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St. Mary’s Academy Mock Trial Team
St. Mary’s Academy Mock Trial Team
WINS MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION
Congratulations to our Mock Trial Team they are the winners of the ARBTAW 2019 High School Mock Trial Competition.
Pictured here are the members of St. Mary’s Academy Mock Trial Team … Selena Mason, Demi Youngblood, Jailan Magee and Trinity Jackson; and Kevin Guillory, Eusi Phillips, Brian Woods and Tony Tran.
Trinity Jackson also won the award for best advocate (best overall attorney).
Thank you to the coaches and Mr. Keith Haywood, the Moderator for the team this year.
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CPR Training for High School Students at SMA
The Health & Physical Education Department at St. Mary’s Academy partnered up with New Orleans East Hospital to provide CPR training and certification for high school students. The students are now CPR & First Aid Certified. CPR is the acronym for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation which is a lifesaving technique. Young ladies learned that CPR performed within the first 6 minutes of the heart stopping can keep someone alive until medical help arrives. They gained lifesaving skills that helps to respond to emergencies.
The certification is good for two years.
SMA News
Sister Angela Smith, SSF
Sister Angela Theresa Smith, daughter of Ida T. Hawkins Smith and the late Arthur Frazier Smith, Jr. of Alexandria, LA (former Superintendent of the Rapides Parish School District) entered eternal life on September 22, 2019. She was 67 years of age. Sister Angela was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, and entered the Congregation of the Holy Family on September 8, 1971, made her first vows on August 15, 1974, and Perpetual Vows on August 15, 1974!
Sr. Angela was introduced to the Sisters of the Holy Family through Sr. Charlotte Rubit, S.S.F. who was ministering in Alexandria. Sr. Angela inquired about religious life, and that very day she called Mother Rose de Lima Hazeur, the Superior General, and accepted an invitation to come and learn more about the congregation.
Sr. Angela served in ministry to the people of God primarily as an educator in Louisiana and Texas. She began her teaching career at Holy Family Catholic School in Lafayette, Louisiana. After three years, she returned to New Orleans and ministered for five years at St. Raymond Catholic School and three years at St. Joan of Arc Catholic School. She taught at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School and St. Philip Neri Catholic School in Houston, Texas. For 24 years, Sr. Angela served as principal of Holy Ghost Catholic School in New Orleans. During her many years at the school, she was unwavering in her dedication to students, parents, and staff. When Holy Ghost School closed in 2013, she was assigned to St. Mary’s Academy where she continued her devoted service to the students as assistant principal of the elementary division and as campus minister until her death.
Sr. Angela was a motivating force at St. Mary’s Academy. She truly left an imprint on the hearts of the students, faculty, and staff. She would be at every game, every academic event, every social event, every dance, really…she was everywhere. Sr. Angela provided encouragement and had positive words for everyone she encountered. She prayed with the students when they were down, laughed with the students when they were feeling good, and always went the extra mile to let them know she loved them and wanted the best for them. In the morning, her voice could be heard by all, setting the tone for the day “…do your best, be respectful.” Everyone at St. Mary’s was touched by Sr. Angela. The halls are silent, but the message is clear, Sr. Angela Smith will be missed beyond measure.
Sr. Angela was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her mother, Ida T. Hawkins Smith, Kenneth Smith, Dr. Jasmine Smith, Marsha Smith, and Henry Butler. She will be truly missed by faculty, students, and staff of St. Mary’s Academy, and former faculty, staff, parents, and students of Holy Ghost Catholic School.
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Seventh Grade Student Wins Essay Contest
This past May our very own Seventh Grade student, Rehaan Rouege entered and won the Louisiana Data News Weekly Essay Contest – “If I Were Mayor.”
Congratulations Rehaan!
From New Orleans Data News Weekly, May 30, 2019 –
Data Staff Writers
If I were mayor, I would focus on issues that are really important to the people of New Orleans. I would begin with homelessness, because everyone deserves a safe and clean place to live. Secondly, I would provide community programs for children and their families, and lastly, social services for families in need of help.
