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Catholic High School (Baton Rouge)
Encyclopedia
Catholic High School is an all-male Catholic
college-preparatory school in Baton Rouge
, Louisiana
, run by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart
. It offers grades eight through twelve.
Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education
.
With this move, the school's name changed to Catholic High School. This name change stemmed from the fact that the word "academy" was becoming more associated with all-girls schools in the 1920s. In the 1930s and 1940s, the school's enrollment continued to increase, prompting the Brothers to purchase 10 acres (40,468.6 m²) of land in midtown Baton Rouge to build a campus to accommodate a larger student body. After 10 years of delayed construction, Catholic High School, with its student body of 450 students, moved to its present location at 855 Hearthstone Drive in September 1957. The original buildings on the new campus included a residence for brothers and teachers, a small building used as a PE locker room and band room, and a main building. The main building at the time contained several offices, a library, six classrooms, and a few science lab classrooms.
In 1963, the gymnasium was built. In 1971, the R. Frank Cangelosi Mall was built between the main building and gym for student use as an auxiliary cafeteria. In 1972, a new student wing, containing six classrooms, a cafeteria called the Union, and a library was added; the original library was converted into a faculty workroom.
In the early 1980s, a football practice field and baseball field were added, along with an all-weather track (which was renovated and repaved in 2000). In 1985, the Fine Arts-Computer Center, containing a computer lab and classroom, a band room, a chorus room, art room, drafting room, and several classrooms was added. Around this time, the original band room was converted into a weight room. In 1990, a maintenance shed was added, and in 1991, in preparation for the school's 100th anniversary, the Centennial Courtyard was built. Also in the early 1990s, the school purchased three homes across the street from the campus to use as additional offices.
In the fall of 2003, the gymnasium was renovated to install air conditioning, and at that time CHS dedicated a new Health and Physical Education Center with a weight room, a wrestling room, locker rooms for athletes and PE students, and two new classrooms. In 2005, the Brother Gordian Udinsky Science Center, containing updated science labs for biology, chemistry, and physics, a new computer lab, and several classrooms, was dedicated and opened.
In the future, the school plans to build a new brother's residence, chapel, and library. There are also plans to expand the current student union.
In 1972, during the construction of the new cafeteria building, alumni Dennis Losavio created a master plan to further address the needs for a larger student body. At the time, enrollment was around 450, and the school had the desire to expand its enrollment to 900, near its current level. His plan called for improved science labs and athletic facilities. By the early 1970s, the relatively new science labs were considered antiquated by then-contemporary standards. His plan suggested a two-story northern classroom wing to complement the southern cafeteria building. This proposed building would have contained two locker rooms, a swimming pool, a multipurpose room, six additional classrooms, a resource room, and a planetarium. Another proposal in his plan included an auditorium near the existing gymnasium and union for large assemblies and masses. The proposed auditorium also would have included better facilities for the band.
In addition, the residence for brothers and teachers would have been expanded to accommodate a larger faculty, and the plan called for an improvement to the school's baseball field near the present-day football and track field. There was also a proposal to build a football practice field with a surrounding track near the school's present-day baseball field. These proposed sports fields also called for improved stadium seating.
While a majority of this master plan was never put into effect, it is thought the construction of the fine arts building and the new science building stemmed from some of the ideas presented in this plan.
CHS was designated as a “National School of Excellence” in 1989, 1993, 1998 and 2003 by the U.S. Department of Education. As of 2007, only six other schools in the United States have received this honor four times. From 1990-2006, CHS had 149 National Merit Semifinalists
. In 2005, 13 students were named National Merit Semifinalists, all of whom were additionally awarded National Merit Finalists. 8 students of the Class of 2007 also were named National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists along with one recipient of the National Achievement Award. The class of 2007 had average ACT
and SAT
scores of 25.1 and 1250, respectively.
It offers five AP
courses: US History, World History, Calculus, English Literature, and Biology foreign language instruction in French, Latin, and Spanish, and honors level courses in mathematics, science, social studies, English, and the foreign languages. Elective classes are offered in: accounting, architectural drafting, art, band, business law, chorus, computer applications and science, foreign languages, physics, psychology, publications, speech, theater, and word processing.
