Matt Bourgeois is a proud member of the Vandebilt Catholic community and currently serves as Vice-President of E3 Electrical, Inc., a role he has held since 2004. A 1999 graduate of Vandebilt Catholic High School, Matt continued his education at Nicholls State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2003, followed by a Master of Business Administration in 2009.

Matt’s connection to Vandebilt runs deep—not only as an alumnus but also as a devoted parent and committed volunteer. He and his wife, Erin Hamner Bourgeois (VCHS Class of 1999), are the proud parents of three children: Sophia ‘27, and twins Gavin and Allison ‘28. Whether he’s assisting on the Facilities Committee, serving as the Technical Director for the VC Theater program, or lending a hand as a parent volunteer wherever needed, Matt has become known as a reliable “fixer of things” around campus and a go-to problem solver.

Beyond his professional and parental roles, Matt is deeply engaged in his faith and community. He is a dedicated parishioner and music minister at St. Bernadette Church and shares his passion for worship through Lift 3:16 Ministries, where he serves on the worship team. His musical talents also extend to the stage as a performer with The Soul Survivors and The Caniacs, two local bands that bring energy and heart to the community.

Matt’s service, both seen and unseen, is rooted in a spirit of generosity and quiet leadership. Whether he’s setting up lighting and sound for the annual Passion Play, helping behind the scenes at school events, or leading worship through music, his contributions reflect a strong commitment to faith, family, and the

Vandebilt Catholic mission.

In every aspect of his life, Matt exemplifies what it means to be a servant leader. His dedication to excellence in his profession, his active role in the community, and his continued support of  Vandebilt Catholic reflect a deep commitment to faith, service, and leadership that define his character.

Ann Buckel Meche, Class of 1980, is a shining example of what it means to live out the mission of Vandebilt Catholic High School. As an alumna, former parent, board member, and dedicated supporter, Ann’s enduring relationship with the school is built on a foundation of faith, family, and a deep commitment to Catholic education.

During her time as a student, Ann was involved in student council, a member of the flags, the 1979-80 Basketball Sweetheart, and a member of the Homecoming and Spirit Courts. She was also on the track team.

Ann’s own story is rooted in sacrifice and tradition. Raised by a single mother who prioritized Catholic education, Ann and her sisters attended Vandebilt—a legacy she and her husband, fellow 1980 graduate Kirk Meche, proudly continued with their own sons, Michael (VCHS Class of 2006) and Matthew ‘09. She believes Vandebilt played a key role in shaping the men they’ve become.

Ann’s dedication to the school continues through service. She is a member of the Consultative School Board, and oversees the finances for the school. She was briefly employed by Vandebilt during the time after Hurricane Katrina, when the school took in over 200 displaced students. Ann stepped up to handle the accounting and the regulatory reporting for these children. For Ann, this was a poignant moment to observe the compassion of the Terrier nation in how they welcomed the students and made them a part of the school.

Continuing to be involved at Vandebilt is one of the greatest honors Ann feels she can give back. To her, the rewards of being involved with Vandebilt far outweigh the effort. It’s vital to the strength and future of the school that both past and future generations continue to recognize the gifts this school provides its students.

Ann encourages other alumni and families to get involved—whether through volunteering, financial support, or simply showing up. It takes pressure off the academic staff and allows them to focus on what they do best: teaching. That kind of support strengthens the entire school community. It builds unity–and with unity comes strength. It is this strength that will build the foundation that will continue to hold Vandebilt Catholic for decades to come.

Edward J. (Ed) Daigle is the oldest of Ray and Marian Daigle’s three children and brother to Larry Daigle and Ann Daigle Danos. He is a lifelong resident of Houma and is proud to bear the name of his paternal grandfather Edward J. Daigle.

Ed has shared 48 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Cindy Grasso Daigle (VCHS Class of 1973), and together they are the proud parents of Bryan ‘97 and Jason ‘99. Their family’s commitment to Catholic education continues through their grandchildren—Easton ‘28 and Claire ‘27 who currently attend VCHS, Everett at St. Bernadette Catholic School, and Foster, Bryce, Spencer, and Channing at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School.

