St. Mary’s Dominican High School alumnae returned to their alma mater for the 63rd Homecoming Mass and Luncheon on April 12th to celebrate class anniversaries and recognize five honorees for instilling Christian moral values while encouraging the practice of ethical behavior as demonstrated through their dedication to family, public service, and career. Honorees were the Honorable Kelly McNeil Legier ’85, Alumna of the Year; Dr. Paula Woods Adams ’71 and Elizabeth Lalla Stafford ’75, St. Catherine of Siena Preaching Award; Margaret “Meg” Kramer Daigle ’70, St. Mary Angela Mulhern, O.P. Service Award; and Alexa Schexnaildre ’04, Outstanding Young Alumna.
The Honorable Kelly McNeil Legier currently serves as an administrative law judge for the Office of Medicare Hearings and Appeals within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She is chair of St. Mary’s Dominican High School’s Board of Directors, an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and the Board of Directors of the N.O. Chapter, Federal Bar Association. She has volunteered for law-related programs, including the Pro Bono Project, Teen Court, and Homeless Experience Legal Protection program. Volunteering and service is particularly important to her and numerous organizations have recognized her. Judge Legier attributes her achievements, in large part, to the spiritual and academic formation received at Dominican. While at Dominican, she immediately got involved. Years after graduation, Judge Legier’s mother shared the answer her daughter had given during her Dominican admission interview to the following question: What will you bring to Dominican? Her answer, without hesitation, was spirit! She has brought spirit and more to Dominican and everyone she has touched. Kelly lives by the quote on her crystal vase award…”Follow the way of love, even as Christ loved you.”
Dr. Paula Woods Adams lives out the teachings of the Catholic Church. Her lifelong commitment to the principles of Veritas is reflected in her professional achievements and acts of kindness. During 32 plus years of dedicated service, Paula influenced countless individuals with her wisdom, compassion, and leadership, particularly in the fields of education and community service. The St. Monica Catholic Church (Galveston-Houston Archdiocese) parishioner enjoys serving in several parish ministries. Paula’s humanitarian efforts profoundly underscore her exceptional character when she opened her home to a single mother and her two children: complete strangers. Paula cherishes diversity and actively fosters an inclusive environment, as evidenced by her contributions to the education of children with special needs and advocacy for the rights of the less privileged. Paula preaches the word with joy like the quote on her crystal vase award – “May the holy word that you preached by the example of your life, inspire all who seek Jesus, the Truth, the Resurrection, and the Life.”
Throughout her life, Liz Stafford has embodied virtues of selfless love and steadfast devotion to God’s will. Classmates call her a living testament to courage, compassion, and faith – reflecting St. Catherine of Siena’s legacy. In 2012 she started sending weekly heartfelt prayer emails to her classmates and has never missed a week. Every email has a meaningful message that inspires all to think about the power of prayer. Liz’s all-encompassing messages range from local requests to throughput the world. She encourages classmates to be compassionate, courageous, prayerful in all aspects of their lives, to pray for one another and those around the world. Her wisdom reflects the transformative power of allowing God’s will to guide daily life. Liz preaches the word with joy like the quote on her crystal vase award – “May the holy word that you preached by the example of your life, inspire all who seek Jesus, the Truth, the Resurrection, and the Life.”
Meg Kramer Daigle joyfully embraces faith and service. At St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, she is a lector, Altar Ladies Society member, Vacation Bible School volunteer, CCD, and Faith Formation teacher. She credits Sr. Angeline Magro, Sr. Dominic Savio Estorge, and Ms. Patricia Blanchard for graduating from LSU in three and a half years with a BA in Speech/Drama. Meg volunteers at several Dominican events, graciously giving her time and talent to her alma mater. Faith and service to God has always been an important aspect of her life. Meg continues to shine in the sisterhood of true Dominican values, living a life of faith and service to God. Meg’s faith and service reflects Mother Teresa’s guidance. “If we pray, we will believe; If we believe, we will love; If we love, we will serve.”
The past 20 years, Alexa Schexnaildre has walked a path enduring daily, relentless suffering from a debilitating, multi-faceted, and extremely complicated illness begun during senior year. Her life changed dramatically from a rare blood disorder that started wreaking havoc on her body, leading to numerous medical missteps undiagnosed until six and a half years later. Accepting the Lord’s invitation to share her story, Alexa has spoken to several groups: Dominican, parishes, Confirmation classes, and college students via Zoom. Through her blog, For The Greater Purpose, she encourages everyone to find hope and meaning in their suffering. Alexa truly lives a life that reflects 1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no one look down on you because of your youth, but be a continuing example of love, faith, and purity to believers.”
CLASS OF 1975
Rosaries designed by Rebecca “Becky” Bellows Crawford ’86 and made by Peggy Delarosa ’69were presented to Class of 1975 celebrating their 50th year anniversary. Recognition also to the Class of 2000 observing its 25th. Other class years were 1940, 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. Alumnae Betty Shroeder Harper and Ann Truax Tatje from the Class of 1950 were recognized as the wisest and the youngest alum present was Isabella Hotard ’18.
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