School News.
ChipStart 2026: Welcoming the Class of 2031 💚 ChipStart is more than just an introduction to high school. It is the first step in a journey of sisterhood, faith, leadership, and confidence at Archbishop Chapelle High School. Over the course of two unforgettable weeks in June, the Class of 2031 officially began their Chapelle story. From the moment they checked in on the first morning, they were welcomed by Student Council, class officers, Ambassadors, faculty, and administrators who were eager to help them feel at home. Throughout ChipStart, our newest Chipmunks experienced a little bit of everything that makes Chapelle special. They learned school traditions, practiced cheers, brainstormed rally themes, and competed in friendly games that gave them a taste of the excitement of Rally season. They explored campus, met administrators, walked their schedules, and became familiar with the spaces where they will learn and grow over the next four years. Faith remained at the heart of it all. The class participated in a retreat experience and celebrated their very first Class Mass together, which is a meaningful milestone that grounded their high school journey in prayer and community. They learned Chapelle songs, reflected on what it means to be a young woman of faith, and closed each day in gratitude. Of course, ChipStart would not be complete without plenty of fun. From pep rallies and scavenger hunts to workouts, bonding games, off‑campus adventures, and a spirited class rally, laughter filled the halls. The Chippy Bucks auction and final celebration luncheon were the perfect way to end their time together, recognizing the friendships formed and memories made. Most importantly, ChipStart created connection. What began as a group of incoming 8th graders quickly became a class united in spirit and ready to take on high school together. The Class of 2031 has officially begun their Chapelle legacy, and we cannot wait to see how they grow, lead, and shine in the years ahead. Welcome home, Chipmunks.
Chapelle Shines at District & State Literary Rally 2026 This spring, Chapelle students proudly represented our school at the District Literary Rally at SLU on March 14, 2026, and the State Literary Rally at LSU on April 18, 2026. From English and World Languages to Fine Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, our Chipmunks demonstrated exceptional academic talent, dedication, and perseverance. We are incredibly proud of each student who competed and represented Chapelle with excellence. District Literary Rally – SLU March 14, 2026 District Qualifiers Leila Abbate – Journalism I Rosemarie Cardella – Family & Consumer Science Ellie Concepcion – English I Audrey Dubuc – Health Isabella Holt – English IV Jordan Legaux – Art (Two-Dimensional: Oil, Acrylic, or Water Medium) Anna Poche – Chemistry Olivia Wurster – Advanced Math (Functions & Statistics) District Qualifiers & SLU Scholarship Winners Christina Pierce – Art (Two-Dimensional: Oil, Acrylic, or Water Medium) Lucy Guillot – Art (Two-Dimensional Black & White: Drawing, Printmaking, Photography, Digital Art) Emily Ledet – Spelling District & State Qualifiers Keira Bachemin – French II Brianna Borne – Advanced Math (Pre-Calculus) Gia Chester – Psychology Ashley Garcia-Morera – Sociology Caroline Hill – Chemistry Kristin Munch – Algebra II Kayla Palacio – Government Si’lah-Michele Payre – Spanish I Emma Rogers – Calculus II Lily-Grace Theriot – World Geography Aasha Varkey – English IV Alina Varkey – Biology Yara Zeitoun – World History District Qualifiers, State Qualifiers & SLU Scholarship Winners Kathleen Elmer – Geometry Egan Guidroz – Journalism I Amelia Hassel – French I Abby Hebbler – Advanced Math (Functions & Statistics) Kate Marks – Financial Literacy Elise Nelson – English I Mallory Pansano – English II Molly Saia – Nutrition & Food Addison Terrio – Health Emily A. Wilson – Family & Consumer Science State Literary Rally – LSU April 18, 2026 State Award Winners Lauren Rieth – Latin II – 🥇 1st Place Egan Guidroz – Journalism – 🥈 2nd Place Kate Marks – Financial Literacy – 🥈 2nd Place Addison Terrio – Health – 🥈 2nd Place Kathleen Elmer – Geometry – 🥉 3rd Place Ashley Garcia-Morera – Sociology – 🥉 3rd Place Peyton Klotz – Treble Solo Low Voice – Superior Rating Margaux Mouton – Treble Solo High Voice – Superior Rating Valentina Martinez-Flores – Spanish II Extemporaneous Speaking – Superior Rating