Marrero: Archbishop Shaw Students Attend Louisiana Pro-Life Youth Leadership Summit

By Fr. Craig Spence, SDB, CYM, Archbishop Shaw High School

(Marrero, La. – September 17) – On Tuesday, September 15, thirty Archbishop Shaw students traveled to the historic Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge to participate in the 2026 Louisiana Pro-Life Youth Leadership Summit (YLS), sponsored by Louisiana Right to Life and hosted by Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry.

The Shaw youth delegation was accompanied by Fr. Craig Spence, SDB, and Donnamarie Kitchen, Shaw’s Pro-Life Moderator. They were also joined by three students from Academy of Our Lady, making the day a wonderful opportunity for our young people to grow together in faith, leadership, and a commitment to the dignity of human life.

Throughout the summit, students heard from state leaders, medical professionals, and members of the Louisiana Right to Life team. Presenters included Secretary of State Nancy Landry, Dr. Evelyn Griffin, Louisiana Surgeon General and OB-GYN, Benjamin Clapper, Executive Director of Louisiana Right to Life, and members of the Louisiana Right to Life team.

The summit challenged students to recognize that they are not simply the leaders of tomorrow; they can be leaders today. Students were equipped with new information, practical skills, and leadership tools to help them continue building a culture of life when they return home.

Most importantly, our students returned to the Westbank ready to put what they learned into action. Together, students from Archbishop Shaw and Academy of Our Lady can continue strengthening the pro-life movement in their schools and local communities by educating their peers, supporting mothers and families, serving those in need, and witnessing to the dignity of every human life.

We are grateful to our students for representing our schools and our Catholic community with enthusiasm and leadership.