In recognition of and appreciation for the school’s national presence, Jesuit president Fr. John Brown, S.J., met with members of Jesuit’s National Advisory Board on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. After updating members regarding academics, admissions, advancement, athletics, campus construction, and mission, Fr. Brown received helpful feedback and wisdom. Specifically, at Fr. Brown’s request, Blue Jays from across the country offered advice about identifying, hiring, and retaining talented teachers, administrators, and staffers. Members of Jesuit’s 2021 NAB are Lee Faust ’61 (Keswick, VA), John Gilluly ‘88 (Austin, TX), Jeff Laborde ’91 (Atlanta), Charles McClain ’60 (Berkeley, CA), Michael McGarry ’76 (Pittsburgh, PA), Robert Murphy ’69 (Houston, TX), John O’Shea ’80 (Houston, TX), Kevin Poorman ’69 (Chicago), George Rizzo ’57 (Houston, TX), and Paul Stevens ’70 (Alexandria, VA).

A group of dedicated students finish a variety of subjects before 3 p.m. in Jesuit’s Resource Center. Ever since its dedication in 1974, many Blue Jays have flocked to get ahead on an assignment, quickly make up work, or simply find a new read to pass the time. In addition to its beautiful aesthetic, the center provides online databases like EBSCO to help any Blue Jay at any time of formation. 

On Thursday, Jan. 15, Mrs. Tassin’s Biology II AP class was treated to a special guest: Gastroenterologist Dr. Chuck Schibler, father of senior Win and freshman William. Dr. Schibler showed videos about the gastrointestinal system including the properties of kidney stones. Schibler even did a mock demonstration about how to perform one of his many operations in his repertoire. 

Jesuit CFO Jason Hijelous took a short break from his usual day-to-day affairs to assist Mrs. Kate Arthurs-Goldberg’s public speaking class by conducting mock interviews. Students were asked common questions such as previous work experience and more in-depth inquiries like what their biggest strengths and weaknesses are. This exercise hopes to better prepare each student for what questions to expect and to better monitor his answers and body language for any career he might chase. 

Juniors have a unique and fun opportunity going into their senior years: picking of electives. Director of Student Affairs Helen Swan explained to Program I juniors that a plethora of elective classes are offered from Chemistry AP, Biology II AP, European History AP, to Theology of C.S Lewis Honors. A full list of all the unique topics can be found in Jesuit’s Bulletin. 

No better way to return to school than receiving an administrative building update. Most of the outer bricks facing the interior lot have been laid and everything is on schedule for administrators to move in by the summer. Another huge thank you to Ryan Gootee General Contractors, L.L.C, who continue their impressive work into the 2021 school year, and anyone who donated or assisted with the Minds & Hearts Enlightened capital campaign. 

It’s that time of year again: time for the ugly sweater contest in the majestic Traditions Courtyard. While many atrocious outfits were worn, these two brothers took home first place during their half of lunch in a highly contested victory. Thank you to all the students who participated all week in various Christmas events. 

Jackson Navarro takes his turn on the Christmas deer-riding challenge—one of the many fun activities Student Council planned to make this season a little brighter on Jesuit’s campus.  Other Christmas week festivities include singing karaoke, Christmas-tree ornament making, homeroom door decorating, and the ugly sweater competition.

A ninth-grade student stares intently at his handmade paper airplane, willing it to travel the farthest distance in his class. With the knowledge that they have gained throughout the year, Mrs. Merritt’s geometry honors class had to create a plane that could fly a long distance and land on a certain target. Many planes were flown, only a few passed the test. 

After taking a short quiz on the different parts of the eye, senior students identified and labeled different parts of an infant pig. In Mrs. Tassin’s Biology II AP class, there is no such thing as a normal day, even with a 1 p.m. dismissal. Pigs were spread out at every table and offered the students an opportunity to see specific muscles, organs, and much more in yet another exciting lab exercise. 

With open house right around the corner on Dec. 2nd, volunteers flood St. Ignatius hall to prepare for the big day. The cheerful helpers organized name tags, lanyards, pins, and much more. Open house would not be successful if not for the help of all of our volunteers, so Jesuit thanks you today and everyday. If you have not signed up for an open house tour yet, register on the Jesuit website. 

Holly Smith’s Biology class of freshmen and sophomores investigated pH today by experimenting with Methyl Orange, Bromthymol Blue, and Phenylphthalein. Monday’s class involved testing the pH of various solutions, documenting group findings, and analyzing the resulting data.

Brenda Foucher-Slater presents a beaded representation of Jayson to Fr. Brown in front of the original Walt Kelly illustration. Brenda’s family has received Thanksgiving baskets from Jesuit students for many years. When the students bring the groceries to her house, she and her daughter always show them the beadwork that they meticulously and painstakingly work on throughout the year for Mardi Gras Indian suits. To show her appreciation for the students’ generosity, she asked alumni director Michael Prados ’83, who brought his homeroom to her house for many years, to provide her with an image of Jesuit’s mascot. Fr. Brown sketched Jayson on a canvas, and she spent a few months sewing on beads and sequins. Jesuit thanks Brenda for her kindness in sharing her talent to create a work of art that represents the history, traditions, and culture of New Orleans.

In Mr. Moran’s 8th grade physical science class, Jays spent their Friday the 13th in the third floor science lab. All the shrewd scientists completed a single-replacement experiment with aluminum and copper chloride. By the end, all the smiling 8th graders enjoyed a tremendous learning experience and discovered that Friday the 13th was nothing to fear.  

On Nov. 10, 2020, The United States Marines celebrated their 245th year of existence. To honor those current and retired Marines, the Jesuit MCJROTC program gathered in formation on Will Clark Field, recognized LtCol. Tim Huete ’76 (ret), and shared a meal of Jambalaya and cake. Jesuit cannot express enough gratitude to those who have served and will serve in the United States Armed Forces. 

Halloween is almost upon us, and the Spanish department decided to decorate a beautiful Día De Los Muertos altar outside of the Modern Foreign Language office. The elaborate display pays tribute to lost loved ones including former Jesuit president Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76 and Br. Billy Dardis, S.J. ’58. If you have not gotten a chance to see the altar, make sure to stop by the third floor sometime this week.