St. Charles Catholic celebrates 61st graduation

Ninety-six members of the 61st graduation class of St. Charles Catholic High School received diplomas following a Mass May 18 at Ascension of Our Lord Church, LaPlace. Father Walter Austin, the school’s chaplain, was the main celebrant, and diplomas were distributed by Andrew Cupit, principal.

Valedictorians were Bradley Jouty, Julie Melancon and Wan Wei Zhou.

Jouty, the son of Eddie and Terri Jouty of LaPlace, finished with a GPA of 4.77. Jouty was a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society, Le Club de Francais, Music Ministry, Retreat Team, Music Appreciation Club, Pro-Life Club, Beta Club, Science Club and the Ambassadors. Jouty served as captain of the drum corps and also was an extraordinary minister of holy Communion. He was also the state historian for the ALCFES (Louisiana state French Club) and was a member of Teen CROSS. Jouty received the St. Timothy Service Award for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

“St. Charles not only fulfilled its promise of preparing me for college, but also it has exceeded by preparing me to be able to handle the real world with a Catholic perspective,” Jouty said.

Jouty earned approximately $9,500 in scholarships and awards to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, where he will major in mechanical engineering. He also was the recipient of the TOPS Honor Scholarship.

Melancon, the daughter of Timmy and Debbie Melancon of LaPlace, finished with a GPA of 4.77. A member of the French Club, the National Honor Society, and the Pro-Life Club, Melancon received many academic honors. She also was a member of the swim team and was a cheerleader, serving as captain her senior year.

“I credit my parents with my academic success because they have sacrificed each and every day to give me a good Catholic education,” Melancon said. “In four years at St. Charles Catholic, I reached new heights, achieved numerous goals, and broadened my knowledge tremendously; but more importantly, I learned what it meant to be a family.”

Melancon earned more than $4,300 in scholarships and awards to LSU and she also received the TOPS Honor Scholarship. She intends to major in nursing.

Zhou, the daughter of Phillip and Leanna Zhou of LaPlace, finished with a GPA of 4.77. Zhou was a member of the Spanish Club, Science Club, Art Club, Drama Club, Pro-life Club, Beta Club, National Honor Society, Music Ministry and Ambassadors. She also ran cross country (and was named to the All-State Academic Composite Team) and played tennis. 

“Despite the immense influence my parents and teachers have had on my education, nothing inspired me more than my own drive to succeed,” Zhou said. ”Nothing has shaped my high school career more than the exemplary teaching staff and faculty that have guided this class so much through these last four years.”

Zhou earned more than $482,840 in scholarships and awards to various universities and colleges. She also received the TOPS Honor Scholarship. She will attend Tulane to major in science.

Salutatorian was Lauren Sherman, the daughter of Keith and Tina Sherman of Lutcher. She finished with a GPA of 4.75. Sherman was a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society and Retreat Team. She served as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and was the school’s writer for The Times-Picayune. She was active in St. James Parish 4-H activities. She also played soccer and was named to the Division III Girls Soccer Composite All-Academic Team and Division III District 8 All-District second team. This year she was the local Voice of Democracy Essay Contest winner on the local level.

Sherman earned more than $92,520 in scholarships and awards to various universities and colleges. She also received the TOPS Honor Scholarship. Sherman plans to attend the University of Louisiana-Monroe.

“I credit the teachers with my academic success because they gave me the materials that I needed in order to learn more,” Sherman said. “I also give credit to my family and friends for supporting me in my studies.”

Honor graduates were Matthew L. Hoover, Amanda M. Penn, Marc J. Rojo, Tiffany L. Mitchell, Tara A. Forsythe and Marissa A. Templet.

Other graduates were Gabriel M. Alarcon-Caine, Aaron M. Allen, Austin P. Allen, James D. Antin, Ross J. Authement, Jenna L. Barcelona, Dylan A. Bardell, Trey K. Bartholomew, Raven M. Becnel, Brooke M. Boe, Haley N. Bordelon, Angelique R. Boyd, Emily M. Brady, Kacie M. Braud, Danielle T. Brignac.

Dominique T. Brogle, Alexandra M. Cantavespri, Nicholas G. Carazo, Alexandra C. Ceja, Shelby K. Clement, Ashley C. Corchiani, Macky P. Cortez, Kara C. Craighead, Joshua R. Cupit, Paige B. Davis, Kati M. Duhe, Trenton L. Dunn, Rashanique N. Duplessis, Ryshekia T. Ferrygood, Nicholas Y. Forsythe.

Janesha L. Gooden, Michael D. Green, Brandon J. Guarneri, Hannah J. Guidry, Jeffrey J. Hall, Marcus D. Hall, Laura E. Hane, Alexandra E. Hitt, Allen-Michael Hooker, Brandon J. Hubbard, Erin T. Jaubert, Britney R. Johnson, Jourdan A. Johnston, Ashley E. Klibert, Nicole M. Klibert, Bobby L. LeDuff, Gabrielle L. Levet.

Mark A. Maheia, Paige E. Maurin, Lorrie A. Metrejean, Kenisha R. Michael, Sammy A. Miller, Christopher M. Millet, Leandre M. Millet, Nicholas R. Montegut, Taylor N. Morgan, DeVaughn E. Myers, Christopher F. Neylon, Klay C. Olasin, Heather E. Orillion, Cody M. Ortego.

Lance C. Perrilloux, Elizabeth A. Picciola, Emily C. Picciola, Erin L. Prudhomme, Emma M. Richard, Whitney L. Rizzuto, David J. Roberts, Fantasia M. Robertson, Morgan C. Robicheaux, Alex M. Rome, Brady S. Ross, Donald L. Savoie, Shelby L. Schneider, Daylis A. Senauth.

LaJaylin R. Smith, Lauren E. Snowdy, Hunter M. Specht, Lazedrick R. Thompson, Matthew E. Torres, Kerry F. Waguespack, Ariel A. Warren, Kate M. Watson, Adam P. Wildes, Alexis S. Williams and John G. Williams Jr.