NFF honorees Evan Slattery, Mark Beebe, and Benji Creel with Jesuit head football coach Mark Songy.

The National Football Foundation honored three Blue Jay football players and 34 other student-athletes from around the metro area at its annual Scholar Athlete Awards Luncheon. The event, which is presented by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, took place on Monday, April 11, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Seniors Mark Beebe, Benji Creel, and Evan Slattery were recognized for their effort on the football field and academic accomplishments by Archie Manning. The former Ole Miss and Saints quarterback serves as the national chairman of the NFF.

Beebe — a three-year starter at safety and letterman in basketball and baseball — is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (math club) and a tutor for both organizations. He’s also a member of Jesuit’s Peer Support group. Mark is the son of Anne and Mark Beebe.

Creel is an offensive lineman, wrestler, and participant in track and field. He’s also a member of the National Honor Society and a tutor. Creel is a campus minister at Jesuit and a member of Sodality. He is the son of Liz and Dr. Terry Creel. Benji plans to attend Ole Miss.

Slattery, a tight end, is a National Merit Semi-Finalist and a member of the National Honor Society. He is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, Campus Ministry, and the director of service for Sodality. Evan is the son of Beth and Richard Slattery.

Joining the players and their families were football coaches Mark Songy, Troy Baglio, Graham Jarrott, Earl Johnson ’13, and Terry Ursin ’93. Administrators attending the event were principal Peter Kernion ’90, athletic director Dave Moreau, alumni director Mat Grau ’68, and director of institutional advancement Tom Bagwill.

Video highlights of the event are available at sportsnola.com.