Gulf Pine Catholic • March 13, 2026 19 BAY ST. LOUIS -- Our Lady Academy proudly announces that its varsity basketball team has captured the District Championship for the first time in Our Lady Academy 2025-2026 Basketball team after winning the District Championship Our Lady Academy basketball wins first District Championship in school history BAY ST. LOUIS -- Our Lady Academy is proud to announce that senior Elizabeth Simpson has been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. Elizabeth earned this distinction after achieving an exceptional score on the PSAT/NMSQT and meeting rigorous academic standards set by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Finalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and are recognized for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. “Elizabeth’s recognition as a National Merit Finalist reflects her unwavering dedication to academic excellence and her commitment to personal growth,” said Assistant Principal Leigh Chapman. “She exemplifies the intellectual curiosity, faith, and leadership we strive to cultivate in all of our students.” Throughout her time at Our Lady Academy, Elizabeth has distinguished herself through her academic achievements, involvement in extracurricular activities, and service to the community. As a finalist, she is now eligible to compete for National Merit Scholarships, which will be awarded this spring. The National Merit Scholarship Program, conducted by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, honors students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise. Finalists are selected based on their academic record, PSAT/NMSQT scores, leadership abilities, extracurricular involvement, and a recommendation from their school. Our Lady Academy congratulates Elizabeth on this remarkable accomplishment and celebrates the dedication, perseverance, and excellence that earned her this national recognition. National Merit Finalist, Elizabeth Simpson Our Lady Academy Senior Elizabeth Simpson named National Merit Finalist school history, marking a milestone achievement for the program and the entire OLA community. With determination, discipline, and unwavering teamwork throughout the season, the Lady Crescents secured the district title with a decisive 58-46 victory over St. Patrick Catholic High School in the championship game. The historic win reflects months of hard work and commitment from the student-athletes and coaching staff, along with the steadfast support of families, faculty, and fans. “This is an incredible moment for Our Lady Academy,” said Assistant Principal Leigh Chapman. “Our players have worked tirelessly, and this team has set a new standard of excellence for our basketball program.” Head Coach Bill Henley credited the team’s achievement to both their performance on the court and the character they displayed all season. “The accomplishments of the 2025-2026 OLA Varsity Basketball team -- including players, coaches, parents, and administration -- has catapulted our program to the next level in terms of success and expectation,” Henley said. “Future teams will look back at this team as a starting point. I couldn’t be more proud of this team and how they have represented Our Lady Academy.” As District Champions, Our Lady Academy now turns its focus to the upcoming playoffs, carrying forward the confidence, unity, and pride forged through this groundbreaking season. Holy Trinity Parish Knights of Columbus Council #11995 Lenten fish fry Knights of Columbus Council #11995 Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church are frying catfish for their annual weekly Lenten Fish Fry February 20. Pictured, l-r: Cat Aguda, David Stritzel, Larry McKay, Jacob Higdon, Sterling Holliman and Wesley Walk. The Mary, Gate of Heaven Carmelite Community, which meets at St. Alphonsus church in Ocean Springs, installed a new director, Mocky Van Thiel, at their January meeting which was presided over by the Regional Director from New Orleans, Tina Bonilla. Mary, Gate of Heaven Carmelite Community, St. Alponsus Parish, Ocean Springs, installs new director
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzEwNTM=