Fredericksburg, VA — December 2025 — Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic High School is pleased to announce that senior linebacker Latif “LJ” Jean Phillippe has signed his National Letter of Intent to play Division I football at Bryant University — underscoring the growing success of the school’s athletics and its commitment to academic and spiritual formation.

Jean Phillippe transferred to SMHS two years ago and quickly emerged as one of the most productive defensive players in the region. Over his junior and senior seasons, he amassed more than 200 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 3 defensive touchdowns. In addition to his on-field achievements, he served as a team captain in 2024 and maintained a 3.0 GPAwhile preparing for collegiate athletics.

A Consistent Track Record of Excellence

According to regional athletic data, SMHS stands among just five schools in a 17-school area to produce a Division I football signee during this early signing period. The signing of Jean Phillippe marks the school’s fifth consecutive yearproducing Division I scholarship recipients — a noteworthy achievement for a smaller independent Catholic high school.

Academic & Institutional Strengths at SMHS

Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic High School — the only fully accredited and diocesan-approved Catholic high school in the Fredericksburg region — offers a classical, college-preparatory curriculum rooted in Catholic values. (St. Michael Catholic High School)

Key academic highlights include:

  • Rigorous curriculum: SMHS provides Honors courses, Advanced Placement (AP) classes, and options for Dual Enrollment through a partnership with Germanna Community College, allowing qualified juniors and seniors to earn both high school and college credit. (St. Michael Catholic High School)
  • Accreditation and approval: The school is accredited by Cognia (covering NCA-CASI / SACS) and is recognized by the Diocese of Arlington, ensuring that faculty meet the Virginia Department of Education or Virginia Catholic Education Association standards. (St. Michael Catholic High School)
  • Balanced educational mission: The school’s stated mission is “to develop academic, spiritual, moral, artistic, and athletic potential,” preparing students to become “Christ-centered leaders.” (St. Michael Catholic High School)
  • Strong college placement: According to publicly available data, approximately 90% of SMHS graduates go on to attend four-year colleges. (Niche)

These academic credentials — combined with a supportive, faith-centered environment — mean that SMHS produces student-athletes who are not only ready for the field, but for college and life beyond.

Looking Ahead: Campus Expansion & Investment

Jean Phillippe’s signing comes at a pivotal moment as Saint Michael moves forward with the “Paul Brown Memorial Campus for Life” — a multi-phase expansion plan that reflects rising demand, growing academic ambition, and a commitment to holistic formation.

  • Phase 1 (2026) will bring a new academic wing: 15–18 classrooms and labs, a research library, a fine arts center, and upgraded STEM / computer science facilities.
  • Subsequent phases include expanded athletic fields and practice facilities, a new gymnasium, and ultimately a chapel to anchor the campus’s faith life.

This expansion aims to double classroom space, enrich educational offerings, and provide on-campus facilities to support both athletics and the arts, reinforcing SMHS’s identity as a place that cultivates whole-person development.

Support for this vision can begin now. Individuals who wish to support the “Hope for the Future” campaign — enabling the growth of Saint Michael’s campus and the opportunity for more students to benefit from its unique combination of faith, education, and athletics — are encouraged to give at: https://secure.anedot.com/school/capitalcampaign.

A Sign of What’s Ahead

The success of Latif “LJ” Jean Phillippe — from a student with no offers to a signed Division I athlete — is emblematic of the path SMHS seeks to provide: rigorous academics, character formation, athletic opportunity, and spiritual grounding.

With accreditation, a robust college-prep curriculum, committed faculty, and ambitious long-term plans for campus growth, Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic High School continues to build a foundation that empowers students to succeed on the field, in college, and in life.

If you would like to find out more about the Vision For The Future please visit: https://saintmichaelhs.org/capital-campaign/

Media Contact:
Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic High School
6301 Campus Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Phone: (540) 548-8748
Website: saintmichaelhs.org

To support the Hope for the Future / Campus for Life Campaign:
https://secure.anedot.com/school/capitalcampaign