Featured.
Celebrating Excellence: Emma Tran ’26 Named National Merit Semifinalist Archbishop Chapelle High School is thrilled to announce that Emma Tran ’26 has been named a National Merit Semifinalist in the prestigious 2026 National Merit® Scholarship Program! This remarkable achievement places Emma among the top high school seniors in the nation. She is one of over 16,000 Semifinalists who have earned the opportunity to continue in the competition for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships , collectively worth nearly $26 million , to be awarded in the spring of 2026. What It Takes to Be a National Merit Semifinalist Emma’s journey to becoming a Semifinalist began with her performance on the 2024 PSAT/NMSQT® , a qualifying test taken by over 1.3 million high school juniors across the country. From this pool, only the highest-scoring entrants in each state—representing less than 1% of U.S. high school seniors —are named Semifinalists. To advance to the Finalist level, Emma will need to meet several rigorous requirements, including: Maintaining an outstanding academic record throughout high school. Completing a detailed scholarship application with the endorsement of a school official. Showcasing her leadership abilities , community involvement , and academic achievements . Writing an essay and earning SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm her PSAT/NMSQT® performance. About the National Merit Scholarship Program The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), a not-for-profit organization established in 1955, is dedicated to honoring academic excellence and encouraging students to pursue rigorous college studies. The program is supported by NMSC funds, along with contributions from nearly 300 corporate sponsors, colleges, universities, and individual donors . Three types of scholarships are offered: National Merit® $2500 Scholarships awarded on a state-representational basis. Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarships provided by businesses and organizations. College-sponsored Merit Scholarships from institutions that support student success. A Bright Future Ahead Emma’s recognition as a National Merit Semifinalist is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and exceptional academic talents. This honor not only highlights her individual achievements but also reflects the commitment to excellence that is at the heart of the Archbishop Chapelle High School community . We are incredibly proud of Emma and look forward to supporting her as she continues in this distinguished competition. Please join us in congratulating Emma on this outstanding accomplishment!
By Raegan Tuttle “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” This theme for Campus Ministry is all about trusting the Lord and His plan for you. In this reflection, I would like to share a story of mine that reflects this. During junior year, I was in a low place spiritually. I felt lost, and I did not know if God still had faith in me. I was constantly comparing myself to others, seeing how their spiritual life was so much stronger than mine. But I was told about a mission trip that would be during the summer. This mission was to help the people of Belize. At first, I was hesitant about whether I should take this opportunity. I had heard so many amazing things about the mission, and I wondered if I would experience those things as well. After much thought and prayer, I took the opportunity. I wanted to fully put my trust in God and see if I could revive what I felt was lost. During the formation nights, I could tell that the group going on this mission had the same ideas as me. We all wanted to grow our faith whilst helping others in the process. I was also still questioning my place within the mission and why God called me to serve. Once we got there and saw how the Belizean people were living, I realized why I was called. God wanted me to put my trust in him so I could help others. Seeing how they still worshiped the Lord even when they were living a hard life really showed me how the Lord can provide and how he speaks to others. I started to give my mind and soul to him, and I saw and felt his presence as I saw in others. After getting back home from the mission. I finally felt like my spiritual life was rejuvenated. I felt the Lord speaking to me in other ways that I had not heard before. Once I had fully put my faith in Him, he spoke so many new things, and I felt truly free. As this verse from Proverbs says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6)
Chapelle Alumna Hannah Volpi '19 Named Head Beach Volleyball Coach at Southeastern Louisiana University! 🏐💚 We are thrilled to celebrate Hannah Volpi '19, who has been named the Head Beach Volleyball Coach at Southeastern Louisiana University! Hannah’s volleyball journey began right here at Chapelle, where she helped lead the Chipmunks to a state runner-up finish. After her time at Chapelle, she competed in beach volleyball for the UNO Privateers, excelling on the sand and continuing to develop her passion for the game. Now, as a head coach, Hannah is inspiring the next generation of athletes while making the Chapelle family proud. Congratulations, Hannah—you are a shining example of Chapelle pride and excellence!
