Dr. Wagner’s physics class constructed bridges out of spaghetti. This hands-on activity challenged students to apply engineering principles to design structures using noodles, with the goal of creating a bridge that could withstand the maximum weight. The project served as a practical application of physics concepts, encouraging students to think creatively while adhering to the principles of strength and stability. It tested their understanding of theoretical knowledge while fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills as they constructed their spaghetti bridges.

Photo by senior Peter Le

Juniors Will Allen and Duris Holmes, along with 16 candidate teams consisting of 200 local high school students, are being honored for their participation in the 2024 Louisiana Student Visionaries of the Year leadership development program. Allen and Holmes’ team, We Believe in Miracles, exceeded its fundraising goal by amassing an impressive $63,000. The Blue Jays have shown leadership in bringing awareness to  Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by demonstrating innovative research strategy. Collectively, all participating teams raised a total of $612,594 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

As Lent nears its end and anticipation builds for Holy Week, Jesuit students prayed the the Stations of the Cross this Friday during theology classes. Held in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs, a longstanding campus tradition, the event provided students with the opportunity for the Sacrament of Confession, with visiting priests from the archdiocese joining Jesuit’s clergy. Pictured here are altar servers Anthony Amadeo, Jude Schiro, and Thomas Denning lead the Stations with Campus Minister Mr. Nick Blair, S.J. reading the prayers. The entire community is invited to experience a deeper reflection on the Way of the Cross during the Nine Churches Walk on Good Friday. For more information about the Nine Churches Walk, please visit www.ninechurcheswalk.com.

Junior Darrick LeBeouf and senior Israel Fortin and hold copies of Shout, Sister, Shout: The Untold Story of Rock-And-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe. LeBeouf and Fortin highlighted Tharpe in their Four on Friday presentation for the Jesuit Men of Color during Black History Month. Holding the poster promoting the event are JMOC co-moderators Jay Combe ’83 and Chris Lamothe. Coincidentally, Combe was close friends in college with Tharpe’s biographer, Gayle Wald. When Wald learned that Tharpe was featured in Four on Friday, which explores music that impacted the Civil Rights Movement, she sent LeBeouf and Fortin signed copies of her book. The inscription on Fortin’s: “To Izzy, Scholarship can make a difference. When I wrote this book, Rosetta Tharpe was in an unmarked grave. Now she is being studied by people; this makes me happy!”

On Wednesday, Blue Jays and girls from other Catholic schools flocked to Jesuit to spend a night of faith, fellowship, and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Focusing on the themes of gratitude, praise, and worship, Camus Ministry Night was founded by senior Elliot Derbes, who had the desire to gather not only Jesuit students, but also students from the area female Catholic schools to pray in adoration and socialize in a night centered on Christ. . Pictured is senior Johnny Stahel and junior Ben Burkett. Photo Credit: James Redmann

On Wednesday evenings, IKON, which is a group of students and teachers led by Dr. Dave Delio and centered on the ideas of St. John Henry Newman, strives to teach young men to grow in wisdom and holiness through seminars and discussion. This week IKON discussed basic economic theories and how modern culture can easily replace faith with finance. The group meets every Wednesday from 5-7 P.M. in St. Ignatius Hall for dinner and discussion and is open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and alumni. Pictured are Charlie Garitty ’24 and Hayden Welk ’24 having a fervent discussion about capitalism. For more information about the IKON Institute at Jesuit, please visit the NewmanIdea.org.Photo Credit: Junior James Redmann.

Junior James Redmann reflects on the liturgical season of Lent. An excerpt from The Blue Jay Newspaper.

During Lent, many Catholics give up something to improve themselves and show love to God. Often, I find Catholics begrudgingly giving up something just because they are supposed to (myself included). We, as Catholics, should see the sacrifices we make are not just in vain, but to improve our relationship with God. There are many great ways, in which we can show our love to God and learn to appreciate him. Personally, I think adoration and silent contemplative prayer are outstanding ways to improve your relationship with God. I challenge everyone, including myself, to live our lives For the Greater Glory of God this Lent, and I invite all of you to join the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception in their Lenten journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Photo of Immaculate Conception Church by junior James Redmann.

Blue Jays gathered in the courtyard during lunch to celebrate the carnival season. Co-curricular groups hosted tables offering king cake and king cake ice cream for students to enjoy. The Student Council distributed traditional parade route snacks of cotton candy and Chee-Weez. The Blue Jay marching band paraded through, filling the air with lively Mardi Gras music, while the Pelicans mascot, King Cake Baby, made a special appearance. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Members of the Jesuit High School Pro-Life Club have made their way to Washington D.C. for the annual March for Life. Students arrived by plane yesterday and spent the day touring the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land, the National Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on the campus of the Catholic University of America, and then went on a walking tour of the monuments in the National Mall. Today they will hear a presentation from scholars at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, spend time at the Smithsonian Museums and make their way back to the Basilica for the Mass for Life.

