Diocese Honors Excellence Within its Schools at Distinguished Graduates Dinner

Graduates of the schools in the Catholic Diocese of Baton Rouge are known for influencing society worldwide by leading, serving, and sharing the Gospel Message. The Diocese of Baton Rouge recognized the excellence of some of these alumni in its annual Distinguished Graduates Awards Dinner on Jan. 26. 

The event was the first in a series of activities to mark Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 25 – 31.

Dr. Cindy Ryals, Superintendent of Schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, welcomed the program attendees.

"Our students are called to live out their God-given talents, to serve others, developing leadership skills, so that they can make positive contributions to their communities, and even throughout the world," said Ryals.

She highlighted the diocesan catholic schools' vision statement, "Evangelizing hearts, educating minds, encouraging talent, and embracing the future."

"We continue, year after year, and decade after decade, to fulfill our mission by providing quality academics. And it doesn't just 'happen.' We enjoy our prosperity because of the deep commitment from pastors, and those who work in our schools, to our dedicated benefactors who strive to make this happen."

She also expressed gratitude for parents, grandparents, extended family members, alumni, and community members who donate their time, talent, and treasures to support Catholic education.  

Top right photo: Attendees listen to the keynote address of Col. Jacob Delapasse, distinguished graduate of St. Aloysius School in Baton Rouge. Photos by Debbie Shelley | The Catholic Commentator
Above photo: Col. Jacob Delapasse, retired USAF, speaks about the influence of Catholic education in his life.Ryals commended the graduates for their commitment to excellence.

"Every grad we are going to honor tonight exemplifies the moral, academic, and ethical values that Catholic schools profess. Their lives are having a substantial impact on the educational, political, financial, and moral culture of our community, our country, and our church. You are making a difference, and we are excited to celebrate with you tonight."

Father Cleo Milano, pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge, the 2026 Distinguished Catholic School Clergy, opened the dinner with prayer.

Bishop Michael G. Duca and Ryals presented awards. In addition to the graduates, awards were given to people who were distinguished for their support of Catholic schools. Michelle DiBenedetto, counselor at Most Blessed Sacrament School in Baton Rouge, was named the distinguished educator. Michelle Gardiner, principal of St. Jude School in Baton Rouge, was named distinguished administrator, and Father Milano was named distinguished pastor. Additionally, Jan Breen received the Distinguished Catholic School Lifetime Achievement Award for serving in Catholic education for more than 53 years. She graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in Baton Rouge. 

"We all know the saying, 'You are who you hang out with.' In Catholic Schools that is a community of people who are dedicated to the same moral and spiritual growth, creating an environment where families of Catholic values are not only respected, but even more importantly reinforced."

By surrounding themselves with a community that is focused on service, compassion, and pursuit of the Catholic faith, Delapasse said, people are rooted in the Catholic Church's foundation.

"My time at St. Aloysius exposed me to this community environment," said Delapasse. "They welcomed me with open arms."

 Bishop Michael G. Duca congratulates attendees and closes out the program with prayer.

The lessons of the Catholic faith begin at home, Delapasse emphasized.

"The family is where the first lessons of faith, love, and sacrifice are taught," he said.

Delapasse expressed his concern that many parents send their children to Catholic schools, religious education classes, etc., yet never attend Mass. He encouraged those who do not attend Mass to do so, and those who do to reach and invite other families to attend.

"When a family sits in the pew together, they are joining their local community, and they enter the entire communion of saints in the greatest act of love possible," he said.

The weekly Mass commitment is an anchor for the Delapasse family. Before they do anything else they attend Mass and give thanks.

"We bring our weaknesses, struggles, and successes to the altar. Then we are nourished to go back out into the world. Family is Catholic education and Catholic education is family," said Delapasse.

Distinguished Award Winners:

Ascension Catholic Diocesan Regional School: Patrick Edward Cancienne, III 
Catholic High School: Derek James Fife 
Catholic of Pointe Coupee School: Frances Garrett Olinde 
Holy Family School: Sheriff Jeff Michael Bergeron 
Holy Ghost School: Kathryn Cox Huggett 
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University: Benjamin James Boudreaux 
Mater Dolorosa School: Joshua Paul Thiel 
Most Blessed Sacrament School: Katie Marie Staudermann Bouey 
Our Lady of Mercy School: Justin James Nugent 
Redemptorist St. Gerard School: Deacon Joe Dougherty Perry
Sacred Heart of Jesus School: Chloe Rose Boudreaux LeBlanc 
St. Aloysius School: Colonel Jacob Delapasse, USAF          
St. Alphonsus Liguori School: Ronyell Templet Dodson 
St. Elizabeth School: Brandi Newchurch Bouchereau 
St. Francis Xavier School: Christina Danielle Boatner 
St. George School: Leigh Hargroder Porta 
St. Michael the Archangel Diocesan Regional High School: Jeffrey Dean Vaccaro, Jr. 
St. John the Evangelist School: Mervin “Butch” Joseph Gourgues 
St. Jean Vianney School: Candace Blanchard Vallery 
St. Joseph Elementary School: Abry Celeste Layrisson 
St. Joseph’s Academy: Kellie Geoffroy Elisar  
St. Jude the Apostle School: Kaysie Roberts Truax 

St. Peter Chanel: Abbey L. Michel

St. Theresa Middle School/St. John Primary School: Rick Martin Tadda 

St. Thomas Aquinas Diocesan Regional High School: Chad Beard   

St. Thomas More School: Dana Shawn Vutera   

Distinguished Catholic School Administrator: 
Michelle Gardiner, St. Jude the Apostle School 
Distinguished Catholic School Educator: 
Michelle DiBenedetto Most Blessed Sacrament School 
Distinguished Catholic School Clergy: 
Reverend Cleo J. Milano, Our Lady of Mercy Parish 
Distinguished Catholic School Lifetime Achievement: 
Jan Breen, St. Joseph’s Academy