Ring Day: The Tradition Continues One Ring at a Time

October 17, 2018

Some rings are new. Some are rings old. And the legacy continues with a new class of Dominican seniors.

On September 7, the Dominican class of 2019 continued the tradition of Ring Day, which includes Ring Mass and running down the St. Mary’s Hall. The annual celebration began in the Sister Ambrose Reggio Gym with Fr. John Restrepo, O.P., celebrating Mass and blessing the rings.

As they do each year, the class’s coordinators shared their memories of eighth through twelfth grades. Past coordinators Dina Alawamleh, Maggie Latham, Cappy Elvir, Chloe Whitcomb and senior coordinator Camryn Wisniewski spoke of important moments during their tenures.

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Two generations from the Alexander family show off their legacy rings amidst the excitement in St. Mary’s Hall on Ring Day 2018. Ms. Kate Alexander (’17), Mrs. Katey Fitzmorris Alexander (’91), senior Annie Alexander and junior Molly Alexander are bonded by this ring that extends from the root of Dominican sisterhood. “I am extremely excited to receive my ring next year since I’ve seen both my sisters get their rings,” said junior Molly Alexander. “I believe I was actually the first one to turn Annie’s ring.”

Of course, the highlight of the Ring Mass was receiving the coveted senior ring.  Receiving her Dominican senior ring represents something different to every senior. “It’s a symbol of sisterhood,” said senior Ashley Miles.

Some seniors receiving rings were part of a legacy of Dominican High School, which means their family members are DHS alumnae. For example, the Alexander family has a legacy that has spanned for four generations. Senior Annie – a fourth generation Dominicanite – comes from a long line of Dominican graduates including her great grandmother Mrs. Katherine “Kitty” Raphiel McKay (’37); grandmother Mrs. Kay Fitzmorris McKay (’62); mother Mrs. Katey Fitzmorris Alexander (’91), Dean of Students Services; and her sister Ms. Kate Alexander (’17).

Annie now wears the ring worn by her mother, Mrs. Alexander. Annie said she loves that wearing her ring has brought her closer to her mom. “It’s important to me because it reminds me of my family and all the good memories I’ve had at Dominican,” Annie said. “It reminds me of all my accomplishments and that this is just the beginning of the next chapter in my life.”

Following Mass, seniors with new and legacy rings alike rushed to St. Mary’s Hall for the celebratory run. Waiting to turn rings, Dominican students, spend-a-day students and teachers lined the hallways to experience this Ring Day tradition. The anticipation became more palpable as the sounds of the swishing white gowns and the stomping of the seniors grew closer.

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As smiles radiate throughout St. Mary’s Hall, seniors Chloë Whitcomb and Camryn Wisniewski dash to find their fellow classmates. The traditional running down the halls takes place in St. Mary’s Hall after the Ring Mass and Ceremony.   – photo by Jade Nguyen

“It was so surreal. In the moment, I couldn’t even believe it was happening. It didn’t hit me until afterwards,” said Miles. “It was like a dream in a way.”

While the girls with the legacy rings were running down the hallways, they couldn’t help but to think about their mothers or grandmothers doing the same thing years ago with the same ring.

“Legacy…I can pass it down to generations and carry on that whole legacy that Dominican is about,” said senior Savannah Rouzan.

New to the tradition, eighth grader Adele Talbot and Sophia Martin described their first Ring Day with excitement. Talbot described Ring Day as a thrilling and interesting day that was “really new for me and it was really different.”

“In just a couple of years,” Martin proudly said, ”that’s going to be me.”

  • Jade Nguyen

 

Annual Senior/Faculty Football Game Scores Success

October 16, 2018

With a score of 28-6, the DHS Faculty placed another check in the “W” column of this annual face-off.  In this Super Bowl of senior moments, Dominican scored the most Fun!

