Alumni of Andrew Jackson Fundamental Magnet High School, formerly of Chalmette, will host a 30-year class reunion for three days during Jazz Festival weekend, on April 24 – 26, 2025.
Tickets sales and reunion details can be found at https://bit.ly/AJ-Reunion. Graduates from all of the ’90’s classes are invited to attend the bash.
As the former student council president at Andrew Jackson, Aprilhelen (Morgan) from the class of 1995 is organizing the celebration. “It just feels right to have a range of activities, increasing our chances of reacquainting with our classmates,” she said. “Ever since high school,” she has “pictured a multi-event reunion.”
A team of dedicated Andrew Jackson graduates is busy coordinating every detail of the get-together, from deciding which events to present to designing the logo on the tee shirts.
Nicole Sigfried’s class reunion plans have been thwarted by Katrina. “Being from the class of ’97, we had a decent five-year reunion, but after Katrina, we struggled to get another one. We just couldn’t get enough interest or commitment to move forward with a venue,” Sigfried said.
Allyson (Bouterie) Lapari is grateful and excited to be a part of the gathering. “Reunions like this are so rare,” Lapari, of the class of ’97, said.
Aprilhelen alludes to “all the work that has gone into the event preparation” to make the occasion happen.
“I see it as a once in a lifetime event to reminisce and catch up with so many who were a fundamental part of my teenage years,” Lipari added.
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival – Thursday, April 24
Colonels will gather at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival where Andrew Jackson peers from the ’90’s classes can be found together at the fairgrounds.
“I love the idea of combining classes. I had friends from different years, as many of us did, so this seems like the best way to get everyone together,” Sigfried said.
Creole Queen – Friday, April 25
Former Andrew Jackson classmates will board the Creole Queen for dinner on a Mississippi riverboat cruise on Friday, April 25, from six until nine in the evening.
The menu includes salad, jambalaya, a pasta dish and nonalcoholic beverages. A cash bar will also be available.
The Creole Queen opens at six, launches at seven and docks at nine on Friday night. Eric Perelli from the class of 1993 has been instrumental in solidifying the details of the boat. Mike Fulton and Muddy River Jazz Band will perform live on the upper deck, and a DJ will be playing “dance music” downstairs, Perelli said. Two photo booths will also be on board.
Aycock Barn crawfish boil and picnic – Saturday, April 26
The main celebration is to be a family-friendly picnic and crawfish boil in Arabi at Aycock Barn on Aycock Street to be held Saturday from noon until four in the afternoon. Andrew Jackson staff are also welcome to join in the festivities.
Ryan Izatt of the class of 1994 and owner of Cajun Dads is providing the crawfish boil lagniappe with the family spirit in mind. “There is nothing more gratifying in life than to cater to one’s friends,” Izatt said, inspired by his spirituality. “I am more than grateful to provide felicity through my aptitude of cuisine. I will give everyone the best crawfish they have ever tasted,” Izatt said.
A video memorial of alumni who have passed since graduation is being produced to be played on Saturday.
Additionally, yearbooks are being printed and made available for sale in print or in .pdf form. Orders are required.
Andrew Jackson alumni and staff can contact Aprilhelen at ajfmhs.reunion@gmail.com with questions.
Email Sunshine Crystal Morgan from the class of 1995 at sunshinemorgan1999@gmail.com.