Lia Reinecke – Treble Solo High Voice – Superior Rating Jazmin Interiano – Spanish II Extemporaneous Speaking – Excellent Rating Xenia Trejo – Treble Solo Low Voice – Excellent Rating State Finalists We are also proud of the following students who advanced to State Rally and represented Chapelle with dedication and excellence: Keira Bachemin Brianna Borne Gia Chester Eden Flowers Amelia Hassel Abby Hebbler Caroline Hill Emily Karcher Jenny Mains Gabriela Mejia-Aguilar Kristin Munch Elise Nelson Kayla Palacio Mallory Pansano Si’lah-Michele Payre Emma Rogers Molly Saia Caroline Sander Lily-Grace Theriot Sarah Turnipseed Aasha Varkey Alina Varkey Yara Zeitoun In total, 49 Chapelle students represented our school at District and/or State Literary Rally this year. Their commitment to academic excellence reflects the heart of Chapelle’s mission. We are incredibly proud of each of these students for their hard work and dedication.
Chapelle Students Attend LASC 2026 From May 31 – June 4, six Chapelle student leaders traveled to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana to attend the Louisiana Association of Student Councils (LASC) Workshop. They returned inspired, energized, and ready to lead. This year’s theme, “Sow, Grow, Lead,” centered around farming as a metaphor for leadership. Throughout the week, students focused on planting seeds of purpose, nurturing their individual strengths, and growing into impactful leaders for their school communities. Representing Chapelle at LASC 2026 were: Audrey Dubuc, 12th grade Victoria McCann, 12th grade AnnaClaire Occhipinti, 11th grade Lauren Delagardelle, 11th grade Sloan Boudoin, 11th grade Kasey Orlando, 10th grade During the week, our Chipmunks participated in interactive workshops, team-building activities, and leadership sessions designed to strengthen communication, collaboration, and service. Between fun games, meaningful discussions, and shared experiences with students from across Louisiana, lifelong friendships were formed. Sloan Boudoin, Student Council Executive Board Historian, shared one of her biggest takeaways from the week: “What I took away most was the positive environment and how seen and heard it made me feel. It was so eye-opening and refreshing to be in a place so supportive and welcoming. The inclusivity and love at LASC is truly like no other.” The environment at LASC encouraged authenticity, confidence, and servant leadership, which are values that align beautifully with Chapelle’s mission. Our six delegates are already planning how to “sow” what they learned into the Chapelle community this upcoming school year. With the multitude of lessons and leadership skills they gained, they are ready to help our campus continue to grow in spirit, unity, and purpose. We are so proud of these young women for investing in their leadership journeys and representing Chapelle so well. The seeds have been planted, and we cannot wait to see how they grow.
Presenting Our Gift to the Gayle & Tom Benson Cancer Center 💗💚 In April, Mrs. Benson personally invited our students to the Gayle & Tom Benson Cancer Center to present our Pink Month earnings to their leadership team. Walking into the Cancer Center with Mrs. Benson was a powerful experience for our students. It was more than just delivering a check. It was an opportunity to represent the heart of the Chapelle community and to see firsthand the impact of their efforts. Sharing that moment with the leadership team made the months of preparation and fundraising even more meaningful. Throughout Pink Month, our students worked tirelessly to raise funds in creative and spirited ways. They sold pink socks, the official Pink Month t-shirt, donuts, and pink lemonade, along with organizing other campus initiatives to support the cause. They also took time to write heartfelt notes and prayers of healing to oncology patients — messages that Mrs. Benson and her team truly loved and appreciated. Being able to stand together and formally present our donation was a beautiful reminder that small acts of generosity can come together to create something powerful. It was a proud day for our students and a reflection of Chapelle’s commitment to faith, compassion, and service. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support the patients and programs at the Gayle & Tom Benson Cancer Center and proud of our Chipmunks for living out our mission in such a meaningful way.
