Michael Paul Fine ’22, Editor in Chief

As the first quarter comes to an end, I want to highlight the extracurricular activities and organizations beginning on campus during the Pandemic. Since Jesuit has been on a hybrid schedule, most clubs have not been able to meet in person, coordinate activities, and recruit new candidates. However, all students are now back on campus, and Student Life is just beginning.

First, Jesuit’s Student Council worked tirelessly over the summer to provide a fantastic first quarter of school. Fighting through social distancing protocols, Student Council entertained students with Welcome Week activities, podcasts, and class competitions. The executive board looks forward to hosting more events and promoting school spirit.

Second, most athletic teams have begun practicing and playing games. The football team defeated Helen Cox with a controlling victory of 45-6 Friday Night. Although capacity was fifty percent, Blue Jay Spirit was at an all-time high, and the student body is anxious with excitement for the rest of the season.

Cross Country started their season with a second-place finish in the Mount Carmel Invitational Race beating city rivals Brother Martin and Holy Cross. The Golf Team also had a strong start to their season with victories over Holy Cross, St. Augustine, and Rummel.

Also, for updates on intramural sports, such as ping pong and flag football, check the Student Life Canvas page and the Jesuit website for registration and schedules.

https://jayson.instructure.com/courses/4966/pages/intramural-headquarters

The Jesuit Blue Jay Band and Jayettes put on a fantastic field show Friday night performing to the Panic at the Disco song, High Hopes. Concerning the rest of the season, Drum Major Louis Bercaw ’22 said: “I’m excited to work with the whole band again. Obviously, safety is the priority, but we can work through any restrictions and give just as good a field show as any other year.”

MCJROTC has also begun training activities for the upcoming year’s events and competitions. For example, the MCJROTC color guard represented Jesuit with confidence and poise on national television during the National Anthem before the Saints first football game.

Finally, since all students are returning in the second quarter, many club moderators are beginning to restart key organizations throughout campus. For example, Sodality and Campus Ministry are already meeting weekly to plan for upcoming retreats and fundraisers.

National Honors Society will restart the after school tutoring program as well as providing other services to Jesuit students and those in the New Orleans community. The Pro-Life Club will begin meeting weekly to challenge the problem of Abortion in the New Orleans and Louisiana area.

The Phileletic Society and the J-Troupe have also begun preparations for future plays and productions. Many members have been working tirelessly on sets and props for the upcoming year and for more information about updates and schedules for productions check the Jesuit website.

As students return in the second quarter, clubs and organizations will restart planning events for the upcoming year. Students are encouraged to stay involved and join Blue Jay Student Life. To find more information about other co-curricular activities, such as the Paintball, Fishing, or Video Games Club, please check the website as well as daily announcements at school. https://www.jesuitnola.org/co-curriculars/

Michael Paul Fine ’22 is a junior from St. Catherine of Siena parish and Editor-in-Chief of The Blue Jay; he also serves on student council and plays in the marching band.