Each year, a student must take at least one class in English, math, religion, and physical education. During freshman and sophomore years, students must take a required semester class that alternates with P.E. Those classes are Civics and Free Enterprise. Starting with the Class of 2013, religion became a full year class junior year. In each year, a service requirement, ranging from 5 hours for the 8th grade year to 40 hours as part of a Christian Service Experience for junior year, is done concurrently with the religion course. A science class is mandatory for all students save seniors; they are nevertheless encouraged to take physics. American history is required of juniors, and world history is required of seniors.
The school has a summer reading program in which eighth grade and academic-level English students must read two books listed by the English Department, and honors-level and AP-level English students must read three books. Students are tested on these books within two weeks of returning from school without prior discussion of the novels, and many teachers assign essays associated with the books.
Eighth graders have a separate curriculum of courses in which they must take: Algebra I, Louisiana History, Religion 8, English 8, Physical Science, Physical Education 8, and one elective.
Students who maintain a 4.0 GPA each year receive Principal's Honors (also known as Highest Honors), and students who have a 3.5-3.99 GPA receive First Honors. A student can letter in academics if he maintains at least a 3.5 GPA for two years.
As of 2006, there are 99 faculty and staff. The average class size is 28. In addition to a president and principal, the school has four assistant principals: one in instruction, one in academics, one in discipline, and one in formation.
Dear Alma Mater,
We'll be true to you
When storm clouds hover
And when the skies are blue.
Long may you prosper.
May your ills be few.
Dear Alma Mater
We'll be ever true.
C....H....S.
EMC
Big Bruin cohorts are cheering, for the Bears will never yield.
Hey! Hey!
This day we’re all out for vict’ry no matter the cost
’Cause we’ll fight forever ’til the last white line is crossed!
At the beginning of each school year, every student must handwrite a copy of the Honor Code and sign it with his parents. Around September of each year, there is an Honor Code Ceremony in which all freshmen, eighth graders, and other new students sign it before the student body. At the end of each test and quiz issued at Catholic High, a student must write a statement swearing that he abided by the Honor Code and sign it.
If a student is accused of cheating or plagiarism, he is asked to report himself to the Honor Board. At a weekly meeting, the accused student pleads his case before the Honor Board. After reviewing the student's case, the Honor Board, along with the assistant principal for discipline, deliver judgment to the student and any punishment the student may have.
. Students can letter in athletics based on regulations outlined in the LHSAA handbook.
CHS has teams in Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track, and Wrestling. In many of these sports, there are varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen teams. The school also runs intramurals in basketball, pickleball, volleyball, flag football, and other sports.
Since 2000, Catholic High has won 19 state championships, 22 state runner-up titles, 52 regional titles, 31 city titles, and 39 district championships. In 2003 and 2004, Catholic High won the local Sportsmanship Award presented by BellSouth
.
The swim team claimed the 5-A Louisiana Swimming State Championship in 2005.
The wrestling team won the 2008 LHSAA Division I State Championship. They became the first non- New Orleans area school to win the championship since Catholic High won in 1975. The wrestling team won the LHSAA Division I State Championship again in 2010.
The track team won the indoor state championships in four consecutive years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. And won the outdoor title in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. This made the Bears the first 5-A team in Louisiana high school history to win four consecutive outdoor track and field championships.
The cross country team, known as the "Big Orange Wave", has won three state championships since 2000. These came in 2001, 2008, and 2009. In 2009, they scored the lowest points in 5-A LHSAA State Meet history. They were state runners-up in 2006 and 2010.
The Catholic High School baseball team won the LHSAA Division I State Championship in 2010. They lost in the 5-A State Semifinals in 2011 to Jesuit High School.
In 2009-2010 academic calendar year, Catholic High School Athletics completed an astonishing feat capturing five of the eleven state championships sponsored by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association: Baseball, Cross Country, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, and Wrestling.
In the 2010-2011 academic calendar year, Catholic High School Athletics won state championships in the following sports: Indoor Track and Outdoor Track. They were state runner up in Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, and Wrestling.