It saddens me to see homeless families of different backgrounds living under the bridge begging for money and food. I want to develop a homeless center for the needy so they can come and get clothes, foods, and supplies. There will be one part of the center I want to provide an educational program for the people who cannot read or write. The program will have teachers to help them achieve their goals in life.
All communities should be safe. I will make schools safer by having more police at schools. Before entering, students will have to pass through a metal detector to make sure no one has a weapon inside of their bag. I will provide an after-school program called S, M, D, A = Sports, Music, Dance, Arts.
The City of New Orleans has major trash issues. There are a lot of abandoned homes with overgrown grass and empty lots. Most streets are filed with potholes that are in need of repair. I will have a special team to come and clean up every part of the city and cover the major potholes. I will fix abandoned houses and give them to the homeless families.
Additionally, child abuse is a major problem in New Orleans. Adults shouldn’t hit their children or beat them, because this is against the law. People say that it is the only way to make them stop. Well it isn’t. Maybe the child and parent could sit down with a counselor in private and solve the problem and talk about what the mom or dad should do to help the child. So, I will develop a center where the adults could meet with a counselor and talk about the situation of how to treat their children better.
In conclusion, the issues I talked about could be a great start to The Rebirth of New Orleans because, all people in New Orleans deserve a happy, clean and safe community.
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2019 Commencement
Forty-seven seniors from St. Mary’s Academy 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.
Dominique Hagans is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hagans of New Orleans. Hagans, a TOPS scholar, earned the highest average awards in physical education and art. She consistently maintained Principal’s Honor Roll and Renaissance Star status throughout her years at SMA. Additionally, Hagans was an active member of both the National and SMA Honor Societies, Mu Alpha Theta, video club, Resurrection Singers, chorus, SMA World Language Club, Science Club, Key Club, SMA Ambassadors, archery and SMA Garden Club. She will attend Fisk University majoring in Chemistry/Pre-Med.
DaJah Lawson is the daughter of Shawanda Jones of New Orleans. Throughout her years at St. Mary’s Academy she maintained both President’s Honor Roll and Renaissance Star status. Lawson, a TOPS Scholar, earned the highest average award in French. An Extraordinary Minister, she was actively involved in several extracurricular activities, including the National Honor Society, SMA Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, video club, Resurrection Singers, chorus, SMA World Language Club, Science Club, SMA Ambassadors, archery and SMA Garden Club. Lawson will attend Fisk University in Nashville, TN majoring in psychology/pre-med.
Earning the distinction of honor students were Daria Ball, Bria Sylvester, Arletta Colar, Harmony Bienemy, Kirsten Jones, Penni Ajala, Kaylor Hughes, Taylor Hughes, Serenity Jackson, Makayla Thibodeaux, Chidinma Emukah, Demi Bowens, Jemajha Wilson, Domonique Brown, Dominique Finch, DeShanaya Nelson, Jalana Butler and Alexis Cook.
Other graduates were Diamond Bartholomew, Keyell Bentley, Armour Brutus, Victoria Carrie, Ronaisha Cavalier, Tajanaya Charles, Raesia Deal, Danielle DeGree, Ronnesha Ewing, Kaylia Henry, Kayla Higgins, Tori Knight, Keirslynn Lawless, Rodnae Lee, Donya Marioneaux, Kaci Penn, Camryn Pittman, MeToki Randle, Jari Sherman, Dymen Slaughter, Layla Sterling, A’Lia Thomas, Calviana Thomas and Tionne Warren.
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Spring Fair 2019
St. Mary’s Academy will host its annual Spring Family Fair Friday March 29, through Sunday, March 31. The event will feature midway rides, games, concessions, food trucks and entertainment throughout the three-day event. Fair hours are Friday: 10:00 AM-2:00PM and 4:00PM-8:00PM; Saturday: 11:00AM-3:00PM and 4:00PM-8:00PM; and Sunday: 1:00PM-6:00PM. Armbands good for one session may be purchased onsite for $20.
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Women of Distinction
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.”
