PUBLISHED ON January 30, 2025

By: Reese F. & Jessi K.

This past weekend, the Chapellettes and Hi-Steppers competed in the American All-Star State Championship. The American All-Star State Championship is a two-day competition in which teams go head to head in many different divisions. Both teams have worked tirelessly in preparation for this championship and did not disappoint! 

Throughout the weekend, Chapellettes and Hi-Steppers competed in two different divisions, Chapellettes in Division 1 and Hi-Steppers in Division 3. On day one, Chapelletes took to the floor with six solos, three duos, an officer routine, and five ensembles. On day two, Chapellettes competed in the Division 1 Jazz, Open, Gameday, and Kick. On day one, the Hi-Steppers competed with five solos, one duo, and two ensembles. On day two, in Division 3, the Hi-Steppers competed in Jazz, Pom, Open, Gameday, and Novelty.

With all the nerves and excitement going into the weekend, the coaches of both incredible teams were asked what their thoughts and feelings were as we headed into the competition. We also asked what their favorite thing about coaching was, as well as what their favorite dance was. This was Mrs. Woodward, the Hi-Stepper coach's response: 

“The American All Star Louisiana State Dance & Drill Team Championship is always an exciting time of the year. With over 60 junior high and high school teams attending from all across Louisiana, the weekend will be packed with dance, school spirit, creativity and a whole lot more of dance. Dance is a very subjective sport, so you work very hard to create something that you can only hope the judges will enjoy. It can be very difficult to understand when you put out a near flawless routine on the floor, and the results don't go your way. Sometimes the judges just like what the other teams did more than yours or sometimes the scores are so close that 1st place is anyones for the taking. The Chapelle Hi-Steppers practice long hours after school and during the holidays to prepare for this weekend. Many teams only bring 2-3 team dances to state, while we bring five. We are very lucky to have great choreographers: Shelby Jacob '11, Savannah Swain Raynal '14, Jessica Starring '20, Lexi LeBlanc '21, Shayla Woodward '23 and Karley Voges (sister of Kinyson Voges '19). We had great performances at our first competition of the year, so we are hoping to continue that going into state. I believe our girls are in the right mindset this year for greatness. They want to perform each routine to the best of their abilities, they want the judges to enjoy their routines, and they want to bring home the win for Chapelle. I am a firm believer that if you give your everything on the floor and feel that you did everything you can, the results will come. How they feel when they walk off the floor is more important than the trophy. Coaching any type of sport can be difficult, but also has so many rewards. Each year to see the talent God has given these young ladies shine bright on the gym floor is truly a gift. They love Chapelle, dance and each other, and it definitely shows. I also love seeing my Hi-Stepper alumnae who love to retell a story from when they were on the team, and how each one of them still remember our parade stop routine. I have been truly blessed to have been a part of their time at Chapelle, and to be able to witness their talent. To pick a favorite dance from this year is hard because they are so good. Overall I believe our Open "Black & White Swan" dance is our most creative dance and I look forward to seeing what happens at state and nationals with this routine.”

One of the Chapellette coaches, Mrs. Stephani Kammer-Taylor, was asked the same questions and this was her response: 

“Going into state I’m super hopeful for growth. The goal is to place higher than we did last year, and I feel like we are ready to do that. But of course I’m always nervous, but also excited to see if and what we can accomplish in an upward positive direction. My favorite thing about coaching is instilling solid work ethic and a sense of being a good human to your teammates. I think there is more to being on a team than just doing what the team is assembled for, in this case dance. I think it’s about learning how to be a good person and to be a source of support for people that you spend a lot of time with and that you share commonalities with. So teaching girls how to not only be good at their craft, and motivated, and accountable, but also to be good people. My favorite dance is definitely jazz this year. It’s intricate and exciting, and the music is exciting. It’s very technically difficult but the girls are killing it and I think it’s really going to read well when we get to the event.”


The Chapellettes and Hi-Steppers danced beautifully in their performances and won many awards. These awards include:


Chapellettes:

Junior High Solo Title Winner- Sophia Brisset!

High School Junior Solo 2nd Place- Lyla Pelle!

Abby and Lyla Duet- 1st!

Claire and Jessi Duet- 2nd!

Kayden and Hailey Duet- 5th!

