Jaynotes| Vol. 38 No. 1 | Fall/Winter 2011

Volume 38, Number 1

The Magazine of Jesuit High School of New Orleans

Five Days Are the

Most Important of the Year at Jesuit High School

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Fall/Winter 2011–2012

Why Is This One of Them?

Curious About the Other Four Days?

The Answers Inside Will Surprise You! Fall/Winter 2011-12

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Volume 38, Number 1

FALL/WINTER 2011-12 Dear Blue Jay Alumni, Parents, Students, and Friends of Jesuit: In the 2011 Graduation issue of Jaynotes, the introduction to Daniel Cooper’s valedictory address stated the following: “Interestingly, since the school instituted eighth grade in 1951-52, Cooper is the first valedictorian speaker who did not attend Jesuit all five years. He entered Jesuit as a freshman in the 2007-08 school year.”

The first part of that statement is correct — eighth grade was instituted at the start of the 195152 school year.

The middle part of the statement is incorrect.

Cooper did attend Jesuit only four years, but he was not the first valedictorian speaker to have done so. Several Blue Jays, and the daughter of one alumnus, took the time to write in order to set the record straight.

Dr. Jim Brown, Jr. ’77 was the first: “Off hand I know that my father James E. Brown, Sr. M.D. was valedictorian of 1953, and Desmond Brown (no relation) was valedictorian of 1976. Both were four year men.”

Michael Helwick ’64 was the next to chime in: “In 1964, when all grades were given as numerical scores between 0 and 100, Donald Ellis and I actually tied for the highest cumulative average.

Donald was a 5-year student in 4-A, and I was a 4-year student in 4-D. Father Stallworth had us draw straws, and I won. I gave the valedictory address, and Donald gave the salutatory address.”

I’m not sure if drawing straws would work today.

Dr. Bob Giardina, Ph.D. ’63 writes that he was the salutatorian and his classmate Eugene Castillion was the valedictorian. “We both started together as freshmen… Thanks for printing a retraction. While some people may feel more strongly about this than I do, I do think that the statement in the article as it now stands does diminish what Gene Castillion and I, and other 4-year Blue Jays were able to accomplish, that is, getting to the top of our respective classes without the benefit of starting as pre-freshmen.”

The source of the original information is irrelevant. I accepted the statement as true when I should have straightened my reporter’s hat and done some digging. I stand corrected.

Yours truly, Pierre DeGruy ’69 Director of Communications/Editor, Jaynotes

New Teachers Join Faculty for 2011-2012 School Year Jesuit High School welcomed seven new faculty members for the 2011-12 school year. Seated from left are Allie Timberlake (college counselor); Wesley Laurendine (physical education and assistant coach for basketball); and Nancy Guliuzo (chemistry). Standing from left are Scott Thompson ’92 (world geography and assistant coach for cross country and track and field teams); Jed Delahoussaye (sacred scripture and Christian morality); Paul Frederick, Jr., S.J. (physical science and Christianity); and Larry Dagate (Algebra II, analysis, and assistant coach for baseball).

This is the second time around for two of the teachers — Dr. Delahoussaye previously taught theology at Jesuit in the late 1990s, and Thompson served as an instructor in the social studies department. Mr. Frederick is a Jesuit scholastic (and unrelated to longtime Spanish teacher Paul Frederick).

(Their bios are posted on the academics home page of Jesuit’s web site.)

Jaynotes, the magazine for and about alumni, parents, and students of Jesuit High School of New Orleans, is published by the Office of Institutional Advancement. Opinions expressed in Jaynotes are those of the individual authors.

President Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76

fitzgerald@jesuitnola.org

Director of Institutional Advancement Thomas V. Bagwill II

bagwill@jesuitnola.org

Director of Communications Pierre DeGruy ’69

Jaynotes Editor degruy@jesuitnola.org

Director of Alumni Affairs Mat Grau ’68

grau@jesuitnola.org

Director of Special Projects Br. William Dardis, S.J. ’58

dardis@jesuitnola.org Creative Director Meghan Weaver

weaver@jesuitnola.org Executive Development Coordinator Krista Roeling

roeling@jesuitnola.org LEF Coordinator Logan Diano

diano@jesuitnola.org Alumni Coordinator Wendy Schneider

schneider@jesuitnola.org Volunteer Coordinator Marilyn Beauford

beauford@jesuitnola.org

Letters, photographs, and correspondence are welcome and may be submitted to degruy@jesuitnola.org or mailed to: Jaynotes Jesuit High School 4133 Banks St. New Orleans, LA 70119 Contact info and address changes should be emailed to alumni@jesuitnola.org, or call Jesuit’s alumni office at 504-483-3815.

Parents: If you are receiving your son’s copy of Jaynotes and he no longer lives with you, please let us know so we can update our database and send the magazine directly to him. If you enjoy reading his copy of Jaynotes, we will be glad to send a copy to his new address and a copy to you. Email changes to: alumni@jesuitnola.org.

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On the Cover To the untrained eye, this Friday Morning Assembly is just an ordinary day. Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76 knows better. Read the President’s Message to find out why.

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PRE SIDEN T’ S ME SSAGE

Unlocking the Doors to the

Five Most Significant Days of the Jesuit School Year Many of us have heard the term “elevator speech,” that ideally crisp and concise summary of a project or proposal designed for delivery in the time it takes to complete a ride in an elevator. A lot, of course, depends on the speed of the elevator and the height of the building; but one gets the idea that there’s no room for a lot of extraneous matter.

Now let yourself imagine trying to give an elevator speech about Jesuit High School. Where would you start? What images or stories would you employ? What would be your focus? What impression do you want to leave with your listener (and with any other folks in the elevator who take time from their cellphone conversations to eavesdrop)? It can be a good mental exercise—and not a bad party game if you’ve got the right crowd.

In preparing for this year, I tried my hand at getting a description of Jesuit High School that could make its way into a wide variety of conversations and speeches. Now I don’t claim that my results can be delivered in an elevator ride (unless, of course, it’s in a movie whose plot demands a long breakdown for an elevator cab full of people, who would certainly be expected to be singing the Jesuit Fight Song by the time of their rescue).

So what’s Jesuit High School all about? I invite you to examine what I consider the five key days in the Jesuit school year. Look in on the activity centered at Carrollton and Banks on these days, and I suggest that you’ll get a sense of what I find to be Jesuit at its best. (An editorial word: These days are not ranked in any order of importance. They’re roughly chronological in the school year, but I do emphasize the word “roughly.”)

The Mass of the Holy Spirit As an apostolic work of the Society of Jesus, Jesuit High School exists for the greater glory of God and the good of souls. Thus, while we are fundamentally a school and must never lose sight of that essential educational mission, our sights are set on a goal much higher than good SAT scores, admission to a fine college, or even a broad intellectual and cultural education that allows one to be a life-long learner.

Jesuit exists to help those associated with it to get to heaven.

Somehow, despite the very limited human material that we all are, each of us is called to use all our gifts and talents in such a way as to proclaim the greatness of God and to cooperate freely with Him in the work of salvation. We are called to echo the words of our Patroness, “Let it be done to me according to Thy word.” If that prospect doesn’t bring one to prayer, nothing will. Thus, it is right and just for us to begin the school year with the centuries-old tradition of Jesuit schools by invoking the power of God’s Holy Spirit, asking for the gifts of that Spirit to enlighten our minds and to inflame our hearts with the knowledge and love of God’s will for us and for our activity in the year—and then to empower our every action to be an instrument of that will.

PAG Sunday When St. Ignatius and the first generation of Jesuits began establishing schools, they did so on the condition that the schools would be fully endowed by the prince or populace of the cities in which they were to be located, so that there would be no charge for the services of the school. Jesuit education was never meant to be the exclusive preserve of the wealthy. Jesuit

The five key days in the Jesuit school year are (from left) Mass of the Holy Spirit, PAG Sunday, Open House, Thanksgiving drive, and an ordinary day anywhere on campus.

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PRE S I D E NT ’ S M ESSAG E

High School has maintained this principle to the greatest extent possible during our history.

The real cost of providing a first-rate education is considerable, and it grows each year. This is as it ought to be. A good and dedicated faculty and staff should be compensated justly and generously; school facilities should be maintained properly; and co-curricular, athletic, and support programs should be supported fittingly.

This year, the cost per student of a Jesuit education approaches $10,000.

However, it is Jesuit High School’s long-standing tradition not to meet those costs by setting tuition at this level. The kind of education that we want to offer is one open to as wide a social range as possible. Therefore, our decision for this year was to raise only three quarters of our expenses through tuition, seeking to maintain tuition at a level that attests to Jesuit’s accessibility.

To help bridge that gap, Jesuit invokes that legacy of our first schools from more than 400 years ago. Through the Parents’ Annual Giving drive, we call on all parents to become the latter-day nobles and patrons of this school by doing their best to assure that a Jesuit education is available to all. In this effort, they are joined in partnership by thousands of Jesuit alumni who contribute to the Living Endowment Fund and by many generous friends who donate to Jesuit’s endowment.

PAG Sunday culminates this summons

to all parents to participate as they can in this important part of Jesuit’s life. It is thus a day that represents a continuing commitment to provide an “education within the education,” allowing young men from all parts of our region to grow together as brothers into the men God calls them to be.

students and their parents or who man the tables of various departments and co-curriculars. These Blue Jays represent the present reality of our alma mater, but they also stand as the key bridge to all that Jesuit can become in the next year of its life. They are a connection with the future that leaves me, for one, full of hope and gratitude.

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JAYNotes

Open House One of the great things about working in a school is that it keeps one’s eyes fixed on the future. From the entering students wondering how this new phase of their lives will unfold, to the seniors anticipating their entry into the world of university studies, there is an exciting movement forward.

Each year, Jesuit takes a similar step toward the future by inviting young men and their families to see who we really are, to learn what we offer, and to consider whether Carrollton and Banks will be the best place for each particular young man to develop over the next four or five years of his life. The preparation for, and the activities of Open House constitute Jesuit’s commitment to the next generation of Blue Jays, a determination to remain an important part of the educational landscape of New Orleans.

The presence of alumni, parents of current and former students, and faculty attests to this commitment and determination. However, the highlight of Open House is the current students, young men who lead small groups of prospective

Thanksgiving Drive This is a day like nothing that I’ve seen in any other school. It’s a great day because on this day, every resource of Jesuit High School (students, alumni, faculty, parents, staff, and friends) is directed to one goal and one goal only: the service of others.

Jesuit’s mission calls for the formation of “men of faith and men for others.”

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving demonstrates this formation in action. For weeks before, students have contributed canned goods or cash to provide for needy families. Alumni have marshaled resources to purchase turkeys (kudos to the Class of 1983) or to provision an additional 100 baskets. Robért Fresh Market opens before dawn to allow for the purchase of perishables. In the same chapel where it prayed for the gifts of the Holy Spirit at the year’s start, the school community gathers to thank God for His many blessings, to ask that we may imitate Him in His generosity, and to pray for those we will serve.

One of the reasons that the Jesuits entered and remained in the enterprise of

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education is the hope for the effect that men of faith and men for others can have on the world in which we live. The zeal of our students, the on-going commitment of our alumni, and the work of faculty and staff all combine to make possible this day—and all Jesuit’s service projects—and thus to ensure that our mission reflects the age-old truth that we do not exist for ourselves alone.

Any Ordinary Day Each of the preceding days has a specific focus and is clearly marked as a red [or bolded blue] letter day on the calendar.

But however important these days are, by their nature, they are out of the ordinary.

We don’t and couldn’t do these activities every day, but life at Jesuit entails much more activity that is replicated every day.

And that’s what makes any ordinary day one of the key days of Jesuit High School.

There are 1,350 students at Jesuit and about 110 faculty and 30 other staff; there are about 2,700 parents of current students and over 7,000 parents of former students; there are roughly 12,500 living alumni of Jesuit—along with their spouses and friends. Now take any regular day of the school year and work out the math. How many human interactions are there in any given day at Jesuit High School?

Certainly, take into consideration formal interactions such as teaching, coaching, moderating, and counseling; communications such as telephone calls or emails to and from parents and

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alumni; and meetings, whether a oneon-one conversation, a morning Mass, a co-curricular group activity, or a lunch gathering of alumni. But also consider all the informal connections that make up the fabric of a day: a wave in the hall, a joke during ten-minute break, a pat on the back for a good try at a practice, the ebb and flow at a table during lunch. It’s no great work to come up with millions of points of connection from the time Jesuit’s doors open at 6 AM until the last activity here has concluded—often 12-15 hours later.

On a particularly active day, the number could well go into the tens of millions.

Look then at your own experience of Jesuit. These “ordinary days” are really quite extraordinary. They are the days in which we form the kind of community that can direct all of its energies to service at Thanksgiving, the kind of community to which we invite future generations, the kind of community that spares no effort to remain accessible, in short, the kind of community that realizes its need of the Holy Spirit to assume each and every day its fundamental mission: the

(Opposite page, from left) At the Thanksgiving drive, Blue Jays load boxes for delivery; parents and students tour the campus during the 2011 Open House; (This page) Josh Allwein ’12 reads at the Mass of the Holy Spirit; parents make calls and tally donations during PAG Sunday. (Below) Seniors Chad Hopkins and Jordan Holmer in computer science class on an ordinary day.

greater glory of God and the good of souls.

Each ordinary day is a privileged opportunity for each one of us connected with Jesuit to use well the gifts we have received, to live out the demands of justice and the call of charity, to grow in goodness and holiness and to encourage others in their growth, to be a means by which God’s grandeur shines forth. Each ordinary day creates the conditions to live out the Prayer for Generosity, seeking the grace to serve God as He deserves, laboring without asking for any reward save that of knowing we do His will.

–Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’ 76

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A N N U S M I RA B I L I S

When Girls Became Cheerleaders

From the 1975 Jesuit Yearbook Jesuit’s Last All-Boys Cheerleading Team (alphabetically) D. Comar, R. Funck, M. Fuxan, J. Grady, J. Hillery, M. Morales, (Capt.), T. Milazzo, E. Zeringer.

Jesuit High School’s cheerleaders have been an integral, intimate, and venerable part of the Blue Jay athletic scene for many decades. Since the 1930s, Jesuit’s cheerleaders have been counted on (especially at football games) to whip the fans, the so-called “12th man,” into a frenzy of cacophony. The noise, so goes the theory, juices the athletes with a jolt of Blue Jay spirit, making them play better, fight harder, and, hopefully, win.

Cheerleading is easy when Jesuit is winning. When the fortunes of Jesuit’s teams sag, the mood of the fans likewise plummets. It falls to those eternal optimists, the Jesuit cheerleaders, to infuse fresh Blue Jay Spirit into the crowd. It is not easy for cheerleaders to cast aside their own dejection and turn deafening silence into noise. Sometimes it is easier to incite a riot.

From the 1930s until the mid-1970s, Jesuit’s cheerleading teams were comprised of Blue Jays, mostly seniors and, for continuity, a couple of juniors. Thirty-six years ago, at the start of the 1975-76 school year, and a few years after the feminist movement swept across the United States, girls integrated the heretofore close-knit fraternity of Blue Jay cheerleaders for the first time in Jesuit’s history. At the same time, an all-girls’ “Pep Squad” formed, a group of dancers who became known as the Jesuit Jayettes.

Did Blue Jays revolt, riot, or picket the games? Did alumni protest by refusing to make their annual donations? Did the earth continue to spin on its axis? No, no, and yes.

The announcement published in The Jayson, the student newspaper, on October 10, 1975, was low key. Headlined “Coed Cheerleading Squad Perform for Games and Rallies,” student reporter Jim Murphy wrote: A football game is not just a football game without cheerleaders.

This year, after years of the traditional all-boy cheerleading squad, Jesuit High School has put together a coed squad of 19 cheerleaders.

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JAYNotes

These 1975-76 cheerleaders are Barbara Blatt (senior, Mt. Carmel), Beth Cook (senior, Dominican), Gretchen Couvillion (junior, Sacred Heart), Jill Eumont (junior, Ursuline), Cindy Foto (junior, Mt. Carmel), Marc Fuxan (junior), Chris Guarisco (senior), Bill Hess (senior), Alice Hew (junior, Riverdale), Karen Kramer (junior, Mt. Carmel), Michael Lulich (senior), Kevin Mulligan (senior), Jimmy Murphy (junior), Donna Peijroux (senior, Ursuline), Cathie Piazza (sophomore, Chapelle), Ed Rapier (senior), Rhonda Werling (junior, Sacred Heart), Mitch Wilson (senior), and captain David Comar (senior).

The tryouts were held for interested boys and the girls last May. After the squad formed, practice began right away under the supervision of Miss Caroline Rossie, a Tulane student who volunteered her time to instruct and teach the cheers, stunts, and gymnastics.

During the summer, the squad practiced twice a week.

In the latter part of July, the cheerleaders spent five days at Dominican College, participating in a session of their cheerleader camp. This camp was established to give us a better insight as to what was expected of the cheerleaders. For their efforts, the cheerleaders received two excellent ratings and two superior ratings; and, more importantly, the “Pep Pennant,” the most coveted award at the camp.

With the football season rapidly approaching, the cheerleading program moved into high gear. Uniforms were ordered and everything was ready for the first pep rally, which was held during the orientation program. The first game, the jamboree win over Kennedy, marked

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the first appearance of girls representing the school as cheerleaders, which is an achievement in itself.