The honorees are: Latoya Cantrell-Mayor of New Orleans; nationally acclaimed restaurateur, and author Leah Chase; Magistrate Judge Dana Douglas; OperaCréole founders Givonna Joseph & Aria Mason; biochemist Dr. Trivia Frazier; Tekrema Center for Art and Culture founder and director Greer Mendy; UNCF vice-president, Development Therese Badon; CPA, author Kemberley Washington; Louisiana Weekly publisher Renette Dejoie Hall; New Orleans Fashion Week founder Tracee Dundas; and high school fashion designer Amaya Johne`Cannon.
The program will also include student performances, honoree remarks and a fashion show segment featuring the designs of honoree Amaya Johne` Cannon.
News
Power Rising 2019
Power Rising, a national summit that’s been planned by, and for black women will convene in New Orleans February 22-24. The event will bring together Black women across ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, socioeconomic status, and gender experience. Featured speakers include Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and former Georgia Minority Leader and Founder, and Chair of Fair Fight Action Stacey Abrams. Also featured will be speakers across various industries including author, educator, and commentator, Melissa Harris-Perry; Congresswoman Karen Bass; Beverly E. Smith, president, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Linda Goler Blount, MPH, president & CEO of Black Women’s Health Imperative; and Reverend Traci Blackmon, the executive minister of Justice & Local Church Ministries, United Church of Christ.
Over the course of the weekend, Black women and girls will take part in over 50 workshops and panel discussions bolstered by Power Rising’s five pillars of activism and engagement: Culture, Community and Society; Business and Economic Empowerment; Education, Technology, and Innovation; Health & Wellness; and Political Empowerment. The Summit will also include timely and necessary conversations around #MeToo and sexual assault of Black women and girls.
SMA will participate with 25 girls in attendance. Black women representing 35 states including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington state, and West Virginia will be in attendance.
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News, SMA News
Red Carpet 2019
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.
Middle School News, SMA News
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. Students must maintain a “B” average to be invited to join the SMA Honor Society while Mu Alpha Theta members must have completed the equivalent of two years of college preparatory mathematics, including algebra and/or geometry, and have completed or are enrolled in a third year of college preparatory mathematics. On the 4-point grading scale, members must have at least a 3.0 math grade point average.
News
Pinkberry Scholarship Contest
Alexis Cooks, a senior at St. Mary’s Academy, was selected to represent SMA in the Eighth Annual Swirly Scholarship Contest. Chosen for her high energy, passion and respectful nature, Alexis has created new flavor combination to be sold at Pinkberry stores over the next few weeks.
She calls it Cougar Crunch and it consists of original flavor, cheesecake bites, strawberries and waffle cookie. Points are accumulated through purchases. The student with the most points wins a $1,250 scholarship and free Pinkberry for the entire school. The contest runs through the middle of January.
Try out the Cougar Crunch at Pinkberry between now and February 1 to help Alexis and SMA win!
Read MoreNews, SMA News
College Acceptances
Class of 2019
Early Acceptances – As of January 1, 2019
Alabama A & M University
Alcorn State University
Bethune Cookman University
Bradley University
Belmont University
Clark Atlanta University
Cedar Crest College
Centenary College of Louisiana
Cornell University
Full Sail University
Grambling State University
Jackson State University
Langston University
Lynn University
Loyola University
Millsaps College
Miles College
Mississippi College
Mississippi State University
Mary Baldwin University
Philander Smith College
Prairie View University
Radford University
Spring Hill College
Southern University A & M
Southeastern Louisiana University
Tougaloo College
Tuskegee University
Tusculum University
The University of Alabama Huntsville
The University of Southern Mississippi
University of Louisiana Lafayette
University of Holy Cross
University of Memphis
University of Kansas
Xavier University
Elementary News
Bikes for Books
As part of its continuing efforts to encourage literacy, the St. Mary’s Academy elementary division has partnered with The Kiwanis Club of Pontchartrain (KCP) to implement a new program that incentivizes reading. On Wednesday, January 16, members of the KCP will be on campus to kick off the Books for Bikes program which will run through May. Students in grades 2, 3 and 4 will participate in the initiative and will receive a free book and book report form at the B4B kick off.
