The Plank
National Testing Day offers students a chance to practice
On Oct. 9, Jesuit High School Sacramento students will come to campus just like any other day – only this time they will be taking grade-specific tests instead of attending class. National Test Day exists to help students prepare for the different standardized tests that they will encounter in the college admissions process, giving them a baseline of where they stand amongst others in their graduating year throughout the nation.
Freshman will take the Educational Development test, or EDT. This test is very similar to the entrance exam they took as eighth graders entering Jesuit, and it is a good test to identify strengths and weaknesses in students to guide them on their high school journey.
Jesuit gets blown out by thunderstorm
On Friday, Sept. 27, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s varsity football team lost to the Rocklin High School Thunder 52-14.
RHS received the opening kickoff and quickly went down the field to score a 6-yard rushing touchdown, taking a 7-0 lead, with nine minutes to go in the first quarter.
Big Bash brings back brothers
On Saturday, Oct. 5, the Jesuit High School Sacramento alumni department will hold their Jesuit Big Bash for alumni, their families, and other members of the Jesuit community. The theme for this 21 and over event will be Oktoberfest flare.
The Big Bash is an opportunity for Alumni and Jesuit parents to come back and reconnect with their brothers that they made during their four years at Jesuit. Alumni Office Support Ms. Allison Hoferer, who is working on the Big Bash, wants to get as many people back to Jesuit as possible.
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.
Jesuit falls to Granite Bay in first league game
On Friday, Sept. 21, 2024, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s varsity football team lost to Granite Bay High School 17-30.
Midway through the first quarter, the first touchdown of the game was scored by GBHS wide receiver Darnell Turner ’26 on a 17-yard pass completion. GBHS kicker Jimmy Deslaruier kicked in extra point to make the score 7-0 GBHS.
Alumni Spirit Shines
On Saturday, Sept. 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Jesuit High School Sacramento will be hosting their first of many Alumni & Family Monthly Masses at the Phelan Chapel of the North American Martyrs. While the mass is for alumni, it is not exclusive and can be attended by anyone.
Fr. Harris believes that these masses can help people rekindle their connection with Jesuit.
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.
Playing for each other, the Legacy of Coach Paul Rose
After 45 years as the head soccer coach at Jesuit High School Sacramento, Coach Paul Rose is retiring from coaching, leaving behind an incredible career that cements him as a titan of high school sports in California.
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.
Club Day offers new opportunities to explore
On Monday, Sept 23, 2024, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Club Day will give students an opportunity to discover and sign up for the various clubs offered at Jesuit.
Student Activities Director Mr. Peter Ferrari encourages students to make the most of Club Day by engaging in as many activities as possible.
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.
Jesuit Water Polo: aiming high
Following a strong 16-11 season, the Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity water polo team aims to continue their success this year. The team believes they can compete at an even higher level by growing in all areas of play.
Last year, the Marauders finished second in the Delta League, and finished fourth in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Division 1 Section Playoffs. This year, Head Water Polo Coach Josh Ford and the team seek to build on their past success.
Neon night open dance aims to bring students together
On the evening of Saturday, Sept. 21, Jesuit High School Sacramento will be hosting its first Frosh Soph Open Dance of the school year. This exciting “neon night” will be held from 7 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. in the Father Barry Gymnasium.
Student Activities Director Mr. Peter Ferrari and the student council organized this night full of festivities.
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 defeats CB in a low scoring Holy Bowl
On Sept. 14, 2024, Jesuit High School Sacramento beat Christian Brothers High School 7-0 in Holy Bowl 53.
The game was dominated by defense from the very beginning. Jesuit had the first possession, but they fumbled the ball on the 3rd play of the game.The defense made up for it, however, by forcing a 4th down and then stopping CB’s fake punt. The two teams went on to trade possessions for the rest of the quarter.
Marauders sail confidently into the Holy Bowl
Saturday, Sept. 14 marks the 55th annual Holy Bowl at Sacramento City College’s Hughes Stadium.
After commanding victories against Rio Americano and Bellarmine College Preparatory, Jesuit High School Sacramento football is looking to secure a third victory against Christian Brothers. The pressure is on for the Marauders this year, as they have not lost a Holy Bowl since CB won 30-27 in 2019.
Jesuit Dominates Rio In ‘The Battle for American River Drive’
In yet another victory over Rio Americano High School, and the first under the new permanent stadium lights, Jesuit High School Sacramento put on a dominant display in their season opener, defeating their American River Drive rivals 56-7.
The Big Red Machine began the game with a strong drive that ended in a ten yard rushing touchdown by running back and linebacker Jack Patock ’25. After only three minutes of play and a successful point after touchdown (PAT) by Yudiel “Dragon” Mondragon Jr ’26, the Marauders established a lead that they never relinquished.
Service and Justice Agency Fair: A Wide Array of Opportunities
Jesuit High School Sacramento’s annual Service and Justice Agency Fair will take place on Thursday, Sept. 5, during the community period. The fair presents a valuable opportunity for anyone who’s hesitant about their service to connect with various service organizations.
Gordon Kim ’25 recalls how the fair introduced him to Loaves and Fishes, an organization dedicated to providing essentials for homeless adults and children.
“[The fair] gave me an idea of what I was getting myself into, which really helped me, since I’m one of those guys who is really uncomfortable doing things without knowing who I’m doing it for,” Gordon said.