Recognizing Arden Cahill Academy, A Prominent Institution of Learning in Louisiana

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a prominent institution of learning located in Louisiana's Second Congressional District, which I am so proud to represent. Arden Cahill Academy was founded in 1968 by Arden and Harry Cahill as a private academy dedicated to the interest of early childhood education. As the Head Mistress of the academy, Mrs. Cahill chose, Mrs. Diana Wright, Mrs. Joy Vickery, Mrs. Dolly Stakelum, Mrs. Patricia McMullen, and Mrs. Marjorie Snyder as members of the original faculty. Each of these ladies contributed greatly to the creation and formation of the philosophy of the academy.

The history of events leading up to their decision to start a school is significant because Mrs. Cahill's prior teaching experiences greatly influenced the vision that she had for Arden Cahill Academy. Mr. and Mrs. Cahill's interest was to establish a school where the focus would be on the whole child. The school's philosophy is ``to create a wholesome environment for learning where each child may grow and mature intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and morally to the best of his ability. It is the hope that through the good example and guidance of dedicated teachers each child will be encouraged to develop strength, confidence, and love for his fellow man and inspired to seek truth and knowledge.''

Inspired and encouraged by the successful progress and development of the first group of students, Mrs. Cahill made the decision to expand the program and continue the process of education by adding one grade each year within the elementary school. The first eighth grade graduation was held at Lakewood Country Club in May 1977.

The original school campus consisted of one building on a two-acre site and later became the administrative office building. Buildings and classrooms were added yearly to accommodate the growing enrollment. The buildings were designed to house preschool, kindergarten, and elementary classes in separate quarters with special areas for library, art, music, and drama. Arden Cahill Academy's expansion did not only include classrooms, but they also provided a rich experience for their students by adding two swimming pools and an outdoor basketball court.

From the very beginning, it was Mrs. Cahill's desire to provide an airy country environment where children could discover and enjoy God's natural gifts while also pursuing knowledge. In 1976, a ten-acre tract of land was acquired for the purpose of building a new school. Riding stables and a country farmyard were added to the property in the summer of 1976 for use in the summer camp program and to offer horseback riding as an extra-curricular activity during the regular school year. In 1982, Jefferson Parish expropriated the property to build the Boudreaux Elementary School. Soon after, a twelve-acre tract in Lake Timberlane Estates was purchased for the new school site. In 1985, stables and an equestrian arena were erected on the rear of the property, Bayou Stables, as it is now called, was used for summer camp and extracurricular horseback riding lessons.

In 1986, construction began on two of the five buildings that comprised the master plan. These buildings were designed to provide a facility that would complement the academy's curriculum of academic excellence and cultural enrichment to finally bring the Cahill's vision to life. The buildings situated on Wall Boulevard along Bayou Fatma included classrooms, a library, a dining room, an art studio, a music room, a 300-seat theatre, a gymnasium, and a junior Olympic swimming pool. In September 1988, the first class of students from nursery through the eighth grade entered the Wall Boulevard campus while the school on Farragut Street continued with an infant and early childhood program. The first graduation on the Wall Boulevard Campus was held on May 19, 1989. In the summer of 1990, Building B, an 8-classroom building, was constructed to house the nursery and preschool making it possible to add additional sections in the lower school. In September of 1995, the foundation was poured for a 16,000 square foot, two story building which was occupied in March of 1996. The new building includes 14 classrooms, a state-of-the-art science lab, a technologically advanced computer lab, and academic offices.

I am humbled to virtually deliver the keynote address to Arden Cahill's first high school graduation. I am equally humbled that my great-nephew Cameron Smith is a member of this year's graduating class. My nephews, Cameron and Larry both attended Arden Cahill in the most difficult times of their life. After the sudden passing of their father, Larry Smith, their mother, China Carter Smith went into Kidney Failure and had to begin dialysis treatment, while also dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic and battling Cancer. My niece, China and Mrs. E Arden Cahill both transitioned in 2021. Mrs. Cahill, after a long battle with Alzheimer's passed away on July 15, 2021. Exactly 4 months later our sweet China passed away on November 15, 2021. The founders' vision to create a school with an intimate setting to incorporate nature and natural environments and the arts into an educational experience was so important for both Cameron and Larry's educational experience and personal development. Today, there are 9 seniors graduating. I know this is a hallmark event for them, and for Cameron and our family in many ways.

The Board of Directors of Arden Cahill Academy is comprised of Mr. and Mrs. Cahill's children, Harry ``Chip'' Cahill, III, Jack Cahill, Mary Kevin Cahill, Kelly Cahill, and Chris Cahill. Carrying on their parents' legacy, they remain dedicated to providing the Westbank with an exceptional school for years to come. After more than 50 years of educating children on the Westbank and the surrounding areas of the city, the Cahill family is excited about the expansion plans and looks forward to continuing the mission to uphold the standards that Mr. and Mrs. Cahill established, thus forever keeping their dream alive. I know that this school will be an important fixture in the lives of many to come, as it has been for my nephews and my family.

I am so blessed and grateful to have this opportunity and to extend my great-nephew, along with his classmates, well wishes for a successful and bright future. My prayer and dream are that each member of this class continue to make us proud. And extreme well wishes to Arden Cahill Academy, as they continue to change the lives of those they educate, the future leaders of this great country. God Bless them and their path.

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