One-hundred-eighty-five students were conferred diplomas from St. Mary’s Dominican High School Commencement for the Class of 2025 during 10:30 a.m. campus ceremonies on Saturday, May 17. 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 2025 graduating class. Ms. Shannon Hauler, Assistant Principal of Academics, presented the graduates. Sr. Angeline Magro, O.P., Delegate, former Prioress of the Dominican Sisters in New Orleans, extended the Dominican Blessing to the graduates.
The Salutatorians were Harper S. Griffin and Reese E. Tatford. They received the Salutatory Award for achieving the second highest cumulative grade point average in the program of studies.
Harper Griffin is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Griffin of River Ridge. A Dominican Scholarship Student and National Merit Scholarship Finalist, she was a member of the Latin Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Science National Honor Society. She will attend the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Reese Tatford is the daughter of Dr. Angie and Dr. Archie Tatford III of Mandeville. She held membership in La Société Honoraire de Français, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, and National Honor Society. She will attend the University of Florida.
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The Valedictorian was Emma G. Nguyen, the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Si Nguyen of Harvey. Emma Nguyen received the Valedictory Award, presented to the honor graduate who had achieved the highest cumulative grade point average in their programs of study.
Emma Nguyen, a Dominican Scholarship Student and National Merit Scholarship Finalist, was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. She will attend Louisiana State University.
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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 Kaitlin M. Vlosich. The award recognizes the 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.
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The Sr. Mary Ambrose Reggio, O.P. Alumnae Award was presented by Alumnae Association President Caroline McCall ’09, to Julianne A. Bellow and Ella C. Pitisci. 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.
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The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Award was presented by St. Mary’s Dominican High School President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas to Maggy L. LeBlanc. 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.
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The American Legion Award was presented by Mr. Tom Neos, a member of the American Legion Post 307, to Ava E. Ranson in recognition of possessing the essential qualities of leadership, honor, courage, patriotism, and service to school and community.
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The Veritas Award was presented by President Dr. Cynthia A. Thomas to Gabriella M. Brent (left) and Ava E. Ranson. The Veritas Award is the most prestigious award presented to a St. Mary’s Dominican High School graduating senior. Selected by the leadership, administration, and faculty, the 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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Student Council Executive Board members President Ava Ranson, Vice President Julianne Bellow, Secretary Ella Pitisci, and Treasurer Gabriella Brent were recognized for their exceptional work helping underclassmen and their fellow classmates understand and appreciate the entire spirit that unites the entire Dominican student body.
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The Class of 2025 achieved numerous honors and awards: 126 students earned grade point average (GPA) above 3.5 and merited the distinction of honor graduates; 80 students earned a GPA of or above 4.0 and graduated Summa Cum Laude; 27 students graduated Magna Cum Laude (3.75 to 3.99); and 19 students earned Cum Laude (3.5 to 3.749).
Seniors earned admission into 188 colleges and universities throughout the country and globally. A total of 665 scholarships and awards were merited by 132 seniors. Three seniors were awarded more than a million dollars each. The scholarships and awards totaled more than 29 million dollars not including TOPS.
Many students participated in previous AP exams and have qualified for a total of 468 hours of credit. Additional college credits will be awarded in July based on Advanced Placement Exams taken during the past two weeks. Also 22 seniors are recognized as AP scholars; 101 earned another 630 hours of Math, Engineering, and US History credit through Dual Enrollment courses with Louisiana State University and Xavier University.
The Class of 2025 completed more than 26,603 community service hours. In Fine Arts – Music, Drama, and the Visual Arts – the seniors were among the most talented in the state. Athletically, members of this class participated in all 10 sports offered at Dominican, breaking individual and school records. They captured many titles, including LHSAA All-Academic Team, LHSAA All-Composite Team, All Metro Team Member, and All District Team Member. They garnered District, Metro, and Regional Championship Titles. This year, Dominican captured State Championship and State Runner Up Titles. Five seniors signed athletic scholarships to continue their athletic careers at the college level.
College Board and National Merit Recognition: Mihley M. Clayton – College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholar; Sophia A. Chanes and Alivia K. Christiansen – College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars; and Allyson G. Breaux – College Board National First Generation Recognition Program Scholar. Diana Nguyen and Kavya L. Paramesh – National Merit Corporation Commended Scholars; Livy M. Eastman, Harper S. Griffin, Grace A. Mandella, and Emma G. Nguyen – National Merit Finalists.
