Magazine - Features
Moving Forward: “Seeing All Things New in Christ”
Dear Friends of Jesuit High School Sacramento:
This year in all Jesuit schools and other works, we are celebrating the 500th anniversary of Ignatius Loyola’s injury during the battle of Pamplona, in Spain, which began his process of conversion from soldier to saint, and ultimately to the founding of the Society of Jesus. We refer to this moment in Ignatius’ life as his “cannonball moment,” because during the battle he was struck by a projectile that shattered his leg and left him recovering for months.
Let Jesuit Ignite the Fire in Your Son
Terry Street ’72 advocates for the life-changing affect Jesuit has on your sons
Sending your son to Jesuit is a decision that will profoundly change his life—I know because my parents’ decision to send me nearly 50 years ago and my decision to send my sons almost 30 years later changed my and my sons’ lives forever.
Celebrating the Year of St. Ignatius of Loyola
By Christopher G. Kerr, Ignatian Solidarity Network
Life definitely throws all of us some curveballs, as they say. But this year, we commemorate 500 years since life threw St. Ignatius of Loyola a cannonball.
Diving In, Winning World Championships
It was August 7, 2021, at the closing event of the 2021 Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) International Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) competition at Eastern Tennessee State University (ETSU). On stage was the Jesuit Robotics team. They looked around the auditorium and realized that, once again, their high school team had excelled and beaten teams from colleges and universities across the country and internationally.
Jesuit STEAM Goes Beyond the Classroom
Are You Ready to Launch?
Echelon Catapult (EC) was started by Donovan Jasper ’21 and his teammates on the Cybersecurity Team in April 2020 to provide free/low-cost STEM workshops to elementary/middle school students. The team has since grown to include more than 15 Jesuit and St. Francis High School students. EC develops its own workshop curriculum in fields such as cybersecurity, computer science, biology, astronomy, anatomy and physiology. They were a large part of the Summer at Jesuit faculty leading STEM components of the Academics Plus and Academy camps.
Marauders Past and Present Connect
Building a Foundation for Life through internships
Members of the class of 2022 spent the summer serving in positions in several industries including construction management, real estate, technology and marketing.
Building Community Through the Brotherhood
The Brotherhood is...
“We honor brotherhood when we see it, we strive for brotherhood when it feels faint, we create brotherhood through prayer and discernment.” —Dr. Michael Wood ’99, Principal, Jesuit Sacramento
Ignite 2021 Inspires
Ignite 2021, a collaborative summer conference that trains youth to advocate for a better world, wrapped up last week with more than 60 participants from 10 Jesuit high schools along with adult participants from Jesuit parishes, universities and spiritual ministries.
Robert Paylor ’15 Moves People
The 2021 Distinguished Alumnus award recipient lives his life for others
Robert Paylor ’15 once described his role on the rugby pitch by saying “I’m a big guy… I push people. This is what I do. I move people that don’t want to be moved.” While the venue has changed, his role is the same. Paylor moves people.
Taking it to the Next Level
33* Student-Athletes Sign Intent Letters
These Marauders joined an elite pool of high school athletes who signed their letters on the same day at ceremonies across the country. On average, only about 4% of high school students will
go on to play a college sport annually.
Athletes Off Campus Still Carry Marauder Pride
Gian Carlo Gonzalez ’22, Charles Sander ’23
Excelling at Junior Olympics
Marauders Gian Carlo Gonzalez ’22 and Charles Sander ’23 participated in the Junior Olympics in Jacksonville, Florida, this summer. With more than 5,000 competitors in attendance, the Junior Olympics is the premier national event for young athletes.
Jesuit Summer Times
Journalism campers give a behind-the-scenes report of what Summer at Jesuit is really like.
About the Camp
This past summer Jesuit High School offered a journalism camp for both boys and girls as part of Summer at Jesuit’s Academy Camps. Through the class, called Journey Into Journalism, students from 5th through 8th grade learned how to write in the journalistic style and conduct interviews. Throughout the week, journalism campers interviewed other campers, counselors and instructors, and the Director of Summer Programs Gregory Harcos ’89.
The Man in the Chair
Jesuit Drama Artistic Director Edward Trafton ’84
Theater directing is often called the “invisible art” because the best work can be undetectable as the performances unfold. That, combined with writing original works, guiding actors that often have never been on a stage, and building sets from the ground up for each production moves the spotlight over to the man in the chair—Jesuit Artistic Director Ed Trafton ’84.