Kayden/Hailey/Averey/Aubrey Officer Routine- 3rd!

Kayden/Hailey/Claire/Jessi Ensemble- 1st!

Abby/Aubrey/Lyla Ensemble- 2nd!

Gracelyn/Rowan/Sophia F./Sophia M./Theresa/Ava/Cece/Emily/Brynn Ensemble- 5th!

Sophia B./Julia/Melina/Parker Junior High Ensemble- 4th!

Division 1 Jazz- First Place - 4th in State - Technique and Choreography Awards!

Division 1 Open- First Place - 3rd in State!

Division 1 Kick- First Place!

Division 1 Game Day- Superior!

Division 1: 1st in State! 

Sweepstakes Award- Tie for 4th Place- 4th in State!


Hi-Steppers:

Dakota/Savanna/Skylar/Karissa/Victoria/Makenzie Officer Routine-4th!

Makenzie/Hailey Duet- 4th!

Division 3 Jazz- Second Place- 3rd in State- Choreography and Technique Awards!

Division 3 Open- First Place- 2nd in state!

Division 3 Pom- Second Place- 5th in State!

Division 3 Gameday- Third place!

Division 3 Novelty- First Place- 1st in State!




Recommended Posts

By Jamie Hanzo April 24, 2026
The Science Behind the Pop 🍿 In Mrs. Judy Homes’ Chemistry class, students recently explored a big concept using a very small (and very tasty) example: popcorn. But this wasn’t snack time...it was science in action! Why does popcorn pop? Each kernel contains a small amount of water (about 13–14% of its mass) trapped inside a tough outer shell. When heated, that water turns into steam. As the steam expands, pressure builds inside the kernel.  Because the shell is so strong, the steam can’t escape right away. The pressure keeps rising until — POP! — the kernel bursts open, and the starchy inside puffs out into the fluffy popcorn we recognize. The chemistry behind it all: This simple snack connects directly to core chemistry concepts: - Phase change: Liquid water turns into steam when heated. - Percent composition: Students calculate how much of the kernel’s mass is water. - Conservation of mass: The mass lost after popping equals the water that evaporated. - Gas laws: Expanding steam creates the pressure that causes the pop. Students measured kernels before and after heating to determine how much water was present — applying stoichiometry in a hands-on, real-world way. Why the water percentage matters: The sweet spot for popcorn is right around 13–14% water. - Too little moisture? Not enough pressure to pop. - Too much? The popcorn turns out chewy instead of light and fluffy. That tiny percentage makes all the difference. In Mrs. Homes’ classroom, chemistry isn’t just something students read about. It’s something they can see, measure, calculate… and occasionally smell like movie night.
By Jamie Hanzo April 24, 2026
Allie Mixon Named LHSAA District Champion in Shot Put and Discus We are proud to celebrate an incredible accomplishment by senior Allie Mixon, who delivered a standout performance at the LHSAA District Meet on April 23, 2026. Allie placed 1st in both shot put and discus, earning the title of 2026 LHSAA District Champion in both events. This remarkable achievement is a testament to her strength, focus, and dedication throughout the season. To claim a district championship in one event is an impressive feat — to win both throws showcases Allie’s versatility, discipline, and competitive spirit. Her hard work in training and her commitment to excellence truly paid off on the field. Allie’s performance not only reflects her personal determination but also brings great pride to the entire Chapelle community. We are excited to see her continue this momentum as she advances in postseason competition.  Congratulations, Allie! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.
By Jamie Hanzo April 24, 2026
Celebrating Faith, Legacy, and Providence: Founder’s Day Mass 2026 Yesterday, the Chapelle family gathered in gratitude and joy for our annual Founder’s Day Mass, a beautiful celebration of faith, tradition, and the generations who make our school so special. A Gift of Prayer and Unity We were honored to present Archbishop Aymond with two meaningful gifts: - A rosary designed in our five class colors—Lavender, Blue, Red, Green, and Yellow—symbolizing the unity of our grade levels as one circle of faith. - A book of prayers written by each Theology class, offered in gratitude for his service and as a promise of our continued prayers. Both gifts reflect the deep gratitude we have for Archbishop Aymond and the legacy he will leave in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. We pray for joy and happiness as he enters his retirement! Outstanding Catholic Student Awards One of the most special moments of the morning was recognizing students who exemplify Catholic identity and Christ-like leadership on campus and in the community. Congratulations to our 2025–2026 Outstanding Catholic Students: - 8th Grade: Sophia Hunter - Freshman: Leila Abbate - Sophomore: Anna Claire Occhipinti - Junior: Audrey Dubuc - Senior: Kyla Apostolakis Each of these young women lives her faith with sincerity, kindness, and dedication—truly reflecting the beauty of Catholic education at Chapelle. Faculty & Staff Years of Service We proudly honored members of our Chapelle family celebrating milestone anniversaries: 10 Years of Service - Ghada Chokr - Trina Hille - Dale LaCour - Susan Panzavecchia - Frank Ready - Anne Southworth - Samantha Urso 20 Years of Service - Judy Homes - Julie Hunter - Martha McCann - Jessica Reeg Their dedication continues to shape the lives of our students and strengthen our mission. Deus Providebit Award In the spirit of our motto, Deus Providebit — God Will Provide — we honored our 2026 recipients: Deacon Drea and Brenda Capaci With more than five decades of service to Chapelle and the Church, their lives reflect unwavering faith, family devotion, and generous service. Their legacy is woven deeply into the fabric of our school. 2026 Alumna of the Year We proudly recognized Lyndsey Manalla Dyle ’03 as the 2026 Alumna of the Year — the youngest recipient of this honor. A devoted alumna, business leader, entrepreneur, and dedicated mother, Lyndsey continues to give back to Chapelle, most notably through her leadership of the beloved Alumnae Decade Rally. Honoring the Class of 1976 We were thrilled to welcome back the Class of 1976, celebrating their 50th anniversary. Each graduate received a commemorative diploma, and the class surprised us all by singing their senior song — a beautiful reminder that the Chapelle spirit lasts a lifetime. Looking Ahead: Incarnate Word Hall In her closing remarks, Head of School Connie Dantagnan shared exciting news about our future. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have raised $8 million toward our $10 million vision for Incarnate Word Hall. This summer marks the next phase of construction, bringing us closer to a sacred space dedicated to prayer, worship, and spiritual growth for generations to come. Founder’s Day reminded us that Chapelle is more than a school — it is a living testament to faith across generations. As we continue forward, we do so with gratitude for our past, confidence in our present, and hope for our future.  Deus Providebit — God Will Provide.
By Jamie Hanzo April 22, 2026
Chapelle Students Experience Local Government in Action On April 16, members of the Chapelle Bowling Team and students from Mr. Wooderson’s AP U.S. Government & Politics class were invited to attend a Kenner City Council Meeting by Joey LaHatte (Councilman – District 3), father of senior Caroline LaHatte ’26. During the meeting, the Mayor of Kenner and the City Council formally recognized the Chapelle Bowling Team for winning State, honoring their hard work and championship accomplishment. It was a proud moment for our student-athletes and school community. In addition to celebrating the team, the visit provided an invaluable educational experience. Students were able to witness firsthand the processes by which the city operates and listen to public comments from local citizens. They saw the very concepts they have been studying in AP U.S. Government and Politics reflected in real-world issues being debated and voted on by the council. This field trip offered a unique opportunity to see civics lessons come to life and to interact with city leaders, including council members, the Chief of Police, the Mayor, and other prominent community figures. A special highlight of the meeting was when Caroline LaHatte ’26 had the honor of leading the room in the Pledge of Allegiance. After the meeting, students were treated to lunch and ice cream which was the perfect ending to an incredible day of learning and celebration.  Thank you to Councilman Joey LaHatte and the Kenner City Council for welcoming our students and providing such a meaningful experience.
By Jamie Hanzo April 22, 2026
Student Council Induction Celebrates Leadership and New Beginnings Archbishop Chapelle High School recently held its annual Student Council Induction Ceremony, a special tradition that honors outgoing leaders while welcoming the next group of students who will serve our school community. During the ceremony, the 2025–2026 Student Council Executive Board officially inducted the incoming Executive Board for the 2026–2027 school year. We are excited to announce next year’s Student Council Executive Board: President: Audrey Dubuc Vice President: Victoria McCann Secretary: Lauren dela Gardelle Treasurer: Anna Claire Occhipinti Historian: Sloan Boudoin A highlight of the afternoon was the heartfelt farewell address from 2025–2026 President Chloe Tujague, who reflected on her experiences in leadership and the valuable lessons she learned throughout her time serving Chapelle. Her words were a beautiful reminder of the growth, responsibility, and sisterhood that Student Council fosters. Incoming President Audrey Dubuc also delivered her presidential address, sharing her excitement and vision for the year ahead. Her enthusiasm set the tone for what promises to be an impactful and memorable 2026–2027 school year. The evening also included a special moment of gratitude as we thanked each grade-level’s class officers for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. Their leadership has played an important role in building community and school spirit on campus.  We are incredibly proud of all of our Student Council leaders — past, present, and future — and we can’t wait to see what the 2026–2027 school year will bring! 💚
