Chalmette High School
Encyclopedia
Chalmette High School is a high school in the Chalmette
area unincorporated
St. Bernard Parish
, Louisiana
, United States
. It is a part of St. Bernard Parish Public Schools
.Chalmette High School opened in 1954 at the current site of Chalmette Elementary School, previously known as Chalmette Middle School. In 1961, the school moved to the current location on the corner of Palmisano Avenue and Judge Perez Drive
. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina
flooded the school, which was being used as an emergency shelter, along with the rest of the Greater New Orleans area. Chalmette High hosted the St. Bernard Unified School
, before reopening as Chalmette High School for the 2006-2007 school year. In 2009, U.S. News magazine released their rankings of the best high schools in America, based on test scores and other factors. Chalmette earned a bronze medal as one of 39 schools in Louisiana to make the list.
In the fall of 1966, Chalmette High School became an all boys high school. This helped meet the demand of more classrooms to house the ever growing school population. The solution to the problem of having four co-ed high schools was to segregate by sex. This would cut costs drastically since the parish would only have to build and maintain two stadiums instead of four.During the 1968-1969 term, the school's name was officially changed to Chalmette High School. The year 1971 brought construction to Chalmette High. As the school population grew, more space was needed. An addition was built that is still referred to as "the new building."
Chalmette High School has seen only six principals in its 68 years. Wayne Warner has been the leader of this school for the past 30 years. From its inception in 1928 until now, as the school population increased and changed with the times, so did Chalmette High to accommodate growth throughout St. Bernard Parish. The school has evolved to meet the increasing demands of an everchanging society.
state championship, which has never been won in the school's history. The Owls have bounced between districts in their 56 year history, with their longest stay in one district being from 1970–1988, in the famed New Orleans Catholic League
. Due to the closure of St. Bernard and Andrew Jackson High Schools and the re-locations of Archbishop Hannan and Holy Cross, Chalmette became the only High School in St. Bernard Parish
, thus moving the school to class 5A, the highest classification of the LHSAA, for the first time.
The Owls retain a rivalry against Holy Cross from their Catholic League days and have played 41 times in football since 1967, HC leading 27-11-3. Notable meetings include the Owls' first state playoff game in 1967, three straight ties between 1973 and 1975, and a 41-6 defeat of the Tigers in 2003 which set the stage for an undefeated regular season. In 2011, the Owls joined a 5A district consisting of three former Catholic League schools (Rummel, Jesuit, and Brother Martin), and West Jefferson.
, a former quarterback of the Fighting Owl Football Team, led Chalmette to the 1968 state semi-finals and later played for the Denver Broncos
in Super Bowl XII
, held in the Louisiana Superdome
. Ronnie Lamarque is a locally famous automobile dealer. Walter Boasso
is a successful businessman, former state senator
, and a 2007 candidate for governor of Louisiana. Mike Romano
is Chalmette's most recent major league athlete, having pitched three games for the 1999 Toronto Blue Jays
. Jane Boisseau (1963) graduated from NYU law school, was a partner at Dewey and LeBouef law firm in New York City, and was selected one of the USA's Best Lawyers.
Designed by Waggonner & Ball Architects of New Orleans and constructed by Mapp Construction of Baton Rouge, work began in March 2009 and was substantially completed by December. It includes a 7980 square feet (741.4 m²) public library on the first floor, fronting Judge Perez.
In addition to the larger theater, there's a 120-seat technology center that has a large cinema screen. Students can plug in laptops at their seats while listening to lectures. Upstairs, there's a choral room, two practice rooms and an instrumental music ensemble room, each soundproof and equipped with recording equipment. There are two dance studios, one that has the same dimensions as the large theater's stage, thereby providing students with a separate practice space. The large theater is designed with acoustics in the forefront, according to its architect, David Waggonner. It sports a classic proscenium arch, an orchestra pit and a fly loft that will allow students to hoist scenery and lights. A student-run coffee shop will provide concessions during shows.
•TV Production
•Computer Repair
•Game Design
•Future Teachers of America
•Charmers
•Cheerleaders
•Key Club
•CHS Live Drama Club
•Book Chat Club
•Cultural Diversity
•Marching Band
•Distributive Education Club
•Mu Alpha Theta
•Owlettes
•Newspaper
•Future Business Leaders of America
•Pride Platoon
•Science Club
•Future Homemakers of America
•Student Council
•VICA
•Yearbook Staff
The stadium became officially named on November 1, 1991 in a pre-game ceremony. The stadium was named after Bobby Nuss, a longtime Chalmette football coach who died of a heart attack the year prior to the ceremony.
