The Plank
“Gentlemen, may I have your attention…”
For more than 32 years, Cross Country Coach and math teacher Mr. David Zielke has been an inspiring and positive presence in the Jesuit High School Sacramento community. Mr. Zielke looks at life in a way that few others do and shares his optimistic mindset with everyone he encounters, leaving a lasting impression in their lives.
Jesuit to host 52nd annual Auction
One of Jesuit High School Sacramento’s biggest events of the year is rapidly approaching. On Saturday, March 23 from 6 to 10 p.m. Jesuit will host its 52nd annual Jesuit Auction in the Fr. Barry gymnasium.
Holy Rollers spares no expense
For more than 50 years, the Holy Rollers Bowling Club at Jesuit High School Sacramento has provided students an outlet for fun and social bowling. The club aims to spread bowling in a non-competitive and welcoming way.
Sub-4 club: history in the making for Jesuit sports
On Saturday, Jan. 27, two Jesuit High School Sacramento alumni took to the track in the Dempsey Indoor Center in Seattle, Washington, and raced the indoor mile at the 2023 University of Washington Invitational Track Meet.
In an amazing race, Matt Strangio ’20 and Spencer Pickren ’21 both ran personal bests, with Strangio winning the race in 3:55.53, putting himself at 19th place in the nation for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and 29th in the world at all levels for this indoor season at the time of the race. His recent 3000 meter race is also the 11th fastest in the history of the NCAA.
Jesuit’s first original musical: “children&art: A Song Cycle”
Once finished, Jesuit High School Sacramento Drama’s 2024 spring production “children&art: A Song Cycle” will mark a first for the program: its first original musical. The cast for children&art met just nine weeks ago, having to write, produce, choreograph, and rehearse an entirely original show in under 90 days.
Children&art is inspired by students’ experiences during and after the pandemic. The production does not follow a linear plot, but rather a song cycle structure, made up of 10 individual songs which relate to the underlying theme of joy found through art.
The Wrap: Jesuit basketball section tournament
On Wednesday, Feb. 24, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Varsity Basketball team faced off against Cordova High School and had one of their highest scoring games of the season. Beating CHS 94-63, the Marauders came out with a win and advanced to the quarter-finals in the Section playoffs.
Open Mic Night to highlight talents for charity
On Friday, March 1, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Asian Pacific Islander Club (APIC) will hold its eighth annual Open Mic Night event in the Fr. Harris Student Life Center. This is a chance for high school students from all over Sacramento to come show off their talents, socialize with friends, and enjoy a wide variety of foods prepared by student clubs.
CJ Lee ’24 contributes to the campus
Christopher “CJ” Lee ’24 is the starting quarterback of the varsity football team, but he’s much more than that. CJ is a great friend, has a great sense of humor, and he always looks on the bright side of things.
Declan Higgins ’24: perseverance and adaptability
For two seasons, Declan Higgins ’24 has been nothing short of remarkable as a runner on the Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity cross country team. Not only that, but in his time as a Marauder, Declan has set himself apart as one of the most adaptive and persistent students inside and outside of the classroom.
David Soto ’24: humble rock star
“He’s part of a rock band,” Caden Kelly ’25 said, “I believe he’s a platinum artist as of now and will soon be touring internationally.”
You may think those words are spoken about someone like Drake or Beyonce, but in fact, they are about a member of Jesuit’s class of 2024, David Soto. While Caden’s statement is not factually accurate, it’s clear that David has built himself a reputation at Jesuit as someone who excels at anything he puts his mind to.
Opinion: This season was not Sacra-meant-to-be
With All-Star Weekend in the rear-view mirror, the Sacramento Kings sit at seventh place in the Western Conference with a record of 33-24. At the start of this NBA season, The Plank anonymously polled 47 random student fans from Jesuit High School Sacramento, asking them what their Playoff expectations are for the Kings this year. Their confidence was clear: 52.1% said that this season’s team can make it past the second round, something the franchise hasn’t accomplished since 2002. Let’s see how those expectations stack up after 57 games.
It’s in our blood to donate
Every two seconds in the United States, someone needs blood. Unfortunately, according to the American Red Cross, the number of blood donors in the country has hit a 20-year low. Blood is needed now more than ever, and thankfully, Jesuit High School Sacramento stepped up to answer the call.
Tibetan monks visit Jesuit to spread compassion
On Wednesday, Jan. 17, Jesuit High School Sacramento received a visit from a group of Tibetan monks as a part of their Sacred Arts of Tibet Cultivating Compassion tour. Coming from Gaden Shartse Norling Monastery, these monks seek to raise money for their monastery and spread compassion to the people they meet throughout their journey.
James Randall ’24: lifelong learner
In the summer of 2022, James Randall ’24 and the Jesuit High School Sacramento’s robotics team triumphed over colleges and universities from around the world in the Marine Advanced Technology Education International Underwater Robotics Competition, held in Long Beach, California. The team had been preparing for the competition for a year and all that work was worth it for James.
The Wrap: Jesuit soccer meets their goals
On Tuesday, Feb. 13, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s nationally ranked varsity soccer team faced off against Central Valley High School. Jesuit is ranked number one in the section and CVHS was ranked number 12. With great games from midfielder James Andrew ’24 and forward Kellen Jacot ’24, Jesuit won 3-1 and remains strong as the playoffs progress.
Bradley Williams ’24: a leader to remember
Despite being at Jesuit High School Sacramento for only two years, Bradley Williams ’24 has already made a name for himself as a school leader, a reputation that saw him elected student body president as a senior.
Aiming for a blue banner
On Wednesday, Feb. 7, the Jesuit High School Sacramento varsity basketball team won their most crucial game of the season to that point. In a bout against Sheldon High School, Jesuit won 55-39 to tie for first in the league rankings with SHS. Two days later, on Friday, Feb. 9, Jesuit triumphed again on an 84-58 victory over Pleasant Grove High School.
Cole Epperson ’24: playing at a high level
Cole Epperson ’24 has been instrumental in leading Jesuit to a Delta League Championship this year. As one of Jesuit’s starting forwards, he’s made a name for himself by impacting every game on offense and defense.
Opinion: “Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”: a unique take on AI
“Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” is the latest installment of the “Mission Impossible” (MI) franchise and was released in theaters on July 12, 2023. The movie was released to streaming for Paramount Plus subscribers on Thursday, Jan. 25 2024. The movie is also available to buy on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. It was directed and written by Christopher McQuarrie and Erik Jendresen. The film contains thrilling action and has a unique take on Artificial Intelligence (AI), but its long action scenes and ambiguity can hamper the experience.
Jonah Reynolds ’24: a renaissance “Man for Others”
He’s here, he’s there, Jonah Reynolds ‘24 is everywhere. A top track athlete, robotics team leader, and member of student council, Jonah does a little bit of everything – and everywhere he goes, he makes Jesuit High School Sacramento a brighter place to be.