Becker, Bergeron, Brouwer, Delatte lead Class of 2009

The 58th Graduation class at St. Charles Catholic High School received diplomas following a Mass May 22 at Ascension of Our Lord Church, LaPlace. Father Walter Austin, the school’s chaplain was the main celebrant for the Graduation Mass of the 95 members of the Class of 2009. Diplomas were distributed by Andrew Cupit, Principal.

Valedictorians were Emily A. Bergeron, Kristine M. Brouwer, and Gabriel J. Delatte.

Bergeron, the daughter of Angela and Lenny Bergeron of Destrehan, finished with a GPA of 4.85 Bergeron was a member of the Starsteppers dance team, Music Ministry, Retreat Team, 30 Plus Club, National Honor Society, Science Club, Beta Club and served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

“I will miss mostly being in class and sharing fun times with the friends I have made, but I will also miss the caring teaching staff and administration who always encouraged me to do my best,” Bergeron said.

Bergeron has earned more than $226,100 in scholarships and awards to various universities and colleges. She has chosen Southeastern Louisiana University for her higher education needs, and will pursue a degree in Nursing, specifically NICU.

“For many years now I have wanted to become a nurse; I possess a genuine desire to do anything I can to help those in need,” she said. “I have heard great things about Southeastern’s Nursing Program from many people and have decided to experience it myself.”

Excited and honored to have earned such a prestigious title, Bergeron thanks her parents who have acted as her mentors throughout her school career. “They told me that I did not have to be the best, but to always be my best,” she said.

Additionally, Bergeon thanks the teachers, faculty, family and friends who have helped her in her academic career. “You have helped to shape the person that I am today, and I know it is only because of your love and support that I am where I am today.

Brouwer, the daughter of Diane and James Brouwer of Lutcher, finished with a GPA of 4.85. Brouwer was a member of the Retreat Team, National Honor’s Society, French Club, Soccer, Beta Club, French Club, French Exchange Program and served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Brouwer earned more than $140,900 in scholarships including the Excel Scholarship from Southeastern Louisiana University , Cargill and Louisiana Safety and Security. She has chosen SLU as her institution for higher education and plans to pursue a degree in Nursing.

“My grandmother died of breast cancer, and I want to be like her,” she said. “She was a nurse before she was diagnosed with cancer.”