FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Alexis Pritchard

Date: 11/14/2022

Phone: 504-301-2000

Email: alexis.pritchard@sbpsb.org 

Day of Reflection Returns with the Theme of Gratitude

Chalmette, LA - Over 400 community members and leaders recently joined the St. Bernard Parish Public School System to celebrate the district’s annual Day of Reflection Breakfast. Held on Monday, November 14th, coinciding with the joyful day the schools reopened after Hurricane Katrina, the gratitude breakfast was a celebration of food, music, camaraderie, and thanksgiving.

CHS seniors Coby Barrow and Abigail Coker served as the narrators for the program which included performances by the CHS Jazz Quartet, the CHS Voices, and a number of videos ranging from the powerful and poignant to the fast and funny. Special guest, Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, John L. Weimer also provided brief remarks about his experience and affinity for the people of St. Bernard Parish, while Superintendent Voitier highlighted the spirit of unity in the community. 

Voitier also took time to recognize two outstanding and unheralded people in the school system — Carole Mundt and Brenda Brown. She called them invaluable for their contributions to the children and to the district of St. Bernard. 

“These two are truly caring and compassionate and have been there for others in a time of need. They exemplify commitment and excellence to our schools and community, and we are very honored to have them as colleagues and friends,” Voitier said. 

Voitier also used her time on stage to thank the community and the school’s extended family for its trust and support over the years, especially following the devastation of Katrina.

“Our Unified School represented every public, private, and parochial school in St. Bernard Parish that all came together to begin again,” she recounted. “At a time, when people felt hopeless, our school gave them hope. When everyone’s world was turned upside down, our school provided some normalcy. At a time when many of us felt forgotten, our school was a reminder of resilience and strength. We continue to call on that strength each day to provide the very best to all of the children in our care.”

The challenges and achievements of the district over the years was also highlighted in this year’s Quality Report, unveiled during the Breakfast. Appropriately titled Reflections, the report provides a comprehensive understanding of the scope and accomplishments of the St. Bernard Parish Public School System. 

Each guest in attendance also received a gift from the students of Chalmette High School, a coaster engraved with the district's gratitude logo. Printed on slate, the gift symbolizes the strength of the school system and its appreciation for the people, the programs, and the partnerships that make it such a strong one. 

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