Encore, a Campaign for New Growth
Supporting the Black Box Theater and Drama
In 1969, the curtain went up on Jesuit drama for the first time as it produced the Pulitzer Prize-winning play J.B., a modern take on the Book of Job. And like Job, patience was needed. The show was performed in the gym’s “Little Theater” which then became the wrestling room and in 2020 transformed again into the Welcome Center.
Accomplished past leads Valedictorian Donovan Jasper ’21 towards the future
Given to a senior in recognition of his outstanding achievements during his high school years, the Valedictorian award is among the most prestigious awards that are handed out at graduation each year. For the Class of 2021 at Jesuit High School Sacramento, Donovan Jasper ’21 took home the award.
Resilience in a Challenging Time
From the President
Dear Friends of Jesuit High School Sacramento:
The dictionary defines resilient as: 1) the ability to be happy, successful, etc., again after something difficult or bad has happened; 2) the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness; 3) the ability to respond, absorb, and adapt to, as well as recover in a disruptive event.
Six Sign Letters of Intent
Isa Silva, Basketball
Stanford
“My favorite memory from playing basketball at Jesuit High School has been practice. After every school day I would take the same walk to pick up my things from the car and head straight to the gym. This is where I was able to find peace after a long day at school. The joy from competing and being around your teammates is something I will never forget.”
Devon Walzcykowski, Baseball
Pepperdine
Christmas Tree Lane Continues to Be a Favorite Tradition
Christmas Tree Lane, a 64-year tradition, continued this year in new ways. CTL 2020 had a video premiere of the beloved student and parent choreographed dance production that show-
“Lessons & Carols Advent Prayer Service”
In the spirit of Advent and the Christmas season, and in spite of the challenges that COVID-19 brought, Jesuit was very pleased to present its 12th Annual “Lessons and Carols.”
Traditions Continue Amidst Restrictions
Fall Drama, “Show. (And Tell.)
Items from the Museum of Lost Things”
Never one to see the lights go out on a production, the Jesuit Drama Fall 2020 original play adapted to become virtual. “Show. (And Tell): Items from the Museum of Lost Things” premiered in November, keeping alive the 50-plus year tradition of actors from Jesuit and St. Francis High Schools coming together “on stage.”
Students Continue Service Immersions Virtually “In” El Salvador and Rwanda
“It’s about inspiring.”
With the cancellation of in-person service-learning and cultural immersion programs due to COVID-19, Jesuit Sacramento still wanted to find a way to offer the experience with students’ peers, other schools, and an organization focused on issues of service and justice to our students. T
Masters’ Class
Dr. Katherine Madden’s Digital Photography class took images inspired by famous master photographers that each class member researched. Here are some of their results. If you are not familiar with some of the masters, look them up; you will recognize many of their iconic images and you’ll see why they are, indeed, masters who inspire a new generation of photographers.
Eagle Scouts Soar at Jesuit Sacramento
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one of the nation’s largest youth development organizations committed to providing programs that build character, leadership skills, and personal fitness. At Jesuit, Boy Scouts have had an instrumental impact on campus; many Marauders have proudly worn the Scout uniform, including Rev. John P. McGarry, S.J., President, who is an Eagle Scout with Bronze and Gold Palms and is a member of the Order of the Arrow, as well.
Bike Club Keeps Rolling Along
Starting sophomore year, I challenged myself to begin commuting to school. There were a handful of students who also commuted by bike and, feeling a lack of community amongst us, I decided to form a club. After reaching out to Mr. Loverich, the Marauders Bike Club was born.
Jesuit Opens its House to Future Marauders
Each year, Open House is an opportunity for the school to showcase what makes attending this institution “a life-building experience.” Due to the pandemic, the annual gathering of potential students took on a much different look.
Students Now On Campus for Full Week
During the fall 2020 semester, faculty and students safely returned to campus for in-person classes following a hybrid program (two days on campus, two days of distance learning). The student body was divided in half,
What It Means to be a Marauder?
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?
Do Catholic Schools Really Matter?
Catholic schools had a profound affect on Eric Jackson ’09, who lives out his faith with enthusiasm and real-world application.
No doubt, Catholic graduates make a positive contribution to society and are more likely to practice their faith as young adults.
