Abp. Shaw’s Big Brother program makes it personal

    Before hitting the books, Archbishop Shaw High School’s eighth and ninth graders hit the field for a fun day in the sun, filled with swimming, cabbage ball and bonding with their new big brothers.
    Each underclassman was paired with a senior during a pizza luncheon on Aug. 7 to act as a mentor throughout their beginning year at Archbishop Shaw.
    The big brothers were encouraged to introduce the new students to life at their school and “to stay in touch with them throughout the entire school year,” Matthew Ducote, a 2003 graduate and Archbishop Shaw admissions director, explained. “A lot of times you see them get really close. We encourage them throughout the year to ask them how they’re doing and to help them out.”
Cooling off, making friends
    After lunch, the fields and swimming pool were open for everyone to let loose and spend time outside to meet their new classmates and teachers. Although the day featured the typical southern Louisiana heat, it didn’t slow anyone down, including civics teacher Jeff Abreo, who didn’t miss a beat jumping on the inflatable water slide with the students.
    Senior Daniel Talley spent the afternoon getting to know his new little brothers, Christian Banks and Dawson Vallee.
    “I hope to help them get to know people and make it less awkward for them,” Talley said.
    Through the big brother program and other activities, Archbishop Shaw has placed a strong emphasis on promoting a family atmosphere among the students and faculty.
    “Being a Salesian school, we’re really big on family environment and family themes here,” Ducote said. “That’s what the Salesian order stands for –  they work to serve the youth.”
    No name tags are required for the students or teachers, Ducote explained, because each person makes it a personal commitment to know everyone on a one-on-one basis.
    Angela Bates, affectionately known by many students as “Mama Bates,” has taught English at Archbishop Shaw since 1997 and watched her own son graduate in 2013.
    “I wouldn’t trade this for anything,” she said. “I don’t know what it is, but it’s perfect for me.”
    Denise Vedros, who has been at Archbishop Shaw since 1985, taught advanced calculus to Ducote, and that family bond has continued.
    “I love it here,” Vedros said. “It’s a small school, and it has such a family atmosphere. They’re just different here. The students all have that family spirit with them.”
    Lindsey Frechou can be reached at lfrechou@clarionherald.org.