Cultures Take Center Stage at DHS

December 15, 2016

 

 

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Upon entering the Sister Ambrose Reggio Gym, students are immediately transported to Spain, Ireland, Africa- without leaving Walmsley Avenue.

On Nov. 10, the Multicultural Club hosted its annual showcase. This year, Dominican welcomed special guests, St. Augustine High School Brass Band, as part of the performance lineup. In addition, students from Lafayette Academy traveled with Dominican by dancing hip-hop and an African style dance the festival.

The performances ranged from parading in cultural dresses, to Irish dancing around the center of gym floor. Club President, senior Nanami Okawauchi, demonstrated martial arts by fiercely kicking boards by representing the country of Asia. Seniors Andrea Garces and Samantha Silizear invited the audience to dance with them in a Salsa dance while representing the Latin American culture.

“I think the festival is unique and in a way that we were able to celebrate not only different cultures from around the world, but New Orleans cultures as well,” says Okawauchi. “It is so nice to see the student body get together and participate in a festival that celebrates a variety of different cultures and traditions that are outside of Dominican.”

With forty Dominican students involved, the performances this year took Dominican around the globe. “The purpose of the festival is to celebrate the different cultural expressions, not necessarily having a foreign background,” says club moderator, Ms. Claudia Vallejo.

“The multicultural festival was so much fun,” said eighth grader Camille Vincent. “It was my favorite lunchtime event because we all ate together and watched these cultural presentations.”

Both the students and faculty greatly enjoyed the diverse performances, and are anticipating next year’s showcase.

– Brogan Hausknecht

Cross Country Places 4th in State

December 15, 2016

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Dominican’s Cross Country Team sprinted for joy as they placed fourth in the State Meet held in Natchitoches on Nov. 15.

“I was so proud of the girls at State because they worked hard and gave it their all,” said Ms. Ashlyn Ciolino, coach.

At State, senior Emily Doyle crossed the finish line in just over twenty minutes to place as one of the top twenty runners. Doyle was also named to the 2016 Louisiana High School Association All Academic 4.00 Scholar Cross Country Team. In order to be selected for this honor, Doyle had to play the sport for two years, be a senior, and have at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average.

The team took on State fueled by their first-place finishes in the previous three meets. On Nov. 4, the Cross Country Team made history by winning the first ever Regionals Meet with sophomore Colette Carriere placing third place overall.

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Jumping for joy, DHS runners are jubilant about their fourth-place finish in the State Meet.  Dominican state team competitors include (l to r) senior Sam Messonier, juniors Caroline Hensley, Ady Becker,  seniors Caroline Redfearn and Emily Doyle.

The team winning the first Regionals Meet, where all the 5A schools in New Orleans area and River Parishes competed, was important because “this is not just a win for our team but for our athletics program overall,” said Ms. Ciolino.

During the District meet on Oct. 25, the team won first place with junior Ady Becker leading in fifth place. Previously, in the Oct. 15 Metro Championship, Doyle placed third with Redfearn following in sixth place.

The Cross Country Team had a “great season because the team worked harder than ever as we overcame some challenges,” said senior Sam Messonnier. A pleasant surprise for Messonnier this year was to see how dedicated the underclassmen were, especially eighth graders Kate Nolan and Sydney Raymond, who participated in the State meet. Freshman Erin Sequeira’s favorite part of this year was bonding with her teammates outside of her grade.

Doyle has high hopes for the future Cross Country Team. “I know the underclassmen are going to be amazing runners in coming years,” said Doyle. “They pulled our team together and gave our state team a solid backing.”

– Madeline Puente

Dominican Shows Sweet Thanks

December 15, 2016
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Surrounded by cakes, cookies, and other confections, representatives from the New Orleans Police Department accept these gestures of gratitude from DHS.  In December, students donated the treats as part of the Sweet Thanks Program to show appreciation to the NOPD.

The New Orleans Police Department has been serving the City of New Orleans for over 100 years, and Dominican knows just the way to show its appreciation. On Thursday, Dec. 1, Dominican students from every grade brought in sweet treats to distribute to representatives from NOPD as a way to say thank you.

