The Plank - Senior Edition

Plank Article Preston Le '26

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.  

Plank Article Brady Anderson ’25

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.

Plank Article Lucas Darling ’26

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.

Plank Article Zach Monahan ’25

Brady Calkins ’25: making waves in the Jesuit community

To Brady Calkins ’25, the idea of excellence evokes leadership, dedication, and hard work. Brady displays those traits into all he does, whether it’s in the classroom or in the water. He has exemplified dedication and ambition throughout his Jesuit swim career, breaking an individual school record as well as being a part of 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 200 meter Medley, 200 meter Freestyle and 400 meter Freestyle – all those records were set in the 1990s so it was a great achievement setting new team records. Brady also set a new school record in the [individual] 100 meter backstroke during the 2023 to 2024 swim season.”

Plank Article Toby Hekkanen '25

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.

Plank Article Cooper Zarro '26

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.

Plank Article Preston Le '26 Toby Hekkanen '25

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. 

Plank Article Matin Sayareh '25

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.

Plank Article Jason De Guzman ’25

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.

Plank Article Matin Sayareh '25

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.” 

Plank Article Joshua Deligero '26

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.”

Plank Article Daniel Krueger '24

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.

Plank Article Milo Moggan ’26

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.

Plank Article Nick Ryan ’26

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.

Plank Article Jason De Guzman ’25

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.