One-hundred-eighty-five students were conferred diplomas from St. Mary’s Dominican High School Commencement for the Class of 2022 during 10:30 a.m. campus ceremonies on May 21. President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas offered the opening prayer. Vice President, Principal Mrs. Carolyn F. Favre conferred the diplomas and presented a profile of the 2022 graduating class. Shannon Hauler, Academic Assistant Principal, presented graduates. Sr. Suzanne Brauer, O.P., Delegate, Corporation Member extended the Dominican Blessing to the graduates.
The Class of 2022 achieved numerous honors and awards. In the class, 133 students merited the distinction of honor graduates; 83 students earned a grade point average above 4.0 and graduated summa cum laude; 27 students graduated Magna Cum Laude (3.75 to 3.99); and 23 were Cum Laude (3.5 to 3.749).
One of the highest academic honors a high school student can receive is National Merit recognition for outstanding academic ability as determined by the student’s scores on the PSAT administered in October of her junior year. Recognized by the National Merit Corporation as National Merit Finalists were Jane Claire Bostick, Monica Elizabeth Cabes, Anne Elizabeth Carr, Elizabeth Rivas Mobley, Kaylie Ngoc Thi Nguyen, Maeve Elizabeth Storm, and Kate Elizabeth Weiss. Recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation as National Merit Commended Scholars were Ellen Margaret Daly, Jasmine Collette Ferrier, Katherine Alison Gomez, Ada Schoen Holmes, Sara Elizabeth Landry, Katelin Meghan Obletz, and Jenna Marie Thomas. Jasmine Collette Ferrier and Kayla Marie Prevost were recognized as College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholars. Katherine Alison Gomez was recognized as College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar.
As of May 19, graduates earned admission into 140 colleges and universities throughout the country. A total of 516 scholarships and awards were merited by 126 seniors. These scholarships and awards total more than $19 million, not including TOPS. Many students participated in previous AP exams and have qualified for a total of 368 hours of credit. Additional college credits will be awarded in July based on Advanced Placement Exams taken during the past two weeks. Twenty students were recognized as AP scholars. Many of these students placed into honors programs because of their high scores on placement tests. Also 64 seniors earned another 306 hours of Math, Engineering, and US History credit through Dual Enrollment courses with the University of New Orleans and Louisiana State University.
The Class of 2022 completed over 25,273 hours of service to the community. In Fine Arts – Music, Drama, and the Visual Arts – the seniors graduating today are among the most talented in the State. Athletically, members of this class participated in all 10 sports offered at Dominican, breaking both individual and school records. Additionally, these students captured many titles, including LHSAA All Academic Team, All Metro Team Member, All District Team Member, and Gatorade Player of the Year. They garnered District, Metro, and Regional Championship Titles. This year, Dominican also captured State Championships and State Runner Up Titles. Six members of this senior class signed athletic scholarships to continue their athletic careers at the college level.
Salutatorian
Salutatorian Như-Thẚo Betsy Cao received the Salutatory Award for achieving the second highest cumulative grade point average in her program of studies. The daughter of Mrs. Hieu Hoang and Mr. Anh Cao of New Orleans, she will attend Louisiana State University that awarded her the Flagship Scholars Resident Award and Louisiana Tiger Legacy Excellence Scholarship. She was a member of National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta.
Valedictorians
Valedictorians were Jane Elizabeth Bickerton, Caroline Alyse Blais, Jane Claire Bostick, Jasmine Collette Ferrier, Elizabeth Rivas Mobley, Kaylie Ngoc Thi Nguyen, Maeve Elizabeth Storm, and Jenna Marie Thomas. They received the Valedictory Award, presented to the honor graduates who have achieved the highest cumulative grade point average in their programs of study.
Jane Elizabeth Bickerton is the daughter of Mrs. Charlotte Ann Lagarde Bickerton and Dean A. Bickerton of New Orleans. She will attend University of Texas Austin. She was offered the Flagship Scholars Resident Award and Louisiana Tiger Legacy Excellence Scholarship from Louisiana State University. A Dominican Scholarship Student, she was a member of Latin Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta.
Caroline Alyse Blais is the daughter of Dr. Betty Peyti Lo and Dr. Christopher Blais of Metairie. She will attend the University of Miami that awarded her a President’s Scholarship. She was a member of National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta.
Jane Claire Bostick is the daughter of Mrs. Gwen Bostick and Dr. Robert Bostick III of Metairie. She will attend Wake Forest University. She was offered Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University and Out-of-State Presidential Scholarship to The University of Alabama. A Dominican Scholarship student, she was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society.
Jasmine Collette Ferrier is the daughter of Dr. Janine Ferrier and Mr. Darren Ferrier of New Orleans. She will attend Vanderbilt University that offered her the Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholarship. Among other awards offered were Fordham University Recognition Scholarship; Founders Award to Tulane University; One UGA Scholarship and a Presidential Waiver Scholarship to University of Georgia; President’s Scholarship to University of Miami; Presidential Scholarship to Boston University; Transformation Merit Resident Award to Louisiana State University; and Southeastern Louisiana University District Rally 2019. A Dominican Scholarship student, she was a member of Latin Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta.
