The Plank - Features
Bassem Mansour ’23 perseveres through severe injuries and paralysis
On Oct. 6, 2020, Jesuit High School Sacramento student Bassem
Mansour ’23 was riding his bike when he was hit by a truck and
dragged 50-feet. After the accident, he had to be airlifted to
the hospital due to severe blood loss.
Ms. Hilary Ahl uses her expertise to help Jesuit students in the Academic Support Center
The newest addition to the Jesuit High School Sacramento Academic Support Center this year is Ms. Hilary Ahl, the new Assistant of the Academic Support Center.
Before coming to Jesuit, Ms. Ahl had her own tutoring business where she helped students of all ages in math, science, and SAT prep. She found it very satisfying to see growth in students from not being well organized to finding a focus.
A dedicated servant in many ways, Ms. Colleen Arrigo retires from Jesuit
For Mrs. Colleen Arrigo, who retired from Jesuit High School Sacramento following the 2020-2021 school year, nurturing the “Men for Others” culture came in many forms.
Farewell to Mrs. Kelly Barnes, the heart of Campus Ministry
from Plank archives 2021
Mrs. Kelly Barnes, the assistant director of Campus Ministry, is seated in her office, the place she’s had for the last three years and the place she’ll say goodbye to after 15 years at Jesuit High School Sacramento.
A lifelong Ignatian educator, Mr. Michael Cheney is retiring from Jesuit after 19 years
With more than 40 years in Ignatian education — dating back to his time in college, Mr. Michael Cheney has experienced the impact of Jesuit schools as a student, teacher, department chair, and administrator.
A “true Marauder,” Mr. Ed Novinsky ’72 retires from Jesuit after more than 20 years
Whether it’s students winning awards at art shows or a performance in the Black Box Theater sparking a new discussion, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s art program is one reason many feel the institution is a life-building experience.
A Champion’s Resolve
“Poetry is my love, my passion.”
An unexpected response, but Elijah Beverley ’21 explains how the art form has become a deep part of who he is — a remedy from the world and a gateway to self-exploration.
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.
Alex Chen ’21, a dedicated student, ready for the future
Talented, determined, creative, and hardworking are just a few words that can be used to describe Alex Chen ’21. From being co-captain of the tennis team to holding multiple internships, Alex’s versatility and commitment are truly remarkable.
Michael Chambers ’21, a true embodiment of the Grad-at-Grad values
An exceptional student, athlete, and religious leader, Michael Chambers ’21 is a remarkable example of the hope that Jesuit High School Sacramento has for all its students.
Star volleyball player Taylor Marks ’21 sets for the future
While it has been common for Jesuit High School Sacramento volleyball teams to be atop the Delta League standings, the 2020-2021 squad is on another level. This year’s team features a number of highly skilled athletes, but one player stands out among the rest.
Jake Hall ’21 shows his leadership on and off the football field
Each year, the Salutatorian Award is given to a Senior who is recognized as an outstanding representative and religious leader of his class. For the Class of 2021, the recipient was Jake Hall ’21.
A leader, an athlete, and a man for others, DJ Hoang ’21 made a difference at Jesuit
Contributing to the brotherhood through his positive energy and his involvement in several activities, DJ Hoang ’21 is hard to miss on the campus of Jesuit High School Sacramento.
Despite multiple setbacks, Tonko Susac ’21 has major-league aspirations
In the afternoon of March 12, 2020, pitcher Tonko Susac ’21 had just finished one of the best performances of his young baseball career — pitching six innings and striking out nine hitters to lead Jesuit High School Sacramento over the nation’s No. 1 ranked team, De La Salle High School.
A gifted slugger, a dominant pitcher, and a humble leader, Devon Walczykowski ’21 does it all for Jesuit baseball
With only six players from last season’s team playing this year, the 2021 Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity baseball team was left shorthanded, especially on the pitching side.
Behind the camera: how Damian Brunton ’21 became a TikTok celebrity
After tearing his ACL while playing club soccer his freshman year at Jesuit High School Sacramento, Damian Brunton ’21 was at his lowest point — unable to pursue his passion of soccer for an extended period of time.
A one of a kind student, Peter Wisner ’21 makes his mark on Jesuit High School
Upon graduation, students at Jesuit High School Sacramento aim to embody the five principles of the Grad at Grad. One of the values, intellectual competence, is something few students personify as much as Peter Wisner ’21.
Coach Chris Lee fills in as JV football coach
After the previous Jesuit High School Sacramento junior varsity football head coach resigned, current Junior Varsity Defensive Coordinator and former Jesuit Jr. Marauder Head Coach Chris Lee stepped up to fill the position as head coach for the 2021 JV Football team.
Christian Brothers alum Ms. Jamie Ralph joins Jesuit community as Head Athletic Trainer
A graduate of Christian Brothers High School, Ms. Jamie Ralph never envisioned working for its rival, Jesuit High School Sacramento.
After being traded and with Minor League Baseball set to return, Nick Sogard ’16 is excited for what’s to come
Anybody that follows professional baseball knows that trades are a part of the game. Jesuit High School Sacramento graduate Nick Sogard ’16 recently experienced this firsthand.