Salt and Light! The 162nd Opelousas Catholic School Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement was held on May 18 in St. Landry Catholic Church for the 46 graduates of 2018. It was a magnificent evening with The Most Reverend J. Douglas Deshotel, Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette, presiding. Assisting was OC Chancellor, The Reverend Monsignor Keith J. DeRouen, along with some of our owner parish pastors and Deacon Dwayne Joubert (1983). As the gospel from Matthew spoke to these young people … You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world! Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Many graduating seniors were given praises at the Senior Awards Banquet. Presentations included the Catholic Youth Leadership Awards by the Knights of Columbus to Bethany Guidry and Conner Castille and the Fourth Degree KC Patriotic Medal to Reid LaBruyere. Several seniors were also recognized with scholarships from organizations, civic groups, and universities. Among them, David Schroeder has chosen to serve our country by enlisting in the U.S. National Guard on full scholarship while attending school. *OC is happy to report that this class of 46 amassed approximately $1,250,000.00 in scholarship awards!

Top-ranking graduates for 2018 were Emily Tromblay, Valedictorian, who will be attending UL-Lafayette to study the field of Accounting; Sarah Dupre, Salutatorian, who will also move on to UL-Lafayette to major in Nursing; Logan Warren, Historian, who will join Emily and Sarah in Lafayette to begin the Mechanical Engineering program; and Reid LaBruyere, Recorder, who will go north to Louisiana Tech University to begin his studies. The majority of their classmates will also advance to state universities to prepare for their future careers.

It is our hope that these 46 alumni will remain close to God and their alma mater and will feel very comfortable returning to their “OC home” for visits. As their class song asserts for precious moments remembered in high school … if only the pause button could be pressed for just “five more minutes”! May God bless the class of 2018 and guide their hearts forever … OC honor to the end.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” Colossians 3:15

SAGASAGATheTheVol. 30, No. 2SUMMER 2018

Serving the publics of Opelousas Catholic, Holy Ghost, and Academy of

Immaculate Conception

162

“Guiding our children on their Journey with Jesus”

Top-ranking grads for 2018: Valedictorian Emily Tromblay; Salutatorian Sarah Dupre; Historian Logan Warren; and behind them, Recorder Reid LaBruyere

At the Senior Awards Banquet, Father Brady awarded the Four-Year Religion gifts toJustin Helton and Bethany Guidry.

Anna Lafleur and Seth Briggs received the prestigious American Legion awards from Commander James Wheeler for their exceptional character and leadership.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGEby Mrs. Marty Heintz, Principal

Note: I should be able to return to the office by July 2 as I recover from surgery. If you have a question or concern, please email Rose Lalonde, Liz Meche, or Matt Citron.

When I was a student back in the dark ages, Sister Mary Bernadine, Rose, Robert Ann, Henriette, Joseph (fill in the blank) stood in the front of the classroom and told us what we had to know. We read textbook pages aloud, maybe did a workbook page and then memorized the information for a test. Many of my classmates never did well and out of my high school class of over 500 as freshmen, 340 of us graduated.

By the time I started teaching in 1987, enough research had been accepted and published as most people acknowledged that not every student could learn in that mid-20th Century mold. Diversification and teaching to learning styles became the norm, at least on paper, in most school districts -- even if Sister did still stand in front of the room 90% of the time.

Now, early 21st Century, we all not only acknowledge but advocate that hands-on learning, self-directed learning, cooperative learning, experimentation, technology, and, yes, even lecture and those guided practice worksheets, can and should coexist in the same classroom.

The faculty, administration, and staff at OC have embraced that concept with our new block schedule. Simply put, that means that teachers will have a block of 90 minutes every other day with their students in grades 6-12 allowing for all the activities needed to engage students in the tech-rich 21st Century. And, yes, even grades K-5 are working with blocks of time this year but on a daily, rather than every other day basis.

Another important change: your administrators, including me, will be teaching classes this fall! We are in this educational endeavor with our teachers and students, and I am actually looking forward to my class. We are training for that move to 90 minutes but are sure the benefits will be great for students on all levels. In grades 6-12, students will have four 90-minute classes a day. I will send out more information before we begin the year, but our high school students, when introduced to the idea last spring, were enthusiastic about the four classes, of course because that means no more than four sets of homework a night, but also about the opportunity to take another class, either to get ahead or just take something for fun in our rigorous college-prep program. We have some interesting new electives, ranging from more Dual Enrollment opportunities, to digital graphics, speech and weights and conditioning.

We are also participating in another state grant through the Diocese of Lafayette, this time bringing chromebooks into every English/reading class in grades 4-12! That new equipment, as well as the science equipment from last year’s grant, will all be in place in August.

It is always heartbreaking when teachers retire or leave, but I feel we have some excellent people joining our faculty. Parents and students, you will be pleased with their knowledge and concern for the students.

As I close out this month, let me state what I plan on saying every month this school year, so that you know how strongly this administration believes it: there will be NO tuition increase next year (2019-2020) but we do need those who are here to pay in a timely fashion to do it. Enough said.

BRIEFSASSISTANT PRINCIPAL of ACADEMICSMrs. Elizabeth Meche has been appointed Assistant Principal of Academics for 2018-2019. Mrs. Meche has been a valuable member of the leadership team at OC for 14 years. With a master’s degree in Counselor Education and after working in the private and public medical/counseling sector, she became OC’s guidance counselor in 2004. Her role recently expanded into Curriculum Director for high school. Mrs. Meche has been instrumental in realigning the schoolwide curriculum, broadening the scope of our Dual Enrollment program and our elective offerings as well as implementing new standardized testing at the high school level. She and her husband Bret are the parents of six children, four of them OC alumni and two current students.

A PRIEST from “HOME”Everyone at Opelousas Catholic, St. Landry Catholic Church, and the city of Opelousas takes great pride in newly-ordained Reverend Benjamin Pitre, 2002 OC alumnus. He was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood for the Diocese of Lafayette on June 23 in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. Sponsored by St. Landry Catholic Church, Reverend Pitre has been assigned to residence at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Ville Platte and to serve as Sacramental Minister to St. Peter Parish in Morrow and its mission of Resurrection in Whiteville until September 23 when he will return to Rome to complete his studies. He is pursuing a Licentiate in Sacred Theology with a focus in Moral Theology. Congratulations Father Ben from your OC family!

PRAYERS for MONSIGNOR Monsignor Louis Melancon, priest in residence at St. Landry Catholic Church and pillar at Opelousas Catholic School, suffered a stroke in May. Opelousas Catholic asks for your continued prayers for this outstanding and devoted priest who loves OC and has given so much of himself to the children and families. May God heal him!

PTO Ladies Love OC!Our Parent-Teacher Organization at OC is led by a group of energetic “moms” who have been trying to find new events to hold while raising funds at the same time. They continue to offer their fall barbecue, and last year they instituted the first “Daddy-Daughter Dance” which was a great success! They added for this year a “Mom-Son Dance” and also initiated “Birthday and Graduation Grams” which have been a big hit! In the works for this fall is a “Tacky Mom Prom”. Thus these ladies stay very busy for the love of OC. Thank you to Lindsey Reed, Candice Gussman, Carmen St. Cyr, and Candace Randell!

VIKING VOYAGESelected OC Vikings sailed on a “Viking Voyage” in January when they docked at St. Ignatius Catholic School, Carencro Catholic School, and Our Mother of Peace Catholic School. There they visited with the school’s eighth grade students to show them what Opelousas Catholic could offer them as these prospective students prepare to enter high school. We thank the administration of these three schools for allowing us to bring the good news of OC to them! It was a smooth voyage for our crew of high school students and staff.

GRANDPARENTS’ DAYAttention all grandparents (or a special aunt or uncle or godparent)! “Grandparents’ Day 2018” is set for Wednesday, November 14. After the prayer service, there will be classroom visits with the elementary children. Grandparents … please mark your calendars as the children look forward to this special day!