Photos by Natalie Rodriguez-Ema

Teacher Feature: The “Secret” Life of DHS Personnel

October 1, 2018

Ms. Anjel Guitroz- Eyes and Dolls

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The woman behind the SynDaver isn’t Ms. Guitroz. It’s Barbie! Ms. Guitroz is an avid collector of special edition Barbie dolls. Her collection began fifteen years ago with a set of Barbie dolls inspired by her favorite movie, Gone with the Wind. Her collection includes dolls from famous movies and TV shows such as That’s So Raven and I Love Lucy.

Her two favorite dolls are her special 40th Anniversary Barbie that was made in 1999, the year her daughter Anya was born, and her sorority’s specially-made Alpha Kappa Alpha doll that was created to commemorate the first all-black sorority in the United States.

“I’ve always loved dolls ever since I was little,” says Guitroz. “I love the stories behind them and the people they represent.”

  • Natalie Rodriguez-Ema

Mrs. Katie Kirkwood –  44 Presidents in One (or two) Breaths

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Not only is Mrs. Kirkwood a math teacher, she also has a hidden talent.  She can name all the presidents of the United States in under 25 seconds.  She learned how to do this impressive talent in the 5th grade through a song.  She can name them all with their first and last names.  She used to recite this fascinating skill to her past classes.

  • Jennifer Yrle

Mr. Cameron Hahne- Performing Fanatic 

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Dominican welcomes a new cast member to the stage, Mr. Hahne, as he performs in his new roles as French and religion teacher. Behind the scenes, however, Mr. Hahne is passionate about all things theater. He is a member of the ensemble of The Music Man at Rivertown Theaters for Performing Arts and has performed in musicals throughout high school and college.

In addition, he takes gymnastics classes, dance classes and voice lessons to help strengthen his skills for theater. “I enjoy having an outlet for my creative energy,” Mr. Hahne.

  • Natalie Rodriguez-Ema

Sister Pam – Former Teacher and Rock Enthusiast

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Believe it or not, Sister Pam had a career before settling in to Room 109 at Dominican. A former teacher and a rock enthusiast, Sister Pam Weathersby, M.S.C., loves all things science.  For 40 years, Sister Pam was a science teacher in the Archdiocese of New Orleans school system.  She taught biology, microbiology, earth science and physical science.  In fact, rocks of the earth are some her favorite things.  “Rocks remind me that we are still on the brink of creation,” said Sister Pam.

  • Jennifer Yrle

Mr. Kwantrell Rideau- A Saxophone Star

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The maintainance staff’s Mr. Kwantrell  has a hidden talent of his own: he plays the saxophone like no one else. Mr. Kwantrell Rideau been playing saxophone since he was eight years old. He fell in love with instrument because of its smooth, flowing sound. He keeps up with playing as a hobby and in a jazz group.  His favorite genres to play are traditional jazz, blues and contemporary jazz. He said he especially loves to play in Mardi Gras Second Lines. “I’ve always enjoyed the sound of the saxophone, ever since I first started playing,” said Mr. Kwantrell.

  • Natalie Rodriguez-Ema

Ms. Charlene Ford – English Teacher by Day, Baker by Night 

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Ms. Ford loves baking honey buns as much as she loves teaching Hamlet. She began baking when she was a student at LSU, but she does remember baking with her mom when she was little. Her bookshelves are full of cookbooks even though she’s not the best at following the recipes. Because Ms. Ford lives a vegan lifestyle, she said her biggest challenge is to modify recipes to make them vegan.

“My Instagram is all food,” said Ms. Ford. “My favorite recipe I’ve made has to be the Classic Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies.”

  • Grace DiFranco

Ms. Ashlyn Ciolino – Woodworking Enthusiast

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While Coach Ciolino spends most of her time teaching P.E. in the SARG or coaching the Stunnah Runnahs of the Dominican Cross Country Team, woodwork is something that she also enjoys. Ms. Ciolino first discovered her love for building things when, at age 12, she built a wooden halfpipe with her cousins for skateboarding.