Strong advocates of Catholic education and community support, Ed and Cindy have generously supported VCHS, St. Francis, and St. Bernadette schools. They are also active supporters of the Rhoda Ann Guillot Rau Foundation, MacDonell Children’s Services, and Terrebonne General Health System and its Foundation.

Ed had the unique education experience of attending West Park Elementary and St. Gregory School when it first opened in 1964. Ed then attended Houma Junior High School before moving to Vandebilt Catholic High School and graduating in 1973.

During his time at VCHS, Ed was a standout student-athlete, earning All-State honors in both football and baseball, and being named the Barry J. Barrodale MVP of his football team in 1972. He credits many outstanding mentors—including Coach Melvin Spinella, Brian Guenoit, Gerald Albert, and the late Irma Dover Colasurdo - for helping shape his character and work ethic.

After earning a Business Administration degree from Nicholls State University on a baseball scholarship, Ed began a successful professional journey. He served as the first Risk Manager for both SAIA Freight Lines and the Terrebonne Parish School System. His insurance career continued at Ellender Insurance Agency before joining Coastal Insurance Services, which was later acquired by USI Insurance Services, a national industry leader. At USI, Ed was repeatedly recognized as a PEAK producer, excelled in leadership roles, and ultimately rose to President of Louisiana Operations. He remains deeply grateful to Coastal’s former owners—Don Callais, Tony Bianca, and the late Skipper Kornegay—for their mentorship and trust.

Ed’s contributions to Catholic education and athletics extend far beyond the classroom and office. He served as President of the Maria Immacolata School Board, Terrier Club President, and a dedicated member of the VCHS School Board for 10 years. During his tenure, many significant milestones were reached through the collaboration and dedication of fellow board members. Ed gives special thanks to Reed Pere, then VCHS Athletic Director, and board colleagues including the late Sonny Lovell, Mrs. Pat Vice, and Pete Lambert for their shared commitment and leadership.

A lifelong coach at heart, Ed devoted 12 years to coaching youth baseball under Coach Buddy Marcello, later taking the reins of Vandebilt’s American Legion baseball team. In 1997, Ed led his team to victory in the Louisiana State Championship—a historic accomplishment as the only team in Terrebonne Parish to achieve that honor.

From the boardroom to the ball field, Ed Daigle’s life reflects leadership rooted in faith, service, and a deep love for his family and community. While he is quick to recognize the team efforts behind each success, his vision, energy, and commitment have left a lasting impact on the institutions and people he has served.

Harold and Mary Haydel exemplify a life of faith, service, and unwavering commitment to Catholic education, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the Vandebilt Catholic High School community.

Harold Haydel, a 1962 graduate of St. Francis de Sales High School was a gifted athlete and devoted man of faith. Raised in a Catholic home, Harold’s spiritual foundation shaped every facet of his life. He often credited God for the talents he was given, and he used those gifts to their fullest. A standout on the baseball diamond, Harold pitched for three state championship teams in 1959, 1961, and 1962. In the 1962 title game, he delivered a masterful two-hitter in an 8–0 victory.

After high school, Harold was drafted to play professional baseball, eventually reaching the major leagues with the Minnesota Twins. After retiring, he stayed involved with the Vandebilt baseball team especially during the summers, coaching the American Legion teams. His enduring legacy in Terrier athletics was recognized in 2016, when Vandebilt Catholic proudly named its baseball park Harold Haydel Park.

Beyond sports, Harold was a man of deep faith and community involvement. He was instrumental in developing the Maria Immacolata Community Center and was chairman of the Vandebilt fair for many years, coordinating everything from ticket sales to the basketball “HotShot” booth. Even after his children and  grandchildren passed through Vandebilt’s halls, Harold remained an active and enthusiastic supporter of school events. He was a faith-filled man who always loved his God, his family, his friends, his city and his life.

Mary Haydel shares that same spirit of devotion. She graduated from Terrebonne High School in 1964 and then earned degrees in both Speech and English from University of Southwestern Louisiana (now UL Lafayette). After briefly teaching at Houma Junior High, her journey at Vandebilt Catholic began when Brother Eldon Crifasi invited her to join the faculty—a role she embraced wholeheartedly for 18 years.

