Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A Night of Green and Gold in New Orleans

April 15, 2026

Cabrini High School’s Night of Green and Gold Gala brought together alumnae, parents, and friends last Saturday for an unforgettable evening celebrating the Crescent spirit. Guests enjoyed a festive night filled with signature cocktails, delicious cuisine, and lively entertainment from the Wise Guys band, which had partygoers dancing until the very end. The event also featured both a silent and live auction, with attendees bidding on an array of sought-after items, including vacation packages, dining experiences, retail finds, and recreational experiences—all in support of Cabrini’s mission.

A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Sr. Catherine Garry, MSC, who received the Heart of Cabrini Award. Sister Catherine’s lifelong dedication and influence have inspired generations of Cabrini women in New Orleans. Her impact on the founding of Cabrini High School and the school community was celebrated with deep gratitude and admiration for the legacy she established in New Orleans.

The school was also honored to welcome Sister Diane Olmstead, MSC, Sister Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC, and Sister Maria Loretta Caeti, MSC, as special guests. The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus served as a sponsor of the event, helping to make the evening possible and especially meaningful for alumnae, who remain deeply grateful for the Cabrinian education that has shaped their lives.

As Cabrini’s largest annual fundraiser, the Night of Green and Gold Gala plays a vital role in sustaining the school’s commitment to academic excellence and the formation of young women as faith-filled leaders. Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of all who attended and supported the event, the evening was a great success.

Cabrini High School extends heartfelt thanks to its sponsors, donors, and volunteers who made the night possible, ensuring that the legacy of Cabrini High School remains strong for years to come.

Cabrini High School Celebrates Annual St. Joseph Altar

March 18, 2026

Cabrini High School’s annual St. Joseph Altar opened on March 18, 2026, welcoming students with the traditional “Tupa-Tupa” ceremony, a reenactment of the Holy Family seeking shelter before the birth of Jesus. Created in partnership with the Elenian Club, the oldest Italian women’s club organization in the United States, the altar reflected months of care, shared devotion among students, alumnae, and volunteers, and a strong commitment to tradition.

The opening day also included a lecture by Joann Testa, past Elenian Club president, on the Sicilian heritage of New Orleans and its enduring connection to Cabrini High School, offering students a deeper understanding of the cultural roots that continue to shape the school’s identity.

Guests of the altar experienced a beautifully arranged display of traditional foods and symbolic elements, including intricately shaped breads, fresh flowers, candles, and images of St. Joseph and Mother Cabrini. Tables were filled with handmade baked goods, especially Italian cookies prepared by religion classes under the guidance of the Elenian Club and Cabrini alumnae. The altar invited quiet prayer and reflection while showcasing the richness of a tradition passed down through generations. A highlight each year is the guided tours of Mother Cabrini’s bedroom, the Cabrini Museum, and the shrine.

The Cabrini community now looks ahead with anticipation to next year’s altar, carrying forward a tradition rooted in deep faith, devoted Catholic practice, and the rich Italian heritage that continues to shape Cabrini High School.

CHS “Welcome Wagon” Travels 400+ Miles to Personally Greet Every New Student

March 4, 2026

Cabrini High School recently rolled out a special “Welcome Wagon” to greet the newest members of the Crescent family in a way they will never forget. Over the course of one spirited weekend, Cabrini cheerleaders, members of the Eclipse Dance Team, and student ambassadors traveled more than 400 miles back and forth across the greater New Orleans area to personally welcome each incoming eighth- and ninth-grade student to the school community.

From Friday afternoon through Sunday evening, the energetic teams went door to door, pom-poms waving and cheers echoing through neighborhoods as they surprised the newest Crescents right at home. Each stop brought moments of pure joy as students stepped outside to find their future classmates and school leaders celebrating them with enthusiasm and excitement.

The reactions were unforgettable. Many students reacted with squeals of surprise, wide smiles, and even tears of happiness as they realized the visit was just for them. Families joined in the celebration, creating videos and cheering along as Cabrini representatives shared a warm welcome and helped mark the beginning of each student’s journey as a Crescent.

