Vandebilt Catholic High School

Infobox Secondary school
name = Vandebilt Catholic High School
established =
motto =
type = Private
affiliation = Roman Catholic
grades = 8 - 12
students =
address = 209 S. Hollywood Road
city = Houma
state = Louisiana
country = U.S.A.
founder =
president = Mr. David Keife
principal = Mr. James Reiss
mascot = Fightin' Terriers
colors =
website = http://www.vandebiltcatholic.org/

Vandebilt Catholic High School, located in Houma, Louisiana was founded by the Marianite Sisters of Holy Cross in 1870 (as St. Francis de Sales High School until 1965 and later Houma Central Catholic High School until 1966) and continued by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, is a diocesan co-educational institution for grades 8-12 in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux (Louisiana). The school is committed to spiritual formation and academic excellence in an environment rooted in Catholic values and in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Vandebilt primarily serves Catholic students of Terrebonne Parish in a caring and orderly atmosphere. A college preparatory curriculum is offered as the school stresses a personal approach to the education of the whole student through diverse academic, athletic, and co-curricular programs.

Vandebilt Catholic was named after Father August Vandebilt (November 10, 1866- April 7, 1938), who was born in the Netherlands. He was ordained into the priesthood at the American College of Louvain on June 29, 1890. Father Vandebilt died in his position as pastor of the Church of St. Francis de Sales in Houma, Louisiana.

Houma Central Catholic High School was named in honor of Father Vandebilt on March 27, 1966.

Academics

The success of Vandebilt's academic focus can be measured in the fact that the school's average composite scores on standardized tests have consistently been well above state and national averages. Vandebilt students also win among the highest number of medals of all participating schools at the district literary rally. To accommodate those students with learning differences, an innovative resource program for dyslexic students was established in 1990. Use of multi-sensory teaching techniques captured the attention of the National Catholic Educational Association's journal Momentum and of Today's Catholic Teacher magazine. The latter publication chose to honor Vandebilt as one of the twenty-five most innovative Catholic schools in the nation for the past twenty-five years. The desirability of a Vandebilt education is measurable in the extent of the growth of enrollment, which is approaching one thousand.

Mascot

The mascot of Vandebilt Catholic High School is the Boston Terrier (by appearance), though known as the "Fightin' Terriers."

Alma Mater

:To thee our Alma Mater:We raise our colors high:To sing of Terrier triumphs:As the blue and gold march by.

:The faith we've learned:We'll always keep:With loyal pride in thee.:Thy love and truth, O Vandebilt:Will live in memory.

Music

In 1966, the music program was formed under the direction of Jerry Vauquelain.In 1978, the marching band program was called the Terrier Regiment. Directors included:

: Jerry Vauquelain (1966-74): Joe Billy King (1974-78): David Boudreaux (1978-85,1991): Cindy Collins (1985-87): Marc Unbehagen (1988-1990): James Reiss (1993-96): Brad Adams (1996-2006) : Abby Lyons (2004-2006): Marc Martin (2006-2008) : Kevin Guidry (2008-present) : Steven Wilson (2006-present): Steven Wilson (2006-present)

Noted alumni

*Barry Duplantis, Director of Government Programs, Red Hat/Linux (Class of 1985)
*Tab Benoit, recording artist (Class of 1985)
*Anne Chaisson, film producer (Class of 1985)
*Chuck Bush, actor (Class of 1979)
*Edward Joseph (Joey) Reynolds, II (as Joey Donovan), radio talk show host (Class of 1985), and Founding President, Ad Astra Radio
*Martin Folse, broadcaster (Class of 1978)
*Karl Morgan, American football player, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Oilers, Saskatchewan Roughriders; coach, Alcorn State University (defensive co-ordinator), University of North Alabama (defensive co-ordinator) (Class of 1979)
*Samuel deGeneres, Brigidier General (retired), Louisiana Air National Guard, (Class of 1963)
*HB "Hunt" Downer, Brigidier General (retired), Louisiana Army National Guard, former Speaker of the House, Louisiana House of Representatives (Class of 1964)

References

External links

* [http://www.vandebiltcatholic.org Vandebilt's website]