National Football Foundation Honors Three Blue Jays For Scholastic & Athletic Accomplishments
The National Football Foundation, which is chaired by former Ole Miss and Saints quarterback Archie Manning, honored three Blue Jays and 30 other student-athletes from around the metro area at its annual Scholar Athlete Awards Luncheon. The event, which is presented by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, took place on Tuesday, April 21, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Manning presented plaques to senior linebackers Jonathan Giardina and Robert Lobrano, and fullback Michael McMahon, Jr. — members of Jesuit’s 2014 state championship team.
McMahon holds a 4.67 GPA and is a candidate for valedictorian. He is a National Merit Commended Scholar and was named to the Academic All-State Composite Team. McMahon is also involved in Student Council, Campus Ministry and the school’s Big Brother program. The son of Amy and Michael McMahon ’85 and grandson of Joseph McMahon ’60 will attend the University of Alabama.
Giardina, who was All-District Honorable Mention, sports a 4.1 GPA and is a member of the Spanish Honor Society. He is a Big Brother at Jesuit and has volunteered 100 hours at Good Shepherd School. Giardina is going to LSU.
Lobrano was All-District and Second Team All-State. He carries a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Student Council, Big Brother, and Peer Support. The son of Mary Beth and Jerry ’86 Lobrano plans to continue his football career at Washington & Lee in Lexington City, Virgina.
Joining the players and their families were school administrators and football coaches Mark Songy, Troy Baglio, Graham Jarrott, Darryl Roule, Benny Baptiste ’81, and Joe Chango. The administration contingent, which included principal Peter Kernion ’90; alumni director Mat Grau ’68; director of special projects Bro. William Dardis, S.J. ’58; director of institutional advancement Tom Bagwill; and college counselors Allie Timberlake and Elizabeth Hoodless, was coordinated by athletic director Dave Moreau.
Before the students were recognized, Jesuit alumnus Jack Laborde ’67 received the NFF’s Distinguished American Award. Laborde played football for Jesuit and Tulane. He is president of All Aboard Development Corporation, a New Orleans based independent oil and gas exploration and development firm. Laborde was introduced by Sugar Bowl president Carey Wicker, who is the father of two Blue Jays.
Video highlights of the event are available at www.sportsnola.com.