The Plank - Features
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.
Computer Science Club builds their future, bit by bit
As technology evolves and the world shifts into a digital era, the demand for cybersecurity is rising. According to Statista.com, annual worldwide revenue in the cybersecurity industry has increased by nearly $100 billion since 2016.
Jesuit High School Sacramento has taken note of this booming industry. There’s now a way to explore the world of cybersecurity right here on campus: the Computer Science Club. Moderated by Math Teacher Mr. Justin Tsai and Computer Science Department Chair Mr. Peter Strawn ’04, the Computer Science Club competes in various competitions throughout the year that test programming and cybersecurity skills.
Ms. Katrina Fox brings comfort and support to Jesuit
This summer, Jesuit High School Sacramento added to their wellness counseling team with the hiring of Wellness Counselor Ms. Katrina Fox.
In her previous position at Saint Francis High School, Ms. Fox worked as a school counselor and was the moderator for California Scholarship Federation (CSF) and senior student council. Her current role at Jesuit focuses on providing mental health support to students in need of such support.
Jesuit commemorates salutatorian and valedictorian
Every year, Jesuit High School Sacramento announces their Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the graduating class. This year James Randall ’24 was named Valedictorian and Delvin Ntale, ’24 the Salutatorian.As Salutatorian, Delvin will start the graduation in prayer, after which James will give his valedictorian address, a speech about the Senior class and their four years together at Jesuit.
COVID-19 four years later: academic impacts
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has entered our collective rearview mirror, its longer-lasting effects are coming into greater focus.
Jesuit welcomes the Kino Border Initiative to campus
On March 14, Jesuit High School Sacramento welcomed a group from the Kino Border Initiative (KBI), a program devoted to helping migrants in Nogales, Mexico. KBI provides helpful resources such as food and shelter to those being deported or seeking asylum in the United States. Additionally, they work towards spreading awareness throughout the country of what life at the border is really like.
Jesuit to host 52nd annual Auction
One of Jesuit High School Sacramento’s biggest events of the year is rapidly approaching. On Saturday, March 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. Jesuit will host its 52nd annual Jesuit Auction in the Fr. Barry gymnasium.
Holy Rollers spares no expense
For more than 50 years, the Holy Rollers Bowling Club at Jesuit High School Sacramento has provided students an outlet for fun and social bowling. The club aims to spread bowling in a non-competitive and welcoming way.
Gardening Club sprouts interest in plant care
Last year, Jayden Canio ’25 and Justin Paredes ’25 founded the Gardening Club. Since its inception, the club has introduced students to the importance of plant care and how rewarding garden work can be.
Moorings promotes creative expression from students
Moorings is Jesuit High School Sacramento’s student-run literary arts journal, made to present student art in many different mediums. The journal showcases paintings, sculptures, photography, poetry, and prose.
Appreciating our Military Veterans
Military Veterans are the silent heroes that keep our nation safe, and Jesuit High School Sacramento is lucky enough to count several Veterans among our faculty and staff.
Ms. Kathy Van Liefde to retire after decades of kind service
In her 27 years at Jesuit High School Sacramento, Ms. Kathy Van
Liefde has served as a math teacher and, in her current capacity,
as a guidance counselor. In all her responsibilities, she has
maintained a positive attitude and a focus on her students’
well-being.
Landon Darling ’25 rocks the rodeo
Landon Darling ’25, a sophomore at Jesuit High School Sacramento,
has recently decided to pursue his interest in Rodeo, a unique
and competitive sport that involves intensive training and
rigorous work with horses.
Freshman finding success on the diamond
Varsity baseball at Jesuit High School Sacramento has been
amongst the most competitive programs in the Northern California
area, with many players signing with top collegiate programs and
eventually finding their way into Major League Baseball. Because
of this competitive history, when a freshman makes the Varsity
squad, it’s noticed.
Faculty Pushes For Littering To Stop on Campus
Littering has been a growing problem this semester at Jesuit High School Sacramento.
Another asset added to Jesuit’s arsenal
Every school year, Jesuit High School Sacramento gets a number of
new transfers across all grades. This year, Kevin Haupt Jr. ’24
transferred to Jesuit after completing his sophomore year at
Oakmont High School in Roseville.