Walmsley Goes Global

January 10, 2018

“Grab your passports, Dominican. We’re taking a trip around the world.”

The trip began on November 15 at the annual Multi-Cultural Festival held in the Sister Ambrose Regio Gym.  Organized each year by the Multi-Cultural Club, the festival is a celebration of cultures and countries represented in DHS and around the world.

The festival also featured a special performance by local songstress and alumna Ms. Robin Barnes (‘05) and students from the neighboring Lafayette Academy.

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Hand in hand and excited to showcase their beautiful gowns, seniors Brooke Davis, Jeanine Halum and Erynn Johnson model Palestinian dresses.  As part of the Multi-Cultural Fest Fashion Show in November, they celebrated the attire representing Halum’s Palestinian roots.                                        – photo by Inziya Magee

The Multi-Cultural festival has a significant influence on Dominican and its students. “Having a very diverse student body, Dominican is able to come together and celebrate the many different cultures DHS has,” said senior Chrysta Porter.

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CRACK! Focusing on the board, senior Anne Marie Camardelle demonstrates a martial arts move by breaking the wooden board held by her coach, Steve Higgerson.  Camardelle shared her love of  Tang Soo Do during the annual Multi-Cultural Festival held in the Sister Ambrose Regio Gym.  – photo by Inziya Magee 

On this journey, students traveled all over the world. For this trip, “we focused on different regions like Southeast Asia, North and South America, the Middle East, Europe and Central America,” said Mrs. Claudia Vallejo, Multi-Cultural Club moderator. Students enjoyed ceremonial dances from Ireland, Africa and America, martial arts demonstrations, a colorful array of cultural dresses, and musical performances derived from multiple parts of the world.

Part of this tour around the world included students from neighboring Lafayette Academy.  These elementary-grade students traveled down Walmsley to perform a native African dance. The students, returning guests to the event, gave yet another exquisite performance for the Dominican students.

“Lafayette Academy has a skilled program and specifically addresses the African culture,” said Mrs. Suzanne Ladmirault, guidance counselor and Multi-Cultural Club co-moderator. Following the African adventure, students then traveled to Cuba for a festive dance.

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Demonstrating the Cuban culture, freshman Victoria Bordelon performs a Cuban dance to “Guantanamera” by Celia Cruz. Because her grandfather is of the Cuban heritage, Bordelon chose this patriotic song to celebrate her family’s ancestry.  – photo by Inziya Magee

Freshman Victoria Bordelon danced a Cuban dance to “Guantanamera” by Celia Cruz.  Bordelon says she choose this specific song because her grandfather is from Havana, Cuba. “My family is Cuban, so whenever I go home I can hear the salsa music playing through my bedroom,” said Bordelon.  She believes her Cuban heritage has a major influence on her life.  “I live and breathe the Cuban culture, and I love it,” Bordelon said. After seeing a beautiful Cuban dance, students traveled to Spain.

When in Spain, the students heard angelic music playing.  Sophomore Naya Thomas performed a soulful rendition of “Como la Flor” by Selena y Los Dinos. Her vocal performance earned her a standing ovation from the crowd.

Traveling further north, DHS students journeyed to Ireland where the Bickerton sisters performed a traditional Irish dance. Sisters Caroline (senior), Catherine (sophomore) and Jane (eighth grader) performed their complex dance routine that left the audience in awe. Following the visit to Ireland, the festival ended in America with a high energy hip-hop routine.

Seniors Maddie McGovern and Alison Dupre performed a hip-hop routine with a mash-up of popular American songs. “We used songs from various artists and incorporated dances we’ve seen our favorite dancers do,” McGovern explained. McGovern and Dupre began practicing the routine in August, anticipating making the dance perfect for the festival. “We practiced a lot, but it was fun making up the dance and performing it,” said McGovern.

The Multi-Cultural Festival showcases the diverse cultures that reside right here at Dominican.  For more information about this annual event, contact Mrs. Vallejo or members of the Multi-Cultural Club.

