LAPLACE – At St. Charles Catholic High School, religion teacher and campus minister Jesse Martin

teaches his students that when tragedy hits despair can set in for many, but it is truly an opportunity for greater love and service to take place.

St. Charles Catholic High School links academics to service learning by involving students in helping to determine and meet real, defined community needs. Student action made a difference to many in our community these past few weeks as SCC students worked face to face with those who needed assistance cleaning their homes.  

Over 100 students and faculty members were already engaged in cleaning flood debris from the homes of family, friends, and neighbors before St. Charles Catholic High School sent out a call to all SCC students to help those in the need. After the schoolwide call, organized volunteer groups from SCC worked for three days in homes of SCC students, alumni and SCC grandparents. Groups were led by Assistant Principals Doug Triche and Jeff Montz and teachers Jesse Martin and Ron Courtade.  

“The students were generous and enthusiastic in the service of those in need during this challenging time after Hurricane Isaac,” said Doug Triche, the school’s assistant principal. He also commented that, “though tragic, it is times like this that the faith and love of the people in the River Parishes shines through to warm the hearts of all.”  

One of the homes where the students assisted was the home of Olivia Alexis who is a freshman at SCC. Her mother shared that the students’ laughter and “spirit” brought joy to her and really helped her through this tough time. Likewise, Robbie Tomeny, grandmother of SCC students, referred to the teacher and groups of students who assisted her in her home as “angels.”