Seniors travel to new orleans
New Orleans, LA – Lacordaire Academy’s Upper School senior class recently lived and worked with Common Ground Relief (CGR), a nonprofit organization based in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward. Founded in 2005 in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, CGR continues to support the community through environmental restoration, social justice initiatives, and local outreach programs. The volunteers stayed in one of the only three houses in the neighborhood that survived the storm.
CGR's current efforts focus on wetlands reforestation, environmental justice, community partnerships, and maintaining a neighborhood food pantry. The nonprofit’s mission aligns with the Dominican value of caring for God’s Creation, which was at the heart of the volunteers’ work.
During their time in New Orleans, the students engaged in several environmental and community service projects, including planting 314 bald cypress trees in Bayou Bienvenue, relocating 1,200 iris plants to protect them from disease and pollution, and assisting at the local food pantry to provide essential supplies to families in need.
In addition to their service work, the students participated in educational and cultural experiences that deepened their understanding of New Orleans' rich history and vibrant traditions. They visited the TEP Center, located in McDonogh 19, the first New Orleans public school to be racially integrated in 1960. The visit shed light on the courage of three six-year-old Black girls who faced hostility as they entered the all-white school under the protection of U.S. Marshals.
The group also explored the Presbytère Museum, which houses exhibits on Hurricane Katrina and the city’s famed Mardi Gras celebrations. They immersed themselves in New Orleans culture by joining a West African drum circle at Congo Square, where enslaved Africans once gathered to preserve their heritage through music and dance. The volunteers also participated in a traditional Second Line Parade, led by the social club Ladies and Men of Unity, where a jazz band and a designated "King" led a joyful procession through the streets.
Rounding out their experience, they visited iconic New Orleans landmarks such as City Park, the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the Aquarium. Their culinary adventures included tasting local delicacies like beignets, gumbo, jambalaya, King Cake, and an abundance of fresh seafood.
Through their service and cultural immersion, our students gained a deeper appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the New Orleans community. Their work with Common Ground Relief not only helped restore the environment but also reinforced the importance of unity and compassion in rebuilding communities.