  •  Inziya Magee

 

Student Council “Stops the Bleed”

January 10, 2018
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Feeling for a pulse, juniors Lizzie Bourg and Rachael Hahn, assisted by Ms. Jordan Ruppert, ensure that they have applied a tourniquet correctly. As the Student Council learned during the Stop the Bleed presentation in November, a rescuer must check a victim’s pulse after applying a tourniquet. No pulse in the appendage means that the tourniquet has been successfully applied, increasing the victim’s odds of survival.

Accidents occur every day. Car crashes, recreational mishaps and even clumsiness can create serious wounds. How can you help someone in such a dire circumstance?

In November, Dominican’s Student Council learned how to handle these life-threatening situations.  They gathered in the Sr. Ambrose Regio Gym for a lunch box lecture from the Stop the Bleed organization. Student Council members learned the basics on how to recognize, assist and stop a life-threatening bleed on the scene. They put the lesson into action by practicing many of the skills they learned.

Stop the Bleed is a program with a mission.  It cultivates grassroots efforts that encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to help in a bleeding emergency before professional help arrives. In 2015, the Department of Homeland Security created Stop the Bleed as a national awareness campaign. The New Orleans branch of the program, located at University Medical Center and headed by the LSU Health New Orleans and the Tulane University Medical School, strives to educate students in the area on these life-saving techniques.

Dr. Jennifer Avegno (’89) is the emergency physician in the Level 1 Trauma Center at University Medical Center and a spokesperson for Stop the Bleed. Dr. Avegno sees many serious injuries daily and finds it frustrating how many deaths could be prevented with the correct knowledge.

“We designed the program to help civilians learn the basic procedures to hold the victim over until the EMS can get on the scene,” said Dr. Avegno. “I’m tired of seeing people die before they even get to us and never being able to do anything about it.” This problem is one of the main factors for expanding the Stop the Bleed program to New Orleans area schools.

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Packing a “bleeding” wound, senior Cole Pittman races against the clock to save her “victim.” Provided by the Stop the Bleed program in November, bleeding simulators help the girls practice their packing skills.

From packing a wound to learning to apply a tourniquet, the Student Council practiced their newly-gained skills on each other as well as on the bleeding simulators provided by the organization. “I liked that it was hands on because if we had just watched a presentation, I don’t think I would have learned as much,” said freshman Gracie Bott.

The girls also exam viewed examples of what a serious injury, such as a gun-shot wound or an injury from a bicycling accident, may look like. Although no one fainted after seeing these graphic images, there were many gasps and groans heard throughout the crowd. “High school students can be a bit squeamish,” said Dr. Avegno, “so when I see a young girl get excited and interested in trauma, it gives me a sense of pride.”

The program’s goal is to educate at least 300 schools within the next 5 years. With Dominican being one of their first all-girl, Catholic schools to take part in the program, Dr. Avegno is very proud to have brought her knowledge home to her alma mater.

Following the seminar and demonstrations, each Student Council member received a certificate of completion, showing that she is certified in the Stop the Bleed program.

“I enjoyed the program because I’m very interested in medicine, and I would’ve never had the chance to go if it wasn’t at Dominican,” said junior Kennedi Sigur. “I take pride in the fact that if someone were to get to injured in front of me, I now know what to do.”

  • Claire Perez

‘Tis the Season for a Dominican Christmas

December 18, 2017

The sounds of mistletones and jingle bells are resounding through the halls at DHS this holiday season. From frolicking in the first snow in New Orleans since 2008 to pictures with Santa in Alumnae Hall, students are preparing for a jolly Christmas.

For many, the Christmas season brings treasured memories and traditions to life. From watching their favorite Christmas movies to baking cookies with their families, the faculty and students of Dominican shared some of their favorite aspects of Christmas.

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Many traditions, new and old, are celebrated during Christmas. Mrs. Claudia Vallejo’s favorite tradition is “Las Novenas,” which is a Columbian tradition where the whole family gathers at a family member’s house to pray, dance, eat and sing Villancicos – Columbian Christmas carols.

 

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Christmas music is an essential holiday ingredient that many people enjoy. Eighth grader Selae Walker’s favorite Christmas song is “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. 