THE SAGA HIGHLIGHTS Teachers, Achiever, and Distinguished Grads

Opelousas Catholic School honorees recognized during Catholic Schools Week at OC were Blaire Schwartzenburg Emonet, Elementary Teacher of the Year, Tammy Fontenot, Secondary Teacher of the Year along with Achiever/Supporter of the Year Steve Guidroz. Additionally, the selected 2017-18 NCEA Distinguished Graduates were Deacon Dwayne Joubert and Deacon Bill Pollingue.

After teaching in St. Landry Parish for six years, Blaire Schwartzenburg Emonet (2001) came “home” to her alma mater where she is a valuable leader in our Pre-K program. Mrs. Emonet completed her degree in Early Childhood Education from UL-Lafayette. Besides doing an awesome job with the preschoolers, she has served at OC as a junior high cheerleader sponsor, member of the Vitality and Advancement committees along with the Alumni Association. She is a former PTO officer and participated in the Dancing Viking Starz event last year. Her family attends Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church where she is involved with the children’s liturgy. She and her husband Eric (1996) are the parents of four children, three OC students and one future Viking!

Tammy Fontenot graduated with magna cum laude honors from UL-Lafayette with a degree in Science Education including minors in Biology and Geology. She just finished her 24th year of teaching after retiring from the St. Landry Parish School System where she taught science at Port Barre High School. Mrs. Fontenot has now completed her third year of teaching 7th and 8th grade Science at OC and does an outstanding job as the Science Fair coordinator. She is the mother of two children attending OC. Mrs. Fontenot is a lifelong member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Grand Prairie where she has served as a lector and CCD teacher.

Going above and beyond for his alma mater describes Steve Guidroz (1978). He has given extraordinary service to OC for many years. In addition to his job at Slemco (now retired), his incredible resume for OC includes: OC Fair, PTO officer, OC School Board, OC bus driver, Purple Club chairman, Athletic Council current president, junior high basketball, baseball, and softball coach, basketball game clock operator, football statistician, varsity softball and cross country coach, and OC retreat team! Besides this, Mr. Guidroz has given service to the Knights of Columbus and his church parish of Our Lady Queen of Angels. He has even found time for baseball umpiring and soccer refereeing. He and his wife JoAnne (1978) have raised three children, all OC alumni, and now adore three grandchildren with another on the way!

Deacon Dwayne Joubert (1983) spent approximately 20 years of his career in retail management and then three years in civil service for the State of Louisiana. He is now devoted in full time ministry work with St. Landry Catholic Church as a Deacon since 2013. At Opelousas Catholic over the years, Deacon Joubert served on the Advisory Council and has been on the Athletic Council for the last 12 years, now serving in an advisory role. He has also taught in the OC high school religion department and serves in his role

Honorees Blaire Emonet, Tammy Fontenot, Deacon Dwayne Joubert,Deacon Bill Pollingue, and Steve Guidroz

as a deacon at most school masses. Deacon Joubert has been the “Voice of the Vikings” as football game announcer for 13 years running! He and his wife Mary (1983) have one daughter Sarah (2017) who is now attending LSU in Baton Rouge.

Deacon Bill Pollingue (1968) received his degrees in Accounting and Business Administration from Spring Hill College and later earned his CPA license and his Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School. For the last 28 years, he has worked as Chief Financial Officer for Tony Chachere’s Creole Foods. At OC, Deacon Pollingue was a member of the committee forming the OC Foundation Trust Fund and had leading positions with the PTO. He actually installed and maintained the first OC computer network and set up the first computerized payroll system for the school. Deacon Pollingue maintains a very full schedule between his job and his role as a deacon with Our Lady Queen of Angels Church since his ordination in 2012, a period of time when he also received his master’s degree in Theology from Holy Cross in New Orleans. He and his wife Charmaine (former OC science teacher) have one daughter who is an OC grad, and they now adore four grandchildren.

Thank you to all of these tremendous individuals who live out “service above self” to Catholic education and to the Catholic church … outstanding role models for everyone!

TECH “Bits and Bytes”by Beth Going Hebert (1974), Technology Coordinator

We have completed our infrastructure overhaul, and it is a great improvement both in terms of internet speed and safety. With the donations from our generous “Angels”, we were able to purchase 45 new chromebooks for elementary on 3 new carts and 30 new chromebooks on 2 new carts for junior high. The elementary also has an additional cart with 16 chromebooks, while the junior high and high school has chromebooks spread out in Religion and English classes.

Mrs. Heintz has been working hard to secure grant money for us, and we are expecting to receive 75 new touch chromebooks soon for use in junior high and high school science classes. The three teachers in the grant also receive a new 78” ActivPanel for their classrooms. Plans are to have digital science textbooks next year, our first all-digital textbook. It truly is an exciting time for our teachers and students!

Our English department in grades 4-12 will benefit from grant money in 2018-2019 as they receive 6 new ActivPanels and 150 chromebooks on 6 carts.

Keep up with the latest news from OC through our website, www.OCSvikings.com, our Facebook page, as well as the calendar on ParentsWeb for our parents and students.

Looking for a way to help OC? Bring your used ink, toner, and old cell phones to Room 10. We recycle them and get cash back or discounts on office supplies. We generally earn over $500 each year through this recycling. You can also earn significant state tax credits by purchasing new computer equipment for Opelousas Catholic. Call me at 337-942-5404 ext 102 for more information.

It is my pleasure to serve our students and parents in the area of technology, and we look forward to continuous improvements this upcoming school year.

337-942-5712Laf. Line 337-234-5002

Fax 337-942-6332

PrintingOffice Supplies& FurnitureLetterheadsBusiness CardsEnvelopesBrochuresBooksSpecializing in4-Color Process123 S. Main St.Opelousas, LA 70570

ADVANCEMENT BULLETINby Kathy Hebert, Director of Advancement

We hope that you enjoy this issue of The Saga and encourage all alumni to contact the Advancement Office with information which may be included in future issues, etc. (337-942-5404 ext. 105; hebertk@ocsvikings.com).

In this eventful year, the Advancement Office schedule has remained filled with efforts to spread our good news. Under the umbrella of Advancement includes the Angel Appeal Drive and publications such as the recent “OCS Chronicles” which included the school’s financial report and projected budget. We also spread our news through various media including our Facebook page. You are encouraged to follow it! The Lafayette Diocese Facebook page has even included some of our posts. OC was featured on our KATC TV 3’s “Cool Schools” segment a couple of times this year as well. You may have noticed our monthly pictures/articles in the local Community Chronicles newspaper and our “Watch Us Grow” inserts in the Opelousas and Washington’s church bulletins along with our weekly “OC Corner” notes. Advancement’s most active times include Homecoming and the annual Tasters’ Dinner and Auction event. Then this year for the first time, we held a “Celebrate, Network & Re-Connect” alumni gathering in Lafayette.

It is with much gratitude that I acknowledge those who contribute to our Advancement efforts: Donna Dupre, Advancement Assistant who works in numerous ways throughout the year and to this year’s assistant Alumni Director Brittany Wagley who has helped with our alumni database and more. Also appreciated are the members of the Advancement Committee who have contributed to some of our events and to the board members of the Alumni Association who provide services at Homecoming, Senior Breakfast, and with the alumni wall composites. May God continue to bless Opelousas Catholic and its advancement endeavors!

CELEBRATE, NETWORK & RE-CONNECTThe Office of Advancement led a venture in April to reach out to alumni in the Lafayette area. This gave them an opportunity to visit with OC staff and catch up with the latest school news without traveling to Opelousas. We essentially brought OC to them, and it was indeed a nice evening at the Community Foundation of Acadiana on Camellia Boulevard, filled with refreshments, reminiscing, door prizes and renewal of friendship!

Named “Celebrate, Network & Re-Connect”, our hope is that it will grow and expand to other areas such as Baton Rouge and further! Mrs. Kathy Hebert, Director of Advancement, thanks all who helped in any way to enhance the event … Donna Dupre, Brittany L. Wagley (2004), Matt Soileau (2007) of the Lafayette Petroleum Club, Alyce Hebert Ryder (1993) of Hebert’s Boudin and Cracklins, Sharon Ortego, Racheal Mouret, Candace Randell, Melanie Carriere, Kathryn Jarrell, Stephanie Roy, Heather S. Wallace (1993), OC Spirit Shop, Salon Indulgence (Yvette Mills Meche, 1986 & Sherri Landry), Beth G. Hebert (1974), John Braham, Marty Heintz, OC faculty and staff, Raymond Hebert and the staff of the CFA.

