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Vo and Tran Lead Class of 2010

Valedictorian Thu Vo	Salutatorian Kristy Tran

Fifty students received diplomas from Sr. Eva Regina, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of the Holy Family and Sr. Jennie Jones, principal, in ceremonies marking the 125th graduation of St. Mary’s Academy, May 13 at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, New Orleans. Father Tony Ricard, celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass that preceded the graduation ceremonies. April M. Leon, an SMA alumna and Assistant District Attorney of East Baton Rouge Parish, served as the Commencement speaker.

The members of the Class of 2010 have been accepted to more than 44 elite colleges and universities and have garnered more than 2.1 million dollars in scholarship awards.

Thu Vo, daughter of Pan Vo and Tinh Huynh, was valedictorian. She served as president of the Student Council, captain of the Track team and a member of the school’s yearbook editorial staff. She also was one of 100 students in the country selected to attend the Anti-Defamation Leadership Mission held in Washington, D.C. last year. Additionally, Vo took part in the March for Life held in our nation’s capital earlier this year.

Vo, a TOPS Opportunity Scholar, earned the highest average awards in Science, Religion and Physical Education. Throughout her years as a student at St. Mary’s Academy, she consistently maintained both Principal’s Honor Roll and Renaissance Star status. Additionally, she was actively involved in several extracurricular activities including the Key Club, SMA Ambassadors, Maryites for Life, Color Guard, and National Honor Society. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the school’s Retreat Team.

Vo was awarded more than $1 million in scholarship offers to Agnes Scott, Albion College, Allegheny College, Arcadia College, Augustana College, Carroll College, Cedar Crest College, Centenary College, Drexel University, Elizabethtown College, Johnson & Wales, LeMoyne College, Ohio Wesleyan University, Rosemont College, Spring Hill College, Southern University at New Orleans, Thiel College, Transylvania University, Westminster College, University of New Orleans, Loyola University and Xavier University of Louisiana. She will attend Loyola University on an academic scholarship and will major in Business Management.           

Salutatorian was Kristy Tran, daughter of Bay Tran and Lua Pham. She served as secretary of the Student Council and Co-Editor of the yearbook. She also participated in a host of extracurricular activities including the Key Club, Maryites 4 Maryites and Science Club.

Tran, a TOPS Opportunity Scholar, consistently maintained Principal’s Honor Roll and Renaissance Star status throughout her years of study at SMA.  She earned the highest average awards in English, French and Social Studies.

She was awarded scholarships to Coe College, Hardin Simmons University, Loyola University, Spring Hill College, Southern University at New Orleans, St. John’s University, University of New England, University of New Haven, University of New Orleans and Xavier University of Louisiana. She will attend the University of New Orleans on an academic scholarship majoring in Psychology.

Honor graduates were Crystal Clarkston, Trinity Isaac, Jihan James, Marquis Andry, Candice Selmon, Tylene Collins, Courtney Jacks, Delores Atkins, Dezire’ Sandifer, Brianna George, Debra Williams, Andrea Le'Coq, Loreal Chambers, Alicia Roberts, Leomia Mitchell, Robyn Offray, Brianne Haynes, and Troynika Conrad.

Other graduates were Maya Baptiste, Lindsi Barre', Mekia Bell, Amiere Bertrand, Aricka Buford, Kristian Butler, Ariel Calvin, Evelyn Carter, Cassie Chesterfield, Casey Coleman, Tiffany Davis, Lauren Days, Kiara De Rouen, Terenisha Dorsey, Azja Hall, Sarah Johnson, De'jah Jones, Gabrielle Jones, Michel'le Jones, Loriyon Joseph, Zendelle Lewis, Carlahn Martin, Deondra McGraw, NaJae' Pritchett, Troynicka Richardson, Ashiree Robair, Lacee Roussel, Verlicia Thomas, Tiwanna Jean Webb and Breyonna Williams.