St. Bernard students named to Academic Games national teams; Chalmette Refining donates $15,000

The St. Bernard Parish School Board recognized students, coaches and sponsors of the district’s Academic Games program and accepted a $15,000 donation from Chalmette Refining (PBF Energy) to help cover travel and related costs for the national tournament.

Mary Lumetta introduced the national teams and thanked parents, coaches and the district’s corporate sponsor. The Academic Games League of America national tournament is scheduled in Arlington, Virginia, from Friday, April 25 through Monday, April 28 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City; the district expects to send elementary, middle and high school teams.

Jared Wemberley, refinery manager for Chalmette Refining, speaking for Chalmette Refining and PBF Energy, congratulated the students and presented a $15,000 check “to defray the cost of the travel and the National Games,” he said. Wemberley praised the students’ commitment, and said the tournament’s focus on “character, excellence, and integrity” aligns with the refinery’s values.

Board members thanked the refinery and other community partners, including the foundation that has supported district programs after Hurricane Katrina. The board called out several students and coaches by name as they were introduced: elementary team members Jonah Capstick, Andy Do, Michael Leggett and Theodore Schilling; middle-division members Elbin Chavez, Evelyn Doe and Emily [last name not specified in transcript]; and high school team members including Jack McMullen, Jada Alfonso, Trey Myers and Christian Miller. Board members also noted several high-school students who could not attend the meeting but were named as team members.

Superintendent Barry Lemoine and board members emphasized the long-standing nature of community sponsorship—Chalmette Refining’s support was described as extending more than 20 years—and said sponsorship allows students to focus on preparation rather than fundraising.