The Plank
Ralph, Mazibuko lead Teachers to overtime victory vs. Students
The Father Barry Gymnasium has never been this loud.
On Tuesday, Feb. 25, all of Jesuit High School Sacramento rallied behind their faculty and staff for the Teachers vs. Students basketball game. To close the annual Winter Sports Rally, the final two teams of the intramural basketball tournament took on 8 members of Jesuit’s faculty and staff.
Mathletes: building problem-solving prowess
While many students at Jesuit High School Sacramento view math simply as a chore they have to do to receive a grade, there is a select group of students that sees past the numbers and symbols into the true beauty of the world of mathematics.
The Jesuit Mathletes team is a collection of students that compete against other schools in math using their problem-solving prowess, relishing the opportunity to sharpen their minds with challenging math problems in the heat of competition.
Open Mic Night: entertainment for all
On Friday, Feb. 28, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Asian Pacific Islander Club (APIC) will host its annual Open Mic Night in the Harris Center. This event offers high school students from across the Sacramento area a chance to showcase their talents, socialize with friends, and enjoy a variety of foods prepared by student clubs.
“I joined APIC last year when I was a freshman since I wanted to find a community at Jesuit that shared the same cultural similarities and experiences as me,” said Owen Hartono ’27. “Open Mic Night is a fun event where students and their families can come to watch a variety of performances, including cultural ones, such as the St. Francis’ hula team and Tinikling dance, as well as music performances from different students.”
Choir Cabaret: Sockhop knocks audience’s socks off
Jesuit High School Sacramento’s first ever Choir Cabaret took place Saturday, Feb 7. Focused around 50’s rock and roll songs, the event’s theme was “Sockhop.” It featured a variety of singers performing group pieces, duets, trios, and solos.
Director of Choral Music Mr. David Vanderbout helped host the Choir Cabaret, and believes that it provided a unique opportunity to spotlight vocal performance.
Running away with a 10th State Championship
The Jesuit High School Sacramento cross country team has a long history of excellence. This year, they added yet another chapter to that storied legacy, taking home the 10th State Championship title in program history – more than any other high school in California.
The team began the year with a roaring start, winning their first five meets, including the prestigious Nike Portland Invitational. They cruised through the Sierra Foothill league, taking home the league title. Moving on to subsections and sections, the team would continue to dominate, grabbing first place in both meets.
Navin Kadel ’25: running the show
Jesuit High School Sacramento’s cross country team has undoubtedly achieved success in the 2024 season, establishing themselves as a national powerhouse. A major component of the team is the humble and hardworking senior, Navin Kadel ’25, whose example of resilience and compassion serves as an inspiration for many.
Perseverance has been the key to Navin’s success. Cross Country Coach Thomas Witzgall ’98 has witnessed Navin’s evolution as a runner.
Celebrating the contributions of Black Americans
Jesuit High School Sacramento will hold a Black History Assembly on Friday, Feb. 14, to commemorate the contributions of many Black Americans, as well as the achievements of our own African American alumni in the world.
This year, Jesuit is hosting four panelists to speak about their contributions after high school. Ron Barrow Jr. ’98 serves as an associate pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Dr. Caron Houston, M.D. is an internal medicine physician specializing in individualized care for adult patients. Ben Sharpe ’99 received a masters in civil engineering from Stanford University and a PhD in civil engineering from University of California, Davis. Dean of Students La Roddric Theodule has educated students in the Catholic school system since 2002.
Kai Switlick ’25: driven to excel
As someone who strives for greatness in everything he does, Kai Switlick ’25 has been a model of excellence during his four, action-packed years at Jesuit High School Sacramento.
Kai is known by his teachers and peers for his tremendous work ethic and commitment to excellence.
Jayden Canio ’25: embracing every opportunity
Is there anyone on campus who hasn’t worked with Jayden Canio ’25?
Jayden is the epitome of a Jesuit student: he is hardworking and selfless. He has proven his value to the school through passion and utmost dedication.
Buildings and Grounds: the unsung heroes of our school
Jesuit High School Sacramento has a large campus. With over 52 acres of land, year-round effort is required to maintain both the school’s beauty and reputation across every inch of the property.
The Jesuit Grounds Crew is the primary behind-the-scenes workforce that keeps the school clean and welcoming.
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 soccer continues to pursue goals (and wins)
The Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity soccer team got out to a stagnant start to the season, but started to gain momentum at the halfway point.
While the early part of the season was marked by five draws and some tough losses in the competitive Sierra Foothill League, the Marauder’s momentum has shifted, as they recently achieved their first two wins against Del Oro and Oakridge. They look to expand on this success as they enter the final stretch of the season.
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.
Jesuit basketball looks to build on recent success
Jesuit High School Sacramento’s varsity basketball team has been playing well through the middle weeks of January; as of January 28, their record stands at 15 wins and 6 losses, and 7-1 in league play.
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.”
Ali Zaidi ’25: everything, everywhere, all at once
Ali Zaidi ’25 cemented his extraordinary legacy at Jesuit High School Sacramento through his extensive work in the arts, science, and academic communities on campus and in the larger community.
Over the years, Ali has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Echelon Catapult, the President of the Computer Science Club, and the editor-in-chief for Moorings. He puts effort into all aspects of his work and life, expertly leading and organizing events in his co-curriculars.
Brady Calkins ’25: making waves in the Jesuit community
To Brady Calkins ’25, the idea of excellence evokes leadership, dedication, and hard work. He has exemplified these traits throughout his Jesuit swim career, breaking an individual school record and contributing to several school relay records.
“He has proven his skills in the pool and has set numerous team records,” said Swimming Head Coach Michael Solander. “His name is part of all three relay teams: the 200 meter Medley, 200 meter Freestyle and 400 meter Freestyle. Brady also set a new school record in the [individual] 100 meter backstroke during the 2023-2024 swim season.”