February 4, 2019
Honor Society Induction
St. Mary’s Academy recently inducted 20 students into the National Honor Society at a program held in Austin Gymnasium. Students who are inducted into the National Society are required to have a minimum 3.5 GPA. They must also have leadership roles in both school and community, inspire positive behavior in others, serve at least 75 hours (juniors) or 100 hours (seniors) of community service and consistently demonstrate respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring and good citizenship. Membership is offered to juniors and seniors who meet the criteria established by the National Association of Secondary School Principals in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character. Candidate members are selected through a comprehensive application for admission and once accepted, are expected to uphold the criteria of excellence in all four areas.
In addition to the National Honor Society inductees, fifty-four students were installed in the SMA Honor Society and fourteen were inducted into the Mu Alpha Theta Society.
Read MoreFebruary 15, 2019
Students Get VIP Treatment
Recognizing the achievements of students in and outside of the classroom was the focus of the Red Carpet Awards. Held Thursday, February 14, 2019, the event featured the presentation of 78 Renaissance Star students in grades 5-12. Entering the gymnasium via a red carpet the honorees were presented with trophies and gift cards to mark the occasion.
February 4, 2019
SMA Senior Prepares to Knock Out the Competition
Dominique Hagans may be small in stature but don’t be fooled. The diminutive dynamo carries a big punch thanks to her boxing coaches a the Spartan Boxing Club in New Orleans. The mostly male dominated club is run by experienced coaches from the boxing world, including one that worked with pros like Evander Holyfield.
Now, Dominique is fervently training to compete in the The Atlanta Classic-USA Boxing Woman’s only boxing tournament hosted by Sweet Science Boxing Club in Atlanta,Ga. Open to all USA Boxing female divisions and weight classes (pee wee, bantam, intermediate, junior, youth, elite and masters), The Atlanta Classic will take place at the Atlanta Marriott Century Center February 22-24.
The Spartans meet 4 times a week and train 3 hours each day at Milne NORD Recreation Center. While Dominique has only trained for a year and a half, she already has earned a championship belt.
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.