When students complete their book reports, they return them to the teachers. Proper grammar and spelling are encouraged. One week prior to the end of the B4B session, KCP members collect the completed book reports, tabulate the results, and then let notify the school.
Each student who completes at least five book reports receives a certificate of participation. Students who complete at least ten book reports also receive a $5 McDonald’s gift card. In each grade, the student who reads the most books wins a new bicycle, bike helmet, and bike lock. Students must complete at least 15 book reports to be eligible to win the bike. In the past, the total completed book reports for the winner ranged from 18 to 68 books.
KCP awards certificates and the bike at an awards ceremony hosted by the school. All students from the competing grades attend the awards ceremony and parents are also encouraged to attend. KCP announces the bike winner at the awards ceremony.
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Elementary News
Daily Learning in Elementary
St. Mary’s Academy elementary teachers know all too well the importance of hands-on activities that engage and inspire their students. They combine activities that require movement, talking, and listening, that activate multiple areas of the brain. Studies have shown that the more parts of the brain that students use, the more likely they are to retain information.
Elementary News
Elementary Students Build Their Brain Power
Developing the underlying cognitive abilities through an intensive individualized program is the goal of the BrainPower for Reading Program (BPR) at St. Mary’s Academy. Led by Sr. Mary Ellen Schroder, BPR represents the best practices in education, a result of the Sisters of Notre Dame’s 163 years of educational excellence and experience.
Conducted three times a week in the elementary division, BPR strengthens foundational cognitive skills such as attention, long and short term memory, auditory and visual processing and logic and reasoning, all required as a foundation for learning.
SMA Alumnae News
Pursuing Her Passion
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.
A true trendsetter, Natalia designs products for both women and men. She is especially proud to say that her customers come in a mix of ages and genders. “Whether it’s a customer shopping for original art or well-designed merchandise, the customer is drawn to my items because they stand out from other mainstream products,” said Natalia. “I design with the idea that each piece is unique, and all customers can appreciate that concept.”
As the artist and owner of NV, Natalia is her own designer and patternmaker. She chooses fabrics, hand paints select items and cuts all fabrics for construction. Additionally she finishes products once they are constructed by local female contractors, and prints her own limited edition prints. In this way, she can be efficient while maintaining full control over the company.
So far, some favorite pieces she’s made include the Elysian Convertible Bag and the Delery Minibag, both of which are uniquely crated and multi-functional. And she never sells products she wouldn’t want to use herself — like the Maryite Crossbody Bag that she never leaves home without.
Regarding her education at St. Mary’s Academy, Natalia says “SMA gives young women the gift of being able to focus on their own path. I never had to compromise being creative while learning the necessary fundamentals which I also appreciated.”
Customers can expect to see a full assortment of her art-infused merchandise, including handbags, accessories, home décor and stationery goods, at her pop-up shop in the Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, Texas.
SMA Alumnae News
Court Selects Alumna as Judge
The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana recently announced the selection of Dana Marie Douglas as Magistrate Judge for the District, . A 1993 graduate of St. Mary’s Academy, Ms. Douglas has litigated cases in Louisiana state and federal court for almost twenty years, primarily in the areas of commercial, energy, and intellectual property law. While at Loyola Law School, she served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Loyola University Public Interest Law Journal. After graduating law school, Ms. Douglas clerked for the Honorable Ivan L.R. Lemelle, United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
Ms. Douglas comes from the Liskow & Lewis firm, where she has worked for 17 years, first as an associate and then as a shareholder. She currently serves as the President of the New Orleans Bar Association and is also Past President of the Greater New Orleans Louis A. Martinet Society and a Board Member of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts Institute. She additionally served as a Vice-Chair and Commissioner of the New Orleans Civil Service Commission 2000-2013.
Ms. Douglas was the recipient of the distinguished Louisiana State Bar Association President’s Award in 2008 and was twice selected as one of the top 50 “Leaders in Law” in New Orleans. She was also most recently named to New Orleans CityBusiness’ ‘Women of the Year’ 2017.
