Here is a nostalgic glimpse of the editors of The Blue Jay Magazine back in 1956. Pictured in the “Blue Jay Room,” where the student newspaper was edited and published, these individuals played pivotal roles in bringing the magazine to life. The editors of The Blue Jay Magazine in 1956 were Harry Fleddermann ’58 (Page One), T. Noel Osborn ’58 (Features), Danny Matthews ’57 (Features), Joe Napoli ’58 (Editorial Page), Steve Rodi ’58 (Assistant Sports), and Bob Winn ’56 (Sports). It’s remarkable to look back and appreciate the hard work and dedication of these individuals who contributed to the success of The Blue Jay Magazine during that time.

This remarkable photo captures a moment in history, taken in 1965 on the flight deck of the USS Midway, an esteemed aircraft carrier stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI. On the left, we see Lieutenant Earl Higgins ’59, USN. Lieutenant Higgins served as the First Division Officer within the ship’s company. Standing next to him, holding a sextant, is Lieutenant Richard Vidacovich ’55, (MC) USNR, a dedicated medical officer and flight surgeon assigned to the ship’s air wing.

At the time this photo was taken, the USS Midway was en route to the Vietnam War, specifically Operation Rolling Thunder in the South China Sea and the Gulf of Tonkin. It is truly remarkable to reflect on the fact that both Lieutenant Higgins and Lieutenant Vidacovich were aboard the USS Midway during this historic military operation.

For the first time in over a decade, Jesuit High School sent a delegation of students to the heart of the Jesuit Province for a service trip. Eleven students, joined by Mr. Bacon and Fr. Kramer, S.J., traveled to Grand Coteau to engage in service to the poor. While staying on the grounds of the Jesuit Novitiate and Infirmary, in what many call the Holy Land of the South, the students not only enjoyed a trip that was full of direct service but was rich in spiritual fruit as well. Each day was bookended with prayer—starting with a morning prayer and ended with an evening Mass alongside the parishioners of St. Charles Borromeo and their pastor Fr. Mark Kramer, S.J. (the brother of our own Fr. Kramer, S.J.).  

The rest of the days were divided between an array of service opportunities. A rotating team of students spent each day directly engaging the wonderful residents of Grand Coteau at either a day camp for underprivileged children or at a day center for retired and disabled adults. And, despite the considerable 100 degree heat, a team of students cheerfully went out to work outdoors around the community—painting houses, trimming bushes, and fixing fences.

Jesuit students have embarked on an impactful service trip alongside Courts for Kids, aiming to construct a much-needed court for the community of Las Cataratas, Guatemala. As part of their journey, the Blue Jays have had the opportunity to connect with the locals and students of the area’s school, practicing their Spanish and immersing themselves in the vibrant culture of Las Cataratas. Their first day was filled with Guatemalan cuisine and an exhilarating football match. In the coming week, the students will engage in manual labor and community outreach activities, all leading up to the significant task of building a functional court for the youth in Las Cataratas.

Rising seniors in the class of 2024 recently returned from their service trip to the Border Project of the Rio Grande Valley (located in Brownsville, TX). The Jesuit run mission serves food and provides clothing or other material items to migrants on the Texas and Mexico side of the border as well as spiritual care such as Masses, confessions, etc. The annual summer service project requires rising seniors to complete over 100 hours of service working directly with people in need. In addition to helping migrants along the border, the Jesuit group was excited to provide the mission with a check for $15,000. The funds were raised by the generous donations of the Blue Jay community, students, faculty, and staff during the annual Mission Drive held each Lent. Photo credit Fr. John Polce, S.J. 

Members of the class of 2027 found a new way to stay cool this summer by rolling down the river rapids ride at Six Flags Fiesta Texas theme park. Over 150 Blue Jays attended the annual pre-freshman pilgrimage to San Antonio, Texas, which makes stops at the historic Catholic missions as well as local attractions such as Schlitterbahn waterpark and Six Flags. The annual trip serves as a great way to unite the 8th grade class as they continue their journey at Carrollton and Banks. Photo by rising junior Aidan Wang. 

Students in Dr. Wayne Wagner’s ’16 physics class were tasked with constructing “spaghetti bridges” in order to better understand how structures resist specific forces. Junior Jack Kessels sets up his bridge across the gap as Mr. Travis Kieff ’17 gets ready to load the bridge with weights. In increasing increments, weights are added to test the structural integrity of the bridge until the weight is too much to bear. Snap!

At the final morning assembly of the academic year, the Gizzard Gong could be heard loud and clear as Jesuit celebrated two more state championships in Rugby and Lacrosse. Defeating crosstown rival Brother Martin by a score of 71 to 15, Jesuit Rugby capped off an incredible season by once again securing the state championship. Head Rugby Coach Adam Massey (top left) holds up the championship trophy and invited sophomore Jacob Howat (top right) to ring the Gizzard Gong. After a thrilling overtime win, Jesuit lacrosse defeated Catholic Baton Rouge for its second state title in three years. Head Coach Zach Pall (bottom right) lifts up the trophy as sophomore Wilson Frischhertz (bottom left), who scored the game winning goal, rings the gong. Photos by junior Peter Le.

With the Blue Jay baseball team heading to Sulphur, LA, for the semi-final round of the state playoffs, John Ryan Stadium is set for a visual overhaul. Fr. John Brown, S.J., president of Jesuit High School, poses with facilities director Mr. Dave Sansone in front of the new Blue Jay stadium signage. John Ryan Stadium is home to a number of Jesuit athletics including baseball, lacrosse, soccer, and football.

Mr. Daniel Augustin ’15 leads the students of his freshmen level Christology class in a reading of C.S. Lewis’ The Last Battle. The course, which covers the life of Christ, concludes with a discussion on what it means to follow Jesus by exploring Lewis’s final book in the Chronicles of Narnia saga. Mr. Augustin sets the scene with the fireplace in the background as Luke Saddler gets ready to read.

The Class of 2023 enjoyed music, comedy, and magic acts performed by fellow classmates in the Jesuit auditorium. Senior Day closed out Senior Week with performances, a senior video, and the annual Alumni Commencement Luncheon. 

Senior Aloka Fernando leaves his mark by signing his classmate Aidan Couvillon’s khaki shirt. Seniors spent their lunch time “enhancing” their uniforms with one another’s signatures and well-wishes from friends to commemorate their last days at the school. 

Senior Kolbe Hanemann makes a splash on the slip and slide which marks day three of Senior Week. As the final days of classes approach, senior Blue Jays are counting down by enjoying fun activities with classmates. Up next is the Tour de Khaki and Senior Day. Photo by Senior Nolan Clark.

At assembly, a naval officer presented senior James Nolan with a $200,000 Navy ROTC scholarship. Jesuit has a longstanding connection to the nation’s military academies and university ROTC programs, and Nolan will commit to serving in active duty in the Navy upon graduation on college. He will attend Vanderbilt next year on a full tuition scholarship from the Navy. Congratulations to him on this honor.