As the weather starts to cool down, the Jesuit Blue Jay Newspaper is heating up with its first in-person meeting in the Jesuit conference room. Newspaper moderator Fr. Sean Salai S.J., instructed the editors of the paper on journalistic principals, and Communications Director Christian Bautista ’06 prepared a keynote presentation that covered writing, photography, and workflow. The student-run paper will cover sporting events, news, art, and much more. Stay tuned to the website for fun and informative articles on all things Jesuit written by passionate students. 

The class of 2024 enjoyed a special treat on Oct. 9 as Jeremy Reuther ’01 illustrated the importance of the love of family. Reuther was not the only tremendous speaker at the retreat as Daniel Augustine ’15 explained the obstacles of love, Roger Bacon ’10 talked about the love of friends, and Fr. Andrew Dyer, S.J., and Palo Taffaro led the freshman in a guided mediation, Adoration, and Benediction. One of the characteristics of a Jesuit graduate is “Religious,” and these freshman received religious guidance on the many facets of God’s love that can be leaned on until graduation and beyond. 

Mr. Dardant, coach of Jesuit’s J-Troupe improv comedy team, spared no expense when instructing Mrs. Arthurs-Goldberg’s speech class on the importance and regularity of improv. Dardant explained the five main rules of improv and even had multiple volunteers perform an excerpt in front of the class that led to stories about Jurassic Park and two co-workers who found themselves in a volcano. As the saying goes, time flies when you are improvising. 

To prepare for the performance of The Tempest in November, Jesuit Philelectic Society alumni Jamal Jordan ’17 (right), Dusty Doll ’19 (center), and Stephen Thurber ’87 organize the prop room in the main atrium of the auditorium. The Phils were excited to put on Brigadoon in March, but COVID-19 unfortunately would not allow for such festivities. While putting on a play might be more difficult than in years’ past, Mrs. Kate Arthurs-Goldberg and the rest of the Phils are looking forward to the challenge and opportunity of putting on another spectral play come November. 

If you looked up in the Jesuit Traditions Courtyard today, you would have seen this hardworking member of the Ryan Gootee General Contractors, L.L.C team as he worked on the courtyard side of the new administrative building. Various types of noises can be heard throughout the school day as the impressive structure continues to improve day by day. 

As the saying goes, jambalaya is a dish best served hot. Maj. Jarrod Friloux, USMC (Ret) and MGySgt J.R. Piseno, USMC (Ret) have always known how to serve, and today at lunch was no exception. In the middle of a hot afternoon, both men baked a massive pot of delicious jambalaya and handed it out to MCJRTOC members during both halves of lunch. 

Birds have beautiful voices, and Jayson is no exception as he strolled into Mr. Delatte’s 8th grade theology class to orchestrate the singing of the Jesuit Alma Mater. All 8th grade theology classes learn the creed and examine its rich tradition and meaning because the message of the song is just as important today as it was in 1934 when Michael Cupero composed the hymn. Of course, Jayson wore his face-shield to ensure the safety of all students and birds alike. 

During the second event during welcome week, Jesuit students had a choice: fight back or let ZOVID-2020 win. In an outstanding display from the third and second floors, Jays threw water balloons at the infected and successfully defeated the virus. This particular zombie thought he could handle the students, but they quickly showed that power comes in numbers. 

COVID-19 has impacted the lives of all Jesuit students, but it is nothing compared to ZOVID-2020. While ZOVID could be destructive, the Jesuit executive board is combating the disease with a whole week of races and activities in the Traditions Courtyard. The first event was a relay race where students competed by throwing on masks, disinfecting their hands, putting on gloves, and grabbing candy in the shortest amount of time. Senior Luke LaForge beat out senior Giovanni Licciardi in this round, but the competition has just begun. Who will win? A-K or L-Z? 

In the midst of another hot day in southern Louisiana, the Jesuit MCJROTC safely practiced their formations in the Traditions courtyard. Maj. Jarrod Friloux, USMC (Ret) and MGySgt J.R. Piseno, USMC (Ret) instructed the practice and instilled the discipline that is to be expected from every member moving forward. 

Before assistant to the president Jeremy Reuther ’01 could show off his unicycle expertise in Jesuit’s courtyard, Br. Terry Todd ’58 lent a helping hand by inflating the tire to a rideable level. Br. Todd has been known to fix clocks and anything that needs a little elbow grease around campus, and now he can add fixing circus cycles to his already stellar resume. 

Another typical day in the Jesuit Courtyard as assistant to the president Jeremy Reuther ’01 shows senior Carter Morris how to properly ride a unicycle with interim president Fr. John Brown, S.J. supervising the situation. One can never forget how to ride a bike, but the same cannot be said for this one-wheeled machine.

To make Jesuit the safest learning environment possible, tape is placed in each hallway to properly distance students and separate foot-traffic by creating one ways on either side of the halls. In addition, Jesuit has implemented new bottle refill stations and daily temperature checks. Jesuit’s complete COVID-19 Instructional Plan can be read on the Jesuit website. 

For the first time in a number of months, Blue Jays were allowed back on campus in preparation for a new year. In addition to filling out various documents and picking up needed supplies, the Class of 2021 acquired their senior shirts courtesy of the Jesuit Alumni Association. (From left to right) Paul Gelpi ’16, Connor Maheu ’16, John Kemmerly ’16, and Mark Beebe ’16 helped distribute the senior shirts to ensure that their last year at Carrollton and Banks started off on the right note. 

Malcolm Villarrubia ’66 prepares the new faculty for the expectations of Jesuit. These new members of the Blue Jay family face multiple new challenges such as remote learning and starting at a new school, but, through the guidance and experience of Villarrubia and all of the returning Jesuit faculty and staff, the new faculty will be prepared and optimistic to start their careers at Jesuit High School. 

With the safety of all students in mind, Jesuit has begun installing new water fountains that allow for hands-free refills. This improvement is just the start of new ways that Jesuit is preparing for the upcoming school year.