Nearly 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 Tuesday, November 14th, coinciding with the joyful day the schools reopened after Hurricane Katrina, the breakfast was a celebration of food, music, camaraderie, and thanksgiving.

Chalmette High School seniors Ava Gagliano and Ethan Nata served as the narrators for the program which included performances by the CHS Talented Music Program, the CHS Voices, and a number of videos ranging from touching to comedic, starring a number of elected officials and community leaders. 

In her remarks Superintendent Voitier highlighted the spirit of unity in the community and the district’s theme of legacy.  “We are trying to reach each child, each day and have them reach their fullest potential. But if we continue to work together, just as the flowers in the spring, so too will our children bloom and grow. And to me that could be the most important legacy of all.”

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.

“One constant that supersedes all others is the need for good teachers and good schools. And having the trust and support of the community is vital to those efforts.”

The challenges and achievements of the district over the years was also highlighted in this year’s Quality Report, a sort of yearbook for the school system, providing a comprehensive understanding of the scope and accomplishments of the St. Bernard Parish Public School System.

Guests in attendance also received a gift from the students of Chalmette High School, a blank journal and an invitation to write their own legacy. 

As 12th grader Ethan Nata explained, “For many of you, your legacy of service and commitment is well established and secured. But for us, our legacy awaits, so we close out our program with the promise of finding the words to complete our journey and to help create a legacy that for now is unwritten.”

The event concluded on a high note - a spirited rendition of the song “Unwritten”, performed by the members of the school chorus.