Jason Evert Inspires Chapelle Students with a Powerful Message of Authentic Love 💛 What an inspiring day at Archbishop Chapelle High School! On Tuesday, September 16, our students had the incredible privilege of hearing from Jason Evert, a world-renowned Catholic speaker and founder of the Chastity Project. Jason’s impactful presentation centered on the difference between real love and lust, and the beauty of living out the authentic love we are all created for. A Message That Resonated Jason’s engaging and relatable style had our students absolutely captivated. Through humor, heartfelt stories, and practical advice, he shared how we can recognize the difference between fleeting attraction and the lasting power of true, chaste love. Our girls laughed, learned, and left the talk inspired to live out their relationships with dignity, self-respect, and faith. The message was clear: authentic love is worth the wait, and it’s worth fighting for. Living Out the Message Jason’s presentation challenged our students to see relationships through a new lens—not through the fleeting ideals of culture but through the lens of God’s plan for holy and beautiful relationships. His words were a reminder that true love honors and uplifts, and it requires courage, patience, and faith. Gratitude for Jason Evert We are so grateful to Jason Evert for sharing his wisdom, humor, and faith with our Chapelle family. His message was a powerful reminder of the beauty of living a life rooted in virtue and love. Thank you, Jason, for inspiring our students to embrace the love they are created for and to pursue relationships that reflect God’s plan for their lives. This was a day our students won’t soon forget! 💛
Loyal to Green & White Brunch Recap On Saturday, September 6, we welcomed alumnae moms, grandmothers, and dear friends to our campus for the Loyal to Green & White Brunch! This special event was designed for our alumnae to invite 6th and 7th graders—our Future Chipmunks—to experience the magic of Chapelle through their eyes. A Morning of Memories and Fun The day began with a delicious brunch and a special activity that sparked sweet memories of Chapelle days gone by. Alumnae shared stories and experiences with their Future Chips, creating meaningful moments that bridged generations of Chapelle love. After brunch, everyone participated in a campus-wide scavenger hunt, where alumnae and their Future Chips strolled down memory lane, rediscovering cherished spots while exploring the exciting new additions to Chapelle’s campus. Thank You for Joining Us! We are so grateful to everyone who attended the Loyal to Green & White Brunch—your love for Chapelle and the way you share it with the next generation of Future Chipmunks is truly inspiring. Events like this remind us that Chapelle isn’t just a school; it’s a family that lasts a lifetime. We can’t wait to see many of these bright young faces back on campus as official Chipmunks in the future! 💚
Kicking Off the Year with Our First "Spend-A- Day" Event! Archbishop Chapelle High School was buzzing with excitement as we hosted our first Spend-A-Day event of the year! Today, we welcomed 24 amazing students from elementary schools across the region to experience what life as a Chipmunk is all about. Our Spend-A-Day Guests: Adeline Angelina Annie Aria Aubrey Aurora Ava Brooke Carleigh Elise Evelyn Harper B. Harper R. Isabella Jaelyn Kennedy Kinsley Mila Peyton G. Peyton W. Sophia J. Sophia P. Sophia S. Victoria A Day to Remember Our future Chipmunks started their day with warm smiles and a big welcome from our Chapelle ambassadors. From the moment they stepped onto campus, they were immersed in all the incredible things that make Chapelle special. Highlights of the Day Exciting Class Visits : Students joined in on interactive lessons and got a firsthand look at our vibrant academic environment. Campus Tours : They explored our beautiful campus, including classrooms, the chapel, and our state-of-the-art facilities. Lunch & Fellowship : Our guests enjoyed lunch with current Chapelle students, connecting with new friends and hearing about life at Chapelle. Fun Activities : From hands-on projects to engaging demonstrations, the day was packed with opportunities to learn, laugh, and have fun! Why Spend-A-Day Matters The Spend-A-Day program is one of our favorite traditions at Chapelle. It allows prospective students to experience our welcoming community, strong traditions, and exceptional programs. We hope that by spending a day with us, these young women can picture themselves as part of the Chapelle family. We are so grateful to the 24 students who spent their day with us today. Your energy, curiosity, and enthusiasm lit up our campus, and we hope you had the best day ever ! 💚 To our future Chipmunks: We can’t wait to see you again soon—hopefully as part of the Chapelle family one day! Want to join the fun? Our next Spend-A-Day event is just around the corner. If you or someone you know is interested in experiencing Chapelle, visit our website to sign up!
A Bright Future for the Class of 2030!