The stadium's former name was Noel Suarez Stadium which is now the name of the Owls' baseball field next door to Bobby Nuss.
Many memorable moments in Chalmette's athletic history have occurred in the stadium. In 2001, the New Orleans' area single game rushing record was broken twice in a three week span, both times at Bobby Nuss. In addition to this accomplishment, the Owls Football Team completed a 10-0 regular season, their first ever and only one to date, in 2003.
Chalmette football has won district championships in 1961, 1968, 1992, 1999, 2002, 2003, and 2004, but has won multiple playoff games once, in 1968, when they made it to the state semifinals.
The stadium was flooded as a result of Hurricane Katrina
, but was repaired in time for the 2006 football season. It will become one of the nicest football facilities in the state of Louisiana for the start of the 2011-2012 season after Chalmette unveils a brand new state of the art fieldhouse. Its reopening was compared to the New Orleans Saints
reopening of the Louisiana Superdome
. For the 2007 football season, artificial turf and a new scoreboard with a messaging board were added. The stadium seats 3,750 on the visitor's side and 4,050 on the home side, with concessions on both sides.
and Glory Road
, as well as commercials featuring Michael Jordan
and Chris Paul
. Chalmette basketball made two Top 28 appearances in 1984 and 1985, and the girls' basketball team was state runner-up in 1991.
Chalmette, Louisiana
Chalmette is a census-designated place in and the parish seat of St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 32,069 at the 2000 census. It is part of the New Orleans–Metairie–Kenner Metropolitan Statistical Area...
area unincorporated
Unincorporated area
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality.To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city, town, or village with its own government. An unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government...
St. Bernard Parish
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
St. Bernard Parish is a parish located southeast of New Orleans in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Chalmette, the largest city in the parish. As of 2000, its population was 67,229. It has been ranked the fastest-growing county in the United States from 2007 to 2008 by the U.S....
, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It is a part of St. Bernard Parish Public Schools
St. Bernard Parish Public Schools
St. Bernard Parish Public Schools is a school district headquartered in unincorporated St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana, United States. The district operates public schools in the parish.-Schools:...
.Chalmette High School opened in 1954 at the current site of Chalmette Elementary School, previously known as Chalmette Middle School. In 1961, the school moved to the current location on the corner of Palmisano Avenue and Judge Perez Drive
Judge Perez Drive
Judge Perez Drive is a major, four-lane thoroughfare located in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. The road was originally named Goodchildren Drive, but was renamed in 1972 for former political boss of St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes, Judge Leander Perez . However, in the late 1990s, St...
. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
flooded the school, which was being used as an emergency shelter, along with the rest of the Greater New Orleans area. Chalmette High hosted the St. Bernard Unified School
St. Bernard Unified School
The St. Bernard Unified School was the K-12 public school in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana for the 2005-2006 school year after Hurricane Katrina hit the Parish directly on August 29, 2005. The school opened in mid-November 2005, less than three months after the devastating floods hit the parish,...
, before reopening as Chalmette High School for the 2006-2007 school year. In 2009, U.S. News magazine released their rankings of the best high schools in America, based on test scores and other factors. Chalmette earned a bronze medal as one of 39 schools in Louisiana to make the list.
History
The history of Chalmette High School began in 1928 with the addition of a freshman class to Meraux Elementary School. It is believed that an additional grade level was added each of three subsequent years until a four year institution could be established. It is interesting to note that prior to 1928, any student wanting a high school diploma had to transfer to an Orleans Parish Public School. Orleans Parish agreed to educate any secondary student from St. Bernard for a nominal annual fee, which was paid by St. Bernard Parish School Board.In the fall of 1966, Chalmette High School became an all boys high school. This helped meet the demand of more classrooms to house the ever growing school population. The solution to the problem of having four co-ed high schools was to segregate by sex. This would cut costs drastically since the parish would only have to build and maintain two stadiums instead of four.During the 1968-1969 term, the school's name was officially changed to Chalmette High School. The year 1971 brought construction to Chalmette High. As the school population grew, more space was needed. An addition was built that is still referred to as "the new building."
Chalmette High School has seen only six principals in its 68 years. Wayne Warner has been the leader of this school for the past 30 years. From its inception in 1928 until now, as the school population increased and changed with the times, so did Chalmette High to accommodate growth throughout St. Bernard Parish. The school has evolved to meet the increasing demands of an everchanging society.