Summa Cum Laude Graduates (4.0 and above):
Meredith A. Adams, Gabrielle N. Arencibia, Clarke J. Batiste, Caroline G. Baur, Abigail M. Beben, Riley M. Bonnet, Kennedy G. Boutté, Meah G. Bradley, Gabriella M. Brent, Maia R. Briuglio, Morgan J. Buchler, Ava N. Bulot, Carly C. Cambre, A’Jah A. Canselo, Sofia A. Chanes, Annabelle N. Cheramie, Alivia K. Christiansen, Mihley M. Clayton, Isabella L. Clesi, Lydia L. Cummins, Annemarie A. Dacus, Riley A. Danos, Julia A. Davis, Isabella C. DePaula, Kennedy E. Duggan, Livy M. Eastman, Ellen P. Ellis, Taylor E. Ferina, Sahara T. Garcia, Alexa J. Gex, Lindsay G. Goebel, Madilyn G. Gravois, Elise J. Grazulis, Harper S. Griffin, Annabelle S. Hamada, Remi Lane Hernandez, Anna G. Houin, Kayleigh E. Jollands, Eliza R. Jones, Ella Miller Jones, Lucia A. Jouandot, Hannah G. Juhas, Nyla R. Larsen, Mary Nguyen Le, Hannah M. Lorusso, Alaina Quynh-Anh Mai, Grace A. Mandella, Laken M. Margavio, Ella K. Marks, Josephine G. Melerine, Gabriela Munoz, Sophie M. Naquin, Diana H. Nguyen, Emma G. Nguyen, Kavya L. Paramesh, Madison E. Pearce, Lindsey N. Phillips, Lauren A. Pipitone, Raegan A. Porche, Ava E. Ranson, Olivia K. Ranson, Sydney G. Ranson, Emma N. Scholl, Kiersten E. Smith, Sophie A. Spera, Kennedi M. Elise Steele, Abbey G. Sweeney, Reese E. Tatford, Elle G. Thomas, Hannah E. Trahan, Theresa Quynh-Tram Tran, Madeleine G. Tregle, Kailey E. Trombley, Haley M. Valdine, Kaitlin M. Vlosich, Madison A. Warden, Lauren G. Webre, Helen A. Wetzel, Victoria E. Wiebelt, Rachel G. Zamjahn.
Magna Cum Laude Graduates (3.75 to 3.999):
Lily M. Adams, Cristin R. Angelo, Meredith C. Attardo, Caroline E. Bailey, Catherine M. Boquet, Kaitlyn I. Brown, Addisyn E. Budde, Mariah A. Cador, Bailey M. Couret, Aubrey S. Crespo, Margaux C. Dagley, Lillian G. Esteves, Aubry Charlene-Martha Jackson, Sophia R. LeMeur, Violet F. Matherne, Dana Mohamed, Molly Mollere, Sophia M. Morales, Finley Rose Nunez, Isabella Thao-Uyen Pham, Ella Catherine Pitisci, Lucille Carmella Porteous, Virginia Louise Robinson, Ella Marie Theriot, Madelyn N. Truxillo, Katherine E. Watson, Mary-Katherine C. Werling.
Cum Laude (3.5 to 3.749):
Vida V. Alvarado, Emily A. Aucoin, Yara A. Benedetto, Abigail A. Branch, Allyson G. Breaux, Reece O. Breaux, Bailey A. Bush, Haley W. Casteix, Lanie R. Centola, Lauren E. Donofrio, Kathryn N. Engler, Madison G. Fonseca, Molly R. Gubert, Merrill J. Luttrell, Keira L. Mahoney, Claire M. Ponder, Megan N. Robichaux, Sara G. Tracy, Madeline G. Troendle.
Also Graduating:
Olivia C. Abadie, Kimberly A. Alarcon, Fatima A. Alsherees, Payton M. Amedee, Olivia R. Bartlett, Kennedy R. Batiste, Madison J. Bazile, Julianne A. Bellow, Addison A. Blackwood, Hannah L. Booth, Olivia G. Bordes, Payton K. Bouton, Karis E. Brooks, Lyndsey C. Brown, Kamilla A. Canizales, Abigail E. Chaddock, Anjalie E. Cordova, Carolyn E. Craig, Ivy N. Diliberto, Mary G. Ditta, Brooklyn S. Ellzey, Milana L. Everson, Grace A. Faucheaux, Margot S. Fontes, Ashley M. Fournier, Lynnette I. Gallardo, Zoe K. Garbin, Marley C. Green, Carmella R. Grosch, Paityn G. Guillot, Sydnei M. Harvey, Autumn C. Johnson, Elyssa C. Keeler, Mariya Khan, Maggy L. LeBlanc, Rachel P. Lefante, Maria M. Litolff, Malae N. Lockett, Ava R. Lusco, Kalei E. Masson, Sarah A. Miller, Zoë R. Miller, Madison B. Minor, Zoie E. Mitchell, Ashley Montoya, Mercedes G. Ohlmeyer, Londyn A. Perry, Cassidy L. Pierre, Katie E. Reese, Amelia L. Scandaliato, Briana L. Shook, Kamryn K. Stanley, Madelyn E. Stretzinger, Amelia A. Terrebonne, Suri M. Thomas, Giabella S. Thompson, Chloe G. Tilford, Sophia A. Vix, Zyllah A. Wooten.
