The Plank - Features
Jesuit basketball: levitating, higher than ever before
The Jesuit High School Sacramento basketball team took home the school’s very first basketball state title. For the first time since 1994, the Marauders made it to the state final, and they won in dominant fashion. The hard work that Head Coach Tim Kelly, the athletes, and coach staff have put forth directly led to the banner that now hangs in the Barry Gymnasium.
At the beginning of the season, one of the areas of concern was that the roster was incredibly green. However, Amaury McKinney ’25 believes the team succeeded precisely because of this inexperience.
Anything can happen if you let it
If you’ve stepped into Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Black Box theater this year, then maybe you’ve sensed the spirit pulsing through it. Perhaps you’ve felt the dedication of the cast and crew that transformed the building. It’s not often you find a group of people like this – a production that absorbs you through infectious passion, a team so committed that their energy becomes tangible and transcendent.
By the numbers alone, Jesuit Drama’s musical production of “Mary Poppins Jr.” is the stuff of folk legend: the show sold out eight days before opening night, a mark the Black Box hasn’t seen since Sweeney Todd in 2008.
Mr. Zielke’s final sunrise at Jesuit
“We set a new world record and it was amazingly early,” said Mr. David Zielke.
For 33 years, Mr. Zielke has been setting records as a fantastic math teacher, cross-country coach, former vice principal, and Advanced Placement coordinator. After a long career of service, Mr. Zielke will be retiring with a legacy of being a true man for others.
Key Club: serving the community while having fun
Jesuit High School Sacramento is home to many clubs that cater to each student’s interests and passions. Moderated by Ms. Laura Spelman, Key Club is a service club that is part of a greater national organization called the Kiwanis Club. It focuses on raising awareness and money for those in need.
The Kiwanis Club and its title have a rich history, rooted in service.
Black Student Union: ties to culture
One of the most active cultural clubs at Jesuit High School Sacramento is the Black Student Union (BSU), a place where students come together to learn about African American culture.
President of the BSU Amaury McKinney ’25 organizes many of the club’s activities. He values the personal benefits that the BSU offers him and other students.
Pizza and Prayer encourages faith at Jesuit
“It’s the most goated club on campus.”
These words, spoken by Mr. Lawrence Simon ’13, refer to the club he founded: the Pizza and Prayer Club. Created in 2023 to get students to engage in more prayer, the club creates a relaxed environment for students to converse about their religion with like-minded peers.
Cubing Club: a unique hobby for all
Ever since its invention by Erno Rubik in 1974, the Rubik’s Cube has puzzled and intrigued people of all ages. In the mind sport known as speedcubing, or “cubing,” participants try to solve the iconic 3×3x3 puzzle in as little time as possible. Though cubing has been a widespread phenomenon since the 1980s, there has never been an official way for Jesuit High School Sacramento students to partake in this hobby.
That is, until the creation of the Cubing Club.
Mathletes: building problem-solving prowess
While many students at Jesuit High School Sacramento view math simply as a chore they have to do to receive a grade, there is a select group of students that sees past the numbers and symbols into the true beauty of the world of mathematics.
The Jesuit Mathletes team is a collection of students that compete against other schools in math using their problem-solving prowess, relishing the opportunity to sharpen their minds with challenging math problems in the heat of competition.
Buildings and Grounds: the unsung heroes of our school
Jesuit High School Sacramento has a large campus. With over 52 acres of land, year-round effort is required to maintain both the school’s beauty and reputation across every inch of the property.
The Jesuit Grounds Crew is the primary behind-the-scenes workforce that keeps the school clean and welcoming.
Jesuit Engineering Club prepares students for the future
Last year, Max Troppman ’25 revived the Engineering club with the help of Math teacher Mr. Justin Tsai. The club works to showcase upcoming engineering inventions and concepts to foster student awareness and appreciation for the field.
“We typically bring videos regarding new and upcoming technologies and watch them as a group,” Max said. “We then discuss the content in these videos, discuss what we think of the implications that could be had in the future, and just talk a little about our own interests in STEM.”
Science Olympiad team pursues excellence in scientific passions
The Jesuit High School Sacramento Science Olympiad team allows students to dive deeper into their love for science and engineering in ways that a conventional class does not allow. Whether it is building a bridge from scratch or maneuvering a laser through a maze of mirrors, the Science Olympiad team is always doing something fun.
While the team is enjoyable for every student that joins, the ultimate goal of the team is to prepare for an annual Science Olympiad competition.
Jesuit Environmental Justice and Sustainability Club aims to make a greener future
Environmental justice is a globally recognized issue that the current generation of students needs to confront now in order to protect the future of our planet. Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Environmental Justice and Sustainability Club seeks to address this issue.
The club aims to help the environment by spreading awareness for environmental justice among Jesuit students.
Jesuit Sportsman Club is a blast among students
The Jesuit High School Sacramento Sportsman’s Association helps students develop their passion for trap shooting in a controlled and welcoming environment. The club is led by Math Teacher Mr. Keegan Smith, and Mr. Mark Smith, the father of Cooper Smith ’25 and Griffin Smith ’27. Every week, Mr. Smith leads practices where members hone their skills, preparing for the several competitions they attend throughout the year.
“The club is primarily focused on giving the boys an opportunity to learn and practice clay target shooting in a safe and fun environment,” Mr. Mark Smith said. “We accomplish this by having practices at the [Sacramento] Valley Shooting Center on Sunday afternoons.”
Film Club: providing a platform for student creativity
Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Film Club was created to foster a learning environment for all students interested in film. The primary focus of the club is watching films and discussing the components that make them excellent examples of cinema.
Club Moderator Mr. Ted Hornback ’83 believes the club is a great fit for any students looking to hone their filmmaking skills.
World Religions class brings the brotherhood together
Jesuit High School Sacramento’s World Religions class, taught by Theology Teacher Dr. Mark Luttio, is a great way for students to gain new perspectives on the traditions that surround them. Dr. Luttio’s profound experience with various religions has been an essential part of the class’s ability to strengthen students’ knowledge of the wider world.
Dr. Luttio’s involvement with World Religions can largely be attributed to his diverse upbringing in Japan.
Showcasing the wonder and beauty of the human spirit
Over the summer, Studio Art Teacher Ms. Jillian Taylor joined Jesuit High School Sacramento’s art department. In her new position, she will teach various levels of art, from Studio Art to AP Studio Art.
Having served as a co-director for an art gallery in Miami and as an assistant director for an art gallery in Paris, Ms. Taylor brings a wealth of experience with her to Jesuit. Her interest in the arts began with her Ivy League education.
Looking to help where needed most
This year, Jesuit High School Sacramento welcomes a new face to its counseling department. Ms. Jocelyn Kulper, who previously taught health education at Tokay High School in Lodi, California, stepped into the position as Administrative Assistant for Counseling.
In her new role at Jesuit, Ms. Kulper is in charge of ensuring that communication is smooth and efficient throughout the Counseling Department.
Mr. Havel brings creativity and innovation through English
Freshman English Teacher Mr. John Havel recently joined the Jesuit High School Sacramento faculty, and with 23 years of teaching under his belt, he is certainly qualified for the position.
One of Mr. Havel’s main goals is to connect with people on a large scale, which teaching enables him to do.
Helping students where they’re at
This year, Jesuit High School Sacramento welcomes Spanish Teacher Ms. Estela Heringer to its campus.
Although it’s her first year at Jesuit, she brings nearly a decade of teaching experience in a Jesuit environment.
Maureen Longyear: 20 years for Jesuit
Jesuit High School Sacaramento’s Advancement Department has helped Jesuit accomplish many feats over the years. Much of that success can be attributed to the recently retired Vice President of Advancement Ms. Maureen Longyear.
Ms. Longyear’s work behind the scenes has been crucial in raising money for many different areas of Jesuit.