Ascension Celebrates a Year of Growth, Excellence, and Service at 2025 End of School Convocation

5/22/2025

Ascension Episcopal School

Youngsville, LA — On May 16, the Ascension Episcopal School community gathered for its annual End of School Convocation—a heartfelt celebration marking the end of a transformative academic year. Held at the Sugar Mill Pond Campus, this all-school event brought together students, faculty, and families from the preschool, lower/middle, and upper school divisions to reflect on milestones, honor exceptional achievements, and affirm the school’s deep-rooted values.

Rooted in Faith, Growing in Strength

Inspired by this year’s guiding verses, Jeremiah 17:7-8, Head of School Jeff Pinnow reminded students of the strength that comes from faith and perseverance. “Like trees planted by water,” he said, “our students have shown resilience, compassion, and a commitment to excellence throughout the year.”

Academic Excellence and Prestigious Honors

The Upper School recognized a graduating class of 58 students, with remarkable achievements:

Nine seniors earned a 30 or higher on the ACT.
86% of graduates received college scholarships.
Senior Luke Curry was named a Stamps Scholar, one of the nation’s most prestigious merit-based scholarships.
Valedictorian Josie Bourgeois was a semifinalist for the Parks Scholarship at NC State.
Juniors Tre Bishop and Spencer Howat earned high honors through leadership programs and selective academic opportunities like the Ochsner STAR program.

The school also celebrated student success in writing, including:

Martha Odom (1st), Graycen Daly (2nd), and Railey Robinson (3rd) in the Writes of Spring Competition.

Artistic Achievements

The cast of Matilda the Musical and the Upper School play The Game’s Afoot wowed audiences with sold-out performances.
Visual artists like Ella Grace Hebert had work selected for the LSU Statewide Juried Exhibition.
Student band The Slackers, including Gavin Stewart and Luke Falgout, were invited to perform at Festival International.

Champions On and Off the Field

Four students were crowned individual state champions:
- Brook Gill (Swimming)
- McAllister Morrow (Tennis)
- Noah Chauvin (Golf)
- Bella Biggerstaff (Track)
Four teams claimed district championships: Boys Soccer, Baseball, Girls Track, and Boys Track.
The Boys Soccer team made school history by competing in the state title game.
Our Blue Gator Golf team won a regional championship and, for the 7th time, took home the state championship.
The Gator Jazz dance team won a national title, and the Ascension Cheer earned national accolades.
Seven seniors signed to compete at the collegiate level, including athletes in baseball, golf, swim, tennis, and dance.

Leadership, Character, and Service

Two standout juniors received the Walker Vincent Memorial Scholarship, honoring students who “Live Like Walker”:

Lauren Roth
Andre Abshire

The Gretchen Vincent Service Award was presented to Christy Singleton, recognized for over 15 years of quiet, tireless volunteerism, especially her leadership with the football program and PTO.

Faculty Milestones

Faculty and staff were honored for their dedication to Ascension:

10-Year Service: Taylor Ducote, Kaedron Hall, Neekee Hall, Amy Marter, Kim St. Germain, Liz Tremblay
20-Year Service: Monica Tauzin, Rachel Delcambre
30-Year Service: Coach Larry Sciambra, who will be honored with a commemorative brick at the Downtown Campus.

The Melinda Mangham Excellence in Teaching Award was awarded to Mr. Shome Dasgupta, a beloved educator known for his thoughtful teaching and servant-hearted leadership.

A Joyful Send-Off

The convocation closed with a prayer, music, and blessings for a restful summer. As students and faculty part ways for the season, one thing is certain: the spirit of Ascension—gentle, generous, truthful, kind, and brave—continues to grow stronger with every passing year.

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