Long Running TASTERS’ EVENTThe 19th annual OC Tasters’ Dinner and Auction event on February 7 was another success! Family and friends in the community enjoyed delicious dishes shared by many local chefs and caterers including: Benny’s Supermarket Lil Sweet Shop Blue Dog Café Piggly Wiggly, Paula Quebedeaux Cash Saver, Joey Quebedeaux Senior Village Crawfish Town USA Sombreros of Opelousas Frank’s Poboys Tony Chachere’s Creole Foods Kelly’s Meat Block & Diner Whitetail’s Bar & Grill Shirley Lemelle’s Catering Zea Rotisserie & Grill

Community Coffee once again provided complimentary coffee and various teas for our guests.

Kathy Hebert, event chairperson, has expressed gratitude to the “core committee”, including Donna Dupre (co-chair), Joanne Briley, Angele Broussard, Stephanie LaGrange, Robin Reed, Jenny Robin, Cristal Vazquez, and Heather Wallace plus all of our generous sponsors such as Bodemuller and auction donors providing 72 Silent Auction items and 7 Live Auction offers!

A highlight was the “We Are Marching Again” framed Blue Dog print provided by the George Rodrigue Foundation in memory of Wilda Cosgrove, mother of Marty (1982) and Kathryn (1986) and grandmother of Caroline (2013) and Evan (2019). To teach the children about Rodrigue’s art, the students painted their own Blue Dog creations with the direction of parent artists Cristal Vazquez and Heather Wallace along with elementary art teacher Jill Artall and the preschool teachers.

We also appreciate local establishments who purchased reserved tables to accommodate their guests: Dupre, Carrier, Godchaux Agency Lily Pad Pediatrics Mama’s Fried Chicken/Danny’s Tire World Neuner Pate Law Firm Opelousas General Health System St. Landry Homestead Bank

It was an evening to remember and to give thanks for Opelousas Catholic and our generous community!

Salute to RETIREESFour of our faculty and staff have decided to retire and enjoy more time with their families. OC is so grateful to these long-time members of our staff who have served with lots of love and devotion!

• Mr. Jervis Thibodeaux has taught math at OC for 24 years with a total of an amazing 57 years in education!

• Mrs. Berna Deshotel has accumulated the most OC years in this group, completing her 37th year helping the OC family as an office aide.

• Mrs. Barbara James has taught high school English for 12 years at OC plus 29 prior years in the field of education.

• Mrs. Rhonda Schwartzenburg just completed her tenth year at OC in the elementary grades after 20 years in the public school system.

These outstanding individuals have touched so many lives. All together the four have spent 165 years in the field of education! May God bless them with a happy retirement!

Retirees Jervis Thibodeaux, Berna Deshotel, Barbara James, and Rhonda Schwartzenburg

APPRECIATION MEMOS!OC gives special thanks to Mrs. Paula Carriere, religion teacher in the high school, who left earlier this year due to health issues. Her students and the entire school are truly grateful for her love of teaching and of her students. OC wishes her well!

Besides our retirees, other staff members who are moving on for the 2018-2019 school year include Sonia George, Adrion Guidry, Matt Hebert (2008), Margaret Whaley Joubert (1989), Karen Lafleur, Kathryn Manzanares and Christie Vercher. OC is grateful for their outstanding service and wishes them many blessings in their new ventures!

Over this past year, OC has welcomed Father Matthew Higginbotham to our Board of Pastors. Fr. Matthew, pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Washington, has been very visible on campus, being available to the students and staff on a regular basis. Thank you, Father!

Just recently, the Bishop announced transfers of priests within the diocese, including Father James Brady of St. Landry Catholic Church. Fr. Brady has been serving OC on our Board of Pastors for several years and will be missed by so many! Thank you, Fr. Brady, for your love and guidance in shepherding our school family! Msgr. Russell Harrington will become the new pastor of St. Landry in July, and OC welcomes him to the school’s Board of Pastors.

We are so grateful to parents, family, and friends who have been sending in selected labels to benefit OC! Please keep sending the Community Coffee product labels and the GM Box Tops to help our school. We are also grateful to those who bring recyclables to the St. Landry Parish Recycling Center and apply it to OC’s account.

Thanks also to the parents, grandparents, family and friends who supported the spring Cookie Dough Sale to help OC raise more funds for the purchase of additional chromebooks for the classrooms … such blessings!

The high school librarian Leslie Carloss thanks everyone for supporting the spring Scholastic Book Fair. It raised over $1,785.00 for the library! Generous donations to the teachers’ wish list bags provided over 30 books for the classroom libraries. She also thanks the many volunteers who helped to set up, provide refreshments, and decorate, including senior AnnMarie Bihm, library aide! Ms. Carloss is always grateful to OC parent Lia Duplechain for her valuable assistance in the library throughout the year.

May God bless OC parent Mitch Olivier, owner of Crawfish Corner in Opelousas, who provided a super delicious “crawfish boil” for the graduating seniors and OC faculty/staff at the end of the year!

OC acknowledges our pastors for their love and guidance and value the deacons and church office staff members who are always very supportive!

OC feels so fortunate to have been one of the 110+ nonprofits included in the South Louisiana Giving Day on May 10th through the Community Foundation of Acadiana. May God bless our generous donors!

Thank you to SUPER 1 FOODS for the “Cash for My Class” program (Aug 28, 2017-June 15, 2018) where they donated 1% of the purchase of qualifying Brookshire products to OC and other schools who participated by using special scan tags.

LAW OFFICESOF

GREGORY J. DOUCET(A Professional Law Corporation)

223 South Main StreetOpelousas, Louisiana 70570

Telephones: 337-948-3500 • 337-942-LAWSFacsimile: 337-942-5297

Email: gjdoucet@bellsouth.net

TEACHER LOVE

For Teacher Appreciation Week, PTO provided a special display in the front of campus …then showed some excitement for OC in this energetic pose!

A TREASURE OF A GIFT Mr. Philip Andrepont (1961) of Andrepont Printing in Opelousas has been a board member with the Catholic Schools of Opelousas Alumni Association over the years. He recently completed some work for OC with the help of the Alumni Association. He scanned all of the alumni wall composite pictures to make a digital copy for the school to keep safely. Above and beyond that, he kindly printed out and bound together these composite pictures in a keepsake book. OC was honored and grateful to have Mr. Andrepont present the book to OC, handing it to 2018-2019 Student Body President Marsha Savage at a school mass in May. May God bless alumnus Philip Andrepont, the Alumni Association, and all of the alumni of AIC, Holy Ghost, and Opelousas Catholic!

ELEMENTARY SNAPS!

Elementary “Citizenship” awards for those chosen with exceptional leadership, academics,and respect for others: Jordan White, Ainsley Reed, Levi Vercher, Charles Cameron,

Maddie Rose Mouret, Emmy Hutchins, Sophia Ritter, Jackson Trahan, Haays Latiolais, Kennedi DeRouen, and Ella Borne; not pictured Garrett Lormand

Elementary “Religion” awards for those selected for their demonstration of outstanding Christian behavior and Catholic faith: Alice Meche, Amelie Fontenot, Avery Broussard,

Avery Hutchins, Taylor Miller, Kade Miller, Kourtney Lavergne, Cameron Slate, Chase Dupre and Brennan Charles; not pictured Ily Roberts and Bella Grote

Kindergarten students were happy to receive their kindergarten completion certificates at the Elementary Awards Ceremony as they prepare for first grade!

A glimpse of the first “Mom & Son” Dance sponsored by the PTO! The young men dressed up and escorted their moms for an evening of dancing, desserts, and precious memories! Pictured

are Rachael Tate Burnell (1996) with son Jackson, Allison Hatfield with son Benjamin,and Rebecca Vidrine with son Jacob.

Mardi Gras in South Louisiana … a perfect time for Mrs. Emily Trahan Turner’s (2001)high school French students to teach the preschoolers what they learned in their study ofMardi Gras customs! The youngsters loved the costumes, songs, chicken run and gumbo!