Summer Soirée 💚🍷🎻 We had the joy of celebrating our New Parents at our annual Summer Soirée at The Crossing, officially welcoming them into the Chapelle Family! 💚 The evening was filled with warm conversations, laughter, and the excitement of a new chapter beginning. It was the perfect opportunity for Chapelle’s Administration to personally meet our newest families and for parents to begin forming connections with the families of their daughters’ future classmates. Events like the Summer Soirée are a special reminder that Chapelle is more than a school — it is a community rooted in faith, friendship, and support. Watching new relationships begin to grow is always one of our favorite parts of the summer. We are so grateful to all who joined us and helped make the evening so meaningful. We hope our newest Chipmunk families are enjoying a wonderful summer, and we cannot wait to welcome everyone to campus in August!
Thank You, Mrs. Mandy Chochelese 💚💚💚 With grateful hearts, we celebrate and thank Mrs. Mandy Chochelese for her many years of dedicated service as the Founder and President of the Chapelle Grandparents Club. Mrs. Mandy founded the club in 2013 and lovingly led and grew it throughout all three of her granddaughters’ years at Chapelle. What began as a beautiful idea blossomed into a vibrant and meaningful part of our school community that has created lasting memories for students, faculty, and fellow grandparents. Under her leadership, the Grandparents Club has hosted countless Grandparents Treat Days, engaging meetings, spectacular "Lo-Stepper" performances, and so many special moments that have enriched life on campus. Her warmth and generosity have truly made a difference. While we wish her well in her well-deserved “retirement” from leading the club, we know this is not goodbye. We are certain she will continue to be a joyful presence in all that Chapelle has to offer. Thank you, Mrs. Mandy, for your vision, your leadership, and your love for Chapelle.💚💚
Celebrating Language Excellence 💚🌎 On Monday, May 18, we proudly recognized our students’ outstanding achievements on the National French, Latin, and Spanish Exams. The afternoon was a celebration of dedication, perseverance, and a shared commitment to global understanding. As Samantha shared in her remarks, learning another language connects us to cultures across the world and across time. Quoting a beloved French proverb often recalled by Mrs. Chokr, “A man who knows two languages is worth two men.” These awards represent not only academic success, but also the wisdom and perspective that come from embracing other languages and cultures. 🇫🇷 National French Exam – Le Grand Concours Recognized with distinction: Honorable Mention Siena Scozzari Hannah McClung Kayla Lopez Molly Saia Gabriela Larson Gabriela Mejia Aguilar Erin Glass Keira Bachemin Bronze Medal Amelia Hassel Silver Medal Lundie Mitchell Gold Medal Isla Meers 🏛 National Latin Exam Recognized by the American Classical League: Cum Laude Charli Adams Elise Laizer Brynn Caire Liv Canizaro Lyla Steimle Caroline Currault Alexa Comeaux Ashleigh Stemke Addison Egler Jolyn Pham Cecelia Pineda Regan Magna Cum Laude Ellie Concepcion Olivia Schexnayder Amanda Timler Marin O’Brien Elise Palm Leah Labauve Ava Braendel Alyssa Pesantes Angelica Bendeck Silver Maxima Cum Laude Elise Nelson Xenia Trejo Lily-Grace Theriot Blakeleigh Sticker Alina Varkey Rhylee Christian Gold Summa Cum Laude Kathleen Elmer Lauren Rieth 🇪🇸 National Spanish Exam Recognized by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese: Honorable Mention Emily Glago