Science teacher Amy Tassin shows the results of a DNA test to senior Chris Hansen. In the Intro to Forensic Science elective, students learn all about the duties and procedures in a forensic scientist’s life. In the photo, DNA cells were split apart from the rest of the solution to allow for a closer examination to discover if the suspect was guilty. Photo by senior Nolan Clark.

At morning assembly on Monday, April 17, today’s Blue Jays were treated to a visit by a legendary alumnus, Dr. John Ernst ’58. As a pre-freshman in 1953, Ernst was one of hundreds of students who submitted an entry to the contest to “Name Pogo’s Pal” after cartoonist Walt Kelly sketched a Fighting Blue Jay at the request of the art staff of The Blue Jay Magazine. His suggestion was the winner, and the now-70-year-old mascot was officially named Jayson. Dr. Ernst shared some wisdom with the students about the meaning of success and the virtue of humility.

The girl choir from St. Mary’s Episcopal School of Memphis, Tennessee, visited Jesuit today during lunch in Traditions Courtyard to perform a Brown Bag Concert. The choir sang traditional choral pieces and a mix of a capella renditions of modern songs. The group stopped at Jesuit as part of their spring tour of the south. Jesuit thanks St. Mary’s Episcopal for the superb concert. Photo by sophomore Aidan Wang.

Junior Spencer Lanosga mounted his plaque for his second state wrestling title. A long-standing tradition in the Jesuit wrestling Program is the Wall of Champions. On the back wall of the wrestling room, every individual state champion receives a plaque detailing the year and weight in which he won his state championship. Lanosga joins a special club of Blue Jays that have won multiple state titles. In addition, Lanosga even won a national title in 2022.

Senior Jace Larsen celebrates after eliminating the last faculty member to win the Senior v Faculty Dodgeball game. This game marked an exciting conclusion to student council’s “175 Week,” in which the seniors bested the faculty in a 2-1 series! Photo by senior Nolan Clark

Pre-freshman Yousef Alsherees explains his note that he plans to put in the new time capsule. On Wednesday, faculty and students were able to donate items and write letters to be placed in a time capsule set to be opened 175 years from now as another part of “175 Week.” Items in the capsule included assistant band director Jason Giaccone’s notorious coffee beans, student IDs, and notes explaining life and the current atmosphere around Jesuit. “175 Week” continues Thursday and Friday with a lunch pep rally and a senior versus faculty dodgeball game, respectively. Photo by senior Nolan Clark. 

Senior Chase Haydel gets “pied” in front of a laughing crowd after students gave donations for the Mission Drive. Many other students and faculty members volunteered to take a whipped cream pie to the face to raise money for a good cause. This event is only the second in a week-long series put on by Student Council dubbed “175 Week.” Photo by senior Aloka Fernando. 

Senior Jack Lo hands senior Hollis McDaniel the next clue in a school-wide scavenger hunt.  To celebrate the rich history of Jesuit High School, Student Council has set up a week-long series of events starting with the aforementioned scavenger hunt, which had students traveling across campus. The first seven students to complete the hunt were awarded prizes totaling $175! Other events during “175 Week” include an opportunity to “pie” fellow students and faculty members, forming a time capsule, attending a courtyard pep rally, and cheering on the seniors against the faculty in dodgeball! Photo by senior Nolan Clark.

Senior Roland Waguespack prays in front of Jesuit’s St. Joseph Altar located in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs. Tracing its tradition to old Sicily, the devotional practice of decorating an altar of St. Joseph made its way into the customs of the Crescent City. St. Joseph’s altars can be found in churches and schools across the New Orleans area and are traditionally celebrated each year on the feast of St. Joseph. For more information about St. Joseph Altars you can read about the practice on the Archdiocese of New Orleans website.

While they were preparing for this week’s exams, Blue Jays took a few minutes to prepare their March Madness brackets as well with art teacher Meg Jennings and basketball coach Christopher Jennings ’79. The entry fees for the March Madness brackets went to the mission drive, which this is supporting a Jesuit apostolate in Texas. Photo by senior Nolan Clark.

John Kling ’17, Jake Keubel ’18, and Ridge Retif ’19 weigh in on Jesuit’s student-run podcast, Ten Minute Break, hosted by seniors Roland Waguespack, Killian Lyon, and Patrick Dowd. These three alumni teachers are currently participating in Jesuit’s Alumni Service Corps, a special program that gives Blue Jay alumni the opportunity to devote a year of their lives to their alma mater between completing college and moving on to graduate school or a career. The volunteer program is founded on the four components of service, community, simplicity, and spirituality.

Senior Eddy Boudreaux helped famed pizza chef Ms. Angie cook up a special Valentine’s Day surprise for the Blue Jays. The pizza line is always a popular pick, but today’s slices had a little extra topping of love thanks to the heart-shaped pizza. 

This morning, Blue Jays in Jason Templet’s class heard from Gary Carroll ’91, a special agent with the U.S. Department of State. The discussion focused on the nature of the department’s work as well as Carroll’s international experience on various diplomatic missions around the globe. While Carroll and his family have lived in many places around the world, today he and his son, freshman Grant Carroll, found themselves together in room 229 on Carrollton & Banks.

Led by Scott Delatte ’06 and Susan deBoisblanc—and accompanied by scholastic Jeff Miraflor, S.J.—Jesuit students made a pilgrimage this week to our nation’s capital to support the cause for life. The trip is an annual tradition for Jesuit students and faculty members.

Win Schibler ’21 recently contributed to Tulane University’s Cotton Bowl victory. The team closed out the nail-biter against Southern California with a last-minute reception that brought the final score to 46-45. “I am very grateful for all of the support,” said Schibler before following up with, “As always, go Jays and roll wave!”