The Plank - Senior Edition
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.
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.
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.”
Samuel Gegax ’25: the man, the myth, the musician
Everyone who’s met Samuel Gegax ’25 knows about his love for music, and the time and effort he puts into his practice, having taken advantage of every opportunity presented to him over his four years at Jesuit High School Sacramento.
At Jesuit, Sam has become the section lead in Jazz Band, the concertmaster in Symphonic Band, and the Woodland section leader in Marching Band. This year, he even made the prestigious California All-State Band on clarinet.
Max Troppmann ’25: jack of all trades, master of all
Is there anything Max Troppmann ’25 doesn’t do? As the founder of the Engineering club, a peer tutor, and a member of Speech and Debate, Mathletes, and wrestling team, Max is entrenched in many parts of the Jesuit High School Sacramento community. On top of these skills, he speaks four languages: English, German, French, and Spanish.
Max’s vast and varied talents make him a unique individual.
Raphael Edralin ’25: Lead, Laugh, Love
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.
Chris Palchak ’25: setting a high bar
If you’ve exited campus via American River Drive in the spring, you likely saw Chris Palchak ’25 sling a 12 pound shot into the cosmos. If you caught the toss out of the corner of your eye, then you also likely saw him seamlessly shift his focus after every throw from his performance to his teammates.
Whether it’s by answering questions, demonstrating the proper form, or sharing words of encouragement on and off the field, Chris’s compassion and integrity help guide others to success.
Koen Miyashiro ’25: a loyal friend and mentor to all
When you meet Koen Miyashiro ’25 for the first time, you’ll quickly discover two things about him: he’s exceptionally smart and exceptionally friendly. He’ll speak first, curiously asking a question or sharing an observation. When you respond, he’ll show genuine interest and will continue asking questions or sharing stories. Before you know it, you’ll be deep in conversation with him, trying to keep up as he speaks rapidly and excitedly. Because of experiences like this one, many people at Jesuit High School Sacramento call Koen a friend.
While working with Koen to organize Echelon Catapult classes and events, Director of Admissions Mr. Matthew Ramos ’05 has watched Koen grow into a capable and confident leader.
Grant Anderson ’24: incorporating compassion to reach success
Over the past four years, Grant Anderson ’24 has excelled in nearly everything he does at Jesuit High School Sacramento. Whether it’s on the mat, in academics, or in daily life, Grant incorporates his compassion in order to reach this success.
“Grant has a tremendous impact on those around him,” said Sports Performance Coordinator Mr. Jay Nacionales. “He leads with his words, but more importantly, he leads by example. You can tell he truly cares for his fellow peers.”
Zachariah Michelena ’24: raising the bar
Zach Michelena ’24 is an excellent teammate.
“Zach constantly shows he is a ‘Man for Others’ in both small and big ways,” said Mock Trial Head Coach Holly Stout. “Often, he’s the one anticipating what’s needed of his mock trial teammates and working through testimony with them. He also is the first one to offer help of any kind to any of his classmates or coaches.”
Lucas Kim ’24: playing several positions
Few students in this year’s senior class are as involved throughout campus life as Lucas Kim ’24, and even fewer who have been as crucial to their programs as he. In addition to being the vice president of the Asian Pacific Islander Club, Lucas is the historian for student council, the co-president of the peer tutoring program, and a varsity soccer player.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.