May 23, 2019
134th Annual Commencement Exercises
Forty-seven seniors received diplomas from St. Mary’s Academy assistant principal Cheryl Ross Brown, in ceremonies marking the 134th graduation of St. Mary’s Academy on May 16 at Austin Gymnasium. Father Daniel H. Green, pastor of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church was the principal celebrant and homilist of the Baccalaureate Mass that preceded the graduation ceremonies.
St. Mary’s Academy alumna Dr. Rayanne L. House, a general Pediatrician at Daughters of Charity Health Centers and a newborn nursery attending physician at Touro Infirmary served as the commencement speaker.
The members of the Class of 2019 have been accepted to more than 62 colleges and universities around the country and earned more than $6.1 million in scholarships and awards.
Armani Travis, daughter of Nedra Bell and Eric Travis of New Orleans, was valedictorian. Throughout her years at St. Mary’s Academy she has maintained both President’s Honor Roll and Renaissance Star status. Travis, a TOPS Scholar, earned the highest-average awards in science, English, social studies and physical education. She was a member of several extracurricular activities, including the National Honor Society, SMA Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, cheerleaders, Resurrection Singers, chorus, Mu Alpha Theta, SMA World Language Club, Science Club, SMA Ambassadors, Retreat Team, Pre-Alumnae, softball, archery and SMA Garden Club. She plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette majoring in mechanical engineering.
Salutatorians of the class were Dominique Hagans and DaJah Lawson.
Read MoreMay 7, 2019
Give Nola Day
GiveNOLA Day is a 24-hour event hosted by the Greater New Orleans Foundation to inspire people to give generously to nonprofits making our region stronger, creating a thriving community for all. Consider making a contribution to St. Mary’s Academy. All gifts are most appreciated. Please click the link below to make a contribution. Thank you!
St. Mary’s Academy To Host Women of Distinction Awards
St. Mary’s Academy will commemorate Black History Month by recognizing the successes and accomplishments of twelve notable African American females. The Women of Distinction Awards will take place on Thursday, February 28, 1:15pm in the school’s gymnasium located at 6905 Chef Menteur Blvd.
“Women are often not given the true recognition they deserve as current day pioneers and trailblazers in our community,” said director of Student Affairs Lisa Ross who is coordinating the event. This tribute, held during Black History Month, pays homage to women for their unrelenting and inspirational persistence. We should always be reminded of their strengths, talents, and their determination to see others uplifted and enriched.”
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March 27, 2019
Team Jasmin Annual SJS Awareness Walk
SMA alumna Jasmin Bindom will host the 5th annual Team Jasmin SJS Awareness Walk on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Participation fee is $25 and includes a t-shirt, food and drink. Channel 4 Medical Watch reporter Meg Farris will MC the walk and noted dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth McBurney will serve as the keynote speaker.
Every year, Jasmin Bindom provides a scholarship to an SMA student from proceeds of this race. This year, Jasmin also provided funding for both the yoga and meditation classes at SMA. We encourage all students, parents and alumnae to register now for this most worthwhile endeavor to shed light on the Stevens Johnson Syndrome. (SJS)
For more information, please call : (504) 905-4049
Alumnae Spotlight
Natalia Veronica
Growing up in New Orleans, Natalia Veronica developed an appreciation for art and culture at an early age. The daughter of a seamstress and an architect, she spent countless hours at either a sewing machine or drafting table learning how to sketch and fashion garments. Recognizing their daughter’s tremendous gifts, Natalia’s parents encouraged her artistic development.
In 1994, Natalia enrolled as a freshmen at St. Mary’s Academy where she participated in the Journalism Club and created artwork for class events and competitions. Following her graduation in 1997, she moved to Dallas to study fashion design at The Art Institute of Dallas. Upon earning a degree in fashion design, Natalia continued to create artwork and designs and worked for luxury based companies including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Prada.
After a lifetime of sketching and painting, she decided to start exhibiting her artwork in various art shows. “As I began showing my paintings in galleries, I realized I wanted more people to be able to appreciate and attain my work,” said Natalia who also started creating limited edition prints of her original works. “I also wanted to find a way to incorporate my love of fashion design, that is when Natalia Veronica was established.”
All of Natalia’s merchandise is named for a personally significant street or moment. She even designed a hand painted handbag called the “Maryite” as a nod to her alma mater. The collection has been featured in many publications and selected for the Kimbell Museum of Art in Fort Worth, Texas.