Chapelle Alumna Hannah Volpi '19 Named Head Beach Volleyball Coach at Southeastern Louisiana University! 🏐💚 We are thrilled to celebrate Hannah Volpi '19, who has been named the Head Beach Volleyball Coach at Southeastern Louisiana University! Hannah’s volleyball journey began right here at Chapelle, where she helped lead the Chipmunks to a state runner-up finish. After her time at Chapelle, she competed in beach volleyball for the UNO Privateers, excelling on the sand and continuing to develop her passion for the game. Now, as a head coach, Hannah is inspiring the next generation of athletes while making the Chapelle family proud. Congratulations, Hannah—you are a shining example of Chapelle pride and excellence!
Celebrating Chapelle Spirit at Alumnae Night! 💚🤍 On a night filled with excitement, community, and Chapelle pride, we welcomed back our incredible Volleyball, Hi-Stepper, and Cheer alumnae for an unforgettable Alumnae Night! The energy in the gym was electric as generations of Chipmunks came together to celebrate their shared love for Chapelle and support our current students. Supporting the Varsity Volleyball Team The night kicked off with our alumnae cheering on the Varsity Volleyball team as they faced off against Edna Karr. The support from the stands was unmatched, with former players, dancers, and cheerleaders showing their love for the green and white. Alumnae Take the Court After the Varsity game, it was time for our Volleyball alumnae to hit the court! The alumnae played their own exciting 25-point game, showcasing their skills and camaraderie. Halfway through, everyone paused to enjoy a special performance by the Hi-Stepper alumnae, who took to the court to dazzle us with their dance moves. It was a beautiful display of talent and tradition! Honoring Excellence: All-State Players Plaque Unveiled A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a brand-new plaque by Volleyball Head Coach Jodee Pulizzano. The plaque proudly lists all of the Chapelle Volleyball players (past and present) who were named LVCA All-State. This special moment honored the legacy of excellence that Chapelle Volleyball continues to uphold. A Night to Remember After all the court-side festivities, alumnae, students, and guests gathered in the cafeteria for a fabulous reception. It was a time to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the lifelong bond of the Chapelle sisterhood. Thank You, Alumnae! We are so lucky to have such incredible alumnae who continue to support Chapelle and inspire the next generation of Chipmunks. Your dedication to our school and your ongoing connection to the Chapelle community mean the world to us. Here’s to many more Alumnae Nights filled with laughter, memories, and Chapelle pride! 💚🤍
Making Waves at the State Level: Gemma Collins, Zoe Zabala and Valentina Martinez-Flores! 🌊🏊♀️ Archbishop Chapelle High School is thrilled to announce that Zoe Zabala ’28, Valentina Martinez-Flores ’28, and Gemma Collins '30 have qualified for the State Swim Meet! These talented students have worked tirelessly in the pool this season, and their dedication has earned them the opportunity to compete on Louisiana’s biggest stage for high school swimming. Gemma Collins 8th grader Gemma Collins is making waves in her first year as a Chapelle swimmer, qualifying for her spot at State in: - 500 Freestyle The 500 Freestyle is among the most challenging events in competitive swimming, and Gemma's exceptional focus and endurance throughout the race are truly impressive. Zoe Zabala ’28 Sophomore Zoe Zabala continues to impress with her strength and endurance, qualifying for her spot at State in two events: - 500 Freestyle - 200 Freestyle The 500 Freestyle is one of the most demanding races in competitive swimming, and Zoe’s ability to maintain focus and stamina throughout the race is truly remarkable. Her performance in the 200 Freestyle demonstrates her speed and versatility, making her a standout in both sprint and distance events. Valentina Martinez-Flores ’28 Sophomore Valentina Martinez-Flores has qualified for State in the challenging 200 Individual Medley (IM), a race that requires proficiency in all four strokes—butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. Valentina’s ability to master each discipline and maintain her composure under pressure speaks to her incredible skill and determination. She also qualified for State in the 50 free. Celebrating Our State Qualifiers We are so proud of Zoe and Valentina for their accomplishments this season. Qualifying for State is no small feat, and their hard work and dedication have brought them to this exciting moment. Let’s rally behind them and show our support for all their hard work and determination. Congratulations, Chipmunks—your Chapelle family is cheering for you every step (and stroke) of the way!