 

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From singing carols to decorating trees, the Christmas season brings many fun activities. Freshman Aria Dody’s favorite Christmas activity is baking  holiday cookies with her sister. 

 

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Many people’s favorite part of Christmas is the presents under the tree on Christmas morning. However, sophomore Kellie Tucker has a different outlook on what she wants for Christmas this year. “There was nothing I really wanted this year because I have everything I could ask for: good friends, a loving family, and a good pair of headphones,” said Tucker.

 

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Holiday movies are a classic tradition that families like to watch together. Junior Rebecca Triche’s favorite Christmas movie is A Christmas Story.

 

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Looking back on Christmas memories is one of the best parts of the season. Senior Elisa Perriott’s favorite Christmas memory is when she went to Mississippi and spent Christmas with her grandfather.

 

DHS Dives into State

December 14, 2017

featured swimmingOn Nov. 17-18, the Dominican Swim Team dove into the competition at the Division I State Meet in Sulphur, Louisiana. Placing sixth overall out of twenty other schools, the team proudly surpassed many schools in their division. Members of the 2017 DHS Swim Team include (from left to right); top row senior Susan Endom, eighth grader Cecilia Haneman, senior Claire Karcher, senior Miriam Waguespack, junior Ali Lanasa, sophomore Morgan Gunnels, freshman Catalina Torres, (bottom row) sophomore Ashley DuFour, eighth grader Emma Sulivan, junior Hannah Morris, and freshman Emily Helmet. 

Additionally, junior Hannah Morris placed first in the Girls 200 Yard Individual Medley (IM) and the Girls 500 Yard Freestyle, making her a state champion. Morris was very surprised at her achievement and very proud because of all the hard work she had exerted in order to win. “I practiced every day and conserve my energy before meets,” she said.

In the Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay, Dominican placed sixth out of 24 schools with a time of 1:56.36. The relay team consisted of juniors Morris, Emma MacMahon, Brie Duhe and Morgan Gunnels.

Relay team member MacMahon also placed fourth in the Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke with a time of 1:11.37. Morris, who has been on the DHS Swim Team since eighth grade, believes “eating well and daily practice” helped her to win the meet.

The swim team cut through the water in October’s Metro Meet, placing 6th overall. In the Girls 200 Yard IM, Morris placed first, and MacMahon placed third in the Girls 200 Yard IM. Their excellent performances in the Metro Meet qualified them for the State Meet.

The entire team made it their season’s goal to qualify for the State Meet. However, making it to the state level was not an easy task. Every race contributed to the all-important qualifying times which swimmers need to race in the finals.

A very diverse group competed this year. Girls from each grade level with different strengths competed this season. This year’s swim team is composed of “a good mix of each grade level,” said swim team moderator Ms. Erin Baker (‘95), “and has had a lot more eighth graders competing this year than previously.”

Both swim team captains Claire Karcher and Lucy Hood, seniors, agree that this year’s team was talented and performed great in the State Meet. “This year’s season was good” said Hood. “As a team, we were able to meet goals and work together really well.”

Everyone performed well at their final meet and are proud of their accomplishments Through hard work, dedication, and perseverance the swim team has had an amazing season and ended it with a meet performance to be proud of.

  • In’ziya Magee

Thanksgiving Baskets Spark Holiday Spirit

December 14, 2017

The aroma of a warm Thanksgiving turkey, the sweetness of cranberries and the spice of pumpkin pie are some sensations that come to mind when thinking of Thanksgiving.

Folks look forward to spending time with family, expressing what they’re thankful for, and of course, enjoying the abundance of good food.  However, not everyone has a Thanksgiving meal available to them. For those families, Dominican and partner agencies provided the menu.

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Eager to give, juniors Julia Oubre and Alexa Schexnayder help carry baskets to Alumnae Hall on Friday, Nov. 17 to build the donation collection. These baskets filled with corn, stuffing, sweet potato and desserts were brought to the Gert Town Community Center and handed out to families in need.   photo by Kathryn Valldejuli

During the month of November, the Dominican student body collected food to fill 88 Thanksgiving baskets filled with essential Thanksgiving food such as stuffing, sweet potatoes, rice, desserts and more to provide 700 meals for families in Dominican’s surrounding community.

