This column, written by Michael Burke, was originally printed in the Times-Picayune on Aug. 19, 2012.
Welcome to the 2012-13 school year – the second year of our second century of Lasallian education and traditions. A year Saint Paul’s will strive to improve upon the 101 years of academic, athletic, and extracurricular excellence.On Wednesday, Aug. 8, school started with Book Day, a day for the reunions of old classmates, the greetings of prepared teachers, and the makings of new friends. This mandatory day of school allowed the students to get their ID cards, photos, school uniforms, spirit shirts, PE uniforms, and yearbooks before the first day of classes began on Aug. 9. The Student Hosts, led by Public Relations Director, Karen Hebert, assisted the eighth graders in finding their classes and explaining the daily routine of Saint Paul’s life. Thanks to the Mothers Club for working so tirelessly in the campus book store throughout all of Book Day.
The Lasallian Youth Leaders, led by English teacher and Moderator, Myrle Wiggins, organized the first ever Eighth Grade Orientation held on Fri., Aug. 3. Approximately 140 eighth graders attended this strictly optional session and gained an upper hand on their absent classmates. Twenty-one junior and senior group leaders conducted small and large group activities designed to introduce the new students into the great Brotherhood of Saint Paul’s. They participated in ice breakers and meet-someone-new games, sang the fight song, learned their schedules, and prayed the daily prayers of school. The Lasallian Youth Leaders wanted to stress to the eighth graders that Lasallians possess a special bond: a bond that transforms them into brothers. At the end of the orientation during a large group reflection, senior Wesley Tate summarized this relationship the best. “In my time of need, my brothers were there for me…that’s what Saint Paul’s is all about. These guys sitting next to you are no longer your classmates but your brothers; trust them, rely on them, love them, because, when you need them the most, they will be there for you.”
On Sun., Aug. 12, the Mothers’ Club welcomed the new students’ mothers with the New Mother’s Tea in the cafeteria. This afternoon gathering gave the new moms an opportunity to explore the campus and become a part of the Saint Paul’s family. The current members of the Mother’s Club discussed the many activities that they hold and extended an invitation for all mothers, new and old, to the club.
The Fighting Football Wolves journeyed to East Jefferson High School to compete on the gridiron on Fri., Aug. 10. In a scrimmage game, the Wolves, led by senior quarterback Collin D’Angelo, won convincingly, 21-7. Strengthened by junior Marcus Gaines’s and senior Trevor Hartmann’s running touchdowns, the Wolves showcased their talents in an exemplary fashion. Looking forward to the beginning of the season, Collin D’Angelo said, “We need to keep playing with this high intensity and keep playing the game we know how to play no matter who we face. We have one of the hardest schedules in the metro area this year so we are thrilled for three quality pre-district games and especially the week two game in the Super Dome. Coach Sears always tells us we cannot just settle for good days; we have to keep getting better each day.” The Football Wolves begin the season against Karr at Hunter Stadium on Aug. 31; district play begins on Sept. 21, against Covington at Hunter Stadium.
The Paper Wolf 