School News SFHS Senior Recognized for Outstanding Community Service & State Heisman Jill Wier, SFHS Director of Development Glance over Alyssa Dismuke’s resume and you will quickly notice that she is not only a scholar and an athlete, but also a strong community service leader who has started a ministry and projects of her own. She embodies the charisma of ministry work or “serve like Christ” attitude. Alyssa has been honored by Rustic Pathways for community service; she has won the State Heisman this year, set a record at State in the discus, and placed first in shot put at State. She was also awarded the Louisiana Legislative scholarship for Tulane by State Representative, Francis Thompson in Bastrop. Her passion for volunteering began modestly at the young age of four when her mother took Christmas dinner to her cousin at a nursing home. That’s when Alyssa noticed that nobody had any presents. After that visit, Alyssa started a project to deliver Christmas gifts to one nursing home that evolved into providing gifts for every holiday to two nursing homes. Alyssa started a ministry called “Alyssa Cares Ministry” that helps those
in need. Alyssa also was president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul chapter at St. Frederick High School. The chapter helps the less fortunate by raising money to pay bills and provide clothing. When asked to give others advice about contributing to society, Alyssa said, “Positive impact does not always have to be seen or heard. You will never have to brag about something you did for another if it is truly what you want to do. They never have to be the biggest things, and they don’t have to require any monetary item. Something as little as kind words make a positive impact. Community service doesn’t have to be very broad or big.” Alyssa said, “you can help your grandparents, help your neighbors or just someone who needs help!” In her free time, Alyssa loves playing the piano, watching documentaries, and listening to classical music. She plans to attend Tulane University in the fall and major in pre-law, where she aspires to become a divorce or criminal lawyer.
Woodham Attends Meitler National Catholic School Mentorship Program Leadership Institute Kimberly Hopwood, MAPS, MSW The Meitler’s National Catholic School Mentorship Program Leadership Institute, co-sponsored by Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA) and the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), was attended by Trey Woodham, the Principal at St. John Berchmans School last month.This is one of several programs that equip Catholic school leaders across the nation with the tools and knowledge they need to keep Catholic schools achieving excellence. Mr. Woodham reported that he chose this program because the Meitler reputation has proven over the past 50 years that following a well thought out and intentional plan is beneficial for schools. Principals and administrators from Wisconsin, Indiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Texas, and New Mexico were present and discussed
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best practices. General areas of interest for the group were integrated marketing, school finances, faith and mission, academics, and school governance. Mr. Woodham mentioned, “that while it is concerning that those present have most of the same areas of concern, it is also refreshing to know that I am not alone in my struggles.” While networking with other principals was important, Mr. Woodham was particularly fond of the use of student portfolios that track individualized student growth for the student and the families. “I want to show the families and prospective families the potential growth capacity that each student has by attending not only a Catholic school, but St. John Berchmans specifically.” With the first three and a half days of training finished, Mr. Woodham looks forward to more sessions to assist in implementation of strategies that will assist him to lead the St. John Berchmans School to new heights. Thank you, Mr. Woodham for your dedication to Catholic education.