The cheerleaders would like to remind the students that their purpose is to lead in the spirit; the spirit at the games is greatly dependent upon the students at the game and the spirit they contribute.

That same issue of The Jayson also carried a no byline article headlined “All-Girl Squad Discussed” which focused more on the creation of the “Pep Squad” than the addition of girls to the cheerleading team.

Jesuit Football fans have been treated to an added dimension in the viewing of Blue Jay athletic contest this year – an all girl “pep squad.”

The pep squad, consisting of 30 coeds from surrounding high schools, has been instituted as a means of improving interest and enthusiasm towards Jesuit sports. Primarily the group dances in the stands to the band, as well as with the routines of the cheerleaders.

The idea of the squad was introduced by the principal as a compromise to the Student Council’s request that the “Dominican Debs” be allowed to perform at Jesuit events. After much study, discussion, and political maneuvering, it was decided that Jesuit High School would organize its own pep squad to fill this need.

Tryouts were held, and an elite corps of females was assembled.

Under the direction of Mrs. George Dimitry, the group began carrying on regular practice sessions to learn and improve upon its routines.

Response from the school community has been overwhelmingly favorable toward the group. The only criticism seems to be that the girls are not placed in a prominent enough position at football games.

In the school year’s final issue of The Jayson (May 9, 1976), an article appeared with the headline “Students Applaud as Another Jesuit Tradition Bites Dust.” Student reporter Terence Casey wrote: Since this extraordinary epoch in which we live is riddled by relentless change and revolution away from treasured traditions, one should not be overwhelmingly astounded to discover that repercussions have reached Jesuit High School. Even our bastion of custom and ritual, Jesuit, succumbs to society’s pressures. Thus some students sounded off against the newly instituted coed pep-squad. “Listen,” one student responded, “I’ve been here long enough. An all-boy pep squad has always been here, and I see no reason to change. The girls will neither keep us from winning nor help us win football games.”

Most students, however, applaud the idea. They feel it will do no harm to try out the new pep-squad. As another student nearby replied to the first comment, “Tradition for the sake of tradition is insane.

Rigidity as well as irresponsible change is a dangerous thing. Besides,

From the 1976 Jesuit Yearbook it’s only a few girls helping us out. If they serve us well, fine, we’re better off. If they’re lousy, throw them out. It’s as simple as that.”

Ms. Carol Santaniello, who enthusiastically took the initiative to actually get a pep squad, seems rather confident that the student body won’t tell the girls to “hit the road.” Ms. Santaniello obtained help for the squad from Ms. Caroline Rossi. Ms. Rossi is the choreographer who helped out the Newcomb “Newcomers.”

Says Ms. Santaniello, “At the tryouts, Caroline was quite impressed at the latest talent exhibited by the Jesuit students who tried out. All they need is imaginative coaching, and Caroline is really anxious to give what she can to Jesuit.”

When asked about busting tradition with the admission of girls to the squad, Ms. Sanataniello replied, “I am not out to feather-bed the pep squad with girls, but only to make our cheerleaders something to be proud of. To do that, the admission of the girls is imperative in my opinion.”

Therefore, all of our traditions, no matter what they are, must give way to the primary Jesuit Tradition of Excellence, even if it means having girl cheerleaders.

Cheerleading today at Jesuit is a big-time co-curricular. The girls come from all over the metro region and most are skilled gymnasts. The team performs all sorts of hair-raising routines in which the smaller girls are tossed like footballs high into the air, spinning and flipping, before coming down in the arms of their colleagues. The Louisiana High School Athletic Association recognizes cheerleading as a sport and during the year sponsors competitions amongst schools.

Girls have been part of Jesuit’s cheerleading teams for such a long time that if they would ever be given the boot in favor of resurrecting an all-Blue Jay squad, a riot would not be a farfetched ramification.

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HOMECOMING 2011

Michael McGlone ’68 2011 Alumnus of the Year

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JAYNotes

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Sublime Character and Unassailable Integrity Are the Hallmarks of Mike McGlone ’68 Michael A. McGlone of the Class of 1968, whose distinguished legal career is surpassed only by his unselfish character, quiet demeanor, and unquestionable integrity, was presented the 2011 Alumnus of the Year Award last October at Jesuit High School’s Homecoming Mass.

“Mike McGlone is a gentleman who does much good in our community without seeking any recognition,” said Jesuit president Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76. “In a quiet but highly effective way, Mike shows by his deeds what the term Man for Others looks like when translated into practical action.”

A few weeks earlier, McGlone was driving to Baton Rouge for a meeting when Fr. Fitzgerald called with the news of his selection as Alumnus of the Year. McGlone was so rattled that he immediately swerved into the adjacent lane, dropping his cell phone. He regained control of the car, along with his composure, only after pulling over to the shoulder of the road and stopping.

“Wow, what a day and what an honor, surpassed only by the birth of my first grandchild,” recalls McGlone, who did, in fact, officially become a grandfather hours before leaving for Baton Rouge that day. “I did not have the vocabulary to express my emotions on receiving such great, but undeserved, recognition.

But it certainly is a tremendous salute to my fellow Blue Jays of the Class of 1968.”

After his 1968 graduation, McGlone continued his education with the Jesuits at Loyola University of New Orleans where he received a business administration degree in 1972, and in 1975, a juris doctor degree.

McGlone is a partner in the New Orleans law office of Kean Miller, where he specializes in admiralty and maritime law, personal injury defense, and federal and state appeals. With 37 years of trial and appellate court experience before a wide variety of state and federal courts throughout the United States, he is the firm’s senior-most admiralty and maritime lawyer.

Fr. Fitzgerald, who became president of Jesuit High School on June 1, 2011, had the “great pleasure and distinct honor” of introducing his first Alumnus of the Year with these words:

Mike McGlone is a man who is distinguished in his career — as a law student serving on Loyola’s Law Review, a partner at the Kean Miller law firm, an attorney noted for his expertise in admiralty and maritime law, the author of numerous articles, and the recipient of many well-deserved awards.

But these professional accomplishments, which do indeed mark him as distinguished, are not the reason for which he is Alumnus of the Year. This rather goes to his character — a character that is seen in the way that he uses the gifts that God has given him, the way that he uses his talents, his knowledge, and his expertise.

Very quietly, without fanfare, and without seeking his own glory, he has put these at the disposition of others and invested heavily in the future, both of his family but also of our community and our church. Mike has served, and continues to serve, as a guide, as a counsel, and as a voice of wisdom for St. Mary’s Dominican High School and his alma mater, Jesuit High School. He has thrown himself into the tasks of making sure that these institutions, so strong in the past, will grow even stronger for our future that lies ahead of us.

In 1998-99, he served as chairman of Dominican’s Parents’ Annual Giving drive, and since 2005, a member of Dominican’s board of directors. Mike chaired Jesuit’s 1994-95 Parents’ Annual Giving drive and has served on the President’s Advisory Council since 1995. He chaired the PAC in 1996-1997.

Mike’s expertise, combined with his generosity, was one of the chief forces that made it possible for Jesuit to open as soon as it Fall/Winter 2011-12

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HOMECOMING 2011

did after the ravages of Hurricane Katrina. In reviewing some of Father McGinn’s notes from that period, it is very clear how much he relied upon Mike’s wisdom and counsel, and how ready, willing, and able Mike was to share.

Mike and his wife Suzanne have been united in marriage for 34 years, a union blessed with three children — Kevin (a Jesuit alumnus from the Class of 1995), Katie, and Meghan. Only a few weeks ago, his first grandson Aiden was born and we look forward to seeing him as a young man in Jesuit’s High School’s Class of 2030.

It is my particular honor to present to you Michael McGlone, Jesuit High School’s 2011 Alumnus of the Year.

(Alumnus of the Year archives are on the Alumni home page of Jesuit’s web site: jesuitnola.org/alumni.)

Mike McGlone and his family in front of the altar in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs: From left, Katie, his wife Suzanne, Meghan, and Kevin (Class of ’95).

Honored and Humbled, Mike McGlone Gives Thanks Michael McGlone ’68, who is Jesuit’s 54th Alumnus of the Year, addressed fellow Blue Jays at the annual Homecoming Mass held on October 9, 2011 in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs.

I’m very honored and humbled to stand before you today. Your presence here is in no small measure a testimonial to your individual and collective feelings towards this institution. It is here where we spent our formative educational years. It is here where we were molded into what we were, what we are, and what we will become. It is here where we all return.

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JAYNotes

To the alums of Jesuit, this place is somewhat magical — always caring, always giving, always here. To others, to those who are not alums, Jesuit is somewhat mystical. It is expressed over and over as “that Jesuit thing” or “you guys are a cult.”

We have reputations and traditions that have long since been established and which are continually enhanced and expanded

upon, certainly more so with the passage of time.

After Katrina, it was a privilege and a pleasure (which only increased) to be asked by Father McGinn to assist with some problems being experienced by this school’s underwriters. Unfortunately, it was necessary to file a law suit. All the individuals involved in that litigation who

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came to Jesuit’s aid, and I do mean all, had a connection to this school. Most were alumni, some were parents of alums — the folks in construction, the engineers, the project managers, and outside retained experts.

Shortly after being asked to assist Jesuit in this endeavor, reality struck. I realized that it would be necessary to prepare and send reports to those in this school. I recalled very vividly some of the teachers we had who were still here, particularly Mr. (Paul) Frederick, who told the E class for three consecutive years on a repeated basis that we could not learn Spanish because we did not yet know English.

What it really meant was you proofread again, and thereafter, held your breath.

One would tend to view this type of litigation involving the interpretation of an insurance policy as dull or boring. It was anything but, because of the absolute total cooperation experienced from all of those who this school would rely upon in order to present its case.

This litigation involved Lloyds of London, not the entire market, but one of the oldest and strongest syndicates. I thank everyone involved for their cooperation.

I thank the secretaries and paralegals who had to manage an exponentially expanding

volume of paperwork. I thank my partner, Anthony Williams of the Class of 1992, one of the young guys, for everything he did in connection with that litigation. There’s “that Jesuit thing” again.

This legal matter created a perception among our opponents that there was a combined, collaborative conspiracy.

Imagine that! A bunch of Jesuit guys getting together to assist their alma mater.

One of the defendants was represented by an alumnus, who very quickly resolved his issues because he was conflicted. The remaining opponent, again relying on that mystical thing which was thought to be a conspiracy, at some point was moved to resolve his issues.

I thank the firm of Kean Miller which, upon being advised that the matter would be handled on a pro bono basis, not only did not object, but also offered the assistance of its insurance specialist in Baton Rouge. Anthony and I declined. We thought that two Blue Jays were enough for one syndicate. It wasn’t like it was the entire market.

I thank the Class of ’68, a divergent group of guys who, as time has passed, have become something akin to a close knit fraternity. A group of guys who share their successes, but who are there in times

of sorrow to render a collective supporting shoulder to the involved classmate.

And I thank my family who is here today — my wife Suzanne and our children, Kevin (Class of ’95), Katie, and Meghan; my brother Pat, Class of ’70; my children’s spouses, Amy and Jarred; and, the brothers and sisters-in-law.

For me, September 20, 2011 was a very memorable day. It began at 3 a.m. when Kevin and his wife became parents for the first time, simultaneously making my wife and me grandparents. I’m still trying to get used to that role because I don’t know whether I should feel old, think old, or look old. Just the idea of being called grandpa is something special, but also intimidating.

Later that day, Father Fitzgerald announced to the President’s Advisory Council his selection of Alumnus of the Year. I’m glad no one has asked for an encore of that day. Father, as you’ve already noted, please reserve a spot for Aiden in the eighth grade class of 2024 or 2025.

He did have a Jesuit bib placed on him within 24 hours of his birth, thanks to my classmate Mat Grau (who is Jesuit’s alumni director).

I thank all of you who are here, what you do, what you have done, and what you will continue to do for Jesuit High School.

It cannot be measured and no one will attempt to do so.

Finally, when addressing a group of this size, I’ve always thought it was better to leave too soon then to stay too long. Somewhere here today, while not in the flesh but certainly in the spirit, is Father McGinn, who roamed these halls and served this school for 19 years as its president. I don’t know where he is, but wherever it is, he is checking his watch to make sure that I don’t go over time.

So in conclusion, thanks to one, thanks to all.

(For space purposes, this is an edited version of his remarks. Click here to listen to Mike McGlone’s address in its entirety.)

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HOMECOMING 2011

The Ability to Communicate

One of the traditions at Jesuit High School is for the Alumnus of the Year to address current Blue Jays. On October 10, 2011, Mike McGlone of the Class of 1968 had the privilege of speaking to a Morning Assembly at which he explained why the ability to communicate is perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of a Jesuit graduate.

Good morning, fellow Blue Jays.

I am often asked, “What is the most distinguishing characteristic of a Jesuit graduate?” For me, it is easy — the ability to communicate.

Whether your communication is for those of you inclined towards math with formulas, the theater with gestures, or the ability to speak and write, the graduates of this school write like no other.

Regardless of what your college counselors say, a résumé in which Jesuit High School of New Orleans appears

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below the college where you graduated, it gets the attention of the HR (human resources) department. It gets the attention of the person reading the résumé and just about anyone in New Orleans.

So treasure your years here. While you may not appreciate what is happening now, you will later in life. You are, and will be forever, invisibly and indelibly tattooed with the moniker “Jesuit.”

You will form lifelong friendships while you are here. Following your graduation years, invariably you will stand in each

other’s weddings and be present for the baptism of your classmate’s children.

You will celebrate successes and sorrows, and toward the end of one’s life, your classmates will be there to bring you to your final resting place.

So enjoy your years with Jesuit. You are like no other. You are now, and forever will be, Blue Jays.

(Click here to view the video of Mike McGlone ’68 addressing Morning Assembly.)

The Alumnus of the Year addresses Blue Jays at Morning Assembly on October 10, 2011.

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BACKTOBANKS This annual celebration of Homecoming, which took place Saturday, October 8, 2011 in the Traditions Courtyard, always attracts a large crowd, especially Jesuit alumni who are now grandparents toting grandchildren. Back to Banks is like an old-fashioned family picnic.

Grilled hamburgers, refreshments, live music, a caricature artist, a train, and SpaceWalks that one could get lost in. Throw in the Jesuit football team, cheerleaders, the Jayettes, and all that spirit that accompanies them, and Back to Banks is a fall event not to be missed next time around.

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H O M I N E S PRO A L I I S A W AR D

Hank Ecuyer ’51 2011 Recipient of the Homines Pro Aliis Award

Hank Ecuyer, a 1951 graduate of Jesuit High School who has embraced his alma mater’s call to service, was honored with the Homines Pro Aliis Award.

Hank Ecuyer ’51 is the 2011Homines Pro Aliis Award recipient for Jesuit High School. Each year

the New Orleans Province of the Society of Jesus recognizes individuals who have consistently demonstrated outstanding service to their community, to the Church, and to the various Jesuit ministries in the New Orleans area.

Ecuyer has embraced his alma mater’s call to service from the day he graduated. Over and over again, Ecuyer has given of himself to better the Jesuit community.

As class captain, Ecuyer has made sure that his Class of 1951 remains connected and of service to each other and to their alma mater. Five-year reunions, yearly lunch gatherings, and other class events all have their beginnings in Ecuyer’s hand. Alumni events such as the Thanksgiving drive, Homecoming and Back to Banks, Open House ushering, the Jesuit Fishing Rodeo, and the Blue Jay Golf Tournament have benefitted from Ecuyer’s leadership. For more than 20 years, Ecuyer has offered the school wise counsel in all matters relating to alumni affairs through his active participation, first on the alumni board, and then on Jesuit’s alumni steering committee.

Somewhere along the line Ecuyer decided to set aside one day each week to help Jesuit. And so if Ecuyer is in the alumni

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office, it must be Tuesday. His primary job is to assist Brother Billy Dardis, S.J. ’ 58 with the task of updating alumni contact information. He also assists Brother with managing the “In Memoriam” lists of deceased alumni and their relatives. Alumni have often asked, “How in the world did you know my relative died?” The answer, of course, is Brother Dardis and Hank Ecuyer, both of whom scour various archival documents, including old transcripts, to ensure accuracy of this important information.

Asked why he volunteers, Ecuyer replies, “Jesuit means an awful lot to me, not just for what the school did for me, but also for my son John, who is a 1983 graduate.”

Ecuyer gives and gives and gives, and never counts the cost and never asks for reward. Hank Ecuyer may be the consummate volunteer alumnus.

Also receiving the award was J. Storey Charbonnet ’85, recognized for his work with Good Shepherd Nativity Mission School. Jesuit parent Edmond Montaldo was recognized for his volunteerism with Boys Hope/ Girls Hope. Montaldo, and his late wife Betty, volunteered at Jesuit for many years. Their son, Edmond III, graduated in 1980 and grandson, Edmond IV, is a 2008 alumnus.

Click here to read more about the Homines Pro Aliis Award and view photos of the event.

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Update on the 2012 PAG and LEF Drives

W

hen I think of advancement, I think of David Wright. Former and current students know Jesuit’s iconic math teacher places much more emphasis on the process of getting to the answer than the answer itself. At Jesuit, we view advancement much the same way. Giving is very much the product of what happens on the front end.

Quality classroom instruction means parents are much more likely to support Jesuit’s Parents’ Annual Giving drive, which is led by chairman Terry Billings ’74, 15 tri-chairs — Jose Abadin, Mike Bourgeois, Philip Coote, Mark Cousins ’74, Skip Crabtree, Eric Derbes ’83, Gerald Duhon ’85, Andy Galy ’84, Snapper Garrison ’81, Geary Mason ’79, Philip Nimmo, Brian North ’83, Chuck Ponder, Eric Simonson ’82, and Mike Varisco ’83 — and, more than 300 captains.

This year’s PAG effort will, once again, raise more than $1,000,000 to help make up the difference between the $10,000 that it costs to educate a young man at Carrollton and Banks and the $7,400 Jesuit charges for tuition. A CEO who proposed an economic model like ours in a board room might be fired on the spot.

At Jesuit, the model is endorsed by our president and embraced at every level.

It is a conscious decision to start the year more than $2,000,000 in the red which allows Jesuit to remain socio-economically diverse. What a

Brian North ’83, Mike Varisco ’83, and Jose Abadin, known for their Superdome-sized spreadsheets, tally the numbers for the Class of 2013 during the final PAG Tri-Chair meeting on September 7 in St. Ignatius Hall.

blessing it is to have such a talented and dedicated faculty, and generous parents who recognize the quality education their young men receive at Jesuit.

An area of growing support involves our parents of alumni who see their Blue Jays succeeding in college and in their early professional lives. Many of these appreciative parents continue to financially support Jesuit. Many of them return to Carrollton and Banks to volunteer at receptions and recruiting events. Recognizing this continued and burgeoning interest, we have expanded our Parents of Alumni leadership team that now includes four couples — Charlie and Joan Freel, Rudy and Suzette Herpich, Bill and Lauren Poynot, and Marc and Darlene Robért.

Our team is discussing the possibility of offering spiritual formation opportunities for our parents of alumni, creating a parent-to-parent mentoring program, and resurrecting the Alma Mater Awards.

Class reunions and luncheons, along with popular events such as Back to Banks, the Homecoming Mass and Reception, the Commencement Luncheon, the Golf Classic, and the Fishing Rodeo, keep our alumni connected to each other and to their alma mater. That sense of connection is the key reason many of our alumni give so generously to our Living Endowment Fund drive. This year’s LEF campaign is led by chairman Bob Bartlett ’75, who

is assisted by 2010-11 chairman Rocky Daigle ’85 and chairman-in-waiting Glenn Gillen ’85. They are supported by hundreds of alumni volunteers who return to campus to connect with their classmates during our fall and spring calling events.

And some of our alumni who look back fondly at their time at Jesuit are in a position to leave extraordinary gifts in the form of insurance policies, stock donations, and charitable gift annuities and trusts. Frank Clarke ’46 recently informed me of his intention to leave his alma mater $500,000. When Mr. Clarke attended Jesuit, tuition was just $100.

“I remember that because I flunked my first year miserably, but the school gave me another chance and I came around,” Clarke recalled. “I was so grateful for the opportunity to attend and remain at Jesuit that, to the pleasant surprise of my parents, I paid the last $100 (his senior year tuition) myself.”

Advancement will always be about garnering the resources necessary to carry out the larger mission of Jesuit. However, we have an obligation to look beyond the numbers, to continue to create avenues for meaningful involvement and connection, and to never take that generous level of support for granted.

Wright? Right!

—Tom Bagwill

Director of Institutional Advancement Fall/Winter 2011-12

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W H E R E Y ’ AT

Robert Pascal ’33 is professor emeritus in residence at LSU’s law school even though he “retired” from its faculty in 1980. Bob received law degrees from Loyola of New Orleans, LSU, and the University of Michigan. After World War II, he joined the law faculty at LSU. Through the years Bob has taught at the University of Chicago Law School; the University of Rome, Italy; and Loyola University of New Orleans.

LSU’s Law Center web site notes, “Professor Pascal’s notorious position as defender of the civil law of Louisiana, as teacher and scholar, are legendary.” In recognition of his brilliant career, Loyola University conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in 1995. Bob recently expressed his appreciation to Jesuit High School, writing: “In 1929-1933 I was privileged to have a Jesuit High School education. I have only one regret — my opting for the very new ‘scientific curriculum’ in 1931 and not remaining in the classical curriculum — a shame! In spite of that I have succeeded very well in the academy.

My high school years at ‘Jesuits’ prepared me well for my experiences.”

Al Gelpi ’47

is alive and well and, with his wife Barbara, living in Stanford, CA. Al retired from regular teaching at Stanford University several years ago but still jumps back into the classroom periodically. Al reports, “I’m writing another book on American poets, singing in the choir of the Stanford Catholic community, and trying to learn to play guitar. I am happy to report, in Mark Twain’s famous quip, that the report of my death is greatly exaggerated.”

Al is referring to a mistake in the last issue of Jaynotes in which the “In Memoriam” column correctly listed the death of his brother, Fr. Donald Gelpi, S.J. ’51. However, Fr. Gelpi was identified as the brother of “the late Albert J. Gelpi, Jr. ’47.” Al said his wife “received several alarmed queries” from classmates and friends before they could snuff the rumor of his premature demise. Jaynotes apologizes to Al and Barbara, and their friends, for the false alarm.

Eugene Murret ’50 is in Serbia working

with a USAID Rule of Law project to assist that country’s Misdemeanor, Higher Misdemeanor, and Administrative Courts with improving their operating efficiency, increasing transparency and accessibility, and improving the competence of judges and their staffs through rigorous training.

Terry Brennan ’55 recently retired as president of Brennan & Associates, Inc., an employee benefit consulting and actuarial firm in Atlanta.

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Stephen Leech ’55 retired eight years

ago and writes: “We left Metairie after Katrina and built a house in Haughton, near Bossier City where my oldest daughter has lived for 25 years. I spend my time golfing and volunteering principally for church, the Knights of Columbus, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.”

Lawrence Grundmann, Jr. ’57

works: In Search of Equality: The Chinese Struggle Against Discrimination in Nineteenth-Century America. He also edited a four-volume anthology, Asian Americans and the Law: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives. Charles has visited China a number of times to lecture. He continues to serve as secretary of the board of directors of “The 1990 Institute,” a U.S.-based not-for-profit organization deeply concerned about conditions in China. The institute provides a forum that investigates the challenges facing China while proposing related solutions without involvement in the politics of either country.

writes: “After my career in the energy field, both nationally and internationally, my wife Kathleen and I retired to Lake Oroville, which is California’s second largest reservoir lake with over 167 miles of shoreline. We both work as volunteers in the community. I serve as an appointed member of the Butte County Water Commission. We enjoy boating and have a boat in the marina that we can see from the deck of our home. We enjoy traveling, especially to Hawaii, where we were married almost 30 years ago. We also enjoy traveling back to New Orleans as often as we can.”

Wilfred Middleton, Jr. ’62 left New Orleans just before Katrina hit. “My mother and I ended up in Houston,” writes Wilfred. “I am now living at Treemont Retirement Community.”

Michael Melancon ’58 is retired as an emeritus professor but continues to lecture in Russian history at Auburn University. Michael received the Southern Slavic Conference’s Senior Scholar Award last year and continues to actively research and publish in the area of Russian history.

Julian “Jay” LeSaicherre III ’64

Jack DuArte ’59 has his latest novel available

on most e-publishing platforms as well as at Barnes and Nobles. Spitfire, the third installment of his World War II series, is set in Great Britain in 1940, immediately before and during the epic Battle of Britain. Fighting a superior number of Luftwaffe bombers and fighters, the valiant Royal Air Force wages a desperate air battle to save their country from certain defeat. Two brothers are pilots of 54 Squadron Spitfires, the great British fighter planes that are Britain’s only hope for survival. Jack promises “a spellbinding conclusion that will keep the reader glued to the final pages.” A decorated Vietnam Veteran, Jack live in Lexington, KY with his wife Susan, their dogs Brewster and Tucker, and their miniature horse Darleigh.

Charles McClain ’60 has retired as lecturer in residence and vice chair (emeritus) of the University of California Berkeley law school’s Ph.D. program in jurisprudence and social policy. However, he continues to teach part time and pursue research projects. Charles is the author of numerous scholarly works, books, and articles. He has a particular interest in American legal history, with a special emphasis on the legal history of Asian Americans.

As such, Charles has published widely in this field, including a book that is considered one of his most important

Michael Nolan ’63 has been elected president

of the board of the Catholic Foundation of New Orleans. Mike, who is the president and chief executive officer of Fifth District Savings Bank, keeps close ties to Jesuit by serving on the school’s Board of Directors as well as the President’s Advisory Council.

continues to actively work in sales with Pel Hughes Printing in New Orleans.

Thomas Long ’67 was recently

appointed as chairman of the community advisory board of WWNOFM, the public radio station (89.9 FM) in New Orleans. Tom is the founder and president of Thomas Long Corporate Communications, a firm which specializes in brand marketing, advertising, public and media relations, and crisis management. He is also a longtime member of the board of trustees of Cabrini High School.

Roy Brennan ’69 and his wife Carolyn

celebrated his 60th birthday and 35 years of marriage last summer with a two-week “dream vacation” to Hawaii. Roy is a retired engineer and moved his family to Puyallup, WA some 30 years ago. Roy enjoys wood-working and is a skilled cabinet maker. He and Carolyn love to visit New Orleans and Roy rarely misses a class reunion.

Michael Mitchell ’69 is director of security at Ochsner Health System, where he has worked for the past 36 years. Mike writes that “retirement is in sight and lookin’ good.” He plans to play even more golf than he plays now, which is only once a week, and usually with his friend and ’69 classmate, Robbie Gaffney. Mike and his wife Marilyn have two grandsons. Their son Luke ’02 is a corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Scott Key ’70 is co-founder, owner, and chief financial officer of three companies that are based

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in Belle Chasse — Kencoil, Inc., Scott Armature, L.L.C., and Scott Armature Sales & Storage, L.L.C. (SAS&S). Scott’s companies employ some 135 workers. Kencoil manufactures electric motor and generator coils for a variety of companies and industries worldwide. Scott Armature services and repairs electric motors and generators for industrial clients primarily in the Louisiana Gulf Coast region. SAS&S sells many name brands of electric motors and the company’s facility is the largest climate controlled structure of its type in the New Orleans area. Scott is married to his high school sweetheart Shelby Stumpf. They have four children and four grandchildren. Scott says he always enjoys asking New Orleanians who he meets where they attended high school.

Ronald Porter ’71 writes that he has

had “the fortune of practicing diagnostic and interventional radiology since 1986 at Jupiter Medical Center in Palm Beach County (Florida).

My oldest daughter Brittany graduated from Florida State University, while my next daughter, Brooke, is a freshman at Wake Forest. My youngest, Fallon, is in her sophomore year at Cardinal Newman High School.”

Christopher Barrilleaux ’72 has recently achieved the status of grandfather (see Bib List entry under his son Ian Barrilleaux ’96).

When not engaged in grandfatherly duties, Chris maintains his gastroenterology practice as a partner in East Bank Gastroenterology of Metairie and LaPlace.

Additionally, since 2006, he has served as the chief medical information officer of East Jefferson General Hospital, leading the move to digitize medical record-keeping.

Chris enjoys photography, reading history, traveling, and dabbling in foreign languages.

Ralph Dwyer ’73 has a new job as the

manager of the construction department for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (Dulles International and Reagan National Airports). “This is a fantastic opportunity and truly a gift from God in these turbulent times,” writes Ralph. “This was my 12th, and hopefully final, move as I’ve chased airport work across the country.”

Kenneth Moise ’73 recently moved to the University of Texas Medical School in Houston where he is the co-director of its Texas Fetal Center. He is involved in performing and developing surgical interventions that will benefit the unborn child.

Wayne Macaluso ’74 is the chief executive officer of DETEL Computer Solutions in Baton Rouge. Wayne brings to the job more than 30 years of management experience in strategic planning, marketing and sales force development, and management in technology based industries.

DETEL, one of the Gulf South’s largest privately owned technology companies, provides custom technology solutions to schools, universities, and businesses in Louisiana and Mississippi. Wayne is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and a Gulf War veteran.

an excellent foundation in trigonometry and attended the awards program in honor of Glenn.

Glenn is the president of Gillen Design Systems and GC Towers. He and his wife, Dawn, along with their three children, Madison, Mallory and Patrick, live in Metairie.

David Paternostro ’75 retired as a captain

Lewis D’Aubin ’86 produced a television

after 30 years in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve.

He completed a one-year deployment to Bahrain as a training officer for U.S. Naval Forces, Central Command. David, who was the officer in charge at Isa Air Base, was awarded the prestigious Legion of Merit in September 2011 by the Commander of the Fifth Fleet. During his Navy career, David supported more than 50 Space Shuttle missions as a mechanical systems officer at the Johnson Space Center outside Houston.

Steve Hubbel ’76, a financial consultant with Stokes & Hubbel Capital Management, has been elected treasurer of the Catholic Foundation of New Orleans.

Brian Adorno ’77, an attorney and CPA,

has been elected vice-president of the Catholic Foundation of New Orleans. Brian is a member of Jesuit’s President’s Advisory Council.

Jeff Hartlage ’79 recently completed his 11th Ironman Triathlon. He resides in Southbury, CT.

Gerald Herbert ’82 relocated back to New

Orleans last year after 28 years in the Northeast region (Boston/New York/Washington) working as a news photographer for the Associated Press.

“It’s great to be back home and part of the Jesuit community in NOLA,” writes Gerald.

Lee Estingoy ’84 is corporate counsel, sales

manager, and art director for an electronics company in Kansas City. “We make electronics and electric motors that power remote control toys — cars, trucks, boats, helicopters, and aircraft,” writes Lee. “Besides the hobby applications, our stuff finds its way into NASCAR vehicles, military drones, artificial hearts, and lots of other applications that make our insurer cringe. Yes, I get paid to play with toy planes.” Last year, Lee and his wife adopted a child from China.

Glenn Gillen ’85

received the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award from UNO’s College of Engineering.

The award was based on his innovative designs of elevated precast foundations. Thanks to these patented foundations, Glenn also received the 2009 Best Overall Design Award for innovative use of concrete in Louisiana by the American Concrete Institute (ACI). During his acceptance speech, Glenn thanked all his teachers, including those at Jesuit, particularly Mr. David Wright, who provided his former student with

documentary about Dr. Momus Alexander Morgus, fondly known in New Orleans as “Morgus the Magnificent.” The program aired on WVUE-TV in October 2011.

Rudy Horvath ’86 was recognized by Nichols State University during the school’s “Who Makes a Difference Luncheon.” This event honors 100 teachers nominated by incoming freshmen at Nichols State. The award recognizes Rudy, who is a teacher and coach at Cabrini High School in New Orleans, as someone who goes above and beyond to help motivate students achieve their full potential.

Jim McCormick ’86 co-wrote two songs that made it to Billboard’s “Hot Country Singles” chart in January. Jim, who works out of Nashville, co-wrote Brantley Gilbert’s “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” and Craig Campbell’s “When I Get It.” “I’m real proud of both songs,” says Jim of his recent success. “It’s a window of opportunity for me, a chance to build on some momentum in Nashville.”

Clinton Gary ’87 is director of marketing at the law firm of Arnall Golden Gregory L.L.P. in Atlanta. He brings more than 16 years of professional services marketing experience that includes successfully leading multiple strategic planning, branding, web site, and management initiatives. Clinton is an active member of the Legal Marketing Association and last year served on the Atlanta Chapter Leadership Committee. He is a frequent speaker on the topics of branding, experience management, and technology innovation in professional services marketing. Clinton and his wife, Tara, live in Johns Creek, GA with their two children, Sidney (age 13) and Conner (11).

James Adams ’88 has been elected to

the board of the Catholic Foundation of New Orleans. James is employed by Hancock/Whitney Bank and serves as the captain of Jesuit’s Class of 1988 leadership team.

Dustin Dupepe ’89 married Tristan Carroll Rappold in October. Dustin is an agent with State Farm Insurance. He and Tristan live in Mandeville.

Eric Kramer ’91 became the medical director of the Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD) Access Center in June 2011. The Access Center is the single point of entry for outpatient psychiatric services with MHSD in Orleans, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes.

David Moragas ’92 has been elected to

the board of directors of the law firm Galloway, Johnson, Tompkins, Burr, and Smith, which is headquartered in New Orleans. David specializes

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a commercial real estate company with offices in New Orleans and Birmingham. He joined the company in 2009 and helped it to expand its footprint in the South by opening the New Orleans office on Carondelet Street in the CBD.

David Moragas ’92

in providing strategic counsel for businesses and insurance companies in wrongful death and catastrophic injury litigation; insurance defense and coverage; construction litigation; toxic tort litigation; commercial property damage and business interruption litigation; lease disputes; and, subrogation litigation.

Brian Ogden ’92 is a radiologist on staff at

John Alden Meade ’94 joined a new law firm based in New York City — Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann, L.L.P. “My wife Charlotte and I have a one-year old son, John ‘Jack’ Arthur Meade,” writes John. “A future Blue Jay, God willing!”

Joseph Ruli ’94 is vice president of financial reporting at Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union in Live Oak (near San Antonio). Joe relocated his family from Houston in July 2011 to Cibolo, TX. Regan Wall ’94 is the regional vice president

Ochsner Hospital’s main campus on Jefferson Highway.

for RS Investments in Northern California. He married in October 2011 and he and his wife live in San Francisco.