, Bruin (yearbook), Disc Sports Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
, Fencing, French Club, Games Club, Hi-Y, Junior Classical League
, Key Club
, Lacrosse
, Martial Arts Club, Mu Alpha Theta
, National Honor Society
, National Junior Honor Society, Photography Club, Quiz Bowl, Science Club, Spanish Club, Student Council (in which members are elected by their grade or appointed by faculty members based on an interview), and Student Ministry (which helps plan the class retreats and monthly freshmen and eighth grade small group talks). Some clubs are operated jointly with the nearby all-female school, St. Joseph's Academy, including the band, Bruinettes (dance team), cheerleaders, chorus, drama club, and intramural volleyball.
salary (in addition to any aid grants the student might receive).
In addition, students are required to buy various books for courses (such as religion textbooks and novels required for English classes), and there are additional fees that a student may run across for such things as the yearbook, parking, AP testing, extracurriculars, yearly retreats, and graduation.
The Golden Bear is one of the most prestigious awards offered at Catholic High. A student can receive a Golden Bear in academics or extracurriculars. The senior with the highest grade and progress in each academic department is awarded a Golden Bear at the final Honors Convocation of the school year. Golden Bears are also offered in many extracurricular clubs. In the qualifying clubs, the members of each club vote for the Golden Bear recipient in a secret ballot
, and the award is given to the winning student at the Honors Convocation.
In addition to the Golden Bear, Catholic High names approximately fifteen students Men of the Year. These individuals are chosen by the faculty members and receive recognition at the final Honors Convocation. These people also get to participate in the commencement exercises.
Besides valedictorian
and salutatorian
s, an Outstanding Graduate is also named. Consideration to academic and extracurricular involvement is used to decide the recipient for this award.
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
college-preparatory school in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge is the capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is located in East Baton Rouge Parish and is the second-largest city in the state.Baton Rouge is a major industrial, petrochemical, medical, and research center of the American South...
, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
, run by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart
Brothers of the Sacred Heart
The Brothers of the Sacred Heart are a Catholic religious congregation founded in 1821 by the Reverend André Coindre . Its Constitutions were modeled upon those of the Jesuits, while its Rule of Life was based upon the Rule of Saint Augustine. Its members bind themselves for life by simple vows of...
. It offers grades eight through twelve.
Awards and recognition
During the 1988-89, 1992–93, 1997–98 and 2003-04 school years, Catholic High School was recognized with the Blue Ribbon SchoolBlue Ribbon Schools Program
The Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a United States government program created in 1981 to honor schools which have achieved high levels of performance or significant improvements with emphasis on schools serving disadvantaged students. The program centers around a self-assessment conducted by the...
Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education
United States Department of Education
The United States Department of Education, also referred to as ED or the ED for Education Department, is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government...
.
History
Catholic High School was founded in 1894 as St. Vincent's Academy. The school was so named in recognition of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, who helped organize and establish the school. The original site of the school was an old frame building in downtown Baton Rouge, and the enrollment was 106 students. By the 1920s, the enrollment had grown to approximately 300 students, and in 1928, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart built a new school, gym, and brother's residence at the corner of North Street and Fourth Street.With this move, the school's name changed to Catholic High School. This name change stemmed from the fact that the word "academy" was becoming more associated with all-girls schools in the 1920s. In the 1930s and 1940s, the school's enrollment continued to increase, prompting the Brothers to purchase 10 acres (40,468.6 m²) of land in midtown Baton Rouge to build a campus to accommodate a larger student body. After 10 years of delayed construction, Catholic High School, with its student body of 450 students, moved to its present location at 855 Hearthstone Drive in September 1957. The original buildings on the new campus included a residence for brothers and teachers, a small building used as a PE locker room and band room, and a main building. The main building at the time contained several offices, a library, six classrooms, and a few science lab classrooms.
In the early 1980s, a football practice field and baseball field were added, along with an all-weather track (which was renovated and repaved in 2000). In 1985, the Fine Arts-Computer Center, containing a computer lab and classroom, a band room, a chorus room, art room, drafting room, and several classrooms was added. Around this time, the original band room was converted into a weight room. In 1990, a maintenance shed was added, and in 1991, in preparation for the school's 100th anniversary, the Centennial Courtyard was built. Also in the early 1990s, the school purchased three homes across the street from the campus to use as additional offices.
