The first semester of the 2025–26 school year captured everything that defines Cor Jesu Academy as a Catholic high school in St. Louis: community, academic excellence, service and faith. From the seniors’ jean jacket-clad welcome on August 13 to the arrival of DuoDog Tracker, the year began with heart. Cor Jesu even went viral when a playful announcement about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce reached more than 5 million viewers.

Achievement and Growth

Our students excelled across academics, arts and leadership.

• Gabrielle Gremaud ’26 was named a National Merit Semi-Finalist.
• Five Chargers earned National Merit Commended honors.
• Fifteen singers made the District Honor Choir, and Audrey Strohmeyer ’26 earned All-State distinction.

Students also shined on stage in the fall play Trap and in classrooms filled with curiosity and creativity.

Mission in Action

Faith and service remained central to student life. We celebrated the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart, held our annual Mass of Remembrance and participated in a Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to the Cathedral Basilica. The Class of 2029 completed Freshman Day of Service, and families, alumnae and students joined together for Service Saturday. Chargers also represented Cor Jesu at the Unite 4 Justice Conference, exploring sustainability and partnering with other area Catholic high schools and the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

exp3 Day brought hands-on career exploration to more than 30 partner sites, giving students real-world exposure to fields ranging from engineering and medicine to law, finance and aviation.

Charger Spirit and Athletic Excellence

This semester included standout athletic achievements, including:

• A district championship for varsity volleyball
• A history-making fourth-place state finish for tennis standout Angelina Hong ’26
• A third-place state finish for Cor Jesu Golf
• Cross Country’s sixth-place state finish, led by State runner-up Mary McKenzie ’26
• Maddie DiMaria '27 represented the United States as a member of the FIFA U-17 Women’s National Team

Senior athletes also celebrated college commitments, including:
Maggie Bruno '26 (Lacrosse, Rockhurst University),
Chloe Knese '26 (Soccer, St. Mary’s College),
Isabella Knese '26 (Soccer, St. Mary’s College),
Lauren Ortwerth '26 (Volleyball, Lindenwood University) and
Sofia Work '26 (Softball, Northwest Florida State).

Community and Tradition

Prospective families joined us for Cor Jesu Night and Open House, while Enthronement, Grandparents Liturgy and Father Daughter Liturgy brought families together in prayer and celebration. Student entrepreneurs raised funds for ASCJ missions through the Hands for Benin Market, and Breakfast with Santa filled campus with festive joy.

A Record-Breaking Giving Tuesday

The semester closed on an incredible note: our community raised more than $290,000 for The Charger Fund, a record-breaking show of support for tuition assistance and student programs.

Looking Ahead

The first half of the 2025–26 school year demonstrated the strength, spirit and purpose of Cor Jesu Academy. Our students grew in confidence, compassion and curiosity. Our community showed what it means to support one another with heart. And our mission continued to guide every step.