 kills, showing her dominance at the net. 🏐 Blythe Bonnaffons was everywhere on the court, tallying 41 assists and an incredible 22 digs. 🏐 Ava Landry anchored the defense with 35 digs, proving her reliability in high-pressure moments. 🏐 Audrey Dubuc added 13 kills, while Chloe Arnold contributed with 8 blocks to shut down the opposition's attack. 🏐 Lilly Carmadelle served up 3 aces, adding to the Chipmunks’ momentum. This was truly a complete team effort, with every player stepping up to contribute to the monumental win. The victory was more than just a win—it was a statement. It showed that the Chipmunks are ready to compete at the highest level in one of the toughest volleyball districts in Louisiana. “Why not us?” Pulizzano said. “This was a complete team effort. It’s about what players come out to play. It was phenomenal. It was great. We have players willing to give it up for their teammates.” Looking Ahead With the win, Chapelle improves to 15-7 overall and remains undefeated in district play at 3-0. The Chipmunks will face another formidable challenge on Monday, taking on defending state champion Haynes Academy at home at 5:30 p.m. As for the team, they are ready to embrace the challenge and continue building on their momentum. This victory is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and belief that defines the Chapelle volleyball program. Congratulations to Coach Pulizzano and the entire team. Let’s keep the energy high and continue to cheer on our Chipmunks as they take on the best in the state!
Hands-On Learning in Veterinary Science: Exploring Rhino Conservation At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we believe in bringing education to life through hands-on learning, and our Veterinary Science elective is no exception. Recently, students in Judy Merrill’s Veterinary Science class took part in an innovative lab that combined science, conservation, and real-world applications. A Look Into Rhino Conservation The lab centered on the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s groundbreaking contributions to rhino conservation efforts, specifically through reproductive endocrinology research. Students were introduced to the critical role that hormone studies play in preserving endangered species like the rhinoceros. As part of the lab, students worked with mock progesterone hormone samples from a female rhino. By analyzing this data, they were able to: - Diagnose the reproductive state of the rhino. - Understand how this information is used to help manage breeding programs. - Learn how reproductive science can contribute to saving a species from extinction. Real-World Veterinary Science Applications This lab provided students with a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of wildlife conservation and veterinary science. Through studying reproductive cycles and hormone research, students gained real-world insight into how science and technology help protect endangered animals. Judy Merrill explained the importance of this hands-on experience: “This cutting-edge curriculum allows students to see how veterinary science plays a crucial role in species preservation. It’s about more than just learning facts—it’s about understanding how their future careers can make a difference in the world.” Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservationists This lab is just one example of how Chapelle’s Veterinary Science elective fosters curiosity and passion for science. By engaging in meaningful, real-world learning experiences, students are inspired to think critically about their future and the impact they can have on the environment. Congratulations to our Veterinary Science students for their hard work and to Mrs. Merrill for creating such an engaging and impactful curriculum!
Celebrating Creativity: Payton Morris Designs the 2025 Pink Month T-Shirt! 🎨💗 At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we are always amazed by the incredible talent and creativity of our Chipmunks. This year, we were excited to see so many beautiful design submissions for our 2025 Pink Month T-Shirt, and we are thrilled to announce the design selected to represent this special tradition. Congratulations to Payton Morris, a talented sophomore, for creating the winning design! 🎉 A Tradition of Talent Each year, members of the Chapelle community submit their own designs for the Pink Month T-Shirt, and the Chapelle Administration selects the winning entry. Payton’s design was chosen for its creativity, meaning, and representation of the spirit of Pink Month. A Chipmunk to Celebrate We are so lucky to have such talented students in the Chapelle family, and Payton’s design is a shining example of the unique gifts our Chipmunks share with the community. Her artwork will now be worn proudly by students, staff, and families throughout the month of October as we raise awareness and show support for an important cause. Congratulations again to Payton Morris on this amazing achievement! We can’t wait to see your design come to life and celebrate Pink Month together. 💗 All t-shirt proceeds will go to the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center.
