Evan Green made sure his Little Brothers, Sam Adams and Gavin Fitzpatrick, are adjusting well to Jesuit.

On Thursday, spotty showers did nothing to dampen spirits – or temper spiciness – at Jesuit’s annual Big Brothers and Little Brothers jambalaya lunch. Long-time parent volunteer Bill Poynot cooked pot after pot of rice and sausage over burners set up in Traditions Courtyard. A team of alumni from the Class of 1979 assisted with the preparation and helped serve 600 hungry students heaping bowls – and many seconds – in the Student Commons.

Traditionally, members of the Jesuit Alumni Association dish out the delicious jambalaya lunch to help welcome Little Brothers (new students) to Jesuit and thank Big Brothers (customarily juniors and seniors) for their service to the school’s newest Jays. Members of the Class of 1979 formed a leadership team and return each year for the event as a way of giving back to their alma mater.

Beginning on Welcome Day in the spring, and again in the fall with Book Day, Investiture, and other start of school activities, Big Brothers help acclimate their Little Brothers to life at Jesuit. Because Big Brothers are influential from the onset of their Little Brothers’ time on campus, many pairings remain in touch long after each graduates.

The luncheon precedes a themed Welcome Week full of lunchtime activities for Blue Jays of all classes, from pre-freshmen to seniors. Hosted by the Student Council, each day will bring a new adventure in the courtyard, culminating in Friday’s Mass of the Holy Spirit in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs.