Left to right, Michael Theriot, Hayden Lapeze, Alex Stapp, Paul Treuting, Ian Bohn, and Mitchell Stevens

It is not uncommon to hear the term “Men for Others” mentioned casually in the hallways of Jesuit High School. It is a facet of life at Jesuit that is just as ingrained as the khaki uniform. But as a new wave of Blue Jays try to find their way at a new campus, it is more important to focus on the ways that students live the motto of being a Man for Others than the ways they speak about it.

The Big Brother program is just one way that upperclassmen volunteer their time and experience to meet the needs of others. As incoming students run the gamut of welcoming activities from Welcome Day last spring through Book Day and Investiture at the beginning of the school year, there is one message communicated through the Big Brother’s presence with his Little Brother – “I’m here for you.”

On Thursday, Little Brothers had yet another opportunity to hear that message at the annual Big Brothers and Little Brothers jambalaya lunch. Scheduled at the end of the first week of classes, the jambalaya lunch gives new Blue Jays a chance to casually have lunch with their Big Brothers and talk about how things are going thus far…well, that and to chow down on a piping hot bowl of the delicious Louisiana staple.

Left to right, Gene Hoffman ’66, Steve Sklamba ’66, Bill Poynot, George Moisant ’66, Dick Marino ’66, Mark Gates ’66, and Bill Wegmann ’66

Jesuit alumni also got into the serving spirit as Blue Jays from the Class of 1966 were on hand to help with the cooking and serving in the Student Commons – George Moisant, Gene Hoffman, Dick Marino, Mark Gates, Steve Sklamba, and Bill Wegmann.  Of course, none of this would be possible without long-time volunteer, and father of a 2009 alumnus, Bill Poynot, who donated and cooked pot after pot of rice and sausage over burners set up in Traditions Courtyard.

The luncheon precedes a themed Welcome Week full of lunchtime activities for Blue Jays of all classes, from pre-freshmen to seniors. Hosted by the Student Council, each day will bring a new adventure in the courtyard, culminating in Friday’s Mass of the Holy Spirit in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs.