The Plank - Student Life
Mass for the New Year encourages hope
On Christmas Eve of last year, Pope Francis announced the beginning of a Jubilee Year for the Catholic Church. A Jubilee Year is a time for forgiveness, a renewal of faith and reconciliation with others. At Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Mass for the New Year, the community learned about the Jubilee Year’s meaning, and the importance of that meaning to the widespread Jesuit community.
The theme of this Jubilee year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” invites Catholics to focus on spreading hope and good will to all. Liturgy Workshop worked to emphasize this message from the Vatican in this mass.
Jesuit bands to perform at Marauder Mardi Gras
On Saturday, Feb. 8, Jesuit High School Sacramento will be hosting its 15th annual Marauder Mardi Gras, formerly known as the Jazz Dinner. In a night filled with music, entertainment, and delicious desserts, the Jesuit band will be performing throughout the night to show off their skills and to raise funds for the program.
Compared to previous years, this dinner will now be showcasing other parts of the Jesuit band program beyond the jazz section, allowing for an exciting introduction to build up to the main jazz showing.
Marauders in France
In the summer of 2026, Jesuit High School Sacramento will be hosting an intercultural experience traveling across France, exploring Paris and other iconic French cities and landmarks. The program is organized by French teacher Ms. Leslie Willson.
Buddhist monks return to spread compassion
For the second year in a row, Tibetan Monks from the Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery in India, visited Jesuit High School Sacramento.
On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the monks visited as part of their monastery’s Sacred Arts of Tibet Tour, which aims to share the culture and traditions of the Buddhist faith with the world, as well as promote religious unity.
The event consisted of a short prayer service, followed by a lengthier Question and Answer session where students had the opportunity to ask about everything from the monks’ dress code to deeper questions about Buddhist philosophy.
Don’t be crabby, support the Jesuit Crab Feed
Jesuit High School Sacramento will host its annual Crab Feed on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2025 at 6 p.m. to 10 p.m in the Father Barry Gym. This event is an opportunity for families and community members to come together for a night of great food and drinks, all to support Jesuit students.
The Boosters Club is in charge of orchestrating the event. They hope that in addition to aiding students, the Crab Feed will help foster Jesuit’s community.
“The goal of the event is bring the Jesuit community together for a fun, casual night filled with delicious crab, camaraderie, and dancing, all while raising funds for our amazing students,” said President of the Boosters Club Ms. Kristi Babb.
Refocusing on relationships at the Father/Son Mass
On Sunday, Feb. 2, Jesuit High School Sacramento will be holding its annual Father/Son Mass at 10 a.m. in the Phelan Chapel of the North American Martyrs. At this mass, students and their fathers will have the chance to reflect on their relationship.
“It’s a great opportunity for dads and sons to come together at Jesuit,” said Associate Director for Campus Ministry Mr. Adam McGrew ’15. “[The mass] deepens that bond between father and son.”
Winter Ball is here
On the evening of Saturday, Jan. 25, Jesuit High School Sacramento will be hosting its second annual Semi Formal Winter Ball. This magical night will be held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Father Barry Gymnasium.
This year, the student council has enhanced the atmosphere and added more details to compliment the dance. Student Council treasurer and secretary Luke Elken ’27 explains the frosty vision.
Drop of blood, an ocean of difference
On Wednesday, Jan. 22, the student council will be hosting their 35th Annual Blood Drive on campus at Jesuit High School Sacramento. This opportunity to donate blood will be available to students and faculty from 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Jesuit’s tradition of giving blood is a great way to give back to the community and save lives.
Sleep well, it’s Finals Week!
Although Christmas break is right around the corner, something a lot less exciting stands in the way: finals.
With the ability to make or break your grade, knowing how to study for finals can be a daunting task, especially if it is your first time taking one at Jesuit. Sam David ’28 echoes these sentiments.
Symphonic and Jazz Band show off hard work at Winter Band Concert
On Thursday, Dec. 12 Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Symphonic Band and Jazz Band will perform at their annual winter band concert in the Harris Center.
