Newest Jays Flock to Campus for New Student Orientation

Posted August 16, 2018 / Last updated August 20, 2018

Print Print Email Email Share Share
Senior Wade gives a J pin to is Little Brother Evans Green at the Investiture cermeony.

Senior Brayton Whittington gives the Jesuit “J” pin to his Little Brother C.J. Evans at the Investiture ceremony.

It was a spirited beginning to the 2018-2019 school year for the 300 new Blue Jays who attended New Student Orientation on Thursday, August 16. A day without academic work, the emphasis is on making new connections and feeling great about being a Blue Jay.

View the Photo Gallery of New Student Orientation 

The day began with the annual Investiture ceremony held in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs. The ceremony provides the school community the opportunity to welcome new Blue Jays into the Jesuit family and to reflect upon the role these young men will play in maintaining Jesuit’s long-standing traditions.

New Blue Jays were given a gift by their big brothers – “J” pins, representing tangible signs of the Jesuit spirit that has been handed down from student to student for more than 170 years. The “J” symbolizes the spirit, the vigor, and the faith required of each Blue Jay who walks the halls. The pin is worn on the shirt’s left lapel.

The featured alumni speaker was Jacob Meariman '13, pictured here with Preston Bordes and his Little Brother, new student Patrick Roddy.

The featured alumni speaker was Jacob Meariman ’13, pictured here with Preston Bordes and his Little Brother, new student Patrick Roddy.

The alumni speaker at Investiture was Jacob Meariman of the Class of 2013, which just celebrated its 5-year reunion this summer. Recounting his own story of entering Jesuit with just five friends from his grammar school, Meariman encouraged new Jays to face their fear of not measuring up as they encounter talented people in their new school. Following Meariman’s address, senior Brayton Whittington took to the podium to share some personal thoughts about his Jesuit experience.

Watch the Video of Meariman’s Address to New Students

Following Investiture, new students went through their class schedules. Big brothers accompanied their little brothers to help them find their way on campus. This year, many big brothers have been assigned two little brothers from different schools. This sense of inter-school diversity helps introduce two new students who might not otherwise have a chance to meet each other for several weeks. Students also met with Jesuit principal Peter Kernion ’90 for a practical advice on making the most out of their Jesuit experience.

By the time the new Blue Jays had run through a mini-version of their class schedules, it was time to experience the first pep rally of the year. New students took to Blue Jay Spirit with gusto, as student leaders introduced them to the cheers, fun, and excitement of the Jesuit experience.

On Friday, all students return to campus for the first day of school. Homeroom begins at 7:50 a.m., followed by Morning Assembly and all seven classes.