Andrew Duggan ’93 helped establish Studio

Ian Barrilleaux ’96 is the charcuterie master

Outside, a new landscape architectural design firm in Dallas. Andrew’s current projects include a new botanical garden in Georgia and the master planning of several youth camps in Chicago.

Andrew and his wife Kerri still miss the great seafood of New Orleans and are busy enjoying raising their three children — Caroline, Hailey, and Christopher.

Chad Melancon III ’93 is completing his

second year as a tenuretrack assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

In addition to teaching, Chad supervises a research group that is focused on discovering new naturally occurring chemicals made by microorganisms that have antibiotic and anticancer properties, and therefore, may be useful as drugs. After receiving bachelor degrees in chemistry and biology from the University of New Orleans, Chad earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Texas at Austin in 2006. Chad is the proud father of a sixyear-old daughter, Samantha Mei-wen Melancon.

Joseph Giarrusso ’94 has been named

a fellow of the Louisiana Bar Association. Joe practices law with Liskow & Lewis in New Orleans. Joe is an active member of the Young Leadership Council, where he has served in many capacities, most recently as president in 2011. He has also served as a coach of Jesuit’s Mock Trial Team. Joe and his wife Cassie have two daughters, Sofia and Marta.

Joseph Mann, Jr. ’94 is vice president

and managing broker at Retail Specialists, Inc.,

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for Cochon Butcher, a butcher shop, a sandwich counter, and a wine bar that is located on Tchoupitoulas Street in the Warehouse District.

Butcher, part of the Donald Link restaurant group, specializes in house-made meats, terrines, and sausages. He and his wife, Shannon, are the happy parents of a one-year-old daughter. (Read his entry in Bib List.)

Hudson Higgins ’96 has accepted a sales position in the oil and gas industry. He is the captain of the Class of 1996 leadership team.

David Truxillo, Jr. ’96 is vice president of specialty markets for Chartis Accident and Health. He is in charge of the New York-BostonPhiladelphia regions. He and his wife Bridget have lived in New York City for two years. They have a two-year-old daughter, Rosalie Denise.

“NYC is fantastic, even with an infant in a onebedroom apartment,” writes David. “The LSU bar is close and the Saints bar is even closer. I took on the VP role in May 2011. I work with sales and underwriting teams in NYC, Philly, and DC. I am responsible for creating and implementing strategies to increase production through new business, maintain existing business, and increase profitability.”

Justin Massa ’97 is the founder and CEO of Food Genius (getfoodgenius.com), a food data company that provides Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers, the food service industry, marketers, and app developers with access to data on restaurants, their menus, and consumer behavior of customers while dining.

Justin has been married to Abbie Torgeson Massa for five years and they have a two-year-old daughter, Marlowe Nola Torgeson Massa.

Ryan Mayer ’97 and George Jeansonne ’97 are the founders of Louisiana Expeditors, a

permit consulting, acquisition, and management company for the South Louisiana real estate, construction, and design industries. The company

provides turnkey solutions for obtaining agency and regulatory permits.

Brandon Briscoe ’98 is an associate with Flanagan Partners L.L.P. in New Orleans. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of North Carolina, he earned his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School, where he was a Dean’s Fellow and an editor of the International Law Review. Brandon serves as a lector, acolyte, and tour guide at St. Louis Cathedral. In October he married opera singer Sarah Jane McMahon.

Scott Poitevent ’99, a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, works as an explosive ordinance disposal officer in Indian Head, MD. Scott received both his undergraduate and masters degrees in systems engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.

Scott married Lt. Leigh Courtney Bastable last September in the chapel of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. Scott and Courtney live in Alexandria, VA. Blake Babcock ’00 and his wife, Dr. Jessica Mackey Babcock are second year residents of general surgery at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia. Blake and Jessica were married December 9, 2009 by Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. Dean Roy ’00 returned to New Orleans to

become the senior director of decision support at West Jefferson Medical Center. After moving home, he honored his father’s memory by completing his first marathon with Team in Training, the fundraising arm of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. During the past two years, he has raised more than $10,000 for blood cancer research.

Peter Thriffiley ’00 has been named a fellow

of the Louisiana Bar Association. Peter is an associate with the New Orleans law firm Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfearn, L.L.P. He graduated in 2004 from the University of Texas, where he was a member of the Texas Cowboys honorary service organization. Peter received his J.D. from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU in 2009.

Peter and classmate Rene Louapre ’00, an attorney with McGlinchey, Stafford, P.L.L.C., are co-authors of the “Dining Out” column published in OffBeat. (Read more on Rene in the accompanying sidebar about Gambit’s “40 Under 40.”)

Nick Fraiche ’01 is a deepwater drilling engineer with Shell Oil Company.

Matthew Greco ’01 is a mechanical engineer specializing in research and development at Ion Geophysical in Harahan. He and his wife, the former Jennifer Curole, recently celebrated their two-year wedding anniversary. They were married

by Jesuit president Fr. Raymond Fitzgerald, S.J. ’76.

Todd Charles Taranto ’01 is an attorney at Janke & Associates, A.P.L.C. specializing in maritime, probate, and succession law.

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Conrad Williams ’01 was married on the coast of Maine in June 2011. He is completing a one year fellowship in pediatric pain and palliative medicine in Akron, OH. Kyle Funck ’03 moved to Houston in July

2011 to work for investment bank HFBE, Inc.

Will Johnson ’03 resides in St. Petersburg, FL and is working at Gemini Power Systems, Inc., a distributor for General Electric’s energy services division and seller of a wide variety of power equipment and batteries.

Mark LeBlanc ’03 has been named a member of the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Sailing Team which will compete in this summer’s Paralympic Sailing Regatta in Weymouth/Portland, England. He

was chosen based on his strong solo performances in a single-handed 2.4 meter class vessel at two paralympic sailing events that were held earlier this year in Florida. “It is such a great feeling to finally seal the deal and be named a member of the Paralympic Sailing Team,” said Mark, who was born without a left forearm. “I am grateful to everyone who supported me as I worked toward this goal.” At LSU, Mark was a two-term president of the university’s sailing club.

Sean Siebenkittel ’03 is a season sales account executive with the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League in Columbus, OH. Andrew Legrand ’04 graduated from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law and has opened the doors to his own practice, focusing on helping locally-owned small businesses with any number of problems. Check out his web site and blog: nolasmallbizlaw.com.

John McAuliffe ’04 graduated cum laude

from Washington and Lee University with a double bachelor’s degree in politics and European history. He received his J.D. in May 2011 from LSU’s Paul M. Hebert Law Center. Last November John married Laura Lynne Denny.

Surviving Everest: Chris Cannizzaro ’03 Climbs

to the Top of the World

Chris Cannizzaro ’03 just might be the only Blue Jay who has been to the top of the world. In April and May 2011, Chris experienced the oncein-a-lifetime adventure which he will never forget.

He “transcended” to the summit of Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain at 8,850 meters (29,065 feet). Chris was the only American in the “2011 Russian 7Summits Expedition Team,” which consisted of a dozen climbers, most of whom were Russians.

Chris was already an experienced climber before tackling Everest. Among his conquests are: • Mt. Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters; 19,341 feet), located in Tanzania and the highest mountain in Africa; • Two peaks of the Cascades range in the State of Washington — Liberty Bell (2,353 m; 7,720 ft) and Mt. Shuksan (2,783 m; 9,131 ft); and, • Aconcagua (6,959 m; 22,831 ft), part of the Andes mountain range located in Argentina.

In February 2010, Chris and the expedition he had joined successfully reached the summit of Aconcagua. In January 2009, five climbers perished while attempting to reach the top.

Before climbing the two mountains in the Cascades, Chris participated in an eight-day

course of extensive rock and ice climbing near Seattle. After Aconcagua, Chris was ready for Everest and he began to rigorously train for more than a year, a punishing routine that included daily runs of 10 miles and swimming one hour to build up his lungs and cardio. Meanwhile, he saved his money and bought the appropriate and necessary equipment, gear, and clothing. Chris spent the final three months in Asia acclimating himself and making sure that all of his various clothing and gear were straight.

Chris says he knew that there were all sorts of things that could go wrong and dangers he had no control over. He also knew that mental preparation, detailed planning, and being in top physical condition increase the odds of a successful climb. He says the 2011 Russian Team offered the best in full service mountain expedition with minimal risks.

Once in place, the team spent 30 to 40 days climbing up and down the lower and midsections of Everest, setting up camps, resting, and practicing scaling sheer vertical walls of ice. It is all part of a critical and mandatory process of conditioning and acclimatizing climbers to reduce the risks of moving too high and too fast.

On May 20, 2011, Chris and the other members of the Russian Team climbed from an altitude of 7,650 meters to 8,250 meters, setting up High Camp in hopes of making their assault to the summit.

The expedition was now in the grip of the so-called “Death Zone.” At this altitude of 8,000 m and higher, atmospheric and weather conditions pose significant hazards to human survival.

Many climbers resort to oxygen tanks to breathe.

Ferocious winds blow stinging snow horizontally.

The temperature often plunges below minus 40 degrees. If any parts of the body are exposed, even for less than a minute, frostbite sets in. Above everything else, those final 600-1,000 meters to the summit of Everest is no lark in the park. The ice-covered paths are slippery and treacherous.

Chris and the rest of the expedition had only an eight-hour window to reach the summit. Anyone who could not make the climb in those eight hours would be turned back for their own safety.

After resting for several hours, the group was ready for the final leg of their journey. Chris and the team left High Camp on May 20 at 7 p.m. — in pitch black darkness — for the summit, their headlamps providing strange sweeping arcs of pale illumination.

In the next regular issue of Jaynotes scheduled for publication in late summer (following the special issue about John Ryan Stadium), Chris will relate a fascinating story about his perilous climb to the summit and the even more dangerous and frightening pitch black descent from the top of Everest. When his eyeballs froze and blindness set in, a thrilling adventure suddenly became terrifying. Eight team members went up Everest.

Only seven came home.

Chris Canizzaro, king of the mountains, did make it all the way to the top of Everest and back.

He cheated death, and he’s been safely home in New Orleans since June 2011. Chris is currently finishing his first year at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Compared to his Everest adventure, law school is a breeze for this Blue Jay.

Fall/Winter 2011-12

17

W H E R E Y ’ AT LET US KNOW...

Grant Adolph ’05 works at the Metairie office of

Evan Thomas ’09 is a junior majoring in business

Carr, Riggs, & Ingram, a regional CPA firm. Grant married Tricia Marie Hess on October 1, 2011 in Jesuit’s Chapel of North American Martyrs.

at Loyola University of New Orleans.

John Canada ’10 was one of five college students

Jay Trusheim ’05 received his B.S. degree in biological sciences from LSU and is a third-year

medical student at LSU’s Health Sciences Center. In January, Jay married Christin Poche Hron.

Daniel Walk ’06 started work as a biomedical engineer with the Institute for Global Health Technologies and Beyond Traditional Borders at Rice University in Houston.

Spencer LeBlanc ’07 graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in physics and is in graduate school at Auburn University studying experimental plasma physics. Spencer’s goal is to earn a Ph.D. in physics.

Warner Sevin ’07 is working as a research assistant in the physics department of UNO where he is also attending graduate school.

John Alongia ’09 is studying German and political science at the University of Innsbruck in Austria. John writes: “I will return to finish my last semester at LSU this fall and hope to return to Europe for a Masters program.”

from around the country selected by the American Chemical Society to attend the United Nations climatechange conference held in Durban, South Africa last November.

A sophomore at the University of Alabama, John interviewed world leaders in the climate change field while educating his peers about global warming and similar issues. Dr. Robin Rogers, who is chairman of the university’s chemistry department had this to say about John: “His ability to communicate is perhaps one of John’s biggest strengths. Even as a sophomore, he already has broad experiences and interests combined with technical ability that allow him to understand and readily assess complex issues for discussion.”

WHERE Y’AT! You enjoy reading about fellow Blue Jay alumni and they enjoy reading about you. Take a moment to tell ’em

WHERE Y’AT! E-mail the editor: degruy@ jesuitnola.org. Send one or two high resolution digital photos. Or mail to Jaynotes, Jesuit High School, 4133 Banks St., New Orleans, LA 70119 Alumni are encouraged to donate online. Your gift to Jesuit will help the school in many ways. Click here to DONATE ONLINE TO JESUIT.

Gambit Spotlights Five Jays in “40 Under 40” Feature

Brechtel

Kyle Brechtel ’99, Ryan Gootee ’91, Becker Hall ’97, Rene Louapre ’00, and Christian Jensen ’99 are five Blue Jays included in Gambit Weekly’s 14th annual “40 Under 40” feature which recognizes New Orleanians for their accomplishments and contributions to making our city an even better place to live, work, and raise families.

Kyle Brechtel ’99 is the executive managing partner of Brechtel Ventures, which takes in six McAlister’s Delis in Louisiana and three in Illinois; the Merchant Café in the CBD; SmartCompliance, software for insurance billing; and, Compass Construction. Kyle recently earned his MBA from Tulane and he serves on the board of directors of Team Gleason.

Ryan Gootee ’91 owns Ryan Gootee General Contractors, L.L.C., which has completed several large construction projects such as the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts, the Eisenhower Center at the World War II Museum, and the Audubon Institute’s Zoofari Café. There are several 18

JAYNotes

Gootee

Hall

current projects in the pipeline that RGGC’s 35 employees and numerous sub-contractors are working to complete for a diverse group of clients. During the past seven years, RGGC has completed a number of projects for Jesuit High School, beginning with emergency remediation of the entire first floor of the school’s buildings following Katrina. The company’s quick work enabled Jesuit to reopen the Monday after Thanksgiving 2005, the first flooded high school in New Orleans to open post-Katrina.

Most recently, RGGC completed Jesuit’s newly opened John Ryan Stadium, the school’s first off-campus athletic facility on Blue Jay Way, located only five minutes from Carrollton and Banks near the Orleans-Jefferson Parish boundary. Ryan also serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations.

Becker Hall ’97 and Rene Louapre ’00 were inspired by 4-year-old Ben Sarrat, Jr. (the son of Ben Sarrat, Sr. ’95), who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2008. (Young Ben died February 25, 2010, having just turned 6-yearsold on December 4, 2009.) After meeting and learning about Lil’ Ben, Becker and Rene

Louapre

Jensen

decided that combating pediatric cancer would become their cause célèbre. The two lifelong friends created the non-profit Hogs for a Cause, which hosts an annual culinary celebration featuring pig roasts. Hall, an oil and gas investment banker, and Louapre, an attorney, use all the pork they can roast to raise money for grants that provide support to families and other organizations dealing with child cancer. In March 2012, the annual event attracted 7,000 people to City Park and raised a staggering $100,000. Becker and Rene’s goal is for Hogs for a Cause to become the country’s premier pediatric cancer outreach charitable organization.

Christian Jensen ’99 is the co-founder of Desire NOLA, a non-profit which has awarded more than $150,000 in grants to small businesses in the aftermath of Katrina.

Christian is also the president of Transportation Consultants, Inc., which handles transportation logistics for international commerce industries.

(Read the full stories about this quintet of Blue Jays on Gambit’s web site: bestofneworleans.com.)

ALUMNI

Mr. and Mrs. Francis Jacob III ’57 on the birth of their third granddaughter, Alli Marie Nezat, August 3, 2010. Alli is the great-greatgranddaughter of the late Francis Jacob, Sr. 1908 (College of the Immaculate Conception) and the great-granddaughter of the late Francis Jacob, Jr. ’30.

Dr. and Mrs. Jack W. Morrison ’62 on the birth of their grandson, Bryce Baron Folkers, August 31, 2011. Bryce is the great nephew of William Blake III ’63.

Mr. and Mrs. Clyde D. DeLoach ’67 on the birth of their granddaughters, Thessalie Elizabeth Stuntz, March 12, 2008; Carrington Anne Stuntz, December 29, 2009; and, Marielle Estelle Manning Stuntz, November 7, 2011.

Dr. and Mrs. Wilfred O. Prados III ’73 on the birth of their granddaughter, Karinne Elise Prados, August 3, 2011. Karinne is the greatgranddaughter of Wilfred O. Prados, Jr. ’48 and the great niece of Kenneth Prados ’74, David Prados ’75, Donald Prados ’77, Stephen Prados ’78, Daniel Prados ’80, Bryan Reuter ’81, Michael Prados ’83, and Gregory Prados ’88.

’94, and Christopher Harris ’98.

Mr. T. Bryant Jenkins ’92 and Dr. Liyun Li

on the birth of their daughter, Sydney Xiao Li-Jenkins, August 7, 2010.

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene P. Landry ’97 on the

birth of their daughter, Gianna Maria Landry, May 18, 2011.

Mr. and Mrs. Harris S. Zeringue ’97 on the

birth of their son, Christian Robert Zeringue, the birth of their twin sons, Anders Michael and January 19, 2011. Christian is the nephew of Floyd Pitcher ’86, Aaron Zeringue ’87, and Elijah Francis Jurovich, July 23, 2011.

Ovid Davis ’98.

