May 2014 (Graduation Edition)

Renaissance The LSMSA

May 2014 Volume XXXI, Issue 6 The Louisiana School 715 University Pkwy.

Natchitoches, LA 71457 Praecellemus

LSMSA honors 30th graduating class Dr. Art Williams Faculty Sponsor

The Louisiana School honored 92 graduates at ceremonies held at Prather Coliseum on Saturday, May 24.

The new graduates represented the thirtieth graduating class in the school’s history.

Featured speaker for the ceremony was Jason El Koubi, President and CEO of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce.

El Koubi had previously served as Assistant Secretary at Louisiana Economic Development (LED) where he led initiatives related to state economic competitiveness.

In that role, he shaped initiatives to dramatical-

ly improve Louisiana’s business climate and led the development of the state’s long-term growth strategy.

State Economic development Secretary Steve Monet called El Koubi “one of the most impressive people I have worked with in my career.”

After graduating from LSMSA in 1996, El Koubi received a B.S. in Biological Engineering from L.S.U. an an M.S. in Public Policy with Honors from the London School of Economics.

Based on madieval traditions, Gonfalon carriers have been a feature of LSMSA graduations since the first ceremony in 1985. The following

LSMSA’S 30th graduating class in front of the High School Building.

Courtesy of the Rubicon Staff

students carried gonfalons representing different disciplines: Nickolas Walling for Foreign Language.

Chase Bernard for the Arts.

Cosette Zacarias for Humanities.

Matthew Fults for Mathematics.

Abigail Dowd for Science.

Speakers and singers at graduation are selected by audition.

This year’s student graduation address was

Senior Recognition Ceremony Dr. Art Williams Faculty Sponsor

The Senior Recognition Ceremony celebrates the accomplishments of the school’s newest graduates.

Inducted into the Robert A. Alost Hall of Fame were: Abigail Dowd. From St. Francisville, Abigail attended West Feliciana High School. She is the daughter of Melissa and Patrick Dowd.

William Ganucheau.

From Lafayette, William attended St. Thomas More High School. He is the son of Louise and Bill Ganucheau.

Annalise Labatut.

From Batchelor, Annalise previously attended Catholic High School of Point Coupee. Annalise is the daughter of Mary

and Thomas Labatut.

Soojin Lee. From Mandeville, Soojin attended Fountainebleau High School. She is the daughter of Hye-Young Lee and Wonnam Lee. Isabel Milton. From Carencro, Isabel attended

Academy of the Sacred Heart High. She is the daughter of Tatiana and John Milton.

Katherine Prutz. A native of Baton Rouge, Katherine attended Episcipal High School. She is the daughter of Jo Ellen

and Stan Prutz.

Alex Robertson. From Baton Rouge, Alex attended Baton Rouge Magnet High School. He is the son of Febbe and Alex Robertson.

Other honorees included the following: Alex Robertson received the Spirit of Louisiana School Award.

Lydia Grafton received the Marvin Lockhart Award for Work Service.

Annalise Labatut received the Sharon S. Williams Praecellemus Award.

Samantha Williams received the Marie Louis Schnellings Award for Excellence in the Arts.

Annalise Labatut received the Eric Candel Award for Excellence in Physics.

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In This Issue:

LSMSA Theater Rep presents Romeo & Juliet For the record, it was infinitely better than Gnomeo & Juliet.

Students travel to the Sea of Cortez & have Baja blast Except they literally had a blast in Baja.

Literally.

Ten seniors graduate with distinction I’m barely graduating without distinction, how did these students do it?

Class of 2014 College Matriculations You don’t understand how hard it is to find cute logos for liberal arts colleges.

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given by Samantha Williams and was entitled “A Learning Experience.”

Marissa McCraney led the audience in singing the national anthem.

William Smith, II, led in singing the LSMSA alma mater.

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Mz. Gleason retiring after 27 years How else am I going to know about the latest Phineas & Ferb episodes?

The Fun Page (Relocated)All the fun of the Fun Page just on a different page! :) LSMSA Foundation enhances school’s living learning community Those goodie bags with the Dr. Seuss pens made my life.

SPICE Club presents International Fashion Show I was hoping SPICE Club was a Spice Girls fan club when I joined. Darn. ...and more!

