The Plank - Senior Edition
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.
Student Body President takes on extra responsibilities due to pandemic
The role of Student Executive Council President at Jesuit High School Sacramento has always been to promote efficient communication throughout the school, help maintain school spirit, and organize the student body so that they may act with one voice.
College in the time of Corona
In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, universities across America were forced to shift their plans, leaving newly-minted college freshmen with a decision about their futures.
Tribute to a beloved Ignatian educator
Ms. Maureen Pryor began her career in education after graduating from Loyola Marymount University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in religious studies, and at the conclusion of this school year, Ms. Pryor moved on to her well-deserved retirement.
No longer business as usual as Jesuit bids farewell to two longtime staff members
Acting behind the scenes in the business office of Jesuit High School Sacramento, Ms. Danise Skewis and Ms. Eileen Woodward help keep the school running — the former as a Risk Manager and Accounts Payable Coordinator, and the latter as a Business Office Assistant.
Technology for the community
Despite having a beautiful campus, Jesuit High School Sacramento had been seeing a noticeable increase in trash in the months before the school moved to remote learning. To combat the trash dilemma, Michael Equi ’20, along with the Bytes Robotics team, worked for months on a new robot called “Garbage Bytes” to serve as a mobile trash can.
When one door closes, another one opens
“You are never going to walk again; you are never going to move your hands.”
On May 6, 2017, a doctor from the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center uttered these words to Robert Paylor ’15, then a sophomore on the UC Berkeley rugby team. Paylor had sustained a spinal cord injury in the Varsity Cup Championship match against Arkansas State University.
Lives joined in service for and with others
Two longtime fixtures at Jesuit High School Sacramento, Mr. Tom McGuire and Ms. Cleann McGuire, will be retiring this year after over 50 combined years of serving Jesuit — the former as a teacher and coach, and the latter as a counselor and assistant registrar.
Senior Memory: Brothers on retreat
My favorite Jesuit memory came on Freshman Overnight.
We were tired. It had been a long Saturday, the first day of Frosh Overnight. We had arrived in the morning, before our Little Brothers did. We did our prep work and our activities and our prayers, and the day was finally coming to a close.