Welcome New Faculty & Staff!

PUBLISHED ON August 8, 2025

Thirteen New Faculty & Staff Members Join the Chapelle Family!

We are thrilled to welcome 13 incredible new faculty and staff members to Archbishop Chapelle High School!

As our school community continues to grow, these new team members will help ensure that our mission remains strong. With their enthusiasm, expertise, and passion for their fields, our Chipmunks are sure to be inspired to reach new heights.

Here’s to an amazing year ahead—welcome to the Chipmunk family!

Read more about our newest faculty and staff Chipmunks below:

Get to Know our Faculty & Staff

Mrs. Kristin Lang

Counselor

"I’m so excited to join the counseling department and I’m looking forward to building meaningful connections with our students and supporting them as they navigate both the joys and challenges of high school, all within a positive, faith-centered environment. I provide individual academic planning, counseling-centered classroom lessons, and solution-focused support. I also work closely with families and administrators to ensure our students feel supported and empowered. My goal is to offer guidance, encourage healthy decision-making, and help every student thrive throughout her high school journey."

Ms. Rayne Morehead '13

Advancement Coordinator

"Hi, I’m Rayne Morehead, and I graduated from Chapelle in 2013, so being back on campus feels like coming home! My job is to help with fundraising, keep track of donations, and plan fun events that bring our alumnae and community together. I’m especially excited to help with fundraising for Incarnate Word Hall, a beautiful new building that will give students a peaceful, faith-filled space to grow closer to God. I can’t wait to be a part of all the amazing things happening this year!"

Mr. Anthony Taffaro

Spanish II & Spanish III DE

"Hi, I'm Anthony Taffaro, and this is my 6th year teaching and 1st year teaching at Chapelle High School. I am originally from Metairie and graduated from Jesuit in 2015 and LSU in 2019, majoring in Criminology and minoring in Spanish and Religious Studies. I will also be an assistant coach for both the softball and basketball team this year as well as co-moderating the National Spanish Honors Society. I am excited to be a part of a new school community and for all the exciting new opportunities that Chapelle has in store for me!"

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Campus Ministry Night: Keeping Christ at the Center

By Jamie Hanzo • May 4, 2026

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

By Jamie Hanzo • May 4, 2026

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.

Choirs Spring Showcase

By Jamie Hanzo • April 30, 2026

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.

Veteran Jerry Hernandez Shares His Story

By Jamie Hanzo • April 30, 2026

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.

Physics of Music

By Jamie Hanzo • April 29, 2026

Exploring the Physics of Music in Mrs. Blackburn’s Lab In Mrs. Blackburn’s lab, science isn’t just something you read about — it’s something you build, test, and hear. As part of their latest unit on the Physics of Music, students are discovering how sound and science work together by creating their own musical instruments. Through this hands-on activity, lab students built both a pan flute and a rubber band guitar, transforming everyday materials into tools for scientific exploration. Sound in Motion The project focuses on understanding how sound is produced through vibrations. With their rubber band guitars, students observed how plucking a stretched rubber band causes it to vibrate, producing sound waves that travel through the air to our ears. By adjusting the thickness or tension of the rubber bands, they could hear how changes in physical properties affected pitch and tone. When building their pan flutes, students explored how the length of air columns impacts frequency. Using straws of varying lengths, they discovered that shorter straws produce higher frequencies (higher pitches), while longer straws create lower frequencies. Seeing (and Hearing) Science in Action Rather than simply memorizing formulas, students experienced firsthand how physics explains everyday phenomena — even something as universal as music. By connecting vibration, frequency, and pitch to instruments they built themselves, the lesson reinforced key scientific principles in a memorable and engaging way. Mrs. Blackburn’s lab continues to show that physics isn’t just equations on paper. It’s the rhythm, sound, and science all around us.

$8M in Gifts Received for Incarnate Word Hall

By Jamie Hanzo • April 29, 2026

$8 MILLION IN GIFTS RECEIVED FOR INCARNATE WORD HALL Decades of dedication to our mission have allowed us to now dream bigger than ever before, and today we are so excited to announce a milestone in fundraising for Incarnate Word Hall. Through the generosity of our donors along with a $3.5 million gift from The Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, we have reached over $8 million dollars in gifts towards Incarnate Word Hall. This accomplishment has allowed us to begin the next phase including: demolition of the round building, planning for a new two-story storage facility, and to begin the preparation of a temporary chapel. While we are on track for success, we still need your support to make this dream a reality! Our total gift goal for Incarnate Word Hall is $10 million dollars and raising the remaining 20% will be a community wide effort. We are happy to share that we still have some major gift recognition levels available, but also please know that donations of any size will directly impact the success of the overall project. To view major donor list, learn more about the project, and help us reach our fundraising goal:

Alumna Spotlight: Leann Lomongo Vinson '08

By Jamie Hanzo • April 29, 2026

Alumna Spotlight: Leann Lomongo Vinson ’08 Leann Lomongo Vinson ’08 is a proud member of the Chapelle sisterhood whose faith, leadership, and heart for service continue to make a meaningful impact. Leann lives in Mandeville with her husband, Grant, and their two sons, Wells and Trace. She is currently in her 13th year in education and serves as an instructional coach in St. Tammany Parish, where she supports and guides teachers in their professional growth. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching from LSU. Throughout her career, Leann has taught: - 5th grade at Chateau Estates in Kenner - 5th and 6th grades at her alma mater, St. Philip Neri - 3rd grade at Pontchartrain Elementary School in Mandeville Beyond the classroom, Leann finds great joy in serving her community. She is the Secretary of the Louisiana Association of Teachers of Mathematics , serves on the Coach Advisory Board for Girls on the Run of South Louisiana , and acts as Recruitment Chair for the Junior League of Greater Covington . Most meaningfully, Leann and her sister founded the Mongo Forever Smiling Foundation in honor of their brother, Christopher Lomongo, who unexpectedly passed away in 2022. The nonprofit provides scholarships to deserving Christian students pursuing higher education while upholding their faith and making a positive impact in their communities—just as Christopher did throughout his life. When reflecting on her time at Chapelle, Leann simply says she thinks of family. Her sister, Christie Lomongo Jones ’98, attended Chapelle, and their legacy continued with her niece, Malaya Jones ’23. She also shared the Chapelle experience with her grammar school best friends—women she considers sisters to this day. During her years at ACHS, Leann developed strong academic discipline and deepened her faith, learning to rely fully on God. She continues to live by the Chapelle motto: “God Will Provide.” In both joyful seasons and challenging ones, she believes He always does.

Choir Takes the Big Apple!

By Jamie Hanzo • April 29, 2026

What an unforgettable weekend for our Chapelle Choir Chips! Joined by 160+ students from 4 schools across the country, our singers performed at the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York City on April 20, 2026 — an experience of a lifetime! Through Manhattan Concert Productions, they had the rare opportunity to learn from and be conducted by world-renowned composers René Clausen, Andrea Ramsey, and Rosephanye Powell. But the magic didn't stop on stage. From the top of Rockefeller Center to the steps of St. Patrick's Cathedral, from Times Square to Central Park, our students soaked in everything New York had to offer — including Broadway's Hadestown, famous pizza, and New York cheesecake! The perfect ending? An impromptu performance of God Will Provide inside St. Patrick's Cathedral on their last day. Our Choir Chips came home with new skills, professional inspiration, and memories that will last a lifetime. We couldn't be prouder!

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