Ron Rossi Honored at MCJROTC’s 30th Annual Parade and Review
History teacher Mr. Ron Rossi was honored for his 32 years of selfless and dedicated service to Jesuit High School by the MCJROTC at the organization’s 30th annual Parade and Review on Thursday, April 6.
At the ceremony that was attended by his colleagues and witnessed by the entire Jesuit student body, Rossi was celebrated as the embodiment of Jesuit’s motto “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.” In a proclamation signed by president Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J., and read to the audience by senior Jamie Colon, he was lauded as an exceptional teacher and colleague who truly embodies the Jesuit ideal of “Men for Others.” His professionalism, dedication to students, and love of teaching not only make him an example for all to follow, but also are in keeping with the school’s highest traditions.
Mr. Rossi earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of New Orleans in 1969, where he also received his Master of Arts degree in 1975. In 1985 he joined Jesuit’s social studies department, teaching every grade level since that time and eventually specializing in American History and American History AP. Through the years he has taught over 3200 students not just facts, but also an appreciation for the depth and richness of a subject that he so dearly loves. As an instructor, Mr. Rossi establishes a vibrant classroom atmosphere that enables true learning to take place. He is especially effective in preparing his students for their AP exams, many of whom attribute their success to Mr. Rossi’s thorough preparation. For his excellence in teaching, Mr. Rossi was recently awarded the Outstanding Teacher of American History Award by the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2002 and received the Jesuit High School Profile Award in 2013.
Not content to limit his contributions to the classroom, Mr. Rossi also developed an educational game, “Louisiana Trivia Challenge,” that was officially adopted by the Louisiana State Board of Education and published two booklets, “The Quiz Bowl Preparation Books, Volumes I and II.” Mr. Rossi has moderated the Varsity Quiz Bowl Team for over thirty years, coaching them to seventeen titles and one national championship.
After Mr. Rossi was recognized, the MCJROTC drill team and the MCJROTC band gave brief performances for the honoree and his audience. The parade is a time-honored ceremony of the Marine Corps. Present day parades in the Marine Corps and the MCJROTC are based on history and tradition.