Upper elementary students enjoyed the New Orleans Saints “Play Football Experience” with representatives talking to them about the importance of education and goal setting.

OC parent Jennifer Duhon also guided the students on nutrition. Following this, studentsbroke up into groups for various non-contact stations to test their skills … a fun-filled time!

We love our Vikings!

A SPECIAL TRIBUTE from Robert A. Roy (1976)Alumni, Parent, Parent of Alumni

I can tell you that Opelousas Catholic provides children with a well-rounded education, a family environment, a variety of sports and activities to choose, and a final product to be proud of. I have had a child enrolled at OC for 30 consecutive years; and yes, times have changed. Faculty, students, and facilities have all changed, but the faith has never changed. I have seen a lot at OC over the years, but the one thing that always seems to surface is the final product. Many get college degrees and become productive employees; but most important is that the final product is a good person going to be a productive citizen.

BE an AMBASSADOR for OC!

If you know of a friend or relative whose children may benefit from our quality Catholic education, please share this newsletter with them and encourage them to consider OC. Opelousas Catholic educates the WHOLE student … mind, body and spirit … and offers a total package from preschool grades through 12th grade graduation.

Opelousas Catholic now uses RenWeb for the registration process. More information is posted on our school website (www.OCSvikings.com). May prospective families consider “making this place their HOME” for a quality and caring Catholic education. Yes, we are FAMILY at Opelousas Catholic!

OPELOUSAS • EUNICE • PORT BARRE • LAFAYETTESCOTT • CARENCRO • MEMBER F.D.I.C.

Prayer to End Violence

GIVING in MANY WAYS!After witnessing the many wonderful happenings at OC, won’t you consider a way to get involved and give back, to support Catholic education at Opelousas Catholic?

Supporters can PRAY for the school, VOLUNTEER time for the children, and/or provide monetary DONATIONS to help OC carry out the school’s mission!

Become INVOLVED ........alumni in the Alumni Association; parents in school organizations Become CONNECTED .... follow the OC Facebook page; check out the school web site Become INFORMED ...... read school newsletters, publications, and more

Become SPIRITED .........visit The Viking Shop (OC website) for your Viking apparel, help

.................................................to organize class reunions, etc.

GIVE BACK ....................gifts for Tuition Assistance, Angel Appeal, Foundation Trust,

.................................................Building Fund, Athletics, and Alumni Association

These all make a tremendous difference!

Did you know that you can leave a legacy with the Planned Giving concept? Gifts through a will or estate plan may be completed by anyone. You can take care of your loved ones and the children of OC at the same time. Please check with your financial advisor, CPA or attorney to find out more.

Your company may have a Matching Gift Program. Many corporations give back to local communities as one of the benefits to employees. Please look into it!

Give, and it shall be given unto you … Luke 6:38

Following the shooting at a Florida school in February, many schools around the country planned a “walk-out” on the one-month anniversary. Instead Opelousas Catholic chose “prayer” through the Living Rosary. OC held 17 minutes of prayer for the 17 victims in

the Florida tragedy and named it “Prayer of Solidarity for an End to Violence”. Local law enforcement officers including the sheriff and chief of police participated. It was a beautiful

way to bring community together in powerful prayer to remember these young victims.

OC MISSION STATEMENTOpelousas Catholic School educates students

in the mission of Christ:to know, love, and serve God;

to be kind and respectful to one another;and to use their God-given gifts to achieve

success spiritually, academically and physically.

V IK ING PR IDE

Top awards at the Junior High Awards Ceremony: Jaren St. Clair was presented the“Junior Viking Award” as voted on by his peers for his outstanding traits, character,

compassion and Christ-like service; and Eli Guidroz was the recipient of the“Outstanding Academic Award for 8th grade”.

Our Varsity Quiz Bowl Team claimed the championship at the Diocesan Quiz Bowl competition! Congratulations to team members Madeline Cerna, Olivia Doucet, Sarah Dupre, Bethany Guidry, Emily Tromblay, Sam Pitre and Molly Trahan!

Student scholars inducted this spring into the National Honor Society based on their scholarship, service, leadership and character:

Adrienne Allen Bethany Guidry Sam PitreRemy Bergeron Savannah Hidalgo Marsha SavageMadeleine Braham Natalie Marks Rebecca ThomasCale Cart Amelia Miguez Molly TrahanColleen Chachere Lillian Phythian Taylor Thistlethwaite

Serving as president in the next school year will be Remy Bergeron.

OC takes pride in all classes completing service projects during the year...addressing needs of the elderly, veterans, prisoners and the animal shelter to mention a few and even sewing t-shirt dresses for underprivileged children. It warms the heart!

Students in 1st and 2nd grades who finished with the highest averages in Math and Reading this year:

Math: Lucy Meche & Betsy Vazquez, 1st grade Scout Darbonne & Anthony Savoy, 2nd grade Reading: Lucy Meche & Betsy Vazquez, 1st grade Scout Darbonne & Brennen Le, 2nd grade

Emily Tromblay and Reid LaBruyere, 2018 seniors, were honored with the 2017-2018 School Service Awards for their strong desire to serve others.

Jacob Vazquez, outstanding 7th grader, qualified through the Duke University Talent Identification Program to take the ACT at this early stage, and he succeeded with a 21 composite score! He was invited to a State Recognition Ceremony in the spring.

United Blood Services recognized seniors Madeline Cerna and Adrienne Lalonde for being active donors at school and community blood drives and presented them with Life Scholar Honor Cords to wear over their graduation gowns.

Anna Kate Emonet, 8th grader, was the recipient of the Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur Memorial Scholarship as made available through the Richard Lafleur family.

Student leaders for the 2018-2019 school year include Marsha Savage, Student Body President; Destiny Broussard, Senate President, and class presidents Alyssa Chachere, seniors; Jon Ross Miller, juniors; Olivia Hebert, sophomores; and Brailey Major, freshmen.

Congratulations to the top “Accelerated Readers for the Year” in elementary grades: 5th grade – Zachary LaGrange (Top AR Reader of the Year) & Rhett Chautin; 4th grade – Sara St. Cyr & Bella Blanchard; and 3rd grade – Molly Vazquez & Carsen McKinney.

We commend high school leaders Maddie Braham, Morgan Charles, Adrienne Allen along with Taylor Thistlethwaite, Remy Bergeron, and Luke Vidrine who were selected as delegates to attend the American Legion Girls’ and Boys’ State this summer at Northwestern State University.

It was another moving Passion Play presented by the senior class during Holy Week. Justin Helton played the part of Jesus, while Blaire Sonnier was His mother Mary.

Outstanding graduates and twin brothers Ethan and Logan

Warren were recognized at the Senior Awards Banquet

… Ethan with the awards for excellence in Math and Science and Logan accepting the honor

for excellence in English.

In the District Drama Rally, Sarah Dupre and Reid LaBruyere were chosen for the “All Star Cast”!

Fourteen student scholars qualified to compete in the State Rally by their placement in the spring District Literary Rally at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette in their subject areas. First place winners also received $100 awards. First place winners: Second place winners: Third place winners:Olivia Hebert, English II Jesse Roy, Algebra II Grant Larcade, English III Sam Pitre, Chemistry Drake Guidry, World Geography Kennedy Sittig, English ISarah Dupre, Biology II Dawson LeBlanc, French I Molly Trahan, U.S. HistoryEthan Warren, World History Blaire Sonnier, Journalism Adam Dupre, CivicsEmily Tromblay, Accounting Bethany Guidry, PsychologySeven other students placed at district but did not qualify for state competition. Congrats to all!

Two student scholars now hold state medals from their outstanding performances at the State Literary Rally. Sam Pitre was awarded State Division IV 2nd place in Chemistry while Emily Tromblay received a 2nd place State medal in Accounting!

