SKDP Announced Class of 2022

May 24, 2022

The 9^thgraduating class of St. Katharine Drexel Preparatory School received diplomas following a Baccalaureate Mass on May 20 at 10:00a.m. in St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church. The Mass was celebrated by Father Henry Davis, S.S.J., who delivered a thought-provoking homily based on the Gospel reading (John 15:12-17), and he left the graduates with this reflection: You were created in love for love. He gifted each graduate with a bookmark inscribed with the message: “I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus.” (1Cor. 1:4)   The fifteen members of the graduating class received their diplomas from Dr. RaeNell Houston, superintendent; Eric J. Smith, principal; and Sister Margaret Mary Friesenhahn, S.S.N.D., religious head of the school. Congratulatory remarks were delivered by Dr. Houston; and Queen Zulu 2022 Crystal Guillemet, Xavier Prep Class of ’92, also addressed the graduates and gave each a small remembrance of the occasion. Melody Robinson, Alumni Board President, welcomed more than forty members of the Class of ’72, reading a proclamation proudly recognizing them for their many accomplishments, contributions, and commitments to excellence since their graduation.
     Co-Valedictorians for the Class of 2022 are Christen M. Clark and Layla M. Johnson. Christen is the daughter of Mrs. Yvette W. Clark of Marrero and the late Ronald L. Clark. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Council, the Art Club, the Drama Club, and the school Beautification Club. She is a member of the Community Service Department at West Bank United Seventh Day Adventist Church, and she has volunteered many hours at the New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter. Christen was a member of the volleyball team for three years, and received an award for Best Sportsmanship. The prestigious St. Katharine Drexel Award for Christian womanhood and Use of Talents in Service to Others was presented to Christen during the Honors Night Ceremony.
    Christen was accepted into 16 universities and was offered over $935,000 in college scholarships. She has opted to attend Tulane University in the fall where she will pursue a double major in Biology and Health/Wellness.
     Layla Johnson is the daughter of Ms. Matanya Joseph of New Orleans.   She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Council, and the Dance Team. As a member of the Bee Believers she assisted with setting up the altar and organizing the monthly liturgies for the school. She often participated in these Masses as a liturgical dancer. Layla received the St. Francis Xavier Award for Outstanding School Spirit and Service to Others, the Knights of Columbus Award for Christ-like behavior, and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Award for Eucharistic spirit and Profound Understanding of the Mission and Values of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
      Layla was accepted into 12 universities and was offered over $400,000 in college scholarships. She has opted to attend Loyola University in the fall where she will major in Psychology. She plans to become a neuropsychologist.
     Salutatorian is Jayda J. Jones, the daughter of Ms. Jasmine Jones of Waggaman..   She was a member of the National Honor Society, served on the Student Council as a class representative for three years and served as president in her senior year. She was also the senior class president. At the Honors Night Ceremony, she was presented with the Ann D. Zanders Award for Service and Leadership.
    Jayda will attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she will major in Interior Design, hoping someday to use her talents to design floor plans and to decorate the interior of homes and offices.
     Also graduating with honors is Tristan M. Barconey.
    Remaining graduates are: Elyanna S. Bell, Demi Collins, Taylor A. Davis, Nia D. Dickerson, Tia T. Ellis, Kiylar C. Gray, Jalyn M. Jones, Rachael L. Jones, Kiara T. Joseph, Haile B. Warner, and Jasmine I. Wright.
   In total, this small class garnered over $2,000,000 in college scholarships.