Alexandra Laura Isabella Nagele Aubrey Braud Megan Cash Maiya Pisciotta Zoey Yeadon Kasey Orlando Elise Cash Clara Erdozain Sarah Lorio Gianna Landry Julia Williams Lyssa Foltz Sophia Organo Kaleigh Piper Molly Johnson Dior Lambert Si'lah-Michele Payre Mallory Pansano Elena Garcia Sarah Turcios Elizabeth Schexnayder Mia Parrino Madelyn Allesandro Vivian Tan Ruby Kiefer Rachel Tuck Bronze Medal Ellie Ramirez Isabella Pumila Valentina Martinez-Flores Silver Medal Natasha Mains Gold Medal Jazmin Interiano We are incredibly proud of these students for their academic excellence and commitment to language learning. Their accomplishments reflect not only strong study habits, but also a willingness to engage with the world beyond themselves. Congratulations, Chipmunks! 💚🌍
Graduation Ceremony and Awards On Friday, May 15 at 6PM in the evening, we celebrated and honored the Class of 2026 at their Graduation Ceremony in the Pontchartrain Center! The evening was filled with so much joy as the Class of 2026 received their graduate diplomas in front of their friends, families, peers, and teachers. As we honored the incredible accomplishments of the Class of 2026, we proudly recognize the highest academic honors presented at Archbishop Chapelle High School. The Judy Golemi Spadafora Valedictorian Award The Judy Golemi Spadafora Valedictorian Award is the most prestigious academic honor awarded at Chapelle. It is presented to the student or students who have completed the most academically rigorous course load and achieved the highest academic rank throughout their five years at Chapelle. This award is named in honor of Mrs. Judy Golemi Spadafora, a member of the charter Class of 1966 and a devoted faculty member for 40 years. Named Alumna of the Year in 2004, Mrs. Spadafora’s dedication and love for Chapelle have shaped generations of young women. This year, we proudly recognized three Co-Valedictorians: Alexandra Elizabeth Daigre Anita Ning Shan Li Emma Mong-Ai Tran Congratulations, ladies! We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and the example you have set for your classmates. Emerald Awards We also celebrated a distinguished group of seniors with the Emerald Awards, honoring students who have been part of the Chapelle community for all five years and have demonstrated outstanding academic excellence. These awards, selected by each academic department, recognize achievement across specific disciplines. This year’s Emerald Award recipients are: Art Excellence Award – Demi Kostopoulos Athletics Excellence Award – Kelsie Schmidt English Excellence Award – Emma Tran Foreign Language Excellence Award – Sophia Marchan Mathematics Excellence Award – Emma Rogers Music Excellence Award – Mackenzie Ory Science Excellence Award – Anh Dao Le Social Studies Excellence Award – Penelope Haley Theology Excellence Award – Abby Hebbler The Archbishop Placide Louis Chapelle Outstanding Graduate Emerald Award The final Emerald Award of the evening, named after our founder, recognizes students nominated by faculty who exemplify Christian faith, love, leadership, loyalty, service, and academic success over the past five years. These students truly embody what it means to be a Chapelle Chipmunk. This year’s recipients are: Kelsey Doyle Chloe Tujague In addition to these individual honors, the Class of 2026 has been awarded an extraordinary $14 million in scholarships from colleges and universities across the country. We are so proud of the dedication, perseverance, and faith-filled leadership demonstrated by this remarkable class. The future is bright for the Class of 2026!