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May 2014

Faculty members recognized for 20 years of service Johnnette Johnson Staff Writer

On May 13, four faculty members were recognized as 20 Year Employees of the Louisiana School.

They are: Dr. Maria Sanchez, Instructor of Spanish; Dr. Chris Hynes, Instructor of Chemistry; Dale Clingerman, Coordinator of Sports and Recreation; and Dr. Charles Jones, Instructor of Music.

From Spain, Dr. Sanchez received her PhD in Hispanic Linguistics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She created and sponsors the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica.

She also hosts an annual trip to Southeastern University for the Foreign Language Festival.

From Oklahoma, Dr. Hynes received his PhD from Oklahoma State University in Chemistry.

At LSMSA, he sponsors the Science Club which travels to Baton Rouge annually to attend the Regional Science Quiz Bowl competition.

From Maryland, Clingerman has an MA in sports administration

(from left to right) Dr. Maria Sanchez, Dr. Chris Hynes, Dale Clingerman, and Dr. Charles Jones.

from Sam Houston State University.

Throughout his time here, Clingerman introduced girls and boys basketball, girls and coed volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, cheerleading, and flag football.

Clingerman is also responsible for SLAMT, which is an annual athletic competition between LSMSA and its sister schools.

From North Carolina, Dr. Jones received his D.M.A. from the University of Texas at Austin in Piano.

He is an accompaniest for many student recitals, a recitalist, and a former Department Head for the Creative and Performing Arts.

Dr. Arthur Williams, former Executive Director of LSMSA, hired all of them 20 years ago and remarks on each of their contributions to LSMSA. “Dr. Sanchez lifted a

mediocre program in Spanish to a new level.

Her exacting standards set an example for students and faculty alike.”

“In addition to his important role in sponsoring the Science Club, Dr. Hynes is a former Department Head of Science and is a leader in our science program.”

“Dale Clingerman is one of the quiet heroes of the Louisiana School. He has provided opportunities for athletic competition that our students would otherwise have gone without.”

“In addition to serving the students of LSMSA in various ways, Dr. Jones has held positions of responsibility in the National Music Teachers Association. His commitment to music education extends beyond LSMSA. His annual recitals are always a moving experience.”

State Literary Rally Division III Results

Out of the 23 LSMSA students who competed at the State Literary Rally at LSU on April 5, nine placed in their subjects and received medals.

Student Claire Young Aryiana Moore Bailey Dixon Rhiannan Berry Jordan Chauncy Allison Boudreaux Christine Savoie Carlie Procell William Ganucheau

Subject Accounting I Biology I Biology II Computer Science I English III Environmental Science Fine Arts Survey Journalism I Psychology

Place 3rd 5th 3rd 2nd 1st 2nd 2nd 1st 3rd

“The Lego Movie made a difference in my life.” -Mz. Gleason “It looked like a pregnant roller skate.”

-Dr. Findley “That’s not a selfie; that’s an ussie.” -Dr. Art “I had money once. Mysteriously, it was reconfigured to resemble convenience store and vending machine food. Never had it since.”

-Kyle Welch “Deleting Powerschool as a bookmark is one of the most satisfying things I have done in years.” -Hannah Skinner “(To Erica Chachere) What are you doing here, Dejhane?” -Mz. Gleason

Congratulations, Dr. Francis!

Dr. Pamela Francis received her doctoral degree from The School of Humanities at Rice University on May 16, 2014.

Her dissertation was “Everyday Imperialism: The Landscape of Empire, London, 18701939.”

Francis with her diploma.

Courtesy of Dr. Francis

Congratulations to LSMSA’s 5th graduating sophomore class!

Courtesy of the Rubicon Staff

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LSMSA Theater Rep presents Romeo & Juliet Brooke Mendoza Staff Writer

As Blue & Gold week was coming to an end, LSMSA’s Theater Repertory students performed Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a tale of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, whose love ultimately results in their own deaths.

Jeff Thomakos, head of LSMSA’s theater department, directed and coordinated the event.

The play was performed at 7 p.m. each night from April 10th to April 13th. It was held in the Black Box to create an intimate experience be-

sphere.