In the fall of 2003, the gymnasium was renovated to install air conditioning, and at that time CHS dedicated a new Health and Physical Education Center with a weight room, a wrestling room, locker rooms for athletes and PE students, and two new classrooms. In 2005, the Brother Gordian Udinsky Science Center, containing updated science labs for biology, chemistry, and physics, a new computer lab, and several classrooms, was dedicated and opened.
In the future, the school plans to build a new brother's residence, chapel, and library. There are also plans to expand the current student union.
1972 Master Plan
In the past few decades, there have been several different Master Plans designed to improve Catholic High's facilities to accommodate a larger student body and to address some shortcomings persistent to the school.In 1972, during the construction of the new cafeteria building, alumni Dennis Losavio created a master plan to further address the needs for a larger student body. At the time, enrollment was around 450, and the school had the desire to expand its enrollment to 900, near its current level. His plan called for improved science labs and athletic facilities. By the early 1970s, the relatively new science labs were considered antiquated by then-contemporary standards. His plan suggested a two-story northern classroom wing to complement the southern cafeteria building. This proposed building would have contained two locker rooms, a swimming pool, a multipurpose room, six additional classrooms, a resource room, and a planetarium. Another proposal in his plan included an auditorium near the existing gymnasium and union for large assemblies and masses. The proposed auditorium also would have included better facilities for the band.
In addition, the residence for brothers and teachers would have been expanded to accommodate a larger faculty, and the plan called for an improvement to the school's baseball field near the present-day football and track field. There was also a proposal to build a football practice field with a surrounding track near the school's present-day baseball field. These proposed sports fields also called for improved stadium seating.
While a majority of this master plan was never put into effect, it is thought the construction of the fine arts building and the new science building stemmed from some of the ideas presented in this plan.
Students
At the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year, Catholic High has 1,031 enrolled students. There is a dress code, which consists polo shirts and khakis, and requirement for community service. In addition, students are required to attend a yearly retreat. Admission is selective with school record, interview, recommendations, a standardized admissions test, family history of attending Brothers of the Sacred Heart schools, prior attendance of Catholic schools, and minority status all coming under consideration.Academics
National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition and college scholarships administered by National Merit Scholarship Corporation , a privately funded, not-for-profit organization. The program began in 1955...
. In 2005, 13 students were named National Merit Semifinalists, all of whom were additionally awarded National Merit Finalists. 8 students of the Class of 2007 also were named National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists along with one recipient of the National Achievement Award. The class of 2007 had average ACT
ACT (examination)
The ACT is a standardized test for high school achievement and college admissions in the United States produced by ACT, Inc. It was first administered in November 1959 by Everett Franklin Lindquist as a competitor to the College Board's Scholastic Aptitude Test, now the SAT Reasoning Test...
and SAT
SAT
The SAT Reasoning Test is a standardized test for college admissions in the United States. The SAT is owned, published, and developed by the College Board, a nonprofit organization in the United States. It was formerly developed, published, and scored by the Educational Testing Service which still...
scores of 25.1 and 1250, respectively.
It offers five AP
Advanced Placement Program
The Advanced Placement program is a curriculum in the United States and Canada sponsored by the College Board which offers standardized courses to high school students that are generally recognized to be equivalent to undergraduate courses in college...
courses: US History, World History, Calculus, English Literature, and Biology foreign language instruction in French, Latin, and Spanish, and honors level courses in mathematics, science, social studies, English, and the foreign languages. Elective classes are offered in: accounting, architectural drafting, art, band, business law, chorus, computer applications and science, foreign languages, physics, psychology, publications, speech, theater, and word processing.
Each year, a student must take at least one class in English, math, religion, and physical education. During freshman and sophomore years, students must take a required semester class that alternates with P.E. Those classes are Civics and Free Enterprise. Starting with the Class of 2013, religion became a full year class junior year. In each year, a service requirement, ranging from 5 hours for the 8th grade year to 40 hours as part of a Christian Service Experience for junior year, is done concurrently with the religion course. A science class is mandatory for all students save seniors; they are nevertheless encouraged to take physics. American history is required of juniors, and world history is required of seniors.
