Sacred Heart Award Spotlight
Thomas "Tommy" Capella
St. Philippine Duchesne Award Winner 

Thomas "Tommy" Capella began his involvement with Sacred Heart as a parent when he chaired Dads on Duty from the 2010-11 until the 2015-16 school year. During this time, Tommy could be seen in the Mater Campus carpool line sporting a wide array of his famous seasonal costumes bringing bright smiles to the students. 

Additionally, he served as an at-large member of the Father’s Club Board from 2015-2018. Tommy also spent many years calling Bingo for the Alumnae Association Back to School Bash, working booths at Congé Family Fest, grilling food at Athletic events, volunteering in the Mardi Gras trailer, and he continues to make a guest appearance at Caroling in the Courtyard as Santa Claus and Rudolph. 

Tommy has practiced law for 31 years. He was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2001, the Jefferson Parish Council in 2003 and Tax Assessor of Jefferson Parish in 2011, a position he currently holds.

Thomas Capella serves on the board of directors of St. Michael Special School, The Fore Kids Foundation, The Team Gleason Foundation, Joey’s Hope NOLA and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. 

Thomas Capella is the tenth child of the late Bernard J. and Lillian Capella. He attended Jesuit High School and received a Bachelor of Science in management from the A.B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University. He also received Juris Doctor from Tulane Law School.Thomas is married to the former Stephanie Blanke (ASH 1989) and has two daughters: Sophie (ASH 2018) and Eliza (ASH 2024).