Celebrating Dedication: Honoring Blue Jay Mothers at the Annual Mothers’ Luncheon
The annual Mothers’ Luncheon held this week at Metairie Country Club hosted over 250 mothers, serving as a testament to the vital role that both current and alumni mothers play within our community. Guests were warmly welcomed to the luncheon, which began with the pre-lunch patron party followed by the harmonious music of Roberto Matthews ’96, adding a special touch to the celebration with his renditions of the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America.”
Fr. John Brown, S.J., then addressed the guests, announcing this year’s Alma Mater Award honorees: Jaime Falcon, Judy Kelley, Terri Kloor, and Beth Schibler, each recognized for their unwavering commitment to volunteering and their integral role in the Jesuit community. This prestigious award, established in 1992, honors the mothers of Jesuit alumni whose extraordinary contributions of time and talent have greatly enhanced Jesuit. It celebrates the invaluable volunteer efforts of these devoted Blue Jay mothers, whose dedication has significantly advanced the school. Attendees honored the incredible past recipients of the Alma Mater Awards and welcomed the newest members to this distinguished group. This gathering celebrated the spirit of friendship and dedication that defines Jesuit.
Special thanks are extended to event chair, Jeanie Favret, co-chair, Jessica Waguespack, and the entire luncheon committee for a wonderful event.
Honoree Bios
Jaime Falcon
Mother of Dylan Falcon ’23 and Abby, a Jesuit cheerleader
Jaime has made a meaningful contribution through her volunteer work at Jesuit. Her journey of service began with assisting in the Celebration auction and sponsorships. She further extended her involvement by volunteering with the swim team during Dylan’s pre-freshman year, contributing to the Thanksgiving Food Drive, and preparing meals for IKON. Over the years, Jaime has been a vital part of Jesuit Bazaars, notably taking on the role of Bazaar chair when the event returned to campus in 2022.
Jaime’s dedicated support for admissions events, including Open House and Welcome Day, has been invaluable. Despite the challenges posed by gathering restrictions in 2020, she led parent volunteer efforts for a successful Open House, ensuring that prospective students, their families, and all volunteers felt welcome and appreciated. She continues to play a key role in Jesuit’s Open House and Welcome Day, particularly with logistics at check-in.
As a cheer mom, Jaime assists with a wide range of activities, always offering a warm welcome to everyone. She also continues to volunteer in the Blue Jay Shop, helping students and parents select their spirited Blue Jay apparel.
When asked why Jaime should receive this award, a friend said, “Jaime’s enthusiasm and love for Jesuit are evident in her gracious and accommodating nature. She holds a deep affection for Jesuit and its traditions, fully appreciating what Jesuit has meant to her family.”
Dylan said, “When I first came to Jesuit, I was an “out-of- towner” with little idea of what high school in a new city would be like, and my mother took every opportunity to make my experience as great and easy as it could be. Thank you, mom, for always choosing to be there for me, to always go above and beyond, and for being the greatest mother a son could ever ask for.”
Judy Kelley
Mother of Garrett Kelley ’24
Judy is described by a friend as the epitome of a generous heart. She volunteers without seeking recognition, driven purely by a desire to give and help wherever there is a need. Whether organizing events or assisting with school activities, she is always ready to step in and lend a hand. She never hesitates to offer her time and energy, often working behind the scenes without any expectation of thanks.
Since Garrett began his journey at Jesuit, Judy has been an invaluable member of the community. She volunteered with the Bazaar, initially working with signage and the food committee, eventually serving as a co-chair for the successful 2024 Bazaar. As a football parent volunteer, she generously served meals to the football team. As a member of the Celebration committee, she assisted various committees at the event. She also volunteered for and chaired the Used Uniform Sale. Judy continues to serve on the Mothers’ Luncheon Committee, prays at the Mothers’ Rosary, and supports the operations of the Blue Jay Shop. Beyond these roles, Judy has assisted with setting up and serving at Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheons and at the St. Joseph Altar.
Garrett said, “I could not ask for a better mother. She puts others before herself, even people she hardly knows. She is an inspiration to me to be a better man. Jesuit is a school of men for others and my mother is truly a woman for others.”
Terri Kloor
Mother of Kyle Kloor ’99 and Brad Kloor ’03, and the grandmother of pre-freshman Beau Kloor
The Alma Mater Awards program experienced a hiatus following Hurricane Katrina, resulting in a ten-year gap in recognition. During this period, many dedicated volunteers, including those whose sons graduated in the early 2000s, continued to serve the Jesuit community. Jesuit is pleased to acknowledge her exceptional volunteer work at Jesuit.
She volunteered during her sons’ years at Jesuit, between 1994 and 2003. Her involvement included co-chairing the Spring Bazaar. Terri was also a volunteer on the Mailing Committee, ensuring effective communication within the Jesuit community. She welcomed prospective Blue Jays and their families at Open House, volunteered with the Christmas Greens and Auctions, and served as a member of the Parent Advisory Board.
Kyle shared, “for the longest time I didn’t understand why my mom volunteered as much as she did at Jesuit. I would run into her in the hallways while switching classes, and would ask her, “what are you doing here,” and she would simply reply that she was volunteering, or she was on a committee. After school, as I would be heading to football practice, she would still be at Jesuit. I thought this must be what she does to keep herself busy. She lived Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG) then, and she still lives it today. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor. I am so proud of you, Mom. I love you and am thankful for all you have done and continue to do to make this world a better place.”
Beth Schibler
Mother of Win Schibler ’21, John Riley, and Tucker Schibler ’24
Beth was a dedicated volunteer with Jesuit’s football program. Serving as a grade liaison for eight years, she was instrumental in coordinating various aspects of team support, including organizing snack volunteers and coordinating football tailgates, such as two senior tailgates and playoff events. Beyond football, Beth was a Bazaar volunteer and booth chair. She contributed to the auction at Celebration, decorations, and “Get the Party Started.” With the rugby team, her volunteer roles included feeding visiting teams and helping plan the first annual rugby banquet. Beth welcomed many families at Open House and Welcome Day. She also cooked and served delicious food for numerous Faculty and Staff Appreciation Luncheons. Her contributions extended to many other events, including the Rivalry Game Tailgate, Grandparents’ Day, the Fishing Rodeo, and the Used Uniform and Book Sale.
When asked why she deserves this recognition, friends who nominated Beth remarked, “To know Beth is to witness a genuine heart in action. She epitomizes what it means to be a supportive Jesuit mother, serving with heart from football earrings to auction items, and team meals to Celebration. She is the lead volunteer and cheerleader for her sons. Her support for her boys, their schools, and their teams is unwavering.”
Beth’s three sons also acknowledged her volunteerism. Win ‘21, said, “I believe that my mother embodies what Jesuit’s core message is: to be a man (woman in this case) for others. She inspires me every day to be the best I can be and to always give 100% of myself into everything that I do because the Lord has equipped each one of us with the ability to do so. Since the Lord has blessed us in this way, why not honor Him and use every ounce of our ability to help and better those around us? John Riley thanks his mom for taking him to school and helping him. And Tucker ‘24, said, my mom’s volunteering “made me feel like our family was truly a part of Jesuit and that Jesuit was a part of us. Anything big that we wanted to do, we had mom there to back us 1000% and make it amazing. She always went above and beyond and that meant the world.”