May 22, 2009

To All Members of the Holy Cross Family

As another school year at our new home draws to a close, I am in awe of our blessings and all that has been accomplished.

Reflecting back, we began in August with 625 students – our largest enrollment in three years. In October we hosted the largest audience in the history of our school for Open House. In December, in very unusual weather for New Orleans, our students delightfully built snowmen under the Oaks! February brought more great news – our Board of Directors unanimously approved construction of a new 80,000 square foot student center, slated for completion in the fall of 2010. This beautiful facility will feature a two-story atrium with a 2,000 seat arena, athletic complex, music complex, and our Tiger Café. Our highly successful annual Gold and Blue Gala topped off the month of April, and in May we proudly welcomed 66 graduates as our newest alumni.

This small class has distinguished themselves by earning over $1.4 million in scholarships - quite an impressive accomplishment. And, because of Hurricane Katrina, these young men further distinguished themselves by attending their four years of high school at Holy Cross in an unprecedented five different locations.

Richard Bach, the American writer who became widely known for his best-seller Jonathan Livingston Seagull wrote, “The bond that links your true family is not of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof.” May the sense of family and brotherhood, and the bonds of friendship and kinship that united this graduating class link them forever to the Holy Cross family.

Looking forward, we are happy to continue the tradition of summer camp for boys and girls. In August we look forward, with great anticipation, to welcoming 775 students into our brand new state-of-the-art middle school and high school buildings.

What we have accomplished is a miracle through the intercession of our beloved founder, Blessed Father Basil Moreau. I thank the faculty and staff for the outstanding job they have done in transforming our temporary “modular units” into a stimulating learning environment in which to educate and enhance the lives of our young men.

I would like to wish the entire Holy Cross family – students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends – a safe and relaxing summer.

GO TIGERS! 

Sincerely,

Headmaster
Charles J. DiGange '64