The excitement and heartfelt moments fueled the group’s energy throughout the entire weekend. Even after hundreds of miles on the road and dozens upon dozens of stops across the region, the spirit never faded. The final visit on Sunday evening was met with the same enthusiasm as the first, closing the weekend as the sun set on a truly memorable welcome for Cabrini’s newest students.

The effort was so notable that a local news outlet picked up the story and featured the Welcome Wagon in its broadcast, highlighting Cabrini’s unique approach to building community and celebrating its newest students.

The celebration reflects Cabrini High School’s deep commitment to sisterhood, connection, and community. Before a Cabrini girl even enters the gates, Cabrini High School ensures that every member of the school community feels celebrated, supported, and proud to be part of something bigger.

To view a video of the weekend’s recap on Instagram, click here.
The Crescents’ Welcome Wagon made the local news, to see that newsclip click here

From the National Spotlight to District Champions, CHS Continues a Tradition of Excellence

February 12, 2026

Cabrini High School students continue to bring Mother Cabrini’s mission to life through bold achievement, joyful faith, and a spirit of excellence that reaches far beyond campus.

The Cabrini Cheer and Dance teams recently traveled to Walt Disney World to compete on the national stage at ESPN Wide World of Sports in the National High School Cheerleading and Dance Championship. Cabrini’s teams earned a Top Ten ranking in the nation! The experience placed Cabrini among the country’s strongest programs and highlighted months of disciplined preparation, unity, and resilience. Guided by Coaches Teena and Amanda Costales, ‘15 and supported by Athletic Director Sarah Heraty Bruzeau’15 and Director of Facilities and Operations Kirk Maronge, the team represented Cabrini with confidence, professionalism, and heart.
To view a recap of the competition: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/184UtkC9uh

In athletics, Cabrini Soccer captured the District Championship title under the leadership of Coach Ryan Hodkinson.

During Catholic Schools Week, Cabrini was also selected to lead the music in the Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Week Mass, a celebration uniting Catholic schools from across the New Orleans Archdiocese. In a region rich with Catholic education and tradition, the invitation to serve in this liturgy was a distinct honor. Maiya Tate ’18 and the Cabrini liturgical choir led the congregation in music, drawing praise from archdiocesan leaders and showcasing the vibrant talent that defines the Cabrini High School community.

From national competition stages to archdiocesan liturgies and championship fields, Cabrini students continue to pursue excellence while remaining rooted in faith, community, and service. ~submitted by Anne Argus DiPaola, ’96, CHS Director of Communications

Moving Forward Together at the Start of an Exciting New Year

January 28, 2026

Whoever said January was dreary clearly hasn’t spent time at Cabrini High School. This month has been filled with celebration, faith, and momentum as our community moves through one of the busiest and most meaningful seasons of the school year.

Excitement continues to build around the progress of our gym renovations with the completion of the first phase now unveiled. That renewed space made an immediate impact as our basketball team opened play in the gym with a big home victory, an energizing moment for players, students, and Crescent fans alike.
Our soccer program has also given our community much to celebrate. The team’s remarkable season has featured high-scoring offensive performances along with impressive shutout victories, reflecting strong preparation, discipline, and t teamwork.

School spirit will be on full display this weekend as our cheer and dance teams take the national stage together for the first time. The teams will travel to Orlando to compete at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a venue used by collegiate programs from across the country. Their hard work, unity, and commitment have brought them to this milestone, and we are proud to see them represent Cabrini on such a prominent stage.

Meanwhile, faith remains at the heart of life at Cabrini. We were blessed to celebrate a beautiful Right to Life Mass during which our Right to Life Club members were pinned and recognized. These students have since returned from Washington, D.C., where they joined thousands of young people at the March for Life in support of the dignity of the lives of both mothers and babies. These experiences remind us that faith at Cabrini is lived daily and carried well beyond school grounds.

