Janine Jaques Koenig, a 1982 graduate of St. Mary’s Dominican High School and science teacher at her alma mater, was among the 2025 New Orleans Archdiocese Distinguished Alumni Award recipients honored at a reception at Notre Dame Seminary Schulte Auditorium. The awards recognized women and men identified by their alma maters as exemplars of the values taught in Catholic schools. Honorees have made outstanding contributions in one or more of the following ways: exceptional service to the church; exceptional accomplishment in chosen field; exceptional service to local, state, or national entities; exceptional service in support of their school.

Koenig shared, “I have been blessed to be able to teach at St. Mary’s Dominican High School where I can stress the connection between science and faith.” Involved in Dominican’s STREAM™ initiative since its beginning in 2014, her 17 years teaching has inspired Dominican students in the classroom and community, from cancer research in BEST (Bioscience Enrichment for Students and Teachers) Science to Match Day, sparking medical career interests. She was one of five high school teachers in the New Orleans area who spent the summer at Louisiana State University Health Science Center research labs through the GeneBIORETS National Science Foundation grant, one of two grants awarded nationally in 2024.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School alumna Janine Jaques Koenig, Class of 1982, with Most Revered Gregory Aymond, Archbishop of New Orleans and Dr. RaeNell Houston, Executive Director and Superintendent, Department of Catholic Schools and Faith Formation.