Exceptional students who were named “Vikings of the Year” as voted on by their classmates: Kayden Darbonne & Bennett Wallace (5th grade) for elementaryMallory Little & Logan Warren (12th grade) for high school

The Varsity Cheerleader Squad 2018-2019: seniors/captains Morgan Charles, Amelia Miguez, juniors Maci Bergeron, Aubre Berzas, Mary Collins, Lexi Fontenot, Amy Claire Miller, Katie Wagley; sophomores Olivia Hebert, Aubry Hidalgo, and freshmen Kaylee Bergeron, Lindsay Charles, Ella Eades, Taylor Estis, Brailey Major, Alyssa Meche. In UCA summer camp, they took 1st in Cheer; 2nd in Rally Routine; Game Day Champs; Leadership Award, and Banana Award! Seniors Morgan and Amelia made “All American” and were invited to try out for next year’s UCA staff! For their outstanding qualities and good sportsmanship, juniors Maci, Mary, and Amy Claire received the “Pin It Forward” awards.

The Vikette Dance Team 2018-19: Amanda Knott (captain), Colleen Chachere (co-captain), Maddie Braham, Destiny Broussard, Emily Briley, Anna McKinney, Amber Lastie, Nyah Lynch, and Anna Kate Emonet. In this summer’s UDA camp, the team received the Leadership Award and earned superior in their A & B routines with a 2nd place in Home Routine. Special congrats to Maddie Braham, Emily Briley and Destiny Broussard for making “All-American”; and seniors Maddie and Destiny were invited to try out for next year’s UDA staff!

Students in grades 5 (elementary section); 8 (junior high section); and 12 (high school section) were selected as “Vikings of the Month” for their outstanding qualities/academics/leadership. January: Lili Gillen & Zachary LaGrange, 5th Kaylee Bergeron & Jace Sloane, 8th Savannah Hidalgo & Logan Warren, 12th February: Finley Tomlinson & Noah Tatman, 5th Lauren Charles & Riley Reed, 8th Olivia Doucet & Alex Lanclos, 12th March: Kylie Everett & Preston Sloane, 5th Nyah Lynch & Sam Hanks, 8th Faith Mayfield & Ryan Lewis, 12thApril: Valerie Courville & Bat Thibodeaux, 5th Taylor Estis & Halen Granger, 8th Lillian Phythian & Gavin Armstrong, 12th *Those honored in September-December were listed in the winter issue of The Saga newsletter.

These eighth graders had exceptional results in the REGIONAL Science Fair held at UL-Lafayette! The team of Lindsay Charles and Lydia Martin placed 3rd in the Junior Division

for Plant Sciences. Sarah Blanchard received 1st place honors in the Junior Division for Animal Sciences ... and qualified for State competition!

OC “Students of the Year” for 2017-2018: Rowen Bergeron, 5th grade;Eli Guidroz, 8th grade; and Sarah Dupre, 12th grade

OC’s SINGING SENSATION! As announced in our winter issue, 2018 senior Bethany Guidry competed in the Special Talent competition at the Louisiana State BETA Convention and was awarded State Runner-Up and thus qualified for national competition in Savannah, Georgia. This marks the first time that OC has had a student to participate on the national level! OC is proud to announce that Bethany placed in the Top 10 at National BETA and received an award plaque as a Top 10 finalist!

By the way, you can now purchase an actual CD of her Praise and Worship collection “Amazed by You” for only $20. Contact Adrion Guidry at 337-280-5692 or email guidryentertainment@charter.net or guidryentertainment@gmail.com.

ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTSIt was another successful year for the Vikings and Lady Vikings! It was playoff bound for teams in football, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls basketball, baseball, and softball … and the District Crowns were won by girls basketball as well as baseball! There are many individual accolades, too!

Football (Coach Thomas David)The team went to the playoffs’ 1st round! Logan Warren (OC Team MVP)Ethan Warren (Leadership Award)Ryan Lewis (Captain’s Award)

Cross Country (Coach Steve Guidroz)Lauren Bainter (Girls’ MVP)Luke Lafleur (Boys’ MVP)State Meet participants: Girls Lauren Bainter, Lora Charles Boys Max Collins, Harlan Fontenot, Luke Lafleur, Colin Lauret, Myles Lynch, Hunter Monceret, Cade Theriot

Girls’ Basketball (Coach Matt Citron)District 5-1A Champs! They reached the playoffs’ regionals!Elissa David (OC Offensive MVP)Layn Carter (OC Defensive MVP)Danielle LeBlanc (OC Team MVP; District MVP)

Boys’ Basketball (Coach Jeff Dupre)The team went to the playoffs’ regional round!Ronal Patin (OC Offensive MVP)Devin Thierry (OC Defensive MVP)Keon Coleman (OC Team MVP)

Girls’ Soccer (Coach Chuck Soileau)The team went to the playoffs’ 2nd round!Madeleine Sylvester (OC Offensive MVP; District Offensive MVP; Parish MVP)Savannah Hidalgo (OC Defensive MVP)Emery Hammond (OC Midfield MVP; Parish Offensive MVP)Lauren Miller (OC Team MVP; Parish Goalkeeper MVP)

Boys’ Soccer (Coach Matt Hebert) The team went to the playoffs’ 1st round!Drew Sebastien (OC Offensive MVP)Evan Labbe (OC Defensive MVP)Cale Cart (OC Team MVP)

Softball (Coach Jay Artall)The team went to the playoffs’ regional round!Danielle LeBlanc (OC Offensive MVP)Lauren Miller & Courtney Thomassee (OC Defensive MVPs)Lillian Phythian (OC Team MVP)Mallory Little (Scotty Speyrer Sportsmanship Award)

Baseball (Coach Justin Boyd) District 5-1A Champs! The team went to the State Quarterfinals! Sam Pitre (OC Offensive MVP)Cain Ludeau (OC Defensive MVP)Cameron Lee (District MVP)Jesse Roy (Gene Mills Memorial Award)

Track (Coach Thomas David)Girls:Sahvana Bourque (OC Track MVP)Taylor Gautreaux (OC Field MVP)Boys:Logan Warren (OC Track MVP) (District Champ 200m)Donovan Green (OC Field MVP) (District Champ Discus)James Monroe (District & Regional Champ Shot Put)

Golf (Coach John Braham)John Paul Braham (OC Team MVP)

Tennis (Coach Chuck Soileau)Taylor Thistlethwaite (Regional Champ; 1st Round Singles State Tourney Winner)Other State Tourney qualifiers: Marsha Savage, Reid LaBruyere, Chloe Jarrell (singles); Noah LaBruyere, Jacob Vazquez (doubles)

Swimming (Louis LaBruyere IV)Gavin Armstrong – District Champ & State Runner Up in 500 freestyleReid LaBruyere – Top 24 & State Meet participantMadeline Cerna – Top 24 participant

P. O. Box 1819 • Opelousas, Louisiana 70571-1819Phone: 337-948-3056 • Fax: 337-942-1134

www.americanbankandtrust.net

S E R V I C E T H E A M E R I C A N W A YOpelousas Port Barre Krotz Springs Lawtell Lafayette

NEXT LEVEL for AthletesViking athletes bringing their skills to the next level include:

➢ Mallory Little for softball with Louisiana State University-Eunice➢ Gavin Armstrong (two-time state champ in 500 freestyle) for

swimming with Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas➢ Cain Ludeau for baseball with Baton Rouge Community College

May God bless them with outstanding experiences and accomplishments!

SPECIAL ATHLETIC FOOTNOTESOC congratulates three outstanding coaches, proud to have them on our staff! • Head Baseball Coach Justin Boyd (1997): District 5-1A Baseball

Coach of the Year• Head Girls Basketball Coach Matt Citron: District 5-1A Girls

Basketball Coach of the Year• Head Girls Soccer Coach Chuck Soileau: Parish Girls Soccer Coach

of the Year

Making the “All State Academic COMPOSITE Team” with the highest grade point averages in ALL classes/divisions was Reid LaBruyere for the sports of swimming and tennis.

Congratulations to Mr. Darren Cart for being selected as “Athletic Booster of the Year” for his dedication and work with the Athletic Council!

Elissa David was named “Lady Viking of the Year” at the Athletic Awards Program while Logan Warren received the “Viking of the Year” honors. Mallory Little, Lauren Miller

and Logan Warren were recipients of the Scholastic Athlete awards.

Junior High CROWNS!Congratulations to our junior high athletes who brought home championships this year:

• 5th-6th grade football won the “Crawfish Bowl” as Catholic League Champs once again!