Tuesday, January 9, members of the Class of 2020 returned to campus–without Covid provisions this time–to discuss class captains, 5-year reunions, and other alumni matters. Welcome back, Blue Jays.

Photo: Grant Jordan and Max Mancheski take a few minutes to catch up.

Elijah Morgan ’19, a varsity basketball standout under Coach Jennings during his tenure at Jesuit, recently entered the graduate transfer portal for The Citadel. In a remarkable display, Morgan played against his alma mater, Notre Dame, and delivered an outstanding performance. During his return to South Bend, Indiana, he led the game with 19 points, contributing to The Citadel’s 65–45 triumph on December 19. The Bulldogs’ victory marked a significant milestone, improving their season record to 7–4. Morgan’s profound understanding of the game, honed during his three seasons as a walk-on for the Fighting Irish, was evident. His performance, characterized by precision from the three-point range, underscored his unwavering confidence and the deep connection to his past experiences at Jesuit. Way to go, Blue Jay!

Anthony Amadeo, a pre-freshman at Jesuit, has taken the initiative to lead a personal service project in collaboration with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His primary responsibility involves encouraging individuals to write Santa letters detailing their Christmas wishes and added to the Santa mailbox. For every letter collected, donors generously pledge to contribute $2. The funds raised through this project are dedicated entirely to the children supported by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. More letters, more wishes for children. Remarkably, Anthony began this charitable endeavor while in Kindergarten at Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Chalmette, and he has diligently maintained the tradition ever since. Since its inception, Amadeo has raised over $70,000 in donor matches to Make-A-Wish. Amadeo is anticipating surpassing the $100,000 mark this year. Anthony’s dedication to embodying the spirit of being “a man for others,” particularly during the Advent season as we anticipate the joy that Christ’s birth brings, inspired his classmates to write letters at their recent pre-freshmen Christmas party.

Pictured from left to right: Anthony Amadeo, Joseph Bertucci, and Thomas Denning

Sebastian Fernandez (French II, 1st place), Bassam Al Hariri (French III, 2nd place Immersion level), Nate Costantini (French II, 2nd place), and Frank Young (French IV AP, 1st place) recently garnered accolades at a city-wide high school French oratory contest held last November. In recognition of their exceptional performance, these students were honored at a reception on December 10, 2023, at the historic Degas House. A representative from the French Consulate, along with members of the Council of French Societies in New Orleans, presented the monetary awards.

The event was not only a celebration of academic excellence but also an opportunity for cultural immersion. Students and their families savored the festive atmosphere, highlighted by the traditional bûche de Noël and an array of other treats. This gathering underscored the value of language studies and the cultural ties that enrich the educational experience at Jesuit.

Not quite ready to retire from throwing darts, senior quarterback Beau Perez, slings a “snowball” at the opposing team during today’s “frozen” game of dodgeball.  The event is the first in a series of winter-themed lunchtime activities hosted by the Student Council Executive Board to get students excited about the upcoming Christmas season. Tomorrow’s events include pictures with Santa and a gingerbread house making contest. The week concludes with the annual Ugly Christmas Sweater contest on Friday. Photo Credit: Pre-Freshman Jax Dagley.

The Biology Club and Jesuit Medical Society were pleased to host Dr. Jorge Belgodere, a renowned researcher in Hematology & Medical Oncology at Tulane University. The presentation took place over lunch in the Madonna Della Strada conference room. Dr. Belgodere enlightened our students about his work at the forefront of medical research, particularly his work on “hydrogel synthesis,” a technique used for accelerated wound healing. This event, accessible to all students, complements the Jesuit Medical Society’s broader objective of acquainting students with a variety of medical disciplines that may pique their interest in the future.For more information about the Biology Club or the Jesuit Medical Society, click here. Photo credit senior Peter Le.

The Sodality of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception hosted a a walking pilgrimage to St. Patrick’s Cemetery #1, aiming to obtain a plenary indulgence for souls in purgatory. The event saw the participation of Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Sodalities, fostering a sense of unity. Co-Directors of Campus Ministry, Mr. Miraflor, S.J. and Mr. Blair, S.J., emphasizing the importance of prayers for the departed, led the students through the streets of Mid-City to the cemetery . The event concluded with a simple lunch, providing students with a moment for reflection and brotherhood. This event not only deepened their spiritual connection but also emphasized the significance of collective prayer and empathy in the Catholic faith. During the month of November, Jesuit will offer each daily Mass for the souls of all those departed in the Blue Jay community. If you would like to add the name of a loved one to be remembered at Mass, please submit their name to the Holy Souls Form.