Sweet Thanks is a city-wide event organized by the Lakeview Civic Association and Gulf Coast Bank to show the men and women who serve the community how grateful the city is. Dominican has participated in this gesture of gratitude since been since 2011.

The P.E. department organized the drive for the entire school. Ms. Ashlyn Ciolino, junior P.E. teacher, along with the entire P.E. department helped by organizing and distributing the treats early Thursday morning. “It was a great opportunity to help the students show their appreciation to the officers who serve our community,” Ms. Ciolino said.

To say thank you, junior Claire Perez brought in freshly baked homemade chocolate chip cookies. “It makes me feel really good when I take the time to bring in something that will show the officers who protect us how grateful I am,” she said.

After the students organized the many trays of cupcakes, cookies and brownies, representatives from the NOPD came to DHS to pick up the tasty confections. Senior Elizabeth Lorenzo, whose dad is a former NOPD officer, understands how much this gesture will be appreciated.

“It’s good to see that the police officers are being shown the gratitude they deserve,” said Lorenzo, “because they work so hard behind the scenes to make sure we are safe.”

– Claire Dinwiddie

 

Moms and Daughters Share Mass, Luncheon

December 15, 2016
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Strutting their stuff down the catwalk, senior Emily Licata and sister Anne Marie, sophomore, are all smiles with their mother Mrs. Liz Licata (’83) at the Mother/Daughter Style Show on Nov. 12.

Modeling a beloved DHS tradition, DHS moms and students took to time for a special day together at the Mother/Daughter Mass, Luncheon and Style on Nov. 12 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Nearly 40 students and their moms donned the hottest fashion and walked the catwalk to the delight of more than 725 members of the DHS community in attendance.

The event was made possible with the support from the sponsors, which included Dillard’s, Clinique, local businesses and artists, according to Mrs. Marcelle Perez and Mrs. Tiffany Cazabon, event organizers.

This annual event included a beautiful Mass, delicious lunch and fun style show. For some this was a first and others a last. Regardless, the everlasting traditions of the event continued with many stylish outfits and of course, selfies with mom.

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But first, let’s take a selfie- While enjoying their day together at the Mother Daughter Luncheon, sophomore Ella Melnyk and her mother take a selfie to remember the moment.

For their final time, seniors Camille and Ellie Rozas and their mother Mrs. Lollie Rozas struck a pose on the runway while flashing a radiant smile.“I really enjoyed participating in the style show,” said Camille, who wore a black and gold taupe gown. “It was so much fun to get dressed up, walk the runway and spend the day out with friends and family.” Ellie, who modeled a long, blue dress which reminded her of Cinderella, added that she “loved walking out to the Rocky theme song because it is my all-time favorite.”

Eighth grader Mary Parker Whisnant and her mother Mrs. Brandy Whisnant experienced the Mother/Daughter-Mass/Luncheon/Style Show for the first time. They loved each part of the event and said they will be back next year.

“It was nice to spend time with my mom when we could just talk and have fun, rather than worrying about our busy schedules,” said Whisnant.

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Like Mother like Daughter – In true model behavior, senior Tierni Savoie and her mom strike a pose at the end of the runway.

Senior Anya Montgomery and her mother, Ms. Anjel Guitroz, agreed that this last Mother/Daughter Luncheon was very special. When Montgomery modeled down the runway in her formal skirt, stylish shirt and lace cape, she couldn’t help but think how lucky she was to have her mother by her side. “There is nothing better than just being together with my mom,” said Montgomery. “She means the world to me!”

Ms. Guitroz, DHS science teacher, described the event as “bittersweet” since it was another last from her daughter’s senior year. “Anya and I have attended the event every year,” said Ms. Guitroz. “It was so much fun because of our participation in the style show, but being with my daughter was definitely my favorite part.”

The special love a mother and daughter share influenced the Mass. Father John Restrepo focused the central theme of the Mass on love, prayer and persistence. He focused the prayers of the faithful on giving thanks, especially for loved ones.

– Morgan Forshag