The Plank - Student Life
Learning the beauty of game design
Since Jesuit High School Sacramento’s computer science curriculum began offering Honors Game Development, the class has undergone immense changes.
Honors Game Development teacher Mr. Peter Strawn ’04 has taught computer science at Jesuit for six years. He teaches a broad scope of video game topics in the class, from their code to their visuals and everything in between.
“[Game development is] all about, in my mind, studying the art, science, design, and beauty of video games,” Mr. Strawn said. “From the basics of how they’re made, to understanding the mechanics of the games that students already play and to building things of their own creativity.”
Showcasing the harmony of teamwork
On Thursday, April 18, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s Orchestra performed their spring season concert at the Phelan Chapel of the North American Martyrs, where they got the opportunity to showcase their teamwork and skill.
Samuel “Sam” Gegax ’25 is happy with the turnout and feedback from the audience and feels like the orchestra’s hard work paid off.
“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’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.
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.
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.
Promoting student well-being from the Dean’s Office
This year a familiar face has rejoined the Jesuit High School Sacramento community. Dean Joey Elftmann from the class of 2000 has quickly become known throughout the community as a friendly and outgoing face, who eagerly works to ensure the wellbeing of all students.
“Lessons & Carols” was a resounding success
On Dec. 3 and 4, Jesuit High School Sacramento hosted its 15th annual “Lessons & Carols” performances. The voices of the Jesuit and St. Francis High School chamber choirs joined to fill the Chapel of the North American Martyrs with harmony and hope.
Echelon Catapult launches students into STEM learning
The Echelon Catapult program, run by a mix of students from Saint Francis High School and Jesuit High School Sacramento, aims to expand interest in Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) subjects for students in fifth to eighth grade. Initially founded in 2020, the program has grown to become one of the most prominent at Jesuit.
Fr. Stiegeler makes his return
25 years after departing Jesuit High School Sacramento, Fr. Francis Stiegeler, S.J. makes his return; this time as chaplain.
“Lessons and Carols”: serve through song
This December, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s chamber choir will continue the decades-long tradition of hosting Lessons and Carols services. These performances are open to the whole Sacramento community and are a great way of getting into the Christmas spirit.
Fall Play helps students process their pandemic experiences
This November, Jesuit High School Sacramento drama presented the fall play, “My Pandemic Love Story,” an original Black Box performance written by the cast. This production was a way for students’ to share personal anecdotes about their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shadow Days leave a lasting impact
Every year Jesuit High School Sacramento hosts Shadow Days when middle-school students can “shadow” a current Jesuit student to learn what a typical day at Jesuit is like. The impact it leaves remains long after the day is over, and for some Jesuit students, the impact still remains.
Jesuit’s annual Food Drive aims to deliver
Jesuit High School Sacramento is hosting its annual Food Drive between Nov. 27 and Dec. 8. Students can participate by volunteering or donating money and canned food. The proceeds from this event will go to Stanford Settlement’s annual winter drive to provide food for people in need over the winter season.
Dr. Luttio: building bridges in the world of faith
Born and raised in Japan, Dr. Mark Luttio has spent his life traveling the globe studying and teaching Theology. Now, Dr. Luttio continues his educational journey at Jesuit High School Sacramento.
Mr. Loya marches the band forward
Band Director Mr. Michael Loya joins Jesuit High School Sacramento after working at Woodland High School for eleven years. As the new band director, he aims to build upon the band and lead it into a productive year.
Mr. Vanderbout crescendos the choir
Jesuit’s new Director of Choral Music Mr. David Vanderbout values a positive attitude, believing that a mindset directed toward growth translates to success.
Directing the power of stories
For over three decades, English teacher and Drama Artistic Director Mr. Ed Trafton ’84 has inspired students at Jesuit High School Sacramento to create, to perform, and to see stories in a whole new light.
Rolling out the red carpet
On Sept. 30, 2023, Jesuit High School Sacramento hosted its annual Homecoming dance with a glitzy Hollywood theme. For one night, the Fr. Barry gymnasium was transformed with dazzling decorations, complete with red carpet entrances and decor reminiscent of classic Hollywood glamor. Students arrived dressed as if they were fabulous movie stars, adding a touch of magic to the event.