The student council executive board led an exciting Winter Sports Pep Rally at Jesuit. The event kicked off with a lively “Where’s Wallen” segment, setting the stage for the thrilling conclusion of the Jay Wars movie premiere where Ethan Jaywalker returns from the dark side. A highlight of the rally was the dunk contest featuring teacher Roger Bacon ’10 and the high-flying Dr. Dunk, senior Jude Blanchard. Seniors Wilson Frischhertz and Leland Crawford energized the crowd with spirited cheers, and the rally concluded with the introduction of our basketball, wrestling, and soccer teams.

Dominic Stoner ’20, a member of the Alumni Service Corps (ASC) program, mentors students for their Biology exams. Stoner, a recent graduate of the University of Notre Dame, holds a degree in biology. He currently teaches freshman biology and assists in the campus ministry department. The ASC offers a unique opportunity for Blue Jay alumni to dedicate a year of their lives to their alma mater between college and moving on to graduate school or a career. Grounded in the values of service, community, simplicity, and spirituality, this enriching program invites participants to teach two classes, tutor students, and assist in various co-curricular activities, including retreats, days of reflection, service days, dances, special events, and other programs and activities throughout the school. Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-26 Alumni Service Corps (ASC). The program runs from Aug. 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. Applicants must be graduates of Jesuit High School (Classes of 2020 & 2021) and must have recently attained a college degree before participating in the program. 

In Wade Trosclair ’07‘s Western Civilization class, students engage in an immersive learning experience by playing the strategic board game Risk. This interactive approach helps them explore the complexities of defending and conquering countries, assess the risks involved in governance, and develop strategic thinking through player interactions. Through this innovative method, Trosclair effectively bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application, enhancing students’ understanding of historical and geopolitical dynamics.

Pre-freshman David Gomez and Mr. Combe prepared a special treat for their 8th-grade geography class. While teaching about Latin America, Combe shared slides from the two years he and his wife, Jodi Epp, spent teaching at an international school in Costa Rica. During his presentation, Combe mentioned that he especially missed a local restaurant where he often enjoyed pit-roasted chicken accompanied by Tropical Té Frío Melocotón. During his family’s visit over the Thanksgiving holidays, Gomez, whose parents emigrated from Costa Rica, brought back some to share with the class.

The Thanksgiving Drive received enthusiastic participation from various co-curricular and school groups, including the Blue Jay Band, Cheerleaders, Jayettes, Sodality, Pro-Life Club, National Honor Society, Mentoring Group, Robotics Team, Philelectic Society, swim team, student council, administrative team, and advancement team. Once the baskets were assembled on campus, homerooms, alumni, and other groups distributed 640 baskets to homes in the New Orleans area.

Seniors Ethan Shankle, Preston Cantrelle, Sam Macaluso, and Caden Sanderson eagerly anticipate “Chicken Day” in the cafeteria, a favorite among Blue Jays. Pigeon Catering serves up delicious fried chicken tenders with a special sauce that rivals the renowned Cane’s sauce. The popularity of this meal is evident in the long lines that form, as students excitedly await their turn to enjoy this lunchtime

The Student Council hosted its inaugural Trick or Trunk Halloween event, transforming Traditions Courtyard into a festive arena of creativity and fun. Seniors Rex Bove, dressed as a warrior, and Aidan Wang, decked out as a construction worker, along with many other costumed students added to the vibrant atmosphere. Blue Jays eagerly collected candy from creatively decorated trunks, reveling in the spirit of the season. The event culminated in the annual costume contest, where students showcased their imaginative costumes, bringing a lively and spirited close to the Halloween celebration.

The Spanish Club celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant lunchtime activity featuring homemade piñatas, including a special Tiger piñata. Freshman Amir Fattah, blindfolded, took enthusiastic swings at the candy-filled piñata, guided by the encouraging cheers of his fellow students. This joyful event provided a spirited way for students to engage with and appreciate Hispanic culture while building excitement for the upcoming game.

At the recent Blue & White Night for prospective students, seniors Ethan Lapeze, Kasey Cognevich, Will Allen, and Brewer Nitcher, along with junior Spencer Waguespack, took on leadership roles to showcase their school pride. These student leaders guided potential Blue Jays through various activity stations. Their enthusiasm and dedication provided a welcoming atmosphere, demonstrating the strong sense of community that defines Jesuit.

The student council delivered an outstanding Jesuit Olympics during Welcome Week. The days were filled with entertaining activities and friendly competitions. New students experienced the Blue Jay spirit through rounds of javelin, archery, jousting, equestrian events, and a dunk contest. Special thanks to the executive board for their hard work in planning a successful event.

New pre-freshmen and freshmen cadets participated in a two-day Marine Corps Junior ROTC training event to welcome and prepare them for the upcoming school year. Senior Cadets led the instruction, which included orientation to drill, physical training, and marksmanship.

Visit the Blue Jay Shop to prepare for the upcoming school year. Pick up your school patches, pencil pouches, backpacks, PE uniforms, and other supplies before the back-to-school rush. Blue Jay Shop representatives are available to assist you in finding everything your Blue Jay needs. Fresh shipments of hoodies and t-shirts for blue and white days are also in stock, ensuring you’re ready to start the new school year. The Blue Jay Shop is open weekdays 10 a.m.–3 p.m. or shop online. www.thebluejayshop.com

Rising seniors Ali Alsherees and Tavo Rivera lead 4th and 5th graders campers at Good Shepherd School summer camp. 

Elliot Derbes ’24 assists camper JD at Krewe de Camp, a week-long overnight camp for children with developmental disabilities and their families. Derbes, along with many Jesuit students and alumni, dedicate their time to creating an unforgettable experience for the campers.

Seniors enjoyed a week of festivities celebrating their final days as Blue Jays. After the morning assembly, students were dismissed to the auditorium for the senior talent show. Performers sang crowd favorites in English, Japanese, and Chinese, while other class members showcased their musical prowess on various instruments and perplexed the audience with magic tricks. The celebrations culminated in a commencement luncheon, where the Class of 2024 officially joined the ranks of Jesuit alumni.

Dr. Wagner’s physics class constructed bridges out of spaghetti. This hands-on activity challenged students to apply engineering principles to design structures using noodles, with the goal of creating a bridge that could withstand the maximum weight. The project served as a practical application of physics concepts, encouraging students to think creatively while adhering to the principles of strength and stability. It tested their understanding of theoretical knowledge while fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills as they constructed their spaghetti bridges.

Photo by senior Peter Le