Dear Parents, Students and Friends of Jesuit High School,

As we near completion of the first two full weeks of school, we are thankful for the hard work and adaptability of our students. They have quickly learned the distance-learning guidelines and requirements and familiarized themselves with teacher expectations and syllabi. Now, we are challenging our students to consider ways to expand their learning beyond the walls of the virtual classroom. In many ways, this call to be involved in the co-curricular life of the school challenges students to embody the Magis, which asks them to seek more and strive for the better, all for the greater glory of God.   

One of the many great joys of working at Jesuit High School Sacramento is witnessing students finding their passion and purpose beyond academics.  Whether it’s discovering the excitement of being on stage or behind the scenes in the Black Box Theatre or realizing that the thrill of taking the field at kickoff far surpasses watching football from the stands, the opportunities and possibilities are limitless for our students.

Many of our young men have already felt the encouraging nudge to explore life outside of the classroom. The creativity and ingenuity our students have demonstrated in their pursuit of co-curricular opportunities cover every single corner of campus. It is through the stories of our students that we can best learn of the expansive opportunities that exist at Jesuit Sacramento and inspire others to get involved. Let me share a few examples of student life and activities that are still thriving even as we adapt to a new learning environment.

In a two-day period, we’ve had almost 50 students attend a Speech & Debate interest meeting and many more who look forward to the upcoming Mock Trial interest meeting on Sept. 8.

More than 500 student-athletes signed up for sports conditioning for the first semester, with more opportunities being added through the PE for All program, which provides custom workouts and exercises for students to do on their own for their physical and mental well-being.

The Morning Prayer and Examen, organized by Donovan Jasper ’21 and Carlo Pedroncelli ’21 through their roles in the Campus Ministry Core Team, has quickly become part of our daily faith life at school. 

In Visual & Performing Arts, students are still making sure the show must go on and some cast members are showcasing multiple talents. Watch for Hayden Morrison ’23 to take his talent to the stage in the Fall Play while also performing as a percussionist in the Marauder Band.  

In this time of remote and contactless service, the creativity of our students has surpassed what we ever could have imagined.  

Truc Pham ’21 cared for hundreds of community members across the Sacramento region, including Jesuit’s own immediate elderly neighbors, in his cross-continental service project.  

Without any prior knowledge of sewing, Jared Elder ’23 learned to make masks and donated them to the UC Davis MIND Institute.  

Student leadership opportunities also extend across campus and even beyond the school itself.  

The Executive Council introduced themselves schoolwide in a fun, self-made video, encouraging students in all grade levels to get involved in the upcoming class officer elections and Club Day.

Elijah Beverly ’21 is both a scholar and leader as Jesuit’s ambassador in Northern California to the Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation.  

For Adam Sherif ’22, what started as his service requirement for the Office of Service & Justice has turned into the founding and running of a non-profit, Generations Unite, that serves older generations across the country.  

Parents, opportunities also abound for all of you. Consider the many ways to get involved at Jesuit High School, including Loyola Guild and the Boosters. Parents may also join with students and community members virtually for the launch of Jesuits West CORE and it’s a toolkit in support of advocating for racial equity.  

Lastly, we are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Marauder Fall Takeover at the Drive-in. Still, need tickets? Students and parents may purchase through Monday.

As we all head off to enjoy the Labor Day weekend, we invite our students to take a moment to read about the many upcoming co-curricular offerings here at Jesuit. They might just find their purpose and realize a new passion as they strive for the Magis.

Dr. Fadia Desmond
Assistant Principal of Instruction and Student Life

Next Week’s Calendar At-A-Glance

M       LABOR DAY HOLIDAY | National Suicide Prevention Week

T         C-1-2-3-4-OFFICE Hours | Mock Trial Mtg | Frosh/Soph Counseling Night

W       C-5-6-7-8-OFFICE Hours | Loyola Guild Meeting | Drive-In Movie Event

TH      C-1-2-3-4-OFFICE Hours

F        C-5-6-7-8-OFFICE Hours