Baccalaureate Mass 2026 💚⛪ On the morning of Friday, May 15, the Class of 2026 gathered with family, friends, faculty, and staff at the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral for Baccalaureate Mass. It was a reverent and joyful celebration, giving thanks for the past five years and asking God’s continued guidance as our seniors prepare to graduate. We were honored to have Father Jody DiMaggio and Father Austin Barr serve as celebrants, assisted by Deacon Drea Capaci and Deacon Mike Sorensen. The sacred setting and meaningful liturgy provided a powerful reminder of the faith foundation that has shaped the Class of 2026 throughout their time at Chapelle. Following Mass, several prestigious awards were presented to members of the senior class in recognition of their outstanding achievements. Outstanding Student Awards These awards honor students who demonstrated exceptional academic excellence by earning the highest overall performance in individual courses. We congratulate: Isabella Arboneaux : Apologetics Kelsey Doyle: Apologetics Katelyn Gauthier: Probability & Statistics Penelope Haley: Law Studies Abby Hebbler: Anatomy & Physiology Honors, AP Psychology, Apologetics, Civics Honors, English V Honors, Probability & Statistics Honors, and Theology IV Part 1. Isabella Holt: Creative Writing and English IV Honors Jaelynn Klein: Civics, Physics, and Theology IV Part 2 Demi Kostopoulos: Art II A Ava Landry: Civics and English V Anh Dao Le: AP Chemistry Emily Ledet: Creative Writing Anita Li: AP Environmental Science and Positive Psychology Lilly McNeil: AP English IV — English Language & Composition Elise Mulvihill: Television Production Part 1 Riley Mumphrey: Theology IV Part 2 Drue Murray: Civics Kayla Palacio: Dual Enrollment Music Emma Rogers: AP Calculus AB, Positive Psychology, and Theology IV Part 2 Emma Stevens: Environmental Science Sarah Switzer: Civics Baylie Theriot: Apologetics and Journalism Emma Tran: AP English V—English Literature & Composition and Introduction to Sociology Raegan Tuttle: Art IV B Lillian Weaver: AP Government and Politics, Biology Dual Enrollment Honors, Dual Enrollment Music, and Pre-Calculus Dual Enrollment Honors Shelby Williams: Holocaust & Genocide Studies Lilly Yavas: AP Research Iota Sigma Pi – Outstanding Young Women in Chemistry Anh Dao Le was recognized with the Outstanding Young Women in Chemistry Award, presented by the national honor society for women in chemistry. Honor Roll Recognition Students who maintained Honor Roll (3.3+ GPA) or Distinguished Honor Roll (3.6+ GPA) for all five years of high school were also celebrated for their consistent academic excellence. We congratulate: Honor Roll: Kylie Andersen Gretchen Bassil Logan Cooley Kolleen Dubroc Samantha Fairchild Victoria Frey Jena Gaudet Katelyn Gauthier Ella Growl Isabella Haik Isabella Holt Sarah Karcher Keira Kissinger Jaelynn Klein Demi Kostopoulos Macey Lane Sophia Marchan Delilah Richard Katie Solis Emma Stevens Emily A. Wilson Distinguished Honor Roll: Kyla Apostolakis Chloe Arnold Kali Barber Blythe Bonnaffons Brooke Braun Alexandra Daigre Karissa Dennis Kelsey Doyle Camryn Ellerbusch Gracelyn Gros Penelope Haley Abby Hebbler Madison Heintz Ava Landry Anh Dao Le Emily Ledet Anita Li Kate Marks Lilly McNeil Caroline Muller Riley Mumphrey Drue Murray Mackenzie Ory Kayla Palacio Maylee Reese Emma Rogers Gabriella Saia Kelsie Schmidt Sarah Switzer Baylie Theriot Emma Tran Lillian Weaver Shelby Williams Emily C. Wilson Grace Wilson Olivia Wurster Alexandra Young Matthew 25 JoAnn LeCarpentier Service Award Presented to a graduate who completed over 100 hours of service each year for five years, this year’s recipient was Adeline Little . National Merit Finalist We proudly recognized Emma Tran as a National Merit Finalist, an honor awarded to less than 1% of high school seniors nationwide. Valedictorians The highest academic honor at Chapelle was awarded to our three Valedictorians: Alexandra Daigre, Anita Li, and Emma Tran . Our Lady of Prompt Succor Award The Our Lady of Prompt Succor Award, recognizing a senior who exemplifies faith and Christ-like leadership throughout her high school career, was presented to Emily Ledet . As the Class of 2026 recessed from the Cathedral, led by their class officers, it was clear that this class leaves Chapelle with hearts rooted in faith, minds strengthened by academic excellence, and spirits prepared to serve. We are incredibly proud of each of our graduates and grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this sacred milestone together.