“The importance of donating these baskets is to create an awareness that there are people in our own community – in fact, our neighbors – who don’t have a meal for Thanksgiving,” said Ms. Claire Gallagher (’04), campus minister.

Dominican partnered with St. Rita Parish, Xavier University and Mary Queen of Peace School in Mandeville to collect these food items to give to families at the Gert Town Community Center.

This year, Dominican received help from other organizations to complete the perfect Thanksgiving baskets. The Retired National Football League Players Association donated $25 gift cards from a local grocery store for each family. Also, Leidenhemier Baking Company donated fresh bread.

“The Thanksgiving baskets are a great way to get the whole school involved in bringing so much joy to multiple families during this holiday season,” said senior Emily Douglass, president of the Christian Leadership Counsel.

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With an abundance of food donations, Alumnae Hall is filled as CLC, Christian Leadership Council, club officers Emily Douglass and Abby Haydel help bring the baskets to be delivered. “Serving the community is CLC’s main focus throughout the school year,” said Douglass.  photo by Kathryn Valldejuli

Along with the joy of being able to help others, this donation drive elicits excitement from the student body for this holiday season. This year, DHS surpassed expectations and fed hundreds of families in the community. Each year, this effort makes senior Miriam Waguespack feel proud. “The Thanksgiving basket drive makes all of at DHS feel proud knowing we’re helping others.”

 

  • Kathryn Valldejuli

 

 

 

 

 

Living Rosary Links Families

December 13, 2017

The Siena Center is silent, dark, somber and prayerful. The bleachers and seats are overflowing with grandparents and students, and then the spotlight comes on revealing the start of the Living Rosary. The Dominican community joins in celebration of Jesus’ ministry through prayer, song and dance.

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After praying the Living Rosary, freshman Madison Ferguson and her grandparents attend the reception in Alumni Hall. (photo by Paige Dawson)

This is the scene of the annual Grandparents Day at Dominican. On Oct. 27, DHS students and their grandparents came together to pray the Living Rosary at Dominican. On this day, the grandparents of Dominican students come to the campus to share this special prayer with their granddaughters.

This annual event is a day of prayer and reflection but also love and bonding. Mrs. Jill Cabes (‘87), Vice President of Dominican Catholic Identity, sees Grandparents Day as a way “to see the value of praying as a family and intergenerational prayer.”

Grandparents Day is a spiritual and enriching experience in which “we come together as a community and pray a Dominican Catholic prayer,” said Mrs. Cabes. Not only the prayer itself enriching, but the performance is, too. Ms. Rosalie Abadie, Dominican art teacher and drama club director, originated the performance part of the assembly and has since directed the theatrical performance for the last 23 years. Each year, she innovatively integrates song, dance and performance talents into the praying of the rosary.

DSC_7628 “It felt exciting and rewarding to perform as Mary for everyone” said  Wisniewski. As one of the many performaces durring the Rosary Assembly, on Oct. 27,  junior Camryn Wisniewski excitedly played Mary infront of the audience. (Photo by Courtney Margot)

Ms. Abadie strives to keep the performance “a prayer in movement.” She accomplishes this though the help of the drama club. This year, the cast for the living rosary was made up of 30 drama club members acting out the Luminous Mysteries. The Luminous Mysteries are known as the “mysteries of light” and celebrate the years of Jesus’ public life.

The theatrical performance is not the only special thing about the assembly; the rosary is also said in four different languages. Together, faculty members and students lead each decade in different languages – English, Spanish, French and Latin. By saying the rosary in different languages, “we highlight the idea that the Church is universal.” said Mrs. Cabes.

Grandparents Day at Dominican is a tradition for many, including Mrs. Theresa Maquar (‘70), Dominican chemistry teacher, and her granddaughter, junior Alexis Daugherty. “Sharing the Rosary Assembly is a special blessing and tradition. It allows me to be ‘Granny’ and pray together with Alexis,” said Mrs. Maquar.