The school has a summer reading program in which eighth grade and academic-level English students must read two books listed by the English Department, and honors-level and AP-level English students must read three books. Students are tested on these books within two weeks of returning from school without prior discussion of the novels, and many teachers assign essays associated with the books.
Eighth graders have a separate curriculum of courses in which they must take: Algebra I, Louisiana History, Religion 8, English 8, Physical Science, Physical Education 8, and one elective.
Students who maintain a 4.0 GPA each year receive Principal's Honors (also known as Highest Honors), and students who have a 3.5-3.99 GPA receive First Honors. A student can letter in academics if he maintains at least a 3.5 GPA for two years.
As of 2006, there are 99 faculty and staff. The average class size is 28. In addition to a president and principal, the school has four assistant principals: one in instruction, one in academics, one in discipline, and one in formation.
Alma mater
The Catholic High Alma Mater has, as of 2004, been played by the Golden Grizzly Band at the end of every Catholic High football game. Prior to that, the Alma Mater was somewhat forgotten among students at CHS. Its words are:Dear Alma Mater,
We'll be true to you
When storm clouds hover
And when the skies are blue.
Long may you prosper.
May your ills be few.
Dear Alma Mater
We'll be ever true.
C....H....S.
EMC
Bruin Fight Song
Come on and fight, all you Bruins, and triumph on the field!Big Bruin cohorts are cheering, for the Bears will never yield.
Hey! Hey!
This day we’re all out for vict’ry no matter the cost
’Cause we’ll fight forever ’til the last white line is crossed!
Honor Board
One notable feature of Catholic High is its Honor Code. It was written and installed in 1997, and it was modeled and inspired by various honor codes at universities. The Honor Code is enforced by the Honor Board, which consists of three sophomores, four juniors, six seniors, and two faculty members, and these are all nominated and elected by the student and faculty bodies.At the beginning of each school year, every student must handwrite a copy of the Honor Code and sign it with his parents. Around September of each year, there is an Honor Code Ceremony in which all freshmen, eighth graders, and other new students sign it before the student body. At the end of each test and quiz issued at Catholic High, a student must write a statement swearing that he abided by the Honor Code and sign it.
If a student is accused of cheating or plagiarism, he is asked to report himself to the Honor Board. At a weekly meeting, the accused student pleads his case before the Honor Board. After reviewing the student's case, the Honor Board, along with the assistant principal for discipline, deliver judgment to the student and any punishment the student may have.
Athletics
The school is a member of the Louisiana High School Athletic AssociationLouisiana High School Athletic Association
The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is the agency which regulates and promotes the interscholastic athletic competitions of all high schools in the state of Louisiana.- Organization :...
. Students can letter in athletics based on regulations outlined in the LHSAA handbook.
CHS has teams in Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track, and Wrestling. In many of these sports, there are varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen teams. The school also runs intramurals in basketball, pickleball, volleyball, flag football, and other sports.
Since 2000, Catholic High has won 19 state championships, 22 state runner-up titles, 52 regional titles, 31 city titles, and 39 district championships. In 2003 and 2004, Catholic High won the local Sportsmanship Award presented by BellSouth
BellSouth
BellSouth Corporation is an American telecommunications holding company based in Atlanta, Georgia. BellSouth was one of the seven original Regional Bell Operating Companies after the U.S...
.
The swim team claimed the 5-A Louisiana Swimming State Championship in 2005.
The wrestling team won the 2008 LHSAA Division I State Championship. They became the first non- New Orleans area school to win the championship since Catholic High won in 1975. The wrestling team won the LHSAA Division I State Championship again in 2010.
The track team won the indoor state championships in four consecutive years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. And won the outdoor title in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. This made the Bears the first 5-A team in Louisiana high school history to win four consecutive outdoor track and field championships.
The cross country team, known as the "Big Orange Wave", has won three state championships since 2000. These came in 2001, 2008, and 2009. In 2009, they scored the lowest points in 5-A LHSAA State Meet history. They were state runners-up in 2006 and 2010.