Welcoming Future Chapelle Chips to Future Scholars Night🌟💚 On October 1st, Archbishop Chapelle High School welcomed prospective families to our campus for Future Scholars Night, an exciting evening designed for 5th, 6th, and 7th grade girls and their families. This special event gave families a chance to explore Chapelle’s academic programs, experience hands-on learning, and discover what makes our school such a unique and inspiring place for young women. A Warm Welcome to Future Chips The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from our Associate Head of School, who set the tone for an insightful and fun-filled night. Families then split into groups, with parents and their daughters participating in tailored activities to help them get a taste of the Chapelle experience. Hands-On Activities for Future Scholars While parents met with Chapelle teachers to learn more about our academic programs, the students got to dive into hands-on learning experiences. Some of the exciting stations included: - Future Focus : Students explored their future at Chapelle by creating vision boards and learning about college prep opportunities. - STEM : A highlight of the evening, students worked on robotics, experimented with 3D printing in the ARC, and conducted fun science experiments. - Tech and Media : Guests got a behind-the-scenes look at Chapelle’s technology and media program, showcasing how creativity meets innovation. - Experiential Learning : Students learned about Chapelle’s exciting electives and field trips that take learning outside the classroom and into the real world. These stations gave Future Chips the opportunity to experience the vibrant and diverse learning opportunities that await them at Chapelle! Informative Sessions for Parents While the students were busy exploring, parents had the chance to hear directly from Chapelle teachers about the curriculum, programs, and resources that make our school a leader in Catholic education. Families also received handouts with valuable information about scholarships and course studies, helping them envision their daughter’s future as a Chapelle student. A Night to Remember Future Scholars Night was an overwhelming success, giving prospective families a firsthand look at the supportive, faith-filled, and academically enriching environment that Chapelle offers. We loved seeing so many bright, curious young women and their families on campus, and we hope they left feeling excited about the possibilities of becoming part of the Chapelle family! To all of our Future Chips: Thank you for joining us, and we can’t wait to see you again soon! 💚
Loyal to Green & White Brunch Recap On Saturday, September 6, we welcomed alumnae moms, grandmothers, and dear friends to our campus for the Loyal to Green & White Brunch! This special event was designed for our alumnae to invite 6th and 7th graders—our Future Chipmunks—to experience the magic of Chapelle through their eyes. A Morning of Memories and Fun The day began with a delicious brunch and a special activity that sparked sweet memories of Chapelle days gone by. Alumnae shared stories and experiences with their Future Chips, creating meaningful moments that bridged generations of Chapelle love. After brunch, everyone participated in a campus-wide scavenger hunt, where alumnae and their Future Chips strolled down memory lane, rediscovering cherished spots while exploring the exciting new additions to Chapelle’s campus. Thank You for Joining Us! We are so grateful to everyone who attended the Loyal to Green & White Brunch—your love for Chapelle and the way you share it with the next generation of Future Chipmunks is truly inspiring. Events like this remind us that Chapelle isn’t just a school; it’s a family that lasts a lifetime. We can’t wait to see many of these bright young faces back on campus as official Chipmunks in the future! 💚
Kicking Off the Year with Our First "Spend-A- Day" Event! Archbishop Chapelle High School was buzzing with excitement as we hosted our first Spend-A-Day event of the year! Today, we welcomed 24 amazing students from elementary schools across the region to experience what life as a Chipmunk is all about. Our Spend-A-Day Guests: Adeline Angelina Annie Aria Aubrey Aurora Ava Brooke Carleigh Elise Evelyn Harper B. Harper R. Isabella Jaelyn Kennedy Kinsley Mila Peyton G. Peyton W. Sophia J. Sophia P. Sophia S. Victoria A Day to Remember Our future Chipmunks started their day with warm smiles and a big welcome from our Chapelle ambassadors. From the moment they stepped onto campus, they were immersed in all the incredible things that make Chapelle special. Highlights of the Day Exciting Class Visits : Students joined in on interactive lessons and got a firsthand look at our vibrant academic environment. Campus Tours : They explored our beautiful campus, including classrooms, the chapel, and our state-of-the-art facilities. Lunch & Fellowship : Our guests enjoyed lunch with current Chapelle students, connecting with new friends and hearing about life at Chapelle. Fun Activities : From hands-on projects to engaging demonstrations, the day was packed with opportunities to learn, laugh, and have fun! Why Spend-A-Day Matters The Spend-A-Day program is one of our favorite traditions at Chapelle. It allows prospective students to experience our welcoming community, strong traditions, and exceptional programs. We hope that by spending a day with us, these young women can picture themselves as part of the Chapelle family. We are so grateful to the 24 students who spent their day with us today. Your energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm lit up our campus, and we hope you had the best day ever ! 💚 To our future Chipmunks: We can’t wait to see you again soon—hopefully as part of the Chapelle family one day! Want to join the fun? Our next Spend-A-Day event is just around the corner. If you or someone you know is interested in experiencing Chapelle, visit our website to sign up!