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan C. Leach ’93 on the birth Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey N. Fockler ’98 on the of their twin daughters, Landry Grace and birth of their twin sons, Jackson and Jonas Emilie Kathryn Leach, August 3, 2011. Landry Fockler, January 31, 2011. and Emilie are the nieces of Tim Leach ’89.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Litchfield ’98 on Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. Mansfield ’93 on the birth of their daughter, Alyssa Catherine the birth of their daughter, Caroline Mary Litchfield, April 20, 2011. Alyssa is the Mansfield, November 4, 2009. Caroline is the granddaughter of E. John Litchfield ’69 and the granddaughter of William J. Kelley ’67; the niece of Brian Litchfield ’95, Stephen Litchfield grand niece of Lee Kelley ’76, Stephen Kelley ’81, and Peter Kelley ’83; and, the niece of Peter ’01, and Jason Litchfield ’04.

Mansfield ’96 and John Kelley ’00.

Mr. and Mrs. Dustin M. Yates ’98 on the Mr. and Mrs. John A. Meade ’94 on the birth birth of their son, Bennett Michael Yates, March 10, 2010. Bennett is the nephew of Joseph of their son, John Arthur Meade II, December Giglio ’10.

13, 2010. John is the step-grandson of Louis R. Koerner, Jr. ’58, the step-nephew of Louis Mr. and Mrs. Ryan M. Malone ’99 on the Koerner III ’83, and the nephew of Charles birth of their son, Matthew Ryan Malone, Meade ’91 and Daniel Meade ’96.

March 14, 2011.

Mr. and Mrs. David E. Redmann, Jr. ’87 on the birth of their daughter, Laura Redmann, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Quintana ’94 on the Mr. and Mrs. Ryan M. Robicheaux ’99 on the September 29, 2011. Laura is the granddaughter birth of their fourth child, Mary Rose Quintana, birth of their daughter, Agnes Mae Robicheaux, May 19, 2011. Mary Rose is the granddaughter March 10, 2011. Agnes is the granddaughter of David Redmann ’56 and the niece of Mike of Robert R. Quintana, Jr. ’55 and the niece of of Glenn J. Scheyd ’67 and the niece of Glenn Redmann ’89, Tommy Redmann ’92, Kevin Scheyd, Jr. ’95.

Don Quintana ’01.

Redmann ’95, and Jonathan Redmann ’98.

Mr. and Mrs. Julian S. Hillery III ’00 on the Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Ruli ’94 on the Mr. and Mrs. Eric W. Boegel ’89 on the birth of their daughter, Sara Vaughan Hillery, birth of their son, William Eric Boegel, March birth of their third child, Clare Frances Ruli, September 23, 2011. Clare is the granddaughter August 2, 2011. Vaughn is the granddaughter of 24, 2011. William is the grandson of George Julian S. Hillery, Jr. ’76. of Joseph T. Ruli ’42.

L. Zimmer ’65 and the great nephew of John Zimmer ’64, and Alan Zimmer ’72. He is the Dr. and Mrs. Keith G. LeBlanc ’00 on the Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan G. Kowalski ’95 great nephew of John Zimmer, Jr. ’11 and birth of their daughter, Grace Marie LeBlanc, on the birth of their daughter, Rafeal Stoffa Nathan Zimmer ’14.

August 11, 2011.

Kowalski, September 17, 2011. Rafeal is the niece of Chris Kowalski ’91.

Mr. and Mrs. Todd E. Schrenk ’89 on the Mr. and Mrs. Cory T. Stuart ’00 on the birth birth of their son, Wylie William Schrenk, of their son, Owen Thomas Stuart, October 7, Mr. and Mrs. Brian E. Litchfield ’95 on November 5, 2011. Wylie is the nephew of Jeb the birth of their second child, Patrick Fox 2011. Owen is the great-grandson of John D. Schrenk ’93 and Matthew Schrenk ’96.

Thomas ’47 and the nephew of Alex Stuart ’05.

Litchfield, December 7, 2011. Patrick is the grandson of E. John Litchfield ’69 and the Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. McEachin ’91 Mr. and Mrs. Loy E. Ernst III ’01 on the birth nephew of Michael Litchfield ’98, Stephen on the birth of their daughter, Jane Elizabeth of their daughter, Ava Corinne Ernst, October McEachin, July 25, 2009 and their son, Thomas Litchfield ’01, and Jason Litchfield ’04.

14, 2011.

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin M. McGlone ’95 on Moore McEachin, Jr., September 23, 2011.

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy S. McCaffery, Jr. ’01 the birth of their first child, Aiden Michael Mr. and Mrs. Sean P. Burke ’92 on the birth on the birth of their son, Peter Ignatius of their third daughter, Macie Elizabeth Burke, McGlone, September 20, 2011. Aiden is the McCaffery, November 27, 2011. Peter is the November 2, 2011. Macie is the niece of Kelly grandson of Michael A. McGlone ’68. grandson of Timothy S. McCaffery, Sr. ’78 and Burke ’94.

Arthur D. Dupre, Jr. ’76; the great nephew Mr. and Mrs. Ian M. Barrilleaux ’96 on the birth of their daughter, Amelie Rose Barrilleaux, of David Dupre ’79, Dickie Dupre ’83, and Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Hall ’92 on the February 6, 2011. Amelie is the granddaughter Michael Dupre ’88; and, the nephew of Arthur birth of their first child, William Carroll Hall, December 8, 2010. William is the grandson of of Christopher N. Barrilleaux ’72 and the grand Dupre ’04, Jonathan Dupre ’09, Matthew Dupre ’12, Tyler McCaffery ’12, Christopher niece of Jonathan Barrilleaux ’74. the late Barry S. Hall ’66 and the nephew of Dupre ’14, and Joseph Dupre ’16.

Carlos Calix ’92.

Mr. and Mrs. Raul Michael Sonza ’96 on the birth of their daughter, Lucia Noelle Sonza, Mr. and Mrs. David J. Brennan, Jr. ’05 on Dr. and Mrs. Michael B. Harris ’92 on the the birth of their son, David J. Brennan III, January 25, 2012. birth of their son, Drake Matthew Harris, November 15, 2011. David is the nephew of September 21, 2011. Drake is the great-greatMr. and Mrs. David M. Truxillo ’96 on Paul Brennan ’10. grandson of William Harris 1898 (College the birth of their daughter, Rosalie Denise of the Immaculate Conception); the greatTruxillo, March 27, 2011. Rosalie is the greatgrandson of the late Louis Bernard ’19 and granddaughter of the late Lloyd L. Drury ’42, Send Biblist info to: Krista Roeling (roeling@ the late William Harris ’32; the grandson of the grandfather of David M. Truxillo ’73, and jesuitnola.org) and she will send you a blue or William Harris III ’61; the nephew of William the niece of Brad Oster ’97. pink Blue Jay bib!

Harris IV ’86, Wesley Harris ’91, Peter Harris Fall/Winter 2011-12 19 Mr. and Mrs. Francis A. Jurovich III ’93 on

I N M E M OR I A M

Each edition of Jaynotes lists those members of the Jesuit High School community who have died. Please remember our recently deceased in your prayers.

ALUMNI... Milton L. LeBlanc, Jr. ’38; T. Ben Lockett ’38; Dominic J. Martello ’38; George J. Taquino, Jr. ’39; Charles J. Babington ’42; John W. Pitkin, Jr. ’42; James J. Kenney, Sr. ’43; John D. Monteiro ’45; Harold C. Balmer ’47; Frank T. Birtel ’48; James P. Raymond, Jr. ’48; Charles W. Steinbaugh ’50; Gerard T. Gelpi ’52; Alvin L. Murphy ’52; Mario J. Scramuzza, Sr. ’52; Harold W. Grisamore, Jr. ’53; Michael J. Markey ’53; Walter F. Wolf, Jr. ’54; Philip D. Endom ’55; Thomas D. McCaffery, Jr. ’56; Charles L. Ducote ’59; Odus J. Lynd, Jr. ’60; Michael F. Escudier ’62; Mark A. Tessier ’65; Jerome Fein ’69; Dean R. McCloskey ’78; Christopher R. Sedita ’78; Branden J. Plaisance ’96; Timothy F. Amedee ’97.

WIFE OF... Leonard P. Alberstadt ’55; the late Charles Bordes III ’43; the late Floyd F. Bourgeois ’38; the late Francis D. Caballero ’46; the late Eugene T. Calongne, Jr. ’46; John S. Campesta, Jr. ’53; the late Richard J. Carrere ’40; the late Clarence C. Clifton, Jr. ’45; George C. Connolly, Jr. ’44; the late Stan P. Cowley ’29; the late Maurice A. Cristadoro ’36; the late Ray A. Cureau ’43; Larry A. Ducombs ’65; Cletus G. Fleming, Jr. ’51; the late Robert K. Gallmann ’51; the late John J. Gaudry ’39; Milton F. Hilbert, Jr. ’38; the late William T. Housey, Sr. ’36; the late Paul R. Kalman, Jr. ’38; Nicholas W. Lafranz III ’64; the late John F. Lally, Jr. ’33; the late Richard K. LeCorgne ’61; the late Marcus M. McWaters ’29; the late Billy R. Moore, Sr. ’42; the late Jules J. Mumme, Jr. ’26; Joseph M. Perret ’38; Thomas A. Planchard ’67; Philip H. Roussell ’58; the late William A. Roy ’32; the late Robert D. Samsot ’22; the late Robert J. Stamm, Jr. ’29; the late Uriel J. Theriot ’33; the late Herbert W. Waguespack, Jr. ’34; the late Joseph O. Weilbaecher III ’55.

FATHER OF... Brett E. Beter ’08; Michael T. Birtel ’86; R. Douglas 20

JAYNotes

Bostick, Jr. ’60; Warren R. Bourgeois III ’74; Todd M. ’93 and Matthew D. Brown ’95; Andrew M. Browning ’06; Gerard C. ’70, Kenneth C. ’77, Kevin M. ’81, and the late Robert J. Conrad, Jr. ’68; Allen T. Copping ’80; Glynn R. Cyprien ’85; Raymond A. Daigle, Jr. ’85; J. Robert Davis III ’87; Michael E. ’91 and Jean-Paul A. Escudier ’95; J. Alex ’97 and James S. Fein ’00; Joseph R. Fenasci ’99; Otto C. Gartin III ’89; G. Beauregard Gelpi ’80; Stephen A. Glaser ’71; H. Stephen Henriques ’81; Michael S. Hohan ’06; Ralph W., Jr. ’66, Cletus A. ’81, and the late Tristan P. Junius ’71; Nolan L. Kuan ’93; Michael D. Landry ’79; Michael M. Legleux ’00; Darren E. Margavio ’85; Michael J. Markey, Jr. ’78; Thomas D. McCaffery III ’81; James M. ’83 and Richard M. McDermott ’87; Coleman T. Organ ’68; Wayne P. Palmer ’74 (stepfather); Ross A. ’92, Ryan J. ’93, and Stephen L. Parrish ’97; Sean M. Patterson ’89; J. Kevin Poorman ’69; Lawrence J. Radosta ’69; David J. Schwarz ’84; Mason J. ’13 and Collin J. Thibodeaux ’15; George M. Vujnovich ’74; Cannon A. Wiest ’02.

MOTHER OF... Timothy D. Bordenave ’77; Benedict J. Baptiste ’81; Michael C. Bordes ’78; Christopher C. Brown ’89; M. Richard ’65 and the late William G. Caldwell ’58; E. Thomas Calongne III ’72; G. Leighton Ciravolo ’94; the late William D. de Laureal, Jr. ’61; Daniel A. Doskey ’92; David M. Dragon ’72; the late Charles G. Eberhardt ’59; Edward B. Fabacher III ’83; Scott S. ’79 and John P. Fleming ’87; Gerald M. Frances, Jr. ’71; Edward B. Gaden ’68; Richard J. Gaudry ’72; David C. Graham ’73; Robert T. Greene ’62; Kevin C. Guidroz ’78; Douglas E. Hagardorn ’60; John J. IV ’83 and Nicholas P. Hazard ’84; Robert F. ’69, Bruce P. ’82, Paul J. ’84, and the late Donald J. Housey ’71; Richard F. Keen ’71; Gerard A. Kennedy ’70; Wally B. Kenney ’58; Pierre D. Kirk ’63; John F. III ’61 and the late Ralph C. Lally ’64; Myles C. Lewis ’11; M. Joe Mann II ’86;

the late Lawrence J. Merrigan ’64; B. Richard Moore ’73; Robert F. Murphy ’56; the late Todd M. Nebel ’81; August A. Palumbo ’66; O’Neil J., Jr. ’73, Patrick J. ’74, Thomas G. ’77, Timothy M. ’80, Michael J. ’84, and Kelly L. Parenton ’90; Robert S. Perret ’71; J. Cooper ’68 and Keith T. Petagna ’74; J. John ’63 and Charles F. Raviotta ’70; Sidney H. Raymond ’89; the late Thomas J. Rice, Jr. ’62; Robert L. Samsot ’61; Charles J., Jr. ’67 and Chris J. Schoennagel ’75; Edward J. Skeins, Jr. ’65; Michael G. ’62 and Robert E. Songy ’64; Philip T. Sweeney ’04; Lucien J. Tujague, Jr. ’76; Dominic F. Tusa ’71; L. Keith Vincent ’72; the late Herbert W. Waguespack ’60; the late Chad A. Warren ’94 (stepmother); Joseph O. Weilbaecher IV ’84; T. Edward Weiss ’69.

BROTHER OF... Christian P. Amedee ’90; the late Joseph C. Bostick ’40; Terry M. Brennan ’55; Darren M. Brown ’79; the late J. Kenneth, Jr. ’41 and the late Michael J. Butler ’42; the late Arthur A. III ’35 and the late John B. Caire ’40; the late Richard M. Dawes ’45; Keith F. DeSonier ’67; Franklin V. ’56 and the late Donald P. Endom, Jr. ’53; Joseph Fein III ’68; the late Louis G. Grush ’44; the late Joseph T. Hogan ’34; Bryce J. LeBlanc, Sr. ’40; the late Robert P. Lockett, Jr. ’33; Rev. Lloyd A. Lorio, S.J. ’44; Gerald R. McCaffery ’58; Lon L. ’80 and Glen M. McCloskey ’81; Hon. Abel J. McNamara ’54; Ivan J. Miestchovich, Jr. ’66; the late Joseph J. Monju ’36; Donald L. ’47, Robert F. ’56, and the late James J. Murphy, Jr. ’46; the late Gerrard E. Raymond ’56; the late Joseph A. Sedita, Jr. ’74.

SISTER OF... Joseph F. ’63 and Robert S. Angelico ’76; Rev. John F. Armstrong, S.J. ’65; the late Arthur A. III ’35 and the late John B. Caire ’40; Patrick H. ’63, Byron J. III ’67, Glenn A. ’72, and the late Michael P. Casey ’62; the late Carroll A. Chauvin ’38; William G., Jr. ’67 and John H. Cherbonnier ’69; Raymond P.

ALUMNI

’77 and David J. DeCorte ’79; the late Harold J. ’43 and the late George B. Dittmann ’43; Fred ’39, Richard P. ’42, and the late Joseph L. Erichson ’37; the late Charles C., Jr. ’37 and the late John J. Farrell ’40; Joseph V. Franks II ’63; the late Andrew F. Gonczi, Jr. ’37; the late Charles A. Hoffman, Jr. ’41; Omer F. Kuebel, Jr. ’56; the late Bert R. Leaveau ’44; Sim J. Ledet, Jr. ’01; the late Richard A. Levy ’34; Mark A. McDowell ’83; the late Sidney J. Menard, Jr. ’49; George R. Pabst, Jr. ’55; Peter A. Pellegrini ’55; the late Leander H., Jr. ’37 and the late Chalin O. Perez ’40; James M. Robarts, Jr. ’59; Earl S. Robinson III ’85; the late D. Louis Roussel ’53; Edgar B. Saunders, Jr. ’51; Michael W. Sciortino ’38; Michael A. Smyer ’68; the late Joseph A. Vella ’28; John F. Vogt, Jr. ’34; the late Rev. Msgr. John A. Weber ’37.

SON OF... The late Henry J. Beter ’31; the late Joseph B. Fazzio ’29; Robert J. Gaspard, Jr. ’87; the late Harold S. Grehan, Sr. ’16; the late John F. McCloskey, Jr. ’48; the late Hubert H. St. Mard ’29.

DAUGHTER OF... The late J. Patout Burns ’25; the late Byron J. Casey, Jr. ’35; the late Charles S. Dittmann 1904; the late Walter A. Pond ’16; Edmond J. Preau, Jr. ’62.

GRANDFATHER OF... Philip F. Adra ’01; David V., Jr. ’01 and Timothy B. Batt ’04; Joseph J. Bevinetto ’07; David M. ’95 and Richard P. Biven ’01; Kenneth C. Bordes ’00; Charles L. Bourg ’10; Jason K. Bourgeois ’04; Christopher R. Bowes ’02; David J., Jr. ’05 and Paul S. Brennan ’10; Michael A. Brodt ’05; Dustin J. Broussard ’06; John Paul Brown ’13; Gerard C., Jr. ’98, Robert J. III ’00, Edward T. ’04, and Kevin M. Conrad ’15; Sean M. ’05 and Scott J. Cronin ’08; John K. Dawes ’11; Raymond A. Daigle ’15; Craig S., Jr. ’05 and Harrison R. Daste ’15; Chet A. Fischer ’98; W. Christian, Jr. ’86 and Douglas J. Gambel ’87; Michael V. Giardina ’02; Todd P. Golemi ’95; Miles J. Gray ’03; Benjamin P. ’02 and Evan J. Harrington ’06; Robert L. Hatfield III ’06; Jared M. Holden ’01; Logan J.

