2019 Alumna of the Year

Jo'Leigh Sloane Monteverde '72

Jo’Leigh Sloan Monteverde of the Class of 1972 has been named Alumna of the Year of Cabrini High School for 2019. This award is given annually to an outstanding alumna who has exemplified the teachings of Mother Cabrini and has shown her dedication to Christianity through her interaction with her family, the Cabrini community, and the general community.

When told the news, Monteverde said, “I am extremely grateful for being nominated and then selected as the Cabrini High School Alumna of the Year. It was a total surprise! I don’t know what else to say but just a most sincere thank you. I have enjoyed continuing my journey with Cabrini and this is a lovely highlight of that journey.”

After graduating from Cabrini, Jo’Leigh continued her education at Louisiana State University of New Orleans (now UNO) where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. During her teaching career, Jo’Leigh continued her studies and earned a certification in Deaf Education from Our Lady of Holy Cross College, followed by a Master’s Degree in Special Education in the area of Deaf Education from LSUNO. Jo’Leigh served the needs of special students for most of the 30 plus years as an educator in the New Orleans Public Schools.

Jo’Leigh, a mother to three sons and a grandmother to a granddaughter, spends a substantial amount of time volunteering. Jo’Leigh is an active member of the St. Pius X Catholic Church. For many years, she has served as a lector, was a member of the choir, participated in the Adult Faith Formation class, and in the Bible Study class. She has also volunteered as a docent at the New Orleans Museum of Art, as well as being a member of Patio Planters of the Vieux Carré, a volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation and beautification of the French Quarter.

As a volunteer at Cabrini High School, Jo’Leigh has contributed countless hours in many capacities. She has volunteered and participated in events such as the Legacy Scholarship Selection Committee, Open House, and Cabrini’s former festival, Bayou Bash. She has been a member of the Alumnae Association Board for several years and served one term as vice-president. She has been a class agent for the Class of 1972 since 2008 and was instrumental in organizing and planning her class’ 40-year and 45-year reunions.

During her time at Cabrini, Jo’Leigh was involved in the Glee Club, Yearbook, French Club, Library Club, Red Cross Club, and worked backstage during school plays. She credits her academics and extracurricular experiences at Cabrini High School for who she is today. 

Paula Peterson Pizzaloto ‘73, a member of the Alumnae Association Board said, “As a student at Cabrini, Jo’Leigh was always giving of her time, talents, and never wanted anything in return. As an alumna, she personified Mother Cabrini in her teaching profession, reaching out to her students’ needs by continuing to enhance her education. In order to fill the needs of her students who needed special education attention she became a more qualified professional and person in her school and community.”

In all she does and in the way she lives, Jo’Leigh exemplifies the principles of respect, excellence, and service.

Monteverde was honored among her Cabrini peers at the Alumnae Luncheon on April 6 held at Metairie Country Club.