Matt Parks ’21
Plank Staff, Copy Chief
Matt Parks ’21
Attendance (916) 482-6060
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 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.
Honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
In May of 1843, the first Japanese immigrated to the United States. 26 years on, in May of 1869, the transcontinental railroad was completed with the help of thousands of Chinese laborers. Thus Congress designated the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in commemoration of those events.
Looking Back on Women’s History Month in Gratitude
Since 1987, when Congress declared the month of March as Women’s History Month, Americans have used the 31 days to honor and remember the women who have made history and their accomplishments.
The Gender Wage Gap, an inequality that still exists
The following is the next installment of a series of articles written around women’s voices on campus at Jesuit High School Sacramento. This third edition explores the nuances of the gender wage gap, its historical beginning, why it’s still present, and what the standard of pay equity means.
Celebrating music: Grammy Awards preview and predictions
One of the great escapisms during the pandemic was music.
Millions of people turned to their favorite artists and albums for comfort. Artists themselves found solace in music, producing new records and songs in an effort to retain normalcy and connect with their fans.
Celebrating Black History Month within the Jesuit community
For 45 years, February has been celebrated as Black History Month. Also known as African American History Month, it is a time dedicated to the achievements and contributions of Black and African Americans.
Breaking down sexism, women of Jesuit speak on its various aspects and their encounters with it
The following is a part of a series of articles written around women’s voices on campus at Jesuit High School Sacramento. This article focuses on the various aspects of sexism, perspectives and experiences, and the way forward towards equality.
What Christmas means to the Jesuit Community
There’s a lot of imagery that surrounds Christmas.
In Catholic tradition, the Christmas season celebrates the birth of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Son of Mary. Angels announced this good news to shepherds in a field, who found him wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manager. Three gentile wise men, guided by a star, traveled to visit the new-born king and present him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, as now, it is a time of revelation, wonder, and joy. God is with us.
Jesuit Alumni reflect on past experiences and what it means to be a Marauder today
This final edition of “What it means to be a Marauder?” examines the thoughts of Jesuit High School Sacramento alumni who contrast their times as students to being on campus today.
Jesuit students define what it means to be a Marauder
This latest edition of the “What it means to be a Marauder?” series comes from current students, who answer the question as it relates to them today.
Since the establishment of Jesuit High School Sacramento in 1963, the school’s mascot has been the Marauders. Now, 57 years later, in 2020, what does it mean to be a Marauder for students?
“What does it mean to be a Marauder?”: Teachers weigh in on the complex
In 1963, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s mascot was chosen to be the Marauders when the school was founded. This fall the significance and meaning of that mascot was explored by various perspectives within the Jesuit Community — each member asked a variation of “In 2020, what does it mean to you to be a Marauder?” In this edition, teachers reflect on the different ways 2020 has challenged being a Marauder.
Jesuit Administrators and Program Directors reveal what it is to be a Marauder amid 2020 challenges
Jesuit High School Sacramento’s mascot was chosen to be the Marauders when the school was founded in 1963. This fall the significance and meaning of that mascot was explored by various perspectives within the Jesuit Community — each member asked a variation of “In 2020, what does it mean to you to be a Marauder?” This second edition explores the insights of Jesuit’s administrators and program directors.
Coaches discuss what it means to be a Marauder in 2020
Established in 1963, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s mascot was chosen to be the Marauders. This fall the significance and meaning of that mascot was explored by various perspectives within the Jesuit Community — each member asked a variation of “In 2020, what does it mean to you to be a Marauder?” Over the next few weeks, the responses will be released in a series of articles — this first one visits the perspectives of Jesuit’s coaches.
Opinion: Why a small change to our motto would make a big difference
Our motto, “Men for Others,” symbolizes brotherhood and community — the responsibility of asking not what you can do for yourself, but what you can do for others. While serving others is certainly an integral component for any community, we also must follow our calling to stand in solidarity as an act of justice, peace, and understanding — to be with one another. So, why not change our motto to “Men for and with Others?”
First rounds of COVID-19 tests receives mixed reviews, but resonates in importance
Ahead of the long-awaited return to campus, the Jesuit High School Sacramento Community spent Oct. 12-16 in a transitional orientation where all returning members participated in the biggest story of the week: the COVID-19 test.
Everything you need to know: Women of Jesuit unpack the right to vote a century post 19th Amendment
The following is a part of a series of articles written around women’s voices on campus at Jesuit High School Sacramento. This is the first in the series. This is about the 19th Amendment, its nuances and implications, and what its history means to women today.
Students tackle politics, a week from presidential election
With the 2020 presidential election just a week away, the American people will choose between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden to occupy the Oval Office for the next four years.
Ballot Education Night connects California Propositions to Racial Equity and Catholic Social Teaching
On Sunday, Oct. 18, Jesuit high school West Coast students hosted a Ballot Education Night as a way to gather and teach about the different aspects of the ballot and how California voters can impact law based on their vote on the various propositions.
