In a nod to the popular high striker strength test found at many fairs, Jesuit students showed their might by taking a swing at rotted fruit during Friday’s lunchtime activity. Pictured here, pre-freshman Devin Knott makes contact with an overripe orange. After a week’s worth of carnival-themed festivities, the Homecoming Court will be presented at Friday night’s football game against John Curtis. On Saturday, students will enjoy a Homecoming Dance at the Mercedes Benz Superdome from 8-11:30 p.m.

After Thursday’s senior victory over the faculty during the festivities of Homecoming Week, the Class of 2017 seized the opportunity to redeem a technology glitch at a pep rally the week before. Although dancing to the song “Sandstorm” during the special assembly pep-rally has become a tradition as storied as the Jesuit vs. Holy Cross Rivalry itself, the song was not a part of the event last Friday. Once the seniors secured victory in the game against their teachers, that technology glitch was remedied in the senior victory dance.

Student body vice-president Guy Cresson and president William Fine share a laugh with the crowd at morning assembly while presenting the lineup of Homecoming Week activities. Each day of the week features a new carnival-themed event hosted by the student council. The series of activities leads up to the big match-up against John Curtis on Friday night at Tad Gormley Stadium, at which the homecoming court will be presented during halftime. The court will re-assemble on Saturday night with hundreds of their Blue Jay friends at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for the homecoming dance.

Prior to Friday night’s Great American Rivalry Series festivities, Blue Jays rocked the gym with a spirited pep rally. Pictured here, seniors donned costumes for the event, which ranged from food, animals, and superheroes to Jesuit’s very own Top Abshire.

Following Great American Rivalry Series tradition, the Legend of the Game spoke to Jesuit’s football team the eve before the Blue Jays face off against the Tigers. Representing the 1946 State Championship Football Team, co-captain Joe Shirer ’48 recounted stories from his team’s winning season, including their victory over Holy Cross, who — coincidentally — were the 1945 state champions. He also spoke on determination, encouraging players to channel their own grit during Friday’s game. Pictured here, Corey Dublin receives his rivalry game coin, which the Legend presents to senior players each year.

While members of the Blue Jay community celebrated the life of Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J., last night in New Orleans, current University of Notre Dame students — all Jesuit alumni — remembered him with their own memorial Mass in Indiana. Pictured from left are Brendan Besh ’14, Kevin Yokum ’14, Brady Stiller ’16, Fr. Brian Daley, S.J., Cameron Kaupp ’16, Felix Rabito ’16, Fr. Nathan O’Halloran, S.J., Connor Maheu ’16, and Evan Slattery ’16. Besh also wrote a piece on Fr. Fitzgerald’s influence in his life for the Irish Rover, a student publication.

Jesuit 10th graders were — literally — at a loss for words this Tuesday. The day-long Sophomore Silent Retreat took place at Manresa House of Retreats in Convent, La. Students listened to faculty-led talks, took moments for personal reflection, and attended confession and Mass. Pictured here, Brady Lee enjoys some quiet contemplation.

The Great American Rivalry Series continues this Friday, Sept. 30, when the Jesuit and Holy Cross football teams play it out for the 97th time, this one at Tad Gormley Stadium. Game day t-shirts are on sale in the Commons before school and at lunch this week. Shirts are $10 each for regular sizes and $15 for 2XL and larger. Seniors William King and Mahlon Ruegge got into the rivalry spirit and encouraged fellow Blue Jays to purchase their official game wear.

During a recent visit to his alma mater, Phil Brooks ’54 took the time to talk football in the Student Commons with senior Connor Prouet, a running back on the 2016 squad. Brooks, who is highlighted in this team photo, played offensive end and defensive back. He started in the 1953 state championship game, subbing for injured starter Bob Menard. In the season finale and in the rain, Jesuit defeated Byrd High School of Shreveport, 7-6, at Tad Gormley Stadium.

Though today marks the first day of fall, students are still seeking the chill they can’t yet find in the air. Each day after school Br. Dardis sells ice cream in support of groups, such as the Jesuit Cheerleaders, and various service efforts, including the annual Thanksgiving Drive. One happy customer included junior Jack Chaney, pictured here.

On Wednesday, juniors and seniors took to heart Jesuit’s mission to develop compassion in its students, proving themselves to be Men for Others during a blood drive in the Commons. The National Honor Society sponsored the event, which was facilitated by The Blood Center’s mobile blood drive program. The Blood Center is the primary supplier of blood to hospitals along the South Louisiana and Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast. Donors included juniors Clayton Merwin and David Hart, pictured here.

Master Gunnery Sergeant J.R. Piseno bravely led a group of 55 paintballers in their first outing last Saturday in Belle Chasse. The Paintball Club is but one of many organizations through which Jesuit students are encouraged to get involved in school activities.

The Creative Writing Club waxed poetic over lunch as moderator Gary Wyss facilitated discussion of a member-composed poem. Students considered their classmate’s style and use of literary devices, as well as analyzed the poem’s overall tone, theme, and mood. Participation in Jesuit’s many co-curricular clubs, teams, and organizations, such as the Creative Writing Club, helps Blue Jays explore passions and discover new interests.

Members of Jesuit’s MCJROTC program offered their service at the re-dedication ceremony of a 73-year-old memorial uptown. In Dec. of 1943 civilians in the neighborhood surrounding the memorial on Leontine and Laurel streets pulled their resources together to honor heroes serving in World War II. After years of disrepair, the memorial has recently come back to life and is a sign of patriotism for the community. In the same spirit of remembering those who defend the country, the re-dedication ceremony took place on the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. Pictured from left are senior Travis Kieff, senior Jared Tonglet, and junior Alec Maraldo. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com)

Adding to Jesuit’s efforts to assist victims of the Baton Rouge flooding were 35 freshmen and a dozen parents who traveled to Baton Rouge to gut flooded homes on Saturday. The Blue Jay volunteers spread out to cover six houses, but the to-do list at each was the same: remove damaged furniture, pull down molded dry wall, and pull up damaged floors. It was grueling work, but the youngsters worked tirelessly and had a great time doing it. Pictured from left are Andrew Farnsworth, Colin Farnsworth, Wes Melito, Matthew Perschall, John Duncan, Marlene Domingue (parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish in Baton Rouge), Andrew Whitehead, Myles Gordon, Aidan Gauthe, and Alex Heusel.

Students packed the polls to cast their votes for Homecoming Court couples during lunch on Friday. The Student Council will present the winning court of freshmen, juniors, and seniors, as well as crown the king and queen, at the Jesuit vs. John Curtis football game on Oct. 7.