After a summer of quiet halls, the century-old campus came alive once again as the newest Blue Jays arrived at Carrollton & Banks for their first full day. Morning light filled the halls as students found their homerooms, greeted new classmates, and began settling into surroundings that will soon become familiar.

Some arrived eager and others with the understandable nerves of a first day, but none had to navigate it alone. Big brothers were on hand throughout the morning to welcome their little brothers, answer questions, and help them find their way. Fresh nametags and “J” pins adorned khaki shirts as the new Jays greeted one another and began finding their places within the life of the school.

Students made their way to the Chapel of the North American Martyrs for Investiture, a ceremony that marks the beginning of their shared experience as Blue Jays. The prayer service offered the new Jays an early introduction to the faith, expectations, and sense of brotherhood that will shape their years at Carrollton & Banks.

President Fr. John Brown, S.J. spoke about the school’s mission to form young men of faith and service, encouraging the students to embrace the discipline and traditions that will help form them into the young men God created them to be. Guidance Counselor Robin Rhodes offered practical advice for starting the year well, including establishing a structured study plan, limiting distractions during homework, and seeking support early from teachers, counselors, and tutors.

Student Council President Calvin Magee then challenged the new Jays to “bleed blue” by becoming active members of the community. He encouraged them to join a club, activity, or athletic team, but also reminded them that involvement can begin in smaller ways. Talk to someone new. Step outside your comfort zone. Find opportunities to serve others. He also encouraged the students to ask for help when they need it and not to fear the failures that inevitably accompany growth.

Following Investiture, new students walked along Carrollton Avenue, where their big brothers lined the sidewalk to cheer them through the school’s iconic wooden front doors. The moment connected the newest students with generations of Blue Jays who have crossed the same threshold before them. This time, they entered not simply as visitors or incoming students, but as members of the brotherhood.

Big brothers then led their little brothers through a mini-schedule, offering a preview of the pace and rhythm of a typical school day. During a break, Principal Dr. Jeremy Reuther ’01 addressed the group in the auditorium. He encouraged the students to become involved in co-curricular activities and athletics, make their faith part of their daily lives, and intentionally build friendships that challenge them to support and lift up one another. The new Jays also practiced where to line up for their first morning assembly, another routine that will quickly become second nature, before gathering for a jambalaya lunch prepared by the MCJROTC.

The afternoon brought a different kind of introduction as each student learned his place in one of the school’s four houses: St. Jean de Brébeuf, S.J.; St. Peter Canisius, S.J.; Bl. Miguel Pro, S.J.; and St. Francis Xavier, S.J. With an element of mystery surrounding the experience, each house welcomed its newest members through an induction that introduced them to the traditions and character of their new community. From there, the energy shifted to Benson Arena for the new Jays’ first taste of House Cup competition, where the four houses faced off in tug-of-war, relay races, spirited chants, and dodgeball. Cheers filled the arena as the newest Blue Jays quickly embraced their house spirit, with Canisius House ultimately claiming the first victory of the year.

For the newest Jays, the day began with unfamiliar hallways and new faces. It ended with big brothers, classmates, houses, and the first experiences of traditions they will come to know well. Their years at Carrollton & Banks are only beginning, but with their first steps through those wooden doors, they joined generations of Blue Jays in the continuing journey to become the men they were made to be.