Hornung ’15; Reginald T. Jackson II ’16; R. William III ’93, Nathan J. ’97, and Damian C. Junius ’14; Westley R. Keiser ’05; Louis S., Jr. ’94 and Ryan D. Klotzbach ’00; Jonathan P. ’88, Ryan C. ’91, and Timothy J. Koenig ’94; John T. Lambert III ’04; Francis P. Landry ’07; Donald E. ’92 and Joseph F. Lavigne ’94; Sim J. Ledet, Jr. ’01; Clay J. LeGros, Jr. ’06; Mark T. Madura ’12; David M. Mahoney ’11; Peyton T. Markey ’15; Kristopher L. Martinez ’02; Charles N. Mentz IV ’12; Benjamin S. Moscona ’94; Adam J. Naquin ’13; Ryan E. O’Malley ’05; Brett D., Jr. ’03 and Gregory S. Pellerin ’05; Ewell C. Potts IV ’00; Clayton R. ’10 and Preston B. Reisig ’13; Lance M. ’97 and Kyle M. Sannino ’01; Nicholas T. ’97 and Alexander J. Scalco ’14; Mark W. Schellhaas ’08; Ashley R. ’00 and Corey M. Schexnaildre ’08; Eric H. ’05 and Michael H. Simmons ’09; Steven J. ’97 and Timothy P. Springer ’02; Tyler A. Story ’14; Jarret M. ’07 and Jordan M. Teachworth ’08; Madison J. Tillery ’13; Jason R. Tomlinson ’93; Todd P. Trosclair, Jr. ’98; Alexander M. ’10 and Evan T. Wolff ’14.

GRANDMOTHER OF... Paul G. Abramson ’96; Ryan M. Adams ’04; Ryan S. Adams ’06; Christopher C. ’09 and Benjamin D. Anderson ’09; John B. Appel, Jr. ’86; Elden B. Arnoult III ’89; William M. Baldwin III ’12; Arden N. Ballard II ’02; Antoine M. Barriere ’80; William P. Baudouin, Jr. ’15; David M. Becnel ’03; Wilson A. Blum ’08; Brad C. ’94 and Michael C. Bordes, Jr. ’08; Charles L. Bourg ’10; Nicholas B. Braden ’97; Michael G. Carriere ’97; Frank J. Catalano ’89; David S. Chategnier ’95; Matthew M. Coman ’88; Stan P. III ’95, John C. ’98, and Kevin P. Cowley ’05; Savare J. DeFelice III ’92; Mark IV ’99 and Marshall W. Delesdernier ’02; Douglas L. Dillon, Jr. ’15; Neal D. ’95 and Trent M. Falgoust ’98; Joshua P. Favalora ’00; Philip J. Flettrich IV ’13; Adam R. Gaudry ’00; Tristan D. Greene ’87; Pearce L. Grieshaber ’97; Joseph D. Hart ’10; Kristopher M. Haydel ’00; Edward A. Herty IV ’94; Connor G. ’10 and Brendan P. Jackson ’11; Raymond J. Jeandron III ’02; Jason M. ’97 and

James H. Keen, Jr. ’99; John T. Lambert III ’04; Michael D. Latham ’07; Joseph J. Laura IV ’06; Michael J. Licali ’82; Justin M. Martineau ’07; J. Edward McAuliffe III ’04; Andrew W. McGowan ’05; Adam M. Menszer ’02; Evan A. Moeller ’97; Andrew G. Necaise ’05; Joseph R. Newsome III ’09; Charles J. ’95 and Christopher M. Neyrey ’99; Blake S. ’07, Austin G. ’10, and Grant N. Nichols ’14; Frank J. Palmisano ’03; Jake A. Palumbo ’92; Max C. Perret ’14; Francis J. ’07 and John C. Petagna ’10; James C. Rather, Jr. ’90; Joseph W. Reilly, Jr. ’01; Michael R. Riddick ’15; Nicholas A. Rivera ’04; John A. ’80 and Paul A. Rodgers ’82; Scott A. Rosman ’05; Anthony S. Rotolo ’95; Ryan D. Russell ’96; Evan M. Schiavi ’09; Mark C. Schoennagel ’04; Steven L. Sellers ’16; Christopher M. ’01 and Andrew M. Serio ’04; Colby A. Simoneaux ’14; Andrew R. Songy ’90; Patrick C. Staiano ’03; Stephen B. Stuart ’94; Peter S., Jr. ’00 and Michael C. Thriffiley ’03; Joseph C. Trosclair ’09; Wade J. Trosclair ’07; L. Keith, Jr. ’94 and Kyle J. Vincent ’06; Ricardo G., Jr. ’94 and Jason G. Vita ’97; Bailey O. ’15 and Wyatt O. Weilbaecher ’16; Bryan M. ’79 and David P. White ’83; Kirk O. Williams ’87; Jason D. Wood ’04; Luke C. ’10 and Wade A. Wyckoff ’12; Gregory J. ’87 and Jeremy M. Yuslum ’90; Mario D. Zavala, Jr. ’09; Joel E. ’99, Ryan C. ’01, and Christopher P. Zetzmann ’04.

GREAT GRANDFATHER OF...

Nicholas P. Knowles ’07.

GREAT GRANDMOTHER OF...

Cody C. Chaisson ’13; George A. Coman III ’10; Gerard J. LeBlanc ’13; Alexander J. Rabalais ’15; Patrick M. White ’13.

The list above represents information received through December 31, 2011. For current announcements, please check the “In Memoriam” page on Jesuit’s web site.

Information and corrections should be directed to Bro. William J. Dardis, S.J.: dardis@jesuitnola.org.

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PR I N C I PA L ’ S C OR N E R

The Politics and Realities of Resurrecting the Catholic League

T

he road that has lead to the “hoped-for” reorganization of the Catholic League beginning in 2013-2014 has not been as long and winding as some might think. But not having the Catholic League for two years certainly has been a strange and different reality for the schools that used to comprise the league. While many people have the understandable notion that I pushed for the legislation solely to allow the Catholic League to return, that is not the whole picture.

Just what is the whole picture?

Arguably, the driving force behind the legislation that brought about the cessation of the Catholic League is grounded in the perceptions that many people have had about the extremely successful football programs of two non-public high schools in the state.

While it is not necessary to name those two high

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Sophomore Riley Conroy

schools, it suffices to say that many principals believed it was time to create legislation that would attempt to address the perceived problems. Related to that driving force was the additional notion on the part of many public school principals that nonpublic schools have numerous advantages because students can attend those schools no matter where they live. Students at most public schools are restricted by “attendance zones.”

Over the years, and mainly because of the two perceptions mentioned above, there have been numerous attempts to “split” the Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) into public and nonpublic schools. Fortunately, for the sake of all of the student-athletes in Louisiana, those attempts have always been beaten back by a majority of the state’s high school principals. However, at the 2006 LHSAA convention, legislation passed that restricted schools to compete in athletics for two years in the classifications dictated by their enrollment numbers. That legislation took effect for the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 school years.

Up to that point in the history of the LHSAA, schools had the opportunity to “play-up” in classification. The two non-public schools mentioned earlier had almost always chosen to play-up in classification. The prevailing notion among those principals who voted for the 2006 LHSAA legislation was that those two schools would “fall back into the pack” if they were forced to compete against schools of their same size. The reasoning here was that the better athletes would not attend those two schools because they would not get the attention of the athletes playing at schools in the higher classifications.

It was during the 2007-2008 and 2008-

2009 school years that numerous principals in the metro area began talking about a return to the days when schools could playup as high in classification as they desired.

This “talk” was based mostly on the notion that “freedom to choose” was an important value for schools and for us as a country, in general. I don’t recall that there was a plan for any one principal or group of principals to propose legislation at the January 2009 LHSAA convention to change the current rule that restricted schools to play in the classifications dictated by their enrollment numbers. But I do recall that the deadline in mid-November 2008 was approaching to submit legislation for the January 2009 convention, and I was not aware of anyone who indicated he or she was planning to do so. Thus, I crafted and sent to the LHSAA a proposal that would have allowed schools to play-up once again as high in classification as they desired.

In mid-December 2008, principals received the final agenda of the proposals to be voted on at the January 2009 convention. I fully expected to see numerous proposals addressing the playing-up issue. However, I was surprised to see that, other than the one proposal I submitted, there were no others that addressed the issue head-on. There was time to promote the legislation prior to the LHSAA convention, which is typically held

J E S U I T TO D A Y

in January. I talked it up a bit, sending emails and letters to some principals, and contacting others by phone. However, what I did then was a far cry from a fullcourt press to pass the legislation.

In the area meetings leading up to the vote, it was not possible to gauge where the other principals stood regarding the issue. When the day came for the proposal to be formally introduced on the floor of the convention, I stated my case for it and sat down. To say I was surprised at the voting results would be an understatement. The proposal failed by only 30 votes.

After that 2009 vote, I was contacted by numerous principals who urged me to try again in 2010. I was also encouraged to enlist the help of at least one principal from a public school. I was able to secure the support of the principal of Varnado High School which was interested in playing-up from its 1A classification mainly because its teams had to travel Senior running back Paul Stanton eludes two Crusaders during the October 22, 2011 fairly long distances to play opponents game against Brother Martin. in the same classification. It made sense for Varnado to play-up into the 2A enrollments which placed them in either sense because most schools that wanted classification so it could compete against the 3A or 4A classification. to play-up in classification wanted to schools in their vicinity.

The legislation failed by a mere six votes play-up only one classification anyway.

In the time frame between January at the 2010 convention. It was a done Additionally, the one-class-only proposal 2009 and January 2010, the Varnado deal now for the 2011-2012 and 2012would enable the rebirth of the Catholic principal and I pushed harder for the 2013 school years.

The Catholic League League because it would allow a trio of legislation to allow schools to play-up would cease to exist, at least for two years, schools — St. Augustine, Holy Cross, and in classification as high as they wished. and other schools would also be relegated Archbishop Shaw — to play-up from their There was some talk of principals from to the classifications dictated by their 4A classification, and join other Catholic other schools joining us as co-authors enrollment numbers in the fall of 2010. schools that remained in 5A. of the proposal, but that support simply There were no playing-up proposals Also working in favor of the one-classdid not materialize. It was crucial for the at the January 2011 convention.

Such only proposal was the guarantee that those legislation to pass at the January 2010 legislation would not have any effect on two non-public schools mentioned at the convention because re-classification would what was already on the books for the beginning of this article would only be able be occurring again in the fall of the 20102011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years. to play-up as high as 3A. These schools 2011 school year. If the legislation failed, However, a different strategy for the would most likely never see enrollment schools would once again be forced to January 2012 convention was beginning to numbers that would place them any higher play in the classifications dictated by their take shape. than a 2A classification. Thus, the schools enrollment numbers for the 2011-2012 This new strategy avoided asking for would not be able to play-up any higher and 2012-2013 school years. Approval the whole “enchilada.”

Instead of schools than 3A. Recognition of that reality would of the legislation would also ensure that playing-up in classification as high as allow 4A and 5A principals to vote for it schools which comprised the Catholic they desired, the new strategy would without any worry that these two schools League would be able to play-up into the limit schools to jumping up a single would join their classifications. Sadly, there 5A classification. At the time, a few of classification and no further.

This made Continued on Page 39 these schools were experiencing declining Fall/Winter 2011-12

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ART T H A INCKLSEG N I VAI M NG E DRIVE

Thanksgiving Drive 2011 In the Quest to Become a “Real Man for Others,” Blue Jays Will Stumble Before Seeing the Light A group of sophomores with their carefully packed boxes

by Jason Britsch ’12

As a senior here at Jesuit, I know firsthand how powerful an act of service our Thanksgiving drive is. I’ve been helping to serve needy families for about five years now. I can safely say that this drive — more than any other event at Jesuit — helps to give us a better understanding of real service.

How can I say this? Let me explain with a few personal testimonies. I begin by telling you about one of my first Thanksgiving drive experiences of delivering, which is a task that I hope many of you are fortunate enough to take part in.

My very first experience wasn’t anything eye-opening. It wasn’t life-changing. It was average and everything that I expected it 24

JAYNotes

to be. We took a few baskets to a needy family’s house. Now, this family was a single mother with about five children. It was a medium-sized house but probably not large enough to fit everyone comfortably, like it should. We went inside and there wasn’t any fancy pottery or paintings on the walls. There was a TV. It wasn’t a nice TV, but it was a TV. There was some furniture here and there. It was a very simple house.

I looked at my friend and we were all thinking this is a family that could use the food we’re offering. We are doing a good thing.

We gave the family the food and they were extremely gracious. We wished them a happy Thanksgiving and left.

I remember exactly what I was thinking as I left that house.

I’ve done a great thing. How awesome! I feel very good about myself!

And that’s what I think was the problem. It was a real shame that I had been thinking those thoughts because I missed the entire point of the Thanksgiving drive. Many of us have this notion if we serve and serve well, we will feel really good about ourselves. We will have some sense of self-gratification.

While this isn’t bad, unfortunately, it leads some of us to

J E S U I TATO L UD MANYI

believe that we serve in order to experience feeling good about ourselves. I want to emphasize to you that that is absolutely not why we are out there. We are out there because we are men for others who are called to serve.

I did not understand this concept at the time. I thought it was about me and how I felt. And so I had to learn the real meaning of service in a more difficult way.

The following year I think I took my biggest step in realizing the true service of the Thanksgiving drive. On a delivery, I had a really amazing experience. When I pulled up to the house, I wasn’t looking at a house. It was a shack in every sense of the word. It was made of random planks of wood nailed together shoddily. The roof looked as if it could cave in at any second.

It didn’t get any prettier when I walked inside the house.

When I got in there, I was immediately slammed with the smell of pungent smoke, an odor so powerful that I literally struggled to breathe. I tried to hold my breath without appearing to be rude. I felt like gagging. I looked to my right and saw a little girl, probably about seven. She as curled up in a blanket on the couch.

I can’t say for sure that she had her own room and I would not have been surprised if she did not have her own bed. From outside, that house looked like it had three rooms. It definitely was not big enough to shelter that single mother and her three children. And so I went through the motions with my classmates and we gave the family their food, told them happy Thanksgiving, and as we left, they were very happy.

What was different about this run? I was not happy. I did not have a feeling of self-gratification. And I was so very thankful that I didn’t. The problem when I did get that feeling was that I basically told myself that I have done enough. But the fact is, our part is never really done with this service.

I left that house with a feeling of disgust and remorse. I asked myself, “How could anyone live like that? Why doesn’t anyone

Ms. Nilda Rivera’s senior Homeroom 1202 delivers to a local family.

do anything about it? Why don’t I do anything about it?”

It was important that I asked that question of myself because I realized that I wasn’t doing enough. I wanted to give more of myself and this is what drove me. It was a feeling that I never experienced whenever I left happy and satisfied that I did everything Senior Jason Britsch the right way. speaks to Blue Jays at the I don’t want to Thanksgiving prayer service confuse any of you.

There is nothing wrong with getting that sense of self-gratification when you’ve done good service. What I’m saying is don’t let that feeling fool you. Our service has nothing to do with seeking that feeling of happiness and self-gratification.

We should be seeking the exact opposite feeling in which something terrible is missing. When we feel that awful feeling, then we understand that we have not done everything that we can do. We are not finished chipping in. When we feel like we’re finished chipping in, then we really don’t understand the first thing about service.

We are never done serving. A true man for others will never believe he has done enough and that his service is completed. He will, instead, ask to do more service and to give more of himself.

My challenge to every single one of you is, regardless of what your task has been during this year’s Thanksgiving drive, do not allow yourself to be content with your accomplishments.

I don’t want you to worry about that feeling of happiness and satisfaction that I believe most of you are probably expecting.

I encourage you to allow yourself to be moved and to feel remorse regarding the needs of the people you are helping.

You will expect more from yourself — one of the elusive measures of a real man for others.

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THANKSGIVING DRIVE

Thanksgiving Drive 2011:

A Few Good Reasons Why We Do NOT Do What We Do Today

by Eric Leefe ’03 At the beginning of the school year, Fr. Fitzgerald addressed the faculty about the five most important days of the year.

Today is one of those days. Today all the resources that we have as a school are directed at one thing — service. Some of our new students may be asking themselves why do we do this? Why do we put so much effort into this one thing?

Well, there are three reasons that have nothing to do with why we do it. The first is that we don’t do it to be thanked. This can be hard to get over. I remember when I was in 11th grade here, in Mr. (Harry) Clark’s homeroom. We arrived at the first house to deliver the food baskets. From the moment we set foot on that doorstep, to the moment we drove away, that family could not have been more grateful.

“Thank you so much, you don’t know what this means to us,” the family repeatedly told us. “You are making our Thanksgiving and it would be impossible without you.”

And that was great. But then we went

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JAYNotes

to the next house. It was exactly the opposite — the family was rude. “Oh yeah, put the basket by the door,” said one member of the family, adding a question.

“What, you didn’t bring yams?”

It left me feeling really disillusioned.

“What’s the point of this?” I kept asking myself. “Why are we doing this when these people don’t even appreciate it?”

I think many of you will have the same experience today. But for me, I had to remember that we were not there to be thanked. The point is not that we are recognized for what we do. The point is that we do it.

The second reason that is not why we do this today — we don’t do it so we can better appreciate what we have. That’s a little too easy and it takes all the humility out of it. Today is not about us and what we have. It is about those we serve and how we can serve them.