She calls this event her “intro to woodwork,” and since then, she has built many different things, Ciolino spike picincluding a door for her house, shelving, and even a trophy for the Cross Country team after a race win. “I’ve come a long way. I don’t make as many mistakes anymore,” said Ms. Ciolino.

  • Vivian Palmer

Sr. Angeline Magro, O.P. – The African Violet Whisperer

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Sr. Angeline has a knack for bringing an African violet plant back. She has such as green thumb that she has a nursery for sick violets in the in the back of the library. Those African violet plants displayed in the library have all been brought back to health by Sr. Angeline.

She said she waters them once a week, removes the dead flowers and leaves, “and I talk to them nicely.” She loves seeing them grow and has some at her house. “I liked watching the flowers grow and sometimes the plants would grow shoots. So I learned how to transplant the shoots,” said Sr. Angeline.

  • Jade Nguyen

Mr. Matthew Foss- Master of Frog Tie Friday

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Mr. Foss’s hidden talent, besides being a physics aficionado, is that he devloped a method to his “frog tie Friday” madness. Mr. Foss has a specific algorithm for organizing his outfits for the week.

The system begins with the shoes (either black or brown), then follows with the pants, shirt and, of course, the tie. Each week, he alternates a few color choices of articles of clothing, which then establishes his ensemble for the day. “If it’s the right time and the right day, then it’ll be a Frog Tie Friday!” said Mr. Foss.

  • Kathryn Valldejuli

Ms. Lauren Bordelon- Krav Maga Master

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She’s a master of Scripture, student council and of marital arts. Ms. Bordelon  practices the art of Krav Maga at Triumph Self Defense School. She’s been attending classes 2-3 times each week since October. “I wanted to learn self-defense,” said Ms. Bordelon. “It is good practice being assertive, and I love the community there!”

  • Kathryn Valldejuli

 

 

Mrs. Dawn Frick – Puppy Love

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Mrs. Frick has always been an animal lover. Even though her mother wasn’t fond of animals, Mrs. Frick had two dogs during her childhood years. When she became an adult, she had several pets which were a part of her family.

After those beloved pets died, she knew she didn’t want to deal with that pain again, so she and her family started fostering dogs. Her latest and greatest endeavor was fostering three puppies this past summer.

  • Macie LaFonta

In Memoriam: The Mighty Oak

September 25, 2018

“And the boy loved the tree…….very much. And the tree was happy.” 
― Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree

 After the long summer break, DHS students were eager to start their new classes and return to their second home on Walmsley Ave. However, students noticed that one special part of Dominican was missing. The iconic water oak tree, which has been shading Dominican students for decades, was put to rest. Because it was stricken with fungi and disease, the beloved tree had to be taken down.

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The beloved water oak, which stood in front of the Siena Center, was taken down in August prior to the first day of school. After the tree surgeon examined the tree, they knew “it was time,” according to Mrs. Thomson. 

 

Even though many mourn the loss of this tree, the removal was in the best interest of the Dominican community, according to Mrs. Catherine Thomson, Vice President, Finance/CF.  The administration called a tree surgeon to examine the sick tree, and it was indeed rotting from the inside out, dropping large branches one by one. “It was a sad day,” said Mrs. Thomson. “Many friendships were made under that tree.”

For years, students made many memories under this tree: gathering for lunch, studying during free period and talking with friends after school.  “After school I’d sit under the tree and do homework,” said senior class coordinator Camryn Wizniewski. “It was a peaceful and beautiful spot where I could relax.”

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Documenting their memory of seniors’ last day, Kate Alexander (’17), snaps a selfie with her mother and Dean of Students Mrs. Katey Alexander (’91). “This tree was part of our DHS community,” said Mrs. Alexander. “If the tree could talk, it would have many stories to tell.”

Even in class, the tree played a role. “The tree was home to our end-of-the-year Spanish fiesta, where we feasted on chips and guac and delicious Spanish cuisine,” said junior Tai Sutherland. “It was a great area to spend time with my classmates.”