By Jamie Hanzo April 22, 2026
Alumna Spotlight: Erin Black Comeaux ’99 Archbishop Chapelle High School is proud to spotlight Erin Black Comeaux ’99, who was recently selected as a featured speaker for the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission (JEDCO) Women in Leadership Panel, held in partnership with the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce in honor of Women’s History Month. The annual panel brings together influential women leaders from across the region for a conversation centered on authenticity, mentorship, confidence, and leading with purpose. The discussion highlighted the power of supporting one another and navigating career growth with integrity and determination. Erin serves as the Commercial Sector Leader at RNGD, where she oversees commercial construction projects from preconstruction through completion. With more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, she is known for her hands-on leadership style, strategic problem-solving, and commitment to collaboration. She manages coordination, scheduling, and budget oversight while fostering strong communication with clients and project partners. A graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in Construction Management, Erin has built a career defined by hard work, resilience, and a “never give up” mentality — values that echo the spirit of Chapelle women. She is also deeply committed to mentoring and coaching her team, investing in the next generation of leaders. We are inspired to see a Chapelle alumna using her voice and expertise to impact the business community and uplift other women in leadership.  Congratulations, Erin! Your Chapelle family is proud of the example you continue to set.
By Jamie Hanzo April 22, 2026
Abby Hebbler ’26 is an LSU Golden Girl 💛 Archbishop Chapelle High School is thrilled to celebrate an incredible accomplishment by Abby Hebbler ’26 — she is officially an LSU Golden Girl! Abby, who serves as our 2025–2026 Chapellette President, has earned a coveted spot on LSU’s prestigious Golden Girls Dance Team. Known for their talent, precision, and school spirit, the Golden Girls represent Louisiana State University on Gamedays, LSU events, and so much more! We could not be prouder to see Abby join them. Throughout her time at Chapelle, Abby has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication, and passion for dance. As Chapellette President, she has led with confidence and heart, setting an example for younger students and leaving a lasting impact on our program. Being selected as a Golden Girl is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Abby’s hard work and commitment to her craft. Congratulations, Abby! Your Chapelle family is cheering you on every step of the way.  LET’S GEAUX!
By Jamie Hanzo April 17, 2026
It’s Raining Bunny Bucks! 🐰✨ Bunny Bucks Week was one for the books at Archbishop Chapelle High School! Thanks to the creativity and hard work of our Student Council, Chipmunks enjoyed a full week of fun activities, friendly competition, and exciting prizes. The week kicked off with Meme Monday, featuring a lunchtime fashion show that had everyone laughing and cheering. On Twin Tuesday, friends matched outfits across campus, and students participated in an egg scavenger hunt during lunch. Congratulations to 8th grader Camille Dubuc, who discovered the coveted golden egg! Midweek brought Wig Wednesday, where students showed off their best wigs and hats. During lunch, they also got creative by designing their own custom claw clips — a crowd favorite activity. The biggest event of the week? The highly anticipated Bunny Bucks Auction. From candy and portable speakers to so much more, Chipmunks filled the gym dressed in their most fashionable attire, ready to bid with the Bunny Bucks they had earned all week long. The energy was high, the bidding was competitive, and the prizes did not disappoint.  A huge thank you to our Student Council for organizing such a memorable week and for bringing so much joy to campus. Bunny Bucks Week is always a highlight of the spring semester — and this year was no exception! 💚🤍
More Posts