Page 20 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2025

PEOPLE
St. Joseph’s Academy
THE LEGACY OF THE
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
photos courtesy of Derek Fountain and courtesy of Our Lady Academy
The story of Our Lady Academy (OLA) is inseparable from the story of St. Joseph’s Academy (SJA). When OLA opened its doors in 1971, it inherited not only the
mission and traditions of SJA but also the spirit and pride of its students, including the beloved Gold J’s.
Founded in 1855 by three Sisters of St. Joseph who journeyed from France to Bay St. Louis, St. Joseph’s Academy stood as a beacon of Catholic education for
more than a century. Through the Civil War, a devastating fire, and subsequent rebuilding, the sisters remained devoted to forming young women intellectually,
spiritually, and physically. The Gold J’s athletic program reflected that mission, encouraging teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, all while building
lifelong friendships.
For alumna and former player Susan Ryan-Estrade, those years hold
some of her fondest memories. “I was a member of the varsity Gold J’s squad during my high school years at SJA from 1963 through 1967. I lettered during those years,” she recalls. “I
played forward position. At that time, girls played half court rather than full court.”
Ryan-Estrade reflects warmly on her time as a Gold J. “My fondest memories during my
time on the team were being a member of a group of girls who loved playing
basketball and who enjoyed representing a school which
Susan Ryan-Estrade