• 6th grade baseball claimed the Acadiana League Championship!• 7th grade boys’ basketball brought home the trophy as the

Acadiana League Champions!

Fishing Club NewsThe OC Fishing Club is making great waves! In a tournament they enjoyed in March, the team of Logan Warren and Christian Miller placed 11th out of 137 teams and thus qualified for the State Tournament! The team of Ethan and Clay Veillon also did well, placing 26th of the 137 teams. The Fishing Club members express much gratitude for the generosity of their local sponsors: Tony Chachere’s, Austin Outdoors, V&M Baits, Kajun Boss Weights, Big John’s Towing, Deep South Chemicals, and Hover Ferguson.

“Crawfish Bowl” Champs of the Catholic School League! Congrats 5th and 6th grade athletes!

FOOTBALL SEASON 2018 (District 5-1A) Friday, August 24 Eunice Jamboree Eunice

Thursday, August 30 Northwest Home

Friday, September 7 Vermilion Catholic Away

Friday, September 14 Port Barre Home

Friday, September 21 North Central (D) * Home

Friday, September 28 BYE

Thursday, October 4 Sacred Heart (D) Away

Friday, October 12 Southside High Home

Thursday, October 18 Westminster (D) Away

Friday, October 26 Slaughter Charter (D) Home

Friday, November 2 Catholic High-PC (D) Home

(D) District game GO VIKINGS! * Homecoming

ATHLETIC FUNDRAISINGDancing Viking Starz!The fourth annual “Dancing Viking Starz” event sponsored by the OC Athletic Council was another big success! Held in April at the Delta Grand, it was an enjoyable evening for all being entertained by seven couples in a fun competition! The Council gives thanks to the dancers, choreographers, volunteers, and guests. Dance teams included:

Jimmy & Karen LafleurPerry Fontenot & Blaire Schwartzenburg Emonet (2001)Walt Phythian & Ronnie HidalgoChad Pitre & Stacie Miller – Mirror Ball ChampionsSeth Chelette (1998) & Kylie Chelette – Fan Favorite ChampionsRobert Hilliard & Candice GussmanJason Hatfield & Wanda Juneau – Judge’s Award

The final outcome was an entertaining evening, funds raised for OC athletics, and the awards listed above!

2018 “Gun/Cash A Week” Super RaffleThe Athletic Council is sponsoring their annual Super Raffle where there are 52 chances to win! Each week the winner has a choice between a Winchester SXP Waterfowl 12 gauge shotgun OR Savage Axis Stainless XP rifle OR $500 cash. The donation for a ticket is only $50. Contact Athletic Director Tommy Tate (337-942-5404 ext. 113; tatet@ocsvikings.com) for more information on purchasing a ticket!

Gym Floor RENEWED!

What a magnificent Viking floor!

ALUMNI SOFTBALL TOURNEYMark your calendars for the 9th annual OC Alumni Softball Tourney set for August 24-26. It will be held at the Washington Ball Park and should prove to be another exciting weekend! Please send questions or comments to ocalumnisoftball@gmail.com. The word is that a KONA Ice truck will be there to offer COOL treats! We look forward to seeing lots of alumni join together … so captains, start forming your teams to see if your group can take the bragging rights from last year’s champs, the Class of 2004!

A L U M N I N O T E SCharles A. Lipari (1947) received his bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from LSU in Baton Rouge. After his extensive engineering career, he is now retired. He completed his work as Senior Vice President of an independent oil company and President of Lipari Engineering Services. Charles and his wife raised six children and now live in Covington, La. In noting a special accomplishment, Charles has served as President of the Pastoral Council of Our Lady of the Lake in Mandeville, La. and was awarded Order of St. Louis with the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Claire Veillon Landry (1951) has raised five children and lives in Opelousas. She spent 31 years working for Dr. Gene Dupre in the Lafayette area.

Judge Kenneth Boagni, Jr. (1954) completed his degrees at SLI (now UL-Lafayette) and at Tulane University Law School. He has practiced law in the Opelousas area since 1961 and served as Opelousas City Judge since 1972 until his retirement in 2008. Judge Boagni has been involved with the Louisiana City Judges Association as well as the Louisiana Juvenile Judges Association in roles as president, vice president and treasurer. He and his wife continue to live in Opelousas after raising five children.

Dr. Orin Frederick Guidry (1962) earned his bachelor and medical degrees from LSU in Baton Rouge. He has spent his career as an anesthesiologist. He has served as president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, president of the American Board of Anesthesiology, and chair of the Ochsner Clinic Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Guidry and his wife currently live in Charleston, South Carolina.

Elaine Barrilleaux Daigle (1963) completed her postsecondary studies at Our Lady of Holy Cross and spent her career in education. She is now a retired elementary school teacher and lives in Metairie, La. Elaine and her husband raised three children over the years.

Margie Jagneaux Quebedeaux (1963) became a Licensed Practical Nurse, certified substance abuse and codependency nurse counselor and clinical instructor with Opelousas General Health System. She has worked with OGHS for 45 years, receiving LPN of the Year in 1997 and Employee of the Year in 1989. Margie was also honored as Rotary Club Service Above Self in Healthcare in 2017. On a special note, she enjoyed cycling as a gold medalist cyclist from 1997 to 2004. Margie lives in Opelousas and is the mother of two sons.

Dr. Brent Prather (1970) has spent his medical career in Pediatrics and Allergies for the past 37 years in Opelousas and Lafayette. He has been very involved in the Catholic Church and has enjoyed training with the Jesuits in Grand Coteau to become a spiritual advisor and retreat leader. Dr. Prather and his wife live in Lafayette and are the parents of three children.

William “Tim” Fields (1973) lives in Baton Rouge with his wife. He has three stepchildren. Tim received degrees in Sports Psychology and Counseling from LSU and has spent over 30 years at LSU counseling freshmen and athletes. He has served as president of the Louisiana Counseling Association and LSU Staff Senate.

Elizabeth Roberie Trcalek (1973) graduated from USL (now UL-Lafayette) with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She is now a retired Registered Nurse after working with the St. Landry Parish Health Unit. She and her husband have moved to Georgetown, Texas to be near her son Heath (1997) and his family where they enjoy one grandson.

Scott Pitre (1984) recently began a new career, joining Edward Jones as an investment advisor with an office in Opelousas. He is bringing with him over 28 years of experience in the insurance industry and is looking forward to growing his business with Edward Jones. Scott and his wife Darla are the parents of four children (three OC alumni) and now have five grandchildren. They enjoy spending time together for cookouts, game nights, and movie nights.

Michael Eaglin (1985) has worked as a deck foreman with Noble Energy over the years. He is currently living in Opelousas.

Amanda Latiolais Hollier (2004) is coming “home” to OC as a high school science teacher after nine years at the Academy of Sacred Heart. Amanda earned her degree at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. She is now married and enjoys two young sons, future OC Vikings! Their family lives in Opelousas.

Jacy Douget Benoit (2009) received her associate degree in Business Administration from LSU-Eunice and then her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from UL-Lafayette. She recently got married, lives in Opelousas, and works as a salesperson for RJ Reynolds.

Hunter Dronette (2009) graduated from UL-Lafayette in Industrial Technology and now works for TMC Design, an engineering and manufacturing company. He lives in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Dr. Elridge “Trey” Schwartzenburg III (2010) completed medical school this past spring through LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and is now doing his pediatrics residency in Charleston, South Carolina and working on a fellowship in cardiology.

Tyler Bergeron (2011) graduated in Mechanical Engineering from UL-Lafayette and is currently employed with Paccar in Columbus, Mississippi. He got married a few months ago, and he and his wife are making their home in Columbus.

Ariel Ortego Quebedeaux (2011) is now working as an LPN with Opelousas General Health System. Her five-year-old son just completed kindergarten at OC. Ariel and her husband and family live in Arnaudville, La.

Samantha Darbonne Dahlquist (2012) is married and lives in Lafayette. She completed her studies at the Louisiana Academy of Beauty and now works as a cosmetologist/hair stylist with Style America in the Lafayette area.

