Alumni of Xavier Prep kick off Centennial celebration
5th October 2015 · 0 Comments
By Kelly Parker
Contributing Writer
Symbolic of the recent journey of the alumni of Xavier Prep and its efforts to continue their century-old legacy, the gray skies suddenly cleared and the sun emerged last Sunday afternoon just as students, former and present, gathered to officially celebrate the storied institution’s 100th birthday. To commemorate the legacy of St. Katharine Drexel, a second line around the uptown school, a 100- gold & white balloon release and a gathering inside the Drexel Center took place to kick off the centennial celebration, which is slated to include events through the summer of 2016.
In early 2013, the news of the school’s possible closing due to financial challenges sent shock waves through the community.
“It is no wonder that a school with such a proven record of success has stood for 100 years,” Centennial planning committee member Torrie Jakes said. “With rich Catholic values and top-notch academics, Prep is poised to launch another century of African-American success stories.”
Many stories were shared last Sunday; from guest speakers, along with alumni that returned to take part in the celebration and show their “Prep pride.”
“The excitement generated by so many alumni, spanning the 1940’s to 2014 invigorated our current students. There was so much joy, pride and esprit de corp,” says Cheryllyn M. Branche, SKDP Principal and member of the class of 1970. “Our Junior Class President said, ‘It was so joyful to see and meet alumni who had some of the same experiences we are having now.’ We all have such an appreciation for what Saint Katharine Drexel did as foundress of a school for African Americans and Native Americans. She was the first American-born saint; Saint Katharine used her wealth and influence to provide education for underserved populations. It’s a legacy we are proud to continue.”
Operating since 2013 as St. Katharine Drexel Prep, the school maintains the legacy of both St. Katharine Drexel and Xavier University Preparatory School, an 8th-12th grade Catholic, private college preparatory school providing for the holistic development of Christian young women through the blending of spiritual, moral, intellectual, emotional and physical strengths that ensures students are “prepped for life.”
SKDP/XP has served as a staple for African-American women in New Orleans, educating many prominent city leaders and multiple generations of many families in the city.
“We are a legacy family of ‘The Prep’ with the first family member graduating in 1921 and the most recent in 2014,” says Wendy Robinson Frazier, who graduated in 1987.
Currently, Frazier’s daughter and niece are part of the Prep Family and will graduate in 2016.
“The energy that filled the room at Sunday’s Centennial celebration was strong,” she told The Louisiana Weekly. “It was like a family reunion. Meeting old friends/family and making new friends. One of my favorite parts was as we second lined around the school, watching the faces of the neighbors that stood outside to watch us as well as those who joined in with us. This helped me know that they support us and are part of the family as well.”
“It was touching and inspiring because you could feel the energy and pride of the alumni of The Prep and the current students.” Frazier’s daughter, Jillian added.
“I see The Prep as the gift that keeps on giving. It’s Prep’s birthday, but I believe we’re the ones getting the gifts,” says Jane Jupiter Bell, member of the class of 1969.
Bell, too, is a Prep “legacy.”
“My dad finished from the Prep in 1944, and my uncle followed in 1945,” she adds. “When I recall the amazing lives my dad and my uncle have led, I am extremely grateful that my grandparents made such a sacrifice to educate their sons. My turn came in 1969, when I graduated from Prep feeling confident and well equipped to tackle whatever the world had to offer. I see the pattern repeating every May as we release our senior classes to pursue their dreams. I’m proud to be the product of an institution that maintains such a wonderful legacy, and I am honored to be around to participate in this historic Centennial Celebration!”
The school will host special events, fundraisers and community service projects to celebrate and honor an institution that has been a continued example of success, Torrie Jakes said.
Happenings scheduled to take place include a family 5K walk/run, a day of service, a gold & white jazz brunch and a Diner en Blanc affair.
SKDP is asking alumni, students, and other supporters to participate in as many of these events as possible.
“I enjoyed being ‘home,’” Wendy Robinson Frazier says. “There is no reason why we won’t be around for at least 100 more years.”
To learn more about upcoming events or to donate to the Centennial Campaign, visit www.prepcentennial.com or call (504) 899-6061. For more information on volunteer opportunities, email info@prepcentennial.com.
This article originally published in the October 5, 2015 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