SMA News
West African Hair Exhibit
Black hair has been an integral aspect African-American history from African tribal styles to dreadlocks and the afro. An upcoming exhibit at St. Mary’s Academy will investigate the significant role that black hair has had upon culture and the world.
A partnership between the school and Southern University at New Orleans Center for African & African American Studies, the Reclaiming Our Heritage: Traditional West African Coiffure exhibit will be held in the library at St. Mary’s Academy November 7 –December 2018. Curated by SUNO assistant professor Connie Abdul-Salaam, the exhibit will educate students, faculty, and others of the historical aspects of traditional West African coiffure from before the slave trade to the unique modern styles we see today worn on women, men, and children.
“Long before Europeans came to the African continent, a lot of time was spent grooming, maintaining, and styling hair for certain occasions such as weddings and other rituals,” said Abdul-Salaam adding that traditional African coiffures also indicated ethnic group, ranking and marital status. “The West African slave trade to the Americas forced Africans to abandon the skills that once gave them a dignified obligation to adorn and beautify themselves, especially their hair.”
The exhibition will present an array of photos, combs, masks, statues and other artifacts and may be viewed between the hours of 9:00AM-12:00PM and by appointment. For more information, please contact Michelle Ochillo at 504-245-0200 ext. 123.
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Open House 2018
St Mary’s Academy presented its annual Open House on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 in Austin gymnasium. The event featured a performance by the marching unit, classroom tours and hands-on demonstrations.
Read MoreMiddle School News
Middle School Sock Hop
The middle school held their annual Halloween Sock Hop and the students turned out in all types of costumes. Check out the fun!
Middle School News, News
Beautiful by Nature Event
On Saturday, October 6, St. Mary’s Academy hosted Beautiful by Nature at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center. Open to girls ages 12-18, the event featured a planetarium screening of Flight of the Butterflies, mindfulness and mediation and a floral crown workshop. Attendees also had a three-course luncheon, musical performance by recording artist Yahjah and an inspirational message by event sponsor Jesseca Dupart of Kaleidoscope Hair Products.
Elementary News
Teaching the Game of Life
St. Mary’s Academy elementary students now have the opportunity to learn the game of tennis plus a whole lot more thanks to A’s & Ace’s, a non-profit founded in New Orleans in 2008. Students in grades 1-4 are given free tennis classes, life skills and academic assistance twice a week during their physical education class period.
According to organizers, tennis is more than “just a game” and is the least important component of A’s & Aces’ tripartite mission. While character developing life-skills and academic support are critical to having successful, productive lives, the sport of tennis also provides the ability to build social, academic and career networks through playing a fun, life-long, global, non-contact, co-ed, team and individual sport.
Founded in 2008 by David Schumacher, a tennis pro, tennis teacher and former women’s tennis coach at Tulane University; and Anna Monhartova, a nationally ranked college player at Tulane, A’s & Ace’s also conducts after school programs, weekend and summer literacy and tennis programs across the city.
Elementary News
SMA Hosts Water Palooza
St. Mary’s Academy will host young leaders from the Water Environment Federation (WEF) for a special event called Water Palooza on Friday, September 28 from 9am to 2:30pm at St. Mary’s Academy Elementary, 6905 Chef Menteur Blvd, in New Orleans East.
Water Palooza will feature hands-on activities and demonstrations designed to connect the next generation with water, how essential it is to everything, and how we are all responsible for taking care of it.
Organized by WEF’s Students & Young Professionals Committee (SYPC), as part WEFTEC 2018 – WEF’s 91st annual technical exhibition and conference, the event is designed to promote participation, foster networking and knowledge exchange, and encourage involvement in the cause of clean water within the water profession and the local community.
Nearly 300 elementary students from the school will enjoy a program of fun and educational water awareness activities. Activities will include a game about wastewater treatment, learning what you can and cannot flush down a toilet, a hands-on activity about Louisiana’s lines of defense from storm surge, and a demonstration on storm water and infiltration.
