Academy of the Sacred Heart celebrated the 48 members of the Class of 2024 in a graduation ceremony held on May 24 in the front courtyard of the St. Charles Avenue school. Diplomas were presented by Head of School, Micheline Dutil, and Upper School Division Head, Julie Boyd. 

Graham Ralston, Board of Trustees chairman, offered closing remarks and congratulated the seniors on being the 137th graduating class from the Academy of the Sacred Heart. A Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated on May 21st with graduates and their families in the chapel on the Rosary Campus.

Ava Austin McGoey, the daughter of Mr. Patrick McGoey and Dr. Robin "Robin" (McKenney) McGoey, was the valedictorian. During her 16 years at Sacred Heart, Ava was recognized multiple times for her outstanding academic performance and exemplary leadership within both the school and the community.

Ava maintained Highest Honors throughout her high school career. Her academic excellence was highlighted by numerous awards in subjects like English, History, Mathematics, and Computer Science. Ava has been awarded the esteemed Jefferson Scholarship from the University of Virginia. She is also a Presidential Scholarship finalist and a National Merit Finalist. 

In school, she was an active member and leader in various clubs and activities, including the Diversity Club, Yearbook Club, Mock Trial, Student Council, Honor Council and the Finance Club. She was also a Peer Support Leader, exemplifying her dedication to mentoring and supporting her peers.

Her commitment to community service is evident from a mission trip to Nicaragua, where she worked to improve local water infrastructure and engaged with children at a local school. She also spearheaded a major fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, earning the title of Student of the Year for the Gulf Coast region. McGoey will attend the University of Virginia in the fall. 

Katherine Coll Benton, the daughter of Mr. Bush and Charlotte Benton, was the salutatorian. In addition to receiving numerous accolades for academic excellence over her 15 years attending Sacred Heart, Katherine has demonstrated strong leadership qualities, an entrepreneurial spirit and a calling to serve her community.  

Katherine created a baking business, Kat's Cookies, where she managed a blog and Instagram page, donating all proceeds to Doctors Without Borders. She also founded and co-presided over the Sustainability Club, organizing community recycling drives and contributing to her school’s recognition as a Green Ribbon School. Her leadership continued in the National Honor Society, where she coordinated tutoring programs and led meetings and service projects as President.

In addition to her academic and entrepreneurial pursuits, she has been actively involved in student government as a Student Council Representative. Her commitment to community service is highlighted by over 50 hours of volunteering at University Medical Center in New Orleans, where she assisted medical staff and responded to patient alert calls. She also conducted psychiatry research at the LSU School of Medicine, presenting her findings on intergenerational abuse. Benton will attend Washington and Lee University and was the recipient of the McMillan Family University Scholarship.

Also graduating with highest honors were Ava Catherine Arch, Caroline Elizabeth Babin, Ellie Lindsay Mary Bendich, Katherine Coll Benton, Juliet Taney Boyd, Claire Marie Burton, Eliza Jane Capella, Maia Elizabeth Christina, Isabelle Margaret Verloin DeGruy, Holly Britcher DeMarcay, Adelaide Elizabeth Doss, Mia Olivia Dreiling, Elaine Marie Ehrensing, Lucy Abigail Ehrhardt, Maria Ann English, Virginia Elizabeth Gardes, Emma Josephine Gelé, Corinne Lorraine Grace, Lanier Lange Kearney, Reese Noel LaCaze, Katie Margaret Lawton, Isabel Angelina Magnotta, Ava Austin McGoey, Emilie Kyle Saucier, Mary Judith Schmidt

Graduating with high honors were, Ava Camille Dalton, Destiny Hewot Dixon, Eugenie Marie Gibbens, Sarah Ross McKinney, Carolina Antonia Mehaffie, Mary Elise Meyer, Aaliyah Anisse Oro, Mignon Elise Sewell

Graduating with honors, Adeline Grace Chimento, Katherine Margaret Farris, Aimee Colette Landry, Allie Janette Landry, Alene Kathryn Martin, Chloe Louise Maggie Mizgala, Matilda Grace Ramsey

Also graduating, Hannah Marie Bellows Toni Mary Elaine Gagliano, Malina Samara Hull, Cecilia Rose Real, Kate Elizabeth Smith, Ivanna Maria Stevens, Lily Nicole Stone, Addison Kathryn Womac