The on-stage chemistry between Glenn Underwood (Romeo) and Amber Gatlin (Juliet) came as an astonishing surprise to the audience.

Antonio Milton (Lord Capulet) dominated the stage with his excellent embodiment of the character and voice projection.

The entire cast performed outstandingly, essentially putting on one of the best productions of the year.

Joseph Sampy played Gregory and Paris; Tytiana Isaac played Patty; Claire Marshall played

Romeo (Glenn Underwood) and Juliet (Amber Gatlin.)

Courtesy of Jeff Thomakos

tween the audience and the cast.

Thomakos made many bold decisions in changing the play, such as changing the gender roles of many characters including Benvolio, Prince Escalus, and others.

Changes such as these added different twists to this well-known tragedy, making it more comedic and more heartbreaking.

The actors and actresses did a great job of playing their characters, efficiently communicating their emotions with the audience in the closed, intense atmo-

Abby and Sister Joan; Sammie McWilliams played Benvolio; David Jones played Tybalt; Asia Allen played Princess Escala; Taylor Tonnies played Lady Montague; Antonio Milton played Lord Capulet; Madeline Read played Lady Capulet; Glenn Underwood played Romeo; Amber Gatlin played Juliet; Madi Trahan played the nurse; Collin Jenkins played Mercutio and the apothecary; Chase Bernard played Friar Lawrence.

The way the stage crew handled the setting was intriguing: 1920s attire with shake-

The entire cast and crew of Romeo & Juliet.

spearean language.

The floor was painted as stones and the wall was painted as bricks, creating the classic Romeo and Juliet atmosphere. Personal love letters were attached to the wall from actual LSMSA students.

The stage crew included Sam Bush as Assistant Director and

Sound Board Operator, Paul Pharris as Fight Choreographer, Selene Allain-Kovacs as Stage Manager, Ashlyn Anderson and Catherine Evans as Assistant Stage Managers, Lydia Grafton and Eve Gottwald as Costume Designers, Travis Landriault as Lighting Designer, Jay Warner as Props Mas-

Courtesy of Jeff Thomakos

ter, Nick Lipscomb and John Galatas as Tech Crew, and Ashlyn Anderson as Light Board Operator.

(Collin Jenkins) and (David Jones) fight (left.) (Claire Marshall) and (Tytiana Isaac) (right.)

Courtesy of Jeff Thomakos

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May 2014

Students travel to the Sea of Cortez & have Baja blast Allison Boudreaux Assistant Editor

Over spring break, Dr. Maggie Hodge brought ten students across the border to the Baja peninsula in Mexico through a program called Ecology Project International.

The students came together during the trip to work and enjoy the experience as a team.

concepts they learned in class to real field work.

The days on the island were split in to terrestrial and marine ecology activities. Students learned to snorkel with the aid of the EPI instructors and were trained to census marine invertebrates and collect sea stars. During the terrestrial activities, stu-

offered a different type of ecosystem for the students to experience.

The instructors took the group to the house of a resident of the area who taught them how to make tortillas from scratch and fed them for lunch. Later on, the group went for a hike through the mountains and swam in a few wa-

Baja travellers at a statue in the city of La Paz. Courtesy of Meredith McManus

The initial departure to Espiritu Santo Island.

Students spent an extra night in Caddo before taking an early flight to San Jose del Cabo in Baja California Sur. One night was spent in the city of La Paz before a boat ride to Isla Espiritu Santo in the Sea of Cortez.

Students camped from Sunday until Wednesday on the island without power, proper restrooms, or showers. The course in conservation biology taught students practical applications of conservation and some research techniques. It also allowed the students to use some of the

dents hiked the trails on the island and worked on their independent research projects which were a major component of the trip.

After nearly a week on Isla Espiritu Santo, students returned to La Paz and spent two nights in the city immersing themselves in the Mexican culture. The group visited an anthropology museum and explored the city until the following Friday.

Early that morning, students departed for a campsite outside of San Jose del Cabo. This ecologically conscious site

Courtesy of Allison Boudreaux

tersheds along the way.

That evening, back at the camp, students made pottery and were visited by musicians who were wandering around the area offering music for food. After the day’s activities the students reflected upon their trip and listened to the musicians play around a campfire.