Chapelle Volleyball Shines in Historic District Victory 🏐💚 The Archbishop Chapelle volleyball team is proving that hard work, heart, and determination can lead to incredible achievements. On Thursday, the Chipmunks pulled off a thrilling upset, defeating a powerhouse opponent, Dominican, 25-22, 18-25, 25-15, 25-19 in a key District 8-I match at home. This victory marks the first time Chapelle has defeated Dominican since October 16, 2018—a true milestone for the program. A Program on the Rise Under the leadership of legendary head coach Jodee Pulizzano, now in her second year at Chapelle, the volleyball program is experiencing a resurgence. Pulizzano, who boasts an incredible 1,025 career wins over 35 years, has been a part of six state championships and nine finals appearances during her illustrious career. “This one ranks very high,” Pulizzano said of the victory. “You preach to your team that they are good. Until they actually achieve that goal, then they start believing. The energy was great. You have to learn how to win the big game. That’s a culture thing. I think we’re turning the corner. It’s a phenomenal group of kids.” A Team Effort The Chipmunks’ performance on Thursday was nothing short of extraordinary—a true demonstration of teamwork and grit. 🏐 Victoria McCann led the way with an impressive 26 kills, showing her dominance at the net. 🏐 Blythe Bonnaffons was everywhere on the court, tallying 41 assists and an incredible 22 digs. 🏐 Ava Landry anchored the defense with 35 digs, proving her reliability in high-pressure moments. 🏐 Audrey Dubuc added 13 kills, while Chloe Arnold contributed with 8 blocks to shut down the opposition's attack. 🏐 Lilly Carmadelle served up 3 aces, adding to the Chipmunks’ momentum. This was truly a complete team effort, with every player stepping up to contribute to the monumental win. The victory was more than just a win—it was a statement. It showed that the Chipmunks are ready to compete at the highest level in one of the toughest volleyball districts in Louisiana. “Why not us?” Pulizzano said. “This was a complete team effort. It’s about what players come out to play. It was phenomenal. It was great. We have players willing to give it up for their teammates.” Looking Ahead With the win, Chapelle improves to 15-7 overall and remains undefeated in district play at 3-0. The Chipmunks will face another formidable challenge on Monday, taking on defending state champion Haynes Academy at home at 5:30 p.m. As for the team, they are ready to embrace the challenge and continue building on their momentum. This victory is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and belief that defines the Chapelle volleyball program. Congratulations to Coach Pulizzano and the entire team. Let’s keep the energy high and continue to cheer on our Chipmunks as they take on the best in the state!
Chapelle Volleyball Dominates in Sixth Straight Win! 🏐💚 The Archbishop Chapelle volleyball team is on fire! In an impressive performance, the Chipmunks secured their sixth straight victory, snapping John Ehret’s 11-match win streak with a dominant win: 25-7, 25-11, 25-9. Match Highlights The Chipmunks were unstoppable, with standout performances from several players: - Chloe Arnold led the team with 11 kills, showcasing her power and precision. - Izzy Wilson set the tone with 18 assists, keeping the offense running smoothly. - Ava Landry anchored the defense with 16 digs, making sure every point was hard-earned. - Aubrey Frey served up 4 aces, adding to the team’s strong momentum. This incredible effort demonstrates the team’s depth and determination as they continue their winning streak. Looking Ahead With this victory, Chapelle improves to an impressive 13-6 record. The Chipmunks will look to keep their momentum going as they face Academy of the Sacred Heart of New Orleans this afternoon at 5:30 p.m. Chapelle Pride Congratulations to the volleyball team for their outstanding win and for showing the true spirit of teamwork and dedication. Let’s keep cheering them on as they continue their journey this season!
