News Post

St. Joseph’s Academy gathered as a school community on November 22 for the annual Thanksgiving Prayer Service. The morning celebration, written by Liturgy Coordinator Hugo Andricain, was held in the Academy Student Center.  

The service began with a performance by the Red Steppers dance team under the direction of Jade McCune. 

Senior Caroline Dazzio welcomed the large gathering to the service. Senior Faith Woods read a poem entitled A Good Thanksgiving, written by an Academy student in 1937. As the poem was read, students carried tables adorned with fall decorations to the center of the gymnasium. 

Senior Emily Reynaud read from the book of Psalms.

As the Praise & Worship Band performed a number of songs, the student body brought canned goods to the tables. Items collected will benefit the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Offering prayers as each group of students brought food donations to the table were sophomore Daniela Latil, junior Anna Gentile, Reynaud and senior Caroline Colby. 

Senior Melanie Hasenkampf read a poem by senior Annie Blanchard entitled Thankful, and senior Jolan Taylor read her poem, entitled Thanksgiving. 

Freshman Susanna Shields read from the Gospel according the Matthew. Junior Vivian Dille led a prayer over the collected food. 

Following the prayer service, Campus Minister Alise Alexander announced her office’s Advent schedule, which includes reconciliation, two early morning masses in the Chapel, adoration, rosary and Bible study. 
 
Principal Stacia Andricain thanked all who made the service special. She also thanked the guests in attendance, including Kenneth “Mr. Kenny” Martin, a former member of the SJA maintenance staff who recently finished chemotherapy and radiation treatments. 
 
Performing with the Praise & Worship band were sophomore Cate Arms, keyboard; senior Rachel Sanchez, percussion and keyboard; sophomore Kate Appleton, percussion; freshman Susana Cuadra, violin; Stephen Barrios, percussion; Aimee Wiles, keyboard; Alan LeCoq, bass; and Hugo Andricain, guitar. 

Guest vocalist Donald Span, a member of the SJA maintenance staff, joined Praise & Worship Band vocalists sophomore Alana Buckley, sophomore Kelsey Brown, junior Caroline Causey, junior Bree Wilkins, freshman Caroline Cashio, senior Jordan Mathis, freshman Julianne Morgan and sophomore Delaney Poiencoit.

Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director

Photos by Erin Albarado