1867-2017
Sesquicentennial Celebration
Scholarship, Leadership, & Service
May 19, 2017
SMA Commencement Highlights
Sixty seniors from St. Mary’s Academy received diplomas from Sister of the Holy Family Clare of Assisi Pierre, president, St. Mary’s Academy, and Sister Jennie Jones, principal, in ceremonies marking the 132nd graduation of St. Mary’s Academy May 18 at Dillard University’s Lawless Chapel.
Rev. Charles Andrus, SSJ, celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass that preceded the graduation ceremonies. History trailblazer Louisiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Bernette Joshua Johnson, served as the commencement speaker.
The members of the Class of 2017 have been accepted at more than 64 colleges and universities and have garnered more than $8.3 million dollars in scholarship awards.
Diara Jackson, daughter of Mr. Felix Jackson and Mrs. Shanel Morgan- Jackson 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.
Jackson, a TOPS Scholar, earned the highest-average awards in religion and science. She was a member of several extracurricular activities, including the cheerleading squad, SMA Ambassadors, science club, National Honor Society and SMA Honor Society.
Read MoreMay 9, 2017
A Great Gatsby Affair
The Arbor Room in City park provided the perfect backdrop for the SMA Junior Senior Prom. Themed a “Great Gatsby Affair,” the prom featured beautiful vintage-inspired decor, great food, music and fun.
May 22, 2017
Eighth Grade Promotion
Thirty-nine eighth graders from St. Mary’s Academy received promotional certificates from Sister of the Holy Family Clare of Assisi Pierre, president, St. Mary’s Academy, and Pamela Rogers, assistant principal on May 22, 2017 at Austin Gymnasium.
Rev. Charles Andrus, SSJ, celebrated the Mass that preceded the ceremonies with special awards being presented by middle school coordinator Pamela Greenwood and admissions director Sr. Cynthia Marie Jackson, SSF.
Read MoreAlumnae Spotlight
Christal Keller
Christal Keller was born and raised in the 7th ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, a product of the Archdiocesan elementary school system. A graduate of the St. Mary’s Academy class of 1993, she finished in the top 10 of her class.
Following graduation from SMA, and after several major of study changes, Christal went on to earn a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of New Orleans in General Studies – Health Sciences in 2002. While earning her degree from the University of New Orleans, she began working for Walmart Pharmacy in June of 1998 as a stock associate. The Pharmacy Manager recognized her potential and work ethic and encouraged her to train for a Pharmacy Technician position. After studying and passing the test, Christal became a Licensed Certified Pharmacy Technician in January of 1999, remaining in that position for the next ten years.
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city, forcing Christal to evacuate to Baton Rouge. Fortunately, she was able to continue working as a Pharmacy Technician at one of the Baton Rouge Walmart stores. In 2006, knowing that she was not content to remain a Technician for the rest her career, Christal re-applied to Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy. Because she was deficient in some required science related courses, she was initially denied entrance and hence advised to return once these courses were completed. While still working as a Pharmacy Tech, Christal completed the appropriate study, reapplied for entrance into Xavier University’s College of Pharmacy program and was accepted in 2009.