The Traditions Courtyard was an uncharacteristic scene of calm Tuesday afternoon as Blue Jays milled about, some completing school work, others relaxing in the cooler weather. It was a far cry from the fun and excitement of Homecoming Week activities earlier in the day. View a list of upcoming Homecoming Week lunchtime activities.

Br. Billy Dardis, S.J. ’58 is all smiles sitting in the Jaybird’s seat of the Jaymobile, which happens to be surrounded by and covered with 19 Jesuit Cheerleaders. As moderator of the cheerleaders, Br. Dardis commandeered the eye-catching Grand Marquis on Friday afternoon from its owner, Jesuit alumnus Mike Waldo ’70 of Pensacola. After the Jesuit Cheerleaders were all snugly stuffed into the Jaymobile, Brother put the pedal to the metal and drove 90 m.p.h. from Carrollton and Banks all the way to Pensacola for the football game between the Jays and the Gators of Escambia High School. Brother is typically publicity shy, but since this incredible feat focused on his cheerleaders, he quickly contacted the editors of Ripley’s “Believe It or Not.” Proudly informing Ripley’s of this achievement, Brother let it slip that five cheerleaders had been crammed into the trunk of the Jaymobile. Unfortunately, this disqualified the accomplishment for consideration by the Ripley folks. Brother became extremely agitated and wailed over and over, “My cheerleaders are Blue and White for all the days of life.” Brother was in a deep reverie when the cheerleaders shouted, “Go Jays!” His eyes suddenly popped wide open. It took him only a second or two to realize he had nodded off while waiting for the Wild Photographer to set up and snap an impromptu photo in the parking lot of a Chile’s restaurant, located 10 minutes from the stadium. As soon as the picture was taken, Brother once again assumed command. “Ok, everybody, let’s go,” he shouted authoritatively. “All aboard the Spirit bus. Right now. C’mon, don’t waste time. Got to go. Move it. Got to get to the game.”

Many alumni classes meet regularly for lunch – some monthly, some quarterly, some yearly. While the Blue Jays catch up on current events in their lives, the important discussion usually focuses on stories of the old days at Carrollton and Banks. Today’s Jays are creating the stories that they will retell over and over through the years. And these seniors have already begun a tradition of lunch gatherings to talk about their current events and their life at Jesuit. Since their sophomore year, (clockwise, from left) Carlos Zervigon, James Stoddard, Peyton Ruppert, Justin Lorio, Brett Hocke, David Maheu, Corey Barberito, Ryan Redmann, and Connor Schexnayder have enjoyed their lunch together in the same spot near the steps of the Chapel of the North American Martyrs. No doubt when they soon leave Jesuit as alumni, they will find each other, likely over lunch, to reminisce about their casual lunch gatherings in the shade of the chapel and the stories they told. Perhaps the group of 1956ers, who now meet monthly, found their way as sophomores in 1953 to the steps of the brand new chapel to enjoy lunch and share stories of their morning classes, stories that have been told and retold…  of course, over lunch.

The newly formed Video Games Club proved to be a popular group attracting over 30 members eager to play in a Super Smash Bros. tournament after school on Wednesday. The club moderator, Mr. Greg Uddo ’00, may need to call in reinforcements for the next meeting with this kind of pixel-player overflow. Club meeting dates and times can be found in the daily announcements.

Pre-freshmen in Mr. Kevin Murphy‘s World Geography class work on a hypothetical budgetary exercise. Each group received a monthly budget that corresponded with what a typical family might have to live on in various countries around the world. The groups’ budgets varied from just a few dollars each month to several thousands. Members of each group had to work together to determine how much of their monthly budget they would spend on various items, such as food, utilities, housing, clothing, and transportation. Pictured are (from left) Christopher Wormuth, Matthew Duong, and Grant Jordan.

