Pre-freshman Scott Hawkins gets a little help affixing a “J” pin to his left lapel from junior big brother Gray Cressy at the 2014 Investiture ceremony on Thursday, August 14 in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs.

View the Photo Gallery of the 2014 Investiture Ceremony

View the Photo Gallery of the New School Year’s 1st Pep Rally

The 2014 school year jumped off to a memorable start on Thursday, August 14 for 300 new Blue Jays who experienced the annual Investiture ceremony held in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs.

Investiture speakers were senior class president Harrison Bond and alumnus Kyle Huber of the Class of 2009.

The Investiture 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 our 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 many years. The “J” symbolizes the spirit, the vigor, and the faith required of each Blue Jay who has walked our halls. The pin is worn on the shirt’s left lapel.

Speakers at Investiture were senior class president Harrison Bond and Jesuit alumnus Kyle Huber, who graduated with the Class of 2009.

Following Investiture, new students went through a dress rehearsal of their class schedules. Big brothers accompanied their little brothers when it was feasible. This year, many big brothers have been assigned two little brothers from different schools. This helps introduce more quickly two new students who may not have a chance to meet each other for several days or weeks. The pair of little brothers share the common bond of the same big brother.

By 11:30, the new Blue Jays had run through a mini-version of their class schedules and it was time for the first pep rally of the year.