Mrs. Maquar and Daugherty enjoy the combination of performance and prayer. Each year, they look forward to new displays of talent. Grandparents Day is a tradition in their family. With four generations of Dominicans in their family, Daugherty agrees that the Living Rosary is an event this DHS family looks forward to sharing.

  • Paige Dawson

DHS Volleyball Serves Up a Great Season

December 13, 2017

It all started this past July. Early morning practices- two hours, six days a week. Undeterred by bruised knees and sore muscles, the 2017-2018 Dominican Varsity Volleyball team wasn’t letting anything stop them this season. Finishing with a ranking of fifth out of twenty-four teams in the Catholic League and making it to the state volleyball tournament were among the team’s biggest achievements this past season.

On Thursday, Nov. 9, the Dominican Volleyball team competed against Northshore High School at the Pontchartrain Center in the third round of city playoffs. Unfortunately, after a tough battle on the court, Dominican lost the five-game match to Northshore High School.

However, the team accomplished an important main goal of the season: achieving top eight status in the Catholic League. Due to their number five ranking, the varsity team received a bye in the first round of playoffs. In the second round of playoffs, the team won their ticket to the city playoffs at the Pontchartrain Center by defeating Slidell High School in the quarter-final game in the Siena Center on Saturday, Nov. 4.

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Huddling in after a successful game, the Dominican volleyball team celebrates a victory against Slidell High School in the Siena Center on Nov. 4. The 25-22 win led the team to the city playoffs at the Pontchartrain Center the following week where they progressed to the third round before a tough loss to Northshore High School.

“This team accomplished a lot this past season and put us back on the map,” said volleyball coach Mrs. Jessica Chatellier. “This is the first time in four years that we’ve been to the Pontchartrain Center, which is very rewarding.”

The team’s hard work over the duration of the season and commitment to their goal of being in the top eight teams yielded success in games and tournaments leading up to the playoffs. In the Catholic League Tournament held at Dominican on September 15, the team won five out of five games and beat St. Joseph’s Academy- the team who knocked them out of the playoffs last year and took second in the Louisiana State Tournament.

“As a team, we’ve learned that encouraging each other and staying positive helps us to be successful,” said senior setter Alexis Ceravola. “By doing that at the Catholic League tournament, we beat St. Joseph’s, which was a huge achievement.”

Each year, Mrs. Chatellier helps the team choose a quote that will inspire them to keep their heads up and play the best they can throughout the season. “Heart has no limit” was this year’s choice.

Inspired by the words of LSU baseball player Cole Freeman, “Heart has no limit” means that whether a team wins or loses, playing with their whole hearts will bring them further than any record. The Dominican Volleyball team wore this motto on the back of their practice shirts to keep them focused throughout the season on what really matters: playing with heart is most important.

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Receiving this season’s practice shirts, the 2017-2018 varsity volleyball team shows off their motto “Heart has no limit”. These words guided the team through a successful season by teaching them an important lesson: playing with heart is more important than winning.

The volleyball team’s hard work and perseverance led to a great final season for eight of the fourteen players – the seniors. “While I am sad that it came to an end, this season was unforgettable,” senior middle hitter Abby Slattery said. “Over the past five years of being on this team, we’ve gotten better every year.”

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Senior Abby Slattery celebrates a point scored against Slidell High School with fellow teammates (left to right) seniors Hannah McGowan and Elise Peyroux, eighth grader Kate Baker and senior Sarah Wild. The victory was just one among many achievements that “made this season unforgettable,” according to Slattery.

Everyone involved with the team-the players, coaches, parents- were ecstatic about the successful 2017-2018 season. “Everyone had the opportunity to show heart throughout the season,” said Mrs. Chatellier. “Even though we didn’t win in the end, we had a great season and I’m really proud.”