Alumnae Career Engagement Presentation Recap: General Nursing Archbishop Chapelle High School was honored to welcome Amanda Ippolito Del Buono ’06, a Post Kidney and Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Nurse Coordinator, back to campus for a Career Engagement Session. Amanda shared her journey in nursing and offered an inside look at the rewarding and diverse opportunities in healthcare. A Day in the Life of a Transplant Nurse Coordinator Amanda manages care for 150 post-kidney transplant patients, helping them adjust to life with their new organs. Her duties include: - Teaching patients how to care for their new organ(s). - Managing appointments and clinic visits. - Advising on protocols to ensure a smooth recovery. - Her dedication to patient care showcases how nurses make life-changing impacts every day. What We Learned Amanda shared valuable insights with our students, including: - Nursing is diverse. From hospitals to home health, there’s a path for everyone in this field. - Empathy is key. Supporting patients emotionally is as important as physical care. - Lifelong learning matters. Staying up-to-date with evolving medical practices is critical for success. Thank You, Amanda! We are so grateful to Amanda for inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals at Chapelle. Her passion and expertise reminded our students that nursing is not just a career—it’s a calling to make a difference in the lives of others.
Celebrating Chapelle Spirit at Alumnae Night! 💚🤍 On a night filled with excitement, community, and Chapelle pride, we welcomed back our incredible Volleyball, Hi-Stepper, and Cheer alumnae for an unforgettable Alumnae Night! The energy in the gym was electric as generations of Chipmunks came together to celebrate their shared love for Chapelle and support our current students. Supporting the Varsity Volleyball Team The night kicked off with our alumnae cheering on the Varsity Volleyball team as they faced off against Edna Karr. The support from the stands was unmatched, with former players, dancers, and cheerleaders showing their love for the green and white. Alumnae Take the Court After the Varsity game, it was time for our Volleyball alumnae to hit the court! The alumnae played their own exciting 25-point game, showcasing their skills and camaraderie. Halfway through, everyone paused to enjoy a special performance by the Hi-Stepper alumnae, who took to the court to dazzle us with their dance moves. It was a beautiful display of talent and tradition! Honoring Excellence: All-State Players Plaque Unveiled A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a brand-new plaque by Volleyball Head Coach Jodee Pulizzano. The plaque proudly lists all of the Chapelle Volleyball players (past and present) who were named LVCA All-State. This special moment honored the legacy of excellence that Chapelle Volleyball continues to uphold. A Night to Remember After all the court-side festivities, alumnae, students, and guests gathered in the cafeteria for a fabulous reception. It was a time to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate the lifelong bond of the Chapelle sisterhood. Thank You, Alumnae! We are so lucky to have such incredible alumnae who continue to support Chapelle and inspire the next generation of Chipmunks. Your dedication to our school and your ongoing connection to the Chapelle community mean the world to us. Here’s to many more Alumnae Nights filled with laughter, memories, and Chapelle pride! 💚🤍
Alumnae Career Engagement Presentation Recap: Medical Sonography On Tuesday, September 9, Archbishop Chapelle High School was excited to host the first session of our new Alumnae Career Engagement Presentations ! This program brings successful alumnae back to campus to share their career journeys and inspire our students to explore future possibilities. For our first presentation, we welcomed Samantha Zimmerman Morris ’07 and Brooke Meyer Zimmerman ’11 , both accomplished Medical Sonographers . Students from all grade levels had the opportunity to sign up for this engaging and informative session based on their interest in healthcare and technology. What We Learned Samantha and Brooke captivated the audience with their discussion on the field of medical sonography. They explained how they use sound waves to create images that help doctors diagnose a wide range of medical conditions—not just pregnancy-related issues! They highlighted how ultrasound technology is a fast, effective, and non-invasive tool for diagnosing medical problems, offering quick answers that are critical in patient care. Students were fascinated to learn about the intersection of healthcare and cutting-edge technology in this field, as well as the profound impact sonographers can have on patients’ lives. Samantha and Brooke also shared their personal experiences, including what led them to choose this career, the education and training required, and the rewarding moments they’ve experienced in their work. Their passion for making a difference in patient care was truly inspiring, leaving students not only informed but also motivated to consider medical sonography as a potential career path. Looking Ahead Thank you to Samantha and Brooke for returning to Chapelle to kick off this exciting new program! Their expertise and enthusiasm set a high standard for future presentations, and we are so grateful for their willingness to give back to the Chapelle community. We can’t wait to welcome more alumnae to campus as part of the Alumnae Career Engagement Presentations series. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming speakers and topics—there’s so much more to learn and explore!
