Following Mass of the Holy Spirit on Friday morning, students are dismissed from school. People are usually surprised when they see for the first time how quickly students leave Carrollton & Banks in a deserted state. Some of the younger Blue Jays — like freshmen Tyler Mire (left) and Patrick Calhoun — are not as mobile and hang in the Traditions Courtyard while waiting for their ride home. The Wild Photographer happened to be laboring nearby (well, it is Labor Day weekend) and coaxed Messieurs Mire and Calhoun, and Fr. McGinn, to allow the snapping of this presidential memento of sorts.

Junior Joey Bongiovanni talks with campus ministry Director Jeremy Reuther about his ushering duties for Friday morning’s Mass of the Holy Spirit.  Students will arrive on campus in coat and tie to celebrate this Mass which has been a Jesuit tradition for decades and helps to set the spiritual tone for the new school year. More information about school Masses is detailed on the Liturgy & Worship page.

Prefect of Discipline “Top” Abshire met with pre-freshmen in their computer literacy class. Top gave the class some tips on how to navigate Jesuit and encouraged them to be Men of Faith and Men for Others. He discussed with them the importance of keeping up with their school work and shared with the new Jays his mantra for the school year: “Do what you have to do before you do what you want to do.”

Mr. Joey Latino tosses a new letterman jacket—still in the bag—to junior Peyton Hidalgo for his participation on the varsity bowling team last year. All 2014 baseball, bowling, golf, tennis, and track & field lettering athletes were scheduled to pick up their lettermen jackets, patches, and stripes today.

With the start of the new football season approaching, members of the Blue Jay Marching Band practice Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” on Will Clark Field Monday afternoon. The school’s official marching unit is probably best noted for its elaborate routines, unique shows, intricate maneuvers, and the “Blue Jay Sound.” This group performs at football games, pep rallies, home basketball games, and Mardi Gras parades.

Moments before the final bell signaling the start of Morning Assembly on Friday, senior Francis Plough raises his arm with his fist clenched — as if to punch out the stifling heat and humidity that envelopes the Traditions Courtyard — and begins a spontaneous and enthusiastic solo cheer in salute to the Class of 2015. Plough’s performance infuses a shot of energy into 1,422 Blue Jays, especially the 275 seniors, many of whom momentarily stop yawning to return the cheers, including an amused classmate, Robert Zazulak (left). Plough is captain of the Jesuit swimming team and actively involved in student campus ministry and the sodality, among other co-curriculars, with the exception being the cheerleaders. He would just as soon stand in the back of his homeroom at assemblies and “Plough” ’em over with cheers.

In a prayer service attended by about 120 student members and potential members of Sodality, recent graduates Alex Scalco ’14 and John Guerra ’14 speak about how the brotherhood of Sodality continues to be important in their lives. After they spoke, Sodality members renewed their commitments for the school year and then enjoyed lunch in front of the chapel. Sodality of Our Lady is directed by Fr. John Brown, S.J.

Blue Jays make last minute purchases in the Blue Jay Shop after school. Students wishing to purchase school supplies, books, or apparel can visit the shop. It will be open each day throughout the week from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m., during both halves of lunch, and for two hours after school.

Ten Jays make jokes in the Commons as they ponder the purpose and mock the meaning of a crimson-colored snack bag. Pictured from left are: pre-freshman Damose Ituah, pre-freshman Cy Fuxan with his junior brother Cade Fuxan, seniors Sam Johnson, Michael Belanger, Francis Plough, David Gaines, and Chris Simmons, junior Evan Dudenhefer, and senior Michael Conrad.

ROTC cadets meet outside the Chapel of the North American Martyrs for a jambalaya lunch to welcome students to the new school year. From left, freshman Donald Barrett, sophomore John Crowson, and pre-freshman Evan Ehrensing each pick up a bowl of piping hot jambalaya served by MGySgt. J.R. Piseno.

Freshman Aiden Roberts talks with Fr. Don Saunders, S.J. under the shade of a tree in Traditions Courtyard during lunch on opening day of the 2014 – 2015 academic year.

After effortlessly sailing through Book Day, a group of sophomores beat the heat and relax in the Traditions Courtyard with some snoballs. Led by Sophomore Class President William Fine, the student council class officers organized the cold, refreshing treat for the entire Class of 2017. Pictured from left are: Robert Illg, Blake Parenton, Joshua Harper, and Brett Balser.

English teachers Anne Bryant-Breaux and Denise Dupuis admire a second floor classroom under renovation. The rooms are being outfitted with new carpeting, shades, cabinets, lighting, and technology. View more renovation photos.

The Wild Photographer was pleasantly surprised when four relatives of Oscar Rabensteiner ’36 showed up to see some of his iconic artwork. Rabensteiner painted the massive school seal that hangs prominently at the Carrollton and Banks entrance to the school and the painting of St. Ignatius Loyola, S.J., which graces the back wall of St. Ignatius Hall. Pictured in front of the St. Ignatius painting are Rhonda Rabensteiner, Oscar’s daughter-in-law, and sons Erik, William, and Fred. Their brother, Chris Rabensteiner, joins Jesuit as a freshman in the fall.

Wearing a Blue and White “J” shirt, sophomore William Fine helps load luggage into a trailer as the Blue Jay Band and Jayettes gather in Traditions Courtyard to depart for their annual marching band camp. The band and squad will learn new performance routines in this annual week-long camp at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La.

Members of the Philelectic Society paused for a picture while setting up the new sound board for the auditorium. The new digital board replaced the older analog board that had been in use in the auditorium for the last 15 years. The new board will be used by the students to mix sound for various events in the auditorium, including Philelectic Society productions, band concerts, student and parent meetings, and summer rentals. Pictured from left to right are rising freshman Cameron DiMaggio, rising senior Bryan Jones, Mr. Danny “Ace” Ward ’77, rising senior Bailey Graffagnini, Mr. D.J. Galiano ’07, and rising junior Zachary Huck.