Mary taught a range of courses, including 8th-grade grammar, Honors Junior English, American Literature, and Speech for grades 10 through 12. As a dedicated educator, she cherished the opportunity to attend Mass in the school chapel each morning and inspired her students, especially those in the National Honor Society, to do the same.

Her leadership extended beyond the classroom. Mary served as moderator for the Honor Society, organized peer tutoring, and launched initiatives such as the school talent show to support student-led service projects. She also served as faculty advisor for the school’s production of Pippin and served on the principal selection committee following Brother Eldon’s retirement. Her generosity was especially evident during the annual Christmas project, when she led efforts to raise funds and distribute gifts, clothing, and food to families in need.

Mary remains deeply involved in her church parish, Maria Immacolata, where she has served on both the school board and the church parish council, including terms as secretary and president. She played a key role in the parish’s capital campaign and continues to serve on the church’s environmental committee, ensuring the worship space reflects the beauty of the liturgical seasons.

Together, Harold and Mary raised three children—Monique Haydel Trahan (VCHS Class of 1988), Darren Haydel ‘91, and Sarah Haydel Chauvin ‘96. Their legacy of faith and education continues through their grandchildren: Blake Trahan ‘14, Zachary Trahan ‘17, Brooke Haydel ‘18, Katie Haydel ‘20, Seth Trahan ‘21, Morgan Haydel ‘23, and future terrier, Taylor Haydel ‘31.

Harold and Mary Haydel have modeled a life of integrity, faith, and love—for each other, for their family, and for their community. Though Harold has passed, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the enduring spirit of service he embodied. Mary continues to carry that legacy forward through her ongoing dedication to faith, education, and community. Vandebilt Catholic is proud to honor them as Hall of Fame Inductees, recognizing both a life well lived and a life still inspiring others.

Kenneth “Kenny” Wood was born on June 4, 1940, in Welcome, Louisiana—a small, rural farming town nestled along the

Mississippi River in St. James Parish, just west of New Orleans. Raised with a strong work ethic and deep-rooted values, Kenny’s life is a testament to faith, family, and the power of perseverance.

A graduate of St. James High School, Kenny went on to serve his

country through the Louisiana National Guard, completing six months of active duty followed by six years of inactive service. After his military service, he pursued technical training at Delgado Technical Community College, where he studied Machine Tool Technology. In 1961, he became a machinist—a skill that would later serve as the foundation of his professional legacy.

In 1963, Kenny married the love of his life, Kate. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising four children, Alison Wood Olivier (VCHS Class of 1983), Dana Wood Hebert ’82, Kenneth Wood, Jr. ’86, and Mary Wood Leaber ‘98. They then celebrated the joy of ten grandchildren, seven of which have graduated from VCHS. His family remains at the heart of all he does.

After 13 years of working for various companies, Kenny made a bold and visionary decision: to strike out on his own. In 1974, he founded K&B Machine Works, a full-service machine shop serving the Oil & Gas Industry. Through decades of innovation and excellence, that small shop grew into K&B Industries, a global leader in advanced manufacturing, serving clients in the energy, commercial and military aviation, and high-tech machining sectors. Today, Kenny continues to serve as CEO and Chairman of the Board.

Throughout his life, Kenny has made significant contributions to Catholic education and the local community. He has served on boards for Maria Immaculata Catholic Elementary School, Vandebilt Catholic High School, and Maria Immaculata’s Pastoral Council. His leadership extended to the Coastal/Pedestal Bank Board (now B1 Bank) and the Fletcher Technical Community College Foundation Board.

He currently lends his experience and vision to the Fletcher Chancellor’s Consultant Circle, the Ave Maria University Board of Trustees, and the Terrebonne General Health System Foundation as board member. A faithful Catholic, Kenny is also an active member of Legatus, a national organization of Catholic business leaders, and a Third Degree Knight of Columbus.

In recent years, Kenny has also championed the Nicholls State University Maker Space program, recognizing the critical role of innovation and technical education in shaping the future.

Despite his impressive professional accomplishments, Kenny remains grounded in the simple joys of life: time with his beloved family, a day in the woods hunting, or a relaxing round of golf.

Kenny Wood’s life is a shining example of what can be achieved through faith, integrity, and a commitment to serving others. His impact on Catholic education, the business community, and the lives he has touched is enduring and far-reaching.