Alumna Spotlight: Jennie Viosca Graffeo ’90 💚 Chapelle is proud to spotlight Jennie Viosca Graffeo, Class of 1990, who continues to make an impact through her leadership and dedication in the professional world. Jennie is a valued member of the team at Lofton, where she recently reached an exciting milestone by strengthening the company’s partnership with a long‑standing client in Covington. As the client prepares to expand operations with a new office opening in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, they entrusted Jennie as their exclusive recruiting partner for key positions, including Shipping Clerks, IT, Clerical, and Pharmacy Technician roles. Her ability to build trust, cultivate relationships, and deliver results reflects both her professionalism and commitment to excellence. Being chosen as the sole recruiting partner for such an important expansion speaks volumes about the confidence her clients have in her expertise and integrity.  Jennie’s accomplishments are a testament to the strong foundation of leadership, work ethic, and service that Chapelle women carry into every field. We are so proud to see her continuing to grow partnerships, open doors, and make a difference in our local community.

Vice President of the Special Olympics College Club at UL Last week, we celebrated Marissa Rinderle ’24, Founder & President of the Special Olympics College Club at UL Lafayette. Today, we are proud to spotlight the other half of that incredible partnership, Rachel Meariman ’23. When Special Olympics Louisiana began expanding its college club program, Marissa teamed up with Rachel to help bring the vision to life. Today, Rachel serves as Vice President of the Special Olympics College Club at UL, where she continues promoting inclusion through sports, friendship, and the celebration of all abilities. The club has already hosted a successful field day filled with activities for participants of all abilities and is planning even more exciting events next semester, including a basketball tournament, kickball game, and an outing at Rock ‘N’ Bowl. Rachel’s leadership doesn’t stop there. She is also the President of the Kinesiology Professional Association and serves as a mentor for the UL LIFE Program, supporting college students with disabilities in their academic, community, and career development. Rachel credits her time at Chapelle, especially as a member of the basketball team, with preparing her for these roles. Through athletics, she learned teamwork, accountability, responsibility, and communication skills that continue to shape her leadership style today. Her experience volunteering with Special Olympics while at Chapelle sparked the passion she now lives out in college. Together, Marissa and Rachel are building something truly special at UL, and we are so proud to see two Chipmunks leading with compassion.

Founder & President, Special Olympics College Club at UL Lafayette Chapelle is proud to spotlight Marissa Rinderle ’24, who is already making an incredible impact during her time at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Marissa is the Founder and President of the Special Olympics College Club at UL Lafayette, a student-run organization dedicated to creating meaningful connections between college students and individuals with disabilities through athletics and campus events. “I actually founded the club after Special Olympics Louisiana reached out to me in hopes of expanding the college club program,” Marissa shared. “Rachel Meariman ’23 and I collaborated to get it all started!” The Special Olympics College Club at UL provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to connect with college students through various athletic events. The mission is simple yet powerful: to promote inclusion on the UL campus through sports, friendship, and the celebration of all abilities. Marissa’s passion for inclusion is deeply rooted in her involvement with the UL LIFE Program, which is designed to give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience college life while furthering their education and life skills. “The LIFE Program has encouraged and prepared me to begin Special Olympics UL,” she said. In addition to leading the Special Olympics College Club, Marissa also serves as Vice President of the Kinesiology Professional Association, demonstrating her continued commitment to leadership and service. At Chapelle, Marissa served as a Student Ambassador, a role she credits with helping her grow as a communicator and leader. “Being an ambassador enhanced my communication and leadership skills, preparing me for the various roles I now have in college,” she shared. Marissa exemplifies the Chapelle mission by leading with compassion, courage, and a heart for service. We are so proud of the difference she is making and can’t wait to see how she continues to inspire inclusion and build community. Congratulations, Marissa! Your Chapelle family is cheering you on!

Class of 1975 Celebrates May Birthdays at Don’s Seafood Laughter, memories, and plenty of delicious seafood filled the evening as members of the Class of 1975 gathered at Don’s Seafood to celebrate their classmates with May birthdays. The longtime friends enjoyed a wonderful night reconnecting, sharing stories, and continuing the special bond they have carried since their Chapelle days. It was a beautiful reminder that while years may pass, the friendships formed at Chapelle remain strong. One alumna summed up the evening perfectly, sharing: “Happy birthday, ladies! May your year ahead be filled with good health, happiness, and many more nights together like this.” We love seeing our alumnae stay connected and continue celebrating life’s special moments together. Cheers to the Class of 1975 and many more joyful gatherings ahead!

New Principal of St. Louis King of France School We are proud to spotlight Shannon Landaiche Culotta, Class of 1993, who has been named the new Principal of St. Louis King of France School. Shannon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience and success as both an educator and administrator. She currently serves as the Assistant Principal at St. Angela Merici Catholic School, where she continues to demonstrate strong leadership rooted in faith and academic excellence. Reflecting on her time at Chapelle, Shannon shared: “During my time at Archbishop Chapelle High School, my Catholic faith truly deepened and strengthened the values that guide me today. Chapelle not only provided me with leadership opportunities that helped me grow in confidence, but it also rooted me in the value and mission of Catholic education—something that continues to guide me now as a Catholic school administrator.”  We are incredibly proud of Shannon’s accomplishments and grateful to see a Chapelle alumna continuing the mission of Catholic education. Congratulations on this exciting new chapter!

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.