Catholic schools in New Orleans area honored at stressful time

Published: 2005-10-18

NEW ORLEANS (CNS) -- When Susan Perry, principal of St. Clement of Rome School in Metairie, learned that the U.S. Department of Education had named the school one of its "blue-ribbon schools of excellence," there was no one to share the news with. The selections were announced Sept. 23, as southeast Louisiana was preparing to flee from the approaching Hurricane Rita. "We had closed so the faculty and staff could make their preparations that Friday," Perry told the Clarion Herald, New Orleans archdiocesan newspaper. "When it became clearer that we were going to be spared, I went over to the school to do some work, since I live in the neighborhood. So I just happened to be in the office when the call came -- and I had no one to share it with." St. Clement was one of three schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans to receive the honor this year. The others were Christian Brothers School and Stuart Hall School for Boys, both in New Orleans. The principals were to travel to Washington to receive the awards Nov. 10.

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