Every year during Mission Drive, Jesuit faculty members sponsor creative and fun events to raise money in support of the missions. One of the most anticipated is the Guidance Department’s iced coffee and dessert party, awarded to the group of students with the highest bid. This year, Kale Le and his friends—Connor Bussey, Andy Castillo, Declan Womack, Alex Rodriguez, and Cole Dodson—won the prize and joined the Guidance team for a festive lunch filled with sweet treats, iced coffee, and good laughs. This year’s Mission Drive will benefit St. Peter Claver Parish, a Jesuit apostolate in Punta Gorda, Belize. Later this summer, twelve Jesuit students will visit St. Peter Claver parish for their senior service project. Thank you to all who have supported the Mission Drive this Lent.

Students in Mr. Josh LeBoeuf’s Latin I class recently completed their Roman cultural projects. Each student was tasked with creating and presenting iconic artifacts from ancient Rome. From aqueducts to oil lamps, from Romulus and Remus to Pandora’s Box, the student’s presentations brought ancient Rome back to life. 

Civics teacher Jay Combe ’83 encouraged students to attend the New Orleans Book Fest at Tulane University, where seniors Tristan Bartholomew and Matthew Albro and junior Nelson Bensel listened to literary discussions and snapped selfies with Bob Woodward. Woodward, author of 22 bestselling books—15 of which are #1 New York Times bestsellers—has chronicled every president from Nixon to Biden.

Fr. Roy Joseph, S.J., engaged with students in fundraising efforts during the 2025 Mission Drive to support St. Peter Claver, a Jesuit parish in Punta Gorda, Belize. The drive aimed to raise $15,000 to bolster the parish’s ministry and evangelization efforts. The initiative included a faculty auction, Fresh Kick Fridays, March Madness, and a FIFA Tournament, in support of the drive.

Students in Wayne Wagner ’96’s physics class conduct the annual pasta bridge experiments. Junior Amir Isvandi and seniors Anthony Montalbano and Thomas Sarrat enjoy determining whether their bridge can support the greatest weight.

Student council hosted a King Cake party in Traditions Courtyard, where several clubs offered different King Cake samples to their members. The event’s highlight was the Ice Cream Social Club, which delighted guests with King Cake–flavored ice cream—a creative twist on the traditional celebration of King Cake.

Senior and junior students gathered in the auditorium for an insightful presentation by the Louisiana State Police on responsible driving as part of the “Sudden Impact” program. This session followed a mock crash scene presented last semester and included a mock trial conducted by attorneys. The trial addressed critical issues such as drinking and driving and texting while driving, highlighting the potential life-changing consequences of these dangerous behaviors for young drivers.

This photo from February 5, 1925 shows the lineup of the Blue Jays football team. The photograph was taken at Tokay Tea Park, the team’s practice grounds situated on S. Claiborne at Jefferson Ave. During this period, the current Jesuit campus was under construction while the old high school on Baronne St. was being demolished. Temporary classes were conducted in the old U.S. Rubber Company Building on Howard Ave. at Baronne.

Mrs. Delaney, Jesuit’s dedicated health and wellness counselor, recently prepared an engaging and interactive session for freshmen to address the crucial topic of suicide prevention. The students were tasked with developing light-hearted yet meaningful strategies to navigate serious conversations, fostering an environment of openness and understanding. This approach not only facilitated a deeper understanding of the topic but also empowered students to contribute positively to the well-being of their peers. 

The student council executive board led an exciting Winter Sports Pep Rally at Jesuit. Seniors dressed in costume to celebrate the basketball, wrestling, and soccer teams as they head into the final games of their seasons.

Dominic Stoner ’20, a member of the Alumni Service Corps (ASC) program, mentors students for their Biology exams. Stoner, a recent graduate of the University of Notre Dame, holds a degree in biology. He currently teaches freshman biology and assists in the campus ministry department. The ASC offers a unique opportunity for Blue Jay alumni to dedicate a year of their lives to their alma mater between college and moving on to graduate school or a career. Grounded in the values of service, community, simplicity, and spirituality, this enriching program invites participants to teach two classes, tutor students, and assist in various co-curricular activities, including retreats, days of reflection, service days, dances, special events, and other programs and activities throughout the school. Applications are now being accepted for the 2025-26 Alumni Service Corps (ASC). The program runs from Aug. 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. Applicants must be graduates of Jesuit High School (Classes of 2020 & 2021) and must have recently attained a college degree before participating in the program. 

In Wade Trosclair ’07‘s Western Civilization class, students engage in an immersive learning experience by playing the strategic board game Risk. This interactive approach helps them explore the complexities of defending and conquering countries, assess the risks involved in governance, and develop strategic thinking through player interactions. Through this innovative method, Trosclair effectively bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application, enhancing students’ understanding of historical and geopolitical dynamics.

Pre-freshman David Gomez and Mr. Combe prepared a special treat for their 8th-grade geography class. While teaching about Latin America, Combe shared slides from the two years he and his wife, Jodi Epp, spent teaching at an international school in Costa Rica. During his presentation, Combe mentioned that he especially missed a local restaurant where he often enjoyed pit-roasted chicken accompanied by Tropical Té Frío Melocotón. During his family’s visit over the Thanksgiving holidays, Gomez, whose parents emigrated from Costa Rica, brought back some to share with the class.

The Thanksgiving Drive received enthusiastic participation from various co-curricular and school groups, including the Blue Jay Band, Cheerleaders, Jayettes, Sodality, Pro-Life Club, National Honor Society, Mentoring Group, Robotics Team, Philelectic Society, swim team, student council, administrative team, and advancement team. Once the baskets were assembled on campus, homerooms, alumni, and other groups distributed 640 baskets to homes in the New Orleans area.

Seniors Ethan Shankle, Preston Cantrelle, Sam Macaluso, and Caden Sanderson eagerly anticipate “Chicken Day” in the cafeteria, a favorite among Blue Jays. Pigeon Catering serves up delicious fried chicken tenders with a special sauce that rivals the renowned Cane’s sauce. The popularity of this meal is evident in the long lines that form, as students excitedly await their turn to enjoy this lunchtime

The Student Council hosted its inaugural Trick or Trunk Halloween event, transforming Traditions Courtyard into a festive arena of creativity and fun. Seniors Rex Bove, dressed as a warrior, and Aidan Wang, decked out as a construction worker, along with many other costumed students added to the vibrant atmosphere. Blue Jays eagerly collected candy from creatively decorated trunks, reveling in the spirit of the season. The event culminated in the annual costume contest, where students showcased their imaginative costumes, bringing a lively and spirited close to the Halloween celebration.