Excerpted from The Plank by Matt Parks ’21

Since the establishment of Jesuit Sacramento in 1963, the school’s mascot has been the Marauder. Now, 57 years later, what does it mean for students to be a Marauder? 

The name has become somewhat iconic in Jesuit tradition—a symbol of identity, brotherhood, school spirit, used in verbal cries of passion and camaraderie in events such as Holy Bowl, a testament to the eternal fighting spirit of a community. From freshmen to seniors, classmates, student-leaders and student-athletes express that being a Marauder holds significant meaning in their lives. 

In a uniquely chaotic year, the meaning of being a Marauder is unwavering, characterized by some as a reflection of Jesuit’s Grad-at-Grad mission. 

For teachers, being a Marauder is about character, and the ability to be adaptable has emerged from this pandemic as an integral component of the Jesuit community. While 2020 has been a difficult journey for all, fortitude and resilience have surged beyond the classroom—a testament that the Marauder spirit spans beyond the sacred walls of Jesuit High School.

From the students

Committed to doing justice

“Being a Marauder in 2020 isn’t different in the ways that matter.  While the vectors of change and improvement are different, we still strive to be open to growth and committed to doing justice.” 
• Donovan Jasper ’21 

Being there for my peers

“To me, being a Marauder means being part of a brotherhood. It means being there for my peers; it means being a brother. Being a Marauder isn’t just being part of the school; it’s being part of a community, a community that cares for each other.” 
• James Collier ’24 

The best version of yourself

“Being a Marauder to me is embracing those around you and coming together to form a family. This family loves you for who you are and wants to see you become the best version of yourself.”
• Elijah Beverly ’21 

Work my hardest

“As a student and football player, being a Marauder brings pride and joy. If I am in the classroom or on the field, I work my hardest to represent Jesuit and [that’s] what being a Marauder is all about!” 
• Jack Hemmert ’22 

Opportunity

“To me, being a Marauder means to put yourself out into the world and try new things with the talent we have been given. Coming here as a freshman, I was a little timid and scared of opportunity. But as I grew, I realized the greatest gift of being a Marauder is opportunity. The opportunity to serve, to learn, to love, and to experience life; realizing the blessings before us, and making the world a better place with them.” 
• Jake Hall ’21 

A Man for Others

“I believe that the true meaning of being a Jesuit Marauder is someone who can prosper in life. Whether it is playing [on the] field or in the classroom, Jesuit teaches how to succeed and be a ‘Man for Others’ for everyone.” 
• Christian Covert ’22
   Junior Class Secretary and Treasurer 

God in my heart

“To be a Marauder at Jesuit means I am seeking to incorporate Jesuit values and a desire to get closer to God in my social, academic, and sports life. Being a Marauder in 2020 is to face everything coming at me with God in my heart.” 
• Julian Martinelli ’23 

Give maximum effort

“To me, being a Marauder is giving maximum effort in everything that one does. Whether it be in the classroom, in church, or in athletics [as a track and field and cross country runner], I’ve always noticed that Jesuit students always give their best effort in everything they do, no matter the circumstance. It’s very motivating to see this in action and it’s a big reason why I’m so proud to be a Marauder.” 
• Michael Chambers ’21

Connect with classmates

“During 2020 so far, being a Marauder has been about trying to connect with my classmates and keep the brotherhood alive. It is really easy to forget what it’s like to be together while distance learning, and even easier to forget the memories and relationships we made during our seven months on campus. I think little things to keep in touch really make a world of difference.” 
• Jake Swanson ’23
  Sophomore Class President 

From the staff

“Being a Marauder means being self-aware and informed about one’s gifts and privilege. It means showing compassion and care to others, especially to those who are suffering.”
• Ms. Lesile Willson
  World Language Department Chair

“It is about using your skills to serve others. As a math teacher, I encourage my students to figure out ways they can use engineering, science, or math careers to help make the world a better place.”
• Ms. Kimberly Pell
  Math teacher

“During these times, besieged as we are on all fronts, the true Marauder will conduct himself responsibly and with great consideration. Being considerate entails putting another’s needs before one’s own. All Marauders should be following the suggested protocols carefully and with good judgment. As Cicero once stated in his treatise on the debilitating onslaught of old age: ‘Great affairs are carried on not by strength or speed or swiftness of body, but by plan, by authority, and by sound judgment.’”
• Mr. Jon Witucki
  Latin and English teacher

“It means to be generous, caring, and resilient. In these crazy and awful times, we live out God’s mercy toward each other as we are all pushed to our limits. And it seems, somehow, that a lot of us are hopeful, so that’s cool too.”
• Fr. Perry Petrich S.J.
   Freshman teacher and priest

“In 2020, being a Marauder seems to mean being resilient and adaptable. This year has presented countless challenges, but the students have been patient, flexible and understanding as they adjust to everything looking and feeling different. I think it’s impressive that the Marauder spirit has thrived and the school community has found creative ways to inspire each other.”
• Mrs. Jennifer Borasi
   English Department Chair

“For me, first and foremost [it] means being on a mission with Jesus Christ. During this time of COVID-19 and racial injustice in particular, being a Marauder means providing individualized care for each student as they navigate the stresses and challenges of hybrid learning. It means making more intentional efforts at creating and maintaining a more inclusive classroom for all as called for in the Gospel and Catholic Social Teaching. And finally, it means caring for and supporting our faculty and staff to participate in this same mission of Jesuit High School in whichever capacity they serve here.”
• Mr. Patrick Brabec
   Theology teacher and Adult Faith Formation coordinator