The Plank - Student Life
Celebrating Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month
Beginning in 1968, Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month is a month dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the history, achievements, and culture of Hispanic people and the impact they have had on the culture of the United States. The month is celebrated each year beginning on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15.
During the month, Latinx and Hispanic students and teachers from Jesuit High School Sacramento answered and explained what the month means to them, who some of their Latinx role models are, and why they believe it is important to celebrate the month.
Kairos 151 initiates the Kairos season
Jesuit High School Sacramento seniors are currently preparing to take part in Kairos 151, a traditional spiritual retreat held multiple times throughout the school year.
The goal of Kairos is to bring together the seniors in a continuation of building the Brotherhood while also allowing each student the opportunity to explore their own personal relationship with God.
Cam’s Team take the victory at Jesuit’s 3v3 Intramural Basketball Tournament
Nearly every year, Jesuit High School Sacramento hosts an intramural basketball tournament where students from all grade levels compete. With the return of in-person school, this annual event returned as well.
The event was set up by the Students Activities Office in collaboration with Student Council and took place during Community periods starting on Aug. 31 and ending on Sept. 23.
Jesuit hosts successful Homecoming at Haggin Oaks
On Saturday, September 25th, 2021, Jesuit High School Sacramento’s annual Homecoming Dance took place at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. With last year’s homecoming being canceled due to COVID-19 related reasons, this homecoming was more important than usual.
Lots of change had to occur in order to allow Jesuit’s Homecoming Dance to take place. One of the largest changes was the change in venue for the dance.
Mr. Daniel Mascarenhas: Teaching Jesuit Students on the Path to Priesthood
Mr. Daniel Mascarenhas, S.J. is a Jesuit scholastic who came to Jesuit High School Sacramento this year as part of his path to priesthood. After studying philosophy at St. Louis University in Missouri, Mr. Mascarenhas was assigned to the Golden State where he had previously worked as a mechanical engineer in Silicon Valley.
Mr. Mascarenhas was born and raised in Western India where he attended a Catholic school from 1st to 10th grade. His normal routine in India does not sound much different than what students at Jesuit experience every day.
Do’s and Don’ts of Homecoming 2021
Homecoming Dances can be a very stressful time with trying to find someone to ask to the dance, a pair of shoes that fit, and even the best place to take pictures.
After not having a formal dance in almost two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many aspects of the Homecoming Dance have changed. Student Activities Director Mr. Peter Ferrari, who is in charge of homecoming, describes the multiple changes.
Jesuit Parades Into Homecoming at Haggin Oaks
This Saturday, Sept. 25, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Jesuit High School Sacramento will have their Homecoming Dance at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. The Homecoming Dance ends Spirit Week with a fiesta.
The theme for the dance is Mardi Gras. It was inspired by the recent Hurricane Ida in New Orleans and Jesuit’s call to help with disaster relief there. Student Activities Director Mr. Peter Ferrari gives his reasoning for the theme.
Jesuit Highschool prepares for 50th Reunion in Alumni Weekend
Jesuit High School Sacramento is hosting their 50th annual high school reunion within the upcoming Alumni Weekend which will take place on Sept. 24 to 26 on campus. Jesuit is welcoming the classes of 1970-1971, 1980-1981, 1990-1991, 2000-2001, and 2010-2011 to the celebration.
The weekend is filled with six events which all aim to aid the alums in regrounding their roots here at Jesuit, including the 50th Annual Lunch Tour and the 50th Reunion dinner.
Four Jesuit students are announced as semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship
The National Merit Scholarship is awarded to students who scored the highest in the nation and the state on their PSAT and have a history of academic excellence.
On Sept. 15, the program announced approximately 16 thousand semifinalists across the nation, and Jesuit High School Sacramento is lucky enough to count four seniors among that group: Charlie Diaz ’22, James Irwin ’22, Mathew Mellas ’22, and Robert Lee ’22.
To become a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship is a remarkable accomplishment.
Spirit week, a tradition not forgotten
With the return of in-person school this year, some normalities have been changed, but for Jesuit High School Sacramento, tradition has not been forgotten.
Spirit Week, the week before Homecoming, has always been a school favorite with many activities and competitions creating a week of fun. With the return of fully in-person school, the student council is making sure to bring back an action packed week.
Jesuit community adjusts to in-person learning and a new bell schedule
As Jesuit High School Sacramento students poured onto campus to begin the 2021-22 school year, students returning to in-person instruction for the first time in over a year experienced many changes, which include the wearing of masks, social distancing, and plexiglass dividers. One additional change that all faculty, staff, and students alike will be adjusting to is a new bell schedule.
Jesuit readies for the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit
On Thursday, Aug. 26, and Friday, Aug. 27 Jesuit High School Sacramento will celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit, an annual Mass celebrated across all Jesuit schools. This Liturgy will be the first time students gather together in person for Mass since schools shut down due to COVID-19 back in March 2020.
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.
Jake Hall ’21 shows his leadership on and off the football field
Each year, the Salutatorian Award is given to a Senior who is recognized as an outstanding representative and religious leader of his class. For the Class of 2021, the recipient was Jake Hall ’21.
Honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
In May of 1843, the first Japanese immigrated to the United States. 26 years on, in May of 1869, the transcontinental railroad was completed with the help of thousands of Chinese laborers. Thus Congress designated the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in commemoration of those events.
A leader, an athlete, and a man for others, DJ Hoang ’21 made a difference at Jesuit
Contributing to the brotherhood through his positive energy and his involvement in several activities, DJ Hoang ’21 is hard to miss on the campus of Jesuit High School Sacramento.
Newly-elected Student Executive Council ready for 2021-2022 school year
After a day of voting and a run-off vote, students have elected the next Student Executive Council for the 2021-2022 school year.