Gavin ArmstrongAnnMarie Bihm Andrea Poulet (1989) Halle BihmSeth Briggs Lisa Speyrer Briggs (1983)Anthony BuiCale Cart *Conner Castille *Madeline CernaSophie CormierElissa DavidCaleb DoucetOlivia Doucet *Sarah Dupre * Jeff (1991) & Anita Whaley Dupre (1993)Bethany Guidry *Emery HammondJustin HeltonAnthony Henry Jr.Savannah Hidalgo

Sydni JohnsonEvan Labbe *Reid LaBruyere * Joana Ortego LaBruyere (1986)Anna Lafleur *Adrienne LalondeAlex Lanclos *Danielle LeBlanc *Ryan LewisMallory Little *A. Cain LudeauFaith Mayfield Grace Hamilton Mayfield (1978)Lauren Miller *Evan MoodyMadison Nicholas Bryan & Beth Brasseux Nicholas (1994)Cole OrtegoKathryn Phythian *Lillian Phythian *David Schroeder

Blaire Sonnier *Jason Stelly II Christy Bourgeois Stelly (1994)Luke Stelly * Eddie Stelly (1990)Sydney Stelly Rhonda Smith Stelly (1994)Jarred ThomasCourtney ThomasseeEmily Tromblay * Steven Tromblay (1988)Ethan VeillonEthan Warren * Ann Prudhomme Warren (1988)Logan Warren * Ann Prudhomme Warren (1988)

Special remembrance of Allyssa Guillory Honor graduate *

SENIORS TO ALUMNI – Class of 2018(note the parent or parents who are alumni)

ALUMNI in the MEDIA …Freddie Herpin (1967) was selected as the “St. Landry Parish Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year” for his long hours and extensive efforts for the community through his work with the Daily World newspaper. Well deserved, Freddie!

Wesley Guidroz (2009) along with his co-owner of their business “Chicory’s Coffee and Café” in Grand Coteau, La. accepted the St. Landry Parish Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Award for 2018. This café they established in 2015 was set to preserve Cajun cultural heritage through friendly hospitality and a taste of South Louisiana. Congratulations to Wesley!

2nd Lt. Grant Carrier (2013) was seen in LSU News, graduating in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in professional leadership development in May and being awarded the LSU Distinguished Communicator Award for his excellence in communication-intensive courses. He was commissioned with the Army ROTC program and will now report to Basic Officer Leaders Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. After officer training, Grant will serve with the 229th Engineer Battalion, Virginia Army National Guard in Richmond. We salute him!

As noted in social media, Blaire Guidry (2017) just completed her first year at UL-Lafayette and is beginning the process of applying for the LSU DVM program to achieve her dream of becoming a veterinarian. It was recently announced that she was the 2018 recipient of the Ciera M. LaFleur Scholarship Fund in Pre-Veterinary Science … another step toward her dream!

HOMECOMING 2018!Attention alumni! Mark your calendars now for Homecoming 2018! Let’s join together and reminisce those good old high school days! Homecoming Parade – Thursday, September 20, 6:00 pm Homecoming Mass – Friday, September 21, 8:40 am Homecoming Game – Friday, September 21, 7:00 pm* All alumni are invited to stop by the “Alumni Welcome Tent” to register for half-time drawings and to enjoy food, refreshments, and reminiscing before the game! ALL past grads are encouraged to attend/participate in the parade, coronation and game. To be recognized at the game are the OC classes of 2009, 1999, 1989 and 1979 and AIC and Holy Ghost School classes of 1969. More detailed information will be mailed to alumni in the “Alumni Wave” by late August. For any questions, contact Kathy Hebert in the Advancement Office (337-942-5404 ext. 105) or email at hebertk@ocsvikings.com.

Recalling PAST PARADE HONORS ➢ Sister Stephanie Bourg, Sister Antonia Rideau, and Sister

Dionysia Graves were honored as the Homecoming Grand Marshals in the 1988 Homecoming Parade 30 years ago this fall!

➢ Twenty years ago in the fall of 1998, Father Broussard, Father O’Leary, Father Cremaldi, and Father Trahan of our OC Board of Pastors were chosen to lead the Homecoming Parade in appreciation for their love and service.

➢ Elaine Votier Fields, loyal OC/AIC supporter, was bestowed the honor of 2008 Homecoming Grand Marshal ten years ago for her devotion and her history with the school.

STORK NEWS from OC COUPLEDr. Justin Meche (2002) and Amanda Courville Meche (2004) welcomed their fifth child, George Emile, on April 23rd. He is being loved on by siblings Alice, Lucy, and twins Charlotte and Phillip!

Some AIC 1966 classmates visited their alma mater in early May, as coordinated by Mrs. Cindy Going Gates. Advancement welcomed them with a small reception and a guided tour, and preschoolers entertained them with

a special song. These beautiful ladies included Marguerite Wyble Fontenot, Barbara Britt, Clelie Dubuisson Couvillon, Dianne D’Avy, Myra Stelly Farnsworth, Lana Ledoux Hebert, Alice Dupre Lauve,

Cindy Going Gates, Debbie Dossman Gooch, and Ann Willis Mouras

Join the ALUMNI ASSOCIATION!The Catholic Schools of Opelousas Alumni Association continues in the spirit of Catholic education with faithful membership of alumni from OC, the Academy of the Immaculate Conception, and Holy Ghost School. Kathy Hebert in Advancement expresses much appreciation to the alumni board and Heather Savoie Wallace (OC 1993), president for the past four years.

ALL alumni of AIC, Holy Ghost and OC are encouraged to get involved! The association needs you! Those on the school’s database can expect to receive 2018-19 membership information in the mail soon. Let’s pull together and be advocates for Catholic education in Opelousas!

MEMORIAL PROGRAM Gifts to the OC Memorial Program during this school year have memorialized departed friends and loved ones by remembering them at all school masses. The following names have been initially enrolled from July 2017 – June 2018. Noted in parentheses are the years of graduation of those who are alumni. May God bless them all with eternal peace!

*Anyone interested in enrolling a loved one may send a gift to the Opelousas Catholic Foundation at 428 E. Prudhomme Street indicating the name of the deceased, the name(s)/address of the donor(s), and the name(s)/address of the family to be sent a card by OC in acknowledgment of the enrollment.

Natalie PitreCalvin PicardBetty Ann RichardBuddy LittellCeleste FrancheboisTerry MayeuxLouise LegerJ. Michael WartelleMark A. “Mat” Trahan IIJoycelyn FontenotDeacon Eugene BradyVelma ThibodeauxLucille LeBlanc

Marion HarmonSalvador Diesi Jr. (1979)Lester HardyLori JohniceElaine MengarelliJames Gerald FrugeAthalie DupreJames GrimmettEdward SchlomerLevoys SmithCharles Hebert Sr.Ashley BorgBonnie Galyean (1963)

Ruth Stagg (1963)Lee YoungJ. Brent SoileauGlen LegerEarl HeintzLorraine DupuisSister Nira LedouxLisa Whipp Perrodin (1979)Lou Ellen PitreRose FisherDavid Couvillon (1958)

Seraphim Society ($5,000+)David/Emily Lucito Smith (2002)

Cherubim Club ($2,500+)Juanita Brinkman Fontenot (1954) in memory of Harold (1953) and Todd Fontenot (1978)

St. Michael Protectors ($1,000+)Laura/Kevin Doucet (1982)Kim/David Edmond (1988)Mary Beth Henry (1977) in memory of Scott A. HenryAmelie A. Hollier (1980)Faye/Wayne Reiners (1972)

St. Gabriel Givers ($500+)Rev. Angelo CremaldiRichard F. DeJean (1956)Lainy Diesi (1972) in memory of Sal Sr, Betty, Sal Jr, and David DiesiDeacon Sammy/Becky Faul Diesi (1968/1970)Don Fisher (1973)Charles/Laurie Hatch Going (1973/1974)Alan Moore (1982)

Archangel Associates ($250+)AnonymousVirval Fontenot Bradley (1952) in memory of John E. BradleyTimothy G. CollinsBrett DupuisBruce GaudinRichard/Judi Richard Lucito (1975)Harold Ortego in memory of Delores/Quin OrtegoMark/Claire ReedLarry/Laurie SingletaryDaniel/Suzzettee VonGontard in memory of Missy Quebedeaux