Athletics
Chalmette takes great pride in their athletics program. The athletic programs continue to strive towards achieving the goal of an LHSAALouisiana High School Athletic Association
The Louisiana High School Athletic Association is the agency which regulates and promotes the interscholastic athletic competitions of all high schools in the state of Louisiana.- Organization :...
state championship, which has never been won in the school's history. The Owls have bounced between districts in their 56 year history, with their longest stay in one district being from 1970–1988, in the famed New Orleans Catholic League
New Orleans Catholic League
The Catholic League was a high school sports league in the Greater New Orleans area.The history of the Catholic League can be traced back to 1895, but the first season of the Catholic League as we know it was in 1955...
. Due to the closure of St. Bernard and Andrew Jackson High Schools and the re-locations of Archbishop Hannan and Holy Cross, Chalmette became the only High School in St. Bernard Parish
St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana
St. Bernard Parish is a parish located southeast of New Orleans in the U.S. state of Louisiana. The parish seat is Chalmette, the largest city in the parish. As of 2000, its population was 67,229. It has been ranked the fastest-growing county in the United States from 2007 to 2008 by the U.S....
, thus moving the school to class 5A, the highest classification of the LHSAA, for the first time.
The Owls retain a rivalry against Holy Cross from their Catholic League days and have played 41 times in football since 1967, HC leading 27-11-3. Notable meetings include the Owls' first state playoff game in 1967, three straight ties between 1973 and 1975, and a 41-6 defeat of the Tigers in 2003 which set the stage for an undefeated regular season. In 2011, the Owls joined a 5A district consisting of three former Catholic League schools (Rummel, Jesuit, and Brother Martin), and West Jefferson.
Alumni
There are quite a number of successful people who reign from Chalmette. Norris WeeseNorris Weese
Norris Lee Weese was a star quarterback for Chalmette High School and the University of Mississippi. He had the unenviable task of replacing Mississippi QB legend Archie Manning, but performed quite well despite the big shoes to fill. He played the 1974 season for The Hawaiians in the World...
, a former quarterback of the Fighting Owl Football Team, led Chalmette to the 1968 state semi-finals and later played for the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
in Super Bowl XII
Super Bowl XII
Super Bowl XII was an American football game played on January 15, 1978 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the National Football League champion following the 1977 regular season...
, held in the Louisiana Superdome
Louisiana Superdome
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...
. Ronnie Lamarque is a locally famous automobile dealer. Walter Boasso
Walter Boasso
Walter Joseph Boasso is a wealthy businessman and former Democratic state senator from Chalmette, the seat of St. Bernard Parish in south Louisiana. He was defeated in a bid for governor in the October 20, 2007, jungle primary. Boasso won 47 percent in his own St. Bernard Parish, his sole...
is a successful businessman, former state senator
Louisiana State Legislature
The Louisiana State Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Louisiana. It is bicameral body, comprising the lower house, the Louisiana House of Representatives with 105 representatives, and the upper house, the Louisiana Senate with 39 senators...
, and a 2007 candidate for governor of Louisiana. Mike Romano
Mike Romano
Michael Desport Romano is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for one season. He pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays for three games during the 1999 Toronto Blue Jays season.-External links:...
is Chalmette's most recent major league athlete, having pitched three games for the 1999 Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
. Jane Boisseau (1963) graduated from NYU law school, was a partner at Dewey and LeBouef law firm in New York City, and was selected one of the USA's Best Lawyers.
Cultural Arts Center
A modernist, 90000 square feet (8,361.3 m²) pillared cultural arts building opened at Chalmette High School in 2011. Clad in brick, stainless steel panels and cement plaster, and complete with a glass atrium lobby, the $28.7 million building on East Judge Perez Drive features a 420-seat theater as its centerpiece. It was paid for through FEMA and Community Development Block Grant funds and private donations.Designed by Waggonner & Ball Architects of New Orleans and constructed by Mapp Construction of Baton Rouge, work began in March 2009 and was substantially completed by December. It includes a 7980 square feet (741.4 m²) public library on the first floor, fronting Judge Perez.