Elizabeth Rivas Mobley is the daughter of Mrs. Debra Rivas and Mr. John Mobley of Metairie. She will attend Mount Holyoke College that awarded her a 21st Century Scholarship. She was also offered Emory University’s Opportunity Award, Fordham University Recognition Scholarship, University of Washington Seattle Pure & Gold Scholarship, National Merit $2500 Scholarship to the college of her choice, and the Presidential Scholarship to the University of Vermont. A Dominican Scholarship student, she was a member of Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society.
Kaylie Ngoc Thi Nguyen is the daughter of Dr. Linda Thi Cao and Dr. Phuong Ngoc Nguyen of Harahan. She will attend Xavier University that awarded her the Board of Trustees Scholarship. She was also offered Distinguished Scholars Award and Louisiana Excellence Award to Tulane University; Louisiana Tiger Legacy Excellence Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship, President’s Alumni Scholarship, and Flagship Scholars Resident Award to Louisiana State University; Presidential Scholar Award to University of Louisiana at Monroe; Burger King Scholars Award to the college of her choice; and St. Mary’s Dominican College Corporation Scholarship to the Catholic college of her choice. A Dominican Scholarship student, she was a member of Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Tri-M Music Honor Society.
Maeve Elizabeth Storm is the daughter of Mrs. Cathy Storm and Mr. David Storm of Gretna. She will attend Florida State University that offered her Prestigious Out-of-State National Merit Finalist Scholarship. She also was offered Transformation Merit Resident Award, Flagship Scholars Resident Award, and Louisiana Tiger Legacy Excellence Scholarship to Louisiana State University; Magis Campus Resident Scholarship and Pere Marquette Scholarship to Marquette University; Classic Scholarship Award to University of Georgia; and Purple and Gold Scholarship to University of Washington Seattle. The Dominican Scholarship student was a member of Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society.
Jenna Marie Thomas is the daughter of Mrs. Ann C. Thomas and Mr. Brian Thomas of Metaire. She will attend Baylor University that offered her its Distinction Award and Events Program Participant Scholarship. She was also offered Dean’s Scholarship to Texas Christian University; Regional Catholic High School Scholarship and Trustee Scholarship to University of Dallas; Vice President Tuition Scholarship, Catholic High School Award, and Presidential Finalist Scholarship to Saint Louis University. The Dominican Scholarship Student was a member of Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society.
Awards
The Mother Mary Magdalen O’Farrell, O.P. Service Award was presented by St. Mary’s Dominican High School President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas to Jenna Marie Thomas. The award recognizes a student’s outstanding, dedicated service to St. Mary’s Dominican High School. Dominican life and growth are mirrored in her reflection of the school’s philosophy by belief in God and respect for the dignity of all human beings.
The Sr. Mary Ambrose Reggio, O.P. Alumnae Award was presented by Alumnae Association President Sally Russo, Class of 2004, to Isabella Katerina Gagliano. The recipient is selected by her classmates as one who represents Dominican spirit. Dominican’s motto: “To Praise, To Bless, To Preach,” is an integral part of her life as is her commitment to truth, Veritas.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Award was presented by St. Mary’s Dominican High School President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas to Jenna Marie Thomas. Selected by administration, faculty, and students, the award is given to the senior who exemplifies the motto of the AOH: friendship, unity, and Christian charity.
The Veritas Award was presented by school president Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas to (from left): Monica Elizabeth Cabes, Anne Elizabeth Carr, Khylar Rayne Christophe, Jasmine Collette Ferrier, Catherine Ann Kernion, Corinne Elizabeth Lobell, Kaylie Ngoc Thi Nguyen, and Jenna Marie Thomas. It is the most prestigious award presented to a St. Mary’s Dominican High School graduating senior. Selected by the leadership, administration, and faculty, an award recipient demonstrates exemplary understanding of the Dominican Charism. Following the example of St. Dominic de Guzman, founder of the Dominican Order, the Veritas Award recipient faithfully strives to seek Truth through prayer, study, community, and service. She preaches the Truth of the Gospel through the example of her life and calls forth the best in others.