  • Claire Dinwiddie

Cross Country Runs Circles ‘Round the Competition

December 8, 2017
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Encouraged by assistant coach Ms. Ellen Barkmeyer (’13), eighth grader Madison Trauth pushes herself through her three-mile cross country run.  photo by Paige Dawson

Dominican’s Cross Country Team blasted past the competition and placed third in the LHSAA State Championship on Nov. 14 in Natchitoches. DHS Cross Country runners secured third place by leading the fourth-place team by 46 points.

“They ran really well. I’m very proud of the way that our team ran. We have a great core group going forward, and we’re excited to compete for a top spot next season,” said coach Ms. Ashlyn Ciolino (’07).

As champions of the Regional Meet, Dominican sent seven runners to compete in the State Meet: eighth graders Kelsey Major, Madison Trauth and Catherine Kernion; sophomores Erin Sequeira and Lizzy Bourg; and seniors Ady Becker and Caroline Hensley.

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Ahead of the pack, eighth grader Kelsey Major pushes toward the finish line at the St. Paul’s race in Abita Springs in September.  photo by Paige Dawson 

Major maintained this season’s winning pace by placing fourth overall in State with a time of 19:04. Major approached the state competition with confidence having placed first in both District and Regional Meets as well as clocking a person record of 18:54 for the three-mile run.

Major has set goals that will push her to train even harder. “I want to be the fastest runner Dominican has ever seen,” she said.

 

The ambition and competitive nature of the team is what led to their success for the season, according to Ms. Ciolino. “Cross country is much more than just running. You have to run at the fastest pace you can and maintain that speed for 3 straight miles,” said Ms. Ciolino.

With three eighth graders on the state roster, Dominican’s Cross Country Team is young. Because of this young team, “it was a learning experience for everyone,” said Ms. Ciolino. “State for the first time is scary, so sending three eighth graders was a bold move.

“They earned this outcome,” Ms. Ciolino said.

Hensley, team captain, believes that despite being a young team, “when we [the seniors] leave, I think the underclassmen will do an amazing job at continuing the successful legacy we have created.” With eighth graders contributing to the team’s third place state finish, many agree with Hensley.

“I’m really proud of how we ran in state,” said Major. “It has inspired me to push myself even harder in the next few years ahead of me and to continue to win.”

 

Seniors Drive to Save Lives

December 5, 2017
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Driven by a desire to help others, senior Isabella Hotard donates blood at the Ochsner Fall Blood Drive in the Siena Foyer.  Along with fellow seniors, Hotard’s contribution during the October Senior Blood Drive will help 135 patients in need of blood.   photo by Brooklyn Comeaux

One in every four people entering the hospital will need blood.  Although an estimated 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, less than 10 percent of that eligible population actually donates each year.

Each year, St. Mary’s Dominican High School seniors donate blood during the annual Ochsner Blood Drive that takes place here at Dominican.  In October, however, an overwhelming number of seniors responded to the blood drive.

This year, 56 seniors donated, and Ochsner collected 45 useful pints of blood, according to Senior Faculty Coordinator Ms. Charlene Ford (’01).  Ms. Ford said that this was the largest turnout of seniors in recent memory.

The blood collected by Ochsner will help a tremendous amount of people, said Ochsner Blood Bank Representative Ms. Cassie Havrilla.  This blood donation will help 135 patients in need of blood and/or blood products.

Donated blood is used to help cancer patients, transplant patients and trauma victims. Blood is used in surgery, childbirth and blood disorders treatments. Donated blood can be used for patients of all ages, including children and young adults, according to Ms. Havrilla.

Ochsner credits high schools with nearly 20% of all the blood that it collects.  Dominican students help save hundreds of lives each year by donating at the annual blood drive.

“We couldn’t do what we do without you,” said Ms. Havrilla.  Since blood cannot be synthetically created, Ochsner relies solely on blood donations to provide patients with the blood or blood products they may need.

Ochsner collected blood from 56 donors, which is extremely high compared to other years.  “Ochsner is overjoyed, grateful and humbled by the number of people that donated this year,” said Ms. Havrilla. “It’s a true testament to the generosity and kind spirit of the senior class.”