An energetic and feisty Scott Jenkins, a senior wide receiver (#9) on Jesuit’s football team, takes center stage to pump up fellow Blue Jays at Friday’s spirited lunchtime pep rally. Pep rallies are typically held in the Traditions Courtyard, but because of a steady rain that fell during school hours, today’s event began in the Student Commons and wound its way through the cafeteria before landing in the auditorium. Accompanied by the Blue Jay Marching Band’s drum corps, Jenkins and other seniors in the Spirit Club led cheers and exhorted students to be among the fans who will be supporting the Blue & White in their game tonight against St. Paul’s at Tad Gormley Stadium.

In rain, shine, heat, or cold, Br. Billy Dardis, S.J. ’58 is a regular fixture at a table set up just outside the Student Commons. At dismissal, Blue Jays arrive to satisfy their cravings for ice cream and other cool treats. The proceeds from their purchases benefit the annual mission drive. Buying Brother’s treats on Thursday are, from left, freshmen Russ Heath and Clyde LeBlanc, pre-freshman Carter Montalbano, and freshman Jacques Gaudet.

Seniors Justin Vlosich and Joseph Stagni review a C.S. Lewis class assignment during their lunch break. The senior-level theology class is taught by Mr. Matt Orillion and Mr. Jeremy Reuther.

There’s a new signal to watch at the corner of Carrollton and Banks. The familiar, green “walking man” signal will help Blue Jays cross the busy intersection safely. The pedestrian crossing signal is set on a timer in coordination with the automotive traffic lights, so now Blue Jays will “look both ways” and wait for the “walking man” to set the pace.

Members of the Preprandials Club sample an aged white cheddar at their club meeting Thursday during lunch. The Preprandials Club meets several times each quarter to sample fine cheeses and discuss cultural topics such as music, art, and literature. The club’s big cheese — president Cole Radetich — hand selects a different high quality cheese each meeting for members to savor and critique. The club is moderated by Mr. Wade J. Trosclair ’07. Blue Jays can get a taste of the Preprandials, as well as more than 60 other co-curriculars, next week during Rush Days.

These two Blue Jays look extra blue today as the Wild Photographer peers through the blue screen walls of a life-size maze in Traditions Courtyard. The “Zoo Maze” was part of a safari-themed Welcome Week for Blue Jays of all classes, hosted by the Student Council. Photos from Welcome Week can be found on the Student Life page.

Freshman Matthew Vlosich picks up his ACT Aspire score report from Guidance Counselor Mr. Andrew Schiro. Freshman filed in and out of St. Ignatius Hall throughout lunch Tuesday to pick up their standardized test scores. The ACT Aspire assesses student readiness in English, math, reading, science, and writing. Jesuit offers several ways to help Blue Jays prepare for various standardized tests, such as the ACT and PSAT/SAT Prep Courses.

The Fencing Club members star-cross their foils for a quick photo as they come together for their first meeting of the school year. Pictured from left are sophomores John Drake, Ryan Tucker, Andrew Gruntz, and Eddie Redmann with the club president, senior Ethan Gilberti. The students practice and compete with one another every Monday after school. The club is moderated by Mr. Wade Trosclair ’07. This is one of over 60 active co-curricular clubs and organizations offered at Jesuit. Blue Jays will learn more on Rush Days held during the lunch hour on Sept. 8-10 .

Audio-visual coordinator Jason Giaccone steps back from his video camera to take a penetrating stare at someone else taking pictures at Morning Assembly – the Wild Photographer. Giaccone, who is also assistant band director and a fine arts teacher, was shooting the video of the Katrina 10-year remembrance addresses by Fr. McGinn and alumnus William Stoudt ’07.

Junior Nick Pham takes a turn at the board working through a problem in Mr. John Lavie’s math class.

Blue Jays take advantage of the quiet and the latest technology while studying and working in the Resource Center Monday after school. Located on the second floor in the Hall of Honors, the Resource Center is open 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. on regular instruction days; 8:50 a.m. – 4 p.m. on faculty meeting days; and, 7 a.m. – noon on exam days. (See Campus Map.)