The third reason that we do not do it — we don’t even do it because it is the right thing. We do it because we need to.

(Above) Blue Jays from the Class of 1983 unload turkeys from a delivery truck.

We need to do it to become who we are — men for others.

When I think back about my own participation as a student at our Thanksgiving drives, I ask myself, “Why was it so meaningful?” I think because today is a day when we become much more than a high school. We all become much more. You become much more than high school students. And this is for everyone, whether you single-handedly took care of all the families for your homeroom or you just threw a couple of dollars into the collection. Everybody is a part of what we do and we do lots around here.

All the academics, athletics, and cocurriculars — they are all reflections of who we are. Today we really get to the heart of it. Today we become who we really are. We need to humble ourselves and to be challenged. We need to come face-to-

J E S U I T TO D A Y

When I think back about my own participation as a student at our Thanksgiving drives, I ask myself, “Why was it so meaningful?”

I think because today is a day when we become much more than a high school.

face with the hardship and the needs of others.

I said earlier that we do not do it to appreciate what we have. If that is all that we take out of this, then we have not really removed ourselves completely from the picture. It is only by removing ourselves completely from the picture that we can give freely of ourselves and see Christ in our lives.

We don’t look to be thanked or to appreciate what we have. We see today not as a mirror in which we view reflections of our own images. View today as a window through which we see Christ in our lives and in the lives of others. It is only by looking through this window, by going beyond ourselves and beyond self-focus, that we can see Christ in our lives. We need to see Christ by looking through that window because that is who we are.

I already said we are here to be thanked.

In fact, it is we who are grateful. We have

been given the great privilege of doing this service. We are grateful that we could help those in need and that we can be present with them. We are grateful that we have the opportunity to meet Christ through them.

Senior Collin Stansberry has said it all quite nicely in his essay about the service trip he and his classmates took to Nicaragua this summer. Let me share with you a little of Collin’s essay:

“What we did in Nicaragua was not easy. However, nor did it call for super-human strength, a heart of gold, or a lion’s courage. The only thing that we needed was the realization that we had the means to help human beings who were incapable of providing for themselves.

Our capacity to help the people of Nicaragua did not elevate us

to a level above theirs. Rather, it humbled us and opened our eyes to what it means to be a human being.

We only gave water to the people of Rio Blanca. They gave us a sense of accomplishment and, most importantly, a crash course in how to love and how to completely take ourselves out of the equation to focus on what is best for our neighbor.

The people of Rio Blanco gave us an opportunity to see God face-to-face.”

That is exactly the opportunity which we have today — to see Christ face-to-face in those we serve. Today we go forth with humility and gratitude for this opportunity to do God’s will.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Tomorrow we give thanks to God for all that he has given to us. But today, we give thanks to God for all that we can give to others.

Eric Leefe of the Class of 2003 is in his third year of teaching mathematics at Jesuit High School.

Leefe is the moderator of the Anime Club and Outdoors Club. He is also the co-moderator of the Student Council.

(Opposite page, from left) Mr. Eric Leefe ’03 addresses students during the Thanksgiving prayer service in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs; Mr. Joey Latino oversees his freshmen Homeroom load baskets. (This page, left) Alumni unload a pallet of canned goods. (Above) Alumni move turkeys to the Student Commons.

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ART M E DIACLLLEI ONNA M STOR E IES In my work on Early Modern England, I usually see Robert Southwell mentioned as a poet, and that he was. But when I peruse his writings, his priesthood dominates everything else. Since my time at Jesuit I have made annual retreats at Manresa, deepening my understanding of Ignatian spirituality. In my graduate work, I have studied the early Jesuits and the ways that the Spiritual Exercises guided all their ministries.

In this way, Southwell speaks to me as both a historical subject and a saint. During my research trip to London, I made the Jesuit parish — Immaculate Conception Church — my spiritual home. Attending Mass with Jesuits whose predecessors were killed for celebrating the sacraments gave me a greater appreciation for the Eucharist. The last day of my trip was the Feast of St. Ignatius, and the parish held a special Mass for alumni of Jesuit schools worldwide. It was a great honor to meet others and share the various ways the Jesuits have contributed to our spiritual and professional formation.

—Mark Duggan ’04

Robert Southwell, S.J. (1561-1595)

M

by Mark Duggan ’04

y favorite spot at Jesuit High School has always been the small chapel. I especially remember the window depicting a Jesuit martyr: a priest kneels before his assassin, turns his eyes to heaven, and pulls back his cassock to prepare for the falling axe. To me, this image says that if death is unavoidable, it is best to embrace it and give witness to Christ. But martyrdom is more than death. Martyrdom is communication. A martyr is a sort of author, instructing us not merely how to die for Christ, but how to live. Fittingly, then, St. Robert Southwell (pronounced “SUH-thall”) was both author and martyr, teaching us through his writings and his death how to live as Christians. He and the priest in that window have a lot in common.

In the almost five centuries since St. Ignatius established

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the Society of Jesus, Jesuit priests and brothers have lived and died for the faith throughout the world. These missionary martyrs embody the zeal that defines the Jesuits’ history. We admire them for courageously facing death in foreign lands. But the underlying mission of the Society and the Spiritual Exercises has always been to “help souls,” whoever and wherever they are. And, if we consider what martyrs like Southwell did with their lives, we find that death was simply the final stage of a long ministry. In fact, Southwell reminds me of many priests I have known — as teachers, spiritual advisors, retreat directors, and friends.

Robert Southwell was born in England in 1561, went to the Jesuit school in Douai, France, and then entered the Society at Rome, where he was ordained in 1584.

Because of his background, he was called to return to

J E S U I T TO D A Y Protestant England and minister to his suppressed Catholic countrymen. He could bring them sacraments and lead them in the Exercises. He could encourage people suffering persecution. So in 1586, he and an older Jesuit crossed the English Channel in disguise.

Southwell knew what happened to others who made this dangerous journey, like the bold Edmund Campion, executed in 1581 after a famous public trial. (St. Campion was profiled in a Medallion Story in Jaynotes Winter/ Spring 2009-2010; Volume 36, Number 1.) When priests entered England in the late sixteenth century — the fabled Elizabethan period, so often romanticized in the movies — there was a very strong chance they would die. As much as we try to separate politics from religion today, at this point in history there was little distinction between the two.

The Pope had excommunicated Queen Elizabeth in 1570, officially freeing her subjects from following her. In reply, Elizabeth treated Catholics as traitors and priests as domestic terrorists.

Nevertheless, Southwell established an innovative literary ministry that I see as a typically Jesuit adaptation of secular media to spiritual ends. He had a gift for poetry and used it to guide his readers through the Spiritual Exercises amidst persecution. The Jesuits maintained a secret printing press in England but stamped “Imprinted at Paris” on everything, hoping to fool Elizabeth’s censors. They even apologized for any errors caused by the fictitious French publishers’ ignorance of English. With ink his gunpowder and paper his fuse, Southwell subversively attacked oppression, exhorting Catholics to remain faithful.

Protestants and Catholics alike valued Southwell’s poems for their literary value —remember, this was the age of Shakespeare. By working through their own media, Southwell brought Ignatian spirituality to a wide audience.

For example, the poem “Saint Peter’s Complaint” is an exercise in contemplative prayer. Ignatius described contemplation as imagining oneself in scenes from the Gospels, especially the Crucifixion, to develop a relationship with Christ. Southwell places the reader in the person of Peter, lamenting his denial of Christ but overcome by God’s forgiveness when he sees the cross: O sacred eyes, the springs of living light, The earthly heavens, where angels joy to dwell, How could you deign to view my deathful plight, Or let your heav’nly beams look on my hell?

But those unspotted eyes encount’red mine, As spotless sun doth on the dunghill shine.

Few Protestants in England would have read this as an Ignatian approach to scripture. But following the Exercises, Southwell’s poem invites the reader to consider how we are all Peter, neglecting the Truth when it becomes inconvenient, yet loved by God unconditionally.

Southwell’s writings grew directly from his ministry to Catholic families. St. Philip Howard, the Earl of Arundel, was imprisoned from 1585 until his own martyrdom a decade later, but his wife Anne helped Southwell find a safehouse. Southwell’s longest work, “An Epistle of Comfort,” began as encouragement for the Howard family. Later, he wrote a day-by-day manual of Ignatian spirituality for Anne, published posthumously as “The Rules of a Good Life.” In this way, Southwell adapted the Exercises to circumstances where public gatherings or formal retreats were impossible.

Despite their covert operations, English priests rarely eluded capture for more than a few years. Southwell’s time came after writing “An Humble Supplication to Her Majesty,” a polite but firm rebuttal to accusations that Catholics were politically subversive. Southwell insisted that his fellow priests’ only goal was “to labour for the salvation of souls, and in peaceable and quiet sort, to confirm them in the ancient Catholic Faith in which their forefathers lived and died.” He argued that priests, whose “studies are nothing else but philosophy and divinity,” made poor insurrectionists. But that only antagonized Elizabeth’s government, and Southwell was arrested in 1592, identified by his unmistakable auburn hair, his hiding place betrayed by an informant.

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M E D A L L I O N STOR I E S

After more than two years of torture in the Tower of London, during which he stalled his interrogators to help his friends elude capture, Southwell was finally hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn Tree, London’s busiest gallows.

But his writings remind us that in death we find new life.

In the final pages of the “Epistle of Comfort,” Southwell encourages his fellow English Catholics that good will yet come of their suffering: “I doubt not but either they or their posterity shall see the very prisons and places of execution [become] places of reverence and great devotion; and the scattered bones of these that in this cause have suffered, which are now thought unworthy of Christian burial, shrined in gold.”

Southwell was right. A few yards from where he died, there is now a convent of Benedictine nuns, devoted to perpetual adoration of the Eucharist at the martyrs’ shrine.

Southwell was canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. His feast day is celebrated February 21. I was able to visit Tyburn, now a busy London intersection, on the anniversary of another priest’s death. Someone had placed a dozen roses on the marker.

Even if we are no longer drawn and quartered, our times are not so different. Catholicism is still assailed by those

Sounding a High Note TWO BLUE JAY BAND MEMBERS SELECTED TO PERFORM IN HONOR ENSEMBLES

Juniors Peyton Fine (left) and Ian Rohr were honored last fall with their selections to the prestigious Louisiana All-State Ensembles.

Peyton performed on the alto saxophone in the Louisiana All-State Concert Band. Ian performed on the tuba in the Louisiana AllState Symphonic Band. Congratulations to these outstanding Blue Jay musicians.

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who misunderstand it or perceive it as a threat. Southwell’s ministry inspires us to uphold the faith despite persecution, official or otherwise, and share it with others in ways appropriate to our times. In his martyrdom, he reminds us that a life well-lived is not always a long one, and is rarely an easy one. But if steadfast adherence to the Truth requires death, let us hope that we, like Southwell, can lead a few others to Christ along the way.

Mark Duggan graduated from Jesuit High School in 2004. He majored in history at LSU, wrote an undergraduate thesis on the “Glorious Revolution,” and graduated in 2008.

He is currently studying for a Ph.D. in history at Rutgers University in New Jersey and is working on a dissertation about English martyrs after 1649. With a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Andrew spent six weeks in London in the summer of 2011 conducting preliminary research for his dissertation. During that time, he worked in the British Library manuscripts room and the archives of the British Province of the Society of Jesus.

J E S U I T TO D A Y Lorraine Hess with sons Ben ’15 and Jonathan ’12

Janel Raymond with sons Kyle ’12 and Christopher Wilson ’14

Rachel Hery and son Colin ’15

Michael Duran ’13 and his mother Mary Redmann Duran

Colleen Blagrove and son C.J. ’14 and Mariette Maus with sons Thomas ’16 and Jacob Cassagne ’15

Annual Mother-Son Mass Fosters Mutual Love and Respect

Michael Ceraso ’12 with his mother Michelle

On a Sunday morning in October 2011, more than 500 Blue Jays and their mothers gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street for their annual Mother-Son Mass and Breakfast.

This popular event always yields an enjoyable morning of camaraderie and this one was no different.

The event certainly enhances the relationship between mothers and their sons and also fosters mutual love, respect, patience, and kindness.

Blue Jays enjoy seeing their classmates and their mothers catch up with their son’s best friend’s mom (and meeting new mothers as well).

At this year’s event, senior Michael Ceraso took to the podium to pay a special tribute to his mother, Michelle Ceraso. His tribute is posted on the Parents’ Events Photos page of Jesuit’s web site. Click here to view the story.

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ART W ORI L CD L EY O NU AM T HE D A Y

World Youth World Youth Day (WYD) is a remarkable worldwide encounter with the Pope that is celebrated every three years in a different country. The 2011 WYD was celebrated in Madrid from August 16-21 by tens of thousands of young people from all over the world who want to fervently commit or rededicate themselves to Christ. A group of about 50 Blue Jays, with their chaperones, experienced a transformative pilgrimage in the days prior to the culmination of their trip at WYD. As Jesuit senior Taylor Billings relates in his story, the Blue Jays who made the pilgrimage to Spain were special witnesses to the universality of the Catholic Church. Their powerful, spiritual, and even mystical experiences burned indelible impressions in their eyes and minds, and more importantly, on their hearts and souls.

The castle where Jesuit missionary St. Francis Xavier was born is located in the village of Javier.

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Day

A Pilgrimage that Changes Young Lives

by Taylor Billings ’12 On the plane to Spain for the World Youth Day and the Pilgrimage throughout that country in August 2011, I was uncertain how the trip would affect me. Leaving on a trip that is “sure to change your life,” particularly in a religious way, I was excited. But it was a very nervous excitement. However, as soon as the plane touched down in Barcelona, I immediately felt something special.

The first week was spent on retreat in northern Spain in places where St. Ignatius of Loyola lived and prayed. Since St. Ignatius is my Confirmation saint, all of this was moving and emotional. One day in Montserrat we hiked to the cave where young Ignatius laid his sword before the statue of Our Lady after an all-night prayer vigil. We listened to a talk about laying down our own defenses just as Ignatius.

As I began to surrender myself to Christ, I was inundated with God’s love and the Holy Spirit. Immediately I pursued Reconciliation and have never felt happier or more at peace than when I walked back up that mountain. It felt as though God was walking right beside me, talking to me, and comforting me with every step. When we reached the top of the hill where the statue had been relocated, I fell to my knees in prayer. I was overcome with God’s grace and felt closer to Christ than I ever had before.

If the trip had ended after Montserrat, I would have returned home satisfied with a completely worthwhile experience.

However, arriving in Loyola — the home of St. Ignatius — I realized that Montserrat was just a sign of things to come. We celebrated Mass twice in the Chapel of the Conversion, the very room where Ignatius became a “Soldier for Christ” while recuperating from a leg injury suffered in a battle at Pamplona. All of us were in awe at the power of God’s love at this point.

What struck me most was that the love of God could transform Loyola, who admittedly was a sinful and misguided man, into one of the most influential leaders in the history of the church. In feeling the depth of God’s love, I realized how shallow my efforts had been to return that love. In no other situation or setting have I learned more about the good that comes from living my life For the Greater Glory of God. In Montserrat, I took off the armor that separated me from God. In Loyola, I re-armored myself, this time with God’s abundant love.

When all of us arrived in Madrid for World Youth Day, we were

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ART W ORI L CD L EY O NU AM T HE D A Y

A statue of St. Ignatius is displayed in the Chapel of Conversion. rewarded with a glimpse of the sheer size of this event. The opening Mass for WYD was attended by more than 500,000 people, which was the largest crowd most of us had ever laid eyes on

(well, to that point in our young lives).

Upon arrival, the Pope was greeted by throngs of cheering Catholics in the streets.

People from all across the world were throwing parties and singing religious songs. We witnessed the universality of the Church, discovering that the experiences of our group at the Ignatian sites were parts of something much greater than ourselves. Each night, we had the luxury of refocusing

on God through adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and singing praise and worship songs. The next day the “Way of the Cross” showcased magnificent life-size statues of Jesus’s passion at each station. That night we had trouble sleeping in anticipation of the all-night vigil to be celebrated by the Holy Father.

My jaw dropped when we arrived at the vigil site. The field for this event was three square miles, and it barely contained the two million people who had come for this extraordinary service.

At the Papal Mass, I was stunned that so many people could pray together in one spot and I was completely awestruck by the fervor that carried them all.

We left Madrid that night on fire for Christ, ready to live our lives for God, and to carry our faith with us everywhere.

I hope and pray that together, as friends and brothers, we will continue to spread God’s love here at Jesuit and beyond.

Several Blue Jay pilgrims enjoy their front row view on the Paseo del Prado while waiting to catch a glimpse of the Pope.

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On Seeing the Pope

by Jeremy Reuther

In this age where digital imagery and streaming video can bring the most remote experiences into the comfort of our homes, we might wonder how impressive a pilgrimage to see the Pope can actually be in the life of a young man.

From the inside cover of the school-issued Bible, to the religious images that hang in our homes and classrooms, to the YouTube search-engine relief of 15 minutes of spare time, we can look at an image of the Pope just about any time we desire. However, to see the Pope amid the swells of chanting pilgrims, cheering “Benedicto!” as the Roman Pontiff takes to Plaza de Cibeles in downtown Madrid, is quite another experience.

At the opening ceremony, watching the events on a digital screen eight blocks away from the Holy Father seemed no different than watching a Papal address from my armchair back home.