Sam Gegax ’25 has been a member of the Symphonic and Jazz Band for the last four years. He is excited to see how far he and the rest of band have grown with their music throughout the year.
Jesuit choirs spread Christmas cheer at Winter Choral Concert
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s three choirs will unite for one of their biggest performances of the year. The men’s choir, concert choir, and chamber choir are welcoming people to attend their joint Winter Concert performance at the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish.
The concert will feature all three levels of Jesuit’s choir singing a variety of Christmas-themed pieces – all of which will be tied together by the concert’s theme, “Brightest and Best”.
Learning the reason for the season at Lessons and Carols
On Sunday, Dec. 8, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s chamber choir will collaborate with the Saint Francis High School choir to host the annual Lessons and Carols service.
Originating in England, Lessons and Carols is an event with a rich history that is dedicated to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Choir Director Mr. David Vanderbout explains the central themes and ideas that are communicated in the service.
Inaugural Interfaith Prayer Service aims to inspire gratitude
On Friday, Nov. 22, Jesuit High School Sacramento will host its first ever Thanksgiving Interfaith Prayer Service. In light of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, the service will center on the theme of gratitude; more specifically, how we can be thankful in our everyday lives.
As the first interfaith Campus Ministry event, the service will feature Jesuit student speakers and guest speakers from various religions.
Run to Feed the Hungry: Runners for others
On Thursday, Nov. 28, Jesuit High School Sacramento will be participating in the annual Run to Feed the Hungry event, hosted by the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS).
Administrative Assistant for the Office of Service & Justice and Campus Ministry Mrs. Tina Bernardi enjoyed participating in her first run last year.
Shadow Days offer prospective students a glimpse of life on campus
From Oct. 28 to Jan. 9, Jesuit High School Sacramento is welcoming middle and high school students who are interested in attending Jesuit.
The STAR Team is looking to offer prospective Marauders a glimpse inside an average day on campus. The “shadows” will be assigned to a current Jesuit student, who will chaperone the shadow through the first three periods of the day. After experiencing life inside the classroom, shadows will have the chance to eat food from Epicurean and then depart with their parents during lunchtime.
Nurturing relationships at the Mother-Son Mass
On Sunday, Oct. 27, Jesuit High School Sacramento hosted its annual Mother-Son Mass in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs, showcasing the appreciation and love students have for their mothers and mother figures.
Senior Nicolas Norton ’25 has attended the mass every year during his four years at Jesuit, and enjoys the opportunity to nurture his relationship with his mom.
You Odda-See this fall play
Starting Nov. 1, Jesuit Drama brings to the stage Will Averill’s comedy “The Odyssey: by Thespis and the Peloponnesian Midwest Regional Third Place Chorus.” Performed in the Black Box Theater, the drama team – made up of Jesuit, Saint Francis, and Rio Americano high school students – is ready to bring to life their unique take on The Odyssey.
Artistic Director Mr. Ed Trafton is excited for this rendition of The Odyssey. While it may be a familiar narrative, Averill’s version brings a comedic twist.
Art Event helps fund Jesuit
On Thursday, Oct. 24, Jesuit High School Sacramento hosts the Jesuit Art Event, where renowned local artists get to showcase and sell their artwork.
Executive Director of Advancement Ms. Kim Kalmbach explains that while the primary goal of the night is to highlight artists, the event also benefits Jesuit.
Open House helps Jesuit make its mark
This Sunday, Oct. 20, Jesuit High School Sacramento opens its campus to the larger Sacramento community at its annual Open House.
At the event, teachers and students will welcome incoming students to give a sense of what life at Jesuit offers. Counselor Ms. Gianna Wheeler feels that Open House is a valuable opportunity for families considering Jesuit.
Mini but Mighty RACC College Fair
On Thursday, Oct. 17, during lunch at the Senior Quad, Jesuit will be hosting a college fair with guests from the Regional Admission Counselors of California (RACC). RACC is an organization of college representatives for schools outside of California, and this fair will provide a great opportunity for students to learn about out of state schools.
Counselor Ms. Angela Harger believes that college fairs offer unique opportunities to connect with knowledgeable college representatives.