Jesuit welcomed nearly 300 new Blue Jays and their families at Welcome Day. Incoming students from all walks of life and from every zip code in the metropolitan area—and beyond—connected with one another and engaged with Jesuit leadership during an exciting day on campus.

Before proceeding to the Chapel of the North American Martyrs, new families were greeted by Jesuit volunteers and cheerleaders. Jesuit’s president, Fr. John Brown, S.J., along with admissions director Jonathan Hernandez ’00 and enrollment director Theresa Truxillo, shared insights into the school’s mission and values. Senior class president Kasey Cognevich delivered an impassioned speech about becoming a Blue Jay and embarking on the “Jesuit journey.”

Parents attended presentations by administrators, including principal Jeremy Reuther ’01, that shed light on Jesuit’s programs, traditions, and community spirit. He provided an overview of the adjusted curriculum for pre-freshmen while explaining longstanding customs and new traditions. Among these new traditions is Jesuit’s house system under which students are entrusted to the patronage of one of four Jesuit saints.

Truxillo shared her own list of the “Top 10 Things You Should Know as a New Blue Jay Parent.” Blue Jay parent and avid volunteer Missy Martin encouraged parents to become involved in school life.

Meanwhile, new Jays toured classrooms and connected with upperclassmen to learn about school culture, understand pre-freshmen expectations, and embrace their identity as Blue Jays. They gathered in the Birdcage for their first pep rally and induction into the “Gizzard” student section.

During this spirited event, incoming students received shirts and headbands and even had their faces painted blue. Spirits remained high as senior student council president Wilson Frischhertz led several new cheers in the Traditions Courtyard before incoming students rejoined their parents for lunch.

A special thanks to goes to MGYSGT J.R. Piseno, who provided lunch with the MCJROTC.

For more information about registration or enrollment, parents are encouraged to contact Jesuit at admissions@jesuitnola.org.