Open House Welcomes Prospective Students to Experience Jesuit

Posted November 6, 2015 / Last updated November 19, 2015

Seniors Tyrus Narcise (left) and Thomas Hellmers address guests at Open House.

Jesuit’s Open House on Wednesday, Nov. 4, proved to be a huge success, as over 500 families throughout the metro area came to #ExploreJesuit on the Mid-City campus.

Prospective students and their families gathered in the auditorium where the Blue Jay Jazz Band performed before the hearing about different aspects of the school and the admissions process.

Featured speakers included an alumnus and two seniors. Class of 2005 alumnus Johnny Giavotella, who plays second base for the Los Angeles Angels, credits Jesuit with providing the academic and athletic foundation, along with a disciplined temperament, that has made him who he is today. Seniors Thomas Hellmers and Tyrus Norcise spoke about the people and the circumstances that inspired each of them to take advantage of the opportunities provided by Jesuit.

After the presentation, Blue Jay student ambassadors guided families through Jesuit’s halls and in and out of classrooms, where guests were able to interact with alumni, faculty, and staff who told them about Jesuit’s strong academic program, numerous co-curricular activities, spiritual and Christian formation, vibrant student life, strong guidance and college counseling departments, and much more. After touring the main campus building, attendees crossed Banks Street and entered the gymnasium and Louis J. Roussel Building, where they were able to visit the newly-renovated weight room and wrestling complex. The tour ended on the third floor of the Roussel Building with the co-curricular fair, giving prospective Blue Jays the chance to see some of the more than 60 clubs and organizations Jesuit offers.

Admissions

Students applying for admission to Jesuit High School for the 2016-2017 school year must turn in all records and application forms by Friday, Nov. 13. To apply online to Jesuit or to view the list of important admissions deadlines, visit the Admissions section.

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Open House, Nov. 4, 2015

With daylight savings time, dusk settles in a bit early. Guests for Open House park in the school yard and on Will Clark Field.
These MCJROTC cadets were among two dozen who assisted Open House guests with parking. From left: freshman James Bragg, sophomore Thomas Delsa, and juniors Travis Kieff and Noah Griffin.
Among alumni and parents of alumni and current Blue Jays greeting guests are, from left, Ryan Thibodaux '92, Missy Duhon, Darrick LeBeouf '92, Shannon Daigle, and Walt Bond '85.
Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J., president of Jesuit High School, and admissions director Bret Hanemann '85 welcome Roberto Rodriguez '84 and his son Pablo to Open House.
Admissions director Bret Hanemann has both hands working greeting young guests.
The mothers of (current and alumni) Blue Jays provided a warm welcome with plenty of smiles to Open House guests as they entered the auditorium. From left are Mary Billeaud, Debra Casimire, Lori Darcey, Tricia Zvonek, Gigi Burk, Kenyatta Brown, Alison James, Tiffany Crowson, Holly Javier, Robin Roussel, Tammi Major, Shannon Nash, Sandee Krizan, and Janet Perez.
Fr. McGinn greets Louis Schott '83 and his family as they enter the auditorium.
The Jesuit Jazz Band, under the direction of music teacher Jason Giaccone, entertains the gathering crowd with a range of tunes, from The Beatles ("I Saw Her Standing There") to Dizzy Gillespie's "A Night in Tunisia."
Jesuit principal Peter Kernion '90 addresses the many "fun" aspects of Jesuit.
Alumnus Johnny Giavotella '05, who plays second base for the Los Angeles Angels, addresses prospective Blue Jays and their parents.
Seniors Tyrus Narcise (left) and Thomas Hellmers address guests at Open House.
Blue Jays, mostly juniors and seniors (and some sophomores and freshmen), serve as "tour guides" and are prepared to answer questions about a variety of things at Jesuit, including academics, co-curriculars, athletics, discipline, and yes, even chicken sandwiches.
Seniors William Waguespack, Austin Blanchard, and Jacob Ducote, and freshmen Langston Goldenberg and Jonathan Rink wait patiently for the rows of guests to empty from front to back. A few guests scurry past the group of tour guides.
Senior Seth Pohlmann, a defensive end on the Blue Jay football team, brings up the rear of a group he is guiding through Jesuit.
Senior tour guides Mark Jaunet (left) and Evan Ruppert lead their group up the steps from the auditorium to the back entrance of the Chapel of the North American Martyrs.
Alumni ambassadors: Andrew Ferdinand ’13, Dook Chase ’00, and Darrel Ferdinand ’82
The Philelectic Society had a little fun by performing in Traditions Courtyard for passers-by. They practiced duel scenes in costume from their upcoming production of The Three Musketeers.
Alumni ambassadors: Harry Cradic ’02, John Laughlin ’80, Ed Mazoue ’62, and Geoff Brien ’97
Mr. Kevin Murphy, director of community service, reviews the various service opportunities for Blue Jays.
Jayson, Jesuit's mascot, follows along on a tour.
Jesuit's incoming president, Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J., visits with prospective Blue Jay families during Open House.
Alumni ambassadors: John Faciane '07 and Bill Babin '74
Science instructor Nick Nolfe entertains questions in one of the science labs.
English department head, Mr. Tim Powers, greets attendees.
Spanish instructor Profe Nilda Rivera extends her usual warm welcome.
Alumni ambassadors: Malachi Hull ’92 and Michael McKenna ’88
When junior Daniel DeGrange told history teacher Mr. Ron Rossi about a prospective student's shared interest in WWII, Mr. Rossi's excitement could not be contained.
The tours led through the gym and into the Roussel Building.
Alumnus Earl Johnson '13 introduces himself to Open House visitors in the newly renovated athletic training room.
Open House visitors walk through the wrestling room, as the team practices and assistant wrestling coach, Mr. Stephen Kramer, S.J. (right), lends a few pointers to some Blue Jays on the mat.
Junior Connor Prouet leads his tour group to the mathematics and social studies department tables in the Student Commons.
Alumni ambassadors: Bob Stevens ’74 and Marc Bonifacic ’92
For the Chess Club, freshman Dexter Webster invites a challenger. Photo by junior Alex Tran for the Media Club.
Teacher and coach Rudy Horvath talks about the track and field team. Photo by junior Alex Tran for the Media Club.
In the Roussel Building, freshman Matt Gibson talks about intramurals with a prospective student. Photo by junior Alex Tran for the Media Club.