News Post

SJA Celebrates Catholic Schools Week 2025

St. Joseph’s Academy celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a variety of activities January 27-31. This year’s theme was Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community. 

“In 2025, we are honored to celebrate the 375th anniversary of the founding of the Congregation of St. Joseph,” said Mission Integration Director Jade Spears. “All members of the Academy community were invited to join our celebration of the Congregation by celebrating our beloved St. Joseph’s Academy this week. As the oldest high school in Baton Rouge, we are reminded of the courage and love the Sisters bring to all they do, so that all my be one.” 

On January 29, Bishop Michael Duca celebrated mass with representatives from all Catholic schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Representing SJA were Campus Minister Chelsea Colomb and seniors Chaillie Anne Daniel, Ryann Dotson, Jaelyn Jones, Lauren Taylor, Addie Vercher, Margaret Murthy and Macy Davis. Additionally, members of the SJA and Catholic High School choirs, under the direction of Danielle Laird and Steve Galliano, lent their musical gifts to the mass.

Educators celebrating milestone years of service to Catholic education were honored. SJA faculty and staff members celebrating milestone anniversaries this year are Valerie Brubaker, Lesley Cranow, Tina Grant, Erin Hart, Amy Parker and Jacqueline Savoia, 10 years; Katie Amato, 15 years; JoAnne Campbell, 20 years; and Karen Douet-Wannamaker, Mary Beth Elfert and John Richardson, 25 years. 

Throughout the week, Student Ministry led the celebration of daily themes. On Tuesday, Celebrating Students, students wore class t-shirts or t-shirts in their class mascot’s color. On Wednesday, Celebrating the Nation, a Rosary for the Nation was said at 7 a.m. in the Chapel at SJA. Additionally, students wore red, white and blue socks. For Thursday’s Celebrating Vocations theme, students had the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation during their theology classes. They also signed cards of thanks for the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brothers of the Sacred Heart and SJA’s chaplain, Father Mathew Dunn. Friday’s theme of Celebrating Faculty, Staff and Volunteers saw Student Council members sharing birthday treats for those born in December, January and February. Students were also invited to stop by the Investar Quad to write notes of appreciation for a faculty or staff member. 

The Office of Mission Integration, in conjunction with Student Council and Student Ministry, spearheaded a collection of items to benefit Catholic Charities. Students, faculty and staff collected kitchen supplies, bedding, personal hygiene items, bathroom essentials and baby items.

Also among the week’s events was the Distinguished Graduates Awards program, hosted by the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese. The dinner/awards banquet was held on Monday, January 27, at The Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel. SJA’s honoree this year was The Honorable Elizabeth Engolio, 18th Judicial District Court, Division D. Three SJA graduates were honored by their elementary schools: Amy Andrews ’06, St. Jean Vianney School; Denise Boudreaux Williston ’85, Sacred Heart of Jesus School; and Claudia Poche Frantz ’06, St. Jude the Apostle School. 

 

Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director