The tree was popular spot to take pictures on many Dominican occasions. “My favorite memory of the tree was on the first day of eighth grade,” said senior Alexandra Minnard. “It was under this tree on orientation day where I met many good friends.” Each Dominican student associates the tree with a specific memory she holds close to her heart.

Current students and alumnae alike mourn the passing of the tree. “It was such a beautiful tree, and it represented the history of DHS,” said Ms. Kathryn Engro (’15). “I cannot even picture campus without the tree there, and I know the first time I see it gone, I will get a little choked up.”

According to Mrs. Thomson, the school is unable to plant another tree in the area where the water oak had been because of the existing fungi. However, plans are in the works to implement another source of shade for students.

  • Kathryn Valldejuli

 

Spirit Week: Mission Complete

September 21, 2018

The DHS Mission for 2018-2019:  kick off the school year with Spirit! These images of Spirit Week prove that Dominican fulfilled its first mission of the year. Spirit Week, Aug. 20-24, culminated with the Back to School Dance held Aug. 24 in the SARG.

 

“This year is gonna rock!” said senior Alexandra Minnard. “I’m looking forward to our new E-Board excelling this year.”
“I can’t wait to James BOND at the dance!” said freshman Bella Lucia (left).

 

 

 

 

 

Tennis Takes the Court at Regional and State Tournaments

May 22, 2018
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State-qualifying tennis team members include Rachel Schlosser, Adele Hoth, Amelia Valette, Lucy Harper, Marist Bourg, Annamarie Allen, Brooke Couret, Mary Parker Whisnant and Sophia Cao. 

The Dominican Tennis Team served up a smashing season and reach their goal of participating in this year’s state competition in Monroe, LA on April 23-25.

As the Regional Runner-Up, DHS took on the state competition, making it to the second round of play. Team members who qualified for state included senior Amelia Vallette, sophomores Adele Hoth, Annamarie Allen, Lucy Harper, Rachel Schlosser, freshman Marist Bourg, Mary Parker Whisnant and eighth grader Brooke Couret.

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Game, Set, Match! – Eighth grader Brooke Couret plays a great match at the regional tennis tournament held at UNO this April. Dominican brought home the title of regional runner up, and Couret was one of the team members who qualified for state.  (photo by Rene’ Bourdais)

Following round one of the tournament, the doubles team of Vallette and Hoth played advanced to the second round. Also making it to round two were singles players Whisnant and Schlosser. Though their season ended in the second round of the state tournament, tennis coach Ms. Stephanie Blakemore (‘11) is proud of the team’s accomplishment.

“This year’s team is young,” said Ms. Blakemore, “so making it to the state competition was the main goal.”  She also noted that as a young yet talented team, the girls can improve their skills for future competitions.

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Aiming for the Ace! – Freshman Mary Parker Whisnant serves up a tough match at the regional tennis tournament at UNO in April.  At this tournament, Dominican placed as the regional runner-up, and Whisnant qualified to compete in state.   (photo by Rene’ Bourdais)

“Playing tennis at Dominican had been such a great experience,” said Vallette. “The team has had a great spirit and has worked well together.  This was one of the most fun and memorable seasons I’ve ever had.”

 

 

 

 

 

  • Inz’iya Magee

Tom Benson: A Treasured Part of the Dominican Legacy

May 22, 2018

“I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will never die.”        John 11:25A, 26

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The foyer of the Gayle and Tom Benson Technology Complex includes the St. Albert the Great Atrium. Its modern design and large space gives students a place to gather before or during the school day. 

On March 15, news spread throughout New Orleans that devastated the entire city. Mr. Tom Benson, renowned philanthropist and sports franchise owner, died at the age of ninety years old. Despite the heartbreaking loss his wife, Mrs. Gayle Benson, and the rest of New Orleans must endure, Mr. Benson left a legacy behind worth celebrating.

