The spirit of a true marauder is loud and proud, and there’s no one that embodies this better than Raphael “Rafi” Edralin ’25. From hearing him on the loudspeaker to seeing him hype up the Holy Bowl crowd, Jesuit students are constantly made aware of Rafi’s presence.

As Head Cheerleader, Rafi always plans activities with enjoyment as his biggest priority. 

“My philosophy as a leader is thinking deeply of the stuff that I’m doing, the stuff that I’m planning, or how I’m leading in terms of being a leader and publicity coordinator,” Rafi said. “What would the response of a random student be? And I just think of that same point of, how would I react as an average student? Would I want this? Would I genuinely enjoy this?”

Student Activities Director Mr. Peter Ferrari believes that Rafi’s ability to make insightful connections with his peers makes Jesuit a better place.

“[Rafi] is very emotionally intelligent, and he uses that emotional intelligence to care for people, check up on people and to be supportive of others,” Mr. Ferrari said. “He’s also really honest, and so I know that [we] can turn to him if we need an honest perspective, and that’s something that’s really valuable. For example, as a cheerleader, there are many times where he notices that there’s a group that’s not really involved. They may be sitting off to the side, and he’ll make it a point to go over there and focus on engaging them. He’s just done a really good job creating an environment that people want to engage in, and creating an inclusive place at Jesuit.”

Rafi’s friend Daniel Ryan ’25 appreciates that Rafi has stood by him as a friend and brother.

“Rafi is a super nice and outgoing person,” Daniel said. “He doesn’t hate on people or talk about them behind their backs. He will always jump at any opportunity to meet new people. Rafi is always there to have my back and be someone I can talk to. He listens to anything I say and is always there for me.” 

Rafi has created a legacy at Jesuit as a ‘Man for Others’ who supports everyone around him.

“Rafi is just a phenomenal member of our community, he cares deeply about his peers, [and] he cares deeply about this place,” Mr. Ferrari said. “He has so much enthusiasm and energy that he brings to anything that he does.”

Rafi greatly values the brotherhood at Jesuit and all the support students offer each other.

“When I was coming into Jesuit, I thought, ‘OK, I’m going to Jesuit; i. It’s just a school,’” Rafi said. “After these four years, I’m going to be done. But now having been a part of the Jesuit community  myself for four years, I definitely get why they call it a brotherhood. You create bonds at Jesuit, whether that be by coincidence or whether that be through your own choice. And these bonds are life-lasting.”