More than anything else, the students learned how important it is to work as a unit to effectively complete tasks. The group played a lot of team building games in order to reinforce those values.

Students and Dr. Hodge taking a selfie.

Taken by Dr. Hodge

Students arriving at the boat lauch.

Courtesy of Lance Riedlinger

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Ten seniors graduate with distinction Johnnette Johnson Staff Writer

As the LSMSA website states, “Graduation with Distinction is a recognition of a student’s accomplishments that requires planning and achievement beyond the LSMSA classroom. Students who apply for and pursue their individual contract for Distinction in a particular area must complete a myriad of advanced courses, maintain a 3.6 grade point average in the courses specific to their discipline, and have no grade below a B. These students must successfully complete either a research project, performance/exhibition, portfolio, or a comprehensive examination. Their independent efforts culminate in a public presentation on Blue and Gold Week where they defend their work, with an opportunity for answering questions from attending faculty, students, and guests.”

Abbie Dowd “Purification and Characterization of Outer Membrane Vesicles from Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli.”

Gabriel Chappell “QTB Series: Creating Dynamic Children’s Books about Gender and Acceptance.”

Katherine Prutz “Safe With Sound Alarm System: Using Sound Waves to Capture 3D Data and Create a 2D Image”

Melody Toyphommorath “Biodiesel Extraction: Development and Evaluation of Modified Algae Protein Adhesives.”

Soojin Lee “The Two Cultures: Bridging the Rift between the Humanities and the Sciences.”

Aubrey Mohr “At the Bottom Looking Up: An Examination of the Beat Generation.”

Glenn Underwood “Acting on Stage or Camera: How to Make It in the Business.”

Kesany Boupapanh “Host Spectrum and Symbiotic Ability of Rhizobium radiobacter IRBG74.”

Nickolas Walling “Pro Bono Discipulorum (For the Good of the Students).”

William Ganucheau “Modeling Ship Motion in an Artificial Environment.”

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May 2014

Class of 2014 In-State College Matriculations Centenary College Lydia Grafton Brandy Ledet Sebastian Weinell

Louisiana State University Chase Bernard Allison Boudreaux Josh Bright Megan Chesal Laila Din John Galatas Ethan Guerra Justin Kain Annalise Labatut Andy Labrada-Gonzalez Travis Landriault Chloe LeTulle Derek Marshall Meredith McManus Saolam Nguyen Devin Olivier Clayton Ragan Ashley Reddicks Alex Robertson Collin Shelton Mason Soudelier Ann Stolzle Ethan To Jon-Kris Traylor Ashlyn Verrette Scott Williams

Louisiana Tech University Khalilah Al-Amin Morgan-Anne Campo Preston Danielson Ty Doiron Matthew Fults Brandon Kongphongmany Chris Myles Cheyenne Ortiz Amanda Robinson TreVonne Skillern Ethan Tesnow

Loyola University of New Orleans Joseph Sampy Aaron Walker

McNeese University Simon Clause

Nicholls State University Peter Uli

Northwestern State University Darby Breaux Glenn Underwood

Southeastern Louisiana University Nicoi Pierce

Tulane University

Kesany Boupapanh Catherine Broussard Zachary Hall Alyssa Schulenberg Hannah Skinner Will Smith Nataliya Uhrynchuk Kyle Welch

University of Louisiana at Lafayette Adam Ellender Alex Fontenot Kiana Frederick Caroline Henry Christine Savoie Dane Stracener

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Class of 2014 Out-of-State College Matriculations

Beloit College (Beloit, WI) Terra Allen California State University (Long Beach, CA) Sammie McWilliams

New York University (New York, NY) Ronald Cossich Ryan Wills

U.S. Air Force Academy (U.S. Air Force Academy, CO) Taylor Tonnies

The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) Ravleen Kaur Philip Swede

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL) Sean Cuff Ross Jourdan Dejhane Lee

Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, GA) Gabriel Chappell

University of Chicago (Chicago, IL) Blake Brunson (Fall 2015)

