Catholic Schools Office Recognizes Excellence in Education at Distinguished Graduate Banquet

On January 27, the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Baton Rouge recognized its students as well as the educator, administrator, and pastor who have excelled in serving their community and living the Gospel values at the 2025 Distinguished Graduates Award Dinner.

The event took place at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge.

Father Reuben Dykes, who is the 2025 Distinguished Catholic School Clergy member, led the opening prayer. Father Dykes is the pastor of Mater Dolorosa Church in Independence and St. Helena Church in Amite.

Dr. Patti Davis, Superintendent of Schools, welcomed attendees by highlighting Pope Francis’ message during a meeting sponsored by the Congregation for Catholic Education in 2020.  

Quoting the Pope, Davis said, “We consider education to be one of the most effective ways of making our world and history more human. Education is above all a matter of love and responsibility handed down from one generation to another. 

(“As we see in this room,) ‘the value of our educational practices will be measured not simply by the results of standardized tests, but by the ability to affect the heart of society and to help give birth to a new culture,’” said Davis.

Bishop Michael G. Duca
Father Reuben Reynolds













She said the pope’s remarks resonate with those involved in Catholic education in the Baton Rouge diocese.

"When we celebrate Catholic education together, our students are called to live out their God-given talents to serve others, developing leadership skills, so that they can make positive contributions to their community and even the world. We do have big expectations, don't we?” Davis said.

She added, “We continue year after year, decade after decade to fulfill our mission in providing quality academics and holistic communities through our faith traditions and formation. This didn’t just happen. We enjoy our prosperity because of the deep commitment from our pastors, from every one of our schools, and from our dedicated benefactors who strive to make this a reality. For this, we are grateful to our parents, grandparents, extended family members, alumni, and community members who dedicate their time, talent, and treasure to the work of Catholic education.”

Dr. Stephen Sanches, the Distinguished Graduate for St. Thomas More School in Baton Rouge, said in his address, “I cannot even imagine where my life would be without my Catholic School journey. St. Thomas More provided me with an unbelievable academic foundation that was well rounded, but also pushed me to excel. The sports and extra curriculars gave me ample time for fun, recreation, and physical development.”

Sanches’ experiences at Catholic High School built upon this foundation through a variety of classes and clubs and an opportunity to serve on the student council and become a member of the National Honor Society.

“This educational foundation was truly the building block that set me up to find success in LSU Medical School, residency, and I’ve come back home to build my practice right where I grew up.”

Yet all of this is far from what defined Sanches’ experiences, he said.

“For me the Catholic School experience is really about the dad who scrambled and persisted, even after all the kindergarten spots were filled, to make sure his son got a chance to get those experiences. It’s also about the principal who listened and said ‘Yes.’

The Catholic Schools were the administration, teachers, guidance department, and school community who wrapped their arms so lovingly around a 7-year-old boy when his mother passed away the summer between second and third grade.”

It was also about priests who “showed their cool side,” as well as school counselors who played ball with the students at recess and taught them life lessons. It was the administrators and Brothers of the Sacred Heart who took him under their wing and gave him sage advice. Seniors looking out after freshmen impacted him as well.

“It's the simple beauty of a teacher telling you they are going to pray for their students and knowing what they mean. In short, the Catholic school experience is really about hearing God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit at the center of this formative educational journey.”

It was these successes that matter most, said Sanches.

Bishop Michael G. Duca pointed out that for Catholic Schools, faith and reason are not in opposition of each other but instead enhance each other. 

“That gives a breath of insight, undSuperintendent of Schools Dr. Patti Daviserstanding, and gifts that come when you approach every student in such a holistic way, a person can truly fully become alive,” said Bishop Duca. 

An education isn’t just between a teacher and a student, but it requires the contributions of an army of supporters, according to Bishop Duca. He thanked the parents for their sacrifices in sending their children to Catholic Schools.

“I see we have a great source of talent, and I have only hopeful and positive feelings about the schools here in the diocese. Thank you all for what you do – thank God for showing us the fruits of our work,” said the bishop.

Read the Distinguished Graduates List