The Catholic High School baseball team won the LHSAA Division I State Championship in 2010. They lost in the 5-A State Semifinals in 2011 to Jesuit High School.
In 2009-2010 academic calendar year, Catholic High School Athletics completed an astonishing feat capturing five of the eleven state championships sponsored by the Louisiana High School Athletic Association: Baseball, Cross Country, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, and Wrestling.
In the 2010-2011 academic calendar year, Catholic High School Athletics won state championships in the following sports: Indoor Track and Outdoor Track. They were state runner up in Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, and Wrestling.
Extracurriculars
Catholic High offers an array of extracurricular activities, and many of these local chapters receive awards on a state and sometimes national level. Its extracurriculars include Lacrosse,4-H Club, Art Club, Astronomy Club, Bearly Published (newspaper), Beta ClubNational Beta Club
The National Beta Club is an organization for 5th-12th graders in the United States, recognizing academic achievement, leadership, character and service....
, Bruin (yearbook), Disc Sports Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a non-profit interdenominational Christian organization founded in 1954 and that has been based in Kansas City, Missouri since 1956. It falls within the tradition of Muscular Christianity. Although established by evangelical Protestants, the concept has...
, Fencing, French Club, Games Club, Hi-Y, Junior Classical League
National Junior Classical League
The National Junior Classical League is a youth organization of secondary school students sponsored by the American Classical League...
, Key Club
Key Club
Key Club International is the oldest and largest service program for high school students. It is a student-led organization whose goal is to teach leadership through serving others. Key Club International is a part of the Kiwanis International family of service-leadership programs...
, Lacrosse
Lacrosse
Lacrosse is a team sport of Native American origin played using a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse or lacrosse stick, mainly played in the United States and Canada. It is a contact sport which requires padding. The head of the lacrosse stick is strung with loose mesh...
, Martial Arts Club, Mu Alpha Theta
Mu Alpha Theta
Mu Alpha Theta is a United States mathematics honor society for high schools and two-year colleges. It has over 89,000 student members in more than 1,800 schools worldwide. Its main goals are to inspire keen interest in mathematics, develop strong scholarship in the subject, and promote the...
, National Honor Society
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society is a recognition program for high school students in grades 10-12 in the United States and in several other countries...
, National Junior Honor Society, Photography Club, Quiz Bowl, Science Club, Spanish Club, Student Council (in which members are elected by their grade or appointed by faculty members based on an interview), and Student Ministry (which helps plan the class retreats and monthly freshmen and eighth grade small group talks). Some clubs are operated jointly with the nearby all-female school, St. Joseph's Academy, including the band, Bruinettes (dance team), cheerleaders, chorus, drama club, and intramural volleyball.
Costs
Tuition for the 2011-2012 school year is $8,040 for returning students and $8,140 for new students. Financial aid is available upon condition of participation in a summer work study program. This program involves simple manual labor and pays a minimum wageMinimum wage
A minimum wage is the lowest hourly, daily or monthly remuneration that employers may legally pay to workers. Equivalently, it is the lowest wage at which workers may sell their labour. Although minimum wage laws are in effect in a great many jurisdictions, there are differences of opinion about...
salary (in addition to any aid grants the student might receive).
In addition, students are required to buy various books for courses (such as religion textbooks and novels required for English classes), and there are additional fees that a student may run across for such things as the yearbook, parking, AP testing, extracurriculars, yearly retreats, and graduation.
Student awards
Catholic High has several awards in which students can receive. There are a few scholarships offered to students who need financial aid. A student can letter in athletics, academics, or some extracurriculars, like band.The Golden Bear is one of the most prestigious awards offered at Catholic High. A student can receive a Golden Bear in academics or extracurriculars. The senior with the highest grade and progress in each academic department is awarded a Golden Bear at the final Honors Convocation of the school year. Golden Bears are also offered in many extracurricular clubs. In the qualifying clubs, the members of each club vote for the Golden Bear recipient in a secret ballot
Secret ballot
The secret ballot is a voting method in which a voter's choices in an election or a referendum are anonymous. The key aim is to ensure the voter records a sincere choice by forestalling attempts to influence the voter by intimidation or bribery. The system is one means of achieving the goal of...
, and the award is given to the winning student at the Honors Convocation.