Columbia College Chicago (Chicago, IL) Aubrey Mohr

Rice University (Houston, TX) Rebecca Lopez Isabel Milton Nickolas Walling

University of Maryland (College Park, MD) Cosette Zacarias

Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, GA) Soojin Lee

San Jose State University (San Jose, CA) Tony Vo

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA) Katherine Prutz

Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) Melody Toyphommarath

Mississippi State University (Mississippi State, MS) Emily Eberhardt

Texas A&M University (College Station, TX) Abbie Dowd Gregory Lord Snigdha Thumma

Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) William Ganucheau Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) Ny Pham

University of Miami (Miami, FL) Siobhan Prasad University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) Carlie Procell University of South Alabama (Mobile, AL) Marissa McCraney University of Southern Mississippi (Hattiesburg, MS) Joey Reynolds

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May 2014

LSMSA’s Student Activity Board (SAB) presents Open Mic Nite Allison Smith Staff Writer

As an LSMSA tradition every year before a major dance the Student Activities Board hosts Open Mic Night, an opportunity for students to show off their talents.

This semester was different from most in that the event was hosted in the cafeteria, rather than in the Caddo lobby as has been customary.

The cafeteria had a coffee shop vibe with rugs and floor lamps surrounding the bar stools and couches.

Although most students were skeptical about the location change, the space in the cafeteria allowed for a larger audience. Over

one hundred people showed up for the free food and entertainment, a guaranteed fun Friday night.

It was a much needed change from the lobby of the girls dorm, and even allowed LSMSA’s very own Rubber Policeman, a band including Brandon Kongphongmany, Will Smith, Mason Soudelier, and Joe Thorp, to set up their drum set to rock the house.

Seniors sang songs such as “Bye, Bye, Bye” while juniors belted out a rendition of “I Just Can’t Wait to be King”.

Sammie McWilliams even did a dramatic

reading of a break up letter (yet another tradition that LSMSA students enjoy), while Nickolas Walling performed “Poor Unfortunate Souls”.

Finally a doo-whop group including seniors Glenn Underwood, Chase Bernard, Brandon Kongphongmany, and John Galatas performed an eight-minute long medley that even included two ‘promposals’.

Everyone celebrated with the last Open Mic Night of the year as seniors eagerly counted down the days until graduation.

SAB’s Open Mic Night event has always been a favorite among students because of the all the food, friends, and fun it has to offer.

Courtesy of Allison Smith

Mz. Gleason retiring after 27 years Carlie Procell Editor in Chief

For 27 years, Mz. Linda Gleason has been putting the “fun” in “functions” at LSMSA. Since 1987, Mz. Gleason has been on a tangent while teaching students about tangents. Unlike a tangent line, Mz. Gleason does not go on forever, as she is retiring from teaching this year.

Mz. Gleason has taught a plethora of math classes over her career here. This semester, she taught Topology, Calculus 3, Discrete Mathematics, College Algebra, and Modern Algebra.

But Mz. Gleason has been more than just a teacher at this school.

She is an integral part of the community, even when she’s not teaching

Mz. Gleason with her dog, Ray.

integrals.

She takes a group of students every year to the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) section meeting to compete against college math majors in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Even though LSMSA is the only high school to compete, it never fails to

Taken by Carlie Procell

bring home awards each year.

The faculty Colloquia Series would not exist without Mz. Gleason.

She started the Colloquia Series for faculty to showcase their current research.

“My colleagues are the best, knowledgeable in their fields, and as ex-

cited as I am about our wonderful students,” said Mz. Gleason. “Because our faculty is so talented, I have been able to institute a Colloquia Series as a venue for sharing their expertise with all our students and our community.”

Mz. Gleason also sponsors the Louisiana School Christian Organization (LASCO) which meets every week on Monday to eat a meal and share a message.

“I have been a sponsor of LASCO for all my 27 years here,” said Mz. Gleason.

“These students have shared more with me than a love of math, literature, science, or whatever brought them to LSMSA. Our shared faith has been nurtured in Bible study, prayer, music, cooking,

eating, packing Christmas boxes or stuffing Easter baskets. I often think that I received more than the members. I know I am a better person as a result of LASCO.” Mz. Gleason says that when she leaves, she will miss the people here the most. Along with the people, she will also miss “that occasional magic when the students and I are in the math groove, light bulbs are going off, and mathematics is being experienced and appreciated.”