Alumnae Spotlight: Kayla Giardina ’24 At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we celebrate the achievements of our alumnae who inspire us with their dedication, talent, and perseverance. Today, we are proud to highlight the exceptional accomplishments of Kayla Giardina ’24, a true testament to the Chapelle spirit both on and off the field. A Legacy of Excellence at Chapelle Kayla’s time at Chapelle was nothing short of extraordinary. She excelled in academics, athletics, and leadership, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of Chipmunks: 📚 Academics: Kayla passed all 6 Advanced Placement courses and 2 Dual Enrollment courses, earning the prestigious title of AP Scholar. She maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and was recognized on the 5-year Distinguished Honor Roll. 🥎 Athletics: Kayla’s athletic achievements were equally impressive: - A 5-year varsity starter for the Chapelle softball team. - Named First Team All-District, All-State, and All-Metro multiple times, including earning MVP and Most Outstanding Player honors. - Made history by pitching Chapelle’s first-ever State Championship win. - Finished her high school career with an incredible 811 career strikeouts. - Kayla’s combination of academic and athletic excellence made her a standout student-athlete and a role model for her peers. Thriving at the University of Southern Mississippi Kayla’s success has continued at the collegiate level, where she is a pitcher for the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles. As a freshman, Kayla made an immediate impact, both on the mound and in the classroom: 🥎 On the Field: - 118 innings pitched with 80 strikeouts and only 29 walks. - Threw six complete games, earned three saves, and achieved back-to-back shutouts. - Secured seven wins, including her first collegiate victory against Ole Miss—a huge milestone! 📚 In the Classroom: - Kayla continued to excel academically, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA while balancing the demands of athletics and academics. An Inspiration to the Chapelle Community Kayla’s journey showcases the incredible opportunities that hard work, determination, and faith can create. From leading Chapelle to its first state championship to becoming a standout collegiate athlete, Kayla has consistently demonstrated what it means to be a Chapelle Chipmunk. We are so proud of all that Kayla has accomplished and look forward to cheering her on as she continues to shine at Southern Miss. Congratulations, Kayla—you are an inspiration to us all!
Alumna Spotlight: Charlene Suter Wetzel '83 🌟💚 At Archbishop Chapelle, we are always proud to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our alumnae, and today we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Charlene Suter Wetzel ’83, a shining example of excellence in education! Honored for Her Dedication Charlene Wetzel, a dedicated science teacher at Archbishop Rummel High School, was recently recognized by the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers program during Rummel’s varsity football game last Friday. In a heartwarming surprise, Mrs. Wetzel received a $1,000 grant for classroom resources, a testament to the profound impact she makes on her students every single day. As a proud Chapelle alumna from the Class of 1983, Mrs. Wetzel embodies the values of faith, excellence, and service that are the foundation of our school community. Her commitment to empowering young minds and fostering a love for science has left an indelible mark on her students and the Raider community. Celebrating Her Success We couldn’t be more proud of Charlene Wetzel ’83 for this well-deserved recognition. It’s inspiring to see a fellow Chipmunk making such a positive difference in her field and being celebrated for her dedication and hard work. Congratulations, Mrs. Wetzel, and thank you for continuing to make Chapelle proud! 💚✨
Alumnae Spotlight: Kayla Giardina ’24 At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we celebrate the achievements of our alumnae who inspire us with their dedication, talent, and perseverance. Today, we are proud to highlight the exceptional accomplishments of Kayla Giardina ’24, a true testament to the Chapelle spirit both on and off the field. A Legacy of Excellence at Chapelle Kayla’s time at Chapelle was nothing short of extraordinary. She excelled in academics, athletics, and leadership, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of Chipmunks: 📚 Academics: Kayla passed all 6 Advanced Placement courses and 2 Dual Enrollment courses, earning the prestigious title of AP Scholar. She maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and was recognized on the 5-year Distinguished Honor Roll. 