Greetings Dear Maryite Sisters;

Truly, “ A New Day Has Come” and St. Mary’s Academy shines as bright as the Sun!  Homecoming was unmatchable!!  It commenced with our “Open House Ceremony”, which was second to none!  Faculty, students, and prospective students and their parents joined in a display of excitement and promise!  Alumnae from every facet of life were in attendance to give support to their alma mater!  We were all thrilled and encouraged about the future of St. Mary’s Academy. 

Alumnae Day, on Friday morning, was well attended.  Maryites from everywhere gathered in the Co-op for refreshments and fellowship.  The room was filled with joy and laughter and the tour of the new school left all of us in awe at how blessed we are, to be a part of such a significant New Orleans Heritage!  Later that day Maryites from the Class of 1961’ toured the school.  They were awe-inspired at how far we’ve come from the fifties to now. 

After a very spirit filled service, we all rushed over to the beautiful “, Lace-Grand Ball Room, owned and operated by Maryite “Lisa Crinel”.  The red carpet was rolled out and the festivities continued.

We were blessed to have past principal, Sr. Leona Bruner, deliver the occasion for the afternoon.   Our new “Homecoming Queen”, Sheri Pannell, reigned royally over the event.  Mr.  Nathaniel Garrett and Mr. Lonzell Silas walked the red carpet to receive the prestigious “Henriette Delille Award for 2011; and the highlight of the afternoon was words given to us by our guest speaker, the illustrious Merlyna Mathieu Valentine.  She praised the “New Day” that has dawned at St. Mary’s Academy, with the construction of our new facility.  She also shared with us how important it is for us to do our part in the furtherance of our alma mater.  She said, it’s about more than just bricks and mortar, but about the lifting of our children’s spirits, the building of their self-esteem, and the quality of educations we provide for them.  She said, if a child has a gift to do something well, and that child doesn’t believe they can do it, someone hasn’t done their job.   As alumna we must become more actively involved in that process which helps St. Mary’s Academy maintain a high level of achievement.  With that being said, I call on new faces in the board room, new energy and new ideas that will birth new and exciting days ahead.

On behalf of Sr. Jennie Jones, Principal , Sr. Claire of Assisi Pierre, President, and  all the Sisters of the Holy Family that graced us with their presence at Homecoming, thank you for all you did to make Homecoming 2011 Fabulous!!

Connie W. Fitch, ‘69

Director-Alumnae Affairs