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My disappointment led me to cast out a net among the group, hoping for an elite task force to sacrifice a day of sight-seeing in Madrid to get as humanly close to the Vicar of Christ as possible. My companions and I endured seven hours in the Spanish sun, staking a front-row claim on the Paseo del Prado. When I finally saw him in that frantic plaza, I found myself filled with a similar excitement of seeing a celebrity, but without the emptiness that normally accompanies the exaggerated interest in American pop stars.

I felt proud of being Catholic because the experience was filled with a notion that, for once, this profound admiration was unquestionably fitting. It was not simply that I have long been inspired to the life of faith by the profound insights of this great theologian. Rather, my heart was filled with peace in cheering for the Pope because the celebrity of the Pope is the celebration of that Other in whose name the Pope is sent, that Other for whom my heart truly longs.

Jeremy Reuther ’01 is chairman of the theology department at Jesuit High School and one of several chaperones to the group of Blue Jays who experienced World Youth Day last August. Reuther has a masters in Theology from Our Lady of Holy Cross College and is in his seventh year of teaching at Jesuit. He is also the moderator of the Freshman Sodality.

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ART F L Y II N CG L EWNI TAH ME THE JAYS

Football Team Was 12-0 and on a Roll, and Then Came the Bears Ben Martinez ’35

Al Widmer ’43

Jesuit vs. Holy Cross: A Rivalry Like No Other Jesuit vs. Holy Cross is a “Great American Rivalry,” not just because the two teams have battled it out on the football field more than 90 times.

It is a “Great American Rivalry” because both schools value what it is and what it stands for — intense, yet fair, competition that brings out the best among the players, as well as good sportsmanship.

It is an event designed to recognize that the present is built on the foundation of the past, and that in doing it right today, the past is honored.

And so, in the 91st renewal of the classic on Friday, September 9, 2011, today’s Blue Jays did it right. They prepared well. They competed hard.

They emerged victorious.

In honoring the past, the 2011 “Rivalry” celebrated Blue Jay great Al Widmer ’43 as Jesuit’s Legend of the Game. In three Jesuit victories over the Tigers during Widmer’s playing days, the former wingback (who also played defense) had five interceptions, two returned for touchdowns; one fumble recovery; two touchdown passes; and, one rushing touchdown.

In all, Widmer accounted for a total of five touchdowns.

One of the new features of the “Rivalry” has both schools honoring an alumnus who served his country in the military. The Jesuit community used this inaugural opportunity to 36

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honor Benigno “Ben” Martinez ’35, who served on the front lines of World War II as a medic in Italy.

Two current senior Blue Jays also received recognition — Rhett Reynolds as the senior letterman with the highest GPA and Deion “Debo” Jones as the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Indeed, it was a night of celebration. From the pre-game tailgate party to the many fans of both teams sporting their special game day T-shirts to the parade featuring the schools’ bands and a float showcasing Jayson, Thunder the Tiger, and the “Golden Football” trophy to the spirit sections in the stands of Tad Gormley Stadium, the 2011 edition of Jesuit vs. Holy Cross lived up to its label as a “Great American Rivalry.”

The score was a lopsided win for Jesuit, 37-0. It was the Blue Jays’ fourth consecutive victory over the Tigers and padded the lead Jesuit has in the series, 53-37-1. Finally, as the winner of the 2011 game, Jesuit retains the “Golden Football” trophy, which is on display at Carrollton and Banks.

(Discover all sorts of interesting trivia about the rivalry between Jesuit and Holy Cross. Visit BlueJaysTigers.com via the football home page on Jesuit’s web site.)

Jesuit’s 2011 football team had many reasons to be proud when its glorious season came to an abrupt, premature, and heartbreaking end on the day after Thanksgiving. The Blue Jays were knocked out in the quarterfinals, again. On a bitterly cold Friday night in 2010, West Monroe ended the Jays’ quest for a state title by sending them packing in the quarterfinals.

This time around, the Blue Jays were sitting in the driver’s seat as the number two seed in the playoffs. Confident and poised following a pair of lopsided playoff wins (the Jays scored a total of 89 points while holding their two opponents to 34 points), Jesuit faced Carencro in the quarterfinals at Tad Gormley Stadium on that same Friday evening after Thanksgiving. A win would graduate the Blue Jays, for the first time since 1998, to the semifinals.

With 5,000 staunch supporters to cheer them on, the Blue Jays had the deck stacked against Carencro, which had not been to the playoffs since 2006. But it really did not matter because those Bears of Carencro came out of hibernation, throwing buckets of iced water on the Blue Jays. At the end of four quarters, the Jays were on the short end of the 28-17 score, and just like that, were knocked out of the playoffs. Ouch!

“Carencro was a great team,” said Jesuit senior middle linebacker Debo Jones. “That’s their bread and butter, running the ball, and they did it effectively. We fought, that was all we could do. We left it all on the field. It just didn’t turn out the way we wanted

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it to. This is a tough one.”

Before Carencro ended their season, the Blue Jays boasted a perfect 12-0 record, the best by a Jesuit team since the school’s undefeated 1946 state champions. “I’m proud of our kids,” said head football coach Wayde Keiser ’78. “I’m proud of what we’ve done. I’m proud of what we’ve done for Jesuit football. I think we’ve set the bar high. We’ve set a high standard for Jesuit football and I’m proud of our kids for doing that.”

its 2011 Class 5A All-State Team, the sports writers selected two of his teammates — running back Paul Stanton (1,746 yards and 21 TDs) and punter (and kicker) Ralphie Freibert, who averaged 36.7 yards per punt and placed 14 of his 36 kicks inside the 10-yard line.

In selecting its “Elite Football Team,” the Clarion Herald chose Freibert, Jones, Stanton, and offensive lineman Todd Jacquet. The Clarion also honored Coach Keiser as “Coach of the Year.”

Association naming him to the AllState Cross Country Team.

Senior Alex Sherry

Cross Country Places 5th at State Meet

Wayde Keiser ’78

Looking back, Jesuit’s 2011 football team had a great year. Crowned district champions, the Jays were undefeated after 10 regular season games. For the entire season, Jesuit (12-1) amassed 474 points and yielded 170 points to their opponents. In three games, the defense shut out the other teams.

For their efforts, many Blue Jays were recognized and honored in the post-season. The Louisiana Sports Writers Association selected linebacker Jones as “Outstanding Defensive Player” in the state. Jones finished with 179 tackles, 10 tackles for losses, eight sacks, three interceptions, and three fumble recoveries.

In addition to naming Jones to

Jesuit’s cross country runners tried valiantly to successfully defend their 2010 state title, but the Jays faced their stiffest competition in years when the meet took place in Natchitoches last November. The result was a 5th place finish at the state meet. There was a bright moment at the meet when junior Neal Fitzpatrick placed second in the 5K race with a time of 15:26.22. His efforts resulted in the Louisiana Track & Field Coaches

Junior Neal Fitzpatrick

Swimming Team Runner-up at State Meet

Jesuit’s swimming team won the 2010 state title by a single point. The Blue Jays tried mightily to defend their title at the state meet last November.

But this year, it was not even close. No one had to hold their breaths while judges rechecked score sheets. The Jays placed second in Division 1, and this was nothing to sneeze at. And the Jays captured the Metro Tournament, so all was not doom and gloom. The competition at the state swimming meet, held in Sulphur, seems to be better and better with each passing year. The Jays accumulated 323 points and raced well, only it was not enough to catapult them past Catholic High of Baton Rouge, the 2011 winners with a score of 344.5 points.

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ART T HE IJ CEL SE UNI TA M T E A C H E R T E ST I M O N I A L

Pig Legacy

by Jeff Wilson ’91

As a Blue Jay senior in Mr. Malcolm Villarrubia’s AP English class, Jeff Wilson scoffed at one of the first homework assignments. A nursery rhyme about pigs! Mr. Villarrubia, who is a 1966 alumnus, wanted Jeff and his classmates to dissect the rhyme inside out. Jeff thought the assignment was a cinch and was confident that his paper would thoroughly explain, expound, even elucidate on the rhyme’s hidden themes and its author’s intentions.

The pigs would be his pork for the rest of the course. In a testament to the 32 years “Mal” Villarrubia has devoted to the students and faculty of Jesuit High School, Jeff explains that the feast truly has been a teacher’s most remarkable and enduring gift…

PIG LEGACY

Though we all remember pieces of the nursery rhymes of childhood, we never expect those simple verses to have a profound impact on our lives. For me, such expectations changed forever in my first week in Mr. Malcolm Villarrubia’s AP (Advanced Placement) English class.

When I began my senior year at Jesuit High School in 1990, I was a young man who had a passing knowledge about writing — I had been composing poetry and short fiction for six years – but little actual knowledge about what made writing great. Like most adolescents, what I thought I knew, was — well — everything.

About everything!

I felt about many adults as Twain did about his father — they knew nothing when I was fourteen and I was shocked to discover at seventeen how much they had learned in three years!

In the first week of Mr. Villarrubia’s class, he assigned a nursery rhyme for homework. We were to take it home, parse it, learn its details, and leave it sprawling on the pin. By the next day, we should understand both the market economics and the internal loneliness inherent in “pigdom.”

Ever the clever lad, I wrote a response in which I argued that, as readers, we could never be entirely sure of authorial intent.

Perhaps the pigs were involved in class warfare; perhaps the rhyme was an indictment of laziness or entitlement ethics. How could we know for sure? Any interpretation of those porcine actions would be supposition, the absolute worst method of investigation.

I failed that assignment, but Mr. Villarrubia did not fail me.

Instead, he pushed me to dig more deeply and thoroughly into literature than I ever had done before, to find the textual evidence to support an original theory. He demanded critical thought and work ethic and the responsibility of self-discipline, and he did so with a guiding principle of academic excellence and with a helping hand for the difficult season.

Those three demands — work ethic, critical thought, selfdiscipline — are what I consider today not just the three 38

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hallmarks of a Jesuit education, but the three qualities of a man.

Mr. Villarrubia aimed at the grand world of reading and writing an arrow of intellectual curiosity that was bursting with potential. More importantly, it was not the learning that the successful teacher gave the student, but the love of learning — that lifetime gift that cannot be replaced.

When I was hired by Jesuit 10 years after my graduation, I had the great honor and pleasure of working with Malcolm Villarrubia in the English department, the domain of a cast of characters (to be sure) who are dedicated to making young men the best for the world.

As the Jesuit faculty’s current director of professional development, Malcolm is now largely removed from the classroom (an unarguable loss to students). However, the English faculty at Jesuit still holds its charges to Mr. Villarrubia’s standards — responsibility, critical thought, work ethic.

I had many skilled and dedicated teachers during my five years as a Blue Jay at Carrollton and Banks, several of whom are still in the classroom five days a week.

But it is to Malcolm Villarrubia that I owe the greatest debt.

Every day, in my own classrooms, I try to pay it back.

R. Jefferson “Jeff” Wilson graduated from Jesuit High School with the Class of 1991. He has a B.A. in English from UNO. In 2001, Jeff joined Jesuit’s English faculty and has served as a teacher and, for five years, department chairman. He currently teaches English I, English III (American Literature), and a senior elective, Creative Writing.

He is the moderator of Calliope, the student literary magazine of Jesuit High School.

Whenever Jeff eats pork chops, he is reminded of the “pig legacy” which Mr. Villarrubia has generously distributed over the years to the hundreds of Blue Jays in AP English classrooms.

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A Fond Farewell to Archbishop Philip Hannan (1913-2011)

Students and faculty, more than 1,400 in all, bid a final farewell to Archbishop Philip Hannan, whose funeral procession passed in front of Jesuit High School on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 5. Blue Jays, along with their teachers and school employees, lined the route of the funeral procession for three long blocks, from Banks Street to Canal Street.

Picture From the Past Blue Jays solemnly bid Archbishop Joseph Francis Rummel a farewell salute as his funeral cortege passes in front of Jesuit in this photograph captured in the 1965 Blue Jay Yearbook.

Click here to view the full coverage of Archbishop Hannan’s funeral procession.

Archbishop Rummel’s funeral November 1964

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER Continued from Page 23

was vehement opposition to the one-classonly proposal from the principals of 3A schools for the obvious reason that those two schools would have no place to go but 3A if they chose to play-up.

Varnado did not support this new proposal at the January 2012 convention.

However, I picked up the support of

Wesley Watts, who is the principal of Zachary High School in Baton Rouge.

When the proposal came up, I once again made my pitch. Then I waited. It would be another close call. When the votes were tallied, 158 principals voted for the proposal while 125 opposed it.

It was a good day. I extend my thanks

to those 158 principals who supported the proposal. I also thank the Jesuit community and other school communities that were encouraging and supportive throughout this arduous multi-year process. Thanks to all.

AMDG —Mike Giambelluca ’82 Fall/Winter 2011-12

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C L ASS O F 2 0 1 2 S C H O L ARS

C Class of 2012

PRODUCES 32 NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS, ONE NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SEMIFINALIST, AND FOUR NATIONAL HISPANIC SCHOLARS The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recognized 32 seniors from Jesuit High School’s Class of 2012 as semifinalists in the annual Merit Scholarship Competition.

Additionally, one senior was recognized as a National Achievement Program semifinalist and four seniors were named National Hispanic Scholars. Fourteen other senior Blue Jays were recognized as Commended scholars.

No other high school in Louisiana has as many National Merit Semifinalists as Jesuit, which also ranks in the top tier of 40

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Catholic secondary schools in the United States, according to data provided by the NMSC. The faculty and administration of Jesuit High School extend their congratulations to these Blue Jays on their significant academic achievements.

Front row from left: Todd Jacquet

(National Achievement Semifinalist), James Puente (National Hispanic Scholar), Matthew Anjier, Evan Arceneaux, Andrew Barrett, Taylor Billings, Jason Britsch, Zachary Carmello

Second row from left: Michael Ceraso, Blake Cookmeyer, Christian Debuys, Keith Delaune, Brennan Dorsey, Darcy Guo

Third row from left: Adam Haydel, Christopher Hazlaris, Alexander Hebert, Nicholas Hourguettes*, Dylan Kennedy, Mark Madura Fourth row from left: Jonathan Nguyen, Jacob Pritt, Jeffery Sanches, Jr.*, Alexander Sherry, Benjamin Sketchler Back row from left: Travis Smith, Cristian Soler, Collin Stansberry, Zachary Tosh, Alexander Villarejos*, Stuart Wilson, and Matthew Young * Also a National Hispanic Scholar Absent from photo: Adam Kehoe; Javier Molina

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MARK

YOUR

CALENDARS! Commencement Luncheon May 4, 2012 Blue Jays representing nine decades will gather at the Sheraton Hotel on Canal Street to officially welcome the Class of 2012 into the ranks of the Jesuit Alumni Association. Hon. Mitch Landrieu ’78 is this year’s featured speaker. Sign up on the Event Registration page of Jesuit’s web site.

Jesuit Fishing Rodeo June 23, 2012 Jesuit fishermen will roam the lakes, marshes, and Gulf in search of first place trophy fish during the 20th Annual Fishing Rodeo, which takes place Saturday, June 23. The weigh-in will be in Jesuit’s Traditions Courtyard. Online registration will open in April for alumni, students, parents, and friends at jesuitnola.org/events. The cost is $35 per adult and $20 for fishermen 18-years-old or younger. The fee nets all fishermen an official Fishing Rodeo t-shirt, all-you-can-eat lunch, plenty of door prizes, and trophies for the winning catches. For more information, email event chair Michael McMahon ’85 at mmcmahon@daiglefisse.com.

Summer Day Camps

Day Camp. The full six-week program runs from June 4 July 13. Before- and after-care is available. Experience all the activities Summer Day Camp has to offer, such as field trips, picnics, movies, tours, swimming, outdoor games, and more.

For more information, contact Troy Baglio at 486-6631 or email baglio@jesuitnola.org.

Jesuit is also offering Sports and Academic Camps, including: baseball, basketball, football, hurdling, lacrosse, soccer, wrestling, science, and study skills.

Information, fees, and registration forms for ALL Jesuit Summer Camps are posted at jesuitnola.org.

Jesuit Class Reunions Information about Class Reunions for graduation years ending in “2” and “7” is posted online at jesuitnola.org/ alumni. Alumni are encouraged to sign up online on the events registration homepage. Below are the dates for this year’s class reunions: 1982 1952 1972 1997 1962 1992

April 20-21, 2012 May 5, 2012 May 11-12, 2012 May 11-12, 2012 May 18-19, 2012 May 18-19, 2012

1967 1987 2002 1977 2007

June 1-2, 2012 June 1-2, 2012 June 15, 2012 June 22-23, 2012 June 23, 2012

Boys ages 5-12 are encouraged to attend Jesuit’s Summer Fall/Winter 2011-12

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Parents of Alumni: If you are receiving your son’s copy of Jaynotes and he no longer lives with you, please let us know so we can update our database and send the magazine directly to him. Let us know if you enjoy reading Jaynotes. We will be glad to send a copy to his new address and a copy to you. E-mail changes to: alumni@ jesuitnola.org.

Play Ball! special Edition 2012

s • John Ryan Stadium Grand Opening The Magazine of Jesuit High School of New Orlean

Be on the lookout for a Special Edition of

JayNotes commemorating the Grand Opening Weekend of John Ryan Stadium, the new

Home of the Blue Jays.

Check out the festivities, including photo galleries, of John Ryan Stadium’s Grand Opening on Jesuit’s web site www.jesuitnola.org.