🥎 Athletics: Kayla’s athletic achievements were equally impressive: - A 5-year varsity starter for the Chapelle softball team. - Named First Team All-District, All-State, and All-Metro multiple times, including earning MVP and Most Outstanding Player honors. - Made history by pitching Chapelle’s first-ever State Championship win. - Finished her high school career with an incredible 811 career strikeouts. - Kayla’s combination of academic and athletic excellence made her a standout student-athlete and a role model for her peers. Thriving at the University of Southern Mississippi Kayla’s success has continued at the collegiate level, where she is a pitcher for the University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles. As a freshman, Kayla made an immediate impact, both on the mound and in the classroom: 🥎 On the Field: - 118 innings pitched with 80 strikeouts and only 29 walks. - Threw six complete games, earned three saves, and achieved back-to-back shutouts. - Secured seven wins, including her first collegiate victory against Ole Miss—a huge milestone! 📚 In the Classroom: - Kayla continued to excel academically, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA while balancing the demands of athletics and academics. An Inspiration to the Chapelle Community Kayla’s journey showcases the incredible opportunities that hard work, determination, and faith can create. From leading Chapelle to its first state championship to becoming a standout collegiate athlete, Kayla has consistently demonstrated what it means to be a Chapelle Chipmunk. We are so proud of all that Kayla has accomplished and look forward to cheering her on as she continues to shine at Southern Miss. Congratulations, Kayla—you are an inspiration to us all!
Chapelle Alumnae Serve as Patrol Officers on Campus At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we take great pride in the accomplishments of our alumnae, and we are especially grateful when they return to campus to give back to the community that helped shape them. This year, we are thrilled to celebrate three incredible alumnae who are now Patrol Officers on campus: Carly Pabst ’18, Julia Hoggatt Grace ’92, and Kelly Hibbs Bassil ’96 . These women represent the very best of Chapelle, serving as protectors, role models, and living examples of the Chapelle spirit. Carly Pabst ’18 Carly is a Patrol Deputy for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) 1st District, and she couldn’t be more excited to return to her alma mater in this new role. Here’s what Carly had to say about her experience: “It’s been very bittersweet being back on campus. It’s nice to be able to come back to Chapelle and feel like I’m back at home. I am very honored to be able to protect my alma mater.” Carly has fond memories of her time as a student, crediting Chapelle for sparking her interest in the legal field: “When I was at Chapelle, they offered a legal class. This class is what sparked my interest in the legal field and law enforcement. Learning about different case law and other legal aspects, as well as having a teacher who really helped myself and other students understand law, prepared me for this job. If that class was never offered, I would not be where I am today doing what I love!” Carly’s dedication to Chapelle shines through as she picks as many shifts as possible to work on campus. She loves seeing the progress the school has made since her graduation and is excited to see what the future holds. Kelly Hibbs Bassil ’96 Kelly serves as a Detective with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and is also a Reservist in the United States Navy ⚓. She describes her return to Chapelle as a deeply meaningful experience: “It’s very nostalgic. It’s amazing to see the growth and improvement to so many areas of the school that have happened over the years, with still more to come.” Kelly reflects on the ways Chapelle prepared her for her career, emphasizing the values and skills she learned as a student: “ACHS had great teachers when I was there, and they made learning fun. They instilled dedication, determination, hard work, and motivation to overcome and work through anything. Chapelle paved the path even more as we all grew, with long-term friendships and family.” Kelly’s journey from Chapelle student to Detective and Navy Reservist is a testament to the strength, resilience, and values instilled in her during her time at Chapelle. A Legacy of Service and Dedication Both Carly and Kelly, along with Julia Hoggatt Grace ’92, embody the mission of Archbishop Chapelle High School. They inspire us by living out the values of dedication, service, and faith in their daily lives, and we are so grateful for their service to our campus community. Having these alumnae return to Chapelle in such a meaningful capacity is a reminder of the incredible impact our school has on its students, even long after graduation. Thank you, Carly, Kelly, and Julia, for your service, your care, and your unwavering commitment to Chapelle. 💚🐿️