On donation day, senior lined up in the Siena Atrium, eager to donate blood.   “First time donors may be nervous at first, but once they donate they are confident and proud of their donation.  These students are one thing: brave,” said Ms. Havrilla.

Senior Susan Endom recalled her emotions the day of the blood drive. “I wasn’t too nervous before donating, but I was scared as soon as I saw the needle going in my arm,” she said. “After a while, it wasn’t that bad, but the sight of my own blood was pretty weird.”  Endom said she dealt with her anxiety because she knew “it’s important to give blood for those who need it.”

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Despite her calm demeanor, nerves and excitement overcame senior Chloe Mendy as she donated blood for the first time during the October Oschner Blood Drive.  After donating, Mendy felt “accomplished and proud” that she donated to the blood bank to help those in need.  photo by Brooklyn Comeaux

According to senior Chloe Mendy, she “discovered a whole new way to help other people, and she was inspired to give again.

“I had never donated blood before, and I knew it was for a great cause.  I knew I could possibly save someone’s life just by donating,” said Mendy.

To show appreciation for the donations, Ochsner offers a scholarship to a student who donated.  Each donors name has been entered into a raffle for a chance to win a scholarship from Ochsner to be put towards college expenses.  The winner will be announced in the spring.

Ochsner reports that by the end of the 2017-2018 school year, the Ochsner Blood Bank Scholarship Program will have contributed almost $100k in scholarships to area high school students.  Ochsner offers this scholarship drawing as a way to thank all the students who support the blood drive each year.

Due to the overwhelming response from those wishing to donate, Dominican will host another blood drive with Ochsner in the spring.  On Friday, March 2, Ochsner employees will return to DHS to conduct another blood drive for those unable to donate at the first blood drive.

Seniors, be on the lookout to sign up for the second blood drive in March to help those in need.

  • Brooklyn Comeaux

Pink is the New Black and White

November 17, 2017

 

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Leading the crowd in cheers, student council members get the Dominifans excited for the volleyball team during the game. The fans on both sides participate by having “cheer-offs” to see which side has more spirit – all in support of those touched by breast cancer.  –  photo by Paige Dawson

The smell of fresh beignets, hot dogs and snoballs lingered through the air as students from Dominican and Mount Carmel Academy flooded into the Siena Center on Wednesday, October 4. A sea of fans in pink boas, face paint and wigs cheered on their volleyball teams to come together for one cause-breast cancer awareness.

October, national Breast Cancer Awareness month, calls for people everywhere to participate in benefiting the “fight for the cure.” All three DHS volleyball teams joined in this unified effort by competing in the annual Pink Game, which donates all proceeds to Tulane Cancer Center’s Patient Relief Fund.

The theme for the ninth annual Pink Game, “Paint the Pitt Pink,” encouraged students and fans to dress from head to toe in pink to show their support of the cause. The combination of ticket sales, concessions and raffles totaled an impressive $13,446.66.

“It’s always amazing to see players and fans to contributing to the cure for breast cancer at the Pink Game,” volleyball coach Ms. Jessica Chatellier said. “It’s one of the highlights of the season every year.”

During the game, students cheered along with the cheerleaders, jammed out with the band and watched a halftime performance from the Debs.

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Taking a Stand Against Breast Cancer – DHS cheerleaders show their school spirit to the student section during the Pink Game in October. The cheerleaders led cheers and performed routines in the Siena Center throughout the game to cheer on the varsity volleyball team.  – photo by Paige Dawson

Amid the screaming fans from both Dominican and Mount Carmel, both teams played their hearts out. Despite the tough loss Mount Carmel, the volleyball team played with heart and skill, a reflection of their team motto, “Heart has no limit.”

“I think our motto was very fitting for the Pink Game,” said senior Alexis Ceravola. “Even though we didn’t come out with a win, we use the quote to remember that we played for a good cause which is really rewarding.”

The contributions and proceeds from the game will provide financial assistance to breast cancer patients and families through the Tulane Institute of Sports Medicine, which works with the Tulane Cancer Center to raise money for the fund.

  • Claire Dinwiddie