In addition to the Golden Bear, Catholic High names approximately fifteen students Men of the Year. These individuals are chosen by the faculty members and receive recognition at the final Honors Convocation. These people also get to participate in the commencement exercises.
Besides valedictorian
Valedictorian
Valedictorian is an academic title conferred upon the student who delivers the closing or farewell statement at a graduation ceremony. Usually, the valedictorian is the highest ranked student among those graduating from an educational institution...
and salutatorian
Salutatorian
Salutatorian is an academic title given, in the United States and Canada, to the second highest graduate of the entire graduating class of a specific discipline. Only the valedictorian is ranked higher. This honor is traditionally based on grade point average and number of credits taken, but...
s, an Outstanding Graduate is also named. Consideration to academic and extracurricular involvement is used to decide the recipient for this award.
Notable alumni
- Major ApplewhiteMajor ApplewhiteMajor Lee Applewhite is the Co-Offensive Coordinator and Running Backs Coach for the University of Texas. Prior to Texas, Applewhite served as offensive coordinator at Rice University under Todd Graham in 2006, and at the University of Alabama under Nick Saban in 2007...
, Class of 1997, football player and current Co-Offensive Coordinator and Running Backs Coach at the University of Texas - Travis MinorTravis MinorTravis Minor was an American football running back for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft...
, Class of 1997, football player for the Miami DolphinsMiami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and St. Louis RamsSt. Louis RamsThe St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,... - Kurt AinsworthKurt AinsworthKurt Harold Ainsworth is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He played for the San Francisco Giants and Baltimore Orioles and went to Louisiana State University...
, Class of 1996, baseball player for the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco GiantsThe San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
and the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league... - Warren CaponeWarren CaponeWarren Capone , was a professional American football linebacker in the World Football League and National Football League. He played college football at Louisiana State University...
, Class of 1970, football player for the Dallas CowboysDallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
and the Birmingham AmericansBirmingham AmericansThe Birmingham Americans were a professional American football team located in Birmingham, Alabama. They were members of the four-team Central Division of the World Football League . The Americans, founded in late December 1973, played in the upstart league's inaugural season in 1974... - Warrick DunnWarrick DunnWarrick De'Mon Dunn is a former American football running back, and current minority owner of the Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12th overall in the 1997 NFL Draft, after playing college football at Florida State...
, Class of 1993, former running back for the Tampa Bay BuccaneersTampa Bay BuccaneersThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
and Atlanta FalconsAtlanta FalconsThe Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... - David DellucciDavid DellucciDavid Michael Dellucci is a retired Major League Baseball outfielder.-High School:Dellucci graduated from Catholic High in Baton Rouge in 1991. He earned the team's Most Valuable Player honors in both baseball and football, and All-State honors for baseball...
, Class of 1991, retired Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player for the Baltimore OriolesBaltimore OriolesThe Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
, Arizona DiamondbacksArizona DiamondbacksThe Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
(a member of the 2001 World Series2001 World Series-Game 1:Saturday, October 27, 2001 at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, ArizonaArizona showed no fear and chased Yankees starter Mike Mussina after just three innings. The Yankees gave up five unearned runs and the Diamondbacks rode Curt Schilling's seven strong innings to a 9–1 rout...
team), New York YankeesNew York YankeesThe New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, Texas RangersTexas Rangers (baseball)The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
, Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia PhilliesThe Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
, Cleveland IndiansCleveland IndiansThe Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...
, and Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue JaysThe Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League .... - Lt. Michael Scott Lamana, Class of 1988, was stationed at The PentagonThe PentagonThe Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. As a symbol of the U.S. military, "the Pentagon" is often used metonymically to refer to the Department of Defense rather than the building itself.Designed by the American architect...
and a victim of the September 11, 2001 attacksSeptember 11, 2001 attacksThe September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation... - Jeff FortenberryJeff FortenberryJeffrey Lane "Jeff" Fortenberry, born December 27, 1960) is the U.S. Representative for , serving since 2005. He is a member of the Republican Party. The district is based in Lincoln and includes most of the eastern third of the state outside the immediate Omaha area.-Early life, education and...
, Class of 1978, NebraskaNebraskaNebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
U.S. Representative - Brandon Harrison, Class of 2003, football player for the Houston TexansHouston TexansThe Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and currently the United Football League's California Redwoods - Brother Ivy LeBlanc, Class of 1963, Provincial of the New Orleans Province of the Brothers of the Sacred HeartBrothers of the Sacred HeartThe Brothers of the Sacred Heart are a Catholic religious congregation founded in 1821 by the Reverend André Coindre . Its Constitutions were modeled upon those of the Jesuits, while its Rule of Life was based upon the Rule of Saint Augustine. Its members bind themselves for life by simple vows of...
until 2006 - John FredJohn FredJohn Fred was a blue-eyed soul, Cajun swamp pop and bubble-gum pop performer from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, best known for the song, "Judy in Disguise ".-Career:...
, Class of 1959, musician and co-writer of the song "Judy in Disguise" - Judge Frank J. Polozola, Class of 1959, United States district courtUnited States district courtThe United States district courts are the general trial courts of the United States federal court system. Both civil and criminal cases are filed in the district court, which is a court of law, equity, and admiralty. There is a United States bankruptcy court associated with each United States...
Judge - Paul M. HebertPaul M. HebertPaul Macarius Hebert was the longest serving Dean of the LSU Law School , serving in that role with brief interruptions from 1937 until his death in 1977...
, Class of 1924, Dean of the LSU Law School (now known as the Paul M. Hebert Law CenterPaul M. Hebert Law CenterThe Paul M. Hebert Law Center is a law school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, part of the Louisiana State University System and located on the main campus of Louisiana State University....
) - Fred S. LeBlancFred S. LeBlancFrederick Saugrain LeBlanc, Sr., known as Fred S. LeBlanc , was a 20th century politician in the U.S. state of Louisiana who served two terms as his state's attorney general and was firmly allied with the anti-Long faction of the predominant Democratic Party.-Background:LeBlanc graduated in 1916...
, Class of 1916, former Louisiana attorney general, mayor of Baton Rouge, and judge - P.J. MillsP.J. MillsPercy Joseph Mills, Jr., known as P. J. Mills , is a retired businessman residing in New Orleans, Louisiana, who served from 1968-1972 as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from Shreveport, the seat of Caddo Parish in the northwestern corner of the state.Known as one of the...
, Class of 1951, former member of the Louisiana House of RepresentativesLouisiana State LegislatureThe Louisiana State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is bicameral body, comprising the lower house, the Louisiana House of Representatives with 105 representatives, and the upper house, the Louisiana Senate with 39 senators...
from ShreveportShreveport, LouisianaShreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana. It is the principal city of the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana and is the 109th-largest city in the United States....
; former president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana - Erich PontiErich PontiErich Edward Ponti , a general contractor, is a Republican member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from District 69 in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana....
, Class of 1983, member of the Louisiana House from Baton Rouge - Carl WeissCarl WeissCarl Austin Weiss was a young Baton Rouge, Louisiana physician who assassinated U.S. Senator Huey Pierce Long, Jr. on September 8, 1935.-Baton Rouge doctor:...
, Valedictorian of the Class of 1921, a local dentist and alleged assassin of Huey LongHuey LongHuey Pierce Long, Jr. , nicknamed The Kingfish, served as the 40th Governor of Louisiana from 1928–1932 and as a U.S. Senator from 1932 to 1935. A Democrat, he was noted for his radical populist policies. Though a backer of Franklin D... - Chris WilliamsChris Williams (American football)Christopher Joseph Williams is an American football offensive guard for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bears 14th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft...
, Class of 2003, football player for the Chicago BearsChicago BearsThe Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... - Gayle Hatch, Class of 1957, head coach for the 2004 USA Men’s Olympic Weightlifting Team
- Zack Oliver, Class of 2011, quarterback for Northwestern University.
- Lance Callihan, Class of 2011, defensive tackle for Stanford University.
- Aaron Nola, Class of 2011, pitcher for Louisiana State University.
- Chris Sciambra, Class of 2011, outfielder for Louisiana State University.
- Austin Nola, Class of 2008, shortstop for Louisiana State University.