Jesuit High School of New Orleans

New Blue Jays Encouraged to Become One Single Tribe

Posted August 15, 2019 / Last updated August 27, 2019

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On Thursday, August 15, hundreds of new students wore the khaki uniform as Blue Jays for the first time. Teachers and administrators welcomed the newcomers for a day of orientation to find their classrooms, stock their lockers, and to prepare for the journey before them.

The day began in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs with the time-honored Investiture ceremony, which this year included Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Big Brothers gave each new Blue Jay a “J” pin as a sign of handing on the Jesuit legacy. Students heard words of welcome from Jesuit president Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J., followed by an address from alumnus Richard Williams ’14. 

Watch the Investiture Ceremony Address by Richard Williams ’14

View the Photo Gallery from the 2019 Investiture Ceremony

Williams quoted T’Challa from the popular Marvel movie Black Panther, telling new Blue Jays to look out for one another as one single tribe. He challenged students with many friends from their previous school use their friend groups to welcome everyone else. He also encouraged those with fewer friends with the words of Jesus, “Be not afraid. Just have faith.” He concluded his remarks with two quotes from St. Ignatius Loyola: “Achieve excellence and share it,” and “In all things, love and serve.”

Williams made the trip to Jesuit from Denton, TX, where he is taking pre-med classes at the University of North Texas. He finished with a degree in history from Dartmouth College in 2018, having served as a member of the school’s wind ensemble, an officer on the Faith & Reason board of the Aquinas House Catholic Center, a mentor in the Aquinas House Emmaus peer mentoring program, an editor of the Apologia Christian magazine, and a writer for the Dartmouth Medical Journal.

After the ceremony, students spent 10 minutes in each class getting to know their teachers. Big Brothers were on hand to help new students navigate the campus and feel welcome. The day concluded with a spirited pep-rally in the auditorium.

Galleries

2019 Investiture Ceremony, New Students' Orienation, August 15, 2019

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    On New Student Orientation Day, students file into the Chapel of the North American Martyrs for the 2019 Investiture Ceremony.
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    Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J. welcomes the new Blue Jays to Jesuit.
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    The time-honored Investiture ceremony included Mass to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary this year.
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    Big brothers and little brothers process toward the altar carrying the banners of the 5 Characteristics of a Graduate at the Time of Graduation...
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    ...followed by the Men for Others banner.
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    The new "5 Characteristics of a Graduate at the Time of Graduation" banners displayed at the front of the chapel.
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    Fr. Donald Saunders, S.J., celebrates Mass as the principal celebrant and gives the homily.
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    Fr. Donald Saunders, S.J. elevates the Eucharist.
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    Fr. Donald Saunders, S.J. administers communion.
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    Fr. Donald Saunders, S.J. administers communion.
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    After Mass, guest alumnus speaker Richard Williams ’14 addresses the new Blue Jays.
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    Richard Williams ’14 encourages students to look out for one another as one single tribe.
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    Jesuit president, Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J, blesses the pins.
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    The newly blessed "J" pins.
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    Big Brothers give each new Blue Jay a “J” pin as a sign of handing on the Jesuit legacy.
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    The pin is worn on the shirt’s left lapel.
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    The “J” pins represent the tangible signs of the Jesuit spirit that has been handed down from student to student for many years.
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    The “J” symbolizes the spirit, the vigor, and...
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    ...the faith required of each Blue Jay who has walked our halls.
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    Senior Carlo Barrera concludes the Investiture ceremony by leading the student body in singing the Alma Mater.
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    The featured alumni speaker Richard Williams ’14, pictured here with Richard Montoya and new students Landon Chadwick and Tate Dupre.
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    The featured alumni speaker Richard Williams ’14, a former Jesuit band member, pictured here with band director Joe Caluda ’79 and asst. band director Jason Giaconne.