Mr. Benson was most famously known as the owner of New Orleans’ beloved Saints and Pelicans teams. However, as many locals know, Mr. Benson’s ownership of those teams was just a part of his gift to our city. His extensive list of philanthropic contributions has enhanced the lives of millions, ranging from the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center at Ochsner Hospital to the Gayle and Tom Benson Science and Technology Complex here at Dominican.

The dedication of the Gayle and Tom Benson Science and Technology Complex was a memorable day for all Dominicans. Mr. and Mrs. Benson joined the on-campus celebration on April 22, 2016, to usher in the physical symbol of STREAMTM, bringing together Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math at Dominican. The two-story, 16,940 square foot science and technology complex ascended over campus, and the Dominican shield beamed on its tower, marking the birth of a new initiative.

Thanks to the Bensons’ generous donation, Dominican students study sciences in state-of-the-art classrooms and labs.  In addition, they have a place to reflect and find down-time in the Peace Garden, nestled outside of the Technology Center.

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Students gather in the Technology Center during the school day to study. The Gayle and Tom Benson Technology Complex contains a Technology and Learning Center on the first floor as a resource for both teachers and students to use throughout the day.

The Technology Center, housed in the Gayle and Tom Benson Science and Technology Center and funded by the Erminia Wadsworth/Azby Fund, provides space for students to work and study.  They can practice presentations on the flat screen televisions, study in the individualized study rooms, and receive support from faculty who are always ready to help throughout the day.

“The Tech Center is my favorite place to go for free period and study with my friends,” said junior Grace Schaumburg. “I know I can come here at any time, and teachers will be available to help with schoolwork.”

The Gayle and Tom Benson Science and Technology Center has forever changed the landscape of the Dominican campus.  Mr. and Mrs. Benson’s commitment to Catholic education will live on not only in the hearts of New Orleanians, but within the Dominican community in particular.

“Our hearts are grateful for the Bensons and all the benefactors,” said Dominican president Dr. Cynthia Thomas. “It is because of them that this extraordinary building is a part of Dominican students’ Catholic formational and educational experience for generations.”

May Mr. Tom Benson rest in peace.

  • Claire Dinwiddie, editor in chief

 

DHS Softball Team Rounds Bases to State Finals

May 18, 2018
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Celebrating an exciting comeback, the DHS Softball Team savors their victory in the quarter finals of the state softball tournament in April. Senior Meghan Gaubert’s two-run homer gave Dominican a 2 – 1 victory and sent them to the championship game.

On Apr. 28, Dominican’s Softball Team, a 4th seed entering state tournament play, defeated the Mount Carmel Cubs to move on to play the John Curtis Patriots in the state championship game in Sulfur, LA.  Dominican kept the game against the Patriots close and earned the title of State Runner-Up for the 2018 softball season.

During state tournament play, the team hit it out of the park with two victories over teams ranked in the top ten.  “I hope this experience will show us as a team that we are competitive and can repeat our success,” said head coach Mrs. Dawn Benoit.

In the semi-final round of the tournament, DHS was nervous about moving onto the next round until senior Meghan Gaubert’s two-run homerun hit. “Once I hit first base, I knew the ball was gone and that our team could win this game,” said Gaubert, left fielder.

Hard-fought games during the season leading up to the state tournament affected the team’s playoff games.  “The biggest victory of our season is when we beat Hannan High School because they were a number 2 seed, and by that victory, we secured our position in the state tournament,” said Mrs. Benoit.

Strong performances in the batter’s box as well as on the pitching mound contributed to the team’s success.

“The whole team plays a role in our success,” said Mrs. Benoit.  “However, our freshman pitcher Elise Simon held many teams to few runs this season.”  Simon, along with freshman catcher Gracee Reeves, held strong batting teams to few runs during key games.

When asked how she felt on the mound in Sulfur, Simon replied that “the team came together a lot for the state tournament, and everyone had my back no matter what happened.”  She added, “I knew we would give all we had to win.”

