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Walking through the double glass doors, the smell of the fresh yellow paint is still prevalent in the air.  One notices a Wall of Honor and a career corner.  Straight ahead, a crucifix on the wall in the memory of an alumna. Two black marble tablets, the Comet Creed and the Comet Commandments, are affixed to the wall as ever present reminders of what it means to be a comet.  Facing the entrance, there are two flat screen TVs nestled in the wall.  That’s not all though, there are trophies mounted on the wall.  There are new white tables that the students use for lunch are arranged on the new tile floor.  With all of these new things and improvements you start to wonder how it’s possible.  With the help of S.O.A.R. (Supporting Our Academic Resources) and the many donations from parents, friends, and alumni it is no longer a cafeteria, but the Comet Commons.

The purpose of S.O.A.R is to improve our school for the better of the students. S.O.A.R. is cared for by Mr. Louis Authement, who has contributed a lot of his time and dedication to SCC. His main reason for helping, “Every parent has a responsibility to their child’s school to provide the type of environment that will enable the child to reach his or her fullest potential.”  One cool aspect about S.O.A.R. is that it is only dedicated to helping SCC.  Authement has a few ideas for SCC in the future.  These plans include renovating the hallways, bathrooms, improving the science labs, and ultimately the facades of the school reflect its inside.  

The Career Corner has photos of St. Charles alumni, who now are extremely successful in their lives.  Some of the people featured on the Career Corner came to St. Charles ’s Back to School Night.  Each of these people has a different take on life, serve as an inspiration to the SCC students.

  Members of the Career Corner are:

Mrs. Janelle Watts, who graduated in 1983, has worked her way up the medical ladder.  Since 1998, she has her own medical practice in general Obstetrics and Gynecology in Plane, Texas .  She now serves on a prenatal task force as well as on committees for pharmacy, therapeutics, and peer review. 

Dr. Rodney Rocconi, who graduated in 1990, is an Assistant Professor in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, where he specializes in the management of cancers of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and other reproductive organs.  He has won many awards for his medical achievements and findings. 

John Habisreitinger, who graduated in 1982, is a site manager for two rolled aluminum product plants in Tennessee owned by Noranda Aluminum.   Mr. Habisreitinger had a very fond memory of SCC and the new Commons and he also stated some other improvements that we could use. “I was very impressed with the work that was done and the difference that it made.  My freshman year was during the very first year that SCC was in LaPlace , so I have seen the area when it was brand new.  It is now better than new!  I was EXTREMELY impressed with the work that was done, as well as the statement that it makes about our school and the impact that it has on the lives of the students that passed through its doors.  As far as suggestions for further improvements, the one that stands out for me is the exterior of the school.  While you certainly cannot judge a book by its cover, the exterior of the school (at least from Dominican Drive ) could use a new finish (ideally brick) to better reflect the quality school that is inside.”  He also has a stand for our young Comets and how SCC deals with them. “SCC is a great place to prepare young men and women for the challenges and opportunities that await them in life,” he said.

Coach Curtis Johnson, who graduated in 1979, has worked his way from Comet receiver to being the receiver’s coach of the New Orleans Saints.  He originally was the wide receivers coach at the University of Miami from 1996 to 2005.  In 2006 he led the New Orleans Saints to the NFC Championship game for the first time in history. 

Mrs. Sharon Kaiser Mapes, who graduated in 1980, has become a part of one of the famous associations in New York known as the “Women of Wall Street”.  She started off as an accountant for Price Waterhouse, where she licensed as a certified Public Accountant.  After this she moved to New York City and became Vice President of Chase Manhattan Bank.  Her next step was the international investment banking firm of Morgan Stanley, where she held the positions of Vice President and Executive Director.  She is now serving as the Chief Accountant for the Asset Servicing Division of the Bank of New York . 

Mr. Todd Trosclair, who is a graduate of 1977, is living the American dream.  He owns his own business known as All Star Electric Inc.  His company was responsible for helping New Orleans out after Hurricane Katrina.  “I am concerned that too many of today’s youth want instant success.  I give all of my young employees the same speech.  You have to work for what you want.  Be patient and save the money that you make now.  Don’t be frivolous with your spending in your 20’s and 30’s.  Save it, pay off your debts, and you will reap the benefits later,” Trosclair said.     

The Wall of Honor features five men who have given their all to protect our country. The first person honored is Sergeant Jason A. Brockman, who graduated from St. Charles Catholic in the class of 2004. Shortly after graduating he enlisted in the military. After completing basic training he started Advanced Individual Training there he was awarded the Military Occupation Specialty of Petroleum Supply Specialist. September of 2007 he was promoted to Sergeant E-5. Jason has earned three Army accommodation metals, a combat action badge, and a global war on terrorisms medal.

Anthony J. Macaluso from the class of 2002 is also honored. During his years at SCC he was a linebacker on the football team. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003, and deployed to Iraq in 2004 as Lance Corporal Squadron Automatic Weapon Gunner. He has been in battles such as the Battle of Hit and the Battle of Fallujah.  

Sergeant First Class Joshua D. Klibert graduated with the class of 1997. The sports which he was involved in were swim team and football. Right after graduation he joined the U.S. Army. He was then deployed to Germany where he trained with many different nations military forces. He served two tours in Iraq and volunteered for a third tour. Klibert has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medals with Valor and the Combat Action Badge.

Master Chief Sean Landry graduated from SCC in the class of 1988. Activities he was involved in were football and soccer. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1990 and was assigned missile technician after attending submarine school. In 1999, he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer and reassigned to the USS Wyoming .

Finally Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Hymel who graduated from the original SCC Destrehan campus in the class of 1964 is recognized.  After graduating from the University of Southwestern Louisiana he was drafted into the U.S. Air Force.  Hymel had been injured numerous accounts and showed bravery and courage through and through. Sadly though he was killed during the terrorist attacks on September 11 to the Pentagon.

Everything in the Commons has a purpose.  The two 52” TVs in the Comet Commons are for when the students at lunch, they can watch the Comet News being broadcasted.  The Comet News highlights events that have happened and things that are going to come at SCC activities.  The white tabletop tables were an improvement because the old tables were breaking and in bad shape.  Not only are these tables new, but we have even more tables than we had before.  All these improvements make SCC a better environment for the students, the faculty, and the staff.

S.O.A.R. is a growing concept at SCC.  With two successful projects completed hopes for more successful campaigns are on the horizon.  “Success is not our goal, it’s our guarantee.” Marie Ory, Development Director said, “SCC is committed to riding the wave of advancement into the 21^st century.  S.O.A.R. is an essential part to our current and future success as an institution of higher learning.”

Created by: Ashley Reed and Nicole Tate