PUBLISHED ON October 3, 2025
Raelyn Doubleday Named Artsonia Artist of the Week! 🎨✨
At Archbishop Chapelle High School, we are proud to celebrate the creativity and achievements of our students. This week, we are thrilled to announce that Raelyn Doubleday ’26 has been named Artsonia Artist of the Week, thanks to the incredible support and votes from the Chapelle community!
A Student’s Perspective: Raelyn’s Journey to Artist of the Week
Raelyn’s winning artwork comes from a special charcoal-themed project in her art class. When asked about her inspiration, Raelyn shared:
“For my project, I wanted something that showcased me. One of my favorite things to do is read—it’s a way to relax and express myself. So, I chose reading as the theme for my artwork, and it really felt like it represented who I am.”
The creation process wasn’t just about technical skills; it was also about self-expression. Raelyn’s passion for art and personal connection to her work made her project stand out.
When she learned she had been selected as Artsonia Artist of the Week, Raelyn was both surprised and excited:
“I was shocked because I knew there were so many other talented students at my school. At the same time, I was thrilled and honored to have my project recognized. Hearing the support from my family, friends, and the Chapelle community made me so happy!”
A Teacher’s Pride: Supporting Creativity and Growth
Raelyn’s art teacher, Ms. Sarah Bachemin, has been teaching art for over 20 years, with 18 of those years spent at Chapelle. As a local artist herself, Ms. Bachemin is passionate about helping students discover their creative potential:
“I want to share my passion for the arts with younger generations, enabling them to express themselves creatively and make an impact in their community.”
Mrs. Bachemin emphasizes the importance of recognizing students for their artistic achievements:
“I am extremely proud of my students. Recognition like this helps develop lifelong learners who are confident in expressing themselves creatively.”
Artsonia, the digital portfolio platform used in the Chapelle art program, plays a big role in highlighting student growth and achievements. According to Mrs. Bachemin:
“Artsonia is an invaluable tool in my classroom. It documents student progress, helps share their work with families, and even raises funds for our art program. It’s amazing to see how it’s impacted our students.”
A Creative Community
Raelyn’s selection as Artist of the Week is not only a testament to her talent but also a reflection of the supportive Chapelle community. Through their votes, encouragement, and enthusiasm, Raelyn was able to achieve this incredible milestone.
Her award includes a plaque and a Blick Art Supply gift card, which will undoubtedly fuel her creative journey even further.
Looking Ahead
Raelyn’s story is a reminder of the power of creativity, self-expression, and community support. As Raelyn put it:
“Being in the art class at Chapelle has shown me that my artistic ability is much more than I thought it could be. It makes me feel like I can express myself in a new way and opens the door to many new opportunities.”
Congratulations to Raelyn on this well-deserved recognition! We can’t wait to see how her artistic journey continues to unfold.
Recommended Posts
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!
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!
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. 💚
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.