Renovated Barry Gym Now Truly the Heart of Campus
After more than fifty-years of faithful service, Jesuit’s Father Joseph F. Barry, S.J. Gymnasium was due for a well-deserved renovation. The Barry Gym has been the site of countless life-changing events, both for the individual and for the school.
Leading with Empathy…and Insight
Greg Harcos shares his rich, varied career and shares his newest role
Greg Harcos ’89 has experienced just about every type of role one can have at Jesuit High School: student, alumni, teacher, coach, parent and administrator. Although his working relationship with the school has varied over the years, his perspective on the Jesuit community has stayed consistent.
Staying Connected in These Unprecedented Times
Jesuit's Principal and President Reflect on the Last Few Months
Our school is based on connections—to teachings, to each other, to our bigger community.
Digital Learning Days
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Jesuit High School Sacramento transitioned to remote learning on Monday, March 16. The school, which already had students utilizing a robust online
Students embrace new challenge of Digital Learning Days amid Coronavirus
For the safety of students and their families in light of the Coronavirus, Jesuit High School Sacramento implemented the Digital Learning Days Protocol on March 13. Since then, students have received online education, an experience that has shifted the dynamic of learning.
Calls of Caring and Connection
Jesuit Sacramento is more than a school, it is a community. That means caring for our students AND their parents. Our administration team has been calling our families to let them know we are thinking of them and making sure they’re doing well. The calls also had an unexpected result for our Dean…
Renewed emphasis on the Grad at Grad
For over a decade, the Examen prayer enriches each afternoon at Jesuit High School Sacramento, winding down every school day with a reflection rooted in Ignatian spirituality, but this past year the Daily Examen has seen a small change.
Our Daily Examen During the Coronavirus
Student Religious Coordinator Grant Houle ’20 took the lead in transforming the on-campus Morning Prayer and Daily Examen when Jesuit Sacramento moved to distance learning.
Teachin’ Justice
Jesuit Students Travel to Our Nation’s Capital for an Immersive Learning Experience
Jesuit High School Sacramento students are uniquely called to be advocates for justice.
La Raza in Los Angeles
Serving others
Last February, the Jesuit High School Sacramento La Raza Club took their annual trip to Los Angeles and embraced their Hispanic and Latino heritage by serving impoverished groups who share the same ethnic background.
Serving Others from Home
Christian Service still finds a way to connect to those in need
Ignatian Spirituality invites us to notice where God is at work in our daily lives.
Exactly What God Had in Mind
Service from Home— reflection from Christian Service faculty
Now more than ever, I find myself drawn to the book of Acts in my daily prayer. It has always been a favorite because of the glimpse it gives us into the lives of the early Christians: how they cared for each other, and how they gathered, prayed, and shared a meal together… in their homes.
Black Box Theater Goes Dark
What you would have seen in the Black Box Theater for our 2020 spring musical would have delighted you:
Art in Isolation
Dr. Madden’s Advanced Digital Media class writes visual essays sharing their experiences about this season of isolation. Each photo essay consisted of several panels. We pulled a few excerpts to share.
Shelter-in Spring Sees Music Blossom in New Ways
There’s something thoroughly Ignatian about finding God in music. St. Ignatius’s spiritual approach strives to touch the heart directly, and that is what music does, too. Music is literally beyond words. It is feeling and emotion that unifies the listener.
Celebrating Our Graduates!
A reflection from our senior class president
As freshmen, we began our journey on orientation day meeting our Big Brothers. They showed us the ropes here and helped us get comfortable in a new environment. As much as they helped, I attribute the sense of brotherhood to each of you. I remember that first day of freshman year having classes with complete strangers, but all you strangers welcomed me with open arms.
Taking Their Game to the Next Level
Colleges include NCAA Division I Schools Washington, Stanford, Cal, USC & Arizona
These Marauders joined an elite pool of high school athletes who signed their letters
For It Is In Giving That We Receive
Time, Talent, Treasure, Testimony
This shorthand expression is often used when talking about alums, students, parents and friends of Jesuit who give so much in support of our school.
STEAM / STEM at Jesuit
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics
Science
Biology to Science Olympiad
- Four full years of laboratory science (UC-approved) available for all students at all ability levels
- AP courses offered: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2
- Four science labs on campus
- Competitive club: Science Olympiad
- Interest clubs: Rocketry, Theoretical Astrophysics
Learn more about the Science Department