Every year the Cabrini High Alumnae Board selects an alumna to be honored at the annual Alumnae Luncheon as the Alumna of the Year. The Alumna of the Year Committee receives nominations and carefully considers each nominee. The woman selected for this honor should demonstrate a strong Christian, Catholic faith, charity, generosity, and compassion. She should personify Cabrini’s core values of respect, excellence, and service through her actions and interactions. She should demonstrate her dedication to Cabrini High and its mission by sharing her time, energy, and/or treasure.
This year, for the first time, two women stood out extraordinarily from the pool of amazing nominees. Therefore, in 2023 we have two Alumnae of the Year. They are Nedra LeBlanc Schneider, ’74 and Cat Fleuriet, ’78.
Nedra LeBlanc Schneider is a devout Catholic, devoted wife of Mark, (43 years), and wonderful mother of five children (ten grandchildren.) Even at Cabrini Nedra was involved with her school both in academic and extra-curricular activities. Her participation and volunteer work continued through college and post-college. She has volunteered and served in various roles at her children’s schools. She has been room mother at St, Angela Merici and St. Clement of Rome, she has served as St. Angela Merici Co-Op President, Co-Chair of Chapelle’s Fair, volunteer and Cabrini’s and Brother Martin’s Open Houses, volunteered at Ozanam Inn, leader in keeping her Cabrini class connected to Cabrini as class agent, has served for many years on the Cabrini Alumnae Board, and has volunteered and participated in a plethora of other events both at Cabrini and in our community.
Nedra has embraced Mother Cabrini’s mission and philosophy and is an amazing role model and Christian citizen reflected through her dedication, involvement, and selflessness. Nedra loves Cabrini and does whatever she can to continue the legacy of Mother Cabrini and the work of Sr. Aloysius (Cabrini’s founder) in ensuring an education of the heart and mind for our young women.
Cat Fleuriet also displays the virtues of respect, excellence, service, and leadership. Throughout her life, Cat has always shown her compassion for others and her dedication to helping, not only her alma mater, but also the community at large, has been exceptional.
Even in high school Cat was quick to volunteer to help in any way. Her love for Cabrini was deep back then, and that love has only grown with the years. She has served on the Alumnae Board, including as president for two terms and is currently serving as vice-president. She is also the leader for her class (1978) and has been instrumental in organizing reunions, mini-reunion, and trips with her classmates. She tries to stay in contact with those classmates as much as possible and she has encouraged them to give back to their school. Additionally, Cat has served on the St. Pius X Mothers’ Club, including as its president. Cat has used her fame as a Saints’ superfan in media appearances to raise funds for Children’s Hospital and other local charities.
Cat is kind to everyone; always looking for the good in everything and everyone. Cat is a business woman who is also a strong role-model for the Crescents that have come after her.
Both Nedra and Cat have devoted themselves to sustained and selfless volunteer work (and treasure) for Cabrini and their communities. We are proud of our 2023 Cabrini Alumnae of the Year.