After abrupt COVID-19 shutdown, Jesuit High School returns to campus with strict virus mitigation protocols
Sacramento school is open
Seven months after in-person classes were suddenly interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jesuit High School Sacramento is prepared to make its return to campus with a hybrid class schedule and heightened safety protocols beginning Oct. 20.
West Coast Jesuit students host meeting on voting: how to and why
On the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 22, in honor of National Voter Registration Day, Jesuit High School Sacramento students were invited to listen to presentations from Jesuit West High Schools including Loyola High School of Los Angeles, Cristo Rey San Jose and Bellarmine College Prep on how they can vote, the importance behind it, and how they can be involved.
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.
Opinion: End the Silence
Silence is arguably the most dangerous weapon. It’s the signifier of complicity. The denial of injustice. The voice of those who stand opposed to change. Now, it’s the language of racism.
Willy Park, a man of community and service
It goes without saying that Jesuit High School Sacramento’s campus is impressive, accentuated by manicured sports fields, beautiful grounds, and well-maintained buildings — the resulting aesthetics of Plant Manager and Maintenance Supervisor Mr. Willy Park and his team.
Jonathan Fong ’20, the spirit of “Work Hard. Play Hard. Pray Hard.”
At Jesuit High School Sacramento, students are taught to model their lives after the Grad-at-Grad principles in the ultimate expression of being a “man for others.” Throughout his time at Jesuit, Jonathan Fong ’20 has done just that — applied himself to the callings in his life, a journey that has led him to become the Class of 2020’s Salutatorian.
Jesuit adapts plans for rest of 2019-2020 school year, an overview of what’s to come
With advice from state and local health officials, President Rev. John P. McGarry, S.J. and Principal Mr. Michael Wood ’99 announced Jesuit High School Sacramento would extend online learning through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Students and parents received the news in an email on April 9.
The Role He was Born to Play
“Could you do anything else?”
This was an important question posed to Riley Shanahan ’10 in a New York City Starbucks many summers ago when he was still a student at Jesuit High School Sacramento.
Students embrace new challenge of Digital Learning Days amid Coronavirus
For the safety of students and their families in light of the Coronavirus, Jesuit High School Sacramento implemented the Digital Learning Days Protocol on March 13. Since then, students have received online education, an experience that has shifted the dynamic of learning.
Opinion: Looking back at a crimson and gold decade
Brightened by a myriad of student accomplishments, the 2010s at Jesuit High School Sacramento were a decade of brilliance and reinvention, filled with stories of thrilling victories, dazzling performances, and breakthroughs that changed our community.
No. 1 seeded Jesuit denied Section Final with semifinal loss
In a semifinal clash between the No. 5 seeded Saint Mary’s High School Rams and the No. 1 seeded Jesuit High School Sacramento Marauders, the top seed was knocked out of the Division II Sac-Joaquin Section Playoffs with a 42-48 loss on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Social Justice Summit discusses economic justice
At Jesuit High School Sacramento, it’s an annual tradition to spend a week examining a social justice issue such as mental health or criminal justice. In last week’s Social Justice Summit, students heard a variety of discussions that addressed the realities of economic justice or injustice.
Jesuit soccer readies for Davis showdown
On the afternoon of Jan. 15, the Jesuit High School Marauders will battle the Davis High School Blue Devils at Playfields Park in Davis.
The Marauders look to continue their success after amassing a perfect league record with wins over Elk Grove High School, Sheldon High School, and Cosumnes Oak High School.
Davis has also started the season well, holding a 6-2-1 overall record. Aware of the looming threat that the Blue Devils will present, defender Michael Roush ’21 notes that a favorable outcome will rely on the team full effort.
Student Coalition for Equity and Inclusion
A major aspect of the Jesuit High School experience is learning how to be “Men For Others.” To this end, students are taught to be leaders and advocates for social justice. The Multicultural Student Union (MSU), which was started last semester to support this mission, looks to continue its work this year.
Ode to social justice
Jesuit High School Drama’s fall play, “In the Matter of Scott Daniel Warren, or Scenes and Fragments about a Play in the Desert,” challenged a complex reality, leaving an impact on its audience.
The show, which touched on aspects of immigration, blended Catholic social justice teachings, contemporary influences, and real accounts. Centered around the prosecution of Scott Warren, who provided aid to two migrants, the play dissected the intent behind Warren’s actions.
Jesuit’s fall play dramatizes social justice
With a keen awareness for topical events, Jesuit High School Drama presents “In the Matter of Scott Daniel Warren, or Scenes and Fragments about a Play in the Desert,” a company-written play that explores and grapples with the realities and morality of immigration.
A glimpse of student life at Jesuit High School
Prospective students and their families can visit the Jesuit High School campus for an interactive and educational experience during Open House this Sunday, Oct 20., at 12:00 p.m.
Homecoming
Eight years after graduating from Jesuit High School, alumnus Mr. Jedd Vergara ’11 is returning to campus as Jesuit’s newest physics teacher.