Since she can’t fully leave behind her life at LSMSA just yet, she plans on returning to teach one course each semester next year. She will be teaching Modern Algebra in the fall and Topology in the spring.

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The Fun Page (Relocated)

This month’s puzzle topic is “Seniors.” Clues are facts about a specific senior, answers are the senior’s first name and last initial with no spaces.

By Carlie Procell & Brooke Mendoza

ACROSS: 4. bronze medal in the junior olympics for soccer 5. middle name is “Olympiad” 8. ginger 10. likes wearing beanies 13. once ran over a stop sign 14. met Kevin Spacey at an airport 16. runs without moving his arms 21. drove to class every day for eight months 22. once wrote a poem about MIT being the top of a Christmas tree 24. owns more than 20 Lady Gaga shirts

DOWN: 1. came to America when she was seven years old 2. won 1st in state in an archery competition 3. scored perfect on National Latin Exam 6. Senior Class president for the past three years 7. belly dances and plays the bass guitar 9. can touch his thumbs to the back of his wrists 11. her favorite band is Matchbox Twenty 12. Devin Olivier’s platonic significant other 15. wears Khaki capris 17. gold in League of Legends and plays the alto sax 18. grandfather paid him $500 to get a haircut 19. drives an Audi 20. listens to One Direction while wearing a Metallica shirt 22. exclusively listens to 90s female R&B artists 23. was voted most likely to be homeless

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May 2014

Marika Buchholz buckles into extracurricular & academic success Allison Boudreaux Assistant Editor

A rising senior, Marika Buchholz, from Baton Rouge has had an outstanding year in many ways.

From holding an officer position in the Future Scientist Program and member of the Science Quiz Bowl team, to participating in the mixed ensemble and competing in performance competitions, Buchholz spends a great deal of time participating in extracurricular activities while also maintaining a heavy course load.

“One of the most enjoyable things I did this year was compete in the Science Quiz Bowl

Competition in February,” said Buchholz.

She participated with her team which placed 3rd overall in the Department of Energy Regional Science Bowl, held in New Orleans.

Buchholz also attended the Science Olympiad competition at Bossier Parish Community College in March. She earned several awards for various competitions such as Material Science.

Not only an involved science student, Buchholz attended both levels of Literary Rally for World History. She is also a talented clarinetist who has received many awards for her work in performance.

Later in March, Buchholz attended the Music Teachers National Assosciation competition for woodwind performance in March. She gained the opportunity by placing 1st at the MTNA South Central Division Senior Performance Competition, held at NSU in January of this year.

“For the competition, I was required to play a 20 minute recital showcasing works from at least two different time periods,” said Buchholz. “Although I didn’t place in the top three, listening to the winners’ concert was an incredible experience.”

Buchholz is one of LSMSA’s bright-

est and most involved students and plans to continue being as ac-

tive as she was this year throughout her senior year.

Northwestern State University’s orchestra’s clarinet section consisting of (from left to right): Jessica Schuler, Marika Buchholz, and Jaime Emanuel Cisneros.

Courtesy of Jessica Schuler

LSMSA Foundation enhances school’s living learning community Allison Smith Staff Writer

The mission of the LSMSA Foundation is to develop and manage resources to enhance the work of LSMSA.

The Foundation is a financial helping hand for the people of LSMSA. They currently support several different initiatives, both academic and residential.

In the past school year the Foundation funded projects such as a new

wireless network for the dorms, materials for a Modern Genetics lab, and the sponsorship of different events, such as LSMSA’s Connections Weekend, throughout

the school year.

Foundation Director Katja Thomakos states, “The LSMSA Foundation has achieved some significant milestones over the past year. In 2013, we used dollars from our Annual Fund to hire an architectural

firm to perform a study for a new residence hall.”

Since then, a 24 million dollar residence hall will begin construction soon. These different projects help the Foundation meet its goal of “intensifying academic excellence at LSMSA by supporting education endeavors that go above and beyond a typical classroom experience.”

The Foundation also presides over different funds such as the Student Enrichment Fund, the Brown Fund, and the Praecellemus Fund.

These different funds give both students and teachers the ability to do research outside of their regular classes.

Foundation Director Katja Thomakos handing out goodie bags to students during Finals Week this year.