That same spirit has been evident throughout Catholic Schools Week. Our liturgical choir was honored to be asked to sing at the Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Week Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral, and student artwork is proudly displayed at Lakeside Mall as part of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Catholic Schools Week celebration.
Together, these moments reflect a community rooted in faith, alive with talent, and moving forward with the joy of Jesus in our hearts.

Building the Next Chapter at Cabrini High School

January 8, 2026

The Cabrini High School Board of Trustees, in partnership with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, has announced the appointment of Mr. Eric L. DesOrmeaux, M.Ed., as the next president-elect of Cabrini High School following a comprehensive, year-long national search.

Eric began his transition into the role this week and is working alongside Deacon Uriel Durr, who continues to serve as head of school. A formal transition of leadership is expected in April, ensuring consistency and stability across the Cabrini community.

With more than twenty years of experience in Catholic education, Eric brings a broad range of leadership expertise. At Holy Cross School in New Orleans, he has served as a classroom teacher, coach, principal, chief school officer, and interim president. His professional background includes academic leadership, campus operations, financial stewardship, and institutional advancement. A member of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Eric is recognized for a leadership approach grounded in faith, collaboration, and service.

In reflecting on his appointment, Eric expressed appreciation for the welcome extended by the Cabrini community and affirmed his commitment to advancing the school’s Catholic mission. He emphasized the importance of the missionary spirit modeled by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini and the responsibility to form young women whose faith is expressed through leadership, service, and action.

The entire Cabrini High School community extends sincere gratitude to Deacon Uriel Durr for his dedicated leadership and continued partnership during this transition period.

As Cabrini High School continues strategic action planning, campus investment, and academic growth, the school remains focused on strengthening its mission and positioning the community for sustained excellence.

Celebrating a Joyful and Faith-Filled Christmas

December 12, 2025

The Christmas season at Cabrini High School is filled with beloved traditions, community spirit, and celebrations rooted in Cabrinian faith. Festivities began with the highly anticipated Cabrini High School Cookie Bake, a cherished dad-and-daughter event that offered yet another unforgettable evening of laughter, connection, and flour-covered fun. After a cozy Daddy and Daughter Dinner prepared by the famed Cabrini Dads’ Club chefs, cookie dough was rolled out, and the beloved “Flour Fight” erupted once again as clouds of flour and laughter filled the parking lot, celebrating the spirit of the season and the unique bond shared by Cabrini families.

The cookies baked that evening are enjoyed each year at Christmas on the Bayou, Cabrini’s treasured annual holiday celebration when Santa arrives on Bayou St. John. Families gather along the banks of the bayou to enjoy carols, choir performances, and lively routines from Cabrini’s award-winning Cheer and Dance Teams.

Christmas joy continues through the faculty Prayer Angel exchange, where participants pray for one another before revealing their identities at the faculty Christmas party. Krescent Kringle elves surprise students with treats and prizes, including skip-the-lunch-line passes, special dress-day privileges, and even a playful “pull the fire alarm” prize.

Grade-level and faculty Christmas trees are decorated in themes chosen by student council officers. Ugly sweater contests, hot cocoa bars, and Christmas music is sprinkled through lunchtime celebrations.

the season, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass honored Mary’s “yes” to God and Mother Cabrini’s faithful example of answering “yes” to her calling as well. As part of this cherished tradition, senior Crescents received their Mother Cabrini rosaries, symbolizing the guidance of both the Blessed Mother and our school’s patroness.

Together, these traditions reflect the heart of Cabrini High School: joy, community, faith, and the enduring spirit of Cabrinian women. As the school community enters exam week and the Christmas holidays, we celebrate the coming of the Savior with gratitude and hope.

Click here for a video of the “flour fight”.

