ALUMNI OF THE YEAR

The Vandebilt Catholic Alumnus of the Year award was founded to honor those with outstanding achievements, accomplishments, service and/or dedication to the school. In 2022, the school adopted a new nomination and selection process to further preserve, strengthen, and honor Vandebilt Catholic. The hope is that those selected as alumnus/a of the year will provide current students, staff, and community members with positive examples of the best that Vandebilt Catholic has to offer.


The Alumnus of the Year Award is given to a St. Francis de Sales High School, Houma Central Catholic High, or Vandebilt Catholic High School graduate who, through their outstanding achievements in their spiritual, professional, and civic life, have brought honor to themselves and Vandebilt Catholic, and whose contributions have had a broad and positive impact on others.


Nominations for 2025 are now closed. Our Alumnus of the Year will be celebrated at our President's Banquet in May.




2025 ALUMNA OF THE YEAR

Mrs. Ann Meche_25 VCHS Alumna of the Year

On May 30, 2025 during the VCHS President's Banquet, Mrs. Ann Buckel Meche '80 was honored as our 2025 Alumnus of the Year.


Ann Buckel Meche, Class of 1980, is a shining example of what it means to live out the mission of Vandebilt Catholic High School. As an alumna, former parent, board member, and dedicated supporter, Ann’s enduring relationship with the school is built on a foundation of faith, family, and a deep commitment to Catholic education.


During her time as a student, Ann was involved in student council, a member of the flags, the 1979-80 Basketball Sweetheart, and a member of the Homecoming and Spirit Courts. She was also on the track team.


Ann’s own story is rooted in sacrifice and tradition. Raised by a single mother who prioritized Catholic education, Ann and her sisters attended Vandebilt—a legacy she and her husband, fellow 1980 graduate Kirk Meche, proudly continued with their own sons, Michael (VCHS Class of 2006) and Matthew ‘09. She believes Vandebilt played a key role in shaping the men they’ve become.


Ann’s dedication to the school continues through service. She is a member of the Consultative School Board, and oversees the finances for the school. She was briefly employed by Vandebilt during the time after Hurricane Katrina, when the school took in over 200 displaced students. Ann stepped up to handle the accounting and the regulatory reporting for these children. For Ann, this was a poignant moment to observe the compassion of the Terrier nation in how they welcomed the students and made them a part of the school.


Continuing to be involved at Vandebilt is one of the greatest honors Ann feels she can give back. To her, the rewards of being involved with Vandebilt far outweigh the effort. It’s vital to the strength and future of the school that both past and future generations continue to recognize the gifts this school provides its students.


Ann encourages other alumni and families to get involved—whether through volunteering, financial support, or simply showing up. It takes pressure off the academic staff and allows them to focus on what they do best: teaching. That kind of support strengthens the entire school community. It builds unity–and with unity comes strength. It is this strength that will build the foundation that will continue to hold Vandebilt Catholic for

decades to come.

ALUM OF THE YEAR - PAST RECIPIENTS

Year and Name
1977 Mr. Conrad Picou, Jr. ’60
1978 Mr. David Keife ’67
1979 Mr. Peter Broussard ’60
1980 Dr. Bobby Haydel ’57
1981 Mr. Ray Marcello ’40
1982 Mr. Ronnie Haydel ’54
1983 Mr. Lou Gehrig Burnett ’59
1984 Mr. John Schoonenberg ’68
1985 Dr. Dickey Haydel ’61
1992 Judge J. Louis Watkins, Jr. ’45
1993 Mr. Martin Folse ’78
1994 Dr. Walter Benoit Comeaux, Jr. ’39
1995 Dr. Connie Lirette Casente, RN ’58
1996 Ms. Leslie Johnson Van Osdale ’56
1997 Rev. Msgr. Philip Whitney ’39
1998 Ms. Glenny Lee Castagnos Buquet ’54
1999 Mr. Eddie Pullaro ’61
2000 Ms. Tracy Duplantis ’23
2001 Ms. Marian Hamilton ’72
Year and Name
2002 Mrs. Shirley Rome Watkins ’45
2003 Mr. Leslie Daigle ’53

2004 Judge Randy Bethancourt ’71, Mr. Ken Watkins ’47

2005   Dr. Ann Barker ’55

2006    Fr. Jay Baker ’79

2007    Dr. Leo Hebert ’58

2008    Mrs. Alexis and Mr. Berwick Duval ’73

2009    Dr. John “Jay” Clune ’82

2010    Rev. Glenn LeCompte ’76

2011    Dr. Michelle Simon ’82

2012    Mrs. Phyllis Peoples ’80

2013    Mrs. Laurie Calhoun Robichaux ’84

2014    Mr. Philip “Phe” McMahon ’83

2015    Father André Melancon ’02

2016    Mr. Robért LeBlanc ‘95

2017    Sister Renee Daigle '81

2018    Mrs. Kerry Clune Diebold '86

2019    Mr. Steven Crispino '84

2020    Brother Barry Landry S.C. '83

2021    Mr. Logan "Hank" Babin, III '88

2022    Dr. David Fakier '78 & Mrs. Laura Fakier '78

2023     Mr. Tanner Magee '98

2024     Dr. Brian Parker '98