In addition to the larger theater, there's a 120-seat technology center that has a large cinema screen. Students can plug in laptops at their seats while listening to lectures. Upstairs, there's a choral room, two practice rooms and an instrumental music ensemble room, each soundproof and equipped with recording equipment. There are two dance studios, one that has the same dimensions as the large theater's stage, thereby providing students with a separate practice space. The large theater is designed with acoustics in the forefront, according to its architect, David Waggonner. It sports a classic proscenium arch, an orchestra pit and a fly loft that will allow students to hoist scenery and lights. A student-run coffee shop will provide concessions during shows.
Ninth Grade Academy
In 2009, construction was completed on a new building across Judge Perez Drive. The complex, across from the main campus, boasts of a 3-story classroom building, a new gymnasium, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a wrestling arena, and a fitness center. The Academy is home to approximately 380 freshmen. The facility was built around research-based practices that recommend 9th-Grade Academies as a way to stem the drop-out tide that seems to hit 9th-graders across the nation. The program divides students into 3 cohorts of about 126 students which are served by the same 6-8 teachers. The school provides tutoring to students during lunch and after school. In addition, students who choose not to complete assignments or who may choose to complete them without a best effort are required to attend tutoring sessions until work is completed. The Chalmette High School Lacoste Campus complex will also house the school's Cultural Arts facility. That building, scheduled for completion in November 2010, will feature a dance studio, music and choral studios, a performance theater, and a 9th-grade library emphasizing cultural arts. The facility will also house a branch of the public library.Extra Curricular Activities
•Japanese Cultural Club•TV Production
•Computer Repair
•Game Design
•Future Teachers of America
•Charmers
•Cheerleaders
•Key Club
•CHS Live Drama Club
•Book Chat Club
•Cultural Diversity
•Marching Band
•Distributive Education Club
•Mu Alpha Theta
•Owlettes
•Newspaper
•Future Business Leaders of America
•Pride Platoon
•Science Club
•Future Homemakers of America
•Student Council
•VICA
•Yearbook Staff
Bobby Nuss Stadium
Bobby Nuss Stadium is Chalmette's Football, Soccer, and Track and Field stadium.The stadium became officially named on November 1, 1991 in a pre-game ceremony. The stadium was named after Bobby Nuss, a longtime Chalmette football coach who died of a heart attack the year prior to the ceremony.
The stadium's former name was Noel Suarez Stadium which is now the name of the Owls' baseball field next door to Bobby Nuss.
Many memorable moments in Chalmette's athletic history have occurred in the stadium. In 2001, the New Orleans' area single game rushing record was broken twice in a three week span, both times at Bobby Nuss. In addition to this accomplishment, the Owls Football Team completed a 10-0 regular season, their first ever and only one to date, in 2003.
Chalmette football has won district championships in 1961, 1968, 1992, 1999, 2002, 2003, and 2004, but has won multiple playoff games once, in 1968, when they made it to the state semifinals.
The stadium was flooded as a result of Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
, but was repaired in time for the 2006 football season. It will become one of the nicest football facilities in the state of Louisiana for the start of the 2011-2012 season after Chalmette unveils a brand new state of the art fieldhouse. Its reopening was compared to the New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
reopening of the Louisiana Superdome
Louisiana Superdome
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...
. For the 2007 football season, artificial turf and a new scoreboard with a messaging board were added. The stadium seats 3,750 on the visitor's side and 4,050 on the home side, with concessions on both sides.
Chalmette High School Original Gym
Voted one of the top ten gyms in the state of Louisiana, Chalmette's gym seats approximately 1100 in wooden chairback seats and was a location for the filming of Hurricane SeasonHurricane Season (film)
Hurricane Season is a sports drama film directed by Tim Story and starring Forest Whitaker, Taraji P. Henson, Lil Wayne, and Bow Wow. The screenplay was written by Robert Eisele and the film was produced by Raymond Brothers and Scott Glassgold...
and Glory Road
Glory Road (film)
Glory Road is an American sports film directed by James Gartner, based on a true story dealing with the events leading to the 1966 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship, in which the late Don Haskins – played by Josh Lucas – head coach of the Texas Western College led a team...
, as well as commercials featuring Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan is a former American professional basketball player, active entrepreneur, and majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats...
and Chris Paul
Chris Paul
Christopher Emmanuel Paul is an American professional basketball point guard for the New Orleans Hornets.Paul was born and raised in North Carolina. Despite only playing two varsity basketball seasons in high school, he was a McDonald's All-American and accepted a scholarship with nearby Wake...
. Chalmette basketball made two Top 28 appearances in 1984 and 1985, and the girls' basketball team was state runner-up in 1991.