The Plank - Features
Appreciating our Military Veterans
Military Veterans are the silent heroes that keep our nation safe, and Jesuit High School Sacramento is lucky enough to count several Veterans among our faculty and staff.
Ms. Kathy Van Liefde to retire after decades of kind service
In her 27 years at Jesuit High School Sacramento, Ms. Kathy Van
Liefde has served as a math teacher and, in her current capacity,
as a guidance counselor. In all her responsibilities, she has
maintained a positive attitude and a focus on her students’
well-being.
Landon Darling ’25 rocks the rodeo
Landon Darling ’25, a sophomore at Jesuit High School Sacramento,
has recently decided to pursue his interest in Rodeo, a unique
and competitive sport that involves intensive training and
rigorous work with horses.
Freshman finding success on the diamond
Varsity baseball at Jesuit High School Sacramento has been
amongst the most competitive programs in the Northern California
area, with many players signing with top collegiate programs and
eventually finding their way into Major League Baseball. Because
of this competitive history, when a freshman makes the Varsity
squad, it’s noticed.
Faculty Pushes For Littering To Stop on Campus
Littering has been a growing problem this semester at Jesuit High School Sacramento.
Another asset added to Jesuit’s arsenal
Every school year, Jesuit High School Sacramento gets a number of
new transfers across all grades. This year, Kevin Haupt Jr. ’24
transferred to Jesuit after completing his sophomore year at
Oakmont High School in Roseville.
Mr. Richard Hanson brings optimism, empathy to the classroom
Mr. Richard Hanson began working at Jesuit High School Sacramento this year as a statistics and computer science teacher. He taught at Amador Valley High School for 29 years before coming to Jesuit.
Mr. Hanson appreciates the kindness of the faculty, staff, and students that has helped him adjust to teaching at Jesuit.
Christian Covert ’22; revitalizing school spirit
For the last four years, Christian Covert ’22 has immersed
himself in all aspects of campus life at Jesuit High School
Sacramento. He is known as a dedicated varsity rugby player and
exuberant classmate, but his most notable involvement is being
the Student Executive Council Vice President.
Sophomore retreat reveals God’s plan for Jesuit students
Taking place all throughout February, Sophomore Retreats held by
Jesuit High School Sacramento concluded on March 8.
Raise a glass for Mr. Beers
For Jesuit High School Sacramento teacher, Mr. Timothy Beers,
2022 marks the last school year in which he will teach at Jesuit.
Mr. Beers’ legacy will always be one to remember; he has taught
and coached generations of Marauders with pride and passion.
Bassem Mansour ’23 perseveres through severe injuries and paralysis
On Oct. 6, 2020, Jesuit High School Sacramento student Bassem
Mansour ’23 was riding his bike when he was hit by a truck and
dragged 50-feet. After the accident, he had to be airlifted to
the hospital due to severe blood loss.
Ms. Hilary Ahl uses her expertise to help Jesuit students in the Academic Support Center
The newest addition to the Jesuit High School Sacramento Academic Support Center this year is Ms. Hilary Ahl, the new Assistant of the Academic Support Center.
Before coming to Jesuit, Ms. Ahl had her own tutoring business where she helped students of all ages in math, science, and SAT prep. She found it very satisfying to see growth in students from not being well organized to finding a focus.
A dedicated servant in many ways, Ms. Colleen Arrigo retires from Jesuit
For Mrs. Colleen Arrigo, who retired from Jesuit High School Sacramento following the 2020-2021 school year, nurturing the “Men for Others” culture came in many forms.
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 lifelong Ignatian educator, Mr. Michael Cheney is retiring from Jesuit after 19 years
With more than 40 years in Ignatian education — dating back to his time in college, Mr. Michael Cheney has experienced the impact of Jesuit schools as a student, teacher, department chair, and administrator.
A “true Marauder,” Mr. Ed Novinsky ’72 retires from Jesuit after more than 20 years
Whether it’s students winning awards at art shows or a performance in the Black Box Theater sparking a new discussion, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s art program is one reason many feel the institution is a life-building experience.
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.
Accomplished past leads Valedictorian Donovan Jasper ’21 towards the future
Given to a senior in recognition of his outstanding achievements during his high school years, the Valedictorian award is among the most prestigious awards that are handed out at graduation each year. For the Class of 2021 at Jesuit High School Sacramento, Donovan Jasper ’21 took home the award.
Alex Chen ’21, a dedicated student, ready for the future
Talented, determined, creative, and hardworking are just a few words that can be used to describe Alex Chen ’21. From being co-captain of the tennis team to holding multiple internships, Alex’s versatility and commitment are truly remarkable.
Michael Chambers ’21, a true embodiment of the Grad-at-Grad values
An exceptional student, athlete, and religious leader, Michael Chambers ’21 is a remarkable example of the hope that Jesuit High School Sacramento has for all its students.