Courtesy of LSMSA Facebook

Thomakos states, “This year, the Foundation announced its support of LSMSA’s firstever sabbatical program, showing its ongoing support to faculty.”

It’s through the Foundation that LSMSA can preserve its living learn-

ing community.

The Foundation would like to express their thanks for the continued support of their donors.

If you would like to “Make a Gift” visit http:// www.lsmsa.edu/content. cfm?id=259

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SPICE Club presents International Fashion Show Soojin Lee Staff Writer

In the Quad and Amphitheater area found between the High School Building and Music and Arts Building, the annual International Fashion Show took place on May 10, 2014.

SPICE Club (Students Promoting International Cultural Exchange) and its sponsor Dr. Kelly Lankford hosted the

event.

Beginning at four o’clock in the afternoon, attending students, family, and faculty experienced Indian and Pakistani food while observing different attire customs from nine cultures.

Each pair of models walked down the runway to a song representing their traditional and modern culture respec-

Soojin Lee and Hyeyon Kim with faculty judges Pamela Francis, Jason Anderson, and Kelly Lankford.

Courtesy of Soojin Lee

tively.

Representing Korea: Soojin Lee and Hyeyon Kim; Nigeria and Kenya: Deborah Adeyemi and Lerroy Mwaghore; Laos: Melody Toyphommarath and Brandon Kongphongmany; India: Ritcha Roy and Shiva Velingkar; Japan: Marika Buchholz; Caucasian American: Allison Smith and Joey Reynolds; Pakistan: Waania andAzum Beg; African American: Isabel and Antonio Milton; and Nepal: Prem and Raj Gongaju.

After beautiful displays of traditional and casual clothing from each culture and acts ranging from dances to selfies, only two winning duos could be selected by the judges.

The three judges, Dr.

Marika Buchholz and Melody Toyphommarath representing Japan and Laos respectively.

Courtesy of Marika Buchholz

Pamela Francis, Dr. Jason Anderson, and Dr. Kelly Lankford, made a tough dicision after a long debate.

Melody Toyphommarath and Brandon Kong-

phongmany took home the first place prize $15 Walmart gift card while Soojin Lee and Hyeyon Kim followed with the $10 gift card as runnerups.

Students participate at Foreign Language Festival Cosette Zacarias

Festival Results

Staff Writer

On April 4, 2014, French and Spanish students competed at the 32nd annual Southeastern Louisiana Foreign Language Festival and returned to LSMSA with a Best School Overall Tier 2 trophy.

French and Spanish students were selected to participate by their instructors, Dr. David Wood and Dr. Maria Sanchez, respectively.

The students, accompanied by their instructors, traveled to Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, LA to compete in level I, II, III, or IV for French or level I, II, III, IV, or Native Speaker for Spanish.

The categories for

All the students who participated in the festival.

Courtesy of Cosette Zacarias

competing students were prose, poetry, extemporaneous speaking, play, or music.

In French, students placed in Poetry IV, Extemporaneous Speaking II, Prose III, Poetry II, and Prose I. In Spanish, students placed in Poetry II, Extemporaneous Speaking II, Extemporaneous Speaking III, Prose II, Prose IV, Ex-

temporaneous Speaking- Native Speaker, and Play.

LSMSA’s competition included Mount Caramel Academy, International High School of New Orleans, and St. Paul’s School, among others.

Name

Category

Place

Genesis Allen

French Poetry II

2nd

Ashlyn Anderson

French Poetry IV

1st

Sebastian Brumfield-Mejia, Marika Buchholz, Cheyenne Ortiz, Cosette Zacarias

Spanish Play

2nd

Erica Chachere

Spanish Extemporaneous II

1st

Johnnette Johnson

French Prose I

3rd

Andy LabradaGonzalez

Spanish Extemporaneous Speaking- Native Speaker

2nd

Travis Landriault

French Prose III

2nd

Marissa Lausen

Spanish Poetry III

3rd

Jong-Ho Lee

Spanish Prose IV

2nd

Siobhan Prasad

Spanish Poetry II

1st

River Scrantz

French Extemporaneous Speaking II

1st

Aaron Walker

Spanish Extemporaneous III

1st

Shiva Velingker

Spanish Prose II

2nd

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Congratulations, Class of 2014!