Inspired by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, a trailblazer whose faith, determination, and commitment to serving others changed lives around the world, Cabrini High School’s inaugural Leadership Academy empowered rising seventh-grade girls to discover their own potential as leaders. Held June 1–5 on Cabrini’s campus, the weeklong experience reflected the school’s commitment to leadership, encouraging young women to lead with conviction, compassion, and confidence.
Designed for girls entering their final year of grammar school, the Cabrini High School Leadership Academy challenged participants to explore what meaningful leadership looks like and how they can put those values into action as they prepare for high school and beyond.
What made the Academy especially remarkable was that, while Cabrini faculty and staff provided guidance and oversight, the program was entirely planned and led by Cabrini students. Student leaders who excel in academics, athletics, clubs, and service designed and facilitated every presentation, small-group discussion, and activity, creating a powerful celebration of young female leadership in action.
Participants stepped outside their comfort zones and discovered that leadership takes many forms. Through hands-on experiences, interactive workshops, and collaborative projects, the girls explored how leaders inspire, serve, and create positive change in their communities. Participants mastered state-of-the-art lab equipment, strengthened study skills, and learned about the academic opportunities available to them through advanced coursework, competitions, and conferences. They developed public speaking and communication skills, explored personal branding and self-confidence, and gained practical tools for becoming effective leaders both inside and outside the classroom. Leadership also came to life through service as the girls organized and prepared 100 lunches for community members in need.
At the Academy’s conclusion, these future Crescents developed a deeper understanding of what it means to lead, serve, and make a difference in their schools and communities.
academic journey. The gift recognizes students’ hard work and growth while also helping families prepare for senior year and the transition to college and future careers. The Highland Scholars Fund, based in New Orleans, is dedicated to expanding educational opportunities through scholarships and mentorship programs that help students overcome financial barriers.
Together, these milestones highlight both the remarkable accomplishments of Cabrini students and the continued community support helping shape the next generation of leaders.
This year, Social Studies teacher Jose Lozano was named a recipient of the inaugural Bischof Research and Travel Scholarship, awarded by the Center Austria at the University of New Orleans. This prestigious honor supports academic research and cultural exchange between New Orleans and Austria. Lozano earned the award for his extensive study of the Habsburg dynasty, which culminated in a research trip to Vienna last summer. Through firsthand archival work and immersion in European history, he deepened his scholarship in ways that directly enrich his teaching. His recognition, shared with an Austrian student at UNO, underscores both his academic rigor and the global perspective he brings to Cabrini students.
Cabrini also celebrates the continued recognition of its faculty closer to home. Elizabeth Leblanc, Science Department Chair, and Lisa Dubus, Social Studies Department Chair, have been named Top 10 finalists in the New Orleans Mom Blog Teacher of the Year campaign. Selected from a highly competitive pool of educators across the region, this distinction reflects their exceptional dedication to student growth and achievement. Both educators are widely respected for their ability to engage and inspire, fostering intellectual curiosity that extends well beyond the classroom.
Since 1979, ALP has served over 11,000 adult learners from 62 different countries. In 2024, ALP delivered 16 weekly classes to 477 students representing 26 countries. Of those 477, about 1/3 (168 students) took two, three, or even four classes. There were 13 students who earned American citizenship and two who earned their high school diploma.