News, SMA News
SMA Expands Curriculum to Include Yoga
It’s been two years since Adrianne (Ajax) Jackson opened the doors to Magnolia Yoga Studio on Basin Street. Driven by the desire “to support growth, healing, and empowerment through the art of yoga and community,” she is the first African-American to open a yoga studio in New Orleans.
Now this dynamic young woman is making history once again by offering students at St. Mary’s Academy the opportunity to benefit from this ancient practice. This year, she is leading classes twice a week at the school, thanks to a partnership between the Magnolia Yoga Studio and funding from SMA alumna Jasmin Bindom.
For 50 minutes, twice a week, Ajax puts students through a series of breathing exercises, stretching and flexibility routines, creative visualization, and movements to improve balance and focus. According to Ajax, there are tremendous benefits that students can derive from yoga
“Yoga can help us tremendously take our health and power back,” said Ajax adding that the practice can also reduce, reverse and completely eliminate a wide range of issues including asthma, stress, insomnia, depression and anxiety. ““I learned that yoga not only treats many of those things but it also prevents them as well.”
For senior Daria Ball, the class came at the most opportune time. “I was very excited to learn that the school would be offering yoga as a class and I signed up right away,” said Ball adding that participation in the class has been both advantageous and rewarding. ”As a senior, there is additional stress to do well in my classes and yoga has helped me focus and find balance.”
Likewise freshmen Savana Frazier also extols the benefits of yoga and looks forward to her classes each week. “I feel great and more positive now that I have started practicing yoga,” said Frazier. “The course is helping me to achieve more internal peace.”
Research suggests that school-based yoga cultivates competencies in mind-body awareness, self-regulation, and physical fitness. Improvements have also been noted in students’ behavior, mental state, health, and performance.
“In a yoga class, one gets this golden opportunity to reflect, reorganize and remember what is really important, who we really are and what we really aspire for ourselves as a collective and as individuals,” said Ajax who is intent on getting yoga to more people. “The ultimate goal is to educate the community on the benefits of yoga and to provide accessibility.”
SMA News
Mindfulness Comes to SMA
Silence may not be something people generally associate with high school, but twice a week the gymnasium at St. Mary’s Academy falls quiet as students learn the art of mediation and mindfulness.
A partnership between the school and Meditate New Orleans and funded by SMA alumna Jasmin Bindom, the mediation and mindfulness class is one of five new electives offered at St. Mary’s Academy. The 50 minute class meets twice a week and is led by Meditate New Orleans founder and CEO Stephanie Osborne.
“Meditation increases inner peace, focus, creativity, and mental alertness,” said Osborne adding that the practice also confers a host of other benefits. “Meditation also helps people connect with their higher selves by practicing stillness, gratitude, compassion and self-love.”
For 17 year-old SMA senior Bria Sylvester, the class came as a much-needed and welcome surprise. “I tend to get stressed out by a number of things and meditation is helping me to stay calm and focus on one thing at a time,” said Sylvester adding that she also appreciates the instructor’s enthusiasm and kind spirit. “Miss Stephanie is patient, warm and inviting. That’s a personality trait that we have in common.”
Likewise, senior Armani Travis also appreciates the opportunity to take part in the class this semester. “I tend to panic when I have too much on my plate,” said Travis. “I’m learning to calm down, breathe, relax and everything is going to be ok.”
A number of studies have been performed in school settings show improved attention and better grades. Some research has shown benefits for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, school performance, sleep, behavior problems, and eating disorders.
“Investing into young people the gift of silence, self-empowerment and gratitude translates into our future leaders possessing mental clarity, compassion and personal freedom! What a powerful gift!” ~Stephanie Osborne, CEO of Meditate New Orleans
SMA News
Project LEAD 2018
Students at SMA wishing to assume a leadership position at school took part in the 3rd annual Project LEAD workshop today. The workshop featured presentations on effective communication, proper presentation and leadership attributes led by alumnae Kathy Taylor, Alexis Doss and Ayanna Fultz.