News Post

St. Joseph’s Academy celebrated Catholic Schools Week with a variety of activities. The theme for this year’s celebration, held January 25-31, was Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community. 

Throughout the week, the Office of Mission Integration coordinated the celebration of daily themes. With school closed on Monday because of weather, Tuesday’s theme was Celebrating Students. Wednesday’s theme was Celebrating the Nation; Thursday’s theme was Celebrating Vocations; and Friday’s theme was Celebrating Faculty, Staff and Volunteers. 

Leading up to Catholic Schools Week, students, faculty and staff were invited to join Diocesan-wide efforts to collect items for the less fortunate, including Walmart or Visa gift cards, baby items and various household items.

On Monday evening, the Catholic Schools Office hosted the Distinguished Graduates Awards program at The Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel. SJA’s honoree this year was Kellie Geoffroy Elisar ’06, director of Health Services and chief pharmacist at St. Vincent de Paul. SJA President Jan Breen was named the recipient of the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s Distinguished Catholic School Lifetime Achievement Award. 

On Wednesday, Bishop Michael Duca celebrated mass with representatives from all Catholic schools in the Diocese. Representing SJA were President Jan Breen, Principal Stacia Andricain, Dean of Academics Aubrey DeJohn and faculty members Hugo Andricain, Angelle Saia, Cecilia Methvin and Amanda Henley. Ten seniors were chosen by the faculty and staff to represent SJA. They were Elizabeth Bertucci, Virginia Braud, Hayley Cavalier, Camille Cotton, Louisa deBlieux, Linley Denstel, Isabella DuBos, Olivia Funes, Sydney Kline and Clare Valluzzo.

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. Camille Funes was a cantor. 

Breen was once again announced as the recipient of the Diocesan Lifetime Achievement award. The award was announced by Kim Mengarelli, director of Government Programs and Compliance in the Catholic Schools Office, and presented by Dr. Cindy Ryals, superintendent of Catholic Schools, and Bishop Duca.

On Thursday, students enjoyed lunch on campus with a number of Sisters of St. Joseph, Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Bishop Duca, Bishop Emeritus Robert Muench and SJA chaplain Father Josh Zelden. 

The week concluded on Friday with students writing notes of appreciation to faculty and staff members. The Mothers’ Club provided lunch for teachers and staff members.