“We really hoped to come back as a strong team and dedicate our season to developing our skills and returning to Sulphur,” said senior right fielder Cole Pittman.  And return to Sulphur they did.  Finishing in the same position as last year was exciting for the team because they continue to be a competitive force, according to Pittman.

The team set many goals this season and really hoped to “come together and form a strong bond for the incoming players,” said third baseman Bella Brocato, senior.

“I hope that in the future we can bring home a state championship,” said Simon.  “Our future team seems to have dedicated girls coming out ready to win.”

  • Brooklyn Comeaux

 

Golf Team Swings into Regionals

May 16, 2018

golfSenior Caroline Hensley hits the ball out of the sand bunker during metro play at Timberlane Country Club at the Metro Tournament in April. After a fourth-place finish in Metro, three DHS golfers advanced to regional play where they completed the 2018 season.

Regional players included senior Rene’ Bourdais, who placed seventh overall in the tournament. Additionally, Bourdais was named to the All-Metro Golf Team. Other regional qualifiers included Hensley and eighth grader Molly Stavinoha.

Under the direction of Mr. Rick Ciolino, head coach, and Ms. Ashlyn Ciolino (’07), moderator, the golf team worked to improve their technique and prepare for tournament play.

“I’m glad I got to play golf these past five years,” said Bourdais.  “I learned so much and I’m proud of how everyone on the team improved this season.”

  • Paige Dawson

E-Board Gets the Votes

May 15, 2018

“One year ago, I sat in my desk waiting for my name to be called…”

On April 5 and 6, DHS students listened to these words from the present E-Board officers while anxious candidates hoped to be elected to next year’s E-Board. After two days of voting, Dominican students chose their E-Board representatives for the next school year.

Presenting the 2018-2019 Executive Board: President Cappy Elvir, Vice President Olivia Singleton, Secretary Lizzy Bourg and Treasurer Maggie Latham.

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Full of joy and excitement, newly-elected E-Board President Cappy Elvir runs down St. Mary’s Hall with current secretary Katie Mouton and vice president Cole Pittman. On Apr. 5, students gathered in the halls to congratulate the members of the new E-Board. “It was such a great moment to be able to run down the halls and look at the faces of the girls that elected me to lead them through the next year,” said Elvir. “I didn’t stop smiling once.”  photo by Kathryn Valldejuli

During the voting process, these candidates sat nervously in their homerooms just moments before student council announced who next year’s officers will be. “The mystery of waiting was fun, but it was also very stressful,” said incoming president Cappy Elvir. “I can’t even describe the feeling I experienced after my name was called. I’m pretty sure my cheeks are permanently sore from grinning so much.”

Many emotions filled the school on election day. “It’s nerve-racking but also exciting” said Ms. Erin Baker (’95), student council moderator. “It’s the end of one E-Board’s time but just the start for a whole new group.”

Accompanied by cheers and kudos, the newly elected E-Board members made the traditional run through St. Mary’s Hall. “Running down the halls was amazing!” said incoming treasurer Maggie Latham. “Seeing everyone so proud of me warmed my heart.”

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With students cheering her along, treasurer-elect Maggie Latham sprints down St. Mary’s Hall. “Getting a spot on E-Board was what I’ve wanted for years. It felt like everything was falling into place,” said Latham. “We have already started planning all of the exciting events that we want to pack in our senior year.”  photo by Kathryn Valldejuli

The E-Board will be working all summer long to prepare for the year ahead. “I hope to bring new things to DHS and use my creativity to unite all of the grades,” said vice president-elect Olivia Singleton.

Outgoing vice-president Cole Pittman wishes the best for next year’s E-Board. “I hope next year’s E-Board really takes hold of this amazing opportunity they’ve been given,” said Pittman. “I hope they go with any crazy idea they think of and embrace the fun year ahead because it’ll be over just as fast as it started.”

  • Kathryn Valldejuli