Guardian Angels ($100+)Anonymous Tony Armand in memory of Anthony ArmandJay/Jill/Olivia/Amelia Artall (1978/1980/2011/2014)John Bordelon (1978)Richard/Frances Duhon Bordelon (1956/1957)Pat/Willy Boyd (1971)Robert/Brenda Fitzgerald Boyd (1971/1972)Butch/Joanne BrileyPaula/Ronald CarriereDalton J. ComeauxJason/Leslie Gautreaux Edwards (1998)Kyle Farrar (1980)Melissa GordonPatrick G. Guedry (1956)Steve/Joanne Mizzi Guidroz (1978)Eric Hansen (1970)Jeanine Hansen (1963)Gaye Jones-Hasling (1980)Charles/Beth Going Hebert (1974)Keith/Kathy E. HebertCarol Hidalgo (1972) in memory of Gerald/Earline HidalgoKristin Lagrange Higginbotham (2001)Mike/Sharon HigginbothamYvette HowardBilly/Carolyn Goudeau Jarrell (1955/1956)Most Reverend Michael Jarrell (1958)Camille/Phillip Korenek (1982)Murray/Kathleen Labbe in memory of Seth LabbeLinzee/Kenny LaGrange (1973)Rose Lalonde

Dwight/Pam LandreneauHurshel/Janette LegerCharles Lipari (1947)Herby Lormand Ann Carol Comeaux McKinney (1966) in memory of Evelyn ComeauxJoseph/Aline MillerRoger/Dianne MorganBrad/Sharon OrtegoMark P. Posner (1980)John SoileauGlenn/Mona Pitre Stout (1972)Sandra VenableThomas VidrineNorma S. VidrineCheryl VillemaretteRandy Wagley (1976)Blake/Ann Prudhomme Warren (1988)

Angels of God (up to $99)AnonymousTracy/Jude ArmandBarry ArnoldGloria AymondJeanette BaileyKinney/Denise BenoitPaul Biba (1988)Tanya Blanchard Frank Boudreaux (1957)Justin Boyd (1997)Joey/CJ/Derek/Scott/Emily Briley (2004/2006/2011/2014/2020)Mary M. Budd (1961)Chuck/Dee BurnellLeslie CarlossDarren/Sara CartBlake/Hope CharlesKermit/JoAnn ChristMatt CitronDale/Bonnie Herpin Darbonne (1982)Thomas DavidJay/Berna DeshotelBlake/Jennifer DuhonCathy DupreJeff/Anita Whaley Dupre (1991/1993)Neal/Donna E. DupreMildred G. EdmondEric/Blaire Schwartzenburg Emonet (1996/2001)Tanisha EverettTim Fields (1973)Barbara Artigue Fontenot (1959)Joe/Claudia FontenotRyan FontenotTammy FontenotCarroll/Janice GautreauxSonia GeorgePauline GilbertPat/Debbie GlynnRonald/Nicholas/Gabrielle Gobert (1977/2011/2013)David/Jolene Herpin Gremillion (1980/1979)Chris/Missy GrimmettAdrion/Sheila GuidryWillard HanksDamian/Lisa Leger Hargroder (1984)Brenda HebertChuck/Tommy/Matt/Adam Hebert (2000/2007/2008/2012)Earl/Marty Heintz

Pamela Cormier Helton (1985) in memory of James Kirt CormierMona HendricksFranklin Herbert (1957)Wanda HollierBarbara JamesCarroll/Bonnie JoubertMargaret Whaley Joubert (1989) in memory of Charlene Ruffino WhaleyKyle/Jennifer KeelerBryan/Gina Labbe in memory of Seth LabbeFran Leger LaFleur (1977)Karen LafleurRonald/Henrietta LaGrangeMarilyn LavezzorioOliver/Marie Kovach LeBlanc (1968) in memory of Agnes F. KovachMatt Ledoux (2004)Juan/Kathryn ManzanaresBret/Liz MecheChance MistricJune NezatBrittany NormandBrandi OlivierSal/Barbara PepitoneCindy/Kenny PitreScott A. Pitre (1984)Allison PoussonStephanie/Robert Roy (1976)Larry/Georgina Ledoux Ryder (1961)Dola T. SamRhonda/Elridge SchwartzenburgCherie/Blake Sloane (1996)Albert/Irene SoileauMerryle SoileauBob/Claire SpeyrerNancy Fontenot St. Cyr (1978)Beth/Eddie Stelly (1990)Danny Stelly (2004)Joyce StellyJ. Thomas TateCalvin/Diane ThibodeauxJervis ThibodeauxConnie/Neal Thierry (1984)Justin/Emily Trahan Turner (2001) in memory of Mat TrahanSal/Cristal VazquezChristie/Donnie VercherAndrew/Brittany Lavergne Wagley (2004)Nikki Walton

ANGEL APPEAL 2017-2018How grateful we are for the gifts bestowed upon our Angel Appeal Drive for 2017-2018! OC is thrilled to have had 100% participation by the faculty and staff! Appreciation also includes those who purchased Tasters’ Dinner & Auction tickets to benefit the effort to purchase chromebooks for the classrooms!

Charles A. Going, CPADarren J. Cart, CPA/PFS

M. Scott Sebastien, CPABeth Spears, CPA

Donald E. Fisher, CPAMatt Ledoux, CPA

Robert A. Roy, Jr., CPASeth Dabney, CPA

Craig C. LeBouef, CPA/PFS, CFP®, MBAKatie L. Fontenot, CPA

2811 South Union, Opelousas, LA 70570Phone (337) 942-3041 Fax (337) 942-7112

Website: WWW.GOINGCPA.COM

F O R Y O U RI N F O R M A T I O N ( 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 1 9 )

PASTORS:

Msgr. Keith DeRouen, Chancellor

Msgr. Russell Harrington

Rev. Matthew Higginbotham

Rev. Lambert Lein

Rev. Gregory Simien

ADMINISTRATORS:

Marty Heintz, Principal

Rose Lalonde, Assistant Principal of

Elementary Studies

Liz Meche, Assistant Principal of

Academics (grades 6-12)

Willard Hanks, Dean of Students

DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION:

John Braham

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR:

Tommy Tate

CURRICULUM FACILITATOR (grades 6-8)

Matt Citron

SCHOOL COUNSELOR:

Cindy Lafleur

TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR:

Beth G. Hebert (1974)

DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT:

Kathy Hebert

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL:

Sharon Ortego, President

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION:

Lindsey Reed, President

ACADEMIC COUNCIL:

Vickie Collins, President

ATHLETIC COUNCIL:

Steve Guidroz, President (1978)

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S 2 0 1 8 - 2 0 1 9S C H O O L Y E A R

July 13, 2018 ....................................................................................................................................... SCHOOL TIME ROAD SALE4:00-7:00 pm

August 13, 2018 ............................................................................................................................ ORIENTATION for grades 6-12(Full Day) PK-K Girls (8am-noon)

August 14, 2018 .............................................................................................................................. ORIENTATION for grades 1-58:00 am-12 noon PK-K Boys (8am-noon)

August 15, 2018 ........................................................................................................................................ FIRST DAY OF SCHOOLOpening School Mass

August 24-26, 2018 ....................................................................................................................... ALUMNI SOFTBALL TOURNEY

September 19, 2018 ............................................................................................................................................ FOUNDER’S DAY

September 20, 2018 .......................................................................................................... HOMECOMING PARADE/CORONATION

September 21, 2018 ..........................................................................................................................HOMECOMING MASS/GAME

October 12, 2018 ....................................................................................................................................... ACADEMIC PEP RALLY

October 15-16, 2018 ................................................................................................................................................. FALL BREAK

November 14, 2018 .................................................................................................................................... GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

Opelousas Catholic Advancement Office428 E. PRUDHOMME STREET

OPELOUSAS, LA 70570

“Service Above Self”

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

P A I D

Opelousas, LA

Permit #169

THANK YOU to the six advertising sponsors throughout this newsletter! The Advancement Office appreciates your support in making this newsletter possible.

Others who wish to advertise may call 337-942-5404 ext. 105.

OCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, creedor national origin in admissions or employment policies.