Cabrini and Brother Martin Retreat Teams Share Faith with Catholic Schools

December 4, 2025

This year, the Cabrini High School Retreat Team embraced its call to share the Gospel in a meaningful new way: by partnering with the Brother Martin High School Retreat Team to host faith-filled retreats for local Catholic elementary students. Students participated in these special retreat days designed to strengthen their understanding of faith and community.

The combined Cabrini/Brother Martin retreat teams broke into small groups and together, they guided the students through discussions, reflections, and hands-on activities centered on building a strong foundation of faith. Their shared leadership created a dynamic environment where younger students felt supported, welcomed, and inspired.

What makes this partnership especially meaningful is the deep spiritual connection between the two schools. Cabrini High School was founded by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, while Brother Martin was founded by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Both religious communities share a devotion to the love and mercy of Jesus, symbolized by His Sacred Heart. Seeing students from these two traditions work together as modern-day disciples brought this devotion to life in a beautiful and tangible way.

Cabrini extends heartfelt thanks to Campus Minister Nicole Jouandot for her commitment to bringing Cabrini’s faith leadership to other schools, and to Donnie Midkiff of Brother Martin for inviting Cabrini to join in this mission. The schools are looking forward to hosting more retreats together in the spring.

Thanksgiving with an International Flair!

November 20, 2025

The Knitting Group at Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF), held a special Thanksgiving luncheon. The group wanted to celebrate all the blessings that they had and continue to receive.

The meal started with a special prayer given by one of the clients. In addition to thanking God for the gifts of faith, friendship and family, she also thanked God for the gift of CIS-DF and the staff. A Thanksgiving meal followed the prayer. Special recipes were prepared with a flavor from the different countries. Everyone was so proud to bring in dishes from Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico.

Lorraine Campanelli, the Director, told the members of the Knitting Group that they too are a blessing to CIS-DF. She told them of the good that they do for so many people through their special projects. It was a blessing that we could all be together, celebrate and be thankful.

CHS Honors Katrina-Displaced Students with Long-Awaited Commencement

November 20, 2025

Nearly twenty years after Hurricane Katrina disrupted their education and scattered the Cabrini High School New Orleans community across the country, a group of former Crescents finally experienced the moment they had long been denied. On Thursday, November 13, 2025, the Feast Day of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Cabrini High School welcomed back alumnae from the Classes of 2006, 2007, and 2008 for a special honorary commencement ceremony.

The day began with Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church where honorees gathered with classmates, families, and faculty members who had supported them through the storm’s aftermath. Afterward, the celebration continued on campus with a reception recognizing the honorees’ perseverance and their place within Cabrini’s lifelong sisterhood. Account continues on following page.

Each woman crossed the stage carrying Cabrini’s signature yellow rose, a symbol of unity, resilience, and the unbroken bond shared by generations of Crescents, the same rose carried at all Cabrini High School graduations. Each Crescent received an honorary diploma, a Mother Cabrini rosary, and an official welcome into the alumnae association, bringing long-awaited closure to a chapter interrupted nearly two decades ago.

“This ceremony was more than a graduation; it was a homecoming,” said Deacon Uriel Durr, President of Cabrini High School. “These women’s perseverance and faith embody what it means to be a Crescent.”

Director of Communications and Alumnae Affairs Anne Argus DiPaola, Class of 1996, reflected on the significance of the day. “Every yellow rose carried down the aisle symbolized not just a true Cabrinian woman, but a bond that was never broken. Cabrini has always been their home.”

The honorees included Dr. Alane J. Anthony ’06, Amber Christine Clay ’06, Lauren Easterling ’08, Angelle Charlet Goodwyne ’08, Jessica Lucas Higginbotham ’06, Monique Hagan ’07, Candice McGee ’06, Stacey Windon Matthews ’07, Bethany Alaina Miles ’07, and Erica Gaines Moore ’06.

The celebration served as a powerful reminder that even twenty years after Katrina, the Cabrini spirit remains strong, rooted in faith, strengthened by friendship, and carried proudly into the future by its alumnae.