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Those graduating Summa Cum Laude (4.0 and above) were Audrey K. Abadie, Alexandra E. Amato, Laurel S. Armand, Madeleine E. Ascani, Haneen M. Awadallah, Kate E. Baker, Ashley P. Barron, Rhea Bawa, Alaina R. Becnel, Jane E. Bickerton, Caroline A. Blais, Jane C. Bostick, Meredith R. Brothers, Monica E. Cabes, Claire E. Candies, Như-Thẚo Betsy Cao, Anne E. Carr, Olivia M. Cassreino, Brooke M. Couret, Bakhit M. Cuccia, Ellie G. Dalton, Ellen M. Daly, Elise M. Detillier, Mia R. DiGiovanni, Victoria A. Duhe, Amy E. Engelhardt, Therese C. Fayard, Jasmine C. Ferrier, Taelor M. Foret, Rowan O. French, Clare E. Gagnard, Abigail M. Gaubert, Katherine A. Gomez, Trinity E. Harvey, Ada S. Holmes, Olivia N. Hurley, Ella C. Jennings, Catherine A. Kernion, Erin E. Kramer, Sara E. Landry, Caroline C. Lavie, Vanessa Thuy Vy Le, Allison E. Lefante, Lauren C. Lemonier, Sara R. Linder, Avery E. Lirette, Corinne E. Lobell, Kelsey C. Major, Abigail L. Mandella, Catherine M. Mansfield, Sarah C. Marcelle, Meghan E. McMahon, Elizabeth R. Mobley, Jessica Anahi Mora, Laila C. Mullen, Cindy Nguyen, Kaylie Ngoc Thi Nguyen, Katelin M. Obletz, Isabella L. Paul, Olivia M. Perry, Lucy C. Perschall, Elizabeth A. Plauche, Kayla M. Prevost, Spencer E. Protti, Holly E. Rantz, Kate M. Rooks, Annabelle J. Arcari Roquemore, Priscilla V. Ross, Diya Prakash Sadhwani, Riley E. Sciambra, Carolyn J. Sosa, Isabella G. Soto, Maeve E. Storm, Elise C. Stricker, Jenna M. Thomas, Marisol M. Torres, Zoe D. Toups, Madison E. Trauth, Chloe A. Tufts, Elizabeth G. Ward, Kate E. Weiss, Lena A. Williams, and Amena Zaini.
Graduating Magna Cum Laude (3.75-3.99) were Maria Fernanda Affonso Sodre, Madison E. Baglio, Megan L. Bailey, Hannah Madeleine Marie Bon-Mardion, Ramsey M. Buraimoh, Lillian M. Cazabon, Ellen E. Congemi, Julia L. Delsa, Katherine R. DiMattia, Mia K. Ditta, Alexis R. Ducoing, Ella M. Edwards, Megan E. Eisert, Vivian G. Ely, Abigail M. Green, Skye Ami’ Lafayette, Hannah B. Marcelle, Molly A. Moran, Makayla M. O’Quain, Mia G. Porteous, Elise E. Raque, Paige E. Sarrat, Jessica E. Sofio, Molly G. Stavinoha, Anna C. Taylor, Hayley E. Torres, and Emily G. Zeringue.
Graduating Cum Laude (3.50-3.749) were Camille M. D’Arensbourg, Jayla Lanae’ Domino, Alexa M. Echegarrua, Amanda L. Favalora, Baileigh C. Goines, Mallory E. Griffin, Makayla C. Hairston, Alyssa M. Hightower, Bradley A. Hughes, Hannah G. LaMorte, Elizabeth C. Latimer, Kayla A. Little, Kylie E. Mims, Jenna Elizabeth Michel Mouton, Emma M. Nichols, Megan G. O’Quin, Maile Kapua O Kalehua Petras, Lauren A. Sekinger, Sydney L. Sherman, Maria A. Stavrakakis, Nicolina H. Totorico, Janelle C. Ulloa, and Samantha K. White.
Also graduating Elizabeth C. Adams, Barbara D. Algero, Emily A. Anding, Jane L. Austin, Emma L. Banko, Kaitlyn R. Bartholomew, Dylan M. Bernard, Kate T. Bernstein, Isabella A. Bordelon, Gabrielle A. Bordes, Falynn K. Bouton, Margaret A. Causey, Khylar Rayne Robinson Christophe, Julia F. Costa, Sarah C. Davis, Caitlyn O. Dumas, Tori R. Egan, Katie M. Favalora, Julia C. Fluellen, Isabella K. Gagliano, Cecilia C. Hanemann, Heaven M. Haney, Breelan B. Hausknecht, Lucy K. Hebert, Rochelle G. L. Heirsch, Caitlin N. Hitch, Ta’Vrin Jylin Johnson, Mary K. Kern, Hannah M. Kraus, Lizbeth L. Lacassagne, Caroline E. Lacoume, Lindsey N. LaRocca, Francesca B. Lauriano, Amiah L. Leal, Molly M. LeBlanc, Abigail D. Lee, Madison Moon León, Avery G. Lo, Hannah M. Luke, Kylie Tuyet Luong, Kaitlyn M. Lyons, Reiley M. Macicek, Lauren E. McMahon, Amani Noor Mohamed, Madison C. Piglia, Ysabella F. Porche, Caroline A. Robichaux, Emma R. Sullivan, Allison R. Tullier, Selae J. Walker, Emily L. West, and Victoria Ju’Lia Williams.
CLASS OF 2022 Graduation Photo Gallery
