Jesuit’s mission extends beyond its rigorous academic program, and throughout their time at Jesuit Blue Jays are formed into competent, compassionate, and conscientious men for others. This summer, this mission led English teacher Alex Scalco ’14 to travel far from the familiar confines of the classroom and into the heart of Panama. As a chaperone for a group of rising seniors, Scalco found himself amongst an energetic cadre of Blue Jays in the small town of Sabanagrande, Panama.

Reflecting on his decision to help lead the trip, Scalco shared, “After years of teaching, I felt a need to step outside the structured environment of the classroom and engage with students in a different setting—one where the lessons weren’t confined to textbooks, but lived out in real-time.”

Nominally, the project in Sabanagrande was straightforward: build a concrete basketball court in the center of the town. However, the experience proved to be much more than a physical endeavor. “We weren’t just laying down concrete,” Scalco explained. “We were forging connections with the people of Sabanagrande, understanding their culture, and immersing ourselves in a way of life that was at once challenging and deeply rewarding.”

The construction process was demanding, with long hours under the hot Panamanian sun. Yet, it was the moments outside of work that left the deepest impression on Scalco and his students. “We disconnected from our phones and, in doing so, connected with each other and the local community,” Scalco said. “We played soccer with the children, shared meals with families, and were welcomed into their lives with a warmth that was truly humbling.”

One of the most memorable moments of the trip came at the end of the week when the newly completed court was inaugurated. “The entire town gathered to watch, and when the mayor made the first shot, the celebration that followed was something I’ll never forget,” Scalco recalled. “It was a powerful moment that encapsulated the spirit of the trip—community, joy, and shared accomplishment.”

But for Scalco, the trip was less about the tangible outcome and more about the personal growth it facilitated. “The experience stripped away all the distractions and allowed us to focus on what really matters—being present, helping others, and seeing the world through a different lens,” he reflected. “I left Panama with a renewed perspective on teaching and a desire to bring that sense of openness and community back into my classroom at Jesuit.”

Scalco’s reflections on the Panama trip underscore the transformative power of service, both for those who give and those who receive.

The Courts for Kids project offered a unique opportunity to build something lasting, not just in the form of a basketball court, but in the relationships that were forged during the journey. This summer, through efforts like these, Jesuit continues to live out its mission of forming men for others, one meaningful experience at a time.

Jesuit’s forms of Blue Jays into lifelong men for others, and that formation includes a series of opportunities to directly serve those in need. These opportunities extend outward from Mid-City to multiple continents around the globe. Collectively, Jesuit students perform over 30,000 hours of service every year.

Click here to read about other local, regional, and global service undertaken by Blue Jay students and alumni.